It's okay to think about the future. In fact, you have to think about the future if you want to accomplish your goals. Many people are discouraged by the noise of statistics, the news, and flat out lies the media wants to feed recent college graduates. The truth lies in their ability to focus on their goals. You can ask anyone whom wanted to accomplish certain goals, but decided to give up.

What was their reason (or excuse)?
Why did they allow failure to control their hearts?
How would you feel if you were in their position?

You never know the answer to your problems until you face them head on. I, personally, can vouch for personal failure because it happens.

It happens to everyone.

What do you do after you see your dreams crumble before your eyes?

.. You get ready to fight for your dreams.
.. You search for an answer to your problems.
.. You plan, get ready, and focus on the next step.

Nothing can stand in your way when you decide to focus on achieving your goals. I've stumbled, crawled, rolled, and even dived through my troubles to find answers. I've taken each encounter into consideration in order to make a better decision. I've cried...

Success is standing right in front of you... are you ready to take a stand?

If you are, you have to start today.

Stop waiting for tomorrow to come.. stop dwelling on yesterday's failures.

You are the only one responsible for reaching your goals. You have to take control of yourself before you can take control of your situation. Own up to your responsibilities and let everything fall in place - it only happens when you focus.

Posted by Tahjia Chapman on October 6, 2009 at 1:00 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

The job market continues to become more competitive as more and more people lose their jobs. Gen Y college students have to do internships in order to have the necessary work experience to compete against not only their peers, but seasoned professionals as well. One type of internship that is believed to be extremely valuable these days is the international internship.

"With the job market tightening up, it is more important than ever that new graduates stand out from the crowd," said Alaina Inman, corporate brand manager at Nfinity. "Having international work experience easily gives American graduates a leg up on their peers. However, if the international internship is done at the end of their education, they are at a disadvantage in finding a job locally, because they aren't building their professional network in the region they wish to find a job," she cautions.

Continue reading "International Internships Give Students Everywhere a Competitive Edge" »

Posted by Candice Arnold on September 3, 2009 at 8:18 AM | Leave a Comment (1)

The cost of going to college increases every year. Some parents are actually working out deals where their children share part of the burden. For some students, there is no choice. If they want to go to college, they have to help their parents foot the bill. That's why working from home is such a great opportunity. It allows them to earn money, gain valuable work experience, take on full course loads and maintain active social lives.

ProfitonInternet.com has thousands of jobs to choose from. Writing majors in need of writing internships can get the required experience and postpone the stress involved in the job-search process by working online as independent contractors. But there are other types of jobs, too.

If you're a great typist, you can earn money online by doing data entry for various companies. ProfitonInternet.com also has opportunities that involve processing rebates or samples. The choice is yours. Work from home opportunities like the ones offered at ProfitonInternet.com make it possible for students to easily work around their class schedules and they also permit them to take unpaid internships without feeling any strain on their budgets.

Posted by Candice Arnold on January 22, 2009 at 2:34 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

As college students are getting their education for the future, they may be wondering how to gain some meaningful work experience in their chosen field. While making good grades in college is essential, employers really value entry level job candidates with some type of experience. Not only can your work experience enhance your resume, but it can also make you more competitive for job opportunities.

Continue reading "Ways to Get the Work Experience You Need" »

Posted by William F on October 16, 2008 at 1:37 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Do you have an interest in entering a particular field but aren't completely sure you could spend your whole career doing that job? Are you wanting to experience a career first hand but don't have the time for an internship opportunity? Do you want to know more about a particular field of work before setting your major or applying for an entry level job? If so, there is a way to find out all you need to know.

The way to get the answers you need is by requesting a job shadowing experience. This unique opportunity gives you the chance to follow a professional through their daily work routine and see just what is involved in a particular job. While not every company will offer job shadowing opportunities, there are many who will be very happy to give you the chance to tag along with one of their employees for a day.

So how do you find the opportunity? Check your local employment offices, educational facilities or even make cold calls to companies you have found interesting. Correspond with the individual or company you wish to shadow by telephone, letter or email. Then when you are offered the chance for a job shadow opportunity, show up ready to learn. A little research before the day arrives can also help you to feel more comfortable in the work environment.

If you are offered a job shadow opportunity, make full use of it by asking lots of questions and networking with as many people as possible throughout your visit. If, at the end of the day, you decide the career field isn't for you, send a polite thank you letter for the experience. If you find that it is something you could pursue further, make sure to mention the experience when applying for entry level employment opportunities within that company and incorporate the things you learned during the experience into your letter and interviews.

By making full use of job shadowing opportunities, you can find an entry level job that truly suits you and build your network in the process.

Posted by Larry Ray Palmer on June 4, 2008 at 6:29 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Let's face it. When it comes to finding success in our career, none of us are going to complain about hedging our bets. We want to succeed in every aspect of our lives but the area of our careers seems to have a special zone of attention for most of us. If you are beginning your journey down the road to success by looking for your first entry level job, how can you improve the odds?

Internships

Surprisingly, most students are not participating in this rare opportunity to gain valuable work experience. Internships off you the chance to work in a particular field and learn from hands on experience the things you can't learn in a classroom. Employers know this and if your resume shows an internship experience related to the job you are applying for, you have just tilted the odds in your favor.

Networking

I have said it before and I will say it again: Your network is important. Take the time to join a few professional associations or interest groups and see how great of an effect it has on your job hunting opportunities.

Research

You wouldn't go hunting a dangerous animal if you knew nothing about it. No, you would do some research and learn about your quarry and its habits. You would want to know where the animal lived, what it ate, what its tracks looked like and what you would need to capture it. Hunting for an entry level job needs just as much attention. Do your research to learn about companies you are applying to, the entry level jobs they may have to offer and their corporate values. This extra effort will pay off by putting you in a position of knowledge during your interviewing process and it will insure that the entry level job you are offered will fit your needs.

Posted by Larry Ray Palmer on June 4, 2008 at 6:16 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Pink Floyd chanted the anthem for at least two generations of teens when he sang the lyrics, "We don't need no education..." Little did his listeners realize that the seeming freedom from tyrannical instructors and educational systems that they were chanting about wasn't really the nirvana that they were imagining. Luckily, most of these youth weren't quite as revolutionary as they imagined themselves to be and went on attending class and even college. Had they truly turned their backs on their education, they might have found a world far more frightening than Pink Floyd's depiction of the Machine or learned just what it was like to be a brick in the wall.

The reasoning behind this statement are sound. The U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics has released a report that details the projection of availability for entry level jobs through the year 2014 and the educational requirements that will be required to obtain entry level jobs within these industries. Known as the Occupational projections and Training Data, or Bulletin 2602, this compilation of research was released in February of 2006. Dividing jobs into categories based on the level of education required, the projections indicate that the majority of available entry level jobs through the year 2014 will require at least some college education and those possessing degrees will have even greater chances of successfully finding entry level employment in their desired field of work.

What does this mean to the college student today? Basically, don't lose hope. Even though attending classes and balancing the student lifestyle and budget can be difficult, the entry level employment opportunities of the future will require you to demonstrate the skills you are learning today.

Posted by Larry Ray Palmer on June 4, 2008 at 6:14 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

The college student who is considering a career in the field of drafting would be well advised to add a course in AutoCAD their curriculum. This specialized program for computer-aided drafting is a prerequisite for many entry level jobs in this field and the trend becomes more defined every year. By attending courses in how this program works and how to coordinate its interactions with other programs, you are expanding upon your skill set and making yourself a better candidate for future entry level job opportunities which will only be available to those with skills in using this program.

Various programs have been designed for drafting students with an interest in learning AutoCAD and you can expect to gain more than just a basic knowledge of the program and its application. You can expect to learn the skills and commands necessary to schematic drafting of electronics and electrical systems as well as the construction and design of geometric objects and their proper dimensioning. Additional information included in the course will teach you about drafting materials and media.

By learning the AutoCAD system and familiarizing yourself with all its details, you can expect to find entry level jobs in a market with explosive growth projections. Current estimated earnings for individuals with skills in this program are expected to approach $60,000 in annual salary. The skills acquired in these courses can be applied to several areas of both engineering and drafting thus creating an opportunity to be hired into entry level positions in a variety of fields through engineering firms specializing in architecture, mechanics and civil engineering and design or to work in private practice.

Posted by Larry Ray Palmer on June 2, 2008 at 10:43 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

If I were sitting across from you on the bus and asked you what your goals are, what would you say? Likely, your list would include things like early retirement or buying a bigger house but could you be more specific? Could those goals help you find an entry level job?

True, they may provide the incentive to look for an entry level position but such broad goals often do more to undermine our search because they seem so far away. What kind of goals do you need to get the entry level job you want?

It is actually fairly simple. If broad ranging goals make us apathetic, short ranged specific goals can pull us out of the slump and motivate us to achieve success. These goals aren't of extreme difficulty or even glaring success but are small and attainable while being forward moving. These short term goals are specific to a task and time line thus making them incentives for immediate action.

If you find yourself in need of short term goals to assist you in your search for entry level employment opportunities, consider a few questions to assist you in formulating these goals.

* Where do I want to be in six months and how can I get there? Then don't answer it as employed and get a job. Be specific. Say "I want to be working in this field or for this company and I will do this to get there.

* Why do I want meet this goal? Again, be specific. It's not enough to say you want something, you have to know why you want it.

* Can I meet this goal in the time line specified? Setting an unattainable goal is setting yourself up for disappointment and failure. By considering this question, you will set attainable goals and be able to reach them, thus inspiring you to set greater goals. Build your way up to the goals you want to achieve.

By setting specific, short term goals you will improve your ability to find the entry level job that will lead to fulfillment of your long term goals and aspirations.

Posted by Larry Ray Palmer on May 13, 2008 at 4:33 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

As a college student, you are likely young, inclined towards new experiences and willing to learn. If you are also fond of seeing new places and meeting new people, the opportunities found in international internships are something you should really take the time to look into.

International internships offer the chance to see the world while working at a job, usually of a humanitarian type but not always, and meeting new people. These international internship opportunities are available in a wide range of locations and pay scales. Some international internships are unpaid, though they usually provide room and board, while others are paid internships that provide a small amount of financial recompense for the work you deliver. The humanitarian internships provide a great way to help others and find the better parts of humanity within yourself which can be a very enlightening and moving experience. Both paid and unpaid internships offer a great way to have new cultural experiences, meet new people and see places you might have, otherwise, never even heard of, often on someone else's expense account.

In addition to the benefits provided by travel and social experiences, the international internship provides further benefits that can be of great assistance to you when you return from your tour and start looking for entry level jobs closer to home. These benefits are the valuable work experience and hands on training you will receive during your internship experience as well as the network you will be developing. Working side by side with other interns like yourself as well as those who have offered the opportunity, you have the occasion to make new friends and acquaintances with the people who will be leading the corporate world. This network of friends may prove very valuable in future job seeking activities.

Posted by Larry Ray Palmer on May 13, 2008 at 4:28 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

For those interested in advertising careers after college graduation, the power of creating a network of industry contacts can be very helpful when the time comes to find an entry level job in their chosen field. If you are in this group, there are several great associations you should consider membership in.

One such association is the American Advertising Federation, which provides a unique network that covers all areas of the advertising industry. This group will provide you with information on available entry level jobs and internship opportunities, as well as notices of upcoming educational opportunities and conferences in the field.

Another very large networking association is the American Marketing Association with over thirty eight thousand members that span every area of the marketing and advertising field. This full service association is a great way to find out about entry level employment opportunities and further develop your personal network of contacts within the field of advertising.

If your plan is to be involved with retail marketing, consider joining the Association Of Retail Marketing Services for a complete list of contact information for all of its members. This list can prove to be a valuable aid in building your own network and find opportunities for internships or entry level jobs in the field of retail marketing.

If you plan to be part of the trend towards furthering Internet advertising, the eBusiness Association is an excellent source of educational event information as well as current news in this field. Members of this association are taught proper application of the Internet marketing techniques to amplify their success and overall performance.

This is just four of the many advertising associations available to you as a college student interested in entry level jobs in the advertising field. There are many more excellent organizations that can be found with a small amount of research. Using these and other associations to build your network can make your job of finding entry level employment opportunities much easier when the time comes.

Posted by Larry Ray Palmer on May 13, 2008 at 4:12 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

As a college student seeking entry level employment, you are going to encounter rejection. How you deal with it determines the amount of success you will experience in your entry level job search.

With an overcrowded job market, employers have the opportunity to pick and choose from hundreds or thousands of applications for every entry level job they offer. This results in a lot of rejected applicants so you may receive a large amount of rejection letters before you finally find an entry level job. The secret to handling the rejection is not taking it as a personal affront or becoming disheartened. You may have been very well qualified for the position you applied for but, for whatever reason, the employer decided to go with another candidate for the position.

When this happens, take the time to mentally review the experience and take stock of the situation. If there was something you could have done differently that might have effected the outcome, then alter that with your next opportunity. Did the successful candidate have certification in some field that you were lacking in? Be willing to take a class and become certified yourself. Did you botch the interview because you stayed out late the night before or weren't properly prepared? Get more sleep before your next interview and take time to prepare yourself before you get there. Then again, the rejection may be for reasons that are totally beyond your control. If this is the case, accept that it was not your fault and go on. The next entry level job application you put in may lead to an even greater opportunity.

By handling rejection during your entry level job search properly, you benefit yourself and can achieve a greater level of success.

Posted by Larry Ray Palmer on May 13, 2008 at 3:54 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Do you possess good people skills? Are you the type of person your friends seek out when they are wanting to know about a product that can fulfill their needs? Do you deal well with stressful situations and deadlines? Can you work equally well when positioned independently or within the framework of a team? If so, you might be a candidate for an entry level advertising job.

For those who wish to enter the advertising business with an entry level position, a strong command of the written language and copy writing skills are imperative and these should be coupled with skills listed above. You will be working in close or even direct contact with the clientele your company provides these services for so your abilities to deal with stress and demanding or difficult personalities is crucial. Creativity is also a necessary requirement as most of the work involved in entry level advertising jobs is produced from one's own thoughts and imagination, which is the key to successful marketing campaigns.

Entry level jobs in this field are not generally high paid situations but with experience and a successful portfolio, the financial aspect of this career can be greatly improved upon. For higher paid entry level positions or to improve your chances of finding and entry level job in this already crowded job market, consider taking part in an internship opportunity to further hone your skills and gain experience in hands on work.

Though the present job market is quite competitive for entry level advertising jobs, the availability of these positions may see a rise in the future as more and more companies diversify their advertising techniques to make full use of the advertising budgets.

Posted by Larry Ray Palmer on May 13, 2008 at 1:21 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

If you are in the process of earning a degree in the field of computer science while attending college, you may find the future of employment opportunities in that field to be very encouraging. This field of work is projected to see a sixteen percent increase in growth over the decade of 2006 through 2016, which translates into increased opportunity for finding entry level jobs and internships as well as increased wage and benefits packages.

For those college graduates who will be entering the work force during this period of time, the outlook for finding an entry level job in their particular area of this field is very good to excellent as companies that offer these opportunities will be seeking to secure highly trained and skilled entry level employees. As computer systems become more and more interweaved with the global way of life, new jobs will emerge to fill the gaps that are left in the wake of this progress. Additionally, companies that are merely seeking to add an Internet presence today will recognize the value of this resource to a fuller extent and future candidates for entry level jobs may be applied to the improvement of these existing resources.

Presently, entry level jobs within the realm of computer science include networking and information technology, system administration, web design and graphic communications, computer programming and many others, with some of these occupations delivering a yearly salary of well over $150,000 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics reports.

The future belongs to the field of computer science. Those who prepare now for this revolution are definitely going to be pleased with the results.

Posted by Larry Ray Palmer on May 3, 2008 at 3:13 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

If you are entering college with the idea of going into the practice of law for an entry level job, what educational requirements will you be expected to meet?

Before you ever get your first entry level job as a lawyer, you will be required to attend a minimum of seven years of post high school education in most states. This includes a four year college degree and three years of law school. Though there are no officially sanctioned pre-law classes, the legal student would do well to be proficient at writing, speaking, reading, research and logical thought as these skills are employed on a daily basis by those in the legal profession. It is additionally recommended that your college studies encompass a broad range of interests including foreign languages, public oration, historical studies, government, mathematics, economics and philosophy, as all of these areas fall under the scrutiny of the law and will prove useful to you in your career field. For those seeking entry level jobs or internships in specific areas of the law, attending specialized courses in those areas of study may be helpful as well.

When your four years of college is over, prepare for intense competition to be accepted into almost any law school. The sheer number of applicants to these schools has forced many of these schools to turn away promising law students merely because there were not enough openings for them. To increase your chances of acceptance to the law school you want, apply early, have strong marks in your undergraduate education and use internships to gain work experience.

During the first year and a half of law school expect to spend much of your time studying the core concepts of law and its functions while attending clinics to further your education or being invited to participate in internships. After the first year and a half, the opportunity for specialized law studies becomes available and you may choose to hone your skills in tax, labor or corporate law. For those seeking a further education, an additional year of law school will confer a joint degree that can be specialized to the field of law you wish to pursue.

In addition to these education requirements, the majority of U.S. states require lawyers to attend continuing education courses to stay current with changes to the laws.

Posted by Larry Ray Palmer on May 3, 2008 at 3:02 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Do you want a career that makes a difference and allows you to help others? Do you want to invest in the future of the world by shaping the minds of the next generation? If you answered yes to these questions, then an entry level job in the educational industry may be just what you need to begin a successful career.

The United States Bureau of Labor and Statistics has revealed on its web site that the second largest industry in this country is Education, which accounts for over thirteen million jobs in the United States. Additional positions are expected to open over the next few years as the current generation of educational service professional reach retirement age and many of these positions will be offered as entry level job opportunities to qualified college graduates in the coming years. If you want to grab hold of this opportunity, what do you need to do?

Advanced planning is necessary as teaching is not something one jumps into lightly. Most teaching positions require a minimum of bachelors degree so decide early on what your passion is and choose your courses accordingly. It is also to be noted that the minimum standard of a bachelors degree pertains mainly to entry level teaching positions with more advanced positions and even some entry level teaching jobs requiring further educational standards such as a Master's degree.

At this point, it is also wise to decide if there is a certain group of students you would prefer to work with. If you like working with young, insatiably curious minds, perhaps an entry level teaching position with Kindergarten and Elementary age students would be to your liking. Do you want to work with students who have a little more knowledge of how the world works and wish to learn how to apply the sciences? Consider a teaching position in a middle or secondary school. Whatever path you choose, an entry level teaching position may be the key to your future.

Posted by Larry Ray Palmer on May 3, 2008 at 2:51 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

For the college student trying to decide what they want to do with the rest of their lives and where they want their career path to lead them, some difficult choices lay in front of them. With so many options available, it is sometimes difficult to settle down on just one point of focus. If you are having trouble finding what direction you want to go with your college courses, may I suggest training for a career in Special Education?

First off, let's take a moment to define what Special Education is. The field of Special Education encompasses a wide age range of students, from toddlers to twenty something's, who possess some degree of physical or mental disability that effects their ability to learn in a normal curriculum. Generally, the Special Education curriculum is just a modification of the general curriculum to better suit the needs of the individual student. In the most severe cases of disability, the Special Education student may go to a special school that is designed for their needs but for the most part, those with special needs can take advantage of the educational opportunities their local school system provides.

Becoming an entry level Special Education teacher can be a rewarding career choice because you are working with people who will struggle and give their best even when you think they have nothing left in them. Watching your students triumph in even small things is a hugely moving experience so every day at work can become an emotional roller coaster. The job is tough. Keeping your patience in tact while helping your students to learn acceptable behaviors and develop emotionally can be trying. Watching a student miss the mark for the umpteenth time can be heart wrenching. But, oh, when they get it right and you see that spark of pride in their eyes, then you will know why you chose an entry level job in Special Education.

Posted by Larry Ray Palmer on May 3, 2008 at 2:44 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

You have just put in your time at college and now you have this really fine degree hanging in a frame on the wall over your mantelpiece. You can sit back and enjoy the good life now. Oh, wait. You say you don't have a mantelpiece... oh, ok. You say you don't even have a wall. You live in a rented apartment where they won't let you hang pictures and degrees on the walls. You didn't even have the money to buy a frame yet because your paying off the student loans. Oh, this won't do, won't do at all. We have got to get you on the right course, my friend. That graphic arts degree is a gold mine.

Graphic Arts have often been maligned as a career students course, taken mainly for something to waste tuition money on as many people did not realize the value of the education these scholars were working towards. For the graphic arts student looking for an entry level job, few positions avail themselves better than that of desktop publishing.

Of all of the desktop publishing employees currently working about thirty five percent are working for newspaper, periodical, book, and directory publishers, with another twenty five percent working in the printing industry. This entry level job can be found without college degrees but for those without prior work experience the college education is preferred by employers.

This entry level position requires a keen eye for detail and aesthetic planning as well as good communication skills and a knowledge of assorted desktop publishing software. If you can master these things, then desktop publishing can provide a lucrative career that makes full use of your graphical arts degree.

Posted by Larry Ray Palmer on May 3, 2008 at 2:41 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

If the field of marketing is of interest to you as a college student, a marketing manager career may be in your future. This entry level job is highly paid to compensate for the long hours and the amount of travel that is required. A highly competitive market leads to prestigious careers for entry level market managers who have exhibited skill in their field of work so the position is highly sought after.

College graduates with either a bachelors or masters degree in the study of business administration make up the majority of entry level marketing job holders. This course of study is highly recommended if you wish to pursue a career in the marketing field. Additional courses in business law, statistics, accounting and finance make the prospective employee even more valuable to companies who are hiring for entry level marketing positions. If you intend to work in the marketing field for technological products, those with a secondary degree in engineering or science are highly prized by companies offering entry level marketing jobs.

Leadership skills are highly desirable in prospective entry level marketing employees as well as the work experience earned through internships while attending college. This entry level job often requires the marketing manager to oversee a small staff of marketing personnel and make decisions regarding the demand and distribution of products in a geographical region.

For those who wish to enter the field of marketing after college, internships are highly recommended as a way to gain work experience and build your network. These internship opportunities are available through the Internship page found at CollegeRecruiter.com.

Posted by Larry Ray Palmer on May 3, 2008 at 2:36 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

College students with a desire to find one of the highest paid entry level jobs should consider preparing for a career in the advertising field. There is a great amount of competition for these high paying jobs and this trend is expected to continue into the future so preparation for finding a career in this field is wise. The position itself requires an extensive amount of travel and long working hours which generally encompass both evenings and weekends but the high rate of pay and opportunity for upward promotion within the company make these entry level advertising jobs very lucrative.

The duties of an advertising manager generally include the guidance of a small staff of advertising and promotion workers. While large firms may opt to have their advertising work done in house, many smaller firms choose to contract the work out to advertising firms and in these situations the advertising manager serves as the voice of the company in communicating with these contracted advertising firms.

Entry level jobs for advertising manger include account executives, creative directors and media directors, who each perform individualized tasks within their departments while working together to coordinate a final result.

Most companies offering entry level advertising jobs are seeking college graduates with a bachelors degree in advertising or journalism, as well as courses in marketing, consumer behavior, communications and visual arts.

If you have an interest in entry level advertising jobs, the entry level job and internship pages at CollegeRecruiter.com offer some excellent opportunities for advancing your career.

Posted by Larry Ray Palmer on May 3, 2008 at 2:31 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Are you a highly competitive, self starter who likes to work with a team to achieve success? Can you put in long hours and handle high stress situations? Do you like to travel extensively and get paid well for doing it? If you answered yes to these questions, then you may find the entry level job of a sales manager to be to your liking.

The entry level sales manager job entails the oversight of the sales team for their company, assigning territories and promoting programs target at sales representatives to increase the sales of a product or service offered by their company by setting goals and implementing training programs. The entry level job of the sales manager also includes communicating with suppliers and distributors to establish statistical information for profit potential and inventory requirements, thus insuring the supply is on hand to meet the demand of the customers.

Companies offering entry level jobs in the field of sales management primarily seek college graduates with either a bachelor's or a master's degree in business administration and a strong background in marketing related course work. Business law, economics, finance and statistics are also highly recommended fields of study for the potential sales manager. For companies that deal mainly with technology, a bachelor's degree in engineering or science coupled with a master's degree in business administration is a powerful combination when found in a prospective employees resume.

In addition to the college course work, previous work experience gained through internships, such as those found on the internship listings of CollegeRecruiter.com, is a highly sought after commodity for companies seeking to hire new employees for entry level sales management positions.

Posted by Larry Ray Palmer on May 3, 2008 at 2:23 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

If you like dealing with people and are skilled in communication, the entry level job of a public relations manager may be of interest to you. Offering excellent room for upward mobility, this entry level job offers extensive travel and a good salary in exchange for long hours that often include evenings and weekends.

The job duties of the public relations manager include directly targeted campaigns that are designed to catch and hold the interests of a targeted group or the general public. The entry level public relations job may be highly stressful because these positions often entail crisis management or customer support. Examples of where one might find entry level public relations management jobs include the departments of the major tobacco companies who disseminate information on the dangers and health effects of smoking, the public relations departments of special interest groups such as the National Rifle Association or the Sierra Club or even the public relations department of political campaigners.

Those who are seeking entry level jobs in public relations after college should work towards their goals by taking courses which will develop a background in public oratory, advertising, political sciences and creative writing. Additionally, many employers offering entry level public relations jobs favor applicants with either a Bachelor's or Master's degree in either public relations or journalism. Previous work experience in this field is also highly valued so serving some time in an internship opportunity during the course of your college education would be helpful to your future career. If the possibility of an internship opportunity is of interest to you, the resources at CollegeRecruiter.com can be very helpful in finding just the right internship opportunity to suit your needs.

Posted by Larry Ray Palmer on May 3, 2008 at 2:19 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Are you a college student who lives in an area that is seeing a large amount of economic growth and construction? Are you willing to relocate to such an area? If so, the field of construction management offers powerful incentives to potential recipients of entry level jobs as construction managers. If you are interested in working in this field, expect an excellent outlook for finding an entry level construction management job after graduation.

The duties of an entry level construction management job include the planning, direction and coordination of construction projects in a variety of settings. While the construction manager may be responsible for the oversight of his or her crew, including hiring and selecting the contractors who will work on the project, the construction manager is not usually involved with the actual construction. The construction manager is responsible for every phase of the construction process, from development to the final product, as well as making sure the project is finished in the time allotted and within the boundaries of the budget provided for it. For this reason, the majority of entry level construction management jobs require the employee to be on call twenty four hours a day to resolve issues that may arise.

