First Day of School Photo

By: Rebekah Beachum

I was always one of those kids that loved going to school. The first day of a new year was like Christmas; I couldn't sleep, I couldn't eat, and I always woke up way too early for my parents. My mom would gather my sister and I (and my brother when he got old enough) and we'd take a first day of school photo, each time holding our lunchboxes, backpacks, instruments, sports bags, and books we'd forgotten to take in early. It was something we could count on each year through the time I graduated from high school. When I came to college, I sent pictures of my first day to my mom, just so she could feel like she was there.

I had my last class today. Ever. In the chaos and excitement of graduation, I think I forgot that each day meant growing closer to the last time I would learn in a classroom. It's bittersweet to realize that in the fall, I won't take a first day of school photo. The next picture of me academically will be vastly different from my first: instead of a jumper and Mary Janes with a backpack way too big for me (that truly had nothing in it), I will be in a cap and gown, graduating college.

Despite the change in setting, the age difference, and the ability now to control the hair on my head, I plan to hold onto my love of learning. I think what I looked forward to most every single school year was that I knew I would learn something new about me, other people, and life in general. This truly does not stop where the classroom does. I'm curious to step out and figure out life in a new way in my personal and professional world, and I'll always remember the first day of school excitement when I do it.

Glass of Water? Sure.

By: Julie Smith

When you are offered a glass of water in an interview, take it. Why? Because that is the perfect opportunity to walk with your interviewer and make small talk about things unrelated to your resume or professional career.  When you are facing candidates with similar experiences or maybe even more experience than you, what is going to be that deciding factor that sets you apart?

It is important to be a real person beyond your resume. Having interests and knowledge about a variety of things will get you very far in your conversations with people both in interview settings and general networking.

In an interview I had recently, I was speaking with the Senior Vice President of the company, and we ended up on the subject of Purdue basketball. I was able to hold a meaningful conversation on that topic, which I think really impressed him. I was then able to tie that conversation back to something related to my career- a sports blog that I am in the process of launching. That was not something that was on my resume, but was a piece of me as a person and showed my interests and character.

So if the opportunity presents itself, accept that glass of water or that opportunity to veer off subject for a minute or too. Just be sure to keep it professional, as always! 

Pinterest?

By: Rebekah Beachum

If you haven't heard of Pinterest yet, you should get familiar. It's the newest craze in idea sharing and has exploded in the past eight or so months. What was once used for moms sharing craft ideas and girls "pinning" ideas to boards for their weddings has become an effective form of business and organizational communication. I read an article today about using Pinterest as a branding tool for your professional identity that really piqued my interest.

It's fascinating to think that you can use boards with videos and pictures and web links to identify yourself to employers. It's easier for visual majors (fashion design, graphic design, artists in general) than traditional majors (ie business, political, education majors), but that's not entirely out of the question. More creativity is involved. Create boards that are related to your experience (a resume board), a board with samples of your work, or interests outside of your profession to give employers a better idea of who you are. If you plan to use Pinterest in this way, make sure your personal and professional pins don't overlap; it could discourage any employer from pursuing you further.

Another way to use Pinterest is to actually look for a job. More and more, companies are creating Pinterest pages to identify their brand and include boards with links to product, mission statements, and open positions. In fact, you can stay tuned for the LACD Pinterest later this summer! Follow the boards that are connected to jobs and companies you're interested in. It may seem small, but the person looking at followers could be the person that hires you.

Goodbye LACD and Purdue

By Lauren Farmer

First of all, sorry to the readers, I forgot to blog on Monday so I hope you all weren't too disappointed.

This is my last blog for LACD since I will be graduating in just 2 and a half short weeks! It is very bittersweet. I have had such a great experience interning with LACD and I would recommend it to any liberal arts student! I want to thank the readers of our blogs and keep up the good work of being involved with our services because they will really help you in your future. I am very thankful I have got to experience them hands on.

