Calling all undergrads and recent grads: kickstart your career with Kohl’s! Finding the right path after college can be overwhelming, but Kohl’s offers internship and trainee programs that prioritize your growth and leadership development. 

Kohl’s has developed leadership programs that are a launchpad for a meaningful career, allowing self-motivated and inspired individuals to grow, both professionally and personally. Ideal for college students and recent graduates, the Kohl’s Store Leadership Internship and Store Leadership Trainee Program are both designed to give young professionals the tools needed to grow into great leaders. 

For current college students, the Kohl’s Store Leadership Internship is an interactive, 8-week paid structured training program created with development in mind. Interns are given a peek behind the scenes at running a $10 million to $20 million dollar Kohl’s store. More than just hands-on experience, interns are also invited to exclusive networking events and curate their own individual development plans with their mentors. The Store Leadership Trainee Program is designed for leaders ready to jump-start their careers. Over the 12-week paid program, Store Leadership Trainees (or SLTs/Leaders in Training) develop the skills and experience needed to become a Merchandising Manager at Kohl’s. With direct experience in store-merchandising, sales, and human resources, it is a program built with development in mind. 

WayUp was able to speak with some impressive individuals who have completed the Kohl’s Store Leadership Internship and are either working towards becoming a Merchandising Manager or currently succeeding in the role.

One key takeaway from our conversations is that the true strength of these programs is the people. Both professionals mentioned that their favorite part of work was the team they are a part of and how supported they feel. Whether they grew up shopping in the store or strolled by the booth at their college career fair, the connections they made with this brand go beyond what a typical internship offers.

Additionally, both individuals applauded Kohl’s for their dedication to development.While many internships provide a summer experience, Kohl’s programs are designed to not only provide a summer experience but one that provides hands-on experience and develops leadership skills. At Kohl’s, these programs are designed to enhance your leadership skills so you come out the other side as a Merchandising Manager. 

From networking events to assigned mentors who help map out career paths, it’s evident from our conversations that Kohl’s is committed to developing the next generation of leaders. These programs are ideal for any current college student or recent grad who wants to kick start their career in the right direction.

About the Leaders in Training

Shiyan Reed is someone who knows how to set goals and get after them. As an aspiring intellectual property attorney, Kohl’s was not yet part of her long-term plan. But, after speaking with some Kohl’s store managers at a Texas State University career fair, it was clear the Kohl’s Store Leadership Programs were where she wanted to grow as a leader. Shiyan completed the internship and trainee program at the Pflugerville, Texas location before stepping into her current position as Merchandising Manager at the Leander location.

As a current Store Leadership Trainee, Sandy McGlothlin has her sights set on her path ahead. Upon completion of her 12-week program, she will step into the role as Merchandising Manager in San Diego. With a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Marketing from the University of Arizona, her analytical mindset helps her find solutions to problems in an efficient and effective manner.

Q: What originally brought you to Kohl’s, and what keeps you there?

Q: How has Kohl’s fostered and supported your development?

Q: What are your career goals at Kohl’s?

Q: What’s one piece of advice that has stuck with you through your career that you would also give to someone newly joining the workforce?

When it comes to starting your career off on the right foot, making the first step can feel overwhelming. What Kohl’s offers in their leadership programs goes beyond a resumé–it’s an experience that jump-starts an impactful, meaningful career.  

Want to learn more about the Kohl’s Store Leadership Internship and Store Leadership Trainee Program? Head over to Kohl’s WayUp profile to learn more about the company and browse open roles, upcoming events, and more.

The post The Launchpad for Leaders: How the Kohl’s Store Leadership Programs are Setting Up Early Professionals for Success appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

Deciding on a career path can be daunting, especially for students early in their post-secondary education. BDO USA, PC offers a unique opportunity for students to participate in a one-on-one mentoring program and explore a variety of career options through its Pathway to Success Program. This program is designed to provide mentorship and personalized career guidance, while giving students a forum to ask questions related to their educational programming and future career goals.

The Importance of Mentorship

Bernie Pieters, BDO’s Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer and People & Culture Principal, reflects on the power of mentorships, “Mentorship contributes to an individual’s personal and professional development. When you willingly and joyfully mentor others, you create a legacy of leaders.”   

What sets BDO’s Pathway to Success apart is the exclusive mentor/mentee pairing. Students are matched with a dedicated BDO professional who volunteers their time to assist with career exploration. This relationship allows students to ask questions, bounce ideas, and seek advice on educational programming, major selection, and career exploration. The goal is to foster a relationship that continues long after the six-month commitment.

