It took me about a week to get this blog together. I did everything to avoid writing – took a walk, did some backend work, organized a little. I have no idea why this is, since I love to write.

Procrastination is such a vice. There are so many ways to get roped into its evil hold. Taking some time to check email or play an online game or take a look at the latest social networking site can really help you put off those projects that you know you need to complete. Seems like the invention of the computer was an invention of another way to waste time. So what can you actually do to prevent this?

It’s really hard because, as a writer, I feel that I endure a little plague known as “writer’s block” from time to time. This sends me into craziness, attempting to find ways in which I might be able to get back my writing flow. Drink some coffee, take a walk, do some personal writing. These are all things that have been able to help me in the past (sometimes). But what to do when it’s permanent and you drive yourself crazy. We can’t all take vacations that often throughout the year.

Procrastination can also be very bad when it comes to making that resume, applying for a job, or working on college applications. It’s these certain deadlines that put pressure on us. But pressure does not need to be felt if you just start early. Why put it off? The amount of work and time you put into something will definitely be reflected in the end product. Be sure to start your projects in advance and have other individuals read over it. Sometimes others will catch something that you’re just not seeing.

So don’t procrastinate. It just creates more stress and won’t get you where you really want to be. Get on that college/job search!

-Amanda Fornecker

Danielle* has been telling me about an investment banker her aunt knows in the business industry. Said I-banker (we’ll call her Mary) has always told Danielle to call her once she graduated to talk about the possibilities of finding her a job at her company. This is a classic case of networking. Let’s explore a little further.

Unfortunately, in this world, it seems that who you know is definitely worth a lot — sometimes more than what you know. Of course, you must know something in order to work in a particular industry. It would be crazy to go in blind (but let’s not doubt that there are cases of this out there).

Mary would never recommend Danielle without knowing that she could perform well in any situation, even though she majored in psychology and only took a couple of business courses in college. If Mary were to suggest Danielle to her boss and Danielle didn’t do a good job, then Mary would be looked upon unfavorably by her boss. The fact that Danielle has that connection at the company is good for her because it raises her credibility to a certain level. She’ll still need to interview and work on a trial basis, but she’s more likely to be hired in this case than if she knew no one at all.

The bottom line is this. If you know someone in an industry and they recommend you to their boss as someone who may be a strong candidate for a job, you’re more likely to be taken a bit more seriously. And you should really use this to your advantage. I’m not saying take advantage of the situation in a negative way because that wouldn’t be ethical, but networking is a very big part of the working world.

In each situation you should seize the opportunity to network, even if it’s with people your own age. You never know how it may help you in the future. Don’t brownnose, of course, but attempt to establish relationships with others so that you can learn from them and let them help you network even more. It’s especially important when you’re starting out in an industry because you need to get your name out there. Introduce yourself and start a conversation. What do you have to lose? Just do it properly and professionally and you’ll be on your way to establishing your future.

Danielle kept telling me since graduation that she knew she should contact Mary, but just wasn’t doing it because she was too shy. It frustrated me because I knew Mary could be a good resource for her and that Danielle is a very smart girl who could do well. When I saw Danielle the other day, she told me that she had contacted Mary. It made me very happy! We’ll see what happens next…

*names and industry have been changed

-Amanda Fornecker

We were having a discussion about professionalism the other day. Being the grammar-obsessed writer I am, we critiqued a recent email. The high-up businesswoman wrote her email in all lowercase letters. Now while this may not seem like a big deal, it definitely is not professional.

Example. My friend applied for a job once and didn’t capitalize any of her words (not even the pronoun “I”). While she didn’t think it a big deal at the time, we later found out that the person who received her email immediately disregarded it because she didn’t think my friend was taking the position seriously. And that’s crazy because she’s one of the hardest workers I know.

So when I received that all-lowercase email I was immediately reminded of the situation and it really did strike me as unprofessional. Don’t get me wrong, from time to time I’ll send an all-lowercase email to a friend just because. I don’t exactly know why I do this, given my OCD with grammar, but I do. However, first impressions are oh-so-important. It’s the first meeting or interaction with someone and it’s how you may be perceived for a very long time. So what does professionalism entail?

1. Dress to impress. If you want to be taken seriously, you need to dress like it. Depending on your job, however, you don’t necessarily need to be wearing a business suit. Perhaps you can wear a cute dress with a nice, toned-down pair of heels. Or a polo with a freshly-pressed pair of slacks. You just don’t want to dress like you’re going out to a club. There’s professional and there’s plain old promiscuous. Be sure to differentiate your wardrobe.

2. Interviews. They require a ton of professionalism. Linda Matias shares some insight in her book, How to Say It: Job Interviews (Prentice Hall Press, 2007). From what to wear, to what to ask, to appropriate behavior, the book has lots to say about preparing for that fateful meeting that will have bearing on the rest of your life.

3. Grammar. In this day and age of spell-checking programs it’s pretty hard to send something out with a misspelling. But those things don’t always pick up your mistakes, especially if you write to instead of too. Proofread because a grammatical error is just as bad as not capitalizing your words. Especially in the case of a resume or cover letter, you should make sure to have others read over it as well. And be sure to address letters or emails to “Mr.” or “Ms.” It’s definitely more professional that way, as you do not know this person in an informal environment.

