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Showing posts with label college. Show all posts
Showing posts with label college. Show all posts

Let's Talk About STRESS, baby!

Posted by Michelle Pence - - 0 comments

Photo Credit http://bit.ly/cgYYiP
Being stressed to the max can be one of the unfortunate side effects of balancing an internship with school and all of the other responsibilities college kids tend to rack up.  With a full plate, sometimes the stress can feel unbearable.  Believe me, I've been there!  Feeling anxious all of the time, getting sick often, suffering from constant headaches, and unusual weight loss can all be signs that you are experiencing too much stress.  If you experience any of those symptoms your body is trying to tell you that you're taking on too much!

Believe it or not, there are some more effective ways for managing your stress than pulling out your hair or banging your head on the wall.  The main idea is to stay calm and not let your responsibilities consume you.  YOU control your life and have the ability to enjoy it as long as you manage the stress effectively.

Here are some tips for handling stress in college:

Learn to say "no"

Although it pains me to admit it, one person is not capable of doing it all.  As much as we sometimes like to try, there are things you simply  have to say no to for the sake of your own sanity.  Whether it's an unachievable deadline or a favor for one of your student organizations, add the word "NO" to your vocabulary and stat.  As long as you are polite about turning something down, you shouldn't add to your stress by worrying about hurting people's feelings.  Hopefully, the people you are dealing with are mature adults and will understand your time constraints.  If they don't, reconsider your commitment to them in the first place.

Make your to-do list your best friend

Not only should you keep an ongoing list of everything that you need to accomplish, but you should prioritize that list.  Put important tasks that need to be done sooner at the top and tasks that aren't quite as pressing towards the bottom.  This should prevent that overwhelming feeling of looking at your to-do list and not quite knowing where to start because there is so much.  It will also keep you from jumping up in the middle of the night because you remembered one more thing that you have to get done.  I manage my to-do list on a free program called Evernote, which hosts all of my lists online and lets me access and edit them from my phone, computer, or anywhere that has Internet. A service like this is great because it prevents any confusion that could come from not having your list on hand.

Eat and sleep (seriously)

If you need a reminder to eat and sleep you have more serious problems than I can help you with; yet so many busy college kids don't get the amount of sleep they need each night or the right nutrition from their meals.  Although I am a Ramen connoisseur and have a penchant for certain junk foods, I always make sure I'm getting some protein and greens each day as well.  You don't have to be a health nut, but realize that what you eat is what fuels you for the day and all of your activities.   Always eat a good breakfast, whether you have time for a bowl of Cap'n Crunch or eggs and toast, you have to eat something.  Also, go to bed!  You are going to be exhausted and even more stressed if you aren't getting close to 8 hours of sleep each night.  If you're a night owl do your best to avoid early morning classes and vice versa.  Sleeping is not optional although sometimes it can feel like it.  Whether you need to find time for a power nap during the day or set yourself a bedtime, do what it takes to find time for this necessity.

Go outside

It sounds trivial, but getting some quality time in the sun can really help reduce stress levels.  Being outside boosts Vitamin D levels which is vital to good health and causes the release of endorphins, which are the body's natural anti-depressants; just make sure you wear sunscreen (Associated Content).  All throughout college I have opted to walk to class instead of drive, at least part of the way.  If you are a commuter don't waste your time fighting for the closest parking spot on campus in the morning.  Instead, opt for the spot that is a bit farther and walk the rest of the way to class.  Not only will you get some extra rays and a little exercise that will help wake you up and prepare you for the day, but walking can help clear your mind and give you a chance to plug into your iPod if that's what helps you relax.

Schedule some "me" time

No matter how much you have going on you absolutely must schedule time for yourself, even if this means actually blocking out a period of time in your planner (I literally have Glee and Law and Order: SVU marked on my calendar every week).  For some people, closing the door and watching a movie or an hour of TV in peace and quiet is what helps recharge their batteries, while for others going out and socializing or playing sports is what keeps them refreshed.  A brain that is always working is eventually going to get exhausted and will start being unproductive, so give it a rest every once in a while.