Some last minute advice for my fellow graduates...remember to tailor everything! Including resume, cover letter, etc. Create your professional brand and know who you are and what you have to offer. Practice interviewing and stay confident. Go show the world your talent and good luck to you all!

Dead Week Tips

By: Nora Kish

(Insert obligatory statement about Dead Week never being "dead"). Finals are right around the corner, which means one thing: STUDYING. As important as studying is, it's just as important to remain cognizant of your habits while you study. It seems like everyone knows what they should do, but rarely do it. Below are some reminders and tips to be in as good of shape as possible while staying up for 12+ hours holed up in the library and going semi-blind from staring at a computer screen.

Get up and stretch! When I study and get in the zone, I'm not coming out for a while. For a while, I thought it was a good thing because it meant I was focused and being productive. Boy, was I wrong. There are multiple studies out there that show sitting for long periods of time can be extremely detrimental to your health. It's recommended to get up and move around for a few minutes per hour you spend sitting.

Snack healthily. That bottle of Mountain Dew can often be the perfect pick-me-up and that Snickers bar is great to munch on while reading. To add to the aforementioned, these snacks are also inexpensive and easy to handle. However, these quick-fixes are just that and are probably doing more harm than good. You should eat to nourish your body, not just fill it. Some healthy alternatives include almonds (or any nuts), apples and other fruits, and lots of water.

Get plenty of rest. This piece of advice is often the most repeated and overlooked. Getting enough sleep is vital to proper functioning because your body uses that time to repair itself and re-energize. You may think it's better to pull an all-nighter and study up until your exam, but it's not likely that you'll do well when you the questions are hard to read because your eyes are blurry from being so tired. Getting enough sleep helps you retain information better and think more clearly when test time comes.

Plan ahead. If you start reviewing material earlier, there's not as much need to cram. Studying the material before the exam should serve as a refresher, not the one night you try to teach yourself the entire course's content.

Dealing with Distraction

By Michael Mustradi

With the NHL playoffs in full swing, I have been distracted during the time of year when I should be most focused.  Everyone suffers from distractions daily, and while some may be affected more than others, it is important to limit the amount of distractions.  There are a few ways to limit simple distractions and get things done.

One of the largest distractions of modern day is social media.  You are not alone if you have the itch to check your Twitter feed every fifteen minutes.  It’s very discouraging how an hour on Twitter can feel like you have only been on for five minutes.  When I need to get work done, I usually disconnect from the Internet.  Social media, games, and news can all be major distractions and prevent you from meeting deadlines.

Planning ahead can also limit the amount of time that we waste on distractions.  If I know a game is going to be on, I know that I will not get much done, so I instead work hard before or after the game with the TV off.  Also, take breaks!  If you have a large workload, plan to take a breather because otherwise you will find yourself losing focus frequently.

So, deal with distractions first and make getting things done easier!

Be Intentional

By: Rebekah Beachum

As I go into the summer, most often I think of how I can't believe the year is over, how time flies, and how wonderful it is to be free to spend time however I wish. The past few weeks, I've been hearing a lot about living "missionally" and having a purpose to all aspects of your life. I think this includes summertime. As much as I'm so excited to graduate, it's not a time to stop pursuing what's most important just because summer arrives. The following is a short list of some of the things you could do to be intentional with your career during the summer.

Make a plan.
Include a schedule of your time and place dates of major events in your field, job or internship deadlines, and family events. If you're looking for employment, map out areas to look into each week and be consistent with applying and handing out your resume: the more people that have it can't hurt your chances.


Develop hobbies.
Continue to find things that interest you that will build up your experience and resume for the future. If you join up with other people, you may uncover more contacts in your area.

Relax.
The weather is nice. Take time to relax and recover from the stress of the year. Plan specific times to chill out even more throughout the summer so you don't feel like you're still in school mode.

