CollegeSurfing Insider

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

Click here for more career advice and here for career ideas and resources.

-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

Sick of hearing about the impending recession? Just this morning there was yet another segment on The Today Show (check it out!) about how to recession-proof your job. But my feeling is that even in good economic times, it’s always smart to do a PR push — a public relations campaign, if you will — to promote why you’re an important asset to your company.

Of course, you may not always be able to control your fate when layoffs happen and new corporate visions don’t mesh with your skills, in which case, it might be a good time to assess if you want to make that career change you’ve always talked about. But if you’d like nothing more than to flourish at your current company, take the following tips from The Five O’Clock Club’s book, Navigating Your Career, to heart, you’ll become the kind of employee bosses want to take along for the bumpy ride:

Train your brain. When companies clean house, they first look to people whose skills are obsolete. Take classes, join trade organizations, stay in tune with the industry as a whole. Plus, doing so is good networking anyway in case tough times send you packing.

Take initiative. Don’t let choice assignments go to someone else. Volunteer for critical responsibilities, including tasks that will have you working more closely with higher-ups. Just doing your job well may not be enough if you want to make the cut.

Put on a happy face. Or as the Today Show experts say, “no drama, no diva, no complaining.” If you’re a problem child, a complainer, miss your deadlines, or gossip too much, a staff cut-back may be a good excuse to get rid of you. Work as if Big Brother is always watching, and be a source of support for your co-workers.

Become visible to those above you in the corporate pecking order. Make sure everyone knows about your great work and what you bring to the company. In other words, increase your emails to higher ups about project updates, ask questions, or offer encouragement about initiatives in other departments. Showing a genuine interest in the company as a whole will make you a more likely candidate for a lateral move should your department get the axe.

Keep an eye out. In unstable times, don’t feel like you’re being disloyal by keeping your resume current and your eye on job postings. You never know what tomorrow may bring, and you don’t want to be caught off guard.

First thing this morning, my sister emails me. After graduating with a degree in biology a few years back, she’s taught bio at the high school level, worked for the department of health doing West Nile research, and now is a lab instructor at a college. So today when she emailed me that she’s “looking” again (she’s had it with the roach problem and computer glitches in her classroom — don’t ask!), I was a bit surprised. Not that roaches and lost Internet connections turned her off to her current employer (ew!), but that she wants her next job to offer a better salary but be totally unrelated to science! It’s going to be tough to make comparable money in a new field when all of her experience is science-based. What to tell her?

Soon after, a former writer colleague confided in me via IM that she’s also on the hunt despite everyone assuming she’s totally content in her current position. It’s not about money for her; she just doesn’t feel challenged. Of course, this isn’t exactly the best climate to be changing jobs in the journalism arena, with people getting laid off and mags folding left and right. But still, she’s not willing to wait around to see if things improve.

What’s the common thread here? Besides the fact that they both came to me for advice (as if someone who’s been at the same company for nine years knows anything about changing jobs!), both gals do have what by most standards would be considered respectable positions in fields related to their college degree. Yet, for very different reasons, they’re both looking to move on. And guess what? They’re hardly alone.

The U.S. Department of Labor estimates that the average person holds 10 different jobs over their working lives. Full-blown career changes are a different story altogether, and not officially tracked by the DOL, but career experts say changing paths is not all that uncommon. Add to that the fact that they’re both young, independent, and career-driven, and you’ve got yourself the perfect job/career change cocktail.

So how can I best advise them? Despite my anti-job-hopping background, I’ve learned something over the years by speaking with numerous career and education experts, successful pros, and students. So girls, here’s the deal:

For my sister, the career changer: Be prepared to take on something administrative or a temp job and hit the books during off hours. You’ve been thinking about returning to school for some time now, but haven’t been sure about what to pursue. This might be the time for you to take a risk in a totally new field and go for it. Even better, try to get an entry level position in your new field of choice. Although it might mean a pay cut now, when you finish your coursework, you’ll have that all-important experience to pair with your book knowledge.

For my friend, the job changer: If you really feel you’ve grown as far as you can with your company (or don’t like the direction it’s going in), then it’s time to pack up your cube. Be sure to leave on good terms and keep in touch with colleagues, though. Networking might matter someday (like if your editor moves to your dream publication and needs to recommend someone for an opening).

For both of them: Every job should give you something you can take with you to the next job. Put aside the negatives and think about skills you developed, things you learned, and experiences you had that can be strong talking points in your next job interview. Sis, you can describe how you overcame the challenge of teaching a course with limited resources — such improvisation is an impressive trait for any employee. And, gal pal, you can discuss how you taught yourself to create slideshows for your magazine’s Web site to make the most of your downtime and your work more rewarding.

Hope that helps, ladies! And if either of you need a personal reference, I’m your gal!

Q: What does it take to get hired in this wacky job market?

Does anyone really know that answer? If only… What I can tell you is it’s a combination of education, experience, and luck.

My husband landed his first job after earning a computer certificate following a job interview that went very well. Of course, I tease him that it was his broken foot that earned him a sympathy vote, not his tidy resume or sharp interview answers. What else would his interviewer be thinking, but, “Here’s a dedicated guy. He breaks his foot after making the interview appointment, and still manages to come limping in 15 minutes early!.”

Then, just yesterday, my future brother-in-law went on his gazillionth job interview. Not for lack of trying, but he just hasn’t had any luck in finding a good fit for his bookkeeping skills. He felt good about yesterday, but when he woke up with no voice from a bout of laryngitis, he figured it was a bad sign. I encouraged him, telling him it was my husband’s broken foot that brought him luck once. Sure enough, this morning he called to tell me that he was hired!

The lesson here? No, it’s NOT to go out with no coat looking for pneumonia or slip on the ice and break a limb — it’s simply that you have to stick out the sometimes long, arduous job-hunting process, and be confident in your skills. In my husband’s case, he had just completed a computer technical support program at a reputable career school, as well as short technology courses like A++, SQL, and other techie acronymns my editorial brain can’t recall. He just needed to find a company that would give him a chance to showcase his skills, while offering the chance to build on them and keep learning.

My bro-in-law-to-be, I think, was simply the victim of a tough job market and bad timing (despite having a business degree and experience in his field). Sure, he had a few job offers during his search, but none of them offered advancement opportunities, a decent salary, or normal hours. Until yesterday, that is.

So hang in there, new career seekers. Sometimes it takes a little luck, lots of patience, or even a networking fluke. But good career education and top-notch skills will always come in handy.

What do you think is the most important factor for getting hired? Share your comments…