Sarah Turcotte, BDO’s National Campus Recruiting Leader, emphasizes that the program is open to both freshmen and sophomores, offering them insights into the profession and preparing them for future internships. She notes, “Really the primary purpose is educational and giving back, trying to help students find the best path for them as individuals and exposing them to new areas they may have an interest in.”

Open to All

The program is open to any freshman or sophomore, regardless of university affiliation, major, GPA, or extracurricular involvement. There are no barriers to entry, making it an authentic initiative to give back to the community and guide future professionals into majors and careers that best fit them.

Discover BDO and Yourself

Participants have the chance to learn about BDO, its roles, business lines, clients, and company culture. More importantly, they gain insights into themselves and what they should seek in their educational and professional careers. No prior experience is needed, and BDO provides resources and guidance on starting and maintaining successful mentorship relationships.

Sarah highlights the benefits, stating, “It’s personal growth and development. If they are looking to be engaged with BDO, there’s an added benefit to getting in our pipeline early. Even if they choose a different path, the experience they gain will serve them throughout their careers.”

A Two-Way Relationship

The program emphasizes the importance of relationships. BDO professionals dedicate their time to nurture and mentor early-career individuals, but it requires participants to engage actively as well. The more effort students put into the program, the more they will benefit.

Amritpal Gill, a former mentee, shares his experience: “I remember frantically applying for internships around my sophomore year. I wasn’t completely sure of what I was doing but when doing my research, BDO was the only firm that I knew of that had a mentorship program.”

Through BDO’s Pathway to Success Program, Gill was paired with Laura Anna Lisi.  Gill and Lisi had similar interests and through Lisi, Gill learned about the firm and developed a lasting relationship. Lisi was working on the same types of clients Gill had a curiosity in and they bonded over shared interests. “BDO paired me with a professional that I had commonalities with. Through Laura, I learned about the firm and when it came time to apply for an internship, I wasn’t just cold applying. I knew where I wanted to be…it was always interesting and exciting.”

Lisi, an Assurance Principal at BDO, reflects on her role as a mentor: “Pathway to Success is a wonderful program. Ultimately, real success is dependent upon the mentor and mentee forming a relationship. Amritpal and I formed a relationship, and I enjoyed helping him define his path. A lot of my success was due to forming relationships with a lot of people and networking.”

Bridging the Gap Between Learning and Application

The Pathway to Success Program is not just about selecting a career or major; it’s a transformative experience that teaches students how their education translates into a professional career. Gill, for example, entered the program unsure about his future. Paired with Lisi, he discovered potential career paths and gained clarity on his professional journey.

Amritpal reflects on his relationship with Lisi: “Whenever I would reach out…knowing how busy she was…she always made time. That’s what allowed me to build a relationship.”

The Pathway to Success program’s structure and objectives are designed to attract top talent and prepare individuals for internships. The interviews highlighted the program’s emphasis on diversity and inclusion, ensuring a diverse pool of candidates and creating meaningful relationships.

BDO’s Pathway to Success Program offers a gateway to success, providing students with the tools and relationships needed to thrive in their careers. These skills will be beneficial throughout the duration of their career. 

Whether you’re looking to clarify your major or explore different professional opportunities, this program is your steppingstone to a successful future. To learn more about BDO and their Pathway to Success Program, visit their WayUp profile and their website here.

The post Beyond the Books: Mentorship and Guidance with BDO’s Pathway to Success Program appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

It’s that time of the year again: National Intern Day! Created by WayUp in 2017, this holiday focuses on celebrating and appreciating the future leaders of the world…interns! NID has gained widespread popularity thanks to media coverage from Good Morning America, multiple Forbes articles, (see here), (and most recently here), participation from companies like NASA, Google, and hundreds of smaller companies every year. This year National Intern Day falls on July 31st, 2024 and we hope everyone is ready to celebrate.

Every year, WayUp and Yello publish both The Top 100 Intern Program list and the Top 100 Intern List, selecting 100 interns, with one honored as the #1 Top Intern of 2024. You might be thinking, “there’s no chance I’m making it” but believe it or not, any intern can be named the “TOP” intern of the year or make the Top 100 Intern List. It’s true, you don’t have to be a superstar, a superhero, or a celebrity. You just have to be yourself -a hard working, dedicated individual. Don’t believe us? Just check out our previous winners here. The 2024 nomination form is CLOSED.

