There are numerous online sources that can help students find an internship. The most important ones are the ones that facilitate networking.
Networking is always a good starting point when looking for an internship. Sources like LinkedIn and LunchMeet can aide you in networking.
LinkedIn lets you browse profiles of various professionals, students and companies and connect with them. You can also view job postings and join groups.
LunchMeet takes LinkedIn a step further. Using your LinkedIn account, you can log in to LunchMeet and let people know when you are available to meet and invite others for coffee or lunch. This might help a student secure a meeting with someone working for a company they want to intern with. Requesting the meeting, even if they say no, shows you are a self-starter and know how to utilize social media to your advantage.
Internships.com offers a search tool which can be helpful, depending on where you live. The site also offers advice, assistance on creating a resume and stories from interns.
Networking in an important part of any job, whether you are searching for a job or already have one. Take advantage of all of the professional online networking sources!
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
College and Cell Phones
After reading an article on Mashable about how cell phones have changed the college experience, I began to examine my own experiences.
When I started college I was in the Air Force living in Turkey. No one there had a cell phone unless it was for work. The same was true in Germany for the most part. Of course, no one had iPads or the internet on their phones either. The classes seemed more focused. Was it because no one was distracted by their phones or have smartphones in general made us all more scatterbrained, even when we aren't using them? Are we all turning into the people from those Bing commercials?
It wasn't until I started college in the US in 2010 that I began to notice people using their phones in class. Personally I think it is rude, especially when students try to be sneaky about it. I then fall victim to distraction, stop listening and keep looking over thinking "are they really on their phone?" I try to give people the benefit of the doubt, but the Words with Friends screen is pretty unmistakable. The majority of cell phone use in class is not beneficial.
But can they help it? The article states that 60% of all students have tech addiction. That's not surprising when 75% of students say their phone never leaves their side. 93% of students say their phones make their lives easier, which is probably true. However, when are we going to cross that line when our tech addiction starts to make our lives harder?
When I started college I was in the Air Force living in Turkey. No one there had a cell phone unless it was for work. The same was true in Germany for the most part. Of course, no one had iPads or the internet on their phones either. The classes seemed more focused. Was it because no one was distracted by their phones or have smartphones in general made us all more scatterbrained, even when we aren't using them? Are we all turning into the people from those Bing commercials?
It wasn't until I started college in the US in 2010 that I began to notice people using their phones in class. Personally I think it is rude, especially when students try to be sneaky about it. I then fall victim to distraction, stop listening and keep looking over thinking "are they really on their phone?" I try to give people the benefit of the doubt, but the Words with Friends screen is pretty unmistakable. The majority of cell phone use in class is not beneficial.
But can they help it? The article states that 60% of all students have tech addiction. That's not surprising when 75% of students say their phone never leaves their side. 93% of students say their phones make their lives easier, which is probably true. However, when are we going to cross that line when our tech addiction starts to make our lives harder?
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Facebook vs LinkedIn
Most job seekers put their best foot forward on LinkedIn, but what about Facebook? It would be naive to think that potential employers are only going to look at your LinkedIn page.
According to Mashable, the online recruiting research lab Potentialpark found that "While employers continue to use professional networking site LinkedIn for recruiting, especially when hand-picking for executive positions, they prefer interacting with students and graduates via Facebook rather than LinkedIn."
When Potentialpark asked HR professionals why they preferred Facebook for recruitment, this is what they had to say,
The answer could vary depending on the type of company you are applying to. In the end, it's a personal judgement call.
According to Mashable, the online recruiting research lab Potentialpark found that "While employers continue to use professional networking site LinkedIn for recruiting, especially when hand-picking for executive positions, they prefer interacting with students and graduates via Facebook rather than LinkedIn."
When Potentialpark asked HR professionals why they preferred Facebook for recruitment, this is what they had to say,
- "1. It’s more engaging. With Facebook, employers can follow a “let them come to us” strategy by setting up a business page for recruitment and career purposes. Recruiters noted that the interesting content on pages leads to comments, discussions and more personal interactions. With LinkedIn, the communication is very much one-way in the recruiting world, as employers proactively search for candidates and message them.
