February 3, 2022
As a high school student, trying to figure out what you want to study and perhaps eventually have as a career–while exciting–can be daunting. The process requires time and the space to let yourself grow as you try on different career hats. So what can you do now? High school is the perfect time to research career fields and perhaps “test drive” different careers to find out which field you may one day want to pursue. You may ask yourself, “Well, how can I do that?” Here are a few suggestions and resources you can use to assist you in doing career research. who knows, maybe you’ll discover your passion. Join School Clubs Interested in writing or photography? Join the school newspaper! Are you interested in entrepreneurship or learning more about different areas of business? Find out if your school has its own DECA (Distributive Education Club of America) chapter. This club encourages skill development and the exploration of various […]
January 6, 2022
With the second half of the school year getting underway and colder temperatures in many parts of the world, it’s hard to imagine planning for summer. Between attending school, studying, participating in extracurricular activities, and fitting in a personal life, thinking about what to do over the summer shouldn’t even be on the radar. Or should it? According to U.S. News & World Report (Sorensen, 2022), “Because competition for summer jobs and internships can be stiff, you should start seeking out such opportunities months in advance.” So now is the perfect time to start thinking about and planning a summer internship. Why An Internship? Getting hands-on experience in a career field is a valuable way to spend time in the summer. For high school and college students, internships are primarily experience-focused, which means they are designed to introduce students to an industry or career area. For some, it confirms a chosen career area; for others it may create an interest […]
December 9, 2021
With summer internships just around the corner, now is the time to evaluate your social media presence. In a digital culture that emphasizes posting your highlight reel on Instagram, it’s a good idea to rethink not only how you want to portray yourself on social media, but also how you want potential colleges and employers to perceive you and your brand. In the current job-search climate, scouring a candidate’s social media pages is considered fair game. In fact, in 2o19, 36% of admissions officers (Kaplan, 2020) and 70% of employers reported visiting potential candidates’ social media pages. In 2020, that 70% jumped to 98% of employers (The Manifest, 2020). So, what can you do to ensure that you’re putting your best digital foot forward? For starters, take inventory of your personal online presence. What social media or discussion platforms do you use? Instagram? Twitter? Facebook? Reddit? Are there any accounts you used years ago that may still be active? Decide […]
November 4, 2021
As a high school or college student, participating in an internship is an ideal way for you to learn about a career area while building professional skills. But what do you do if you have little to no work experience? How can you ensure you will stand out as an intern and be memorable? Organizations value qualities such as enthusiasm, willingness to dive into new territory, an ambitious mindset, and excellent listening and follow-through skills. While not every employer is seeking the same set of qualities, here are five sure ways you can make an impact as an intern. Take Initiative | Be Confident Once you begin your internship, hit the ground running and maintain a steady pace. Organizations appreciate determined individuals who work hard and dive head first into projects. Along with the willingness to go above and beyond, be what everyone calls a “go-getter”. That means taking initiative, responding quickly, and always following through on tasks. Showing ambition […]
October 7, 2021
Think about your last elevator ride. Now imagine you had the duration of the ride to tell someone all about yourself. Could you do it? You could if you had an elevator pitch ready to go. An elevator pitch is a short but meaningful summary of your academic and professional background. The goal? To be memorable! As a high school or college student, your work experience may be limited, so do you need an elevator pitch? Yes! You can use an elevator pitch at a school career fair, networking events, and your professional online profiles (such as LinkedIn, Facebook, or your blog) that might be seen by employers. Since an elevator pitch should be around 30 seconds, it’s important that you include the most important and relevant information. Be sure to include these elements as you craft your pitch. Introduction. If you’re meeting somebody new, state your name and your purpose for the interaction. Do you want an internship? A […]
September 2, 2021
Working from home can be convenient, but it also comes with challenges–whether you’re working full-time, part-time, or you have a virtual internship. The idea of not leaving your house and being stationary in one spot all day is daunting in a different way than commuting to an office and being surrounded by people. Working from home may feel draining at times, but it doesn’t always have to. According to this article from Forbes, “Employee survey comments around burnout doubled from March to April, increasing from 2.7% to 5.4%, suggesting that it’s a growing threat to the productivity and engagement of today’s workforce,” the study reads. Those who struggle with balancing home and work are 4.4 times more likely to exhibit signs of burnout. So, here are a few tips to help you combat WFH burnout. Get Up and Move Blocking off a certain time each day to move your body can be super beneficial in resetting and recharging your mind […]