For those seeking entry level jobs in this field, a bachelor's degree in construction science, construction management, or civil engineering is highly recommended, along with previous work experience in the construction field. At this time, certification is not a requirement but this development is sure to arise in the near future.

Posted by Larry Ray Palmer on May 3, 2008 at 2:15 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

The field of computer and information systems management is expected to have a 16% growth rate by the year 2016, much higher than the average industry projected growth, according to the U.S. Bureau of labor and Statistics. Due to this amazing growth rate, the availability of entry level employment for today's college students is expected to be very high with minimal competition. With such strong prospects, a career path in the field of Computer and information systems management is an option that is definitely worth looking into. If you think you might be interested in this field of study, what courses should you consider to prepare you for an entry level job in the computer and information systems industry?

At a very minimum, a bachelors degree is a general requirement for management positions in this field while the majority of employers offering entry level positions in computer and information systems management are recruiting those with graduate degrees including an MBA with a core study in technology. The reason for this trend is that companies offering the entry level positions are expecting their computer and information systems managers to be qualified to make decisions on both technology and business fronts. While it is possible to be hired into an entry level computer and information systems management job with an associate degree, most people who do this go on to earn their master's or bachelor's degree to be considered for professional promotion. Additionally, certifications in computer related fields or internship experiences are highly valued by those companies who offer entry level jobs in this field.

Examples of positions in this field include management information systems directors, information technology directors and project managers with fifty percent of these workers earning an average salary of $79,240 to $129,250 in the year 2006 and the average yearly salary being $101,580 for that same year.

Posted by Larry Ray Palmer on May 3, 2008 at 2:11 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

In a world where every aspect of a corporations finances can fall under extreme scrutiny at any time, the business of accountants and auditors is reaching new heights. If you would like to find your own niche in this field, there are things you can do to prepare yourself while you are still in attendance at college.

The entry level accountant job requires a minimum of a bachelors degree in accounting or a related field although the majority of entry level job hunters will find more success with a master's degree, accompanied by certification or licensure, such as a CPA, and proficiency in the use of accounting and auditing computer software. Internship opportunities are also available for those seeking to improve their chances of finding an entry level accounting job.

The job duties of the entry level accountant entail auditing a firms financial records to assure smooth operations, accurate public record keeping and the timeliness and accuracy of tax filings and payments. Additional services may also be requested of you during the course of your entry level accounting job such as budget analysis or financial planning.

Entry level accounting jobs are available in four main sectors; public, management, government accounting, and internal auditing. These individual sectors offer their own unique challenges and entry level accounting job opportunities. the majority of entry level accounting jobs are office based, though some individuals have telecommuting positions allowing them to work from their own homes. The average work week for the entry level accounting job is forty hours except in special circumstances such as tax filing season for tax specialists and auditors.

Posted by Larry Ray Palmer on May 3, 2008 at 2:07 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

If you have an interest in law enforcement careers then the entry level law enforcement job of a correctional officer may suit your purposes. While the job, with its inherent dangers, isn't for everyone, some people find it to be a very appealing line of work with a good financial reward.

The requirements for correctional officers vary from state to state with many states now requiring a college education or work experience to obtain this entry level law enforcement job. In states which haven't yet adopted this policy, it is still standard practice to require a minimum of a high school education or its equivalent. To find entry level work within the federal prison system, the minimum requirement of a bachelor's degree, three years of full-time experience in a field providing counseling, assistance, or supervision to individuals or a combination of the two is necessary, along with additional training provided by the department.

Earning anywhere from $23,000 to more than $58,000 in annual salary according to the area, the entry level law enforcement job of the correctional officer is considered to be well paid. The entry level job of the correctional officer also allows room for upward mobility and additional education options.

If you are interested in an entry level law enforcement job such as this, college courses in criminal justice and law enforcement are highly recommended. For entry level jobs and internship opportunities in your area, please check the listings on the Entry Level Job and Internship Pages at CollegeRecruiter.com

Posted by Larry Ray Palmer on May 3, 2008 at 2:04 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

For those interested in establishing their career in the engineering field, the courses you take in college may greatly affect your ability to find an entry level job in the future. The training programs for engineering technicians vary widely in both type and quality so choosing the right course for your needs is important.

Among entry level engineering technician jobs the most common is that of electrical engineering technicians, who make up a whole thirty three percent of the total number of engineering technicians currently employed in the field. The average entry level engineering technician begins their career with an associates degree in engineering though this is not a strict requirement as many vocational-technical schools offer training in the field, as does the United States Armed Forces.

That being said, the majority of employers offering entry level jobs to engineering technicians are looking for employee prospects with a two year associates degree in engineering technology and additional certifications are looked upon even more favorably.

Engineering technicians can be found filling entry level jobs in a wide range of capacities but their common link is that they use the principles and theorems of science, engineering and mathematics to resolve complex issues in their profession.

The pay for engineering technicians can range from $31,800 to $54,780 annually. The estimation for the engineering technician career is a marked increase by 2016 making this career field an excellent choice for the college student anticipating entry level employment in a well paid career after graduation.

Posted by Larry Ray Palmer on May 3, 2008 at 2:00 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

For those of us who don't have a huge trust fund or a scholarship to fall back on, the expenses of becoming a full time student can be a bit of a deterrent when the time comes to sign up for the next semester at college. If you find yourself balking at the cost of text books and tuition but you have always dreamed of a career in the medical field, there is a practical solution to the problem.

By finding an entry level job or internship opportunity as a medical assistant, you can earn the extra money to help with your expenses while gaining valuable work experience and on the job training. Since these entry level positions do not require extensive education beyond that of a high school curriculum, the college student is well qualified for the job and should have no trouble finding a situation to fill their needs. The entry level medical assistant job or internship also makes a great introduction to the medical field so that you will have a more solid understanding of the theory and techniques taught in your college course work.

The duties of the medical assistant vary from locality and even individual facility preferences but usually consists of retrieving patients medical information, as well as performing administrative and clinical tasks to assure smooth operation of the medical facility. Administrative duties may include answering phones, setting up appointments and establishing communications between hospitals and laboratories regarding admissions or tests that are required by the doctor. The clinical duties of the entry level medical assistant job are subject to regulation by the state in which they work but most often these duties include sterilization and disinfection of exam rooms and assisting the physician with menial tasks.

Posted by Larry Ray Palmer on May 3, 2008 at 1:56 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

For those who are going to college with goal of becoming a nurse or other medical professional, the entry level job of the certified nursing assistant may be a great assistance to them. While the entry level job of a nursing assistant requires no more than a high school education in most states, certification in the field requires the attendance at a minimum of seventy five hours of training and the ability to pass the exam.

The entry level job of a certified nurses assistant usually includes duties of patient care, such as assistance with dressing, eating or bathing. In addition the certified nurses assistant may also be required to record vital signs or assist the charge nurse with procedures. The entry level job of the certified nurses assistant is physically and emotionally demanding but is also very rewarding and provides an excellent view into the healthcare field and the options available. In addition to the work experience, many employers who offer entry level jobs to nurses assistants are willing to pay for your certification in the field and some will even arrange to pay for additional certifications or nursing schools in exchange for a promise to continue in their employment for a set period of time after your graduation. If you find the expenses of a college education are inhibiting you from attaining your dream of a nursing career, this arrangement may suit your needs perfectly.

A distinct advantage to becoming certified as a nurses assistant is the availability of entry level jobs. These positions are available with very little competition in nearly every geographical region and this is not expected to change at any foreseeable point in the future. In fact, the industry expects to see a twenty eight percent rise in employment for nurses assistants and related fields by the year 2016 due to the growth in population, caused by increased demand, replacing workers who have left the work force and other factors.

Posted by Larry Ray Palmer on May 3, 2008 at 1:09 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

As a college student you already realize how expensive life can be. With the cost of tuition, text books, dormitory or apartment rentals and daily living expenses, the monthly expenditures can add up to a substantial sum of money. Wouldn't it be nice to find an entry level job that would provide work experience, serve as a stepping stone in your career and help to defray those expenses? If this thought interests you, then you should consider looking for an entry level job or internship as a dental assistant.

The basic function of the dental assistant is to serve as a secondary pair of hands to the dentist, taking care of menial tasks while the dentist is providing his full attention to his patients and their care. A dental assistant is usually responsible for the sterilization and disinfection of equipment, as well as seeing that all materials, patient charts and equipment are ready when the dentist enters the room. In addition to these tasks a dental assistant is also responsible for the comfort of the patient and assisting the dentist with procedures,

Since the position of an entry level dentist assistant can be filled by those with a high school diploma and a desire to learn, many entry level jobs are available with no previous experience or training required. These internship positions provide both work experience and education for those interested in the field, thus making the entry level job of the dental assistant an ideal match for the college student with an interest in dentistry. For those who wish to further their options, additional courses are available which range from four months to two years, with the two year courses providing an associates degree.

Posted by Larry Ray Palmer on May 3, 2008 at 1:04 PM | Leave a Comment (1)

For college students who have decided that they are interested in becoming educational professionals after graduation the internship opportunity of a teachers assistant provides a very good means to gain first hand knowledge and experience in the field. If you are interested in this opportunity, read on to learn more about what is required of you.

According to a May 2006 report of the United States Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the average teachers assistant was drawing a salary of just over $21,000 annually. The tasks performed by teachers assistants include clerical and instructional support for the primary teacher as well as providing individual attention to students requiring extra assistance, thus allowing the primary teacher more time to focus on the education of the class as a whole unit. The position of a teachers assistant is primarily a support position that allows the intern to learn the basics of classroom management without thrusting them directly into the path of teaching in exchange for their time and services, which helps to improve the overall academic experience for students and reduces the work load on the primary teacher.

If you are interested in an internship opportunity as a teachers assistant, make use of the Entry Level Job and Internship postings at CollegeRecruiter.com to find openings in your area. The internship opportunity will give you a great opportunity to learn first hand about your career choice and will also reward you with valuable work experience for your resume when applying for entry level jobs in teaching positions later on.

Posted by Larry Ray Palmer on May 2, 2008 at 9:10 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

For the student seeking to begin the college career, the choice of schools is decided by a lot of factors. Considerations in regards to cost of tuition, living expenses and distance from home all play a part in deciding where most of us will attend college. Additional considerations are made by the courses offered at a specific school or by the obligations the student may already have. With all these choices, it is easy to see that the college you choose today may have a very great effect on where you end up tomorrow.

In years past, many parents were adamant that their children went away to college as it was a bit prestigious to say "I have a son in Harvard" or "My daughter is attending classes at the University of Missouri" but the social and financial implications of these long distance college careers have had an impact that has caused some people to shy away from the traditional view. Today, the local vocational college or tech school is often favored over their more costly campus brethren. That being said, is there any reason why a campus college education would be any more beneficial to the entry level job seeker than that of the technical school educated individual? Or is there anything that would make the local school a better choice for those seeking to get started on entry level careers?

The answer itself is not simple. While campus colleges do offer certain benefits that the small technical schools cannot, there are things these smaller schools offer that campus life cannot provide. Campus colleges tend to have well known names with lots of funding for equipment and labs. Smaller colleges may lack in these areas but make up for the loss with the promise of smaller class sizes and lowered tuition costs. In short, planning which college you will attend is just as important as what classes you want to go to. Deciding where you want your career to take you and what your first entry level job goals are will help you in deciding if you really need the name of a larger school or if the hometown college will meet your needs.

Posted by Larry Ray Palmer on April 27, 2008 at 9:29 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

The college student with a strong background in the field of chemistry may find that an entry level job in the career field of chemical engineering is well suited to their education. If you are interested in this field of study, you will find that it produces some high paid entry level jobs as well as some powerful resume building experience. If you want to find one of these entry level chemical engineering jobs, how should you go about it?

One of the best places to look for entry level jobs in chemical engineering or any other field is the Internet. With the invention of a global communication system, the availability of entry level job information has skyrocketed. Gone are the days of rushing to the front lawn to get the first look at the classifieds before starting your day. Now with a few clicks of the mouse, one can find entry level job and internship opportunities across town or on the other side of the world. With networking sites and forums, people have been able to come into contact with those who might otherwise be outside of their social circle and beyond their reach as career boosters. These forums and information sites have also given job seekers the ability to share experiences, both good and bad, so that others may learn from them.

In addition to the great informational venues of the Internet, there are a few specific places on the world wide web that offer tools to help the college graduate looking for entry level work. Job listing sites, such as Monster.com, offer generalized searches for work while more detailed niche sites, such as CollegeRecruiter.com, offer advanced search capabilities that cater to the college graduate who is looking to start or further a career.

Posted by Larry Ray Palmer on April 27, 2008 at 7:23 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

Spring is here and we have entered that time of year where life is being renewed. Those of us in rural communities are able to step out and watch the local farmers cultivating their crops to insure a good return at harvest time. As I was watching this process today, it put me in mind of the college students who are starting out in life and preparing the way for their careers.

You can see how the comparison can be made. A career is not something one just happens upon. Instead there is a lot of very hard work and cultivation required. The time and money these college students are investing today will reap rewards in the future but only if they tend their careers while they are still growing.

If you want to provide the best for your budding career, what is required? First, the career must have strong roots which are gained through education and work experience. These things will help you to go to a new entry level job with the confidence and ability to be successful. These roots can be given a stronger hold by using Internship opportunities to gain a greater understanding of your career choice as well as important work experience and ethics.

Secondly, a successful career requires a bit of planning. Just as the farmer must tend his crops and plan ahead for success, your career requires diligent effort if you want to see results. Read the trade magazines for your career field. Keep current on events related to it. Join online communities for those interested in your field. All of these things will help you to grow into a successful career.

Finally, be persistent. The farmer is in the field every day and, often, the results the farmer notices would pass unobserved by the average individual. If you have even a small bit of success in locating an entry level job, nurture that success and grow upon it. Even the largest of trees begins life as a seed so a seemingly insignificant internship or entry level job opportunity may blossom into a very successful career.

Posted by Larry Ray Palmer on April 27, 2008 at 7:04 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

In the concourse at Rockefeller Center there is a passport photo service. The photographer is a hippie with a New York sense of humor.

When a customer complained that she looked "photo challenged" in her photo he replied, "It's a passport photo. You're supposed to look photo challenged."

The same rule, I think applies to internships. You're supposed to work hard, screw up and somehow make an impression good enough to land a real job. But what if it's not looking like what it's cracked up to be? You've already invested time. Do you stick it out or bail? In the incident with the mal-photographed customer, the hippie photographer offered to take another shot, which she accepted. When she came out looking equally obtuse, she gave in to his theory about passport photos and probably cringes when she checks in at the airport. Don't we wish every situation could be developed in ten-minutes like a passport photo? But it can't. My guide on whether an internship was a dead end was how it held up to the SAM acronym. S= Simplify the task, A=Acknowledge my mistakes, M=Move on to the next task. If I wasn't learning anything or making any blips on the 'progress radar', then it was time to take my weary bones and work elsewhere for peanuts.

Fortunately, I've only had to walk out once in my experience. The only thing was, it was from an actual job. Looking on the bright side, an internship is usually a limited engagement. If it's a dead end, it's going to end either way. A job, however, could have taken the best years of my life. So, thanks SAM.

Posted by nrusso on April 24, 2008 at 11:27 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Almost any college student you ask will give you a similar answer on why they chose to attend the additional schooling. They recognize that in the overcrowded job market of today's world, there are far fewer jobs than there are employees to fill these positions. By attending the extra courses, they are gambling that the time and money they are expending on this effort will lead to a higher paid entry level job and eventually to a productive career.

If you have a similar ambition, how can you be certain of your results? One way to do this is by planning ahead. By recognizing entry level jobs that will likely still be around after you finish school, you can anticipate the future needs of employers and work towards those ends today.

One such entry level position is that of the administrative assistant. Corporations recognize the need to disburse responsibilities over a group of people rather than having one person preside over every detail. The administrative assistant is a part of this group because of their skills that benefit those in administration. Attending classes in office management, office computing and clerical skills as well as developing your skills in handling interactions with others now will put you in line to be not only useful as an administrative assistant but will also give you the opportunity to be promoted to the ranks of management at a later time. To add further value to your resume, consider taking part in an internship to gain work experience or taking additional classes in business administration that may prove useful when your name comes up before the promotion committees.

Posted by Larry Ray Palmer on April 24, 2008 at 3:02 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

If you have skills with visual placement of objects and a bit of hands on experience with the computer, you may do well to look into an entry level position in the field of web design.

This job classification is extremely useful and has the additional bonus of being something that is useful in nearly every corner of the world. As more and more businesses are realizing the need to be competitive with those offering similar goods and services on the Internet, web design and the functionality of a business web page has become something of great power. The company who has a poorly designed web presence with severely crippled functionality may find itself losing the bulk of its sales to smaller companies that know how to supply what the customer wants in their web experience.

Thanks to advent of the Internet and global commerce, the world has quickly become a world wide market rather than a monopoly. With even small businesses being able to compete with their larger counterparts on a fairly even field, people shop online for more than just a good deal. They want a good experience to go along with it.

As a college student in the computer science field, you have developed an understanding of how to make a web page serve in both form and purpose. Using your own artistic and technical skills to further heighten the effect will result in increased profits for your customer and, usually, in further offers of entry level work with the same firm or their associates to who they may recommend your services.

Posted by Larry Ray Palmer on April 24, 2008 at 2:17 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

College students in the Carolinas are getting the opportunity to enhance their skills in journalism. The U News, a recent addition to one of my local television stations, gives students a chance to cover stories in communities that have not been heard from in the past. The U News coverage began in January and has a staff of students from various area colleges. The local television station wants the students work to be featured online on their website; you can watch the stories there.

These college students appreciate the opportunity to gain some real life experience they might have only received through an internship or something similar. One student who wants to produce stories is grateful for it, and another student says he is focused on doing his very best work for the television station. For the students, this experience allows them to learn more about journalism and become more confident in their ability to be successful in their field. It could also lead them to their first entry level job in journalism.

To view the U News stories, go to http://www.scnow.com and search the keyword "U News".

Source: The Morning News

Posted by William F on April 21, 2008 at 11:52 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

We have all dreamed of having careers that oozed glamour and coolness. It just seems natural that certain jobs catch our eye at an early age and awaken our minds to the possibilities. One such charismatic career choice is the field of Journalism.

While this field may not offer the highest paid entry level jobs or even the best benefits packages, it does offer some powerful incentives in the forms of fame, adventure and travel which have a strong draw for many entry level job seekers. The car accident on the corner of Third Street and Pine Avenue makes the local news just as easy as the war that rages on across the ocean so there is much in the way of breaking news for the freelance journalist to work with. These cases of small town reporting thru such outlets as Associated Content can often give the budding journalist a taste for the business and the opportunity to be noticed for entry level jobs and internships in this field.

Education requirements for entry level jobs in this field tend to be a bit more flexible than that of other fields if the produced work is of excellent quality, making this one of the few fields that even amateurs can find a way into. That is not to say that this is an easy line of work or that there are no educational courses that would be recommended before seeking an entry level job in the field of Journalism. To the contrary, the journalist position requires extreme dedication as the news happens at all hours of the day and sometimes it happens many miles from where you are located. The position of the journalist also requires integrity to report the events with clear thinking objectiveness, rather than producing a biased report. That being said, if you want to enter upon an exciting and ever changing entry level career, Journalism is a very good option.

Posted by Larry Ray Palmer on April 21, 2008 at 11:38 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

In the previous two posts, we discussed the importance of planning and preparation to your career. In this post we will continue that train of thought with a few words about how to apply our new found knowledge.

By knowing what our life and career goals are at the beginning of our educational journey and recognizing the boundaries that our chosen area of residence places upon us, we can best decide how to pursue the career we want and find both entry level jobs and internships in this field.

It is possible to bring your career to exactly where you want it to go but those points must be taken into consideration and held to closely, just as the navigator onboard a sailing vessel must pay careful attention to his charts and instruments.

When you have decided what you want your career to do for you and researching the market for that career has proven that it is, indeed, a good choice, then it is time to choose the best school and education opportunities that you can obtain. Choose courses that will allow you for the higher salary of specialized careers without excluding you from more general entry level career opportunities. Having a major study in one field and a minor study in a related field can be a valuable asset if you can handle this level of academic pressure.

While attending school, locating an entry level job or internship opportunity, such as those found on the Entry Level Job and Internship Pages at CollegeRecruiter.com, may also prove very valuable because it allows you to gain on the job work experience that employers value greatly, thus improving your odds of successfully steering your career in the direction you want it to go after college. Come aboard, Captain. Your ship is waiting.

Posted by Larry Ray Palmer on April 16, 2008 at 1:37 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Choosing a good college and getting accepted can be a very big step in a full time students life. Knowing how to make the most of their time while at that center of learning can be of vital importance. If you find yourself setting out upon the scholars path without direction, your first concern should be that of deciding upon a career path and choosing the courses that will eventually lead you to an entry level job in that area.

For those college students seeking to find entry level engineering jobs after graduation, preparation during the early stages of college life is practically a necessity. If you have chosen the engineering field for your future career, what can you do to insure your future success?

Engineering can be a very lucrative field, especially when you have chosen to specialize into certain areas of the occupation. If you are seeking to become an Environmental Engineer, take courses in environmental sciences and planning such as environmental management, wastewater management and courses dealing with the management of ground water and flood control. Related engineering classes such as maintenance engineering and plant management along with safety engineering provide additional leverage for you to work with should your specific field be saturated at the time you are seeking an entry level engineering job.

To further bolster your resume, consider the option of an internship in the engineering field. While this position may be paid at a lower rate, or even be unpaid, the on hands training and job experience you receive will prove very valuable to you in your future climb up the corporate ladder.

Posted by Larry Ray Palmer on April 16, 2008 at 11:42 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

Upon graduation from college, most of us have the idea of finding work and recouping some of the money we have spent during our stint on campus. If you spend your time and money during the college years wisely, you will likely have a career goal in mind and will have worked towards educating yourself on that field by the time you become a college graduate. If you are just entering upon that stage of college life, you may very well have questions about what direction your future should go in. If this is the case, may I suggest that you consider a entry level job in the clerical field?

While the job of an entry level clerical assistant may not sound thoroughly exciting, take a moment to consider the opportunity for upward advancement and profitability. The Clerical Supervisor with only one year of training or related job experience makes an average salary of $39,651 in the United States. Entry level clerical jobs usually entail secretarial and minor accounting skill sets. The average Clerical Methods Analyst in the United States has an annual salary of $57,314.

These jobs are obtained by sticking with entry level clerical jobs and utilizing the skills you learn in college. If you are interested in obtaining an entry level clerical job after graduation consider courses in accounting, human resources and office administration. These areas of study will train you in points that you will find very helpful in your clerical career. When accompanied with well chosen internships, such as those located on the Internship page at CollegeRecruiter.com, these courses will make finding a good entry level clerical job and developing a career after graduation much easier.

Posted by Larry Ray Palmer on April 15, 2008 at 7:27 PM | Leave a Comment (1)

For those seeking a career in the computer science industry, it can be difficult to get one's foot in the door. Luckily, there are a variety of good resources available to help you find a start in this industry. One such method of getting into the industry is by finding a entry level computer science job.

Entry level computer science jobs are available from many major corporations and you can find them if you know where to look. By checking entry level job finding resources, such as the Entry Level and Internship Job Search Page at CollegeRecruiter.com, you can find hundreds of available opportunities in the computer industry. With sites such as the one mentioned above and their customizable methods of searching the records, you can customize the experience to your own personal needs and preferences. Within a few clicks of the mouse, you could find just the entry level job you have been looking for.

When you have found the entry level computer science jobs you are interested in, make use of the provided contact information to forward your resume to the prospective employer. By using the resume tweaking tips discussed in previous posts, you can make your resume stand apart from the crowd and represent you as a skilled professional in your field. With a little patience and some planning, you can land the entry level computer science job that will launch you into a successful career in the computer science industry.

Posted by Larry Ray Palmer on April 5, 2008 at 4:33 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

When looking to gain work experience, many people fail to realize the obvious connection between the entry level job they choose to do today and the career they want. Assuming that any work experience is good, they jump from one job to the next with no visible purpose. If you find yourself among the throngs of people doing this, you may feel unsatisfied with the work you are doing and, at the same time, you may be excluding yourself from further career building opportunities. If you want to get the work experience without selling yourself short, more is needed. Finding something that will compliment your career choice rather than looking like the resume of a hopeless drifter is necessary.

One very effective method of gaining this necessary work experience is conducting a job search for entry level internship opportunities in your chosen field to find something more suited to your needs. Internships are typically supervised training periods that are paid at a slightly lower pay rate to allow the company financial flexibility and breathing room for expenses of extra training and providing solid work experience to the new employee. By using entry level jobs and internships properly, you can quickly make a weak resume into a more powerful and commanding presence when you are ready for your career to move forward.

Employers need workers with the experience that many college graduates just can't provide them. By making use of the internship opportunities available to you, you can get the work experience needed to set yourself apart from the thousands of other resumes they may see.

Posted by Larry Ray Palmer on April 4, 2008 at 7:38 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

For those seeking to advance up the corporate ladder, few things can do more to help their cause than adding a few well planned internships to their resume. The reasoning behind this is simple. Internships provide you with a certain amount of training that goes beyond what can be gained in the realms of academics and they give you valuable work experience.

If you are like so many others who are needing this extra boost, where can you find great internship opportunities? One great source is internship boards, such as the internship listings at CollegeRecruiter.com, which offer multiple ways to search for just the right internship program to suit your needs.

Internships usually come in two forms: paid and unpaid. While paid internships are nice because they offer the chance to make a little financial remuneration for your work, the competition for these positions can be fierce and the pay rate is generally not very high. Unpaid internships lack the financial compensation but are generally much easier to obtain.

While either of these internship opportunities provide the training and experience needed, the choice of what internships you apply for should not be merely decided by financial thoughts. Choose an internship that is important to you based on your personal causes, what you want your career to reflect about you and what you think you can bring to the internship opportunity and you will be much happier with your final decision.

By choosing internship opportunities that coincide with your own goals and causes, you will find satisfaction in your work. By building a complete resume that includes such internships, you will put yourself in line to be recognized by future employers who share similar goals.

Posted by Larry Ray Palmer on March 23, 2008 at 9:25 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

For many people the transition from full time student to full time employee can be a very difficult place to be. While academic study certainly has its place, there is no way that it can possibly prepare you for every situation you will face upon leaving the safe harbor of academics and launching into the real world already saddled with the debt of school loans and fresh starts. The reason many people find this transition difficult is that they haven't properly prepared their thinking.

It has been ingrained into our social consciousness over the last few generations that success requires a college education. Unfortunately, it was not also added that it requires working ones way up the ladder as well and many college graduates are in for a shock when they leave the campus and discover that Bill Gates isn't knocking on the door to offer them a seat on the board at his company. The truth of the matter is success takes hard work.