Evaluate.
Sometimes you just need to spend time honestly looking at your skills and strengths or areas to grow. What could you improve on? What is something that you do really well that you could emphasize in the future?

Don't give up!
Sending out your resume and applying for jobs repeatedly can be tiring, especially with results below expectations. Patience and persistence are key to success. What is meant to happen will happen: just give it time.

Dress to Impress

By: Julie Smith

The days of sweatpants and oversized sweatshirts need to be over- at least when you are in public anyways. As you are building your professional identity, it is important to dress the part. I am not necessarily suggesting that you wear a business suit every time you leave the house, but merely saying that you should be conscious of your appearance.

You never know who you are going to run into, but looking sophisticated is key. Case and point, in one of my flights from Indianapolis to Minneapolis, I was seated next to a lady in a business suit. We made casual conversation and realized that we both had something in common, Purdue. She then inquired about my year in school and my major. She happened to have a sister who lived in the Minneapolis area and could put me in touch with people to help with my job search. Luckily for me, I was dressed nicely. I was not in business clothes, but I had on a respectable sweater, jeans and leather boots combo. Comfortable, yet stylish. I have to imagine that if I was wearing sweatpants and ugg boots, this lady would not have thought twice about offering up this valuable contact.

Whatever the occasion, at this point in your life, you are an adult and a budding professional. Look the part so you feel the part! This way you will be confident to express yourself in any situation, and others will notice. 

Lessons I Have Learned

By: Maureen Corbett

One of my main responsibilities for this internship position I held all semester was creating the Liberal Arts newsletter. Every month, Professional Pathways is emailed to all Liberal Arts students and contains information on internship opportunities, full-time positions, and other events at Purdue that are related to career development. In addition to  this, we always have a section entitled "Lessons from the Ladder" in which we feature a distinguished College of Liberal Arts alumnus who is flourishing in his or her career. These people share what has helped make them successful, and in turn I write a short article so that these successes can be passed on to other Purdue students.

As the baby among all the other interns  for LACD, I felt that it was my job to listen to everyone else around me and soak up as much information as I could. These alumni were successful for a reason, and if they were willing to impart any of their wisdom to me I was ready to hear it. The same thing goes for all the other senior interns this semester. I knew that they were all chosen for this position because they were hard-working, driven, and had something valuable to offer our team. It was my goal to model their behavior and one day be as successful as everyone else seemed to be. Looking back on the entire semester now, I realize just how much I have actually learned from this experience, and as the year draws to an end I can see that it is now my turn to pass down this wisdom to others.

One of the main things I have learned this year is the importance of being adaptable. Our team worked very hard all semester to make sure everything went as smoothly as possible. However, with nine different schedules, communication errors are bound to happen and things can fall through the cracks. Normally, I am the type of person who when things start to become stressful, I freak out and feel like I can't handle the situation. However, this internship experience has taught me that keeping my cool is one of the most valuable traits one can have in the workplace. None of the other interns would have anything to benefit from if I freaked out or overreacted when things weren't going the way we had planned. Instead, it is important to embrace change and do the best with what you have.

I also discovered that there is nothing wrong with asking for help. Working for LACD was a little overwhelming for me at first, and I thought that I was expected to know how to do everything right away. This is never the case with any job. Every boss wants the kind of employee who will ask questions in order to make sure he or she fully understands what is expected of them. It doesn't make you a lesser person if you have to clarify things with others, or ask for advice about something you are working on. Effective communication is one of the most valuable things employees can have when working in a team, so embrace the time you spend collaborating with others and getting assistance when necessary. Understanding how working with others can help you improve your own work is a valuable life lesson, and should never be taken for granted.

It is a great feeling to look back as where you were 4 months ago and recognize all the changes you see in yourself. It is important to always try to improve your work and grow as a person, because without improvement you will fall behind. As this semester draws to an end, I am happy to say that I am truly grateful for this experience and everything it has taught me. I am going to miss everyone very much next year, but I know that we will all take the knowledge we have learned this semester and apply it in order to make ourselves successful in the future.

