Summer Break Opportunities

As another semester is coming to an end, what should students do on their summer break? While most students would love to spend their summer on the beach, you also don't want to waste the entire summer when there are so many opportunities. You can still have a few days on the beach, but here are some other options to consider.  

Work is a great way to earn some money and save up for next year. While many students dream of landing the most amazing job opportunity ever, reality is they often find work in service industry. Working at the mall or a restaurant isn't so bad, your bank account is growing and you get a great discount! You might miss out on a few events, but learning responsibility is important. If there are any major events this summer, make sure to ask for them off well in advance, otherwise try trading with a coworker. 

Internships are a great way to gain experience. You may not get compensated, although you will gain some incredible job experience and have something to put on your resume. If you are lucky, some businesses do offer a paid position, or offer some other benefits.

Create your own experience. One of my goals this summer is to create a personal blog that has a professional tone. I will also work on socially networking online to gain more momentum in building my experience. This will help put more positive information out there about my name. I can provide this on my administrative assistant resume next year while searching for my dream job. Other ideas are writing a book, screen play, or creating a short film.

Continue on with school. Even if you only take 6 credits for spring and another 6 credits for summer, you will be a full semester ahead by fall! Ask your school about options between winter and fall terms. Some schools offer some classes online, so you could stay at home if your school is a distance from home. Yet another option is taking classes at a community college that will transfer to your school.

Interested in Becoming a College Professor?

While most college students hate homework, some decide they want to turn the tables one day. What does it take to become a college professor? 

It depends on what you are interested in. I was interested in a career in education, more specifically in becoming a Communications professor. I talked with the department head and he asked me to look at professors' backgrounds, what level of education they have, where they received it, and even where they are from. I attend Saginaw Valley State University in Michigan. Some of the instructors are from across the country with a wide background, but most have received their Doctoral degrees, or are in the process of completing. To teach at a bachelor degree level for a university, you will need at least a master's degree, but often even higher is preferred. 

You also need to possess certain finesse with students. I have been witness to a few guest lectures by potential new instructors. School administrators watch them in action, and we as students give input after they have left the room. There has been a variety, from people who are shaking in their shoes and sweating profusely, to those who are so passionate they are practically shouting points to us. Universities look for a person who can adapt their lectures and know their material inside and out. They look for someone who is going to come across as highly intelligent and can demand respect of students.

Dress the role of a teacher. If you believe you are going to show up wearing jeans and a T-shirt like the students, forget about respect. If you are in a position of authority your clothing choices need to reflect that. Near the end of the semester it around finals week, it could be more appropriate to wear crisp jeans with a tucked in button down shirt and dress shoes.

Whatever your dream is keep aiming to be the best. You could never aim too high, as one of my favorite professors I admire has always done. She came from a small town in another country. She has accepted many opportunities throughout her life, and she is very satisfied with her life. She said she only wishes one thing could have changed, she could have done more! She encouraged me to keep aiming high and don't forget her when I've achieved my dreams.

Study Abroad for College Credit

Recently one of my professors mentioned he would be leading a trip with another faculty member to a group of students to study abroad, they would be spending most of their 3 week trip in Dakar in the country of Senegal located on the west coast of Africa. He mentioned that it is roughly $7000 for everything including tuition; you would only need to bring money for alcoholic drinks or souvenirs. He wanted us to know it is for spring of 2013 so we would have time to save up money now, and to find scholarships, including specific study abroad scholarships. He showed us a video a student made and lots of pictures briefly explaining the city and religious views from the previous year. This inspired me to look up if most students get the opportunity to travel abroad.

Some of the advantages of studying abroad are that it increases your cultural awareness. You will leave the comforts of home to stay in a totally different culture which will expand your horizons.  It opens your eyes to what else is out there in the world, it is totally different to experience it rather than just learn in a classroom or online about another culture. It also increases your confidence and maturity being in a foreign country. It will also look amazing on a resume, showing that you are culturally aware and can handle many different situations. 

There are different things to consider of what trip you are taking. The faculty led trip my school offers seems easy because they arrange for most everything for you. There are other opportunities as well that could require more planning on your part for college credits, travel, and housing arrangements. There are also some surprise costs you could incur if traveling on your own. My professor said they have worked the kinks out of the school program from previous experiences, so the cost through the school is fairly set. 

The most important thing you need is a passport. For most countries you want verification of your identity through a passport, and especially for re-entry into the US. Another important document for students is an International Student Identity Card, which is fairly accepted in most countries. With this card you also can get a wide variety of discounts on everything, travel, meals, housing, even entertainment.

Talk with a professor and use the internet to explore what options you have. It is an amazing experience that you will never forget!
 

Spring Fever

Most of my classmates and I have spring fever. It’s warm and sunny outside, why do we want to sit inside a cold and dark classroom? Here is how I've been getting work done, yet enjoying the weather:

Enjoy it as you can. For me, this means that during the 1/2 hour break between classes I'm outside. I even got a sandwich and took it outside to eat at a table. I was not alone, I saw tons of other students sitting in the sunny grass studying, chatting, checking their phones, eating lunch, and even napping. Something about the sun and warm weather calls you outside to enjoy it.