If you are ready to start paying your dues and climbing the corporate ladder, where do you start? The logical first step is an entry level job such as can be found in the Entry Level and Internship Job Search Page at CollegeRecruiter.com. By getting started with an entry level job, you allow yourself room to grow in the corporate world and to create a name for yourself by your successes.

Entry level jobs afford you the opportunity to begin making a measure of money after you leave school but still have room for further growth. For this reason, it is much easier to get signed for an entry level job than for a higher level of the company. Additionally, by signing on to an entry level position, it gives you time to learn the ins and outs of a particular company thus setting you up in a better position for future corporate advancement opportunities.

Posted by Larry Ray Palmer on March 23, 2008 at 8:49 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

While unpaid internships are sometimes overlooked due to their obvious fiscal limitations there are some great reasons to consider taking them on. One of the major benefits that internships offer is the opportunity to gain valuable work experience but there is another point that many people never factor into the experience. That point is the social network one gains while working in an internship position.

As a wise man once said, " It's not what you know, but who you know, that's important." This axiom holds true in the business world as well. People are valued by not only their education and experience but by their familiarity and for the young post graduate who is looking for their first entry level job, being able to drop a few names, to use the vernacular, is definitely going to be doing yourself a favor. So how do you build a useful social network?

The first thing you should do is keep your options open. When applying for internships, pick several good ones from the various listings, such as the Internship Job Posting list at CollegeRecruiter.com, and pick the one that will offer you the best package for your needs.

Try to keep your internships with well known names. Larger corporations tend to offer more clout when they are added to your resume because other business owners respect success among their ranks. They know when another company has done well and this is credited to everyone who had a part in this success. If you can equate your name with a major corporation that has exhibited success, you have made yourself more valuable in the eyes of prospective employers.

Join the popular cause. If your internship can't be served with a large corporate name, at least make it with a popular cause. Volunteer work for organizations that do something to improve humanity or the environment are very good causes because everyone can relate to these issues. Try to avoid political causes unless this is the direction you are going with your career because not all prospective employers are going to share your political sentiments.

By improving your social network during internships, you can improve your chances of success in your later career. With these pointers, internship networking is a simple method of insuring your future.

Posted by Larry Ray Palmer on March 22, 2008 at 10:54 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

When you are finishing out your academic studies, you will no doubt hear many people talking about entering upon an unpaid internship over the course of summer breaks or similar times. Facing huge debts to pay for your education and living expenses, you might be puzzled as to why anyone would agree to work and not receive a pay check. No, your friends haven't lost their minds and they are most likely not in any better financial shape than you are. In this article, we will discuss the various reasons why unpaid internships make good sense for those seeking to further their careers.

Experience - Almost every employer is seeking a worker who has at least some measure of on the job experience. Even though you may be more skilled or have better qualifications for a certain entry level job, the odds are the person with more experience will be taking it home. Unpaid internships help with this because an employers takes the chance on recruiting you and provides you with work experience that can be used further down the line.

Training - Everyone who has ever tried to assemble a child's toy or a new computer desk with the help of the manufacturers printed instructions knows one thing: Reading and doing are two very different things. Your college education is valuable to be certain, but, until you actually have hands on experience you are still largely in the dark. Unpaid internships provide the extra training you can't receive in schooling atmospheres.

Aesthetics - Let's face it. Your resume is your face in the business world. Internships can be the little bits of cosmetic appeal that make your resume look even better. Since many internships involve charitable organizations or large corporations, having these names on your resume adds the appeal of eye candy in the form of familiar names and causes.

Posted by Larry Ray Palmer on March 21, 2008 at 11:25 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

For those seeking a career in the computer related industries, it can be difficult to get one's foot in the door. Companies tend to look for proven track records before they are willing to dole out large salaries or handsome benefits yet it is nigh on impossible to create such a track record without having the opportunity to demonstrate your skills in a working environment. If you have found yourself stuck in the revolving door, what can you do?

Luckily, there are entry level computer jobs available from many major corporations. By checking entry level job finding resources, such as the Entry Level and Internship Job Search Page at CollegeRecruiter.com, you can find hundreds of available opportunities in the computer industry. With sites such as the one mentioned above, there are multiple ways of searching the records so that you can customize the experience to your own needs and preferences. Within a few clicks of the mouse, you could find just the entry level job you have been looking for.

Once you have found the entry level position you are interested in, simply use the provided contact information to forward your resume to the prospective employer. By using the resume tweaking tips discussed in previous posts, you can make your resume stand apart from the crowd and represent you as a skilled professional in your field. By availing yourself of the tools at your disposal, you can land the entry level computer job that will launch you into a successful career in the computer related industry.

Posted by Larry Ray Palmer on March 21, 2008 at 10:43 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

As you move forward into the workforce after college, the reality of the work force can sometimes come as a slap in the face. Most of us entered college because it has been drilled into our very being that good jobs and financial success require a college education. In the world of twenty years ago, this was true but today's work force is so saturated with college graduates that more than academic knowledge is required. Today's employers want to know that they aren't throwing their money away on an untested employee. Instead, they want those workers who can display a solid background of work experience.

If you find yourself newly thrust into the work force, internship opportunities in your chosen field provide an excellent option for gaining valuable work experience. These internships are supervised training positions where you can receive a level of training that goes beyond mere academic knowledge, sometimes referred to as on the job training. While internships are usually paid at a slightly lower scale than that of typical employees, the extensive training and work experience gained can do much to further your career.

Employers benefit from the internship equation as well by risking less of their capital by offering internships thus making it a wise financial decision for the corporation. By utilizing internships, large corporations can be certain of getting the top college performers thus allowing them to obtain new talent while minimizing their financial risks in hiring a worker who is new to the work force.

Employers are seeking experienced workers. As a college graduate, you want to get started in cultivating your career and putting your academic studies to work. By availing yourself of the internship opportunities available in your field, you can get the training and work experience necessary to find work in today's market.

Posted by Larry Ray Palmer on March 20, 2008 at 9:37 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

With the work force becoming saturated with college educated job seekers, more than good grades, a new suit and a set of credentials are needed to make the move from an academic knowledge to gainful employment in the career field of your choosing. A conundrum has developed in the fact that employers want to hire workers with experience but an individual who is new to the work force cannot acquire this work experience without working. If you have found yourself trapped within this cycle, what can you do to gain the experience you need to move from college and into a career?

One very effective method of gaining this necessary work experience is the use of internship opportunities in your chosen field. Internships are typically supervised training periods, sometimes referred to as on the job training, that are paid at a slightly lower scale in exchange for the further training and work experience gained.

Internships offer employers the chance to hire college educated workers at a lower pay rate thus making it a fiscally responsible move for the corporation. Internships are also a way for large corporations to insure that they have their pick of the cream of the college crop while not putting themselves under serious financial obligations for an untested worker.

Employers want experienced workers. As a college graduate, you want to begin your career. By making use of the internship opportunities available in your chosen field, you can get the work experience needed to land the job you want.

Posted by Larry Ray Palmer on March 20, 2008 at 9:29 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

From the get go of your student career every respectable adult always encourages their young students to go to college and get a degree, so you can obtain a "real" job. With nothing to lose you take out those huge school loans, study your little heart out, earn that degree and never get that good paying position. It seems the only jobs in the newspaper require experience, which many times you can't learn from a college degree. Although internships are of GREAT help, not many of us poor college students can afford to work for little or nothing. These days, the only good paying, entry level jobs that students can acquire always appear to be within the health field. Although a very respectable position, not all of us are cut out for a medical career. The programs are usually very demanding, but the greatest aspect of a RN or LPN degree is the required clinicals offering excellent assisstance in learning.
I have a friend who is about to graducate from the nursing program at Northampton Community College after four years of having her head stuck in a nursing textbook. I'm sure that many are aware that from the start, these demanding nursing programs are anything but an easy learning experience. Now, in her last three months of clinical practices she's finally starting to see light at the end of the tunnel. She expressed to me the other day that she recently attended a job fair in which one employer was said to offer entry level registered nurses at $26 dollars an hour, fresh out of college. The best part, the last actual job she had was in highschool so she could focus all of her energy on her studies. Don't get me wrong, the job is stressful and can sometimes be traumatic so they definetly deserve every penny of that $26 dollars an hour. What I don't understand is why don't occupations that are just as important, like for instance teachers, get offered the same amount? I guess it all depends on your location, but still, where would you be without all that education? Stuck in college, and trying to find a job...that's where.

Posted by Cynthia Hoza on March 5, 2008 at 2:55 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

As one of the fastest growing industries today, advertising and public relations fields have several opportunities for entry-level work.You may not realize it, but most large companies have a place for advertising and public relations careers. The key is to research companies you have an interest in and what type of work you would like to do in your entry-level job.

Here are some ideas for entry-level jobs in these fields:

Assistant Media Buyer: This position assists in buying media and planning when to advertise.

Assistant Account Executive: Assist the account executive by developing strategies, pulling research reports, and coordinating customers. This position will give you the opportunity to gain experience in the industry and knowledge about the account executive position (a role you may one day be in).

Public Relations Specialist: Maintain files about company activities, organize press conferences and events, and possibly write press releases.

Advancement in public relations can move quickly if you work hard and build your portfolio. You may have to relocate to achieve higher jobs because there is less need for them, but you can make a pretty good salary by only moving up a few positions. Learn as much as you can during your entry-level job so that your employer sees you are making progress. Also, meet as many people as you can, because your contacts can become important for future job opportunities. Not only will this first job give you the opportunity to work in an actual advertising or public relations setting, but you will also be able to interact with the media, build your writing skills, and expand your creativity.

Posted by Tori S. on February 21, 2008 at 1:02 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

College is a growing force in our society today. However, students are jumping into the education pool without much knowledge of what school is capable of. Today, modern education has become more of career training than anything. A bachelor's degree used to be a highly sought after commodity, but now with thousands of schools, some with close to 50,000 students, the learning pool has become watered down. Now students can enter classes to learn skills that would be learned with on the job training. They spend four years studying construction management, when they could easily just get a construction job for four years and work their way up.
So what does this say about school? It is becoming a waste of time. College was set up as a pursuit of education, a chance to better one's self and essential become useful to society in many ways. As Hellen Keller once said, "College is no longer a place to go for ideas." Rather, I suggest that college is become nothing more than a holding cell for students warding off adult hood. College is the new highschool.
Students need to be cautious of what they study, where they study and who they study under. Hopefully the future is brighter for education than it is for those who currently have one.

Posted by jdisandro on February 7, 2008 at 12:50 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

"I'm sorry but we're looking for someone who has a little more experience." This is the famous line that I hear time and time again from, what it seems like, every interviewer. What makes this line a really bad choice of words for an interviewer to say, is that the job is actually entry-level. I know I may not have more of a professional experience in my field but I feel that extra curriculum activities really help to enhance skills. It's bad enough that most salaries for entry-level positions aren't much but to be turned down for not having enough experience for an entry-level job seems ironic. What does that leave to learn in an entry-level position if you already have the experience? I thought that going for an entry-level position meant that you take what little you learned (and your degree) and apply new skills to help build and strengthen them. Or maybe I'm looking in the wrong direction of where I'm supposed to get this experience. It would take good advice and motivation to make an individual want to strive and get the experience, which, would potentially come from parents, family, friends, or school. I went to Mansfield University of PA, where getting permission to go on an internship was harder than actually going to the internship interview. It wasn't really put into student's heads that you must go out and get an internship because employers are looking for workers with experience. What was actually pressured to students was to get involved in campus activities to have that hands-on experience. This is easy enough for anyone to join and make full use of what they had access to. In my opinion, being involved in activities that related to your field, should count as some kind of experience. Or maybe I could be wrong. Should getting involved be considered as preparation for an intern or preparation for an entry-level position? Also what is the big difference between an internship and entry-level besides the pay? Please someone help me to differentiate and receive an entry-level position.

Posted by srenwick on February 6, 2008 at 8:50 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

If your job search hasn't produced any results, it may be because your resume blends in with all the others. So what are some simple things you can do to give your resume a much needed boost? Broaden your experience and expand your skill base.

First, most office jobs require a working knowledge of Microsoft Office Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Access. Your resume must communicate this. If you are at all unsure how to navagate these programs, it is easy and free to learn at http://office.microsoft.com. Just select the program you want to learn under the 'products' tab, go to 'help and how to,' and access free demos.

Next, expand your internet skills. If you are unsure how to create a website, Kaplan and other universities offer internet courses for certification in internet and web page development. If you are already knowledgeable of these areas, create a professional website advertising yourself. This skill will impress employers in all fields.

Finally, find extra work that will add to your resume. If you are having trouble finding the job you want, try working for a non-profit organization. Many offer paid internships and temporary jobs. These jobs communicate goodwill and drive to employers while earning you income. A friend of mine had been job-hunting for over nine months when she took on a recruiter. He helped her find a temporary position with the Breast Cancer Foundation, and almost immediately upon completion she found a job with Motorola in her field.

These steps take minimal effort yet will give your resume that something extra needed to secure an interview with your employer of choice.

Posted by lweddle on February 5, 2008 at 11:44 AM | Leave a Comment (1)

Provided By: Associated Content, Inc.

The Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) is a program put on by the National Science Foundation (NSF) to give undergraduate students a chance for a summer internship in a research field conducting actual research, not just as an "assistant" like many university undergraduate jobs.

Overview

Many different disciplines can participate in the REU program.

Continue reading "National Science Foundation: Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU)" »

Posted by CandiceArnold on January 11, 2008 at 12:10 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Because I haven’t contributed to the blog for over a year now (last post was in July 2006), I wanted to re-introduce myself.

My last post here (on “Work Parties”) was just before I started my first job out of college, which was my second full time job. My background is diverse. I worked retail with increasing responsibility from the ages of 15 to 21, and spent 3 of those years in commissioned sales where I managed to pay for college without going in debt. I graduated from college with a B.A. in English: Creative Writing, with an almost-completed minor in Marketing. The job I took last August was in advertising/media sales, mostly outside sales to local businesses, and I left it at the beginning of June.

I could write 100 posts on this summer (and I just may eventually), but it’s been a myriad of experiences: a return to retail for a few weeks when times were tough, a seemingly great new job that didn’t work out, many interviews, a return to a former employer, networking and developing consulting work, much soul searching, and finally getting 2 job offers last week. Those are just the headlines.

Some people transition smoothly after college. Some people search for a long time and get stuck in retail or temp jobs for months or years. Others take the kind of path I’ve taken so far – 2 steps forward, 1 step back, with a lot of turbulence.

Anyway, the whole process (and this year in general) has me thinking about choices.

I used to view a resume as a compilation of experiences and achievements, and I’m still sure that those are important, key points. However, I think a resume actually presents our choices and values even clearer than it presents our strengths. Sure, nobody has unlimited options and sometimes we don’t get to choose exactly what we want, but part of me thinks the paths we choose to take and the choices we make – with schooling, career, activities, etc – are actually the “loudest” part of any resume.

For me, at this point in my life, I want to make career choices based on learning. Simply put: I’ll pick the job where I’ll learn the skills I think I’ll need to build a better me and enhance myself as a “product” in the workplace. Money, benefits, time, excitement – and even advancement within the company – are all secondary to, “What job will teach me what I need to learn?”

Because most of all what this first year out of college has taught me is what I don’t know and what I think I need to know.

As such, in addition to whichever of the 2 new jobs I choose, I’m also going back to school for an MBA (for the knowledge – whereas if I had gone back last year, it would have been for the degree), keeping up my network and my consulting jobs, and doing everything possible to build the brand of “Alison” inside and outside of the company I choose.

Questions answered...

1. What profession would you like to try?

Continue reading "One Year Out" »

Posted by Alison H on August 28, 2007 at 6:28 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Online home business scams continue to make money because people have lost the notion of hard work.

The numbers are staggering, but the world continues to indulge in the mindset of ‘free money’. Can you imagine generating thousands of dollars without effort? The flashy, inconsistent messages of online home business scams grab the attention of innocent victims while their CEOs are happy with profits.

Continue reading "“Do I Really Have To Work To Make A Living?”" »

Posted by Tahjia Chapman on April 25, 2007 at 12:17 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

Yes, there are survivors of entry level positions.

Can you see yourself surviving the demands of your employers to climb the corporate ladder?

A few of my colleagues and I reflected on our first encounters with the entry level position career move.

Their names will remain anonymous, but you can figure out where I am going with this. Sadie has just received an entry level position as a real estate broker trainee in Charlotte, North Carolina. She waited until she received her two year degree in business administration, tackled the courses, and is still considered a ‘trainee’.

I think she has taken a lot on her shoulders in order to live in the Queen City (Charlotte, North Carolina) and work under mentorship in the real estate firm. According to Sadie, she can make a 6-figure income once the real estate market stabilizes. No sweat there, but why is she really in this position?

Continue reading "Truth Behind Entry Level Positions: Survivors explain..." »

Posted by Tahjia Chapman on April 16, 2007 at 12:00 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

I have been at my current job for one year now, and I have been thinking a lot lately about where to go from here. And about how hard it is to believe that it has actually been that long.

Is that enough to ake it and run with it? Hard to say. One year is more than enough experience for some, and not nearly enough for others. And does taking what you can get and then putting in your two weeks look good on a resume? They must certainly see it a lot, but that does not necessarily mean they will not care.

Is the time really right for it? It is not that bad of a job, the one I am at now. So where is the harm in staying on for a bit? It is cozy, relatively simple and stress-free and pays decently. There must be something better out there, and obviously I am not going to quit until I find it. Quitting now would be pretty stupid, with no job lined up or anything.

A lot of questions with no easy answers, nor any definitive ones. At least there is time enough to think, plan and look. Perhaps I ought to be thinking about those questions instead of writing about them?

Posted by Andrew S on February 18, 2007 at 6:51 PM | Leave a Comment (1)

Finally, I am getting some much needed experience. I have been working at the attorneys office more and more lately. I have been filling in for the other secretary from time to time whenever she cannot make it to work. I'm not used to being at the office more than one day a week. I start to panic when the phone rings off the hook, when clients come in, and when I am doing my own work. How do I keep my anxiety to a minimum? I want to do a good job and I don't want to mess anything up, especially legal papers?

I have worked for the attorneys going on six months now. I would like to use the attorneys for references for potential jobs in the future. Is it too soon to ask them to be a reference for me? I try to keep in communication with them by asking questions whenever I don't understand something, but sometimes I feel as if I am a "slow learner" and I'm not picking up on things as fast as I should. But I do feel that since I am usually only at the office one day a week (except in special circumstances like the present) I am doing well. (At least I hope so!)

Posted by Jill E on February 6, 2007 at 10:29 AM | Leave a Comment (1)

My answer to my own question would depend largely on when one were to have asked me, for I have worked for three different entry level temp agencies. After the first one you would have gotten form me something along the lines of "eh, maybe, they are okay," a long string of obscenities after the second and finally some positive feedback after number three.

There are some entry level temp agencies out there that don't seem to care what is going on so long as they keep geting part of your paycheck. Odds are you do not want to work for one like that-they are most unhelpful and frustrating to deal with. This can't be emphasized enough; take note of how well the agency communicates with you and how well they listen to you. Were they listening when you told them what you were capable of doing and what you feel comfortable doing? The second one I worked for obviously wasn't, and that ended up hurting both of us. The third one hooked me up with a job that matched my profile almost perfectly, and everything went smooth as could be. On the other end, how well you commuincate with them can also make or break your work. Even if the agency does have the right job for you and is more than willing to put you there, they can't get you "your" job if they don't know who you are. Dishonesty could put you in way over your head.

If you can find a good agency and are willing to be open, you should be fine at an enrty level temp agency. They can save you a lot of time, effort and frustration while potentially leading to good things in the future. It may not be a sure thing, but what in the job market is? At least this way you get a paid fair tryout instead of some rediculous one-shot dress rehearsal, right? Shop around for different agencies in your area and give it a shot if no offers are coming your way, entry level temp agencies are great for anyone needing experience.

Posted by Andrew S on January 31, 2007 at 6:27 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

While your parents may not be taking the news for your journalistic aspirations as well as they would if your dreams involved med school, the future is looking up for writers. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the Bureau of Labor Statistics concludes that there is a growing demand for writers that will reach around triple the current average around the year 2014.

It may seem a bit odd that in a world that is becoming more and more technical that the demand for writers would increase but upon reflection it is hard to not notice that someone needs to create all the published work available on the Internet. Writers and editors are needed for all kinds of jobs like advertising copy to periodicals. A simple entry-level writing job search shows that writers are already coming into a demand. For example, the new news information medium is bloging. Blogging gives a voice to anyone with an opinion but advertisers are also using this form to sell products. So there are lots of places to get your name out there in the writing world through an entry-level job opportunity and there is also an ability to get paid!

Continue reading "Entry-level writing jobs and your future " »

Posted by Amy S on January 31, 2007 at 12:16 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

As an entry level data entry clerk for about a year now, it is time for me to stop asking questions about data entry clerks and start imparting answers, like:

Not Me: So, what is your profession?
Me: Data entry
Not Me: Oh, what does that entail?
Me: Um, data entry

The beauty of “Data Entry;” that is the job title and description. Just like “beer brewer.” The kind of data being entered and the methods change, true, but it really boils down to just those two words. The first question is always the easy one, though.

Things like pay, benefits, content of data, etc. vary widely by company. Data entry is white collar, and it should not be too difficult to find a job in the field that pays over minimum wage (usually quite a bit more) and offers at least some benefits. If the job you are looking at does not fit that last description-you are looking in the wrong place.

Is it difficult? That depends on several factors, mostly your typing skills. Most, if not all places require applicants to hit a certain WPM to get hired at all, then maintain or even improve upon that with experience. Accuracy is also certainly going to be monitored, and in some cases may even be more important than speed. If typing fast and accurately comes easy to you, so should try data entry. If not, there is still hope. Some specific jobs may be off limits, but with practice most people should at least be able to reach the competency level of some company out there. There also a lot of sitting. As in, that is about all Data Entry people do. Not for people who need to be up and about “doing” things. In certain situations, this job could be perfect for either the “people person” or the loner, as some require constant customer interaction and some require little or none.

When going in for an entry level data entry job interview, be prepared to take some tests that measure, as stated above, accuracy and speed. You will be asked to copy data form one source to another, and that data will likely include things like addresses, random numbers and story segments. Also count on one of those tests where you have to determine whether column A matches Colum B (like 123 Main St:123 Main St. or 78969:78696). All tests will be timed. There are probably web sites out there that let you take these test for free, I would recommend trying a few first.

And finally…what about me? My job, specifically, is to read grocery ads from across the country and record data about each individual item that is being advertised in it. Why? Got me. Apparently somebody out there needs to know, or thinks they need to know this information enough to pay for it. I always stop myself before saying “well somebody has to do it” not only because that is a cliché, but because the truth of that statement is suspect. There is no customer contact at my position, which I think is great. Pay is nether bad nor particularly good, and though there is a lenient dress code they tend to be anal about a lot of other things (I once had to move my car because I parked backwards-no joke). There are literally hundreds of rules covering the ad coding itself; dozens of which are downright ridiculous, others are even contradictory. Still, it is not bad as far as jobs go, and I could in good conscience recommend it to most people.

According to Wikipedia, data entry positions are dwindling in numbers.

Posted by Andrew S on January 30, 2007 at 11:21 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Oh, the Horror!

Don’t run away. Even the most disgusting experience can teach you more lessons than you would have thought. That’s what entry-level jobs are about: learning experiences. It’s not necessarily in your best interest to find exactly what you are looking for exactly when you are looking for it. You just might not be ready.

I’m working at an altogether horror of a job (okay, I’m exaggerating but it’s not what I want). If it weren’t so simple I’d have run away screaming. My “dream job” would involve writing, journalism, and travel...However, if I had all of that once I graduated I would not have known what to do with it (and still don’t). What’s more, I might have limited myself. Maybe I would have “enjoyed” it, got into a groove and completely forgot:
1) Why I was there
2) What my plans were and
3) Why I didn’t necessarily need to stay.

People say plans change. Maybe that would’ve been the best move for me. I, however, believe that sometimes it takes a truly horrible experience to show you what it is you really want. I don’t want to start off in the newsroom. I want to continue my education, travel and eventually settle in. I want a wide-range of writing experiences.

It’s different for everyone and I’m not saying that you should seek out “bad” entry-level jobs or experiences. Just remember that if you do find yourself in one, don’t fret. It won’t last forever because you don’t want it to. Just enforce a new perspective until it’s time for you to move on, and you’ll know when that is. For me, it’s all come together…well, getting there—my life, my career, my plans. It’s all, honestly, more clear thanks to my current less than optimal situation. I shifted my perspective and I saw the light.

Posted by Samantha T on January 29, 2007 at 5:05 PM | Leave a Comment (1)

It’s hard to find out how to get involved with community service programs in your city if the city does not promote their causes. My problems arose while contacting government associations in my city and no one wanted to direct me to organizations. To live in a capitol city, I expected these government associations to give me a sense of direction but I received disappointment instead. This can’t happen everywhere when people want to be involved and want to make changes. It hurts my heart to realize how these ‘officials’ or ‘important’ people would seem so cold to their communities.

Continue reading "Take Initiative by Getting Involved With Community Service Programs" »

Posted by Tahjia Chapman on January 28, 2007 at 3:57 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

Finding a full time entry level job can be frustrating. Extremely frustrating. The number one reason that I am still at my current job is the horrible memories I have of trying to find a job. Full time entry level job openings are not exactly scarce; the trouble is that people looking for those jobs are far less scarce.

So whenever someone’s dream job comes open, the first thing they want to know is how they can beat back the flood of other applicants to become the fabled chosen one. You go through all the advice, do everything in the “do” list and nothing on the “don’t” list and wear all the right clothes. And, at least as far as you know, there is always that one jerk that one-ups you for the spot. Maybe he went to school with the interviewer. Maybe she was the person’s daughter. Or maybe they did one little extra thing, just one miniscule thing the interviewer may not have even consciously aware of that made the difference in the final verdict. Yeah, I know it does not matter to you now. You wanted to be “that jerk” this time and start making money in the job market instead of losing it, right? Maybe your angry mind is right and the reasons for your not getting the job were unethical. But more likely, it was that someone else just did a little something extra. Keep on going, do not worry, you will be that jerk someday, too.

Posted by Andrew S on January 20, 2007 at 9:34 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Like most cities, there are quite a lot of entry level positions in Omaha. The largest industries here, according to the Wikipedia article on the city, are banking, insurance, telecommunications, construction, architecture and transportation, but there are many others to choose from. I can think of four people I know, myself included, who have entry level jobs in Omaha in transportation, data entry, computer programming and one I’m not sure how to classify, and these are our stories.