One Door Opens as Another Door Closes

By Lauren Farmer

Im slowing starting to come to the harsh reality that my college days are numbered. It doesn't seem like I only have 2 more weeks left of classes here at Purdue and only 4 weeks until I walk across that stage and receive my diploma. Although I am experiencing all these "lasts", last time I will ever have a class at Purdue, my last Grand Prix, my last project, etc. I never stopped to realize that this end leads to a beginning.

Now, beginnings can be really scary. Being the new person is never fun. I know this because I moved around a lot as a child and had to get used to being in a new place and adapting to that environment. And now I am going to have to do it all over again, but in the workforce, not school. But, once the scary transition stage is over, I will get to enjoy being an independent person and using all of my knowledge from the past 16 years of being in school.

It seems that we have lived a long time and seniors always joke about how old we feel and think we are. But really, this is only the beginning! We are going to be fresh meat in the "new world" we are about to enter. So rather than thinking about the end of everything, lets try to think about how many new things lie ahead of us. It may seem scary, but it'll all be worth it. I know I would be so much more scared if this internship didn't prepare me for what is ahead, but I feel lucky to know more about the career world and how to leave college with a grasp on what to expect. And as scary as it is to leave this place of comfort and support, we all have to leave the nest sometime. So bring it on world!

Success from Sports

By Michael Mustradi

For many, some of the best memories of childhood are traced back to sports.  Not only are sports excellent for keeping children physically active, they can set a foundation that may not be noticed until later in life.  While playing both team and individual sports, adolescents learn numerous invaluable skills that will help them become successful in their later years.

Discipline

Having to deal and respect authority is crucial when entering any career.  I have been “constructively criticized” many times.  It doesn’t feel too great, but you learn to deal with it and move on.

Teamwork

Working with others to accomplish a common goal is one of the most important skills that can come from sports.  No matter what career path you may take, everyone will have to work with others eventually to be successful.

Respect

Hopefully, your coach taught you to respect the opposing team.  But, I found this to be even more important when dealing with a teammate that you do not like or do not get along with.  This teaches you to put your feelings aside and focus on the task at hand.

Hard work

Sports would not exist without competition.  Competitive play drives athletes to work harder and be committed to becoming better.  This skill will be needed if you plan on advancing your current position.

Stress

The coach tells you that you are taking the last second shot for the win.  Oh man.  Experiencing this situation can allow you to transform the stress into positive energy.  Eventually, your boss will be telling you that it is up to you.

Even though these are just a few skills learned while playing sports, it is imperative to know that a competitive game of hockey can have more importance than you may think.

Be $mart

By: Nora Kish

In many ways, college is a time of financial freedom for students. Of course there are student loans, rent and utilities to pay for, gas, and food, but there aren't any real "adult" responsibilities. By "adult" responsibilities, I mean that undergrads don't typically have mortgages, car payments, families to feed or doctor visits to pay for. However, this sense of financial freedom should be handled with care. Some students experience having some extra money from loans or apply for credit cards to start establishing credit. If financial matters aren't handled with responsibility in college, they can result in some ugly situations. Here are some tips I've come up with to be financially savvy based on my own experiences and observations.

If you get a credit card, only use it for very small purchases or emergencies
You'll build credit whether you spend $5 or $500 as long as you use the card and pay off your balance. Don't dig yourself in a hole right away by spending money that you don't technically have. It can be easy to lose track of your purchases with a credit card and have the mindset that you'll pay it off later. Try to use it only for very small purchases like lunch with a friend, or, ideally, for emergencies only. Pay off your balances right away to remain in good standing.

Use cash, not a card
Cards make it easy to lose track of purchases. What I said above with credit cards also applies to debit cards. Using cash instead of a card is a good way to actually see how much you're spending and how much you've got left. The visualization may also help deter you from unnecessary purchases.

