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!
Showing posts with label Lauren Farmer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Lauren Farmer. Show all posts
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Monday, April 16, 2012
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!
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!
Monday, April 2, 2012
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!
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!
Monday, March 26, 2012
The Ripple Effect of Attitude
By Lauren Farmer
There are a lot of aspects to consider when evaluating your performance as a career professional: relations with others, judgment, dependability, ability to learn, quality of your work, problem solving skills, initiative etc. The most important quality, that could positively affect the others, is attitude. I believe if you have a good and positive attitude then the rest will as a result be positive as well. For example, if you remain positive about your work and are enthusiastic, you will work well with others and will be well accepted by your co-workers. Your quality of work will be better because your positive attitude will reflect in your work. It is always better to be happy and enthusiastic rather than negative because it will get you a lot farther in the long run. So for all you "Debby Downers" out there, stay positive! You will benefit from it in the work place.
There are a lot of aspects to consider when evaluating your performance as a career professional: relations with others, judgment, dependability, ability to learn, quality of your work, problem solving skills, initiative etc. The most important quality, that could positively affect the others, is attitude. I believe if you have a good and positive attitude then the rest will as a result be positive as well. For example, if you remain positive about your work and are enthusiastic, you will work well with others and will be well accepted by your co-workers. Your quality of work will be better because your positive attitude will reflect in your work. It is always better to be happy and enthusiastic rather than negative because it will get you a lot farther in the long run. So for all you "Debby Downers" out there, stay positive! You will benefit from it in the work place.
Monday, March 19, 2012
Thinking about Grad School?
By Lauren Farmer:
As the end of your undergraduate college career draws near, the option of going to graduate school may come to your mind. You may want to go to grad school if you want to further your degree past bachelor status. Graduate school differs from undergraduate school in that it is more demanding and specific to your major. It typically includes not only coursework but hands on experience in your field to help prepare you for future careers outside of college. There is less credit hours in grad school, but they require more work and time. It may sound like a lot more work, but if you are wanted to further your education in your field of study, grad school may be right for you. If you are considering grad school be sure to check out LACD's Career Handbook found on our home page cla.purdue.edu/careers
As the end of your undergraduate college career draws near, the option of going to graduate school may come to your mind. You may want to go to grad school if you want to further your degree past bachelor status. Graduate school differs from undergraduate school in that it is more demanding and specific to your major. It typically includes not only coursework but hands on experience in your field to help prepare you for future careers outside of college. There is less credit hours in grad school, but they require more work and time. It may sound like a lot more work, but if you are wanted to further your education in your field of study, grad school may be right for you. If you are considering grad school be sure to check out LACD's Career Handbook found on our home page cla.purdue.edu/careers
Monday, March 5, 2012
Start Something
By Lauren Farmer:
Last week was Liberal Arts Career Development's Career Week and we put on some great events and had wonderful speakers give speeches. One speaker that spoke to me and that I think everyone should have gotten the chance to hear was Brad Dickason. One message he sent to his listeners was to not be afraid to start something. If you have an idea in your head why not actually do something and try to create it? Don't feel like you are stuck because you are still in school. Who knows what could come of what you create if you don't try? It could be anything and doesn't particularly have to correspond with your major. Do something that you have always dreamed of doing. Also, don't be afraid of failure. Most likely at some point in your life you will make something and it will be a complete failure. Try to look at your failures as learning experiences and own your failures. Steps to success are not complete if failure isn't included.
I was very inspired by this speaker and wanted to share some of it with you all. Everyone should find something to be inspired by and allow that inspiration to help you become successful and accomplish your goals!
Last week was Liberal Arts Career Development's Career Week and we put on some great events and had wonderful speakers give speeches. One speaker that spoke to me and that I think everyone should have gotten the chance to hear was Brad Dickason. One message he sent to his listeners was to not be afraid to start something. If you have an idea in your head why not actually do something and try to create it? Don't feel like you are stuck because you are still in school. Who knows what could come of what you create if you don't try? It could be anything and doesn't particularly have to correspond with your major. Do something that you have always dreamed of doing. Also, don't be afraid of failure. Most likely at some point in your life you will make something and it will be a complete failure. Try to look at your failures as learning experiences and own your failures. Steps to success are not complete if failure isn't included.
I was very inspired by this speaker and wanted to share some of it with you all. Everyone should find something to be inspired by and allow that inspiration to help you become successful and accomplish your goals!
Monday, February 20, 2012
Feeling Stressed at Work?
By Lauren Farmer
It is easy to feel stressed out at work, whether it is a busy time for your company, you are stuck on a project, or there are personal issues getting in the way of work. Especially in these winter months, it is easy to feel depressed and relate the bad weather to your mood at work. Here are a few tips on how to keep a positive attitude and not lose your mind when feeling stressed at work.