Train Dispatcher: As frightening as it may sound, making sure fast, multi-ton hulks of steel-some of which have the capacity to explode-don’t crash is something that requires no experience. At least they test applicant’s knowledge of the industry and they train well. Pays well, too, from what my friend tells me. He also informs me that unpredictable hours are a nuisance, but I am not sure if that was only during training or all the time.

Fraud investigation: The company another friend works for gets a lot of fraud claims, and needs a lot of people to look into them. Honestly, I’m not sure what the methods are or what exactly he does when confronted with an actual case, but it seems his jobs basically is to investigate claims made by customers against other customers and actively seek out instances of fraud.

Programmer, telecommunications: When people think of the telecommunications industry (big part of the local economy), they think naturally of the telephone operators. But like all industries, more than one group of people is required to keep it operating. My friend’s company needs programmers to maintain their machines. I can’t seem the think of what they are called now, but those recordings where you call “customer service” and get “Hell-O, WELCOME to … for imMEDiate assistance…pressONE-now!” Don’t know if there is anything out of the ordinary with his job, mostly he just talks about fixing bugs, writing programs and complaining about client services.

Data Entry: What I do. See another post to come later for more detailed info. On opposite day, I have the most interesting job between the four of us.

None of like to discuss work much, so sorry I really can’t go into a whole lot of detail about each job, but I could certainly find out more for anyone needing to know.

Posted by Andrew S on January 20, 2007 at 9:31 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

It's been a couple of years now since graduation, and I'll admit that I've not been the best at looking at something in my chosen field because, well, the money ain't that great at the bottom. I've had mild financial successes, certainly, since then, and I've been fortunate enough that, since my recent return to Atlanta and my subsequent return to unemployment, I'm not quite so hard-pressed for money. I've had enough time to do the one thing I didn't consider doing in college: look at the field and find a slow, sure way in.

There are ways in to writing, media, and publishing, though not the easiest things to find. Sure, every one of us wants to be a full-on writer and be recognized as such. But how do you get taken seriously? Where do you get your experience that every single employer seems to want? Freelance, my friends. There are a plethora of opportunities out there for sometimes editors, contributors, and ghostwriters. They may pay, they may pay a little, they may pay nothing at all. They are out there, though. Swallow the pride for a bit--my own, personal pride was easily the size of a basketball and went down about as well as a handful of fish hooks--but now I'm starting to get calls for projects, and things are looking up.

Posted by Jamie G on January 16, 2007 at 5:58 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

I’ve found that the job market is full of a wide variety of entry level marketing jobs. I personally did not major in marketing and didn’t realize that I wanted to go into marketing until after more than a year out of college and after having worked in business during that time.

I ran into the problem of trying to find a marketing job with no previous experience when all the job ads for entry level marketing jobs wanted someone with at least a year in marketing. So, how do you go about getting experience in marketing when you’re looking for an entry level position?

I ended up gaining experience through part-time marketing internships and paid marketing assistant jobs—which is just another name for “administrative assistant in the marketing department.” It isn’t the perfect long-term way to live, but in the meantime, it seems to be working in my favor. I’ve gained a lot of great experience along the way and it’s good to know I can send my resume out with that solid marketing experience.

Another suggestion that I have for anyone else who hasn’t majored in marketing and is an entry level job applicant searching for a way to qualify for and land a marketing job—take a night class or two while you’ve got the free time to do so. It’s always great to be able to update your resume with that “Relevant Coursework” section. And if you’re serious there, you might even consider getting a certificate in marketing to show your commitment and prove to future employers that you know what you’re doing.

Posted by Alexandria W on January 14, 2007 at 8:13 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

About 2 weeks ago, I received a survey for a clerical job for a local government job in my area. In order to apply for this job first of all, I had to take a civil service test back in July, so I took the test and passed. I thought I had a good chance of getting this job because the Civil Service Commission referred me for this specific job. Well, after filling out the survey/application, I hand delivered it to them hoping that the company would call me for an interview. There was no such luck. I called the company the other day and the lady in charge told me that they already conducted interviews and that the job was filled. My heart sank. I took the time to take the two and a half hour test and passed it, and I wasn't even called for an interview. The lady said that my score wasn't as high as the other applicant's they interviewed, but I wondered, what my college education meant to her. For many of the Civil Service jobs, a person doesn't need to have a degree, like I do. All the person has to do is pass the test with a high score.
I feel as if my 4-year degree doesn't mean anything. I have been searching for a job a long time now and I can't even get a job in an office, except for the one I'm in now and it's only one day a week. I'm not even able to find a job that is part-time, much less full-time, unless it's at a fast food restaurant. I want to use my degree. How do some people do it? I've been thinking about going back to school, but that means I will have more money to pay back on my loan and I really don't want to do that right now. So, I would appreciate any suggestions.

Posted by Jill E on January 12, 2007 at 9:59 AM | Leave a Comment (3)

For once, you need to tell the truth about where you have been and what you have done. Marketing and sales professionals benchmark practice they increase their returns on investment (ROI). As an entry level marketing rep, you can take advantage of these numbers to prove that you're an asset in the business world. Develop a warrior's mindset and practice strategies of legends...

Continue reading "Sun Tzu Style: How Entry Level Marketing Reps Strike Competition" »

Posted by Tahjia Chapman on January 6, 2007 at 5:07 PM | Leave a Comment (1)

I'm currently working my way towards earning my Master's Degree in English and Publishing so I can become a top editor someday. Part of what I've discovered through this academic process is that I truly enjoy the writing aspect of the publishing field. Who would have thought I'd be getting more satisfaction by constructing articles and even blogs than learning about the underbelly of publishing?
I have been bitten by the "Freelancing Bug." I now feel the deep-seated urge to pitch story ideas, conduct an insane amount of research and schedule interviews. If I could make my living as a journalist, I would. I've actually taken it upon myself to partner up with a fellow freelancer in a decided effort to appeal to a wider range of magazines.
The idea is really pretty simple. By joining forces, the two of us have a broader background when it comes to expertise. It doesn't hurt that we genuinely like and respect each other. Freelancing is a labor intensive career choice, mainly because of all the effort one has to put in to even securing a paying assignment. You have to continually flood the industry with queries and credentials to the point where you almost don't have time to actually write the commissioned articles!
Now, you might be thinking that it's slightly counterproductive to work with someone whom I'm technically competing with for jobs. The fact is, our partnership functions more as a support system rather than an assignment pitfall. If she books a job that I don't, it only leads to increasing our collective credibility. Last night, I actually presented both of our resumes to a local golf magazine. She probably has more relevant experience regarding the sport since she just embarked on her own love affair with the game. The key to being a good freelancer though, is being able to write about anything, no matter how foreign to you, effectively. That's why they invented research.
In the end, what truly matters is building up your publishing cred as a reliable freelancer. Editors will keep on booking you if you consistently meet deadlines and can be available in a pinch. If you can make a few friends along the way than that's an added benefit.

Posted by Morgan S on December 14, 2006 at 2:56 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

I received a call the other day about a state job a few hours away from where I live. The job pays well but, it would only be for six months. I'm not sure if I want to accept the job because part of the time I would be a clerk and the other part of the time I would be doing other things that I'm not interested in doing. Being a clerk is fine, but I'm not sure I want to move that far for only six months and then have no job and also, I have no money to rent an appartment now as it is. There are some other factors involved to, but right now I am stuck and don't know what to do. Any suggestions?

Posted by Jill E on December 1, 2006 at 12:15 PM | Leave a Comment (1)

Last week I went in for an interview with a temp agency. I went through a friend of the family, but treated my meeting like a real interview. It turned out that the interview was not really a strict one. I think I learned more about the woman interviewing me than she learned about me. It was a very laid back interview that I had no reason to be nervous for. Though I'm sure looking and acting professional was the best thing to do, I do not think that for this particular circumstance it was necessary.

Right now my Creative Memories business is finally picking up. Most of my business is through my family, but now that I'm back at home I can tap in on my connections here. Since I will not be staying here for a long period of time, I'm a little sad that I know that I can build a successful business here and not in NY. Once I get back to the empire state I will have my car so that it will be easier to get my business started along with getting a job. I have been doing quite a bit of volunteer work, which will help me in the long run.

At the local YMCA I've volunteered to start a newsletter for the Black and Latino club to promote their club and help them with their writing. I am considered their editor, which will help immensly with getting experience with publishing. I've recently come across a publishing summer program at the University of Denver that I think that I will try to apply for. My hopes of becoming an editor are still floating next to my new business.

Right now I can positively say that I'm living day to day business wise. Because of all my moving, it is hard to get a permanent job. Personally, I'd rather go back to school and get my masters, but that's a whole other story.

Posted by Allison C on November 26, 2006 at 11:30 PM | Leave a Comment (1)

Hi,

This is my first entry in this blog. I guess I will start off by telling a little about myself. I have two bachelor of science degrees. The first is in Social Work with a minor in Psychology. The second is the one that I just recently completed in May of this year and is in Journalism with a minor in History. I completed both of these at a university in Michigan. The first degree was completed as a full-time student, I commuted and worked at part-time jobs. The second was completed on a part-time basis as a full-time employee of the university. Our university paid for staff member's tutitions if you worked for the university in the capacity of a staff member full-time. As an employee, you were only responsible to pay for fees. This was a great benefit and one that I greatly appreciated. I worked clerical and administrative jobs while going to school. All were at the university, except for my first job at 18 at a retail store and an adminstrative assistant position at an information technology consulting firm during the brief period between my two degrees.

Okay, now the reason for having two bachelor of science degrees ... I know, I used to ask the question, "Why someone would want to complete a second bachelor's degree? Why not just go on and get your master's?" Well, I really wanted to switch fields. In fact I pretty much made a mistake in choosing the Social Work degree. Great field, but not for me .... I always was fascinated by the journalism field, print media specifically. I also have always had dreams of attempting to write fiction one day. So, I felt the field of journalism was a great choice for me. I knew it from the start. The only thing I can say is pure stupidity and not following my gut instinct made me choose my secondary major choice, thinking I needed to reach out to others, to really challenge myself. Of course, this is a great field and I respect it and those who work in this field. There are so many non-profits out of there in need of dedicated social workers. I just knew that this field was not for me. My heart was always going to be with writing and the writing field and I didn't want to look back and say, "If only ...." So, I decided to complete this degree and complete the second bachelor's in Journalism on my own. My parents were great parents and paid for my first degree. The second degree was me, finally an adult, living on my own and "making it" on my own. The working full-time and going to school was VERY challenging, but I finally completed it. By the way, I decided to go the second bachelor's route as my school did not offer a master's degree in this major and I think it did work out best overall. I also have to add that even though the Social Work field was not what I ultimately did as a career, I can't imagine my educational background without it. I really benefited from the content of that program and I am really grateful for it.

Flash forward to my life today as I sit here typing on my computer to all of you ... I am 28-years-old and married to an Army nursing student. We have been together for 10 years this December, married for a little over one year. We are living in Augusta, Georgia while he completes his Nursing program at Fort Gordon, GA. He will receive his LPN in January '07 and has dreams of being a Physician's Assistant. He is currently Army Reserves, but is trying to transfer to Active, ROTC so that he can continue on with school. We are moving near family in Florida after his graduation. Sorry to give you all of this detailed information, but it is hard to explain my current position in the world of post-graduation job hunting without explaining our circumstances. I came here in June 2006 to join him here in Georgia. We had been living in two separate places, miles and miles apart, since he started training in November 2004. I tried to find a job here in Augusta while still at my job and going to school in Michigan. I started talking to a large administrative recruiting firm here in Augusta, but that was my only lead. I have never done this before and it was VERY scary, but I decided to give my notice so that I could finally move and continue my job search in person in Georgia.

Well, needless to say, I have been unemployed since my arrival here. I tried working with the large recruiting firm here, but nothing happened, no leads. They seemed impressed by my resume, but I was not impressed by their customer service skills and no jobs became available. So, I gave up on them and tried searching on my own and applying for temporary jobs through other staffing agencies. I was only looking at temporary jobs. Several people suggested that I search for a permanent job, but if I had actually secured a job right away, I only had 6 months to work. I am a person who is very truthful and I just couldn't lie to an employer, I would feel too guilty. Everyone kept urging me to look out for myself and go out there and apply for the best opportunities. I wanted a great opportunity, but I just have to be truthful, it is just intrinsic to who I am as an individual.

The hard part about this situation is only being in one place for a short amount of time, something I have never done before. This is the difficult thing of the military lifestyle. Especially if you desire any type of career. But, I believe that I will be able to continue my journey in my career, I may have to be very creative, but I will continue to be optimistic. We plan to be in Florida for some time, so that is a good thing.

So, of course, yesterday I get a call in regards to an open position from a local staffing agency. Of course! I had been switching my concentration on job searching from this area to Florida, since we only have a few months left here, plus the holidays are coming up .... I am currently playing phone tag with the agency. I want to have dialouge with them in regards to if this temporary opportunity would work with my current plans. It most likely will not work out, but I feel the need to get some more information regarding this opportunity. It is an administrative assistant position, but at this point, it would be work.

I really desire to get out of the administrative assistant rut and try to get into a media related field. I prefer print media but anything related would be wonderful. I hope this will occur when we make this next move. I should add that I am trying to add to my very limited journalism experience. I briefly wrote for my university paper for the features section. I was very proud of my work, but I only had three articles while there, I waited too long to start writing for the publication.

I look forward to reading other posts on this site and am excited to be involved! I am sorry this entry was so lengthy!

Posted by Amy M on November 17, 2006 at 8:45 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

I feel like Jimmy Olsen from Superman. Not because I'm an excitable sidekick to Lois and Clark, but rather because I finally got to don the proverbial press hat. This past Wednesday, I was asked to attend a press event at the Franklin Institute here in Philadelphia. The corporate partners for the King Tut exhibit, which will be premiering at the Institute in February of next year, were distributing several free tickets to the Egyptian retrospective to local school children.
Of course, the day started off with a gigantic rainstorm, which I had to navigate through to get to the event. Upon my arrival, I made sure to take the time and squeeze any excess water off my clothing and hair. I dug out my handy dandy reporter's notebook, which had been given to me by one of my uncles. When the doors were finally open, I was initially just happy to be inside where it was warm and much more dry.
Each of the contributors to the exhibit had a representative say a few words before the tickets were handed out. The kids even got to accept the tickets while wearing King Tut headdresses. I took several pictures as well as notes for the web blog I knew I had to compose. Once the event was completed, I hoped in a taxi and headed back to the office. I labored over my synopsis and had a little bit of trouble uploading the pictures, but in the end, it all came together.
Covering the event was very exciting for me because although I have written countless articles and conducted numerous interviews, I had never formally covered an event as a member of the press core. That experience was exactly why I wanted to intern at a magazine. I feel more confident regarding my reporting abilities and it is always nice to have something to show for it. I think Jimmy Olsen would concur.

Posted by Morgan S on November 14, 2006 at 8:40 AM | Leave a Comment (1)

So, here I am. I'm still looking for that "one" job that I've been waiting for since I graduated college, but at least right now, I've calmed down quite a bit. I'm currently working for an attorney which, even though it's only one day a week, I'm still getting experience. I am grateful that I've been given this opportunity. I have been devoting some of my time applying for jobs, wherever I may find them: in the newspaper, Internet, friends or co-workers, etc. and the other half of the time I am relaxing about where I am as far as a career. I've come to the conclusion that I'm not doing myself any good if I'm constantly stressed out about finding another job. Until something better comes around, I need to be focused and concentrate on doing the best that I can at the jobs I have now. I'm hoping that if I don't fret over finding a job that I really want, it will come before I even know it. I have taken a business writing course and now I am searching for jobs in that field of writing. If any of you know where I might be able to apply, given this certificate, please let me know. I have a few ideas, but I would like to hear some others.

Posted by Jill E on November 13, 2006 at 2:38 PM | Leave a Comment (2)

I have been known, on occasion to take on quite a lot of responsibility. It's not that I'm gluten for punishment or anything so dramatic as that. I just want to help out others when they are in need of assistance. The other motivation behind my near overextension is that I do not want to pass up a good opportunity when it comes my way.
The way I figure it; we can always learn something new or get better at what we are already good at. Practice does make your abilities sharper and more refined. In my case, I always jump at the opportunity to write an article especially if it involves conducting an interview. I had agreed to write an article for NV New Visions in Business Magazine, who I had written for numerous times in the past. Over, the weekend, I interviewed the last subject for my feature article. I had conducted an extensive and extremely pleasant interview with one of the subjects for the piece almost two weeks earlier. My editor came to me and asked for a favor. She was not going to be able to conduct the interview for the cover piece and wondered if I could handle it. I agreed and also took the time to interview the subject for our cover story the same day as the aforementioned interview.
I finally finished writing and rewriting the 2, 000 word feature on Halloween of all days. The piece was due to my editor on November 1st, so I made it just in time. I was relieved to get it done because I felt worn out. I was looking forward to a break, when another opportunity presented itself. I got asked to write another piece for the local arts & entertainment publication, Ticket. I really enjoy writing for Ticket, but with the turnaround time for the article, I had to start working on it right away. I'm trying to schedule the interviews for tomorrow and will hopefully compose the piece by the middle of next week. It's officially due on November 10th.
So, what have we learned? Every chance you get offered is definitely worth considering. Even if you're already an ace at something, you can always get better. Besides, you never know whom you'll end up meeting as a result of taking the extra initiative. Networking can happen when you least expect it.

Posted by Morgan S on November 2, 2006 at 9:00 AM | Leave a Comment (1)

Well, since my last post quite a bit has happened. Along with trying to get my little scrapbooking business up and running, my computer had to be sent in to repair. Turns out, it did not take the seven days that Apple told me, it took 14. Of course with my computer luck, more problems ensued after I got it back. Computers do not tend to like me much.

I went to the local YMCA to try to get a scrapbooking program started. That did not turn out as well as I hoped. The woman I talked to was very pleasant and excited about scrapbooking, but did not realize that it does get expensive. Her program had 150+ kids in it so that was not going to work out well for either of us. Something good did happen out of this though. The coordinator also runs a Black and Latino program, which sounds like it's taking off. After she found out that I graduated with an English degree, she was interested to know if I would like to help with getting a bi-weekly newsletter running. I was ecstatic to say the least. Although it would be on a volunteer basis, I see this as a great experience building opportunity for my future editing career. She said that she wanted me to work as an editor for all the high school kids who would be writing it! I was very excited. We sat for a good hour thinking of all the segments and articles that we could do. I would be the one helping them get it all together and teach them how to report and write well. On top of that, she said that there are a lot of volunteers and they might be interested in scrapbooking. I also expect to meet a lot of new friends, as I do not have to many out here yet. It does get a little lonely sometimes.

Along with my unexpected foot forward for my editing career, I had my first Get Together last week. I was so nervous and stressed out that I broke out in pimples. The whole thing went pretty well for my first presentation. I just cannot wait for all this to be over and to have a loyal clienttell base. My leader said that the first year would be the hardest, but to try to work hard. I think that when I come back from the holidays and have a full-time job, I will be a little more at ease. With a steady income I don't think that I'll be so anxious to get clients. Hopefully since I will not be stressing out about it I will be able to get clients with a snap. Wishful thinking, but it will be easier when I'm not feeling so pressured.

Besides all this, with all of my scheming to get jobs from home I've been taken by two scams. Well one scam and one "job" that is pretty much a scam in my eyes. I found a posting on Craigslist for a typist. The ad said that they needed someone to type up ads and that people would give me their information to type up. I thought that it was a legitimate ad, but I had my dad and boyfriend check it out too. After they thought it was okay, I sent in my $14 and got my training information. Well, that was a bust. What they wanted me to do was send out the same kind of ad that I responded to. I was not going to trick people into something that I fell for. I tried to contest the purchase, but that did not work. I deleted the information and have sworn off 'from home' jobs forever. I was not going to lead people to fall for dirty tricks. So now, I'm just going to have to find a job outside of the home. For now it is hard because I'm going out of town for a month and a half and do not have a car. At least I know that the scrapbooking is not a scam. Lesson learned: do not fall for easy money.

Posted by Allison C on October 23, 2006 at 11:54 AM | Leave a Comment (1)

Up until recently, I did not know much about what paralegals do, except that they typically hold less responsibility than a full-fledged lawyer. However, when talking with a friend a few weeks ago, I discovered two things about her: A) that she was a paralegal, and B) that she did not have any college degree whatsoever before being hired as a paralegal. To me this seemed highly unlikely, given all those paralegal training programs out there. After all, why bother taking such a course if you don't need to?

As it turns out, my friend had one of those rare cases where she was hired on the spot because the employers already knew that she was a good, competent worker. After graduating from high school, she took a job as a receptionist at a law firm. When the former paralegal unexpectedly quit, they hired my friend because she happened to be in the right place at the right time. Several years later, she is still a paralegal at that firm, gaining valuable job experience every day.

For the rest of us, the road to becoming a paralegal is not so quick or easy. While not all paralegal jobs require you to have an associate's, bachelor's, or training certificate, almost all of them require you to have had relevant job experience. This job experience can come in many forms, depending on what aspect of law you want to specialize in.

If you're fresh out of high school or college with no prior paralegal (or equally relevant job) experience, your best bet is to go for an associate's, bachelor's, or training certificate. When looking for an educational program, try to find one that offers job placement. Also, attending an accredited school is not necessary, but it certainly looks good on your resume. Lastly, be steadfast in your job search. Paralegal jobs may be steadily increasing, but so is the competition for these positions.

Some info taken from: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2006-07 Edition, Paralegals and Legal Assistants, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos114.htm (visited October 11, 2006).

Posted by Yemisi A on October 11, 2006 at 2:08 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

The easiest way to find entry-level job sites is to actually search for a job. If you are a fan of google, yahoo, msn, whatever you fancy, go there and search. Within seconds you will find a list of general entry-level job sites (such as collegerecruiter.com, salary.com, monster.com, aftercollege.com, job-hunt.org…) and even some sites that are specific to the field you are interested in. These specific sites function just like the general search sites allowing you to post resumes, search for jobs, profile your chosen career and many other useful things.

Personally, I like to look for entry-level job sites that have a bunch of ways to find job opportunities and also allow me to research my chosen field either with real-life commentaries, basic career information, job fairs or career centers. For the entry-level job searcher it is primarily about gaining experience and eventually moving up the ladder into more skilled positions. Any way you can accomplish that will ensure your success and an entry-level job site that can point you in that direction is a great site.

Most of the “general sites” have all of these options and more for entry-level job searchers; however, I do like entry-level jobs sites that specialize in a certain career. Because these sites have targeted information and many more ways for you to improve in that field and not just as an entry-level job searcher in general. Remember, there are so many ways to find what you are looking for on the information highway--you just have to look! So have fun, learn new thins and find that entry-level job!!

Beginning resources:
www.collegerecruiter.com
www.google.com
www.monster.com
www.msncareers.com
www.hotjobs.yahoo.com
www.job-hunt.org
collegerecruiter.salary.com
www.quintcareers.com
www.about.com
www.aftercollege.com
www.campuscareercenter.com
www.careerbuilder.com
www.thingamajob.com
(The list goes on and on and on…)

Posted by Samantha T on October 7, 2006 at 9:05 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

As our society continues its trend toward computer and internet-based forms of entertainment, the demand for graphic designers with viable skills will increase. According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, by 2014 graphic design will be the design-related profession with the most available jobs.

Fortunately, it does not take an excessive amount of schooling to find oneself qualified for a graphic design job. Most jobs require you to have a bachelor's degree in graphics design (or an associate's degree for more technical positions.) However, having a bachelor's degree is not always enough to land that first job at a design firm or advertising agency. With entry level graphic design jobs being increasingly outsourced, it helps to have some relevant experience which you will make you stand out from other job applicants. Because design is such a versatile field, there are a large number of ways in which you can get experience.

One way is to program your own website. Doing so will give you practice in determining what designs work and don't work, and will also emphasize your interest in the career when you show the website to potential employers. Another good thing is to volunteer for the design department at a local newspaper. If you're in college, it's generally pretty easy to volunteer to help with page layout at the college newspaper. This is incredibly valuable in that it will familiarize you with common design programs such as Adobe Photoshop, Quark, and Adobe InDesign. Also, there are many community colleges that offer certificates in Web Design and other design-related fields. Although these certificate programs don't guarantee you a job, they help you practice your design skills, while building a portfolio in the process.

Some info taken from: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2006-07 Edition, Graphic Designers, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos090.htm (visited October 07, 2006).

Posted by Yemisi A on October 7, 2006 at 8:05 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

Over the last year during my job searches I've often come across those job ads that say, "Work From Home!" Most of them are start your own business packages. However, recently I came across a website that supposedly supplies you software that provides company names, forms, etc. that you would need to find those jobs. Of course the catch is that the software costs between $50-$200. I know there has to be a better way of finding legitimate online data entry jobs and such. I did read someone's post a while back touching on the subject of online data entry jobs, and how they are becoming more and more popular. However, I have not had much luck in finding these jobs myself. How do I know what's legit and what's not? Is asking me to pay $50-$200 for software that will supposedly provide me the guaranteed opportunity for online data entry jobs legitimate? Or are all of those in that ever growing list under the category for, "too good to be true"?

Posted by Cynthia K on October 2, 2006 at 1:13 AM | Leave a Comment (2)

This week I met with a woman at RPI's family housing to talk to her about a free scrap booking program. To my surprise she had actually heard of Creative Memories before and was enthusiastic about it. Our meeting only lasted about fifteen minutes, but I got myself a gig at the community center hosting a get together. Residence Life is sponsoring the program so I don't even have to put out fliers, which is good because no one is responding to the ones I posted. The day that we have scheduled isn't until mid-October so I still have to work hard to find people who would be interested in memory books, but at least I have some hope now. I have to admit, if you couldn't tell, that I was beginning to become discouraged.

After doing nothing for a day, I remembered how lazy and boring things get when you do not want to assert yourself. As a result, I got myself motivated and prepared a list of places that I want to visit on Monday. Taking time to revisit my goals and plan out a strategy looks like something that I’ll have to keep doing to keep my little engine running. I did not spend four years in college to waste away on the couch watching TV.

So if you're feeling a little in the dumps like I was, try taking time to relax and recharge. Get your goals back in sight and try again. As New Found Glory says "Failure's not flattering."

Posted by Allison C on October 1, 2006 at 12:25 AM | Leave a Comment (2)

I don't know how many of you reading this actually have jobs. If you are indeed employed, I'm going to suggest that you stop reading this blog. I have a lot of things to say, and, frankly, you don't need to hear them.

