Choosing the Right College for You.

by Paige Annee

Though the mass audience of our LACD blogs may be current college students, I want you all to envision your life just a few short years ago when you were about to complete your senior year of high school. Right around this time, you were probably making one of your biggest life choices to date: where to go to college.

Choosing where you want to go to school for the next four years is a huge deal. Picking the right (or wrong) university can help (or hinder) your academic motivation, leadership growth, and of course, your ability to land your dream job when you graduate.

For me, choosing a college was not an easy decision. In fact, it was so hard for me that I "decided twice." As a senior in college, I chose to attend Indiana University as a Journalism major. As a freshman in college, I decided to move to Purdue University as a Public Relations & Strategic Communication major for my sophomore year.

I presume that the criteria for choosing your job after college is similar to the criteria of choosing your university. Where in the country to do you want live? Do you have the financial means to attend this college or take this job? Is the opportunity for scholarships or yearly income reasonable? Will it help you get to where you want to be in your professional growth?

When I chose my college the first time, I decided based on where my family wanted me to go and where it sounded the "most fun." When I switched to Purdue, I chose based on the opportunities presented to me and how they matched with my values. It has been my best decision to date.

For high school seniors: when you choose your college, pick somewhere that you can see yourself growing the most academically, socially, and professionally. Find a place that will challenge you.

For college seniors: when you choose your career, pick something that you will enjoy and that can spur your professional growth.

If you go with your gut, you can't go wrong.

Seeking Help.

by: Paige Annee

As we are reading Sheryl Sandberg’s Lean In as part of the LACD internship, I am noticing more and more often how clearly Sandberg’s words connect to my everyday life.

A recent quote that stuck out to me was: “Being unsure about how to proceed is the most natural feeling in the world… Asking for input is not a sign of weakness but often the first step to finding a path forward” (p. 90).

Personally, I think that asking for help is hard to do.  I am also learning that letting yourself be vulnerable in this way is vital to move forward in your career path.

Even though I may work in a career development office, I am no expert in the job-search process. Not many people are. I believe that it is crucial to seek the expertise of colleagues and mentors who have already been through the process in order to poise yourself for your dream job.

One way that I have sought help regarding my career search is by reaching out to professors. I recently set up a meeting with one of my professors to discuss what I like to do and what type of role she saw me holding within a company. A third party source of advice is useful to finding a job that you will thrive within.

This professor has become my mentor in the job search process. We meet more regularly to critique my resume and cover letter and to research available employment opportunities.

My advice to you is to let yourself be vulnerable in order to move forward. The expertise and networking opportunities that others can provide you is fundamental for your career growth. Do not be afraid to ask for help.

Becoming the Perfect Fit.

by Paige Annee

One of our responsibilities as an LACD intern is to read Sheryl Sandberg’s Lean In and discuss sections of the book during our weekly meetings. While many of us cringe at the thought of supplemental reading, (or we just avoid it altogether), reading and discussing Lean In is easily becoming one of my favorite parts of the internship.

We do not usually think about the world around us, as we are so accustomed to the status quo. Lean In has truly made me contemplate things that I see as “normal.”

This year, I think that I have been challenged in many ways, especially through my internship at LACD. The things that Sandberg talks about in Lean In are struggles that I face every day. Though, I did not even realize they were “struggles” until I began reading the book. I just thought that it was “the way things worked.”

For example, there are roles and responsibilities that I have at LACD that have made me question my ability to perform. I needed to use InDesign to create the monthly newsletter; I did not know how to use InDesign. I needed to get in contact with employees of top companies like Starcom; I had no idea how to find said contact information. I had no idea how to complete the tasks I had been given, and I felt overwhelmed and unequipped to hold my role in the internship.

But you learn. It is totally “okay” to admit that you do not know how to do it all, but that you are willing to be taught and will be motivated to improve. Sandberg said, “… there is no perfect fit when you’re looking for the next big thing to do… The ability to learn is the most important quality a leader can have” (p. 45).