Eligibility Requirements

1. Have been an intern between September 2023 and August 2024
2. Submit your nomination by August 8th, 2024 at 11:59pm EST

Tips & Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Who is eligible for nomination of 2024 Top Intern?
   1. Anyone who has been an intern between September 2023 and August 2024
2. How are winners determined?
   1. The 100 interns who make the list are chosen by a panel of judges who consider the strength of nominations, voting totals, and social media promotion.
3. How do I nominate myself?
   1. Follow the steps below: 
   2. To start a nomination, select “I am an Intern” 
   3. Complete the form fields; progress can be saved and returned to later.
   4. Submit the completed form.
   5. Share your nomination with your network to increase your vote totals and make sure to use #NationalInternDay.
4. When are applications due?
   1. Friday, August 8th, 2024 by 11:59 pm EST
5. When is the list announced?
   1. Middle of August

Now that you have the info, we’ll show you how your nomination can be a winner. We’ve curated some tips, tricks, and advice to help guide you.

How to have a “knock out” nomination and be named a TOP intern

We spoke with Yello/WayUp staff, past NID winners, and campus recruiting professionals about what it takes to be a top intern. Here’s what they had to say:

Show, don’t tell. 

Similar to writing a standout resume, quantify some of your accomplishments thus far in your internship. On your National Intern Day nomination, you will be asked a series of questions that have to do with what you do in your internship, what you’ve learned, and how it has shaped your career goals. What impact have you made on your team? What processes have you improved or implemented? Brag on yourself and use quantifiable data to back it up. 

It’s okay to over-explain

Some of the NID nominations that have been the most impressive were able to give a lot of detail about the complexities of their projects. This doesn’t mean writing a one-page report when explaining the projects or day-to-day responsibilities of your internships. Instead, make sure it is crystal clear not only what you worked on, but the impact this had on you, the organization, and the team you worked with. 

Spread the word.

Tap into your network: get your connections to vote for you and get the word out there. We’ve even created a template for you to share your nomination with your network. Engage with your friends, family, and connections by marketing yourself. Make sure you’re using the hashtag #NationalInternDay in your social media posts. 

Apply Early

Lastly, the worst thing you can do if you’re trying to make it on the “Top 100 Interns” list for 2024 is wait to apply. The sooner you get your application in, the better, so fill out an application and see if you have what it takes to make the cut!

Walk the walk

Be the top intern you believe you can be and want to be recognized as. In your day to day internship, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to speak up. Be on time and act professional. Go out of your way to get to know people and make connections. Keep track of your tasks and accomplishments. Learn as much as you can and be a sponge. By actually “being” a top intern, you’re going to have people wanting to vote for your nomination and see you succeed. 

You’re now one step closer to TOP 100 and being a future leader. You’ve got the tips, tricks, and expert advice to be one of 2024’s top interns. We’re looking forward to your nomination so make sure to submit one before it’s too late.

The post National Intern Day: How You Can Be 2024’s Top Intern appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

Whatever your career goals may be, it’s nice to have someone in your corner, rooting for you. The majority of us can truly benefit from and find value in having a mentor to encourage, support and promote us, but this is often easier said than done.

First, you may be asking, “what is a mentor?”  Secondly, “how do I find one?”

As defined in the dictionary, a good mentor is a person who guides a less experienced person by building trust and modeling good behavior.  An effective mentor is someone who is dependable, engaging and understands the needs of the mentee.

Overall, a good mentor will:

• Access your strengths and weaknesses
• Help you understand the structure/culture of the organization
• Introduce new perspectives and help correct any wrong thinking you may have
• Boost your ability to make decisions (and ask questions)
• Introduce you to resources and useful references
• Be an active listener and help keep you focused and on topic

Now that you understand what a mentor is; the bigger question is how do you go about finding one?  Sometimes mentors find you (it happens naturally), but more often than not, YOU need to find someone you respect, even admire and would like to emulate at some point in your career.

Throughout my professional career, I’ve been privileged to have effective career mentors; people who were instrumental in my professional growth.  The first mentor was my boss, many years ago when I worked as her executive assistant. She taught me all about the publishing world, the editorial lingo, how to ask questions and most importantly, to develop my skills, professionally and personally.  I had a lot of respect for her and I found myself wanting to mimic her professional behavior (and her wardrobe, she was a classy dresser!).  That said, I took every opportunity possible to sit down with her over a cup of iced coffee and pick her brain about her career and how she got to where she was.  We did this often, and eventually I got promoted to the marketing department!  She congratulated me and commented, “I’m proud, it’s a compliment to me that you are being promoted, it means I did my job.”  She is still my mentor. Even though we don’t sit and have our iced coffees any more, I still call upon her and she still offers words of wisdom.