This blog is titled "Frustration" for a reason - because I'm tired of this endless search for a career. I'm frustrated because my lower-achieving peers with better connections (or, let's be honest, any connections - as a woman from a lower-income family, I lack the Daddy's Friends network) are getting hired over me. I'm frustrated because I know that I'm qualified, yet no one else seems to think so.

I'm willing to do anything - even if it means writing classified ads 10 hours per week. I'm willing to cover "news" stories at the local Retirement Community. I know I'm not a terrible writer, because I read things by people deemed qualified to write, and they can't even use the correct form of "their"! I've seen NATIONAL ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS use incorrect pluralizations.

I'm still really up in the air about everything. If any of you lovely readers can lend me a well-connected family member for a day, I'll be your grammar slave for a month. I just need that tiny little foot in the door, and then maybe someone will listen to me. Until then ... I'm unemployed and hating every minute of it.

Posted by Krystal Kane on September 28, 2006 at 2:38 PM | Leave a Comment (2)

Now that I've started with Creative Memories, I have to find people who want to come to my sessions to learn how to scrapbook. I'm feeling a little apprehensive about it all. I'm in a town full of geeky tech college students. There are way more guys here than girls, so I don't know if anyone will really be interested. I've posted fliers and sent out some email, but haven't gotten any responses back. One club, which consists of mostly guys, was not interested at all. That is pulling my hopes down a little.

I have an appointment with the program coordinator for the dorms at RPI tomorrow. I'm hopeful for that, but still a little uncertain. What if she decides that this isn't a good thing for the students? If I can't get the ball rolling I'm afraid that I'll crash. My consultant continues to be really supportive so at least I have her, but I'm surrounded by people who are utterly uninterested in scrapbooks.

On top of that, the product that I was planning to make a killing on isn't going to be released until Nov. 1st instead of Oct. 1st. I'm supposed to make a certain retail min. in order to get a successful start. I'm pretty sure that once I can get a good client base I'll be set, but right now I'm feeling pretty blue. It would help if I knew people out here, but with the move, I know about five people and two of them are my fellow consultants. They obviously are doing well in this company, but I just feel lost and frankly, scared that I won't be able to make an income. I just don't want to be loosing money on this. I of course love scrapbooking so the tools won't be a waste, but I really want to be able to support myself.

Posted by Allison C on September 27, 2006 at 10:03 PM | Leave a Comment (1)

Management is a broad category and can fit into sales, construction, engineering, investment, volunteering…and this is just scratching at the surface. Although a manager can manage in a bunch of different ways, in a bunch of different domains, I do believe that this leadership position has universal characteristics. These characteristics can benefit anyone whether they want to sell things, build things, invest or help people. I believe monster.com has a great introduction into the entry-level manager and the jobs that are available. Monster has a whole career section tailored to managers with article postings on how to deal with “toxic employees," how to be the best leader you can be, and more advice for all you entry-level managers out there.

The best suggestions that monster did provide for all those seeking entry-level management positions is that it’s “not all about you” and that basically means a manager must know how to listen and motivate—in addition to lead. I know I have had experiences with less than satisfactory managers who were rarely available to answer questions and to give constructive feedback. The employees always knew exactly what they did incorrectly but were not given tips on how to change that behavior, and in turn, their outstanding behavior was rarely noticed. A good manager would connect and interact with employees, reward outstanding work, and strive to correct unsatisfactory work habits instead of harping on them.

There is a collection of articles that address these very issues (as well many more). It would be great advice for all entry-level managers to read these collections of articles to strengthen their leadership and interpersonal skills. After that, take advance of the management job search tool.

Of course you don’t have to limit yourself to Monster’s job search tool, check out collegerecruiter.com job listings and any other search tool you find useful and have fun, learn new things and find those entry-level manager jobs!!

How To Manage:
http://management.monster.com/
Resources:
http://www.quintcareers.com/business_jobs.html
http://swz.salary.com/salarywizard/layouthtmls/swzl_salaryrangenarrowjob_10_MM02.html
http://www.careerbuilder.com/JobSeeker/Jobs/JobDetails.aspx?IPath=OCCG&job_did=J8E6GF6J4TP4T7QZRV7&cbRecursionCnt=1&cbsid=f9a3a85936f0401ebce115898407ec09-212525069-TP-4
http://www.careerbuilder.com/JobSeeker/Jobs/JobDetails.aspx?IPath=OCPGT&job_did=J8D3LM61SXVSHTVRJ4D
http://www.brginc.com/
http://www.jobs.net/Job.asp?jid=J3F63V6BGTNRSMLPDQ3
http://www.jobs.net/Job.asp?jid=J8F11P5WDYTQ6GXKM3B

Posted by Samantha T on September 25, 2006 at 6:07 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

I've started a new job. It's a real money-paying job! None of this volunteer stuff; not that I don't like to volunteer, but I'm actually getting paid now! After reading a suggestion from a response I got from one of my recent posts, I emailed my local Creative Memories consultant and asked if I could be a consultant. It was as easy as that! I'm about to sign my contract and everyone I've met is really nice and very helpful. The company is on a pyramid system, but there is plenty of room to move up and not a lot of competition for positions. It's one of those kinds of things that you benefit from the people under them, but don't take money from them. The leaders train the new consultants and get rewarded for recruiting as well as training. It's a very friendly environment. The best thing about it, is that you can do it anywhere. I was having a hard time trying to figure out what I was going to do after my move to New York because I plan to go back home to California for two months to stay for the holidays. This is great because I can virtually do it anywhere!

Not only is the company made to make scrapbooks, but they also help clients organize all of the their pictures and teach them how to do everything digitally if they want to. I just think it's great because they really encourage their consultants to try their hardest to motivate their clients.

As well as doing CM, I've also been hired on by an out of country company who sells products to the United States. I'm the middle man who tells them that the customer has paid on this end and that it is okay for them to send their product. After, I forward them the money and get to keep 10% of the profit. I haven't actually started, but it sure sounds like an easy way to make money. It is a plus because this is also a job that I can do from anywhere.

I recieved and email today from the man in charge saying that he would send me the packet giving me instructions. When I had applied, I didn't even think that my application went through because I recieved one of those Mailer-Demon messages directly after sending. It was definitely a nice surprise. More income! Woo-hoo! That's always a plus. I'll let you know how that goes. I'm curious myself. I was a little wary at first, but the application didn't ask for any really personal information, so I thought it was okay. I wouldn't have sent anything in if they asked for my ssn or any account numbers.

Today I found the local post office and on the way I stopped in at the library and applied for volunteer work in the children’s center. I'm hoping that these three new things will keep me busy here.

I’m really looking forward to CM because I love memory books. There is also a cool product that they are offering that I’m totally stoked about. You can actually make your own picture book of memories. It’s so great for people who don’t have time to make their own memory books. I was even wondering if you could publish children’s books this way, but I’m not sure. It seems like you could since you write your story and have your picture. I guess I’ll have to see. I supposed it wouldn’t really be published, but it would be a nice hardbound book of whatever I write. Now I’m curious if that’s a good way to go for children’s picture books… hmmm.

When the new school semester starts after the holidays I also plan to go take some classes at the local junior college. I hate to say it, but I miss school. K-Bachelors Degree really puts you in a routine.

Posted by Allison C on September 20, 2006 at 5:50 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Apparently, there are a lot of things that need to be installed: cable, alarms, satellite, tiles, glass, audio systems, HVAC (heating, ventilating and air-conditioning)…I’m sure the list could go on. The job opportunities that I tracked down are just as diverse, although some are definitely specific to one type of installer job.

How to become a mobile electronics installer is highlighted and I even list a site below that gives a course for HVAC designers and installers. For those wanting to install things related to electronics it is sometimes required that potential employees obtain an MCEP certification. There are various levels for the certification and all take a distinct amount of time to complete (ranging from two to four years), amount of experience required before one can even take the exam, and also have different price tags associated with them. You can either test to be a basic installer, and advanced installer or a master installer and the descriptions for each category are provided on the web page. Information on this exam can be found on the Consumer Electronics Association.

Next go to salary.com and see what you potentially intend to make as an entry-level installer and search for some jobs while there—installation made simple. So, have a great time, learn new things, and find an entry-level job.

MCEP exam:
http://www.ce.org/
http://mecp.com/exams.asp
Resources:
http://www.advancedenergy.org/buildings/courses/HVAC_design_and_installation/
http://www.caraudiohelp.com/newsletter/become_mecp_installer.htm
http://swz.salary.com/salarywizard/layouthtmls/swzl_salaryrangenarrowjob_10_SC02.html
http://www.careerbuilder.com/JobSeeker/Jobs/JobDetails.aspx?IPath=JR&job_did=J8D37M6Y40F780HNK82
http://www.careerbuilder.com/JobSeeker/Jobs/JobDetails.aspx?IPath=OCPGT&job_did=J8A1BC6YKQFTC1DCPMR
http://www.indeed.com/q-Installer-l-Ann-Arbor-Michigan-jobs.html
http://www.sologig.com/Job/9949540

Posted by Samantha T on September 14, 2006 at 11:27 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

I absolutely LOVE food, seriously, I think about it whenever I can. Once I finish one meal, I’m thinking about what I will eat for the next two meals. I can’t help the obsession, I just love to eat, so to work with food for a living, would just be paradise for me. Unfortunately, science and I don’t get along and I don’t have a Bachelor’s of Science degree, so I can’t work with food and get paid for it. Darn. But for all you entry-level food science people out there, all I can say is wow! I mean did you know that there is a person who actually creates flavors? They are called a flavor chemist and manipulate and create flavors. Then there’s the food science specialist that creates product labels and nutrition information. Personally, I’d like to be the person who gets to eat the food, although I didn’t actually see a job description for that. The job descriptions show that food science jobs are a lot less gluttony-based and a lot more scientifically-based, ah well. Definitely check out the University of Minnesota’s site that provides sample job descriptions for food scientists with a BS degree.

Next look into the Major Resource Kit sponsored by the University of Delaware. It lists resources for finding employment, food science job titles to search for, professional organizations for food scientists, as well as employers and lists of other goodies helpful in finding entry-level food science jobs. Then there is the Society for Food and Science Technology, which provides all sorts of the same helpful resources—you can even post a resume. So have a great time, learn new things, and find an entry-level job.

University of Minnesota:
http://fscn.che.umn.edu/undergrad_students/fs_undergrad_students/jobs/food_science_job_descriptions.html
Major Resource Kit:
http://www.udel.edu/CSC/food.html
Society for Food and Science Technology:
http://www.ift.org/cms/?pid=1001283

Posted by Samantha T on September 14, 2006 at 10:35 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Continue reading "Make Specializing in Radio a Rewarding Entry-Level Job Experience" »

Posted by Samantha T on September 14, 2006 at 9:34 PM | Leave a Comment (1)

Well, I finally moved to New York. You might say, 'wow, you'll have great chances to get out into the job force, right?' Wrong. I'm in upstate New York in a little city named Troy. It is located only miles away from the state capitol, Albany, but there are not many places where I would be itching to work at. Sure, I'm probably going to find some kind of job, but I highly doubt that it will be in writing. For now all I'm doing is getting my apartment all settled and my clothes out of my bags.

So far I've lined up a small interview with a scrapbooking company. I think that the company gives the option of working from your home because my hopeful future employer asked me to have 'tea' at her house before her kids get home from school. I'm just thankful that being called a "consultant" does not mean that all I do is host parties. Hopefully that goes well, since I'm only looking for a part-time job. I will be going home for about two months for the holidays, which means that it is hard to find a good job now and squashes my chances of taking any night classes.

On the plane from California to New York I was reading an old issue of US News Weekly. They said that most of the jobs are now in the business industry. I know nothing about business. I'm starting to think that even though I got my BA in English only three months ago that I should enroll in some business classes at the local community college.

Posted by Allison C on September 13, 2006 at 11:21 PM | Leave a Comment (1)

After two years and one term into college, I had finally chosen a path, picked a lane, and decided on a major. Now, it’s my senior year and the path that I had chosen is still the direction in which I want to head, but internships have cast me a bit off course recently.

Being a journalism major whose concentration is News/Editorial, taking on an internship that was broadcast journalism based seemed slightly foreign to me. With each take and flub, I believe I am getting the hang of it though. Being in front of the camera was never my objective, but now it’s because my position and title as head anchor for my college city’s sports channel. I suppose this experience will liven up my resume and prepare me for the “real world” upon graduation.

In life, you don’t always get what you want, but sometimes you get what you need. This new position has opened my eyes to an entirely different field in my area of study. It is a welcome change that has broadened my horizons on different career paths.

In three short terms I will be done with college. Scary as it is, I must concentrate on the daunting job market and finding potential places for me to work at after I graduate. Entry-level jobs seem to be that place for most people my age. You would think that four years at a respectable University, along with on the job experience might give you an edge over the competition, but sadly I don’t think it will. I guess I’ll just have to bite the bullet like all those that have come before me and work my way up the corporate ladder like everyone else.

Posted by Laura W on September 8, 2006 at 1:00 PM | Leave a Comment (1)

The beautiful thing about being a writer is that you can do it at home. Writers don't have to be in the city where their writing will be sent. Freelancing isn't easy but there are so many resources online if you're just starting out. One website that I've found very helpful is freelancewriting.com. You can find writing contests, writing guidelines for magazines that accept freelancers, and writing resources to help you hone your skills.

You can also join any number of online writing communities where you can participate in workshops and--another word that we're all too familiar with--network. There are so many of these communities that are easily found by using any search engine and searching for writing websites. There are also too many sites to name any at all. It's up to you to find the community that best suits you and your writing. There are a lot of different communities out there and you want to be where you're comfortable and feel that you will get unbiased feedback.

Posted by Sara S on September 4, 2006 at 9:20 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Entry-level administrative jobs can be a great foot in the door. If you don't have a lot of experience in your field, a clerical or administrative position can really give you a chance to show off your raw skills.

A lot of entry-level administrative positions are made up of a myriad of odd jobs. It may seem like tedious work but it gives you an opportunity to show your versatility and your patience and, most importantly, your drive. Doing boring, simple jobs well proves that you take your career path seriously and you are willing and able to work your way up. The pay may not be the best either but, again, administrative positions can really give you a chance to prove yourself to your boss and develop and sharpen your skills at the same time.

If you find a place that you want to work for but your skill set isn't developed enough for the position that you really want, start at the bottom. No employer can turn down someone that is passionate about their company and is willing to start at the bottom and grow with the company.

Posted by Sara S on September 4, 2006 at 10:54 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

I'm back after a long period of changes and excitement. The wedding was gorgeous and my husband and I had a wonderful honeymoon. When we returned to my hometown in Ohio, the worry began because we weren't sure how we were going to pull off moving 900 miles south to completely different surroundings. We stayed with some family for two weeks but in a week and a half we had secured a wonderful apartment in which to live and I got a job as a teacher at a local high school. I had to cancel my reassignment to the bookstore in Tampa because it was too far a drive for me to justify spending the gas. But I also knew I had come to Florida with a career in education in mind.

Continue reading "The Trials and Errors In Relocating" »

Posted by Kimberly A on August 29, 2006 at 10:42 AM | Leave a Comment (1)

Some people might advise you to apply for any job for which you fit the basic qualifications. I am advising you against that. While it might seem like a great idea, and you might find something quicker than someone a bit more choosy than you, don't do it.

Finding an entry-level position to start your career can be a long, tricky process. I thought that it would be a good idea if I flooded the market with my resume in hopes that, by sheer quantity alone, it would reach someone who would ultimately be interested in hiring me.

It worked, at least, in theory. I was granted an interview for a sales position because the woman hiring liked the diversity in my experience and the extensive background I have in customer service from all my years working part-time jobs to support my education habit.

After a lot of soul-searching, I declined the interview. I hate sales, and I wouldn't ever be happy doing something like it. I do need to get more experience, but I need experience that will serve me well as a writer and proofreader. My ideal position would let me read a lot, and correct grammar, too.

I am not advising you to hold out for the brass ring of careers. That wouldn't be a great idea. Just keep your ultimate goal - whether it be a career as a publishing executive or as the head of a sales team - in your mind while you search.

Posted by Krystal Kane on August 25, 2006 at 3:30 PM | Leave a Comment (1)

I have been on several interviews since I graduated college, both in my hometown and in the city of my alma mater, and I just can't seem to land a job. I have been complimented numerous times on my resume, and I always seem to have a good rapport during interviews. Here's an example:

I interviewed for this great position that I thought I really had a shot at. I interviewed with the Director, and she and I got along wonderfully! Very casual, relaxed interview, chit-chat, the whole bit. She told me there was one other person to interview who had to cancel (she displayed a slightly annoyed expression at that), and that I would hear something by the end of the following week. So, I waited. No word. I e-mailed her the day I was supposed to hear something, and she said they were still in the interview process. I finally heard back from her today, two weeks later; I let the call go to voicemail because I basically knew I didn't get the job. Well, I was right. She said that, while they were pleased with my coursework, I didn't have enough "relevant work experience." What a Catch 22! How am I supposed to get "relevant work experience" if no one will hire me?

I have come to the conclusion that maybe my major is to blame. While I am very proud of my English degree, I think it's just too broad for what I want to do (journalism/advertising/design/copywriting area). I have found a couple of excellent portfolio schools whose two year programs are equal to 5-7 years at an agency, which is what the positions I have researched require.

Also, I am thinking of going to visit a friend in Germany for at least a month this fall, and perhaps start the portfolio school -- assuming I'm accepted -- in January 2007.

Any thoughts on this? Am I on the right track here? I honestly didn't think finding a job would be this difficult. I never had any trouble in the past. I am getting beyond frustrated about this. Any feedback would be really appreciated.

Posted by Ashley H on August 23, 2006 at 3:08 PM | Leave a Comment (1)

The bad news is that most entry-level driver’s training programs offered are going to cost some money—and I don’t mean pocket change. There are private organizations that offer training in packages consisting of videos, manuals and certificates, and some organizations that offer classes (even a university or two). All will cost you around $250, although the university course was $2,000. If entry-level driver’s training is something that interests you, remember that these are required programs dictated by the Department of Transportation (DOT) for all entry-level drivers. Of course there are also driving schools, which offer all of these classes as well, but they are not free and so to get either your commercial driver’s license (CDL), which is what one strives to get as an entry-level driver, get comfy with the idea of these classes.

I wrote another article a little while ago about entry-level driver training and I know I talked about some classes that were available out there for these training programs. I recommend checking out the DOT’s website where there are endless resources for driver’s in general. The site will show you the different rules and regulations out there that all entry-level drivers must know before they can get a CDL or any other type of professional driver’s license. Then shop around for the best deal out there for entry-level driver’s training (I list a couple of sites I found below).

DOT website:
http://www.dot.gov/
Rules and regulations:
http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/rulesregulations/administration/fmcsr/fmcsrguide.asp?section_type=D
Driver’s Training:
http://www.dot.state.wi.us/drivers/drivers/apply/types/training.htm
http://www.foleyservices.com/pc-47-9-driver-training-package.aspx
http://ntassoc.com/drivertraining.htm
http://southseattle.edu/programs/proftech/comtruck.htm
http://www.business.com/directory/transportation_and_logistics/education_and_training/truck_driving_schools/

Posted by Samantha T on August 23, 2006 at 10:26 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

I start training tomorrow for my new writing position. I downloaded the program that they use, but I'm having a hard time logging in. I'm so confused as to what to do. I've been emailing my contact over and over again to figure it out. I'm a writer, not a computer programmer. I don't want to tell them that I'm not too computer savey, but I'm afraid of the repercussions.

Posted by Allison C on August 22, 2006 at 12:48 AM | Leave a Comment (2)

After graduation I had very little experience under my belt. I was a telemarketer and a bartender during college. Those jobs both taught me very valuable skills but I had no idea how they would translate into the real world. I had no idea how to make my resume look good with nothing but the ability to push an old lady into taking on unnecessary long distance and being known for making the best martini in town. So I got a job that didn’t apply to anything that I wanted to do. For a while I thought I was wasting my time as an administrative assistant but then I was promoted after only 3 weeks to a position that was very hard to fill, and not only fill, but keep someone who could do the job correctly. I was the best title clerk that car dealership ever had and I stayed in that position for 8 months, all the while wondering why I was staying in this dead-end job.

That’s the point, though. I had never had an office job, never held a position that required resourcefulness and brainpower…or so I thought. That dead-end office job helped me learn about myself in a way that the telemarketing and bartending never did. That job showed me that I do, in fact, possess the skills required to go out there in the real world and get what I want.

Sometimes entry-level jobs aren’t exactly the jobs that we may want and we may think that they’ll take us nowhere, but it turns out they may teach us more than we could ever have imagined about ourselves and our abilities. Patience is a virtue but holding out for the perfect entry-level job may not be for the best. Maybe taking a not-so-perfect entry-level job would be better if you’re still a little unsure of your resume and your skills. For those of us who couldn’t afford to take the unpaid internship during college, we may be a little behind with our self-assessment and maybe a “dead-end” job for a little while may not be so “dead-end” after all.

Posted by Sara S on August 21, 2006 at 9:41 PM | Leave a Comment (2)

I'm so excited. Although this job is all volunteer based, I'm super stoked. I've just joined a team of people working as a writer for an online Harry Potter role playing game. The person who I have been in contact with is all about the flattery, which I have to admit boosts my ego quite a bit. I'm a little nervous because he mentioned something about writing "commands". I have no idea how to do any of that stuff. He assured me that people are brought in who don't know how to do that stuff, but I'm still feeling a little apprehensive. I think I will be able to catch on well enough since my boyfriend is a computer nerd. We will have to see.

I've also been thinking about putting an ad in the news paper about personal scrapbookers. I'm very into scrapbooking and have realized recently how much time and effort it takes to put one together. After making one as a wedding present for a friend, I want to try putting together books for others. I was thinking that by putting a little ad in the paper I could see if people in my local area are interested in having someone document their memories for them. It seems like a good idea for now, since Americans never seem to have enough time on their hands now-a-days. After I make my big move I'm going to head to the local paper and test out my theory. Hopefully it will be a success. If this does turn out to be a good idea, I'm not entirely sure why I went to college. Oh well.

Posted by Allison C on August 18, 2006 at 3:11 AM | Leave a Comment (4)

This is the title of the latest online article I read. It is a technique designed to help a college student gain more real world experience while simultaneously fulfilling a class requirement. It can really be a helpful tool, especially if your project gives you the opportunity to work inside a particular company of interest. If no special projects are assigned during the tenure of your class, you might consider asking your professor to replace your final with this assignment, or as extra credit. The Department Chair might even allow this project to be an "Independent Study" project. Once you get past this step, the next thing to do is to choose the company you would most like to study, and contact it to find out as much general information as possible. You will more likely have an easier time entering the company for research purposes as probably the only student working on a project for a college course.

The article uses this example: "I am in the process of completing a special project for my ____ class and have chosen your company to research. Could you please provide me with some information?"

This type of approach is natural in trying to gain entry into a company. Your thirst for knowledge will impress the otherwise closed-mouthed employees so much, it can cause them to share information you would never get. Remember, while conducting your research inside the company, you also have a chance to get the names of key people and titles from within the organization. Because you are likely the only college student using the company for an academic project, it will leave you in a good position with the company for any future job openings. Another reason being you have already gained access inside the company.

As a result of all your hard work, you have accomplished three important tasks: meeting your academic requirement by completing the special project, having greatly enhanced your resume, and gaining access to a company of interest. It's a win-win-win situation! In other words, the special project technique gives a student the chance to fulfill an academic need, and experience a connection with the real world.

Posted by William F on August 15, 2006 at 11:37 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

I'm a huge Harry Potter nerd. I saw a job offer for writers to help out with a website that is doing a MUD game. I didn't even know what MUD was so I had to look it up. The whole gaming world is a big blur to me, but Harry Potter is not. I applied today for two position openings. The best part is that since it is a website, I can do it from anywhere. My location changing won't affect it! I'm hoping that I can get this job to have under my belt. It seems like it would be a great experience and add to my resume. I'm not actually sure if it is even a paying job, but I figured any writing experience right now will help me in the future. Right now I'm pretty stoked. Keep your fingers crossed for me.

Posted by Allison C on August 15, 2006 at 4:12 AM | Leave a Comment (1)

I just realized a short time ago that it has been months since I applied for a new job. Not one application since just before starting this gig back in February. Not that those tiresome forms are missed. In fact, I can't think of a single thing to miss about applying for jobs. It has been great. Well, as great as working full time can be, which it turns out is not really all that great. But enough with the negatives, think positive. Think of the plusses, like not having to dress up anymore, or the fact that I am now getting paid to go to and do all this work. Nobody is bugging me to get a job anymore. I have money now, so I can concentrate on working my way into a career that I actually want in my spare time. It did not work out perfectly, but they worked. With somwthing to stand on now, it is time to start going for bigger things.

Posted by Andrew S on July 27, 2006 at 8:37 PM | Leave a Comment (1)

I was just looking over my email when I read an interesting article on real world experience from a newsletter I subscribe to. Perhaps some of you, like myself, have wondered why it can be a challenge to find entry level work during a job search. The lack of experience is the key, of course, and has you thinking how am I going to gain any real work experience. According to one hiring manager, too many of us get stuck in the mindset of looking only for paid work experience. He says that any type of experience in your field is beneficial, whether full-time or part-time, or paid or unpaid. By taking advantage of any opportunity, you can get a feel for the type of industry you are considering, and may possibly save yourself from making a career mistake. No matter what, he says that all career seekers should use their experiences like a sponge; soak up all of the information you can to help you better understand what a career in a particular field is like. He also talks about internships. He says most of the time, if you ask employers about the availability of them, they will likely say no. However, if you ask about summer jobs in their field, they more often will say yes. He says the difference is that many employers believe that internships are training programs designed to prepare people for the real work in a company; summer internships allow you to do the real work. The real work provides the best experience according to him. And speaking of internships, the next newsletter is entitled, "What They Never Tell You About Internships." I will be sure to tell you next week.

Posted by William F on July 25, 2006 at 11:52 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

I have always known that I want to write but, between the discouragements of high school English teachers and the failings of my college education, getting the ball roling on a writing career has been very difficult. Ok, it hasn't been just difficult, it's been easily avoided. I don't know where to start so why try? I realize that part of this evasion is due to a personality flaw, but the rest is due to the lack of a starting point.

For quite some time now I've felt that all was hopeless. However, now that I've actually found a starting point (this blog!) I've realized that I know exactly where to look to find things. The internet is so full of resources for writers. I've joined some other writers' blogs and have discovered a support system that I've never had before. I've always been a little afraid to socialize online. I've never joined any chat rooms or made friends playing online poker but I'm slowly growing the confidence to post a comment here and there. Pretty soon I may actually have the guts to post my own writing on some of these sites!