As I am sitting here on my soapbox, the point that I am trying to make is that you may not know it all, but your willingness to learn is what is most important. When looking at a list of prerequisites for a job listing, do not be discouraged from applying if you are not proficient in every single task. Employers are more accommodating than you think. You will not be denied from a job opportunity if you are not an expert in Microsoft Office, so long as you present your determination to learn it for the company’s needs. You may not be a perfect fit for every opportunity from the get-go, but you can most definitely become the perfect fit for anything you set your mind to if you are willing to try.

The Miracle Morning.

by: Paige Annee

  Welcome back, Boilermakers! After weeks of rest and relaxation, I’m sure you are all excited (or incredibly stressed) as you begin your first day of classes. At the beginning of a new semester, many students make resolutions on ways to improve or better themselves. These resolutions could be related to school, health and fitness, or, (as we would obviously recommend), related to your career development.

I have created a resolution of my own this semester, and I invite you all to give it a shot as well. As I spent countless days over our holiday break aimlessly browsing Pinterest, I came across an article about the “Miracle Morning” recommended by a blog named “As We Stumble Along.” The point of a “Miracle Morning” is to wake up a little earlier to get a proper start to your day, which will likely lead to more productivity. According to the blog, a “Miracle Morning” is intended to “achieve confidence, wealth, happiness, and success in every area of your life.” This obviously sounds like a lofty goal, but the simple steps are as follows:

1.     Silence: Take a few minutes right when you get up to think and meditate. Focus on all of the great things that are coming your way in the next 24 hours.

2.     Affirmation: In the world we live in, it is so much easier to focus on your weaknesses instead of your strengths. Take a second in the morning to remind yourself that you can handle anything that comes your way.

3.     Visualization: Give yourself a few minutes to daydream! You have already thought about what you need to get done during the day and affirmed yourself with a little positivity. Now imagine the outcomes of the tasks that you are about to complete.

4.     Exercise: A lot of people probably cringe at this one. Although waking up and spending some time at the Co-Rec is one of my personal goals this semester, a full hour of strength training or on the elliptical does not always sound ideal. Though, getting your blood flowing in the morning wakes up your brain and will get you hyped for the day ahead. Even a few squats or jumping jacks before you brush your teeth can give you instant energy to tackle your day.

5.     Reading: Take in some content! Read an article online that you are interested in to stimulate your mind.

6.     Writing: Journaling works wonders for your mental health. It’s a good release, and is proven to help you achieve your goals more quickly. Take a moment to write about your goals or how you are feeling that day.

Overall, the intent of the “Miracle Morning” is to take a little more time to ease into your day, instead of hopping out of bed 10 minutes before class and racing out the door with a granola bar. Even though waking up a little earlier may sound dreadful, getting a head start to your day and giving your body some time to wake up can reduce stress and help you to achieve your goals. So take some time for a “Miracle Morning,” and then get to filling out those job and internship applications. To read the full article, check out http://www.aswestumblealong.com/miracle-morning-perfect-college-morning/

"I'm Too Busy."

by: Paige Annee

As a college student, we are encouraged to get involved in as many things as possible to build our resumes, networks, and opportunities for experience. Though sometimes, I think we sign up for things just to say that we did it. It becomes a competition to see who has the busiest schedules, the most job interviews, or the most meetings in a week. We are addicted to being busy and proving our worth to others. With our agenda planners full of information and prior commitments, I think it is important to remember to take a few seconds to find a balance between working for a goal and simply relaxing. Here are a few things that I think everyone should make time for in their hectic schedules:

1.     SLEEP: This is something that I think all college students take for granted. Just like eating well and exercising, sleep is vital to our health. Staying up until 3 AM to type a paper for your 9:30 A.M. class is never a good idea, for both your mental and physical health. Work ahead so you can get a little shut-eye.

