Blog

Being a college student can feel a little overwhelming. Classes, homework, exams, extracurricular activities, and a part-time job – to say nothing of a social life – can quickly add up to a much busier schedule than the one you had as a high school student. Throw in an internship and now you’re expected to fulfill significant professional obligations, too.
So, how do you manage a busy schedule while impressing your internship supervisor? Let us give you a few hints.

Even the most savvy job-hunters are likely to make some mistakes as they start to build and manage their personal brands. Here are some of the most common ways that students fail to successfully portray themselves online - and how you can avoid these branding faux pas.

There’s no better time to learn how to skimp and save than when you are in college! Chances are, you’re on a tight budget. We all know the stress that comes with such restriction, so we’ve put together this handy list of ways to penny-pinch.

It might not sound appealing to live on a college budget, even after you have graduated. But if you want to repay your student debt quickly, this is the smartest route to take. We get that having a bigger salary is exciting and you probably want to buy things you weren't able to in college. But, we recommend that you continue living like a college student before you start to enjoy life's luxuries and until your debt is repaid. Example: skip out on the fancy dinners and the brand new car and allocate that money towards your student debt. We've gathered some tips and other daily savings tricks to help you stay on track and sail towards debt freedom faster!

If you are serious about landing a job, you need to dress the part. The way you present yourself is someone's very first impression of you, so show people you're serious about the work you are doing. According to Business Insider, a person's first impression of you is formed within 7 to 17 seconds of first meeting you, and those 7 to 17 seconds will account for 55% of that person's opinion of you.

"Always remember that interviewing is a two-way street. As much as the company is trying to learn about you, you are trying to learn about them, and whether the company is the right fit for you. This gives you more control in the process." -Kevin Jankowski, Director of the Career Center at Rhode Island School of Design.

Crafting a good resume is an art form. Think of your resume as a snapshot of your entire professional and academic existence. Consider the work that people put into selecting a profile photo on Facebook or Instagram. They want to look physically attractive, sure - but perhaps they would also like to demonstrate interest in a particular hobby, or show off an important relationship. Maybe they include a pet or beautiful outdoor scenery. Just as that photo is intended to convey nuance and detail in a single image, so should your resume.

Internships are a way for young professionals to develop the skills that they learned in the classroom and then apply them in the workplace. And what better way to spend your summer than gaining knowledge that will benefit your future? The best part about internships are that 72% of internships turn into full-time job offers. Yes, you heard me right, 72%! There is a good chance that you will be offered a position at the conclusion of your internship. This statistic from the National Association of Colleges and Employers alone makes getting an internship worth it!

The one thing I wish I learned in both high school and college is how to manage my finances responsibly! I was never taught how to use a credit card wisely, save money for emergencies, and prepare myself for a stable financial future. After experiencing some harsh realities, like getting charged late fees and situations where I have panicked over the cost of repairs, I have learned how to save and be a financially responsible adult.

There are a handful of words that drive recruiters crazy when reading resumes and we hope you're not using them. Get a handle on words and terms you should avoid in your resume and better understand how recruiters approach candidate resumes in the infographic below. 

Get rid of the fluff and focus on telling your professional story. Strong examples of how you are a great candidate will get you further than the buzzwords that recruiters hate. Make it easy for the recruiter to see why they should bring you in for an interview and don't make them hunt for required qualifications. You'll be one step closer to your dream job when you leave out some common resume cliches.

Transitioning from one stage of your life to another (college to the real world) can be overwhelming. Prepare for life after college with our Adulting Guide.