1. Stay optimistic- Keeping a good attitude is a common sense approach to feeling less stressed. Don't keep looking at the downside of things but focus on the positive and how to make the negative turn into positive. If you feel like everything is going wrong, try not to focus on "why doesn't anything turn out right" and focus more on how it can be fixed. Look at the big picture, because most likely everything will turn out fine.
2. Exercise and fresh air- Exercise is known to reduce stress and it is healthy for you too. If you are feeling stressed, go to the gym after work and run it all off. Focus the negative energy you are containing and let it out through exercise. Also, if you are at work and feel like you are going to explode from frustration, take a quick break from what you are doing and step outside for some fresh air and to gather your thoughts for a second.
3. Do things you love to do- Don't let work take over your entire life or you are bound to be stressed for a long time. Use after work or the weekends for time to yourself. Go to the movies, read a good book, take up a hobby, or any sort of leisure activity that will work for you. Do whatever makes you happy so it will counteract the negative stress you may feel during the week.
4. Stay organized and don't procrastinate- If you don't leave everything to the last minute and space out what needs to be done, then you will feel less stressed. Organize what you have to do and set deadlines for yourself. Prioritize what needs to get done first, set a time to be finished and move on to the next task. Not having everything to do at once will help reduce stress and by setting goals for yourself you can feel a sense of pride and self achievement once you complete a project.
5. Have family/friends time- Whether you go home to your family or friends after work, talk to them about what is going on and how you are feeling. Not only will you feel less stress from talking out what is bothering you but you can bond with the ones you love. Spend time with them either eating dinner, asking how everyones day went, playing games, watching movies, or anything to just spend time with them. Who else could you count on to make you feel better and less stressed then your loved ones?
Keep these few tips in mind next time you feel stressed at work and remember to stay positive and look at the big picture of what is important in life. You can be successful and happy with less negative stress in your life!
It is easy to feel stressed out at work, whether it is a busy time for your company, you are stuck on a project, or there are personal issues getting in the way of work. Especially in these winter months, it is easy to feel depressed and relate the bad weather to your mood at work. Here are a few tips on how to keep a positive attitude and not lose your mind when feeling stressed at work.
1. Stay optimistic- Keeping a good attitude is a common sense approach to feeling less stressed. Don't keep looking at the downside of things but focus on the positive and how to make the negative turn into positive. If you feel like everything is going wrong, try not to focus on "why doesn't anything turn out right" and focus more on how it can be fixed. Look at the big picture, because most likely everything will turn out fine.
2. Exercise and fresh air- Exercise is known to reduce stress and it is healthy for you too. If you are feeling stressed, go to the gym after work and run it all off. Focus the negative energy you are containing and let it out through exercise. Also, if you are at work and feel like you are going to explode from frustration, take a quick break from what you are doing and step outside for some fresh air and to gather your thoughts for a second.
3. Do things you love to do- Don't let work take over your entire life or you are bound to be stressed for a long time. Use after work or the weekends for time to yourself. Go to the movies, read a good book, take up a hobby, or any sort of leisure activity that will work for you. Do whatever makes you happy so it will counteract the negative stress you may feel during the week.
4. Stay organized and don't procrastinate- If you don't leave everything to the last minute and space out what needs to be done, then you will feel less stressed. Organize what you have to do and set deadlines for yourself. Prioritize what needs to get done first, set a time to be finished and move on to the next task. Not having everything to do at once will help reduce stress and by setting goals for yourself you can feel a sense of pride and self achievement once you complete a project.
5. Have family/friends time- Whether you go home to your family or friends after work, talk to them about what is going on and how you are feeling. Not only will you feel less stress from talking out what is bothering you but you can bond with the ones you love. Spend time with them either eating dinner, asking how everyones day went, playing games, watching movies, or anything to just spend time with them. Who else could you count on to make you feel better and less stressed then your loved ones?
Keep these few tips in mind next time you feel stressed at work and remember to stay positive and look at the big picture of what is important in life. You can be successful and happy with less negative stress in your life!
Monday, February 13, 2012
It's All About Who You Know
By Lauren Farmer
As a graduating senior this semester, I have been in the process of searching for jobs and being more conscious about the workforce. One thing I have realized that is important for most majors when searching for a job is that it is all about who you know.
Whether it is someone who can write you a recommendation letter, who knows lots of people in the workforce that they could put in a good word for you, who you have worked for in the past who was impressed with the work you did and can speak highly of you to others, a family member who is in the same field, or even some random person you met at a social event and you made a good first impression, that person can make a difference in you getting a job or getting a job that you want. This is why it is very important to be social butterflies and put yourself out there. Don't be afraid to bring up the topic of work and what your major is, because you never know if you are talking to the person who can get you the job you have been wanting straight out of college. Also, if you already know someone who has connections with other people and/or businesses, don't be shy to ask them if they could recommend you to those companies. The worst thing they can say is, "I'm sorry, I can't help you." Its always great to get yourself out there and start branding your name as someone who is good at what they do and can make a great addition to the company you want to work at.