It’s not always easy to find a mentor. Here are some tips I learned along the way:

• Ask yourself what qualities you want in a mentor.  Is it someone who can help promote you or an expert in your field that can help with a business project?
• Does your HR department have a mentoring program?  Make an appointment and find out more.
• Check out LinkedIn!  Do an Advanced People Search and look for people that you went to college with or have worked with at previous jobs, even professors from school.
• Steer away from a formal request! Don’t ask “will you be my mentor.” This is usually not very inviting, if anything it’s a bit off-putting. Instead start by simply asking someone for advice or invite them out for a cup of coffee.  Find out more about their career path.  And, MAKE IT FUN.  Get to know each other. Don’t make it sound like work…smile, and exude excitement.
• Prepare and practice your speech.  Looking for a mentor means marketing yourself and being self-confident. Learn to promote yourself, talk about some of your accomplishments and seek advice on how you can be better at your job or how you can land that promotion at work. Here is a cool article in Forbes, I read a few years ago, check it out, Trust Yourself and Believe in Yourself!

Now that you have some tips and my own personal mentoring story; start thinking about who you would like to get to know.  Keep trying, don’t give up! Looking for a mentor often happens organically, it’s a relationship that develops over time.  You’ll find that there are mentoring opportunities everywhere!

Good luck!

The post How Can I Find a Mentor? appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

You may not run into anyone like Obi-Wan Kenobi, Albus Dumbledore, or Oprah Winfrey at your workplace, but if you are familiar with any of them, you know something about mentors. Impressively wise and undeniably successful, mentors advise and nurture the lucky individuals who have come under their wing. In fact, it may seem that without a mentor, you will be at a serious disadvantage. So how do you find a mentor, and why would anyone want to take the job in the first place?

First, a definition: mentoring is a learning partnership that facilitates the professional and personal growth of both people in the mentoring relationship. A mentor can also be a supervisor, but does not have to be. Successful mentoring relationships can occur within pairs who have similar personalities and interests, but both partners can learn a great deal when the mentor and the mentee have different temperaments and backgrounds.

You may think that the way to go is to have one and only one mentor throughout your career, that is no longer the case. One size does not fit all, especially when it is the norm to change jobs and even careers several times during your working years. Moreover, there are different types of advice and support that you can use from different types of mentors at different stages in your career.

Connecting with a mentor can happen in different ways. I have been fortunate in my career to have been mentored by two of my direct supervisors. This can happen when there is good personal chemistry. When the junior person works hard and demonstrates an openness to feedback, then the mentor believes the relationship can be beneficial to both.

In some organizations, mentoring programs are formalized and employees are assigned mentors. Having a mentor assigned to you can be great, and sometimes these relationships grow to the point where the mentor becomes a sponsor. A sponsor is a senior professional who is willing to put you up for promotion and/or introduce you to their network, and otherwise actively work to advance your career. Remember that a mentor is an important advisor and coach, but does not necessarily take action to get you into your next job.

If your boss is not an appropriate mentor and your organization has no formal program, you will need to find a mentor on your own. It is not cool to say to a senior colleague “Will you be my mentor?”  This is a relationship that needs to be developed. If there is someone in your organization or in your field who you admire, try to get involved in projects or initiatives that include that person as well. If this isn’t possible, ask your potential mentor to meet with you for advice, and bring specific questions. If this meeting goes well, you are on your way to developing a mentor.

So why would anyone voluntarily spend time helping another person with their career? When I discuss this with colleagues who, like me, have mentored new career counselors, we agree that we benefit from these relationships as much as the mentees do.  As a mentor, I practice my skills as a supervisor, teacher and coach. I learn new perspectives, especially when my mentee and I are in different generations—for example, how that generation is using technology, especially social media. Then there is the pure enjoyment of helping someone grow professionally, and being able to be there as that growth happens.

As you’re starting out, be open to opportunities to be mentored, but keep in mind that mentoring may be an even greater career building experience.

Susan Loffredo has been an Associate Director of Career Development at Northeastern University since 2001.  She has studied French literature, earned degrees in counseling and journalism, worked in corporate, non-profit and educational settings and is the mother of two daughters. She has benefitted from both mentoring and being mentored.

The post The Mentor and the Mentee appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

I served on a career advisory panel the other day where one of the other speakers was talking about the importance of mentors and it made me think: Life – especially sometimes at work – is messy. Why are we always talking about having a mentor when multiple mentors would actually be that much more effective?

