Letters from the Lone Junior

by Megan Fingert

In the May newsletter, you’ll find some wonderful words from the seniors on the LACD team that are graduating. Some send letters to their freshmen selves, others describe their undergraduate experience, and some provided advice for us, the juniors, sophomores, and freshmen. As I, a junior, edited and wrote May’s newsletter, I began to think about what I would have said in reply to these seniors. I’ve decided to use a blog post to communicate some messages to them, ones filled with thank you’s and bravos.

Angie,

            You’re creative abilities still astound me every time a new project is finished. I have learned so much about design and polish when admiring your work and I hope you pat yourself on the back for that talent everyday. I find your goofy humor and sweet smile to be such a positive addition to a work and play environment. You are so sweet and good-natured. You are true to who you are. I’m so sorry that I’ve only had sixteen weeks with you, but I hope this professional relationship has been the beginning of a great friendship. I wish you all the luck in the world in your future and can’t wait to email you for recommendations of spots to stop by in London. Thank you for a lovely semester.

Meg

Adam,

            You were the lone man sailing in the sea of estrogen that was LACD before your arrival. Your dry humor and witty nature helped you navigate it easily. It was so nice to have a guy’s perspective on projects and ideas. You kept the ladies well rounded and balanced. I know we got to know each other a bit more than some of the other interns because we shared mutual office hours. I’ve enjoyed talking to you and getting to know you. Your laid-back attitude and work ethic has been contagious. I know you are headed for great things and I hope our friendship continues as you head out into the real world.

Thank you for a lovely semester.

Meg

Christina,

            We were supposed to become great friends years ago when I first met you at a club meeting and when you brought me to your sorority for recruitment, but we lost touch. No surprise that fate made sure I’d find you again as my colleague this semester. This ride has been a wild and fun one and I’m glad that we experienced this internship together. You are bubbly, witty, and a whole lot of fun. I thank you again for your help with design and editing. You’ve been a mentor and a friend and I couldn’t be sadder that you are graduating.

Thank you for a lovely semester.

Meg

Caitlin,

I can still remember the first meeting. You were the first to report what you had been working on for the week. As your incredible organization and can-do attitude came to light in your report, I began to think, “Man, I wish I was that talented!” I was so impressed from then on with your event planning skill and ability to smile through anything. You are so mature, lovely, and you have become someone I really look up to. I know that you will do some amazing things down the road because you’re already doing them now! I’m sure your talents will continue to grow and grow and I’m excited to see where you will be in a few years.

Thank you for a lovely semester.

Meg

Stephanie,

Our fearless Career Week leader! You have dared me to think bigger, worker harder, and be greater. Working with you this semester has truly helped me grow. I’ve always felt I could come to you for help on LACD work, homework, and anything else. I think you are just fabulous and so talented. I’m hoping it rubbed off on me a little bit over these past 16 weeks! I hope you will continue to be the caring and thoughtful girl I’ve gotten to know over this semester. Thank you for everthing and I know you are headed for incredible things!

Thank you for a lovely semester.

Meg

Kate,

            Your determination and your focus have been inspiring to watch over the course of the semester. I hope you are truly proud of the work you have completed and of your new title of doctor. It’s something I know I could never complete. I have enjoyed working with you and helping each other to see the others perspective. You really are a talented, intelligent and incredible woman and I hope you will remind yourself of that everyday. You deserve the best and I know you will go out and get it in whatever you do.

Thank you for a lovely semester.

Meg

Kindness and Your Professional Brand

By Megan Fingert

I can’t even believe what I just saw. As I was walking down University Street back to Beering and the LACD office after lunch, I saw the most horrid event I’ve seen in quite a while. A nice young lady prepped for the weather in rain boots and a hoodie was waiting patiently on the sidewalk for someone. Without noticing, she planted herself next to a puddle in the street about 4 inches deep.

While an accidental City Bus drive-by-drenching would be tragic, what I saw was much more infuriating and disgusting.

A man in an SUV who was driving at a slow speed noticed the girl and the puddle. HE SPED UP TO 40 MILES AND HOUR, LAUGHING ALL THE WAY, AND DRENCHED THE POOR GIRL! I saw him raise a triumphant fist as he drove away.

Forgive my slang and conversational tone, but…

Like…what?

WHAT?!