As a graduating senior this semester, I have been in the process of searching for jobs and being more conscious about the workforce. One thing I have realized that is important for most majors when searching for a job is that it is all about who you know.
Whether it is someone who can write you a recommendation letter, who knows lots of people in the workforce that they could put in a good word for you, who you have worked for in the past who was impressed with the work you did and can speak highly of you to others, a family member who is in the same field, or even some random person you met at a social event and you made a good first impression, that person can make a difference in you getting a job or getting a job that you want. This is why it is very important to be social butterflies and put yourself out there. Don't be afraid to bring up the topic of work and what your major is, because you never know if you are talking to the person who can get you the job you have been wanting straight out of college. Also, if you already know someone who has connections with other people and/or businesses, don't be shy to ask them if they could recommend you to those companies. The worst thing they can say is, "I'm sorry, I can't help you." Its always great to get yourself out there and start branding your name as someone who is good at what they do and can make a great addition to the company you want to work at.
Monday, February 6, 2012
Teamwork: A Superbowl Working Experience
By Lauren Farmer
Hi all! This week I would like to share my work experience from this past weekend during the Superbowl. This extra job that I picked up just for the weekend really opened my eyes to how a business works and how many great people it takes to make it all run smoothly.
Over the weekend I worked as a VIP hostess for St. Elmo Steakhouse in Indianapolis as extra help for the Superbowl since the restaurant was booked with reservations and celebrity private events. It was such a great experience, one for the atmosphere of excitement for the Superbowl and two for the great work experience I gained from it. So many people are needed for something as big as this world wide event and St. Elmo did a great job in making it very successful. Chefs, servers, bartenders, bussers, food runners, hostesses, managers, coordinators, owner, and even answering the phone are all a part of what made this business successful over the busy weekend. Without one of them, the whole operation would have fallen apart.
It was great to be a part of this establishment and see how a big business runs. I would highly recommend doing internships before getting out into the business world so you can see how things work and gain experience. I am very glad I had this opportunity and I hope you all have one as well! And remember, it takes more than one person to make a business of any kind be what it is. So any job you may be aspiring to just remember that even if you have a small job and wish that you were something more important, your job is just as important to help the whole business run.
Hi all! This week I would like to share my work experience from this past weekend during the Superbowl. This extra job that I picked up just for the weekend really opened my eyes to how a business works and how many great people it takes to make it all run smoothly.
Over the weekend I worked as a VIP hostess for St. Elmo Steakhouse in Indianapolis as extra help for the Superbowl since the restaurant was booked with reservations and celebrity private events. It was such a great experience, one for the atmosphere of excitement for the Superbowl and two for the great work experience I gained from it. So many people are needed for something as big as this world wide event and St. Elmo did a great job in making it very successful. Chefs, servers, bartenders, bussers, food runners, hostesses, managers, coordinators, owner, and even answering the phone are all a part of what made this business successful over the busy weekend. Without one of them, the whole operation would have fallen apart.
It was great to be a part of this establishment and see how a big business runs. I would highly recommend doing internships before getting out into the business world so you can see how things work and gain experience. I am very glad I had this opportunity and I hope you all have one as well! And remember, it takes more than one person to make a business of any kind be what it is. So any job you may be aspiring to just remember that even if you have a small job and wish that you were something more important, your job is just as important to help the whole business run.
Monday, January 30, 2012
What Makes You Stand Out?
By: Lauren Farmer
An important thing that hiring professionals look at when selecting an employee for their company is that special something that separates them from every other candidate. So, it is important to know your strengths before going into an interview or applying for a job.
Many will point out good grades, leadership ability, and work experience, but these are all very vague and are probably the reasons you got the interview in the first place, which is good. But once you are in the interview, the interviewers are looking for something beyond those qualities to make them confident in hiring you over everyone else with the same good grades, leadership skills and work experience.
Some examples of strengths that you may possess that would be a seller to the hiring company are drive, commitment, curiosity or creativity, and passion. Drive is another way of saying when you are given a task you have the motivation to see it through to the end. If you are given an assignment in class or a project to work on and you have motivation to complete it and make it to the best of your ability, one of your strengths is drive. If you go above and beyond the expectations, then you can be considered committed. Some outside of work examples can be being in a club, volunteer work, participating in marathons and so on. These are read to interviewers as above and beyond things that can be translated into a good work ethic. Curiosity and creativity come from wanting to know how things work and how things can be changed. If you see a project and want to learn more about it, and more importantly how you can change it for the better, then this is a good strength that could set you apart from the other competition. And finally, if you believe in the work you do and don't mind putting in all of the hard work to make your vision come true, then one of your strengths is passion. This is very important when standing out against other competitors for a job, because this is a major strength companies are looking for when adding to their staff. It means that you will be loyal to the company and do your best to represent them.