There are so many times when advice from different types of trusted advisors can be integral to your career growth. As such, here are the four mentors I believe are necessary for career success:

1. Someone in Your Field of Choice

Let’s start with the most obvious and common one; choose someone in the field where you wish to be. Whether you are still in school or have entered the workforce and are in your first entry-level job, identify someone in your chosen sector, connect with that person (hello, LinkedIn!) and ask for that person’s permission to use him/her as a mentor. Try to set up monthly meetings or conversations that cover a range of topics; examples include: “Why did you pick this field?,” “What was your career trajectory so far?,” “What has changed about the field since you entered it?,” “What do you think makes someone successful in this sector?” and “If you had to it all over again, what would you change?” There are endless questions, but these are a good selection to get your mentor conversation going.

2. The Friend Who is Doing it Right

We all have that friend who just shines in all areas of life, excelling at work, enjoying a great social life, hitting those life achievements and generally appearing to have it all together. Ever wonder how he or she does it? I suggest meeting that person for a drink (if local) or setting up a Skype date (if not local) and asking your friend exactly that. The answer may surprise you – perhaps she is a big believer in The No Club (i.e., saying no to non-priorities) or he is a firm believer in focusing on just work, a few friends and family. Learn from that friend and stay connected; a few good conversations may also yield what we all hope to be true: He or she is juggling the craziness of life just as much as you are.

3. A Parental Figure

Whether or not you are a parent or even plan to be one, it helps to have a parental figure as a mentor, even for your career. This person does not have to be your parent so much as that elder in your life who keeps you grounded when it comes to your career, personal growth and overall life expectations. Some people find that professors from college or graduate school, a very senior manager, much older sibling or an actual parent (go figure!) provide the best advice when you start out and as your career continues to evolve. Look to this person as the one who will provide you with the most objective, what-you-need-to-hear-when-you-need-to-hear-it kind of guidance.

4. The Person You Never Want to Be

We all have that individual (sometimes, more than one) who just rubs us the wrong way. From a career perspective, it may be a former boss who is just mean, a colleague who does nothing but take all the credit anyway or even someone from another department or company who routinely treats people poorly for no reason at all. Even if ignoring them altogether feels easier, there is much to learn from these individuals (namely, how NOT to be). Take some time to identify what he or she (or they!) did wrong and make a mental list of “Things I Won’t Repeat.” Remind yourself of this list, especially as you expand your own responsibilities and have more people working on your team as well as under your supervision.

At some point, of course, you may just get to be someone’s mentor; let’s hope you are not serving as “The Person You Never Want to Be” kind, but regardless, remember those individuals who helped shape and grow your career so you can then serve as an effective sounding board for the next generation. Remember, it’s YOUR Career: ReFresh. Revive. Renew!

The post The Four Mentors Necessary for Career Success appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

You probably know that a Starbucks espresso can get you through your all-nighters during finals week. You know that their pumpkin spice latte is fall in a grande cup. But did you know that Starbucks is also an incredible place to work? 

Here are 13 reasons why you should consider a career at Starbucks. So check them out and then click here to learn more about Starbucks and apply for their open roles—like their barista job—on WayUp! 

1. 70 Percent Of Starbucks Employees Are Students Or Aspiring Students

When you’re working at Starbucks, you’ll be surrounded by like-minded coworkers and  managers. Starbucks is dedicated to the academic and career success of its employees. See #2 to see how far their dedication goes.

2. Starbucks Provides Full Tuition Coverage Through The Starbucks College Achievement Plan (SCAP)

Starbucks offers full tuition coverage to all full- and part-time employees in partnership with Arizona State University. Employees can choose from over 70 online degree programs, and you are not required to stay with Starbucks after you earn your degree.

3. SCAP Students Have A Support Team Ready To Help Them Get Through School

This includes a dedicated enrollment counselor to guide you through the process of joining, success coaches, academic and career advisors, and 24/7 tutoring on a variety of subjects as well. This interactive program keeps you connected with campus at all times.

4. More Than 80 Percent Of Starbucks Employees Approve Of Their CEO

Starbucks employees are happy with leadership at the company. And according to Glassdoor, 77 percent of them would recommend the company to a friend.

5. There Are More Than 87,000 Drink Combos

It’s no shock that customization of drink orders at Starbucks is intense, so much so that there are 87,000 possible drink orders (and counting) at any given Starbucks — and baristas can make most (if not all) of them.