If all else fails make some cuts

If you get to the point where there is nothing else you can do to alleviate some of the stress, it's time to reevaluate your commitments.  Are there student organizations that you aren't really dedicated to?  Do you have to be on three different intramural sports teams?  Make a list of everything that takes up your time and take a good hard look at it to separate the important things from the other stuff that might be draining your time and energy.


Here are some helpful quizzes from Ask.com that can help you determine how stressed you are.


The Stress Reliever Personality Test

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Link Roundup 9/5/2010

Posted by Michelle Pence - - 0 comments



Dear employers, please read this article carefully...  Interns Are People Too!  Sincerely, Your Interns

Philosophy and Star Trek is seriously a class offered at Georgetown???  Her Campus lists some of the craziest college classes of 2010.

The Savvy Intern compares a job interview to a first date.  Love the humor!

No more filling in the bubbles?  The New York Times reports on the possible demise of standardized tests in public education.

If rappers were colleges which ones would they be?  A question everyone wants the answer too.

Her Campus has some great study tips for getting back into the school mode.

Your cover letter is the first thing potential employers see, so make it good with these cover letter tips from someone responsible for hiring interns.





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How Joining a Fraternity/Sorority Could Help Get You an Internship

Posted by Michelle Pence - - 5 comments






Honestly, when I decided to join a sorority my freshman year of college, I wasn't exactly thinking about how being a member was going to help find me an internship somewhere down the road (more like how cute each chapter's shirts were).  During recruitment, all of the sororities filled my head with thoughts of the lifelong friendships I could form, the amazing social events constantly going on, and just how much fun I would have in general; however, one thing I don't remember hearing was, "Joining will really help you with your career."  


After becoming a full-fledged member of one of the sororities, I quickly realized that being a member of a sorority/fraternity isn't all fun and games (the Animal House days are definitely over).  I ended up receiving both the friendship and the fun I was promised during recruitment, but was also encouraged to keep my GPA at a certain level, study so many hours per week, become involved with other organizations on campus, volunteer in the community, and other things I hadn't really anticipated upon joining.  I ended up getting to know both university officials and community leaders, and received a lot of extra opportunities I probably wouldn't have had if I hadn't decided to go Greek.

The more exciting aspects of being in a fraternity or sorority, like what was advertised to me, will probably always be the bait used to get those fun-loving freshman to join up, but for career-minded students, the benefits joining a sorority/fraternity may have for you professionally are definitely something to consider.




Here are some different ways being in a fraternity/sorority is good for your career:

"[I/my son/my neighbor's cousin] was Greek!"

Being in a fraternity or sorority gives you access to a network of others across the country who were also Greek in college.  I cannot tell you how many times I've personally been approached while wearing my sorority letters by complete strangers, excited because either their wife is an alumni of my sorority or their daughter is a member at another school, etc.  In job/internship interviews, if I bring up my sorority involvement, it's not unusual for me to end up bonding with the interviewer who, it turns out, was also Greek in college.  


This shared experience is an excellent topic to bond with people over and also a great icebreaker.  Who knows... with the right maneuvering, what starts as a casual conversation about your fraternity/sorority could easily turn into a conversation about your professional aspirations and a great networking opportunity.

The Leadership

It seems that as a member of a fraternity or sorority, you definitely get as much or as little out of the experience as you put into it.  You can either cruise along, doing as little as possible to retain your membership, or take full advantage of the opportunities available.  If you choose the latter, you'll most likely end up serving an executive or chair position within your chapter, or some other leadership position either within your chapter or with another organization on campus.  


In that capacity you might, for example, end up organizing a successful fundraiser that raises XYZ amount of money, overseeing 20+  chair positions, or planning an event for the whole student body to attend.  These type of experiences definitely help prepare you for internships and jobs to come, giving you tons of relevant skills, and look amazing on your resume.

The Connections

Ironically, the internship I'll be participating in this semester was made possible all because of an event I helped put on for a Greek organization.  A well-known local attorney came to speak to the fraternities and sororities on campus about local laws regarding alcohol and other topics college students would care about.  The attorney was young and charismatic, and when I found out he would be teaching a Legal Communication class as an adjunct professor, I quickly signed up.  Fast forward a year later and now I'm interning for his law office!