I am absolutely sickened that any peer of mine on this campus could be so malicious and so amused—satisfied even--by another person’s distress. This boy better hope he never sees me ever again because I will be sure to give him a swift kick to the bottom and a piece of my mind! What a childish and selfish thing to do to another human being.

This poor girl probably had to miss class, walk home in soaking jeans, taking a full shower, put on her makeup again, blow dry her hair again, blow dry all her books in her backpack, and probably be late for another class all because this idiot decided it’d be funny to splash someone.

Whehter it’s a crude joke in a hushed tone in the hallway or ruining a person’s clothes, belongings and day by way of rain water, remember that your awareness and common courtesy to others says a lot about who you are as a person and as a professional. If this guy would do that to a perfect stranger, what would he do to someone in the office? Delete files to an important presentation just to laugh about it? Leak private information to the press to get back at someone? Make a sexually charged comment to a female in the office with no second thought?

When a potential employer sees you in or out of a professional setting – and, believe me, potential employers are surrounding you at all times whether you know it or not – be conscious of how you act. Be mature, be a kind person, and if you were the guy who splashed that poor girl, pray you don’t meet anyone who reads this blog.

Be good to one another and have a wonderful weekend!

Branding and the Now Old, Once New Purdue Pete

By Megan Fingert

We’ve all been on a rollercoaster ride called “New Pete” this past week. The Purdue Athletic Department made a decision that left many embarrassed and outraged. They finally unveiled their new design for our Purdue Pete mascot. Out he came at the spring game, looking to me like…well, a defective Cabbage Patch Kid. People had plenty of complaints about the coloring of New Pete’s helmet and shirt, about his less-than-life-like appearance, and about his lack of wearability for the team of Purdue Pete’s under the mask.

We all watched as the Athletic Department backtracked and suddenly wanted our opinions on Pete after the fact and after the explosion of criticism. While this was certainly a PR flub, there is something you can learn about branding yourself as a young professional from this event.

Research is a process that must occur BEFORE and all during a rebranding or redesign whether you are branding a company or yourself. It is beyond costly to waste money on something that you have no research on. Our Athletic department could have saved thousands of dollars if it had simply asked for students and alumni’s opinions before hand. Maybe they did get some opinions, but clearly not a wide enough variety of them. If you are not sure if you’re new business cards really speak to your personality or if a project will bring the right attention to your organization, it’s always best to ask first. Give your resume and business card designs to the LACD office or CCO for critiques. Give a speech in front a friend before you present it to an employer or professor. Feedback is good no matter if it is praise or criticism. It will prove valuable to you in all sorts of ways.

I also think it shows that you can’t completely ditch who you are to be who your publics want you to be. While we want to make Pete all warm and cuddly for kids, we must remember that Pete is the essence of the tough, burly Boilermakers that defeated Wabash College and earned us our name. He can’t be completely cuddly—who’s going to be intimidated by a cuddly mascot?

So, before you go and ditch all your punk rock clothes so you can get hired or get rid of your goofy nature to seem more professional, remember to stay true to yourself if only in little ways. Throw cool leopard print flats with a bright top under a suit to keep your punky charm. Remember that laughter is the best medicine and a great positive energy to bring to the workplace when appropriate.

RESEARCH RESEARCH RESEARCH and always stay true to you.

Opportunity Awaits: Be Prepared and Speak Up

By Megan Fingert

As this internship comes to a close, a new one is looming in the near future for me! A few of my fellow interns have been lucky to experience the London Internship Program through Study Abroad, and this summer I will get to experience it for myself. While many other participants in the program are still biting their nails wondering what company they’ll be working for, I was informed Tuesday morning of my job placement. A lifelong dancer, I am delight to say I’ll be working as a PR intern for the Chisenhale Dance Space.

When I attended a Study Abroad meeting this week, a girl who attended last summer’s program made a point. She made a point to tell us that making the most of our internship was up to us. She commented that often her peers would feel bored at work, but that they had never stood up and said, “Hey, I have an idea, can I run with it? Could we try it out? May I attempt this?” She said to be brave and just ask.

It got me to thinking about internships and how it’s so important to think about all of the possibilities and opportunities both before and all during your time working there.

As I continue along the Study Abroad process sending out visa paperwork and signing forms, I’ll continue to brainstorm in the back of my mind. What are my strengths? Where are there weaknesses? Is there a place where these two could meet and blossom into a real success?