I have realized my dream to become a writer in an age in which technology can be my greatest ally in firing up my confidence and my career. I feel a little silly that this hasn't come together before but I suppose it's better late than never.

My next step is learning how to incorporate all of this into my resume....

Posted by Sara S on July 23, 2006 at 9:27 PM | Leave a Comment (1)

I'm back from my international study at Oxford University. What can I say of the experience? It opened my eyes to possibilities. Yes, even for someone who isn't young. I am a nontraditional, older student, married with three children. I have been trying for over a decade to finish my education! Although I missed my children terribly, I do not regret the experience in any way. In some ways, I rediscovered myself--perhaps the temporary detachment from my spouse allowed me to remember who I am as an individual--and the possibilities my future holds. I also believe the experience allowed me to view life as more than simply my version of the American-centric dream. I heard many different accents and languages, and even heard accented words at 1 A.M. that would make my mother blush. I learned alot about another culture and space in time. And I am truly thankful. For those who read my post, I wish for you the experience of international study--in more ways than one, it is the experience of a lifetime--and it will change you forever.

Posted by Nancy P on July 20, 2006 at 10:06 PM | Leave a Comment (1)

After the stress of finals week settled, I was abruptly thrust into the rush of finding the perfect summer job. With about two weeks of summer behind me, I was starting to feel the angst of disappointment and despair in ever really finding a job that 1.) I enjoy 2.) That pays upwards of minimum wage. I was about to throw the towel in, until one fate full day my sister informed me of the perfect opportunity.

It isn’t a 9-5 job, it pays extremely well, and it’s fun. Sound too good to be true? Well it’s not. I was skeptical at first, but once I learned more about this amazing offer, I jumped at the chance to be apart of the program.

This summer I am working as a promotional model, doing marketing and promotions for various big wig companies. I advertise their products, talk to customers, and do a number of other fun activities. In fact, next week I will be traveling to Las Vegas to work in a casino and advertise cell phones for a large sports company.

The only downside is, if you can even call it that is that the work isn’t entirely steady. It fluctuates from week to week. But, on the other hand, I choose my own hours and what jobs I will accept and for what pay. The Las Vegas job pays $35/hr for two weeks, working 10 hours a day. You do the math, cha ching!

Being a journalism major, I intended to find a job that used my talents as a writer and as a reporter, but since nothing in that field was available during my three months of summer, I chose another option. Work in fun locations, for lots of money, meeting new people everyday. I think I made the right choice. I learned a valuable lesson, don’t turn down an opportunity just because it isn’t directly related to what you want to do in life…sometimes the best things come your way when you least expect them to.

Posted by Laura W on July 19, 2006 at 6:46 PM | Leave a Comment (1)

Part of the responsibilities of being an instructor at softball camp this past week did actually involve coaching. I enjoyed being able to encourage, instruct, and motivate the girls with whom I worked. It was fun and gratifying to see the concentration on their faces as they worked to implement even small improvements. Unfortunately that was tempered with the incredibly frustrating task of trying to keep control of the campers when they weren't on the field. I thought it would be the younger kids -- 10 through 13 or so that would be the problem. It wasn't. It was the older kids, 16 and 17 year olds that decided it was a good idea to pelt the younger kids with water balloons, and to remove the large trash can from the contraption in the bathroom, fill it with water, and then douse two of the other counselors with it, leaving an inch of water on the hallway floor. We had water activities planned for them after the last session of the day. Couldn't they wait? I know I'm not that much older than they are, but I guarantee I NEVER acted like that a camp. I had respect for the counselors and respect for the fact that it was other people's property.

Nothing we as a group of counselors did seemed to make a difference. One of the head coaches sat them down the first night and talked to them about appropriate behavior, and did so again the second night. I know making threats and not following through is a waste of breath, but all that was left was to send them home. That wasn't a decision I or any of the other instructors could make, and the coaching staff chose to deal with it via tepid threats that didn't work.

I'll obviously have to do a lot more work with kids to find what works for me to establish rapport and respect. On the field I had it, but off the field it evaporated. Still, overall it was a positive experience that I now plan to participate in each year that I'm able. I may even see if I can be a guest instructor at some other camps as well.

Posted by Dorian N on July 14, 2006 at 12:20 PM | Leave a Comment (1)

I had an interview with a major publishing house on Monday. This is what I've been waiting for! Somebody finally gave my resume a chance and I was hoping that they would meet me and give me a chance. The interview went great! He said some really positive things as he walked me out and I thought for sure that I would at least move on to the second interview. On Tuesday I got the call. Unfortunately, I was unable to talk to him because I was at work and couldn't answer my phone but he left a message. The message told me that he really enjoyed talking to me and meeting me but unfortunately he was unable to ask me to come for a second interview. I was really bummed out. I thought for sure that this was it, my foot in the door. It was for a sales job but he had told me that if there was ever a position open in one of the editorial offices I'd already have a better chance of getting the position than people who didn't work for the company. I had myself all excited thinking that my life could finally start! This is my career! Not just another job. I e-mailed my interviewer and asked him what I could do differently next time. He said nothing. I was great, I handled the interview process extremely well, and the only reason he didn't ask me to the second interview was my lack of experience. The two people that he asked on had been doing this for years and already knew some of the clients. He encouraged me to continue pursuing a career in publishing. He said that I had the right personality for it and that I would do well in publishing. He also told me to keep in touch and use him as a reference if I needed to.

So I suppose I will continue waitressing and living with my parents. I am working part-time at the newspaper in town. It's a small publication but they're teaching me things that I would never learn anywhere else (except school!) and I'm helping out with the advertising. I guess another year of this and I'll have enough experience, that is if I don't go crazy first.

Posted by Sara S on July 14, 2006 at 7:39 AM | Leave a Comment (2)

Okay, round one goes to the kids. In the first 24 hours of camp, I've been spit on from four stories up, I've been nailed in the head with a nerf football thrown at close range, I've been lathered up with soap, and I've had to discreetly remove a large banner on which 11 and 12 year olds had drawn what they said were "butt holes". I ask myself how it is that they have the time to do this, since we were on the field from 4 to 530 and from 7 to 830 last night and again today from 9 to 12 and 2 to 415.

Although the other counselors and I are simply following the schedule given, we all feel like there needs to be more structure so these guys can't create havoc. The schedule was created by people who have their own children -- what were they thinking???? I'm hopeful that as I get to know some of these campers that I can gain some respect and squelch some of the bad behavior, but I'm thinking it might already be too late! Maybe in tomorrow's blog I can focus on the actual coaching aspect instead of 'crowd control'!

Posted by Dorian N on July 12, 2006 at 3:29 PM | Leave a Comment (1)

In response to one of my very early blogs, a comment was written that I should try coaching in order to implement my love of and experience with sports into a job opportunity. Today I'm going to try that out by being an instructor at a youth softball camp. Although most coaching jobs are volunteer positions, I will get paid a stipend for this. In addition, since this is a fundraiser for the college program that I play for, it will allow the coaches to see me in a different light. Hopefully I find out that it's something I enjoy. I'm not sure about the age group -- I've never really been good with elementary or middle school kids, but we'll see how I do. There will be some high school age players attending, but I don't know who I'll be assigned to yet. It's hard for me to imagine that I'm now old enough for someone to look up to the way I looked up to my instructors when I went to camp. I still remember a few of them and the impact they had on my softball career. I hope I can do the same.

Posted by Dorian N on July 11, 2006 at 11:44 AM | Leave a Comment (1)

Forgive my ignorance, but since I have only just started on the path towards teaching certification, I am not fully aware of the options available to me before I receive a valid certificate to teach from the state of Florida. I know in Ohio you can substitute teach even if you don't have a teaching certificate as long as you have a bachelor's degree. Does anyone know if the same holds true for Florida? I have been online looking at websites about teaching in Florida, and they offer a wealth of information on teaching jobs and how to get certified, but none offer information about subbing. Should I contact the Florida department of education? I'm very curious because I want to get a feel for various classroom environments. My experience with teaching has been limited to tutoring one on one and conducting a few small groups.

Posted by Kimberly A on July 1, 2006 at 10:16 PM | Leave a Comment (3)

About a month and a half ago I walked in to the local newspaper here in my small town and asked if they would like to have another pair of hands around in exchange for the experience. They said that they would be in touch. I finally got a phone call yesterday. I had assumed that they would ask me to come in and help with mailings or some other odd job. I get better than that, though. The editor of the paper called and asked if I would like to come in and do a job shadow. She told me that she would like me to take part in every step of the process and decide which step I would most like to learn more about. Once I decide I will then spend my time learning about that department until I decide to move on or they decide that they want to put me on the payroll.

When I walked in to the paper that first day I was nervous and unsure of what I was doing. I didn't know what to expect or if I was wasting my time. I didn't even know if newspaper was where I wanted to be anymore. I'm fairly certain that, even if I do decide that newspaper isn't where I want to be, this experience will most definitely not be a waste of time. I walked in unsure and expecting very little and now a door that I was sure would be closed to me forever is opening wide.

I guess I'm not sure how things will turn out yet but after next week I'll have a better idea. I think that everything will be just fine. Hopefully, this will be the experience I need to help give direction and focus to my career search.

Posted by Sara S on June 22, 2006 at 9:42 PM | Leave a Comment (1)

Yvonne -- thanks so much for your comments and insight about the internship in the Finance Industry and how I will be able to apply it to my ultimate career goals of a Public Relations position within the sports arena. I feel so much more positive about the type of experience I'll be getting. Even though I knew it was a great opportunity, now I am really excited about it and how it can fit!

Posted by Dorian N on June 20, 2006 at 5:18 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

I recently took your advice and followed up on a job for which I had applied. It was a minimum wage summer job in a candy store. I have a friend who works there and I was positive they were hiring. I also knew that they had called all three of my references. When I called the woman doing the hiring I identified myself, stated that I was aware that my references had been contacted, stated that I was calling to follow-up because I was still interested in the positition, and then asked if there was any other information I could provide. I got a very brusque, "Your information is complete. We'll call you if we need you." Since summer is well under way, it seems likely that I won't be called. I would have liked to ask the woman what set others apart that caused her to hire them instead of me. Was it my availability? Or, was it simply that she got to talk to their references sooner for some reason? Knowing that type of information would be helpful to me as I apply for future jobs. However, she never gave me the opportunity, getting off the phone as quickly as possible. I don't really feel like I can call her back and say, "I'd really like some more information about why I didn't get the job." Yet, I don't feel like I really learned anything from this experience. And, at this stage of my work experience, I feel like I need to learn as much as I can, both from jobs that I'm given and opportunities for which I've been turned down.

Posted by Dorian N on June 19, 2006 at 7:23 AM | Leave a Comment (1)

I empathize with my peers who have expressed their dislike of the job market today. I know many of us believed that when we finished school, a good job that was reasonably interesting to us would be available for us. I believe I have commented on that before by using my fiance as an example. However, he like the rest of us, has to realize that we need to swallow our pride and focus on learning skills and gaining experience before we can just jump into a job we really like. And let us be completely honest with ourselves, how many people do we know absolutely love their jobs? There will be no perfect job for us, and many will be boring and "lame" when we start out in the professional world.

I have made an effort to combat feelings of boredom and shock with the working world by following the example of my mentors and realizing that leaving college becomes another big adventure. Yet, instead of having college career advisors to tell us what to do, we have to explore our options on our own. Take my example. I work at a national bookstore chain that pays a just liveable wage. I had gotten out of school last year thinking I should get a high paying job immediately and that I was entitled to it. I was wrong, because I was turned down for the higher paying jobs due to lack of experience. I then felt drawn to the bookstore because I wanted to work with something I love, books. I learned all about book selling and the way books are marketed even before they hit the stores. The experience and skills I gained from this bookstore job are valuable to me as I move on to another job. I know all of us hate being viewed as a lowly grunt in a big business world, but you can't look at it that way. You must view experience, no matter how mundane, as valuable to your next job.

This brings me to my next point, you can and should move on when you have started at the bottom, in my case learning about book selling, and move forward to something else that interests you. Because my fiance and I chose to move to florida, we have both set out to get our teaching certificates because we really like the idea of teaching. Neither of us majored in Education, but that doesn't matter. We look forward to starting something new so that we can add to our list of skills and experiences. I value the idea of becoming an educator because the idea of bouncing back ideas with my students is an exciting prospect. Naturally, my fiance and I will have to work other jobs until we finish the certification process, but we view the job in between as valuable as well. I have over three years of experience in office automation. I don't particularly enjoy clerical work, but it pays the bills and lets future employers know that I continued gaining experience in the work world before I got the job I set out for.

I guess what I am trying to say is: don't view your first job out of school as the end of it all. It's the beginning and a stepping stone to something better. But don't ever be unemployed or without internships. I sometimes resent the corporate attitude of the bookstore I work for, but I make jokes with the customers and refuse to let myself be beat down by big business practices. I am looking forward to leaving the bookstore job, but I would never write it off as completely useless during my first year out of college.

Posted by Kimberly A on June 16, 2006 at 11:36 PM | Leave a Comment (1)

Posted by Andrea K on June 13, 2006 at 1:45 PM | Leave a Comment (1)

Boy how much do we humans love the word free. Advertisers throw the word around almost every chance they get and you know why? They do it because free is such a great concept. Getting something for nothing is the idea of free.

If you're struggling out there in the world and you're trying to get some experience, then offer your services for free. Yes, it doesn't make sense but experience is experience. (Duh? I know.) If you can go into an interview saying that you worked for free at an employer or did a free internship, then it still looks good. Also, if you're offering your services for free, then even if an employer isn't looking for somebody they still may let you come aboard their team right now for free because eventually, they will need to hire somebody and pay them.

Posted by Matthew M on June 13, 2006 at 12:43 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

It's the end of the year and I'm about to graduate, but I don't know where I'm going. I've applied to a bunch of internships and jobs, but I haven't gotten any replies. I've been told that companies don't respond right away, but still, this is taking forever. I'm starting to get really discouraged. I don't know how to go about finding jobs other than applying online. There aren't any big companies in my field around where I'm from so I can't just go there. There are so many posts that need people who have a lot of experience, but it's like, well how can I get jobs like that if there aren't any entry level openings? It is very frustrating and I feel sorry for my parents who put me through college and now I can't even find a job. I'm lost and loosing hope even though I just started.

Posted by Allison C on June 12, 2006 at 4:55 PM | Leave a Comment (1)

Ever wonder how to get more experience? It seems like in today's society that is what talks. Employers want to see what you have actually put into effect along with results (which should be maintained as part of your portfolio) rather than just listen to a story.
Job shadowing can be of great help to aid in learning more and more about a specific computer program or something of the sort. I wouldn't classify it as an internship just yet, but taking a week or couple days to even sit down and absorb any information that can be of use from a friend or network personnel can be very beneficial. It's all about forming relationships in the workforce!
Volunteering is another great opportunity to learn from your surroundings in a field that you are interested in. I, for one, have done a lot of this, and have gained great experience in doing so. Volunteering for a position that might be just once a week at a studio or college function can get you on the map.
I am always looking for other ways to gain experience or to go that extra mile to learn a different technique the might be more time-efficient. It is a very competitive world out there, and I can tell you from my experiences, building relationships in the workforce is crucial no matter what the process may be, volunteering or shadowing.
Employers will take the time to search your background employment or past experiences for security purposes and to assue that the applicant is being honest and has a hand on what they actually say they know. Just be prepared for any questions that may follow about the job or experience you have done because I can almost assure you that these are usually tag-on questions during an interview.

Posted by Daniel B on June 1, 2006 at 12:16 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

The two frequently dreaded words: “work experience.” It’s interesting and quite encouraging because it does not have to be black and white. For this reason I think it’s important to take every job opportunity as just that—an opportunity. Regardless if it fits in the exact shape, size and weighted box I see my future career and life in. Everything is an experience that can enrich not only my resume but also my career and life skills.

I have applied for an internship in promoting diversity in education, summer seminars and a fellowship dealing with overpopulation issues. None of these experiences fit comfortably into my future life box (labeled International Journalist) but they are entitled what I like to call “meaningful experiences.” To me that is much more important than “work experience,” which anyone can obtain at their local fast food chain. It’s those experiences I can mold to support what I want to do in the future or even to strengthen and enrich skills I have now that are beneficial to my future career goals.

In addition, I had to learn not to be afraid of work opportunities that were a lot more work and a lot less lucrative—some not lucrative at all. It’s these experiences where I feel I don’t have the fear of failure or dismissal and so it’s possible to do my best work. Even taking the time to fill out resumes and cover letters is practice that has aided me a lot. I feel like I can write a cover letter with ease and am even recruited to help friends. Although the idea of consistent work without pay frightens me, I know that it is only a rite of passage into more lucrative ways to write and report internationally.

My current project is a series of summer seminars the month of July in DC, where I get to talk about social issues with peers and professionals and hopefully secure some contacts for the future. Even though I am unemployed currently and still on the job hunt I am engaging in what I fondly describe as “meaningful time spent unemployed.” That future employer had just better lookout because I am more than ready to get to work!

Posted by Samantha T on May 26, 2006 at 9:06 PM | Leave a Comment (1)

I'm not sure what to do now. On the one hand, I do want to move up and get a better job than the one I have now. On the other hand, I have not been there long, and do not miss interviewing, getting my "personality" (more like conformability) tested, searching through the endless ways businesses try to communicate how "creative" their company is...using pretty much the same wording as the company above them-and the one above that and the one above that.... In short, I don't miss looking for a job.

I do worry about getting too comfortable with my present state. Not that my job is bad, but I definately feel that I can do better. The motivation just is not there anymore, not nearly at the level it used to be at much of the time. When I am at work, I want to go find a new one. At any time that I could be looking for a job I remember what job-searching was like.

Posted by Andrew S on May 24, 2006 at 7:16 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Exactly one month before I finish college (for good). A quick little summer session is finishing me up....
So i think im on track with my job search. Ive been applying to relevant companies...but theres a little problem:
4 years of college and THEN I decide to change my major. Lucky for me, I only had to extend my time by a year.

Anyway...thinking that i was going to pursue a career in "major #1" my resume is bursting with the appropriate experience. Now that i want to pursue major #2, my former interest simply wont do me any good at all.
Im stuck in transition...
The catch: I have approximately 7 months to catch up with what students in that field have been exposed to for 4 solid college years. 7 months because that is when the deadline hits for the MA program in my brand new field.

Along with the full time job i'll be getting (hopefully) Im crossing my fingers for an internship, volunteer work, something once a week...once a month even!!
Im totally the new kid on the block here....
...anybody trying to pursue the film/screenwriting industry in NYC??

Posted by Victoria O on May 22, 2006 at 9:21 PM | Leave a Comment (1)

About a year ago at this time, I graduated with my Associate Degree in Marketing. It was a great thrill to do so after two and a half years. However, over the last year, I realize that while education is very important, a little experience can't hurt when you enter the job market. Like most people, I put together a resume and have been checking out jobs online. But in today's job market, to get the best jobs, employers like to see potential employees with experience on their resumes. The one I have now centers around my previous education, but that is not enough. I want to develop skills in the workplace. When I heard about this internship, I thought about the opportunity presented to me. This is a chance for me to develop skills such as writing, communicating, and networking. I want to build a more "experienced" resume for employers, if you know what I mean, and this internship is my first step in doing so. I plan on going back to school in the future to continue my education, but for now I want to focus on gaining invaluable experience in the real world. It is important to remember that while our society stresses the importance of a quality education, it must not forget the "EX" factor, which is experience.

Posted by William F on May 22, 2006 at 12:41 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

It seems I have been so consumed with my job searching lately that I've neglected to think about my long term future. This is a pitfall that needs to be avoided.
After I graduated with my BA I thought I'd take two years off to work and then go back to school, with some saved up funds and a refreshed outlook toward education. A year has passed now since I graduted from college, and I have yet to find a full time job. Lots of matters complicate my job search from location to timing. Needless to say my savings account is still nonexistent. Graduate school is no closer than it was a year ago.
This weekend, frustrated by my inability to find work, I decided I would take the time to check back into grad school. This renewed my interested in my education and eased my stress. I've been so occupied with finding a job for today, that I forgot about my goals and the job I want to have tomorrow.
Grad school doesn't happen overnight and it most certainly doesn't aleviate the need for a job. Monday morning the job search will resume full speed ahead, but when I'm done turning in inquiries and resumes I will be working on my grad school applications.
When you are so consumed by a task like finding a job, it is important to find another outlet, another goal, something to give you some clarity. Having that other outlet not only relieves my stress, but it also gives a great answer to that often asked interview question, "Where do you see yourself in five years?"

Posted by Amber W on May 21, 2006 at 4:26 PM | Leave a Comment (1)

Recently I just quit my job, for a few reasons, but one thing that made me uncomfortable there was the fact that I had worked there when I was 17 years old before graduating college or high school. Holding the job at times brought me back to that place, and almost made me feel like the years I spent in college were unneccesary. This was tough to deal with because six years later I didn't seem to have made any progress. However, I have now been out of work for a few weeks and am beginning to feel the strain. This is when I pick up the local want ads and see a job open at the place where I held my first job when I was 15. This postion is for a good wage and is full time with benefits. It's a more involved job than I did, but I am apprehensive due to my previous experience there.
I know that my time there would be an asset to that position, but I can't help but feeling that this is taking a step back. Even though it is a good position, and pretty much one of the best opportunities for me right now, I can't bring myself to turn in my resume.
I feel like while I held my last job it held me back from new experiences. I want to build my base of skills and expertise, and not settle into the same old thing just because it's easy. If this is my final choice on the matter there is one same old thing I will probably have to settle back into: eating Ramen noodles.

Posted by Amber W on May 16, 2006 at 6:15 PM | Leave a Comment (2)

Waiting for a period of time after you submit your resume can be daunting, and seem like it takes forever. Don’t worry, you aren’t alone. You must remember that employers are looking for the best candidate for the job.
Sometimes I feel like maybe I don’t have 100% what a company is looking for, but I try to highlight my best qualities that I have and what things I have accomplished. I’m not going to deny that the endless wait sometimes can make me frustrated and wonder if everything was right on the resume. Or, if those last touches did make that final impact. All I can say is definitely do follow-ups on what was submitted. Making a log of when you sent your material might be a good idea to keep track of dates. I know it has helped me. As far as the wait, patience is key.

Posted by Daniel B on May 16, 2006 at 1:02 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

I put my 2-week notice in today. I felt really bad about it. My boss looked like she was going to cry the whole time and she kept trying to be professional but I could tell she just wanted to get down on her knees and beg for me to stay. She told me that I went above and beyond what was expected of me and that they will never be able to find anyone to replace me. I just kept thinking that she was upset because she wouldn't be able to low-ball somebody of my abilities again. She'd never find another sucker like me. She offered me more money, not enough for me to stay. Even if I had taken the raise I still wouldn't have made enough to justify my hard work. I told her that I appreciated everything that she'd done for me and everything that I had learned and that I would come back and visit and keep in touch. I told her that I want to pursue my passion and I just don't have the time or energy to do it while working there. With the hour commute I'm gone for 10 hours every day. Just to make ends meet I have to work Saturdays for overtime. I told her I couldn't justify working so hard for so little anymore.

I think she lost credibility in me when I told her what I was going to do instead. I don't know if I've given up or if I've finally realized what I want to do and what I need to do to accomplish it. I'm cutting the commute out of my day and I'm going to work at a restaurant 5 minutes away from my house. I'll probably work, at most 25-30 hours a week. I'll probably make more money in that time than I do in 40 hours at my current place of employment. I've decided that in order to move forward in my career (that has yet to bud) I need more time. In my spare time I am going to start spending time at the town newspaper. It's a small, very small, publication that comes out once a week but I will be able to learn about working at a newspaper without having to really work at a newspaper. I'm also going to start submitting my writing to contests and see if I can win a few, or maybe just one.

So, I've left the office job for a serving job. Some would say that I'm taking a step back, that this is definitely not going to help my chances of getting a better job. I think I would disagree. My mission now is to make as much money as possible in as little time as possible so that I can really concentrate on my writing. I'm done not believing in myself and I'm ready to take the next step. I'm ready to start furthering myself and my writing.

After I put in my 2-weeks I started to wonder if I'd made a mistake. That's when I received a phone call. There is a 1/2 hour of every day that I have to answer the phones at work. A 1/2 hour that I'm the only person in the office to answer the phones. I work in a car dealership and most people call and ask for service or sales or a particular person and you never know the identity of the caller. This caller identified himself before asking for anyone in particular. He turned out to be a professor at the University. I'd never taken one of his classes but we had crossed paths at a writing seminar my senior year. I then told him who I was and he remembered me. We talked for a moment and I told him about my new plan. Turns out he's writing a book right now and asked me if I'd like to meet some people that could help me along my way.

That phone call sealed the deal. It's fate. My time has come to start pursuing the rest of my life. It's going to be hard but I think things are finally going my way.

Posted by Sara S on May 8, 2006 at 7:34 PM | Leave a Comment (2)

The challenges of a globalized economy
Hello Fellow Colleagues,
I am excited to write for CollegeRecruiter.com! I am currently working on a PhD in Leadership for Higher Education and I have had a multitude of work experiences that include advertising sales and management, teaching, writing/editing, and now extensive PhD researching. My current job market is in Arizona and it has always been a challenge finding interesting work that pays well in this particular area, and now in this new globalized economy. I find that one needs to constantly upgrade one’s skills and abilities to stay competitive and marketable…hence, the PhD work. I will be writing about my work experiences, advising others on the challenges of finding that perfect job, interviewing skills, and the advantages of seeking higher education to become more marketable and attractive to employers. In addition, I will discuss how to change one’s career track and how to adapt and compete in a constantly changing globalized workplace. Let the games begin!
The Punk Rock PhD
Lisa Marie

Posted by Lisa P on May 8, 2006 at 4:49 PM | Leave a Comment (1)

Though this is my first entry it has certainly not come too soon. I graduated a year ago in May and my job search has not been easy. I left my job as a bartender to get some 9-5 experience, or rather 8:30-5:30 experience.

I got a job 7 months ago as an administrative assistant at a local car dealership. I'd never worked in an office before so I thought a couple months of filing and answering phones would be good for me. I was promoted after 3 weeks to title clerk. I thought this was great! I have worked very hard for the last 6 months and have reaped the benefits, kind of. My supervisor loves me! She can't give me enough to do. In the last year this dealership has been through 6 title clerks. They struck gold with me. A college education with no experience to back it up! Jackpot! My pay is just not high enough to support my work load anymore. I have a $30,000 education and I am still below the poverty line in an industry that I have no interest in growing with. I have no money saved up, I don't make enough money to save, and I haven't got the time during the day to find another job.