6. You Can Take Home A Free Bag Of Coffee Each Week And Choose One Free Food And Drink Item Per Shift

Amazing, right?!

7. Employees Get A 30 Percent Discount On All Food And Beverage Items

Once you’ve claimed your free food, drink, and weekly bag of coffee, you’ll still save some serious cash on everything else you buy.

8. You’ll Smell Like Coffee All The Time

That basically means you’ll be everyone’s favorite person.

9. Starbucks Employees Are Called “Partners”

Starbucks believes in calling all employees partners because the term fosters a sense of equality and shared vision. In the company’s words: “we are all partners in shared success.”

10. Every Partner At Any Level Is Eligible To Receive An Annual Grant Of Company Stock

Unifying the team isn’t the only reason Starbucks refers to employees as partners. The Starbucks Bean Stock program allows partners to share in the financial success of the company through an annual Starbucks stock grant.

11. Starbucks Employees Who Work At Least 20 Hours/Week Are Eligible For Medical Benefits

This includes 100 percent coverage for preventive care.

12. You Will Learn Key Career Skills Like Great Customer Service, Teamwork, And Working Efficiently Under Pressure

Nothing will test your endurance like a long line of customers ordering extremely specific drinks at 8am. But you won’t be alone. The whole team will be in it together,  working in synch at each station. It’s an experience that develops trust, time and project management skills, and most of all, your confidence.

13. You’ll Probably Never Burn Your Coffee Again

Because you’ve made thousands of amazing cups of coffee for thousands of happy customers.

Starbucks is hiring baristas across the country. So check out their open positions on WayUp and apply!

Barista Application Tip!

Did you know you can submit your application to up to 5 stores at one time? In order to stand out after submitting your application, stop by the store(s) you applied to and introduce yourself to the manager or shift supervisor. Let them know you recently applied and what excites you about the opportunity. If you don’t get a call for an interview within 60 days, you can re-apply to the same or different stores. Good luck!

The post 13 Things You Didn’t Know About Working For Starbucks appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

Molly wanted to change the world. And she wanted to grow to become the kind of person and professional that can not only help people, but also organize others to do the same. That’s why, she says, she “got so lucky” and was placed at Success Academy Charter Schools when she did a two-year teaching program.

During her time at Success Academy, Molly has been able to drive change, grow as a professional and a leader, and move up the ranks of a major organization.

The Best Place To Make Change: The Classroom

Even though Molly had signed up for a teaching program, she didn’t plan on staying in the field.

“I had taken the LSAT the summer before my teaching program and I thought, ‘Okay, I’m going to do this for a couple of years and then maybe I’ll go to law school if I want,’” she says. “But then when I started teaching, I became enamored by the immediate impact I could have every single day in my classroom.”

Success Academy Helped Her Develop Skills That Take Years To Get Elsewhere

Molly noticed that her experience at Success Academy was very different from other young teachers.

“My friends who were at other schools were not really getting a lot of support and a lot of development,” she says. “And right away, I was getting feedback all the time.”

That feedback and development is encapsulated in Success Academy’s state-of-the-art teacher training program. It offers hundreds of hours of classes and professional development throughout the year and helps teachers develop everything from communications skills and data analysis to actual curriculum content and design.

“The Success Academy curriculum is just so cool—way cooler than any way that I learned when I was growing up, especially the math. It’s amazing,” Molly says.

How Molly Worked Her Way Up

Molly was quickly picking up the skills and experience necessary to become an excellent teacher, and her bosses noticed that.

“A potential misconception is that there isn’t room for career growth when you start as a teacher, and that is definitely not true at Success Academy,” Molly says.

“When I started teaching third grade, that’s when my Principal started talking to me about pursuing school leadership opportunities,” she says. “My boss was recognizing my potential and started developing me to really take on that role.”

This recognition led to more mentoring, then a promotion to work as a Grade Team Leader. The following year Molly got another promotion, this time into school leadership—and she was still just in her twenties.

“That’s a very unique part of our organization: It really is a meritocracy. So, if you work hard and you show value and you grow, there is no limit to where you can possibly go and be within the organization,” Molly says.

The Skills She’s Learned Give Her The Freedom To Go Anywhere In Her Career

Though it’s definitely inspiring, Molly’s story is not rare for Success Academy teachers. They all develop essential skills that help them advance their careers.

“Public speaking and being able to captivate a crowd is definitely something you have to become good at really quickly as a teacher and it’s super transferrable to any job,” Molly says.