Remember to approach situations with poise and professionalism. If you have an idea for an event or for a new way of communicating with customers, don’t barge into a meeting and tell them what you’re going to do. Ask them. Remember that most bosses are personally connected to their work. Any attempt to change, alter, or add to their business could be taken as a personal attack. Remember that it is about suggestions, not demands.

If you are given the go ahead, carry out the process completely. Nothing looks worse than bring a project upon yourself that you couldn’t complete. If you have the courage to bring it up, have the courage to finish it. Keep colleagues informed about the process. Ask for help when you need it. Don’t get to proud.

If you are turned down and left disappointed, refuse to let your colleagues know. There are many moments in our lives when we are told, “No.” First, don’t take it personally and keep your cool at the office. There’s no need to cry in a meeting. Second, be proud of yourself for having the courage to ask. Most people don’t. Third, move on from the idea. There’s no use obsessing over something that can’t become reality.

Now, I know how hard all of these things can be. I am a worry-wart, afraid of the word “no,” and often get emotionally attached to my work. Luckily, over the course of my internship with LACD, I’ve learned how to control these traits in a work environment. I know that this lesson will be so valuable as I move onto my next job.

I encourage you to try something new and voice your ideas, no matter if it’s a new job as a checker at the grocery store or a summer internships with a major corporation. While many say to keep your eyes open for those chance moments, I say go out and make those moments happen. There’s no better time than now. You’ll be surprised at the difference you can make if you just muster up the courage.

Twitter 101: Who to Follow Pt. 2

By Megan Fingert

Welcome to Part Two of Who To Follow. Twitter has over 190 million users worldwide. It can be easy to get lost as you begin to search for people to follow. Some will look for their favorite celebrity; others will look for leaders within their field. Whatever it is you’re looking for in tweets, you’re sure to be able to find it. Whether you’re brand new to twitter or a regular Tweep, here are 10 accounts, spread over two blog posts, that I think any young professional can appreciate as both a young person and as someone looking to develop professionally. Last week, I recommended accounts to you that were global. Today’s focus is on local tweeps who are taking the #Purdue/Indy twitter community by storm! These are in no particular order.

1. Marc Muinzer, owner of BoilerCribs.com, @BoilerCribs

Why you’ll enjoy their tweets: Marc tweets about all things good. Whether he’s posting an interesting link, a funny quip about Purdue Athletics, or commenting on local property news, his tweets are always entertaining. You’ll enjoy this Purdue Alumns true Boilermaker spirit, which gives his twitter a local touch. I also love that Marc is always in conversation on twitter. He is not a silent account only pushing out information. If you mention him, he’ll probably reply back!

How it will help you develop professionally: Marc is a local, successful businessman. I think it’s nice to follow Purdue Alumni who have left their mark on our community after graduation. It really shows that your connection to Purdue is everlasting and that you can truly make an impact here whether you’re walking on the moon or providing students with affordable and comfortable apartments and homes.

2. Nick Moore, owner of HungryBoiler.com, @HungryBoiler

Why you’ll enjoy their tweets: Two words: CHEAP FOOD. What college student doesn’t love a good deal on grub? Nick is here to tell you about his amazing website HungryBoiler.com. Nick is also great about keeping up with conversation on twitter. He’s always looking out for mentions and will quickly reply to you. He links to both his website, our blog, Boiler Bites (yep, I co-author it!), and often posts the hilarious requests that some students ask of our local restaurants. For example, someone just the other day asked if we could have a local pizza joint “draw a maple leaf, a Sprite can, and a man on a moose holding an axe on the pizza box.”

How it will help you develop professionally: You have to realize that Nick isn’t some 40 year old dude who decided to bank on college students who want the ease of ordering online from their fave restaurants. Nick graduated just last May and has already achieved all kinds of success. He is a young entrepreneur who can be a real inspiration to you as a young professional. Following his tweets will teach you the value of timely customer service and how it can make your business grow.

3. Scott Wise, owner of Scotty’s Brewhouse, @Brewhouse

Why you’ll enjoy their tweets: Scotty is another dynamic Indiana business owner. Owner of Scotty’s Brewhouse, Lakehouse, and Thr3e Wise Men, Scott Wise has a knack for bringing you delicious food and drink in a great atmosphere. His tweets range in subject from funny links to updates about deals and promotion at one of his many restaurants. Scott, like the other’s, has discovered the power of engaging with his followers. Tweet at him and you’ll probably hear back!