Learn to cook
Eating out is often one of college students' biggest expenses. With so many great restaurants close by and little time or desire to cook, eating out seems like the best option. However, you'll save money and eat more healthily in the long run if you make food yourself. A slow cooker can be a college students' best friend. All you need to do is prepare the ingredients the night before, throw them in the cooker before you leave for class in the morning, and when dinnertime rolls around, your food will be ready. You can also make greater qquantities of food and eat leftovers so the effort you put into making the meal will stretch farther.

Live within your means
This can be a tricky one in college because there are so many things to do. When a friend asks you to go out to eat or go to the bars, it can be hard to say no, even though you may not be able to afford it. $5 here and $10 there may not seem much at the time as separate charges, but those small charges will add up quickly to a larger amount you may have initially prepared for. You know what you can and can't afford so avoid stretching your budget for frivolous things.

Four years in the blink of an eye

By: Nora Kish

At our team meeting last week, I was reminded that I have less than a month left in my internship with LACD. I also have less than a month here at Purdue. Having worked toward this time for the past 4 years, it's extremely surreal that it's almost here. It seems like just yesterday my best friend from high school (also my roommate for the past three years) was showing me around campus, helping me find the buildings my classes were in. Now I have less than a month left. Thinking about graduation makes me think back on my time here and how I'll miss it once I leave. Thankfully, I'll be leaving with no regrets.

I transferred here from Ball State after my freshman year. It was too far from home and I thought I wanted to be on a bigger campus. When I got here, I felt lost. All my friends from high school joined fraternities and sororities, something I had never been interested in doing, and I obviously didn't have the opportunity to meet anyone through living in the residence halls. I knew I had to do something to find my niche here. I took a huge step out of my comfort zone and went by myself to a callout meeting for The Exponent. I ended up joining as a reporter and eventually worked my way up to an editor position. That initial risk I took by going to the callout meeting gave me more confidence to take risks elsewhere. When I was done at that organization, I moved on to other things and, long story short, ended up with two other internships - LACD being one of them. I had more than enough to keep me busy, but I still made time to go out when I wanted and not just work through my entire college career. I'm proud of myself for finding a good balance of getting done what I needed to and making time for fun.

On May 12 after I walk across the stage, I'm sure I'll be experiencing some bittersweet feelings. It'll definitely be sad to leave the place I called home for the past 3 years - my father's alma mater, my alma mater, where I've met some of my best friends. It won't be difficult to leave because my time here was unfulfilling or lacking in any way; it'll be difficult to let go of such a huge part of my life and move on to something completely new and different. But, I did it 4 years ago when I left for college and I know, after my time here and everything I've accomplished, I can do it again.

One of my fellow interns commented that it will be weird to graduate and leave school and I told her she better make the most of her remaining time. After freshman year, each following year goes by faster than the last and sometimes it can be hard to understand how precious your time here really is. You have a four-year break before the real world starts, so do with it what you will, just make sure you do what you want.

The Younger Games

by: Maureen Corbett

It has always seemed to me that the younger someone is, the more time they spend trying to prove to others that they can be taken seriously. I'm thinking of my little cousin Sloane when I say this. Sloane just turned four years old, and is the youngest out of nine other cousins on my mom's side of the family. Whenever our families get together, Sloane is always the first to show me what preschool activity she accomplished on her own this week, or how she can Velcro her shoes all by herself, or the reasons why she deserves to stay up past her bedtime tonight. Although there is a fourteen year age difference between my baby cousin and I, Sloane is still attempting to show me how she can relate to me on my (older) level.

When many Purdue students start graduating in a few weeks, you may find yourself beginning to act like Sloane again. As seniors, many of you are used to being some of the eldest students on campus.  But as young graduates trying to find a future career, some of you might find it difficult to convince employers that they are qualified for a specific position. With less work experience than most other applicants, it may be hard to get people to take you seriously.