So in conclusion to this blog, it is important to find out what makes YOU special. Try to focus more on that than what the company you are applying for wants. This is important, but it is more important to highlight your own specific qualities that best matches you to a job rather than conforming yourself to fit to a job.
An important thing that hiring professionals look at when selecting an employee for their company is that special something that separates them from every other candidate. So, it is important to know your strengths before going into an interview or applying for a job.
Many will point out good grades, leadership ability, and work experience, but these are all very vague and are probably the reasons you got the interview in the first place, which is good. But once you are in the interview, the interviewers are looking for something beyond those qualities to make them confident in hiring you over everyone else with the same good grades, leadership skills and work experience.
Some examples of strengths that you may possess that would be a seller to the hiring company are drive, commitment, curiosity or creativity, and passion. Drive is another way of saying when you are given a task you have the motivation to see it through to the end. If you are given an assignment in class or a project to work on and you have motivation to complete it and make it to the best of your ability, one of your strengths is drive. If you go above and beyond the expectations, then you can be considered committed. Some outside of work examples can be being in a club, volunteer work, participating in marathons and so on. These are read to interviewers as above and beyond things that can be translated into a good work ethic. Curiosity and creativity come from wanting to know how things work and how things can be changed. If you see a project and want to learn more about it, and more importantly how you can change it for the better, then this is a good strength that could set you apart from the other competition. And finally, if you believe in the work you do and don't mind putting in all of the hard work to make your vision come true, then one of your strengths is passion. This is very important when standing out against other competitors for a job, because this is a major strength companies are looking for when adding to their staff. It means that you will be loyal to the company and do your best to represent them.
So in conclusion to this blog, it is important to find out what makes YOU special. Try to focus more on that than what the company you are applying for wants. This is important, but it is more important to highlight your own specific qualities that best matches you to a job rather than conforming yourself to fit to a job.
Monday, January 23, 2012
Dressing Professionally for the Winter Season
By: Lauren Farmer
Living in Indiana at Purdue University, we all know that the weather can be brutal during the winter season! One day it is 50 degrees and thunder storming, next thing we know wind chills are in the negatives and there is 3 inches of snow on the ground. And we all know how hard it is to dress up for work and internships and still stay warm on our bone chilling walk to campus. Well I have some style tips for everyone! Here are a few tips for still dressing professionally and staying warm at the same time.
Living in Indiana at Purdue University, we all know that the weather can be brutal during the winter season! One day it is 50 degrees and thunder storming, next thing we know wind chills are in the negatives and there is 3 inches of snow on the ground. And we all know how hard it is to dress up for work and internships and still stay warm on our bone chilling walk to campus. Well I have some style tips for everyone! Here are a few tips for still dressing professionally and staying warm at the same time.
- Layers are your best friend. This allows you to still wear those great tops that may not keep you warm by themselves, but paired with a great blazer or cardigan sweater will keep you nice and toasty. This also is useful for when you get inside the office and get hot and sweaty from your brisk walk because you can remove some of the layers to be comfortable inside the warm office. For men, wear a shirt under a button down and add a sweater vest over it. (Girls love a nice man vest.) Then add a nice jacket over it all.
- Find your statement pieces. Pick out your favorite pair of pants and a cute top. Make sure you wear shoes that are comfortable to walk in and don't make you slip on the ice and snow. I would recommend cute boots. But wear thick socks to keep your feet warm. (I usually wear crazy fuzzy socks under my boots. They keep my feet warm and no one sees the crazy patters on them!) Then you can add a button up shirt or a cardigan over your top. And to keep extra warm add a jacket or blazer too. Men, make sure your shoes cover well and wear thick socks too so the wet snow doesn't sneak in and soak your feet!
- Get a quality coat. The next most important article of clothing that is a must have for winter is a good quality coat. Instead of a thick, "only for comfort not for looks" kind of coat, get a nice winter pea coat (men, overcoat), long or short. They are still great at keeping you warm and allowing you to look nice and professional as well.
- Accessorize. Who says you can't accessorize in winter? Well, they're wrong. Winter accessories include hats, gloves, scarves, and cute boots! They can be fashion statements and keep you warm at the same time. What a great concept!
And there you have it. Four easy steps to keeping you warm and professional (and fashionable!) for the bitter cold. Have fun bundling up in these fabulous layers and stay warm!
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