How it will help you develop professionally: Scott is a great example of a good businessman who understands the nuances of social media marketing. By following his tweets you’ll see great examples of online marketing strategies that can take your personal brand or a companies brand to the top. He is witty, timely, and a Tweep that everyone should idolize.

4. Purdue University, our school’s Twitter account, @LifeAtPurdue

Why you’ll enjoy their tweets: Purdue’s account is friendly and helpful. If it’s burning hot in your classroom and you tweet about it, they’ll probably reply back saying they’re sending maintenance to check it out. If someone is handing out free pizza or having a callout, they’ll probably retweet or post about it. As well, they can keep you updated on sports, special events, and emergency information around Purdue’s campus. They are so friendly – I love their twitter!

How it will help you develop professionally: Staying connected to your Alma Mater is so important. Whether you’re graduating or have three more years ahead of you, this twitter account will give you the tools you need to make your Purdue experience the best that it can be. Go out, get involved, be active in your campus and be in conversation with it – even if it’s in just 140 characters.

5. Liberal Arts Career Development, @PurdueLACD

Why you’ll enjoy their tweets: Do we really have to tell you why on this one? Duh! All things career development brought to you by Lisa Lambert Snodgrass and the rest of the LACD team! Articles, job listings, and info on career development events on campus!

How it will help you develop professionally: To get that dream job and be prepared for the professional world, you have to be in the know. Our Twitter feed will constantly be posting the most current and up-to-date career information.

And while we’re at it, I’ll throw some bonus accounts your way! Follow the LACD Interns! @MeganFingert @angela_cooley @CLRipley @StephanieGrebe @Adam_Beasley and @CCCharles11 ! We will be tweeting and retweeting all kinds of interesting articles and thoughts on career development and our interests.

Twitter 101: Who to Follow Pt. 1

By Megan Fingert

Twitter has over 190 million users worldwide. It can be easy to get lost as you begin to search for people to follow. Some will look for their favorite celebrity; others will look for leaders within their field. Whatever it is you’re looking for in tweets, you’re sure to be able to find it. Whether you’re brand new to twitter or a regular Tweep, here are 10 accounts, spread over two blog posts, that I think any young professional can appreciate as both a young person and as someone looking to develop professionally. The first five are more worldwide. Next week’s installment will feature accounts from Indiana and Lafayette locals.

1.Roger Ebert, writer and movie critic, @ebertchicago

Why you’ll enjoy their tweets: Ebert is by far the worlds most trusted movie critic and who doesn’t love the movies!? Following him will allow you to stay up to date on new movie releases and new cinematic technology.

How it will help you develop professionally: Writing is by far one of the most coveted skills in today’s job market. Being able to communicate well is an invaluable trait. In my opinion, great writers are great readers and reading Ebert’s reviews and articles will no doubt benefit you. His writing style is clean and informative. He is the perfect example of great writing.

2.  Consumer Reports, the world’s largest independent consumer-product testing organization, @ConsumerReports

Why you’ll enjoy their tweets: Consumer Reports has great articles on the latest products. Whether it’s a new car model, a blender, or a watch, Consumer Reports can tell you if it’s worth buying.

How it will help you develop professionally: As an employee, you will become more apart of the global economy. To be a good employee in an international business world, you should also be an aware consumer. All companies, products and services are interconnected. You should be aware of not only your competitors but of all other members of the world market. Following Consumer Reports will help you to do so.

3. Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Staff Neurosurgeon at Emory Clinic and CNN Chief Medical Correspondent, @sanjayguptaCNN

Why you’ll enjoy their tweets: We live in a generation that seeks to not just be healthy, but understand our health and our body. Dr. Sanjay Gupta will not only bring you really cool medical information that could benefit your health, but reports on global medical news. He is certainly the leading medical journalist in news today.

How it will help you develop professionally: A healthy employee is a good employee. To truly reach your potential in the work place, you must be in tip-top shape. Half of doing well is feeling good. Your health affects your morale, which affects your performance. Following Dr. Gupta will help you stay informed and stay well.

4. The Smithsonian, the worlds largest museum complex and research organization in Washington D.C., @Smithsonian

Why you’ll enjoy their tweets: Smithsonian tweets about amazing exhibits, featuring photos and articles of some of the world’s most treasured artifacts. Even if you’re not a history buff, you’ll love reading what the Smithsonian has to post.