My advice to you is to use your youth as one of your biggest strengths. Sell yourself as someone who can bring fresh, new ideas to a company. Show an employer your youthful energy and your ability to work hard at solving any problem you are faced with. These attributes are greatly sought out by many businesses, and possessing these qualities can benefit you in the job-hunting process. While it may be discouraging to be told over and over that you are just too young or under-qualified for a specific position, don't let that stop you from trying. You never know what persistence and hard work will do for you.

Here it is, so unprofessional

By Yameng Zhang

Three weeks from today, we will have the last meeting. Here it is, so happy but so sad.

I remember the first meeting was January 6^th at 10am in this fancy, windowy room at the top floor of Beering Hall. It was a super sunny day, sunlight sneaked in the windows and blinded our eyes. Looking outside the windows, I could see everything. The campus had never been so quiet and gentle. That was the room, I like that room.

Nora was not there yet, so Lisa asked “where is our girl”? Sidonna brought 7 folders. Julie said she drove ten hours from Minnesota. Rebekah was quiet, the typical type of girl in my head who knows graphic. Lauren and Maureen had the same coat, Lauren’s was white and Maureen’s was red, they both said they liked the coat. Michael was the guy and he had not much to talk about coats. Lisa showed an owl’s picture to everyone to scare us, but it did not. She said she had giant dogs, which was more scary.

We awkwardly introduced ourselves. Then we start drawing. Sidonna took out all kinds of color pencils, scissors, tapes and everything, which made me think she was the one with everything. We were so into that like kindergarten kids, and Lisa was walking around peeking like the teacher. Everyone said they were not good at drawing, but who knows.

Then there was Lego. Michael, Julie, Lauren and I were a team, while the other team has Sidonna, Maureen, Nora and Rebekah. I didn’t get the game at first, and I got even more lost later. We had almost nothing come out while the other team didn’t get that much either. However, they did a little bit better than us, so I doubt Sidonna had done that before. Lisa made the point, “communication is the key”. I knew she was going to teach something out of Lego. 

Pizza came and I lost my cool. Pizza Hut is popular in China, because we don’t have Papa Johns. Pizza made me relaxed and my pants shrink. Lisa emphasized that we’d better keep everything professional, she was serious I remembered, because that was why I gave up getting the 6^th slice of the cheese pizza. That was the meeting, I like the meeting.  

Later that day, I told my mom that I had free pizzas, played Lego and drew pictures, and she told me “that’s not what that’s all about”. There were thousands of times, I said “that’s so grownup”. I meant it. I am the super senior who is not graduating, but I am the baby who gets excited about almost everything. I am excited about our Friday meetings, they make me get up so early and have the chance to have breakfast with a team of people. We are the team, I like the team, thank you the team. 

Explore

By Rebekah Beachum

Post graduation, I plan to move as far from West Lafayette as possible. Not because I don't enjoy being here, but because I love traveling and being in huge cities I could get lost in. Beyond the excitement of moving and getting immersed in the culture of the place I'll live, I have this little voice in my head saying "Who will you know there?" This is something I rarely think about. I'm very good at being by myself and it doesn't really bother me, but it helps that if I need someone to talk to, I have friends here that are willing to listen or spend time with me.

It's true: being completely alone in a new place is rough, especially if everything else isn't smooth when you're transitioning. If you're like me and you happen to be going to a place where you know not a soul, get out of your apartment and do things! Join a dance class, volunteer at a local shelter, take the time to get to know your neighbors, get involved in a church (or another place of worship that applies to you), go to museums, take a walk and plan a new route for every day. Take the time to get to know your co-workers. They may have similar interests and you'll have something more to talk about at company picnics. Don't be afraid to ask questions and be ready to be open with yourself (or be a little mysterious...). All I can say is that you're not likely to combat being alone if you won't be a little gregarious.