Remember sunblock! It’s recommended to be worn all year, but to be honest I skip it during the winter. I hate the pale look my old sunscreen cast over my face. I just recently heard about a new multitasking product that also contains sunscreen everyone was raving about. I drove to the store in search of this new product, BB cream. I found Garnier's Miracle Skin Perfector that claims to complete 5 tasks in one cream. It hydrates, evens tone, corrects blemishes, boosts a healthy glow, and contains sunscreen. I put this to the test to discover it works! It’s not full coverage like foundation is, but the sunscreen does work! My shoulders got red while my face did not burn.

Get a start on your tan! I mean self-tanners are wonderful to look like you have been enjoying sunshine all winter long, when you've really been covered up head to toe to keep warm. For me, stopping in for a Mystic tan is the easiest. I don't feel so embarrassed to flaunt my legs in capri pants and flip flops as I run about campus. It’s still too cold in classrooms for shorts I believe.

Ask teachers to take lectures outside. The worst case is they say no. I am lucky; there are a few amphitheaters around campus that I've had teachers relocate classes to. The teacher probably has some spring fever too! This past week one teacher emailed us the PowerPoint lecture and asked we print it off before class. We arrived to a note on the door to meet at one of the amphitheaters to listen to lecture in the sunshine and we could still follow along and take notes on the PowerPoint handouts we printed.

Remember that you can still play in the sun later. Even though you are stuck in a cold dark classroom and dreaming of the sunshine and even the warm water of the beach this summer, it will be there later. You have deadlines to meet that will get you closer to your dream career, like an executive assistant. It's better to get it completed now and have a more enjoyable and worry-free beach trip later.

Exam Stress & Acne

Spring break is over, and midterms are next week with finals quickly approaching. One of the downfalls after all of the fun in the sun, impending stress from studying and worrying about midterms is it causes breakouts. I have many male and female friends who have all complained with me about when we get stressed out, our face shows it. It is even more stressful as most of us are searching for summer employment and internships to show up to an interview with a big pimple on your face. I believe it makes employers think I am younger than I am and not take me as seriously. What can you do?

First off, know that its common and nearly everyone has acne at some point in their lives. Adults with acne are quite common as well, and stress does negatively impact our health and skin.
Take care of yourself. One of the best ways to combat stress and acne is to take care of yourself by drinking plenty of water, sleeping enough, and getting proper exercise. Also be sure to eat right, meaning follow the recommended servings for fruits, vegetables, dairy, grains, and protein. If you are a smoker, add that to your list to quit because it is going to wreck your body as we all have heard.
Wash your face with an over the counter treatment. There are tons of options, including dermatologists coming out with their own brands. I have found the best for my skin is Neutrogena Oil Free Acne Wash Redness Soothing Scrub. You don't want to over exfoliate your skin however, so alternate every other day with a cream cleanser from the same brand. I use my fingers to massage the product onto wet skin, allow sitting for about 30 seconds and then rinsing it off.
Use a toner to help control oil and prevent further break outs. This goes onto a cotton ball after washing and drying your face and you gently rub it all over.
Moisturize your skin despite the acne. You could further aggravate acne by not moisturizing after using these harsh products that have sucked all of the oil and bad things from your face; you need to replenish it with good stuff. There are so many options, but I enjoy Oil-Free Moisture.
Use a spot treatment for pimples. I use Clean and Clear Persa-Gel, but only on the pimple itself.
Be aware that anything containing Benzoyl Peroxide can leave permanent bleach stains on clothing, towels, and/or carpet.
Conceal pimples to hide them while they are being treated and healing. I use the back of a cold metal spoon and hold it to a very red and inflamed pimple to make it feel better while reducing swelling and redness. When it feels warm remove and use a green tinted concealer to cancel out redness. Even guys can do this to cover up a pimple, dab a bit of concealer to hide a pimple and put some translucent powder over to set it.
Remember to follow through with the products you purchased to use. I have mine set on the back of the bathroom sink so I cannot forget. 

What are Internships?

What is an internship? Typically college students complete an internship before graduating. It's basically working for a company either for-profit or nonprofit, either for compensation and/or credits towards your degree. Depending on the school and program, you may be required to complete an internship. It is recommended because it helps give you a step in the field you'd like while answering your questions, like what is a neonatal nurse practitioner? There are endless possibilities when it comes to career decisions, an internship actually puts you in the field of your choice so you gain valuable hands-on experience and further insight into your chosen career field.

How do you find an internship?
I would start speaking with professors; they are a valuable source of information and contacts. Meet with your professor during their office hours so they can have the time to sit down and help discuss opportunities with you. They may also know of previous places other students have interned at, or places seeking interns.
Employment services also are a valuable source to seek intern opportunities, sometimes paid! Usually you provide information about yourself, such as your major, experience, and skills. They match the information you provided with what companies are seeking and alert you to opportunities. They can also help you refine your resume and provide tips about interviews for employment.

Apply at places that are interesting to you. One friend dreamed of working for NBC and decided to apply. She not only landed the internship, it was paid and she was provided a place to live in New York for a summer! Another friend thought that interning at Walt Disney World could be fun, it changed her life and she permanently lives in Florida now.

Be aware that with most companies, you will be required to dress appropriately. If that means wearing a suit, be prepared with one. Also, treat the internship like a job. They should work around your school schedule, however if you are expected to be there at a specific time, be there! Be sure to make as many connections as you can, this could help you in the future with providing references and opportunities in the future.