So where do I go from here? I haven't figured that out yet either. I suppose this can be the beginning of my new journey. The inevitable moral of this story is to do well in school and participate in as many extra-curricular activities as possible. For those of us who have to work to pay our way through college there just isn't time to take unpaid internships or join clubs. I'm stuck between a rock and a hard place and now I have to figure a way out.

Posted by Sara S on April 30, 2006 at 5:43 PM | Leave a Comment (2)

Today I had a job interview, but it wasn’t to progress my skills as a journalist, it wasn’t for “hey this looks good on my résumé” purposes, and it definitely wasn’t for a title I could go around dropping while speaking to females to impress them.

The interview was for a menial, retail job that many college students like me have to get all the time to survive. Students need books, food, clothing, personal hygiene items, and the occasional recreational item to take their minds off of school for a few hours of the day like a video game or a DVD, and those costs can add up quick.

We have to suck it up, disregard our college education, put all of our highfalutin phrases away (like highfalutin), and get an entry level job in retail, industry, or business where customers have to talk into a giant head to get their ordes, to help pay for the costs of bettering ourselves through college.

Catch-22 situations such as these are all over the place, where we as students decide we don’t want to have to work at an entry-level job our whole lives so we go to college, yet we have to get a job there to help pay to avoid it.

As I sat in the chair being asked questions of how I would improve the company, what my good and bad qualities were, and all the other cliché questions college professors told us we would definitely be asked, I did realize something however.

These interviews are great learning experiences, especially if they are for jobs that we won’t be greatly disappointed if we don’t get hired. If we mess up an interview for stocking shelves, then let’s be frank, there are tons of other shelves that need stocking out there. If we mess up our dream job interview where we only get one shot, then lots of ice cream consumption is likely to occur as we spiral downward into a massive pit of depression and self loathing.

Students about to graduate, like myself, should understand that these interviews for temporary jobs can be far more helpful than any professor can give us in class. By going through interviews such as these, we can become familiar with some of the more obscure or oddball questions employers might throw at us and we can even become so comfortable with the interviewing experience that we can gush confidence in later interviews in far larger amounts that could be provided by anything purchased on an infomercial at 3 a.m.

So get out there and interview, even if you don’t want a job, because you might as well learn how to interview before you’re sweating like you’re under the hot seat on one of those television cop drama shows during your dream job interview. Interviews for 'zombie' jobs can still be beneficial.

Posted by Matthew M on April 17, 2006 at 3:18 PM | Leave a Comment (1)

While attending college for my undergraduate degree I learned that every challege that comes forth will need to be surpassed by a lesson well learned. ( I think that overcoming adversity should be inevitable.... but its not.)
Now that I have recently graduated, I didn't realize that I was going to spend endless hours, days.... even weeks on researching career opportunities and the million different ways to create the "ideal" cover letter and resume.... I am still searching for that perfect job. But until then I am also learning new traits about myself. First, I need to be more patient and understanding that my ideal job will not come over night. SecondIy, I must be open to related opportunities. So my advise to other graduates or college seniors, or anyone looking for a carrer is keep your eyes and ears open to new avenues and ways to get involved to become more marketable. I have always been a true advocate for volunteering and networking. I have learned as a young teen that in order to get recognized as the hardworking person that I am I need make a name for my self and by volunteering with local organizations it has been beneficial in the long run. So have patience, be open minded and network b/c you never know where the journey ahead will lead until you understand that patience is a virtue.

Posted by Estrella F on April 14, 2006 at 4:20 PM | Leave a Comment (1)

It is the third month and I still hove not been able to find work. Unless I want to go back being a cashier or paperboy. the whole point of going to school was to get a job I might actually want to work for more than minimum wage but everyone wants us to have experience already. Even when they say it is a great opportunity for students they still want experience. how is that possible if the person is still a student? Unpaid internships do not help those of us with bills to pay, we need a paycheck. So i have extended my search to anything that is not a minimum wage, customer service position and still I find that no one is willing to train. How does one get experience when no one wants to hire a person without it?

Posted by Julio M on April 12, 2006 at 9:41 AM | Leave a Comment (1)

I'm trying to decide if returning to school would be my best choice at this point. I know where I want to end up. I know what would make me happiest, and I know it is an achievable goal. I'm a writer, a very dedicated writer. I'm a photographer and an editor. I can research tirelessly and fearlessly speak to anyone. Using every skill in my arsenal, I can write, edit, lay out and publish my own newspaper if need be.

Since the moment I decided that the journalism field was where I could make the biggest impact, I've followed a path to bring me closer to that goal. Along the way I know that I've had setbacks. It's taken me longer to get my B.A. then I ever thought it would. I had a terrible accident that left me recovering from surgery for months. Things out in the real world have bruised and battered me body and soul.

Lately I find myself with renewed purpose and dedication. I get that mythic college diploma I've been working for this summer. Then I face the real world out there.

To follow my dreams, I know I need more education and experience. In the meantime, I want to polish my Spanish skills, make a name for myself here and perhaps try for a graduate degree in Spanish language journalism.

Part of me is afraid that grad school would just be another way of pushing the real world further into the future. Yet I think I can make excellent contacts and open up new opportunities with this program. One of the teachers used to teach at the community college I went to and she has really been a wonderful mentor all these years. She's advised me it would be a good way to better my chances of landing my dream job. It wasn't until I took a job working at a small television company that things really came into focus. I have experience both in student publications and internships, but all my work has been in the print world. This was my first foray into the world of entertainment and commercial television, and it wasn't a taste I particularly liked. The print world is where I belong and where my greatest skills are best put to use. It was good as a learning experience because it was the largest media company I've worked for so far, and since I worked in the logistics office I got a chance to see how things really work at the top. I learned how to make great impressions and how much work goes into the corporate side of things. More then anything, however, I learned that I'm happiest when I'm writing, taking pictures and editing, and that I honestly won't be satisfied doing anything else.

Until I land that dream job, I'll be freelancing, doing everything I can to get published. I think that grad school might make things easier, but I know that the only way to become a writer is to write.

Posted by Elizabeth F on April 11, 2006 at 8:59 PM | Leave a Comment (1)

This week I’ve gotten more excited about life after graduation than I have been in a while. I’ve listened to what I really want to do, and judging by my emotional responses, what I want to do is move to Washington, DC (from suburban Philadelphia). Why Washington? Because I love that city. It’s not too far from home but just far enough. There are so many opportunities for service jobs. And I have a lot of friends moving there. What I want to do in Washington is write, concentrating on public policy and community service. But here’s the problem: I don’t have experience. I’ve gotten excellent grades, I have impressive extra-curriculars, and I studied abroad in Spain, but no professional portfolio of published work (holy alliteration, Batman). What I have done is take several different writing courses—creative writing, fiction writing, expository writing, creative non-fiction, arts reviewing—and gotten amazing feedback from professors, some of whom are accomplished authors and poets. In fact, one professor in particular sat me down and asked if I was dead set on teaching. When I told I wasn’t really that into the teaching thing, she said good, you can make it as a writer. Okay, great. I had the encouragement, but still no experience.

So what do I do? Naturally, I started with the internet, searching for entry-level, no experience necessary, writing careers in Washington. There are writing/editing/assistant positions in Washington, DC. There are even entry-level writing/editing/assistant positions in Washington, DC. But, so far, there are no experience-less, entry level writing/editing/assistant positions in Washington, DC. So here’s my dilemma: do I continue to post my resume (again, sans any professional experience) on Monster and USAjobs.gov and several other engines in hopes for something miraculously appearing? Or do I turn my focus to internships for the summer in hopes of gaining experience, but without an income?

For now, the starving artist will continue her search for a life in the nation’s capital. And, you know, continue her novel while eating Michelina’s Budget Gormet Five Cheese Lasagna…

Posted by Caitlin H on April 2, 2006 at 8:37 AM | Leave a Comment (1)

Right now I work part time while I am looking for a new career. This is challenging in and of itself, being a part time worker allows you all the responsibility of a full time job, yet none of the benefits, especially in the compensation department. Being in college if not preparing you for work, at least prepares you for the inevitable poverty that will follow graduation. Yet, I was never prepared for this level of economic hardship. I take it in stride, but it makes it difficult to get to those far away job interviews that I am looking for. Thus I have to be creative in my endeavor to support my travel expenses. I had a yard sale this weekend, something I’ve done many times before when strapped for cash. It’s important to keep your eyes open for all life experiences, I learn more from a sale in my front yard than I do at my part time job, it’s also not a bad way to make some money and get that old dorm room junk out of your storage.

It wasn’t the most successful yard sale this time around, but it made me enough gas money to get to my next interview. And the sales and conversation wasn’t bad experience either.

Posted by Amber W on April 1, 2006 at 5:27 PM | Leave a Comment (1)

All I've been doing is putting in applications for jobs. It seems as though it's a job in itself. I go through newspapers, and online job searches for a job that I can do at home or nearby home. I've applied to all of them. Then you come across the job databases that require a membership fee. Why do you have to pay to find a job? Or the work at home scams--you got to make a one-time fee. For some us us current college students and/or grads, we may not have this investment. So we got to keep on looking. Then when I do find a legit job, I'm not qualified enough. Of course not; I am still in college so I don't have work-related experience. maybe if I prove myself more worthy of this job, they'll consider me anyhow.

Posted by Anna T on March 27, 2006 at 4:46 PM | Leave a Comment (1)

All I've been doing is putting in applications for jobs. It seems as though it's a job in itself. I go through newspapers, and online job searches for a job that I can do at home or nearby home. I've applied to all of them. Then you come across the job databases that require a membership fee. Why do you have to pay to find a job? Or the work at home scams--you got to make a one-time fee. For some us us current college students and/or grads, we may not have this investment. So we got to keep on looking. Then when I do find a legit job, I'm not qualified enough. Of course not; I am still in college so I don't have work-related experience. maybe if I prove myself more worthy of this job, they'll consider me anyhow.

Posted by Anna T on March 27, 2006 at 4:46 PM | Leave a Comment (1)

For a long while I was contemplating becoming a lawyer. From what I knew about it, the career sounded like one which suited my interests and abilities, and from all accounts the law was intellectually stimulating. Plus, I am drawn to the idea that in its purest form, the law, and those who practice it, should be above reproach. When considering the three branches of the American government, it is acceptable for members of both the legislative and executive branches to have skeletons hiding in the closet, but members of the judicial brach must be flawless when it comes to questions of character. No one will accept a person reguarded as morally questionable to reign over the nations key questions; or at least no one will do it sitting down.

This interest in a legal career prompted me to contact a law firm down the street from me and offer my admistrative services that I might get a better view of what the every day proceedings in the life of a lawyer are really like. That application was quite possibly one of the most important I have ever made. While I am fascinated by the effect of law and the legal system, and remain impressed by the weight of the decisions of the US Supreme Court, I now know that I never, under any circumstances, want to be a lawyer. Aside from the fact the two people I work for are terrible employers and should never be allowed into a supervisory position, the work they do is incredibly boring. Also, my idealist nature would never survive the egos that thrive in the halls of a law office. But although working for that firm has been a horrendous experience, I am incredibly glad I have done it. Had I not taken the legal profession out for a test drive the last few months, I would still be under the impression that it is something I am suited for and would still be considering law school; a fatal mistake I would have ended up paying dearly for.

Posted by Tiffany M on March 25, 2006 at 3:30 PM | Leave a Comment (1)

The main question a person has to ask themselves when discussing their professional development is how positive a light they would like to put on their experiences. In general, a person attempts to put the most positive light on all of their experiences so that the listener might view them as a positive, energetic individual. In fact, almost every professional story can be told in such a way that it makes the speaker seem like a self-starter with an upbeat attitude. This happens to be the quality of individual which most employers (the publishers I want to work for most specifically) are looking for. This blog, however, will attempt to be more direct with the author's actual feelings (whether they be elation or disappointment) simply for the sake of posterity. The reader's discomfort and the transgression of social boundaries should not be considerations which bar the voice of honesty in an academic and research based setting. Considering the parameters which are placed upon this blog, I could not in good conscience skew my experiences in order to make the world seem more appetizing.
In this entry I will discuss my current successes. I have decided that the Primary Category for this entry must be "Getting More Experience" since that is about the only positive qualification I can put on my current occupations.
This is my honest view of my current successes. I am very critical of them, but I appreciate that I have them at all. I am constantly disappointed simultaneously with myself and with the corporate world that I have not snagged an entry-level salaried position yet. This negative outlook forces me to be look harshly upon my entire situation, and I focus a great deal of my attention on my professional opportunities.

Continue reading "Current Successes" »

Posted by Greg F on March 22, 2006 at 5:18 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

I have essentially been searching for a job now for almost a year. I graduated with my B.A. in English last May. In recent months as I have applied to more and more jobs, I started looking at my resume and asking myself if all of the summer jobs that I have held since I was 15 years-old is actually hurting me more than helping me? The majority of my summer jobs were for 2-3 months, and of the 4 or 5 summer jobs that I held I only returned to the same job twice. However, because of all of these summer jobs, it also adds to my working experience. I also question if even the jobs I held at the college for work-study are helping me? I was only working those as well for only a matter of months, but still those also gave me experience in the clerical/office field. It seems like I'm looking at both a good and bad situation, in my eyes at least, but the lack of reception to my job applications is starting to make think otherwise.

I recently told my dad that I would help him make out a resume, and his response to me was, "It isn't going to be a very long resume." My answer to him was, "That's not necessarily a bad thing. You have more years of experience in each of your jobs, and the experience is what employers look at; I have a long resume filled with temporary jobs which is probably hurting me more than anything." I think the phrase, "quality over quantity" really sums it up nicely.

Posted by Cynthia K on March 12, 2006 at 2:18 PM | Leave a Comment (1)

Looking back, all of the jobs I have landed in my life have had one thing in common. In every instance, I was hired because they hired everybody who walked in the door. No joke. The prerequisite for my first job (fast food) was, literally, being alive. That was it, that was all I had to do. I was the only person who applied for the meat department spot. A few months ago I worked at a seasonal spot for a wharehouse who hired anybody they could get their hands on because, incedently, not too many people want to work inside of a giant freezer, especially during the winter. Staffing/temp agencies? I have worked for three, am working for one of them still. If they have standards, nobody in any of my classes failed to meet them. Yes, all my employers hired everybody.

But all that might change soon. Right now I am working for a staffing agency, and the company I am working at is desperate for people. All of thier regulars are on mandatory overtime, and they don't like it. Despite all that, the company still won't take anyone who fails to meet their criteria. To be hired on, you have to be there three months and get 34 records per hour. With over 2 months left to improve, I am currently running 20-25. That is fairly good for only being there 3 weeks, or so I'm told. I am excited now, this could be the first time I ever got a job that did not just take me because there was nobody else to take.

Posted by Andrew S on March 11, 2006 at 10:11 PM | Leave a Comment (1)

At 26 with a B.A. degree and three not-so solid years of work experience I am living at home with my parents, again and feel disgusted with myself. Surely, there are others who feel the stress of wanting to succeed in either a chosen career or one that simply makes you happy yet you find it hard to do so because of a lack of practical experience.
After encountering this dilemma I found a number of resources useful in furthering my professional development so that I can kiss waiting tables goodbye. The resources I found most valuable include Job Placement Agencies, Internships, and member organizations.
Recently I became a member of a National professional organization and began attending the local chapter meetings with networking in mind. This has proved beneficial in such ways as freelance commissions and new professional relationships on which to build and exchange information.
If the profession is there you can be sure that there is a professional organization to join. Do some research and find that one organization best suited to your needs. Many cities also have young professionals groups that are more varied but offer the benefits of networking and job opportunities. Of course becoming a member can come with a fee, don't get discouraged though, most organizations will let you come and sit-in on a meeting before you join.
Without some practical experience your resume may seem drab and employers may not find your services valuable. Job placement agencies can get you in-the-door and offer a wide range of employment experiences. The nice thing about these agencies is that you can hold multiple positions for an array of companies in a relatively short amount of time. Thus getting the practical experience needed to liven up that resume.
Despite the contrary there is a benefit to living with your parents, saving money, granted you may find yourself barely making enough money to consider, at best, that you offer more than the household pet? Seize the advantage of not having to work doubles at any job just to milk the time clock and still not have enough money for the bills, apply for internships, paid or unpaid, and OJT (On the Job Training). Offering your services in exchange for the experience can get you the recognition you need to land the job you really want.

Posted by Christy T on March 10, 2006 at 2:07 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

On a crisp Sunday morning I hiked my way over to the East Side. Perched inside a starched, white collar; streaming a tie in the wind; flashing my shoes in the sun – they were “made in the mountains of Italy” and the world was going to know it! My destination was an expensive residential building. It housed a woman who (allegedly) spoke a language for each finger, was acquainted with royalty, and did quite well in the bizarre realm of Middle Eastern finance.

“Have a cup of tea. Take your tie off if you want. You’re a writer yeah? How would you change this document?” Whoosh!

I took a deep breath, thinking, “I’m being tested,” and eventually settled in to edit the dense bit of marketing copy.

She provided only a brief explanation after I handed in my assignment: “What I basically want to do is dive in for a few hours and see how well we work together.”

I know what you’re thinking, oldest trick in the book, right? Well, yeah, actually, but her resume was so impressive I hoped that it wasn’t true. How could a successful business person, a liaison associated with millions of dollars of financial transactions, dare to abuse the green, hard-searching hopefuls of NYC under the guise of an unpaid internship?

The tea must have sedated me. Some sort of compliance chemical stole my wits. Maybe she was stocking sodium pentothal, I don't know, but, before I could say “MS Word,” I had redrafted her corporate summary, consolidated, edited, searched…lions and tigers and “I don’t know where the new file is, it’s your computer! ”

I stared into the irrational face of evil, my friends. At least, that was my impression. When I finally begged off my replacement was on her way in. She had us working in shifts.

“Now I want to see how you two work together.” The newcomer and I exchanged looks. Our “interviewer” was improvising.

“Sorry. I have a lunch. You only had me allocate four hours.”

I was dazed when I hit the streets. The sun glanced off the high-rise mirrors into my eyes, not my shoes. Where had my Sunday gone? What was in that tea? As I retreated towards the nearest downtown train I realized that, in a way, I had done well. She wanted me to come back and do more of her work for her.

In the hallway, before my escape, I managed to address the issue at hand, after the woman expressed that I could contribute alot. “I think your right. I can do this for you, but I need to know that it's heading somewhere."

She hadn’t taught me anything, or even been pleasant (though the tea was nice). As the train rolled into the station, I reflected that she had not even offered the courtesy of subway fare. Sharks man! Next time I’ll have use my skills for someone who is willing to pay for them.

Posted by David K on March 8, 2006 at 8:01 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

The interview for the unpaid internship worked itself out: It was like trying to shove a shirt and tie shaped peg into a hole full of sequins and cappuccino; like holding the Olympics in Lewiston, Maine; like hunting a gibnut with napalm – in short, worlds collided and did not mesh gracefully.

My host had no idea I was coming, never mind the confirmation, and thus seemed unable to articulate what she did or what I was meant to do. Based on her body language and the course of our conversation I realized two things. One, an unpaid internship is either a temp to hire gig, or a ploy for free labor. Two, I was never going to answer a phone for this particular post-production company, let alone climb the ladder, even a literal step, to change a light bulb. My time would have been better spent at the Starbucks, two blocks away, finishing Hemmingway’s Farewell to Arms – and probably less depressing.

Nevertheless, it was a useful experience and a confidence builder. It finally hit home that a company really is just a group of people doing something. Analogously, a fit (or lack there of) within a particular group is dependent upon everything from your degree, to your shoes, to who your uncle is. That is a both a pain in the gluteus and a grace, I think.

Based on my luck, so far, applying for work in Manhattan, I changed my tactics. I focused my searches on the entry-level, intern, and administrative, I altered my cover letters and was more candid in my correspondence, and I
started tooting my own horn as if the trumpet might disintegrate at any moment. Really, out of sheer frustration, I began to sell myself….and it worked. Within two hours I scheduled two more interviews. Wahoo!

I do not purport to generalize for the entirety of the graduating population, but I think college sets its products up for a shock. We buy into the idea that a degree is an accomplishment in itself and, by virtue of the four year routine, nurture a typically narrow set of skills, that are really only good for getting a diploma. Though the notion that one has to learn the game of job-searching is perfectly reasonable (and increasingly verifiable), in our bones we feel like we shouldn’t have to do it again. After all, I just spent every dime and the last four years institutionally “learning!” But there is a curve, and even when you get better at it, there’s a chance you’ll unknowingly bring the wrong shoes or uncle to the table. Fortitude pays off in this limited metropolitan pool; time is the great forgiver of bad haircuts and inexperience.

Happy Hoboken faux St. Patrick’s Day!

Posted by David K on March 4, 2006 at 7:28 AM | Leave a Comment (1)

I have been so busy lately I feel like I don't know when if i'm coming or going. I have 4 internships and school and work. Lately I have and 8 freelance pieces selected by various publications for print or online use. I should be happy right??? I'm pleased but not overjoyed;maybe it's just me??

I applied for a position writing newsletter columns for a huge cell phone company. I applied two days ago and they called me back today, which is great. The HR person gave me one of those quick telephone interviews where they asked if I could do the job and what experience I had. I told the man that I know the industry because I use to work for another cell phone company and I edit and write, intern and freelance. The guy also wanted to know what kind of compensation, I told him around 22,000 annually. I'm not pickey I want anything in my field. I told him I could submit writing samples if they wanted to get a look at my skills.

I am unsure about a lot of things, but after struggling with myself I have finally gained the confidence in my writing and editing. My fellow reporters at school frequently comment on my writing being really good. I don't want to toot my own horn, but on this blog is really the only place I can share my victories. My family and friends don't understand nor are they interested in writing nor do they even read what I write, so dear readers it's just you and me.

If you are discouraged believe in yourself and don't let that little voice in your head be your own worst enemy.

Posted by Lakisha H on March 3, 2006 at 12:19 PM | Leave a Comment (1)

I recently signed up as a volunteer for a national non-profit organization. I am helping with media relations and gaining a lot of experience.

Unfortunately, we don’t have a lot of volunteers to help with the publicity aspect of the job. I guess this is where it’s my time to go into “leadership” mode. However, I am up to the challenge.

I did get what I was looking for; I wanted to be involved in doing some type of public relations work while I was looking for a job. Now I am in a position to make this opportunity benefit both the organization and myself.

I would advise those who are seeking to be a volunteer within an organization to:

1. Do research about the organizations that are involved with a cause you feel strongly about.
2. Read the organizations mission statement.
3. Know what the requirements and responsibilities are of a volunteer within that organization.

Volunteering is a way to get your “foot in the door.” If you’re looking for more experience or you want to “network,” I believe being a volunteer is a step in the right direction.

Posted by Chanda D on March 2, 2006 at 3:25 PM | Leave a Comment (1)

A few months ago, I realized that I had totally forgotten about applying for graduate school. During my undergraduate career, I was so anxious to be finished with college and get on with life that the thought of graduate School seemed a far off task. I saw graduate school and all that comes with it, something that would all come in good time. That good time caught up with me; in fact it is right around the impeding corner. Just the other day a friend of mine showed me an assistantship that I would be well qualified for. Further to the point, the Forestry program at that particular University looked enticing. It’s been three years since I graduated with my Bachelor degree.

Now to the task at hand. All I have to do to apply for Graduate School is a few key steps.

1. Take and pass the GRE with 1000 or better.
2. Ask for, and make sure that three letters of recommendation get mailed to the right place before the wrong time.
3. Apply for the graduate programs, and assistantships.
4. Find out if the professors are even accepting new Graduate students.
5. Get official transcripts from both colleges I attended mailed to the Graduate school (30 days before the application deadline).

No small task, since many of these steps will take multiple days. The most important step for me right now is the step one. I need to study and get a decent score on the GRE. I have taken a practice test and received an 800 before studying. So hopefully if all goes according to plan I will do well enough to meet the admission requirements for a few different schools after cramming for a few days. Most registration deadlines for fall semester are in the beginning of April, so cramming is not an option it is a necessity. In fact all of the steps mentioned above are highly important, but I have to have a GRE score before I can even submit my application for graduate school.
One of the other steps that is pretty important right now is having the transcripts sent to the University in question. To have official transcripts mailed from one college to the next costs anywhere between 2-5 dollars. Since I went to a junior college first, this will be doubled. The application fee is 25 dollars. The GRE test fee is 100 dollars. The cost of calling up a previous professor or employer and asking for a letter of recommendation, priceless? No, In fact they will have to pay postage to send the letters of recommendation.
After a few years of applying for permanent jobs and settling for seasonal jobs, academia does not seem too bad anymore. I feel it is definitely worth pursuing, even with all of the chaos I have to get through just to have a chance at attending graduate school. Right now it seems really appealing. Knowing me, I will probably change my mind after a few semesters in.

Posted by Daniel G on March 1, 2006 at 5:56 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

It can get discouraging when you have a college degree and work experience but you’re still having trouble getting the job you want. Right now I’m attempting to change careers and I’ve found that compared to the rest of the applicants, I’m lacking in the work experience department.

So what do you do about it? Several things. For starters, Volunteering is a great way to gain experience. Plus you never know who you might meet. Find a volunteer position that’s related to what you want to do and an organization you are interested in working for. Talk to people, network!

Find internships that help you develop skills and again, you never know who you may meet. Intern with an organization where you want to work and voila, you now have some good networks within the company who know how you work.

I’m also taking an online class to beef up my skills. It gives me something to do during the days and I feel like I’m being productive. Look through what your local colleges offer and what classes are online.

I’ve also noticed what systems many jobs prefer I am familiar with and I’ve taken the time to download the program (there are free trials online for some of them) and taking the online tutorials. Now I’ve just added another skill to my resume.

I really have found that there are so many ways to getting experience, and for me, being active in increasing my work experience makes me feel like I’m headed in the right direction toward the job that I really want.

Posted by Alexandria W on March 1, 2006 at 8:55 AM | Leave a Comment (1)

It's been a long time since I last posted something. I have recently been struggling with some family issues, as well as the day-to-day chaos of juggling classes, work, homework, extra-curricular activities and attempting to prepare for my senior year of college. Needless to say, it's been crazy.