“Another skill is relationship building. Part of being in any job whether you’re in business or in finance is building relationships. As a teacher, you have to work with so many different types of people and as a Principal or an Assistant Principal you have to manage a lot of different types of people.”

There are also more technical skills you pick up on the job, too.

“I think one thing that is probably overlooked about teaching is data analysis skills. At Success Academy, we’re extremely data-driven. I’m constantly gathering data and analyzing. You have to be able to watch the data, analyze it, and make moves based on that,” she says.

“I have a lot of friends who worked at Success for three or four years, but are now doing other amazing things,” Molly says. “A few of my teachers and friends who worked at Success now go to some of the best law schools in the country. Additionally, I have a bunch of friends who are now at business school who were Principals.”

How To Know If Success Academy Is Right For You (According To Molly)

According to Molly, a few simple traits can signal that Success Academy might be a good fit for you.

“You have to be smart and problem solve,” she says. “How are you, a smart 22-year-old, going to get a class full of 30 five-year-olds to master this material?”

If you’re willing to work hard, grow, and help children do the same, then you could be a great fit at Success Academy. Doing those things also means you’re more likely to develop into the person you wanted to be when you were growing up.

For Molly, that meant—and still means—becoming someone who can change the world.

Ready to start a career you can be proud of? Learn more about Success Academy Charter Schools on WayUp!

The post I Developed A Ton Of Skills, Made An Impact, And Got Promoted Faster Than I Could Have Imagined—And You’ll Never Guess My Field appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

Setting new goals is an important way of tracking your progress. And when you’ve got a whole life and career ahead of you, making progress is an important thing.

However, that doesn’t mean new goals aren’t dangerous. Setting yourself up for failure with absurd, unattainable goals only leaves you feeling disappointed in yourself, even when you’ve made great strides.

At WayUp, our goal is for you to succeed without all the anxiety along the way. So here are 3 totally attainable professional, academic, and personal goals for 2019.

1. Improve (Or Maintain) Your Grades

“Improve” is the operative word here. You’re not going to suddenly jump up to a A student in French if you’ve always been a B-minus one. You might! But it’s important just to expect solid commitment and some forward progress from yourself.

GPA in college isn’t everything when it comes to finding a job. In fact, many great companies aren’t interested in your grades. However, improving your GPA can help you with some of the top companies that do filter out candidates with lower GPAs. However, not even top-tier companies expect you to have a 4.0, so don’t sweat it if you don’t.

Remember: Big changes comes by changing little things. Check out this guide of quick and easy tricks to improve your grades.

2. Get A Summer Internship (Or Your First Full-Time Job)

This goal can be pretty intimidating—and it’s likely already something on your radar. How could it not be?

But it doesn’t have to be stressful or seem unattainable. As internship and entry-level job experts, we can assure you: Getting an internship or an entry-level job doesn’t have to be hard.

Focus on improving your resume and sending more applications. Most importantly, don’t ever give up.

3. Regularly Schedule Time For Friends And Family

You won’t be fulfilled in life just by academic and professional success (although they certainly help). Make sure you stay in contact with the people who really matter: family and friends.

It might seem cold or calculating to “put time on your calendar” for the special people in your life. However, it can be very rewarding, even if you just say “see Emma every Thursday” or “call grandma every Sunday at 1 o’clock.”

Want to reconnect with an old friend, but not sure how? Check out this New York Times article on rekindling old friendships.

And Don’t Forget To Be Proud Of Yourself

More so than anything, your mental and physical health are extremely important. Be proud of yourself for what you can accomplish (and have already). And don’t forget to take plenty of opportunities to relax on your journey to greatness.

Want to get a head start on your internship search? Check out more career tips and search for jobs on WayUp.

The post 3 Professional, Personal, And Academic Goals For The New Semester appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

Getting your grades up: a classic New Year’s resolution. It’s also an excellent way to improve your chances of getting your dream job, impressing your parents, and just feeling more confident in yourself.

The problem is that most of the traditional methods for doing so are—to put it delicately—super boring.

So, we’ve put together some of the best tips and tricks from certified college over-achievers around the WayUp office. They’re guaranteed to raise your grades without draining your entire social life.

1. “Schedule classes that you’ll actually go to.”

This answer might seem a little on the nose, but it can really trip people up. Not going to class leaves you in a terrible position. You’re not able to learn from the professor. You’re always playing catch-up. And you can never quite have the same confidence when you do decide to go in. Plus, at the end of the semester, when it comes time to grade grub and ask for leniency, you’ll be in a bad position if you haven’t seen the professor since the third class.