Diamonds in the rough

By: Nora Kish

Somewhat recently, I was notified that I had the opportunity to possibly interview for a few positions. Exciting, right? Well, I didn't think so because I wasn't interested. I told my fiance about them on the phone and he said I should interview for them anyway. I asked why I would go through the interview process for jobs that I don't even want. His answer was simple: for the experience.

It never dawned on me that these lackluster offers (to me, at least) could end up serving me so well. It makes perfect sense, really - go through the interview process to make sure you're in tip-top shape for the interview for the job you really want. Now, I don't mean to say go into an interview with absolutely no intention of accepting an offer or working with that company in any capacity. Who knows, you might actually end up finding some things out about the company that really mesh with your goals or you may fall in love with the work environment they provide. Keeping an open mind is always a must.

Hindsight is always 20/20 and I may have judged the companies too soon without thinking too deeply into it. As a soon-to-be graduate, I'm kind of in that "beggars can't be choosers" category so it doesn't make sense, nor is it fair, for me to jump the gun on judgement. I'll look more deeply into the companies in question and go through the interview process and if I decide I don't like the offer, at least I'll have the interviewing experience. If I do like the offer, I might walk away with a new job. Either way, it'll be a win/win situation.

Finishing Strong

By: Julie Smith

This semester is quickly coming to end, maybe even faster for some of us than we want it to. Regardless of where you are at in your schooling, it is so important to finish the school year with a bang. Staying on a consistent and productive schedule will help to ease your transition from school to that summer job.

Sure, this abnormally beautiful weather has not really been conducive to productivity, but that is not to say it is not possible to stay on top of things. The nice thing about daylight savings is that we have more daylight. Try and get up early and do your work so that you can be guilt free later in the day and spend some quality time outside with friends.  You can also take your books and head outside. Your body will thank you for that Vitamin D exposure, and your grades will appreciate that extra study time you put in.

The most important thing to remember when your days are numbered is to take advantage of every opportunity. If you finish strong and productively, you will most likely find yourself having time to indulge in more time with friends and extra-curricular activities without stressing over getting everything done. Just remember to do everything in moderation and any fear of missing out you may come across will hopefully be able to be conquered.

For all of you Seniors out there- remember you are ending your legacy at Purdue in just a few short weeks. I think there is definitively something to be said and to be proud of for all of the hard work you have put in up to this point, so do not back off now! We are almost there! 

The Interview Showdown

by: Maureen Corbett


Throughout your job-hunting experience, you will most likely encounter every type of interview question imaginable. In today's world, employers are learning more efficient ways of questioning potential employees to see if they fit the job description. Read on to discover the different types of interview styles out there, and how to succeed in each situation.

The Creative Interview
This is the kind of interview where you could be asked anything from "if you could be a Crayola color, which one would you be?" to "Describe which kitchen utensil you most closely relate to." You will probably be wondering why on earth this company wants to know this kind of information, but the point of this interview style is to test how well you think outside of the box. Here are a few good responses:
"I would be the color yellow, because it is vibrant, energetic, and portrays the emotion of optimism."
"If I were any kitchen utensil I would be a blender because I am always trying to mix things up."

The Stress Interview
In this interview, the employer is attempting to put you in an uncomfortable situation. They might act rude or criticize your responses to their questions. The point of this type of interview is for the employer to see how you handle difficult situations and how you react to criticism. The most important thing is to make sure you keep your composure. Remain polite and always justify your responses/actions in a calm and collected way.

The Group/Working Interview
In some interviews, you may be asked to answer questions with several other people, or even be given a group assignment that must be completed in the allotted time. The most important aspect to succeeding in a group or working interview is to determine what kind of team player you are. Companies schedule these types of interviews to see how candidates work well with others. While it is important to stand out among the other group members, don't dominate the situation. If you are the kind of person who usually takes charge then go for it, but don't force yourself to act that way if that is not your natural personality. Not everyone can be a leader, so don't be afraid to take on the role of the employee who listens well to instructions and gets things done quickly.