How it will help you develop professionally: To create a brighter future, we must know about our past. Whether it’s knowing the history of your company or your nation, it’s important that young professionals do not turn away from or forget the past. The Smithsonian celebrates history and reminds us that we must revisit our previous mistakes and triumphs to continue to succeed in the future.

5. Charlie Sheen, actor-turned-crazy-person, @CharlieSheen

Why you’ll enjoy their tweets: If you don’t have cable, you might not have seen the phenomenon that is the Charlie Sheen news frenzy. Lately he’s been giving interviews almost everyday of the week, each with increasingly more bizarre remarks and behavior. The recovering addict and television star’s tweets are just the same. His humorous and manic posts will provide you with hours of laughs. Follow him purely for entertainment.

How it will help you develop professionally: THIS IS EXACTLY HOW YOU SHOULD NOT USE TWITTER AS A YOUNG PROFESSIONAL! Charlie Sheen should serve as the poorest example of professional tweeting. Use his twitter to learn about what terrible Twitter etiquette and use looks like. Remember that Twitter serves as your personal PR department. Display an image on it that shows balance, intellect and engagement…not #TigerBlood or #Winning.

Twitter 101: Key Terms

By Megan Fingert             It was such an honor and privilege to speak to students on Social Media day during Career Week 2011. My fellow panelists and I realized after our discussion that many of you may have been lost when we used some Twitter Jargon during our discussion. Because I firmly believe in the power of Social Media in professional brand building, I thought it might be interesting to bring you a series of posts that give you a breadth of information regarding my favorite tool: Twitter.

In your classes, you might receive Key Terms, or definitions, from a book or from your professor that you must memorize or be familiar with if you want to master the material. Twitter is the same way. So, here is a list of 4 key terms that every new tweeter should know.

Hashtag \hæʃtæg\

1.     noun. a word or phrase following a hash symbol, #, that allows twitter users to better organize and categorize their tweets for optimum exposure

Example: Does anyone have a ticket to tonight’s basketball game that they would sell me? #purdue #boilermakers #basketball #BoilerUp

Mention \ˈmen(t)-shən\

1.     noun. when someone places the username of another twitter user into their tweet as to call attention to them or to send them a message

Example: @PurdueLACD Where can I find the lsit of businesses that attended today’s career fair?

Example: It was so nice to see @CRRipley in class today!

Egg \ˈeg, ˈāg\

1.     noun. what a twitter user is called when they have not updated their profile with a picture, referring to the standard egg image that serves as a placeholder for your image until you upload one.

Trending Topic \ˈtrending tä-pik\

1.     a hash tag, word, or phrase that has been mentioned an incredible amount by twitter users in a particular area or across the world.

I hope some of these definitions help you as you discover the professional powers of Twitter! Thank you again to our students and sponsors alike for your support for Career Development and Liberal Arts Career Week 2011.

What a Young Professional Can Learn from Our Sponsors

By Megan Fingert           

Career Week, beginning on Monday, will offer countless opportunities for you to network and begin building your professional brand. Though, our amazing events and guest speakers aren’t the only places you can learn. In fact, you can learn a lot from the beautiful speaker gifts we will present to our guest speakers donated Follett’s Bookstores and University Bookstore and even from our grand prize iPad donated by Boiler Cribs.

We have been so incredibly honored by the support we have been given by local business owners right here in Lafayette. Their generosity is an example you should always follow throughout your professional life. Whether it’s sponsoring a Little League team or provide food for a local event, philanthropic efforts can help you in more than one way. Of course, everyone enjoys the extra advertising, but more importantly it builds a reputation that is more lasting than any well-placed logo. As one of your peers, I think it’s important that you know which companies and businesses in our community were so excited at the prospect of helping you to develop a professional network and brand. So, when you attend an event this week, I urge you to pay special attention to the page within our event programs that contains the list of our sponsors.

These companies have left such a positive impression not only on the LACD team, but also on countless faculty, staff, and students at Purdue. Their charitable actions make the choice to visit their businesses an easy one and a frequent one.

I hope that you’ll take the time to show your support for these generous supporters just as they have shown support for your future career. I also hope that, in that future career, you will make the same choice to give back to your patrons and the greater community. It will bring you business karma that is invaluable.