- 2. Facebook is where the action is. Recruiters perceive that few students and recent graduates actively update their LinkedIn profiles, whereas they are quite active on Facebook. Therefore, it just makes sense to connect with them where they already hang out online.
- 3. It’s free. Employers like that Facebook enables them to upload advanced recruitment content, such as testimonials, videos, pictures or a job search — and it’s all free of charge. This broad range of tools enables a company to showcase itself as an attractive employer.
- 4. It’s a bigger network. Facebook offers a larger audience, with more than 800 million active users worldwide, compared with LinkedIn’s user base of around 120 million members.
- 5. It’s more open. Facebook is free for all members and requires no premium accounts to use certain features. As a result, it’s a more open network than LinkedIn.
- 6. The Like button. When it comes to career website integration, Facebook takes the cake — Facebook feeds and the Like button are easier to integrate.
- 7. It’s better for branding. Recruiters report they tend toward LinkedIn and other business networks for networking, screening and recruiting. However, when it comes to employer branding activities and talent communication — especially with students, graduates and early career professionals — many prefer Facebook."
The answer could vary depending on the type of company you are applying to. In the end, it's a personal judgement call.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Job Search: Infographic CVs and Video Resumes
Two trends to hit the job hunt are video resumes and infographic curriculum vitaes (CV). What is the difference between a traditional resume and a CV?
According to About.com, "The primary differences between a resume and a curriculum vitae (CV) are the length, what is included and what each is used for. A resume is a one or two page summary of your skills, experience and education. While a resume is brief and concise - no more than a page or two, a Curriculum Vitae is a longer (at least two pages) and more detailed synopsis."
An infographic CV takes it one step further, using charts, graphs and other graphics to display information.
An excellent example of an infographic CV is one created by Gareth Case. He has received excellent feedback on the project. According to Gareth, "The majority of us are visual creatures, turned on more by the eye, than the depth of detail. To that end, my CV has attracted some lovely comments and in less than a month, 954 downloads. Would my standard CV have received the same level of interest? No chance. So I am embarking on a new journey, to turn our ‘detaily’ product collateral into slick, one page infographics that convey the essence of our key message in a few seconds, rather than a few minutes."
The blog, Cool Infographics, features a great post examining 16 different infographic resumes.
Video resumes are also a creative way to show who you are to a potential employer.
If done right, a video resume can help you market yourself to potential employers. About.com features some tips on how to have success in create a video resume.
You can find numerous professional video resumes on YouTube. One example is Shelly.
One of the characters, Barney, on the show "How I Met Your Mother" poked fun at the trend, possibly showing job candidates how not to make a video resume.
Although infographic CVs and video resumes may not replace the traditional resume, both of these resume styles are sure to make anyone stand out as a job candidate!
According to About.com, "The primary differences between a resume and a curriculum vitae (CV) are the length, what is included and what each is used for. A resume is a one or two page summary of your skills, experience and education. While a resume is brief and concise - no more than a page or two, a Curriculum Vitae is a longer (at least two pages) and more detailed synopsis."
An infographic CV takes it one step further, using charts, graphs and other graphics to display information.
An excellent example of an infographic CV is one created by Gareth Case. He has received excellent feedback on the project. According to Gareth, "The majority of us are visual creatures, turned on more by the eye, than the depth of detail. To that end, my CV has attracted some lovely comments and in less than a month, 954 downloads. Would my standard CV have received the same level of interest? No chance. So I am embarking on a new journey, to turn our ‘detaily’ product collateral into slick, one page infographics that convey the essence of our key message in a few seconds, rather than a few minutes."
The blog, Cool Infographics, features a great post examining 16 different infographic resumes.
Video resumes are also a creative way to show who you are to a potential employer.
If done right, a video resume can help you market yourself to potential employers. About.com features some tips on how to have success in create a video resume.
You can find numerous professional video resumes on YouTube. One example is Shelly.
One of the characters, Barney, on the show "How I Met Your Mother" poked fun at the trend, possibly showing job candidates how not to make a video resume.
Although infographic CVs and video resumes may not replace the traditional resume, both of these resume styles are sure to make anyone stand out as a job candidate!