The Lunch/Dinner Interview
When food gets involved, things can get a little messy. The point of a dinner interview is for the employer to determine how well you act in social situations. Make sure you do your research before this type of interview. Look up what type of restaurant you are attending and make sure you are dressed appropriately for the situation. Practicing eating at home and having someone critique you on your table manners is another good way to prepare for this sort of interview.

The Phone/Skype Interview 
These types of interviews occur mainly because an employer and potential employee live too far away to actually meet in person. If you have been in contact with a company and are having difficulty setting up an interview time, don't hesitate to suggest a phone or Skype interview. It may seem scary to get technology involved with your job-searching process, but by suggesting this option you are demonstrating to the employer that you are an adaptable person and are willing to find solutions to any problem.

The Intimidation of Job Search

By Lauren Farmer

Dear Graduating Seniors,

As a fellow graduating senior, I know the stress and intimidation of finding a job for after graduation. Going through the process of finding a job can be confusing, stressful, intimidating, and all of the above. Some may be putting off this process because of these feelings. But, it is April and we only have a month left of college, so it is time to get motivated and start your search! Here are some tips for starting this process. First, make sure your resume and portfolios are updated and in tip top shape! This is going to be what you send to companies to give them their first impression of you. Make sure that it is tailored and in good shape to be sent out. Also, rather than the possible never ending search on job search engines scrolling through listings, make a list of companies that interest you and that you want to work for. Then use social media to get into contact with these companies. For example, tweeter or linkedin. Update your profile and start networking! Who knows who you will meet and the majority of people get hired through networking. If you are looking into a specific area to find a job, tailor your search to fit that. You can still network, but just be more specific in your search for the location you want. Finally, start thinking of references to list and people you know who could give you letters of recommendation so you are prepared when you go to interview with companies.

I know its a stressful process! But once its over and you find that job you can breathe a sigh of relief that you know you are set after you graduate.

Good luck!

Keeping Up with the Evolution

By Michael Mustradi

In the past decade, public relations has been evolving rapidly.  Social media, such as Facebook and Twitter, have played significant roles during this evolution.  These free sites give organizations the ability to directly communicate with their publics in real time, along with receiving valuable feedback.  PR practitioners can use social media to its advantage by staying ahead of the competition while being on a tight budget. 

Authenticity is a concept that makes social media as successful as it is.  A politician, for example, will receive many more followers on Twitter because of the authenticity of the tweets.  Publics enjoy the more personal communication and are more willing to spread the word and provide feedback.  In addition to authenticity, brand awareness and brand loyalty can be maximized through the use of social media.  Providing incentives for publics that are active on social media is an excellent way to keep the public wanting more.  Whether it is breaking news, coupons, or any other form of a giveaway, publics receiving these incentives will be more willing to share a positive message and spread the word.

Keywords, what’s trending, and common threads can all be utilized quite easily on social media sites.  Organizations can use these to attract potential customers, clients, etc.  A brand such as Nike can see what users on these sites are interested in sports and fitness and a follow/friend request can be sent.  This strategy is much more successful when wanting to reach out to a larger audience because the user will be much more willing to follow and learn about that specific organization.

Simple metrics such as the number of users in a network, the number of followers receiving information, and feedback from posted surveys or polls can give an idea of just how many publics you are communicating with.  More advanced technological tools such as Radian 6 can also be used to take a deeper look into social media.  Metrics in social media should not be overlooked, as analyzing them can be crucial to see just how successful a PR practitioner can be with social media.

Though there are many technological advances and breakthroughs in the past few years, social media, by far, takes the crown of being the one to single-handedly evolve PR and how companies communicate with their publics.  Not only is it free, it encourages two-way symmetrical communication with active and aware publics, it is an excellent way to utilize word of mouth, and it provides an authentic edge that no other technology can achieve.