2.     Call your parents: Sometimes when your to-do list is looking like it will never end, the best thing you can do is to take a minute to call your mom on the way home from class. My mom always helps me look at things more realistically, and reminds me that when you prioritize, the big picture will always come together.

3.     Talk to your friends: When I have a busy week, I find myself grabbing a granola bar and skipping lunch to send out that list of emails I need to finish up. Do not take the time you have with your friends for granted. Even talking with your girlfriends during a 20-minute lunch break can help you clear your head and reduce anxiety.

4.     Catching up on the latest news: It baffles me how much students do not know about the world around them. It is easy to feel detached from reality and global issues when going through your daily responsibilities. I subscribe to an email newsletter called The Skimm that sends updates on the day’s hot topics. In less than two minutes, you can be informed about the terrorist attacks in Paris or the impending presidential elections.

While it is so important to get involved, remember to take a deep breath and prioritize. Take time for the things that make you happy, and not just the tasks that you can use as  resume builders. You passion will show through in enormous ways.

Getting it all done.

written by: Paige Annee

I will be the first to admit that if there is one thing that I do not handle well, it is stress. Looking in my planner at the exam, case study paper, multiple homework assignments, and four extracurricular meetings that I have over the next three days is enough to send me into a trail of tears.

When looking at these busy weeks, I tend to fall into the same pattern as many others. I sit in my bed, nibble on bags of popcorn, and complain to anyone who will listen about how busy I am. But how much easier would it be to just accept the challenge head on?

My goal for junior year is to handle my time management more appropriately. I think that oftentimes when we see that we have a lot of things to get done, we tend to not start anything at all. I personally am very easily overwhelmed, and often procrastinate during the times when I am the busiest.

I am a strong advocate of keeping a planner, but this year I have also challenged myself to keep a daily schedule as well. Before I go to bed each night, I write my goals for the following day on my iPhone, where it will be easily accessible. On my busiest days, I take these goals and create a time schedule of what I need to get done and when.

Take for example my schedule for October 28, 2015:

9:30 am- Comparative Mythology class

10:30 am- Organization Communication class

11:30 am- Write thank-you letters for scholarships

2:30 pm- Office Hours for LACD 

4:30 pm- LACD Team Meeting

6:30 pm- Brian Lamb School of Communication Mentorship Meeting

7:30 pm- Work out at the Corec

9:00 pm- Finish Case Study paper for Organizational Communication and study for Spanish

I know that looking at all of the things that I need to accomplish on this day would usually send me into a whirlwind of panic, but writing time limits for each task helps me to better organize myself. It helps me realize that my long list of “things-to-do” is feasible!

So the next time you are in over your head with schoolwork, meetings, or whatever it may be, try planning out your day hour-by-hour. All of your goals are possible if you are prepared.

Be Impressed.

written by: Paige Annee

With career fairs winding down, this is the time of year when the interview process begins. Most of us know the basic rules of making an impression in an interview:

1.     Be knowledgeable about the company.

2.     Study up on possible questions that the recruiter may ask. You never know who will throw, “If you were an ice cream cone, what flavor would you be?” your way.

3.     Dress to impress.

4.     Always have a few questions in your arsenal at the end of the interview.

But not only is it your role to impress the recruiter and the company during your interview, but also it is important to see if the company impresses YOU. By this, I mean that it is vital to learn about the company’s culture. I think that sometimes we can get so wrapped up in snagging the job or the internship with a Fortune 500 company, that we fail to notice if the company’s goals really fit with our personal dreams, goals, and values.

Instead of just jumping on board with any company that comes your way, I really challenge you to find a place where you see yourself as a natural fit. Where would you be happy? Where is the place where you will enjoy the work you do each day? Look at the relationships and attitudes between employees, and what kind of work they produce. It is hard to be happy in a career that you are not passionate about or do not hold the same morals with.

So be impressive, but be impressed as well. Find your place of passion.