Being in a fraternity or sorority often gives you the opportunity to work closely with prominent university officials as well as professionals in the local community.  These people realize that you're a college student and, after you demonstrate how dedicated and motivated you are, will usually do what they can to help you out professionally.


How do YOU think being in a fraternity or sorority benefits/harms a person professionally?



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Why You Should Be Pumped to Head Back to School

Posted by Michelle Pence - - 0 comments


Yup, that's me!
I recently came across an article by College Candy about why you should be excited to head back to campus this fall, and I found it really interesting.  I personally am gearing up to go back to school and have been experiencing mixed feelings of excitement and dread about going back.  On one hand, I’m excited to be reunited with friends I haven’t seen all summer, but on the other, I’m not quite ready to pack away my bikini and accept that my summer fun is over.

Thanks to College Candy, I decided to stop fixating on the not-so-fun aspects of going back to school, and start thinking about all of the positive things that come with college.

Here are some of my reasons why you should be pumped to be heading back to school this fall:

Fall internships

Of course I had to throw this one in.  Starting a new internship is super exciting and nerve-wracking, so get pumped and be prepared to make the most of it.  Stay tuned for tips on how to rock the first day of your internship and how to make a great first impression.

Planners, and notebooks, and highlighters!  Oh, My!

If you’re anything like me, just thinking about organizational products such as sticky notes and a new planner gives you a little bit of a buzz.  Ever since grade school, loading up on new binders, pens and pencils, and a new book bag, got me completely revved up and ready to start a brand new school year.  Try convincing your parents that you simply must have that new Sony laptop in order to ace one of your classes, and then tell me that you don’t feel a little excited for school to start.


Being busy

If you like having a jam-packed schedule, the school year is definitely time for you to shine.  Having to balance work, school, and an internship with your social life is challenging, but also can give you a great feeling of accomplishment if you do it well.

New classes

Going to class again can be both a pro and a con of going back to school.  The pro is that you have a brand new schedule full of different professors and subjects, so the suspense of what the semester will bring should keep you excited about what lies ahead.

Living with friends

Although you love ‘em, living at home with mom and dad over the summer is definitely not the ideal living situation.  Whether you’ll be living in the dorms or in an apartment off-campus, chances are you’ll be rooming with friends.  Savor this kind of living arrangement, because before you know it, you’ll be living on your own or with a boyfriend/girlfriend, which is a completely different experience.

Um hello, its college!

College doesn’t last forever, so there’s no time to be fixating on the bad.  Graduating and stepping into the “real world” has always seemed like some distant possibility to me, but now all of a sudden I’m a senior and this alleged “real world” is coming at me fast.  Make an effort to appreciate the good AND the bad parts of being a college student.  You won't be a student forever, but until then live it up!

What parts of going back to school are YOU excited about?
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Summer's Over and You Still Don't Have a Fall Internship... Now What?

Posted by Michelle Pence - - 0 comments



The few weeks right before school starts back up can be a hectic and exciting time for lots of students.  On one hand, you're excited to soon be reunited with friends you haven’t seen all summer, but on the other hand you're sad to say goodbye to those summer nights and having free-time, and for some… you're freaking out because you still haven’t managed to land a fall internship.

Although time is limited, it’s still not too late to find that perfect fall internship as long as you kick it into high gear starting NOW.

Be Prepared

Have an updated resume and writing sample ready to go; cleaning up all of your social networking profiles doesn’t hurt either.  

Use Who You Know

The people you know are one of the best resources for finding an internship.  The saying “it’s all about who you know” didn’t pop-up out of nowhere.  It’s not only about who you know, but who they know as well.  Call up your friends and acquaintances and let them know what kind of internship you’re trying to find and ask if they know of anyone in that field they could refer you to.  I once had a professor, who was also an attorney, and simply asked if he knew of any attorney’s in my hometown who might be looking for interns… he not only gave me an attorney’s contact information, but called to put a good word in for me.