Monday, September 19, 2011
Netflix's PR Nightmare
As far as I am concerned Netflix has ruined their relationship with me as a customer. They did this by charging me for both streaming DVD and mailed DVD services separately, doubling what I was paying before.
First of all I felt blindsided after receiving very little notice that this price increase was coming. Second, it came across as greedy on their part.
The DVDs they offer on the streaming portion are old, not new releases. In a good month, where I have some free time, the maximum DVDs I would be able to receive by mail is five with the one DVD at a time service. Even then there is usually a wait for the new releases.
Why would I pay for both services when I can just go to the Red Box and pay $1 for a movie I know I will have time to watch?
The Netflix company's solution? Re-name the DVD mail portion to Qwikster, apologize and hope for the best. They have already lost over 1 million customers and there stock has dropped significantly. Personally, I don't see this helping their image.
Their actions seem impulsive and rash. I think they need to re-think how to fix the relationships with those 1 million customers they lost, not re-brand themselves.
First of all I felt blindsided after receiving very little notice that this price increase was coming. Second, it came across as greedy on their part.
The DVDs they offer on the streaming portion are old, not new releases. In a good month, where I have some free time, the maximum DVDs I would be able to receive by mail is five with the one DVD at a time service. Even then there is usually a wait for the new releases.
Why would I pay for both services when I can just go to the Red Box and pay $1 for a movie I know I will have time to watch?
The Netflix company's solution? Re-name the DVD mail portion to Qwikster, apologize and hope for the best. They have already lost over 1 million customers and there stock has dropped significantly. Personally, I don't see this helping their image.
Their actions seem impulsive and rash. I think they need to re-think how to fix the relationships with those 1 million customers they lost, not re-brand themselves.
Saturday, September 3, 2011
Social Media and the Job Hunt
As I enter my last year of college, I have inevitably started gearing up for the job hunt. Reading various articles on what and what not to do, I have begun to sense a common theme among what employers are at.
A recent article on Mashable offers 5 tips for managing your social media when looking for a job. The tips include keeping it clean, showing some personality, using various platforms, and connecting with the companies that you want to work for.
I think new job candidates often undervalue the use of social media. Following the company you want to work for and connecting before an interview can make you stand out as well as determine if the company is in fact the type of company you want to work for.
Exploring new social media platforms is also a good tip. Don't limit yourself to Facebook and Twitter. LinkedIn, Tumblr and other blog sites are a great way to communicate within an industry.
I feel like it is said a lot, but keeping it clean is very important! Profanity does not get your point across more effectively. Does everyone really need to see the pictures from your friends bachelorette party or you doing shots at the club? Probably not.
While these tips are not anything new, I feel they have been repeated because people are still not getting the hint. Definitely worth taking into consideration whether you are looking for a job or want to keep your current one.
A recent article on Mashable offers 5 tips for managing your social media when looking for a job. The tips include keeping it clean, showing some personality, using various platforms, and connecting with the companies that you want to work for.
I think new job candidates often undervalue the use of social media. Following the company you want to work for and connecting before an interview can make you stand out as well as determine if the company is in fact the type of company you want to work for.
Exploring new social media platforms is also a good tip. Don't limit yourself to Facebook and Twitter. LinkedIn, Tumblr and other blog sites are a great way to communicate within an industry.
I feel like it is said a lot, but keeping it clean is very important! Profanity does not get your point across more effectively. Does everyone really need to see the pictures from your friends bachelorette party or you doing shots at the club? Probably not.
While these tips are not anything new, I feel they have been repeated because people are still not getting the hint. Definitely worth taking into consideration whether you are looking for a job or want to keep your current one.
Saturday, August 27, 2011
New Look
My blog started out last semester as a project for my Internet PR class. The main focus was the fashion industry using the internet for PR campaigns.
As I enter my senior year of college as a PR student, I decided to keep my blog going, but in a new direction. The focus will be examining social media and PR from the view of a new professional.
As I enter my senior year of college as a PR student, I decided to keep my blog going, but in a new direction. The focus will be examining social media and PR from the view of a new professional.
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