To be as professional as possible, be polite, concise, and put your best foot forward. It is through professionalism (and not just capital letters) that you’ll be able to succeed.
-Amanda Fornecker

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There are so many job titles out there. How can you possibly know which one is right for you? And there is a ton of information about these jobs too, but it seems that only the common ones, like doctor, lawyer, and teacher, are well known. What about those other jobs? There are lots of cool jobs out there (and variations on the common ones) – and books to tell you all about them. Take a look at two professions, outlined by these authors…

The Musical Engineer, A Music Enthusiast’s Guide to Careers in Engineering and Technology (Engineering Education Service Center, 2007), by Celeste Baine
If you have a knack for music and desire some different kind of career, consider being a musical engineer. You’ll combine your love of music, engineering, and technology.

“If you love music, like to work on computers, are fascinated by electronics and mechanics, or have a love for gadgets, combining music with engineering or technology may be the hot ticket for you. Not only can it lead to a successful career contributing to the newest releases on the charts, but it can also lead to success creating instruments or changing the way we listen to music,” says Baine in her book.

How cool is that?!? There are so many possibilities in the music and engineering fields. Did you know that there are engineers who design ring tones too? Hey, somebody’s gotta do it. Check out the engineering, technological, and musical possibilities.

The Upstart Guide to Owning and Managing a Restaurant (2nd ed., Kaplan Publishing, 2007), by Roy S. Alonzo
So you love to cook, but never thought of making a career out of it. But you’re an entrepreneur and know all about businesses. Or maybe you’ve gone to culinary school, but you’re tired of working for other people and want to be your own boss. Why not start your own restaurant?

In this book, Alonzo discusses how to get the restaurant of your dreams, and all that’s required to successfully run the business. Should you buy an existing restaurant or start one from scratch? What should the ambience of the restaurant be like? These are questions Alonzo answers in the second edition of his book, where he aims to keep up with the technology of a changing business world.

Says Alonzo in the first chapter of his book: “Most people prefer the stability of a nine-to-five job with a steady paycheck, and there is a great deal to be said for that. But if you enjoy seeing your creation grow and thrive on challenges, in spite of unusual demands, the restaurant business may be an exhilarating and profitable experience for you.”

-Amanda Fornecker

This week, the CS Insider answers one of your questions! This comes from a 27-year-old MBA who is an accountant at a securities services company. He doesn’t think he can advance his career in his current position and is looking to find another job, but is unsure of how to approach the situation, especially since many of his requests have gone unanswered. “I know it helps to know people,” he says, “but in the event that you don’t, any tips?” Take a look at five…

Tip 1: Don’t get discouraged. You may be applying to jobs like it is your full-time job and you may not be leaving any stone unturned, but you just can’t seem to get a callback. Definitely stay positive because giving up will not yield the results you expect. Go into the search thinking that you’re the best person for the job and if a company doesn’t get back to you, it’s certainly their loss. But remember not to be cocky about it either.

Tip 2: Perfect your resume and cover letter. Since this is the first and perhaps only thing a potential employer can initially see about you, you’ll need to make an impression. Make sure that you reflect your skills that are specifically necessary for the job. This may mean tweaking your resume a bit, depending on the job description. The cover letter is especially important because this will hook the reader. Just think about it: you wouldn’t continue reading something that didn’t interest you. Constantly fine-tune and perfect.

Tip 3: Attend networking events. If you Google your field, there are sure to be networking events or job fairs in your area. It’s always a good idea to go to these because you never know whom you can meet. Though you may not know anyone now, you can meet people who you can leave an impression on. It’s a chance to showcase your personality and become more than just that piece of paper. You can also look into associations or groups that are specifically designed to support people in your profession and sign up for their listserves that might send you a list of jobs periodically.

Tip 4: Take advantage of your current position. If you’re already working, but seeking something more, be sure to get all you can out of your current position. These skills can prove very helpful in landing your next job. You’re already there so you might as well make the best of it until you’re able to move on to greener pastures, so to speak. And be sure to keep good relationships with those you already work with because you never know when they might be able to help you in the future.

Tip 5: Research. Take the time to learn all things you can about the company and positions you apply for. Call out those details in your resume and cover letter to stand out from the rest of the crowd. Also, check out who’s in charge and who might be the best person to send your info to. If you send it to the wrong person, it’ll take longer to get where it needs to be or may not get there at all. Be proactive in your search and follow up to make sure your resume was received. The one who is most likely to get a job is the one who leaves an impression.

Good luck in your search! And check out some stories of real career individuals at CollegeSurfing. Thanks for your question – keep ‘em coming!

-Amanda Fornecker

I just did a coffee run. I was crashing. It’s almost Friday, what can I say? When we got there the girl behind the cash register was fighting with another worker about someone who hadn’t cleaned something. Then the guy that was making the drinks started freaking out on another employee and screaming about how much he hated his job.