Continue reading "So Many Choices" »

Posted by Erin S on February 28, 2006 at 1:56 PM | Leave a Comment (1)

I’ve only recently realized what I want to do after I graduate…and right in the nick of time (since I’m graduating in less than three months)! I’m majoring in Business Administration with a concentration in Management, but I’ve only recently acknowledged my strength as a writer. Given my newfound forte, plus a need to foster my much-neglected creative side, I’m looking into getting an internship in the Marketing sector of Business. I’ve been utilizing my college’s Career Center, which features an online job/internship database. A few jobs listed on the site caught my eye and I plan on submitting my resume as soon as I get a break from the onslaught of midterms.

If none of my job prospects fall through anytime soon, I won’t be too upset. I’ve already gotten over the most challenging hurdle of career searching, which is determining one's passions and finding a way to relay those passions into a career! I know that as long as I'm dedicated to achieving my goals, the rest will fall into place.

Posted by Suzanne Y on February 28, 2006 at 1:16 AM | Leave a Comment (2)

Went in today for the training in the wonderful, dull world of data entry. Some good things about things particular office, though. Casual environment, pick your own start time (although training is set, and there is only a 2 hour window after that), short day on Friday and headphones are allowed. In two weeks or so I am supposed to get my own cubicle and desk, but for now I, as well as four others, are stuck in a training class. It was really boring, in case there are any other kind of training courses. But at least the teacher is nice, as are the others I have met so far. Still, not as bad of a first day as I had feared. Nobody gets mad when I screws up (yet, anyway), and the instructions were easy enough to follow that I have not gotten terribly lost (again, at least not yet).

The few regular employees I talked to all had relatively good things to say about it. And then there is always the thought that I may not even get hired on at all after these three months are up. They gave us the standards by which they jusdge who gets hired and who does not. However, at this point I have no idea how high or low those standards are. So, there is no point in swelling on that fact too much just yet. Just hope it all goes well.

Posted by Andrew S on February 21, 2006 at 5:11 PM | Leave a Comment (1)

In the last ten years, I’ve moved thirty times between two countries and six states; received my B.A. and M.F.A.; spent eight years in the Marine Corps Reserve; and worked no other job longer than one year. As a result, my resume is ridden with potholes, washboards, burned out bridges, robber bandits, and headless references; but there is also hidden treasure. I have acquaintances around the world, a few friends to ride shotgun, a mastiff/pit-bull cross who guards my shadow as it follows and precedes me, memories for when I’m drunk and lonely or drunk and well accompanied, and experiences I’ve been fortunate enough to live through.
In my blogs, I will not tell you what you should know; advice, when it comes from someone other than yourself is always best left for them who spoke it. Advice is hindsight is 20/20, and only benefits the telling of a good story. You will learn what you need to, and you will discover things you wished you’d known earlier. Advice cannot prevent that. You will remember when someone did give you the advice that, in hindsight, you wish you could have taken, but you ignored it because you did not understand why you needed it: that is how it should be. We learn from our own mistakes, not from others.
Perhaps there are those who can learn from other people’s mistakes, but I am not one of them. I only learn from my own. I’ll not lie. I’ve made the same mistake a couple times in a row –many times in a row. Eventually, the mistake becomes a part of me, and instinctively I move forward to my next mistake. There are always more to make. I will never reach the age of perfection; there is always more to learn. It was difficult for me to learn this. I still like to think that someday I’ll achieve perfection; it is something to live for, to look forward to (other than hearing back from the countless resumes I’ve sent out).
It is as equally difficult for me to admit that I’m not perfect as it is for me to believe that I’ve made the correct decision. This is the first of my hidden treasures. It keeps me humble with a dash of confidence.
I have, on many occasions, taken the advice of the older, wiser, and more experienced humans, but that is not best. When you take advice that you did not come by honestly, that is through your own mistakes, you have learned nothing. You did not live. You only acted out as any machine could also do. Machines do not make mistakes; operators do. I am not a machine, and I have made many mistakes. Some of those mistakes have turned into goldmines, as have some of the pieces of advice that I took, like a machine, and acted out perfectly.
There is good and bad fortune. A steady whip, a shotgun, and a few sticks of discretion will always help you secure or steal that hidden treasure of a job.

Posted by Just Kibbe on February 21, 2006 at 12:16 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

This month has been the greatest of my career so far. Last week I got the call to interview for a paying intern position at a local television station. I have a feeling I didn't get the job, but that's o.k. You can't win them all.

I have been working overtime trying to land writing gigs and I have gotten all of the ones I have applied for. I now write for my colleges newspaper, I am a press release editor for a online magazine, I submitted some of my poetry to a publisher and they will include three of my poems in their next book on african-american poetry!! I will receive royalties. Also, I got my first writing contract from a political website. Last week I submitted an application for an intern at an adult oriented newsletter and they liked my submission so much they decided to made me the editor.

So yes I am happy for once and maybe some of my doubts will ease a bit. Or maybe not...

Posted by Lakisha H on February 17, 2006 at 1:37 PM | Leave a Comment (2)

I've been browsing for jobs and internships that relate to art or english online and haven't come up with much right now. But my plan is to start volunteering everywhere I can. It seems that a really good resume booster is volunteer experience (in any field). Since I would certainly be willing to take a Human Resources job, volunteering is a good option. I see social service as a wonderful career because it helps people personally and that helps the community as a whole.

The next few weeks I'm going on vacation, but after that I'm going to get involved in a local political party of my choice, try to find a kids' sports team to coach, and volunteer at my local library. Once I've participated in my community, I feel that I will be more experienced and more qualified for jobs.

Posted by Matthew P on February 17, 2006 at 9:27 AM | Leave a Comment (2)

"Why aren't you looking for a job today, loser?"
"Because I got one, idiot!"

Shutting people up is fun, especially when that person is your little sister. Getting a new job is also a good feeling. I had gone in for the interview yesterday, and got a call back this morning to report for training on Tuesday. This is through a temp agency, but I will only be working one place this time instead of driving all over the Omaha metro area. Data entry, not exceptionally well paying, but I do not need a whole lot of money anyway. There is a full benefits package after I get hired, if I get hired. That is the other thing. There is no guarantee that this will last longer than 90-days. So I can't quit my old job just yet, and will have to work at least once a month to stay on their payroll. Still, 3 months is better than zero. If it does work, I have a new job. If it does not, I still end up with the money and a new experience. I don't really know what to expect either. I had a job once through a staffing agency that went okay. My next temporary job was horrible, and the last one, which was actually seasonal, went well. They showed me the working area, and nobody seemed to be in a bad mood. Not that anybody appeared to be having a particularly good time either, but a good sign anyway. No point in dwelling on it too much, though. Until I start, there is nothing for me to do but hope that I make the cut-or that the cut is even worth making.

Posted by Andrew S on February 16, 2006 at 4:37 PM | Leave a Comment (1)

One of my aspirations is to become a hotel manager, travel the world, and on the side be a writer: publish my own book. Maybe it sounds like a lot, or just a wish, a dream, some hope maybe. It really is not that. I really want it all. I am going to school now for two degrees. Taking 6 classes this semester, this internship, 3 organizations, and my life. Its busy but when you've got ambitions and a positive attitude, you got it all somehow. I've been looking for an internship or some work experience in the hospitality industry but all I've got is rejections. Everybody wants experience. I do not have that. I can offer only m yself in terms of hard work and making it count. I've been applying for hospitality jobs since 3 years ago and nothing. All I ever get is a marketing firm, or something to do with marketing. That's all the experience I've got. I don't like marketing at all but nobody else would take me. I'm not saying that this will prevent me from dreaming big. No, it won't. This will only extend the time and my search for something more. I'll eventually get my dream but I don't know if it will start anytime soon. Lets hope so:)

Posted by Silvia A on February 12, 2006 at 9:28 PM | Leave a Comment (1)

A close friend of mine recently graduated Bachelors Degree with honors and is still looking for a job. She applies everyday for 5-7 jobs and nothing. Nobody calls her. Everybody wants experience in order to apply for the job. It's like why is education important? I am asking myself: are we going to school to educate ourselves or are we going just to pass the time and work on the side? Some people can work on the side, but others who live with their parents and who are more concerned about earning that grade, to them, education is most important. Some people can juggle more than school and their life, but others can not. Is this supposed to be a judging contest? A competition of who can handle pressure? Experience comes with experience. If somebody doesn't give it to us, where do we find it. WHy not just give us a chance?

Are we educatiing ourselves or just passing the time? If experience is so important then why go to school? Why exhaust ourselves when employers look at the experience part and not the education? I really don't get it. Today it seems that education is just education, and experience or conncetions is what matters. What happened to equality and equal chance for everyone?

Posted by Silvia A on February 12, 2006 at 9:11 PM | Leave a Comment (2)

I worked at the boring data entry job for a month. Given a choice between staring at spreadsheets all day long, and wanting to sleep for boredom of it all, and sitting at home having the freedom to run my errands and work out whenever I wanted, I had to choose the former. I did not want to use up all my 401K money that I had cashed out, simply because the job wasn't "right." I had to work! I had 5 weeks off and, granted, they were a nice 5 weeks off, but it was back to the workforce for me, and this was the best job that had come my way.

Fortunately, I was still keeping my options open, updating my resume on all the sites I'd had it posted to. Within a couple of weeks I came across a position that was similar to what I'd done at my purchasing job(s), but not in purchasing. There were a few qualifications I wasn't sure I met, but I took a chance and applied anyway. Would you believe I had a moment of self-doubt, and almost didn't interview for the position, because I felt I wasn't qualified? **NOTE: Don't do this to yourself.** Give yourself a chance to show your employer what a good asset you would be to the company.

Assets, by the way, are my specialty for the moment. I am now employed in an asset management position at an automotive company. Yes, the job is still a bit dry (okay, a LOT dry) and totally doesn't offer the challenge or even the workload that I'm accustomed to, but it pays more than my last purchasing job did, and I needed good benefits to boot, so I took the job. At the time I was just happy to have obtained a half-way decent job that paid me well enough for me to feel more "whole." I am still keeping my options open, though, believe me!

Continue reading "Still reflecting/in the interim................." »

Posted by Joan C on February 9, 2006 at 12:28 PM | Leave a Comment (2)

I last left off with my taking time off from working - at all. This was a scary concept for me, as I need to work to pay my bills, and if it weren't for my 401K sitting in my savings, I would've had no money to fall back on, but I was tired of having "just a job." So I considered going back to school to obtain my Bachelor's degree already - a goal that's been 13 years (off and on) in the making. Part of my procrastination was due to the fact that I wasn't sure whether I wanted to keep pursuing an IT career, or change direction.

By my second week of job-searching I was getting antsy - how come I wasn't getting a job? But I told myself to be patient, and make the best use of this "time off." I started taking career inventory tests and found out more what careers fit my personality and interests best. Accounting was one of them. Counseling, one I'd always thought about in the back of my mind, was another. I discovered there were plenty of accounting jobs in my area. So I figured that was the route for me to take. I chose to dismiss the fact that I didn't do well in Accounting I years ago - I would just have to take it again.

After 5 weeks of not working, and working with recruiters, I finally was offered a data entry position within the Big 3. It was a contract position, still a paycut for me and I knew it would be a bore, but I decided to take the job anyway. It was better than sitting around, and who knew when the "right job" would come along? Contract work seemed perfect for my situation.

Posted by Joan C on February 7, 2006 at 12:32 PM | Leave a Comment (1)

I started to prepare my own taxes over 10 years ago. Times were simpler then. A few numbers from a W-2, a signature and a stamp and the taxes were done. Now there exists child care and earned income credits, mileage deductions and depreciation; the latter which I can not comprehend, kudos to tax software. However, I do have the basic knowledge, even if I was not smart enough to take accounting classes. Some friends and family agree. The problem lies in how much to charge them. They are friends and family after all.

My wife, I mean my ex-wife, and I divorced seven years ago. As a result of our unique and misunderstood civility toward each other, I have continued to complete her taxes ever since our separation. I feel great comfort in knowing that she still relies on me. My real pay is being needed; and being assured that she is taken care of. She is still in my will. (No, I am not worried about her ‘offing’ me because then she would have no one to do her taxes.)

Six years ago, I took on my mother’s taxes. This was simple enough as long as she wasn’t sitting there second guessing my every penciled movement. She agrees to pay me between $25 and $40. I may have been paid twice; three times if you count the day that she gave me frozen sour kraut.

Five years ago I started a friend’s taxes. We worked together at a restaurant then. Her taxes are the simplest even with the earned income credit and every year she is pleased. My first real paying customer, she pays me about $20. Even with her $3,000 refund, $20 seems enough. My pay maybe slightly below average, but we are both grateful.

Last year at this time, I took on two of my largest tax projects. Two friends, neither aware of the other, had both neglected to have their taxes prepared for two years prior. I had no knowledge of past due taxes but researched as best I could. More than 20 hours were spent on each “customer’s” income taxes. I made it clear, as we sent the forms to the IRS and PA Department of Revenue, that I could not be sure that the forms were correctly filled out. Months later, the only feedback that occurred was that of penalties, which I had anticipated and informed them both of. My pay was $400 worth of work on my car and $40 cash from the other.

This year I am up to eight or nine customers. I do not anticipate even making $100. There are more ways to get paid than just with cash though. Sour kraut, assurance, gratefulness and engine work all count. These types of compensation do not pay the bills, but they do indeed add up. The $100 that I might make is $100 more than I made 10 years ago when I started. There is also another benefit. Now I have ten years experience in tax preparation. What have you been doing for ten years?

Posted by David L on February 7, 2006 at 12:11 AM | Leave a Comment (1)

Friday's interview at the law firm went well. I got hired on the spot! It's only 20 hours a week, since I still have classes that take up the first half of the day. But, it's a weekly paycheck. There's only one attorney to work for, and only two lines to answer. Lots of high-tech gadgets to play with; I have never met an attorney who is more abreast of technology than I am. It should work out well though. I start tomorrow, but I'm really not all that nervous. The first few days of a new job always suck, getting used to people's mannerisms, agendas, etc. I'm not thrilled about being back in law, but, as I said in the previous post, it's the easiest field for me to get into right now. It's not all bad, just not my life's calling. It's all -- if I may reference the title -- a means to an end.

Now that the job hunt is over, at least for now, I have spent hours online researching internships. I think I may have one in the works; it's unpaid, but just the experience of it would be enough. (I don't want to elaborate on it until I know for sure. I'm superstitious that way lol.) I did manage to find some associate programs for some major publishing companies in NYC, so I applied for those. I don't really see any reason I shouldn't get accepted to at least one, since I am an English major, and I have publishing experience -- a work-study position, but it still counts.

Money is going to be super tight as I save up for the move to NYC. I really hope I get one of those associate positions. It's a year of training in all the different departments, it pays decent and I have an extremely high chance of landing a permanent position. Not a bad way to get one's foot in the door, huh? I think I'm already "in NYC" though, at least mentally. I just can't wait to get up there in a few months and start my career. My career! At 22, that is so weird to think of. I'm ready to get in there though, make my mark and whatnot.

Posted by Ashley H on February 5, 2006 at 4:21 PM | Leave a Comment (1)

Since this is my first entry, I'll take a moment to introduce myself.

I am 22 years old and wiill graduate from the University of South Carolina in May with a BA in English/Writing. That should be enough for now, n'est-ce pas? :)

Now to the blog at hand:

My post-graduation job search is atypical, in that this is the second time I have had the pleasure of going through hundreds of employment ads and "investing" an obscene amount of money on "professional" paper and envelopes and faxes. I was set to graduate in December 2005, and even had a full-time paralegal position lined up -- including full benefits! -- and then I got in a really bad car wreck in late November; not even a month until graduation. Some of my professors worked with me, but most refused. And so, here I am, going to school part-time to make up the credits I missed last semester and on the job hunt for a second, fun-filled time.

I had no problem landing that paralegal job. In fact, I sent out applied for two positions, and both called me back the same afternoon I faxed my resume. And, they both offered me the job. (And they say new grads struggle finding work.) The position I had accepted was too perfect; the senior attorney and I clicked right away, the office manager was super nice; I felt like I had known these people for years. But, it didn't work out, so here I am: back at square one. I'm not too worried about finding a job, since it was pretty easy last time. But, still, it has been extremely frustrating. I have been out of work for two months and my parents have to pay all my expenses, and I can't stand it. I like being financially independent. It's a good feeling, don't you think?

In the past week, I have sent out about ten resumes. I had only two calls this week, one from a company I have no desire to work for but applied out of desperation for money. The other one, for a legal assistant position at a Columbia law firm, called and I have an interview scheduled for tomorrow morning. This is full-time (I hate part-time jobs) and offers health insurance. So, let's all hope I can come back in a couple days and announce the good news!

It's an understatement to say that not hearing back from any potential employers is frustrating. It's really borderline insulting. I know I'm good enough for these positions, in fact, for some, I'm probably overqualified (and I don't really have that much experience in the workforce). How horrible is it to sit at home waiting for someone to offer you an interview, all the while watching the bills stack up in your mailbox and knowing you can't pay them. I have bill collectors calling me just about as much as my close friends and family do. I can't really say if my being an English major has anything to do with some companies' neglect in contacting me; one would think that this would be an asset, since most ads emphasize the importance of "strong writing skills." This will be the second legal job I will have, and I'm not thrilled about it, because I would much rather be working in other fields, like publishing, for instance. But, that's another entry. Law seems to almost guarantee an English major a job, but it's not what I want.

In South Carolina, jobs in my preferred fields are very limited. I am just biding my time until after graduation when I move to NYC to pursue publishing. But, they all want experience. The competition in NYC is intimidating, and this begs the question: How am I going to make myself stand out? I don't have the experience that they ask for because the opportunities aren't available here. A lot of good a legal assistant job is going to do if I want to be an editor of a magazine. Whatever job I do get while I'm still in Columbia won't last long, since I plan to be out of here by the early summer. And then I get to start the whole process all over again.

Posted by Ashley H on February 2, 2006 at 7:48 PM | Leave a Comment (1)

They say that on average people change careers anywhere from five to nine times during their lives. At the moment, it’s one of my favorite statistics. Who knows if I’ll end up changing my career that many times, but I feel more free to explore until I find something I really enjoy.

This is my first entry, and here’s a little on where I am in life. My first job was working in planning and allocation for a retail corporation. Basically, my time was spent in dealing with numbers and obsessing over the bottom line. I enjoyed the fast paced retail industry, and I loved the people, but I hated the numbers. I needed something more from my job; more enjoyment, more fulfillment. After taking some time off to travel, and spending 2 months learning Spanish in Argentina, I’ve just returned to the United States, preoccupied with planning my course of action and beginning that arduous process of resume writing.

I’ve spent the last few days being introspective, conducting online research sessions, and completing personality tests. After everything, I’ve finally made the decision to pursue being a writer. I’ve enjoyed writing for as long as I can remember. I just never quite got around to applying myself to a career that just seemed, to me, so financially unrewarding.

Now, if only deciding I want to be a writer were the hard part. I’ve found that landing a position without writing experience is nearly impossible, and as for published pieces to illustrate my writing abilities go, I have none. So number one, get a writing portfolio together. Although, I hate the idea of taking a huge pay cut or working for free, there are some things you just have to do to get where you want. Internship, volunteer job, whatever… here I come! I’m excited, and well, that’s gotta count for something.

Posted by Alexandria W on January 25, 2006 at 7:49 PM | Leave a Comment (1)

I went to school because I thought that it was cool. But now it is just a headache and my neck and back aches. Going to college for six years, graduating with an English degree and still have no steady income. Having a degree does not promise you a job anywhere. It is only people whom you know that get you into a job that you really want. This is my first entry and it feels like an e-journal.

Posted by Samantha W on January 5, 2006 at 12:59 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Watching TV one night last week, I saw one of those Capitol One commercials with the Viking invaders ; you know, the ones where they are always looking for new jobs because everyone is switching to Capitol One? Anyway, the heavyset, bald Viking who is supposed to be the leader declares that, after several scenes depicting embarrassing, holiday-themed follies on the part of his men, “All we want for Christmas is our dignity!”

Like most people, the images in the advertisement were meant to cause a bit of a chuckle on the part of the audience, and I was no exception. More so, actually, since the punch line rang with a bit of truth in my case. Looking for employment is not easy, and its hard to keep one’s chin up at times. After a meager holiday season, I’m slowly depleting my savings as I look for work. Although I’ve landed some freelance projects, all have been unpaid. Which is fine; it builds the resume. But, sooner or later, we all need money.

Continue reading "All I Want For Christmas Is An Interview!!" »

Posted by Matthew D on December 22, 2005 at 2:06 PM | Leave a Comment (1)

2005 is coming to an end as 2006 is eerily lurking around the corner. This coming May it will have been one full year since I have graduated. I still have no full-time job and am making small strides in attaining my career goal as a writer. Now that I have entered the rat race of job hunting, I continually kick myself for not taking up an internship in college.

I cannot stress enough about the importance of doing an internship. Besides the experience, the networking that can be established is mind-blowing. Every person that I have talked to in regards to attaining an entry-level position always asks about my internship history. Though I was heavily involved on campus during my college days, I still could have found the time between my part-time job and college organizations to do some sort of writing internship. Of course, everyone has heard the success stories of those who did and did not do internships. However, if one decides not to, he/she is taking a big chance. Employers want to see that desire. They want to know that one is strongly motivated and interested in his/her field. They need to be assured that an individual is willing to invest in their company or organization and in return they will invest in that person's future. Interning manifests that passion. It shows that the candidate wants to be successful and is determined to reach his/her goals. I guess I had to learn that the hard way.

What bothers me most about job hunting is that I know that
I am capable. I simply want the chance to prove my abilities. I can send out a thousand resumes along with winning cover letters but they seem to get lost in an electronic abyss where resumes are sent to pasture. Do not get me wrong, I still believe in resumes. Yet, what are important are the hands that these resumes touch, which leads me back to the power of networking and gaining experience. So the lesson of the day for aspiring employees: Intern!

Posted by Devon C on December 19, 2005 at 8:15 PM | Leave a Comment (1)

Being eager to start working early, I began as a receptionist in a local Chinese restaurant while still in junior high. It was there that I picked up one piece of advice which I have tried to adhere to.(No, the advice didn't spring from a fortune cookie, and no, my Chinese boss was not an ex-Shaolin Monk). He told me simply to try and leave no gaps in my early life and career.

I have found that advice to be very useful. Having graduated from high school, I was a humble waitress in a cafe before entering University as a BA (Media and Communications) student. Not wanting to spend my three month University break idly, I applied for work experience and was finally accepted for two internships in Hong Kong.
Thus during my summer vacation, I had more or less a working holiday, engaged in the marketing and communications division in Ricoh Hong Kong for one month before working in the internal communications division of Johnson Stokes and Master (JSM), which just happened to be Hong Kong's top law firm.

I remember casually asking my employer at JSM why I had been selected as a Winter Intern at their firm, as one local intern confided in me that the selection process was a competitive one. According to her, my previous work experience as a waitress and even my year 10 work experience had given me an extra edge over other candidates, experience that all began as a young teenager working in a local Chinese takeout. Said my supervisor, "You've done things - even if they weren't too related to the work you're doing now, you've had work experience, which some of the other students, although like you achieved high scores in their studies, have had no work experience."

Stepping stones lead to other stepping stones. Since then, whilst being employed with other firms and continuing my studies, I have been accepted as another intern working in a Public Relations firm (also in Hong Kong) due to begin this January and am looking forward to it immensely.

Personally, the point to ponder is the fact that all these opportunities sprouted from labouring in a humble little restaurant back in junior high. Importance lies not in where you begin, but where those beginnings can take you.
Don't leave gaps, abhor vacuums and enjoy the ride.

Posted by Emily W on December 16, 2005 at 4:55 AM | Leave a Comment (1)

Finding the first job in a field is often the most difficult to obtain. I am learning this the hard way. It is evident that experience is one of the most important factors for employers to look at when considering job candidates. After all, a proven track record means less risk for the hiring company; however, isn’t there something to be said for someone who is young, hungry, and wanting to be trained properly?

Perhaps being in the right place at the right time is the simplest of explanations for finding the right job. Nevertheless, it is very important to learn skills related to the job you want on your own time and develop these skills on the side. This is especially true in the field of information technology, where change is constant. And yes, one should never forget the phrase, “the harder I worked, the luckier I got.”

Posted by Ryan C on December 15, 2005 at 2:24 PM | Leave a Comment (1)

Hi, I'm Kaat! I'm 23 years old and originally from Belgium. I like to compare my life with a domino game... every experience brings me to the next one, and I nod and smile (at least until now). I came to the US after I graduated in Communication Management (Bachelor, option PR). Initially, I was only going to stay here for one semester (Lil' girl from Belgium takes a dive into the deep), but three months became a year and I graduated in International Business. A little 'birdy' told me that when you graduate as an international student you can apply for a working permit, which is valid for a year (however finding a steady job, can lead to an extension). I was granted the working permit and here I am: in Rochester, looking for a job. HI!

Continue reading "Domino" »

Posted by Kaat V on December 13, 2005 at 10:02 PM | Leave a Comment (1)

A couple years ago, candidates would send out 10 resumes hoping to get 2 or 3 responses, but they would instead get 20 responses, many from headhunters, whose business was booming like never before. Back then it was almost impossible to find a company that wasn't hiring.
NASDAQ had broken the 5,000-point barrier, and thousands of 20-somethings fresh out of college had option packages that made them millionaires on paper.

That was just a couple years ago. So close, yet, so far, far away. Today the job market appears the very antithesis of those glory days. Seemingly endless layoffs, missed forecasts, a major NASDAQ correction and events abroad have led us to an uncomfortable phase of economic unrest.

Jobs, of course, are no longer easy to come by; and many of the unemployed have found themselves "on the bench" for weeks, then months.

But the cyclical nature of the US economy is a known fact; and a downturn was not only expected, but it was inevitable. Instead of stressing and worrying at such times, we should rise to the occasion and meet the new challenges. In this job race, the only survivors are those who fit themselves with a stellar resume and a die-hard attitude.

Following are some tips on accelerating your search for a new job:
· Get a Positive Attitude:
· Be Aware of Job Security
· Search Online
· Be Proactive
· Totally Revamp Your Resume
· Polish Your Interviewing Skills:

Posted by Eric G on December 13, 2005 at 4:48 PM | Leave a Comment (2)

It seems right before Christmas, just about everybody who is selling anything needs more help. And any company that sells lots of things needs lots of help. In early December I took a seasonal job that works 12 hours a day-every day. Will it help me out later on? I don't know. The job is at a warehouse, and I hope to be a writer, so this is not in my career field. Maybe the hours will make me look like a hard worker. I will have to wait and see. At any rate, a new shift begins soon, so there is no time for a dramatic entrance. I will just have to resume my real job search when this is all over and make some good money in the mean time!

Posted by Andrew S on December 13, 2005 at 4:28 PM | Leave a Comment (1)