Search the Web

Do a Google search for the type of internship you’re looking for and your area.  It can be as easy as searching “public relations internship + St. Louis, MO” and just seeing what pops up.  In the past when I have done this while trying to find an internship, I was surprised to find that a lot of local schools (that weren’t mine) had internship listings that I was able to see and utilize.  Some job search websites now have listings for internships as well.

Do Your Research


When you find a business that you're interested in, do your research before contacting them so you know the essentials such as what they do, who the owner is, etc.  You don't have to memorize the name and face of every employee listed on their website, but put in the effort to let businesses know you are serious about finding an internship.

Just Ask

These two simple words are the best advice I can give anyone trying to find an internship and are the reason why I have gotten almost all of my internships.  It sounds silly, but this piece of advice is also why I started this blog- smart and straightforward.  It can never hurt to call or email a business and politely ask if they are considering hiring an intern for the upcoming semester.  Some businesses may have never had interns, but wouldn’t be opposed to taking one on if you’re offering (at this point when larger or more well-known business might have already hired their interns, smaller businesses are a good bet and can offer just as much experience).

NEVER send out a mass email to multiple companies; this is a huge no-no and will pretty much guarantee you won't get an internship with them.  If you decide to email, keep it short and sweet, but personalize the message to describe why you would be a good fit for the company and show that you did your research.  Attach your resume and a writing sample (if applicable) and keep an Excel document of who you called/emailed and what they said to keep track.

Follow Up

The feeling you experience after calling and emailing so many businesses to find an internship can be nerve-wracking to say the least, especially if you’re in a time crunch.  Use the Excel sheet you created to follow-up with those you left messages for, emailed, or who asked for you to send additional information.  That extra effort it takes to follow-up with a company, shows that you're dedicated and have a good work-ethic.

Don’t Give Up

If after all of your hard work you still can’t manage to find an internship, don’t get too down in the dumps.  Once you're actually at school, you will have more access to professors and people who may have connections for you to utilize.  When you're back on campus, hit up your school's career center and the dean of your respective college to see what resources they have available for you to use.  Some businesses contact schools when they have intern positions open up.  If you absolutely can't find a fall internship, focus your energy on a part-time job, student organization, or your school work, and start early on the internship search for the spring.
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Finding your Niche- Deciding What to Pursue in College and Beyond

Posted by Michelle Pence - - 0 comments

It seems as if the Undecided major is becoming more and more popular with students these days and it’s completely understandable why.  With potential areas of study ranging from comic book art to bowling industry management, the possibilities of what to study can seem endless (bowling, eh?).  Although it’s great to have so many majors available to meet everyone’s unique interests, if you are someone who is questioning what you want to do in life, it can be a major obstacle.  Even students who have already decided on a major surely sometimes wonder how it will translate into a rewarding career.

Here are a few tips for deciphering what you really want to pursue in college and beyond because surely no one really wants to take that victory lap and be around for a 5th year of college.

Pick Your Passion

Take a minute to think about what your real passions are and brainstorm how they might be turned into a career.  Whether it’s video games, traveling, etc., you might be surprised how what you thought was a hobby could possibly become a fulfilling career. 


Be Realistic

What you study in school should have at least something to do with what you want to pursue after graduation, whether it be a career or grad school.  Just because you’re a marketing major doesn’t mean you will have to find a job in marketing, but your major should provide you with knowledge or skills that will help you pursue your desired career-path, so keep that in mind.

Get Some Experience

Internships are a great way to experience different fields and figure out what you truly want to pursue.  A lot of internships don’t require a lot of prior experience specific to the field, so testing out different areas while you’re still in school is a good idea.  Even if you’re fairly certain what you want to pursue for a career, diversifying your internship experiences could make you appealing to future employers by making you appear well-rounded.

Talk to People

Call or email some of your business contacts and ask for a few minutes of their time to chat about what they do.  Be prepared with a list of questions you want to ask so you don’t end up with awkward silence during the conversation.  People currently doing the job you’re interested in can offer an interesting perspective on how they got there, what some of the challenges have been, etc.  If you don’t know anyone in the field you’re interested in, ask around for contacts or utilize your professors or school’s career center.  
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