Now, while I realize it may not have been his childhood dream to make coffee for other people, there’s no reason to yell at anyone, especially in front of customers. Perhaps he was holding the job to pay for his expenses from school or something. Whatever the reason, he really did not need to get so upset. Everyone stopped what they were doing and just stared at him.

Here’s the thing – if you’re that unhappy with your job, why not look for another way to get other work? I know that this is not the easiest of things. Jobs aren’t just always available and transitions are certainly not easy. But people do it all the time.   From career switchers to career enhancers you can really be anything you want nowadays. You don’t need to go back and get a whole new degree – go back and get a certificate. Some of those programs are really short. And you’ll have more experience and the backing of your school’s career services on your side.

Think about these factors:

1. Your likes. What interests you? Do you like to work with your hands? Do you like to write? Maybe work on music? Get involved somehow in something you like because it will give you something to look forward to every day.

2. Your dislikes. What do you absolutely hate, besides your current job? What bores you? If you get queasy at the sight of blood then being a nurse or phlebotomist may not be for you. But maybe you want to work in the medical field somehow. Perhaps you’ll look into medical billing and coding. Try to think outside of the box.

3. Your environment. Does the thought of a nine to five cubicle job drive you crazy? Maybe you need to interact with people regularly or maybe you like to work with a computer all day. Think about what kind of environment best suits you. Who knows you better than yourself? Not many people I’d say.

I’ve said it before, but I’ll say it again: make a pros and cons list. You’ll see everything you’ve been thinking right in front of you, on one piece of paper. And you’ll be able to assess the situation for what it is and make an informed decision.

Check out the best schools for you and different occupations you may never have even thought of before. Talk to admissions officers and get a sense of where you may belong in the future…

Good luck!

-Amanda Fornecker

I have a friend who’s not too sure what she wants to do with her life. She graduated from a top-notch school with a liberal arts degree and really doesn’t know what she’d be good at doing. My suggestion: attend a certificate program.

I think certificate programs are so cool. They’re a great way to hone your skills or learn specific things in a short period of time. Whether you’re a recent grad, a longtime grad, or a career switcher looking for something more, certificate programs can be the extra boost you need to get that job you’ve been eyeing.

The options seem endless with certificates. Most programs last a couple of weeks to a couple of months, depending on the curriculum. Once you complete the prescribed course of study, you’ll have an additional piece of paper that will prove your worth; not to mention the support you’ll gain from the school you attend. Many career schools and community colleges offer programs, as do traditional colleges.

Some schools offer the opportunity of completing a certificate program completely online. This way, you’ll be able to complete the requirements at your own pace and convenience of your own home. Though it may not seem credible (I’ve had many people express excessive doubt on the whole online arena), it’s becoming more and more commonplace as time goes on. You’ll also be able to keep up with your current schedule and complete your course on evenings and weekends.

In addition to all this, certificate programs are so affordable. They typically cost less than a regular degree, mainly because they are for a shorter period of time, making it more cost- and time-efficient than a degree.

I’m certainly not suggesting that a certificate program can take the place of a bachelor’s degree, but I do think that it’s a great supplemental idea or way of trying out another field. Four-year degrees are also not always for everyone. What I do suggest is checking into them. You never know what you may come up with. Just another way of leaving no stone unturned…

-Amanda Fornecker

Why do you think most people leave their jobs? You might think it would be to escape a flesh-eating virus of a boss. Or it could be boredom or wanting to try something new. Others may jump on job opportunities that come out of nowhere. But surprisingly (to me at least), none of those are the most popular reason.

For the majority of employees recently surveyed by BelssingWhite, a consultant and training firm, it’s the lack of advancement opportunities that motivate them to leave. A whopping 29 percent say they want to grow, advance, and learn, but feel their current place of work is holding them back.

Here’s how BlessingWhite CEO Christopher Rice puts it: “They want to pursue their interests and goals, but aren’t dissatisfied enough to take action. From a practical standpoint employees can often satisfy their need for career growth, change or better use their talents with a current employer, but it’s not always obvious to them how they might do so.”

So what’s the best way to take action when your current job just isn’t doing it for you? Well, I’ve said it before, dear bloggers, but it merits repeating — you won’t get ahead unless you take your knowledge to the next level. Whether that’s by volunteering to take on new assignments, going back to school, or shadowing a higher up who’s willing to train you in a new skill, it all equates to continuing your work education.

Is your company big on education? For starters, take the initiative to see if there are any employer-sponsored training classes or tuition reimbursement programs you can sign up for. If not, do some research to find a class in your field you’d like to take, and talk to your supervisor about how you think it can help improve your productivity. If he or she agrees, you just might have earned a fat tuition check.

Still, your skills are your responsibility. If the boss won’t pay, so what? That doesn’t mean it can’t be done. Decide what you’re willing to invest in terms of time and money and seek out a program of study that can put you in line for the next promotion, or if you’d prefer, help you qualify for a position in a different department or new company altogether.

Why not give it a try? Then if things remain stagnant, you’ll know your employer is a dud and ultimately may decide it’s time to move on — only now, you’ll be packing a shiny new set of skills.