Informational Interviews

by Megan Fingert

            It’s frustrating when a particular company or industry isn’t currently hiring in your field. Sometimes the fluctuation of the job market leaves open spaces for many and none for others. It may be a fantastic time to be a senior graduating with a degree in PR and other times it may be better to be a senior graduating with a degree in education. Many people use a lack of job openings as an opportunity to branch out and try something new. Whether you’ve been thinking about starting your own business or becoming a consultant, one thing that can really help you stay on the job search horse is an informational interview.

            Informational interviews are not an opportunity to get hired and promise no possibility of an offer, but they can help with networking, advice, and can help build your reputation with a company for being hired in the future. As well, if you’re interested in beginning a new business venture, they can help you to learn more about the particular industry or endeavor you are about to enter.

            A fabulous article about informational interviews in the New York Times by Marci Alboher offers some advice for the informational interview process that I believe is critical to keep in mind:

            “1. The other person is doing you a favor, so it should be about what’s convenient for the interviewer, not you. Follow his or her lead as to whether meetings will be in person or by phone.

2. These meetings are not about asking for job leads; the point is to learn something.


3. Think about informational interviews as a way to build a relationship and expand your network, not as a way to get a job.


4. Wait for the right time. So often we get a number and feel as if we should call immediately. But if you’re not ready, you may bungle a meeting. Why wouldn’t you be ready? When you’re overextended and it’s hard to find time on your calendar or if you haven’t done enough research about the industry or the company where the person works.


5. Don’t overstay your welcome. It’s always better to signal the meeting is ending and let the other person say he or she is open to continuing the discussion.”

            Often in hard job markets, it’s easy to get down on yourself and easy to give up. I urge you instead, when job searching gets tough, to remember that your network is constantly being built. Whether you search out an informational interview with a complete stranger at a large company or a family friend who owns a small business, a contact is always worth having. You’d be surprised who, down the road, could give you the professional opportunity of your dreams.

            As well, remember that an entrepreneurial spirit is a worthwhile trait to have in a tough job market. While many students can become wrapped up in working for a large corporation, your professional life may lie in your own hands. Have you had a wonderful idea for a local service or store? Do you have a passion that could be profitable? Look into becoming your own boss. Your professional fortune could be a creative idea away.

3 Personal Public Relations Blunders to Avoid

by Megan Fingert

            From our choice of words to the way we dress, young professionals are constantly putting out an image to the people around us. Like a company or a high-profile celebrity, we must make sure that we are always portraying the sort of image that we want others or publics to have of us. These images sometimes change as our audience changes, but we naturally wish to show consistency in our social behaviors.

            As a student who grew up in the digital age, you’re aware that it’s easier now more than ever to constantly be putting out an image, whether that is in a short Tweet or a picture you just posted to Facebook. If you’ve just picked a new profile picture or are simply walking through the Union, someone is bound to be looking and listening--and that someone could be a potential employer or network! Don’t doubt the ability of one remark to ruin your image and cost you the job.

            It’s important that as you develop your personal “brand” (something you can learn about from our keynote speaker Kyle Lacey at Career Week) that you avoid having negative ideas attach to that brand. As a PR student, it is my job to understand how to create positive connotations and how to minimize and eradicate negative ones. Here are three personal PR blunders I hope you can avoid.

1.Solo Cups in your Profile Picture

            While it’s still very easy to keep your Facebook private, one thing that always shows no matter your privacy settings is your profile picture. Because Facebook is constantly updating and changing, it comes up first in an online search if someone Googles your name. If a potential employer decides to click just out of curiosity, even the most locked-down Facebook profile will show your default picture.

            So, to avoid making a bad impression, always have a profile picture that is conservative and mature. A picture of you doing a keg stand isn’t going to send your resume to the top of the stack and neither is the picture of you looking incredibly inebriated, scantily clad and holding a red Solo cup. Instead, pick a picture of you dressed nicely with friends or at a dressier occasion like a formal or wedding. These sorts of pictures will make you appear more mature and more appealing as an employee.

2. Having Loud, Inappropriate Personal Conversations

            I can’t tell you how many odd things I’ve overheard while enjoying Starbucks in the Union or studying in the HSSE library. I often wonder as I catch short snippets of conversations across campus why people choose to have certain conversations in public, especially those of explicit or gossip-y nature.

            With the sorts of visitors we have on campus it isn’t wise to talk about your make-out session with a cute boy at the party last night or how you think Jill is well, something that starts with the letter “b.” There are campus recruiters, local business owners, and important organization leaders everywhere around us.

We are so lucky that Purdue brings these sorts of visitors to us as resources, but we must make sure we’re on our best behavior, for the sake of our professional image and Purdue’s. Keep private conversations private, on campus or anywhere else!

3. Constantly being Late

            This blunder is so important not to make when it comes to just about, well, anything! You should always strive to make it to appointments, class, meetings and work on time. I don’t think there’s a faster way to tarnish your image than by constantly being late.

            While sometimes emergencies arise, it is important to know the impact of being late to events. It says to the leader or organizer of the event that you don’t find them very important. It says that you are disinterested in attending. It also shows a general lack of disrespect towards everyone connected to the event. Being on time and showing up prepared speaks volumes about you as a professional. It shows that you are engaged and anticipating the meeting or interview. It shows that you respect the organizers and that you are going to be an active participant in the program.

            

Common Misconceptions About Internships

by Megan Fingert

           Whether it’s our favorite celebrity or an unpopular consumer product, misconceptions and false ideas run rampant in our society. We are bombarded with images of and ideas about everything from cars to perfume, from being a politician to being a cheerleader. As a college student, I know my peers have lots of ideas about what it means to be an intern or to have an internship. In the three internships I’ve held, including my current internship with Liberal Arts Career Development, it has become clear to me that the majority of intern stereotypes are false. I’ve decided to highlight the three that I feel are most prevalent throughout the undergraduate community and debunk these internship myths.

1.            Internships have no substance—all you do is bring your boss coffee and perform other mindless tasks.

It is such a common image on television and in movies that an intern is a sort of personal barista. It appears that we are mostly running back and forth fetching pastries and lattes for an overbearing boss.  While it can make for humorous or shocking entertainment, this is totally false.

In all the internships I’ve held and currently hold, I have been assigned tasks with purpose and with substance—and not once have I been asked to get someone a cup of coffee! Whether asked to proofread press releases at the John Purdue Club, launch a more effective social media campaign for Hungry Boiler, or project manage the first day of Career Week for LACD, I was able to learn something new and worthwhile from every assignment. Bosses were always willing to tailor work to my strengths, whether I had hoped to showcase my writing abilities or better develop my event planning skills. If I had a goal in mind, they always wanted to help me reach it.

So, the next time you fear your internship will come with a second job in a green apron with a certain iconic mermaid on your hat, think again! An internship will provide you with experience that is far from mindless.

2.            If I’m not getting paid, an internship isn’t worth the time or energy.

A lot of college students, including me, are always happy to have some extra cash. There is nothing more frustrating that having empty pockets after buying expensive books for class. So, we have come to believe that a job is only worth it if it helps us make that pretty green bill. Though, many internships don’t come with the perk of payment, neither salary nor hourly wage. Is it worth it? ABSOLUTELY! In fact, you can gain a lot more than just a few new lines on your resume from having an internship.

You can receive academic credit for most internships. Often a company will offer this opportunity with a plan in mind, or you can work with them and your academic advisor to develop a plan for how you will earn the credit. I am currently working towards earning academic credit for my internship with LACD. It’s wonderful to have on my transcript and, if I perform well, it will be a nice grade to add to my GPA in the end.

Next time, don’t turn down and opportunity because it doesn’t pay! You’ll end up paying for it!           

3.            All bosses treat interns like workhorses and won’t ever give me a break.

            

            This myth actually holds a little bit of truth, but not for the reasons you think. Our fabulous director at LACD is Lisa Snodgrass. Does Lisa ask a lot of us as LACD interns? Sure. Is it ever anything we can’t truly handle? Never!

            Often internships can feel very overwhelming for a one major reason. We are entering a work environment that we are not used to. As undergraduates, we have yet to experience a real live office environment and this setting is very different from the classroom. While we try to adjust to performing tasks as a professional and not just a student, it can feel as though the work never ends and that each task is nearly impossible.

            What’s wonderful about this is that you’ll find it is totally possible! As a student at Purdue University, your professors, advisors, and the Career Development office have always provided you with the tools you’d need to succeed in the work place. Don’t doubt the skills that you have developed throughout your college life, whether in class or in a student organization. They are there and they can bring you success in internships and jobs after graduation.

            So, instead of debunking this myth, I’ll say that this myth is in fact truth if you decide to approach it with a positive attitude (and more positive wording.) If you can do that, you need not worry if you become overwhelmed. You will make it through and with flying colors!