If you can’t avoid having a class at a time when you’ll be tempted to skip it (e.g. 8am on Monday or 4pm on Friday), then make sure you’re truly prepared to go.

2. “Learn while you’re in class—not later from a textbook or PowerPoint.”

Taking notes is essential, but learning the content of those notes in the moment is even more important. Make sure your note-taking method is one that lends itself to really paying attention while you’re in class. That way, if you don’t understand something, you can tackle it right then and there by asking a question.

Asking questions is also a way to show professors that you’re truly engaged in the material. Basically, stay off social media or Amazon, and really invest yourself in that moment.

This is so key because it saves so much of your time. If you learn it first, in class, then you won’t have to spend so much time studying before exams, or trying to decipher your homework assignments with a 400-page textbook.

3. “Keep a running deck of flashcards (or Quizlet terms).”

One of the most stressful parts of studying is the preparation. It’s hard enough to learn 300 terms before next week’s exam; it’s twice as hard to put all of those terms into a Quizlet form or a deck of flashcards while you’re trying to really learn.

If something comes up that you think is important or that your teacher specifically notes will be on the exam, add it to your flashcards or list. This can also be useful for powerful quotes and key info for essays.

Studying will take way less time, and you’ll be much quicker about it when it comes time for quizzes, assignments, and exams.

4. “Hold onto your homework. Those questions are always on the exams.”

This could not be more true. Even if your professors have a policy against reusing questions from homework on exams, they’ll still be in a similar format.

Homework is usually made by the teachers and professors, even if the questions aren’t. This means they’ve already made it clear they think this kind of question is important. Don’t waste this opportunity to get a look inside their mind.

Saving homework and using the questions as practice for the exam can really set you up for success—and save time you’d spend hunting down practice problems on the internet.

5. “If you’re going to study in a group,  make sure you have something to add (and vice versa).”

This is where all those saved homework, flashcards, and quality notes will really come in handy. Studying in a group shouldn’t mean messing around or hanging out. If you use your time effectively, then there will be plenty of time to chill afterward.

When you study in a group, make a Google doc and assign roles before your group meets. Make sure everyone knows what they’re bringing. If there’s work to be done, then divide it up. This will make sure everyone keeps their cool, masters at least one thing, and that no one is holding everyone back with super basic questions.

Inch by Inch…

The common thread between these tactics? Share the responsibilities. As the saying goes, “Inch by inch, life’s a cinch. Yard by yard, life is hard.”

In this case—if we’re maintaining the metaphor—these are inches compared to football fields worth of work. Build your flashcards over the course of a semester. Take quality notes. Learn while you’re in the classroom, and don’t forget to actually show up.

Surprisingly, you’ll find most of the stress and difficulty of your classes will fade away by just keeping up with these simple steps.

The post Tried-And-True Tricks For Improving Your Grades In Spring Semester (That Won’t Take Up All Your Time) appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

New year, new you? Here’s a different way of thinking about it: Try crafting a new online persona.

According to a study by CareerBuilder, 70 percent of employers are checking out your online presence during the recruiting process. And part of that examination is seeing whether you actually have one in the first place. That means simply putting yourself on private mode is not enough.

Employers want to see you not only putting your right foot forward online, but also doing so in a communicative and tech-savvy way. Here are a few tips on how to do that.

1. Pick One Social Account to Make Public

Let’s face it: There are some things that aren’t work-appropriate that we still want to post, even though we know not to. Even a caption with explicit lyrics or a squad photo with drinks on a beach could be considered too risqué for certain employers. That’s why you should have a designated public-facing account.

So, pick one platform like Instagram or Twitter that you’ll leave public (Facebook is usually strictly for “friends” anyway). Make sure you prune any inappropriate or negative content. Stick to the stuff that you think is important and representative of your personality.

This account can serve as a great way to show employers and recruiters that you’re a normal, intelligent human being who knows how to work a computer and form whole thoughts.

2. Get Active on Professional Social Media

Nobody wants to be that person who is constantly posting obnoxious “rise and grind” quotes on social media. However, by posting a few thought leadership articles about the industry you’re in (or hoping to enter), you can make a good impression without looking like a poser.

Don’t know where to start with this? Try reading a few articles per month from professional blogs, and posting one or two that stand out to you on your public social media account. This shows potential employers that you’re well read, curious, and serious about your career.

If you can’t think of any “industry” or professional blogs, try looking up your field plus “blog” or “newsletter” (e.g. “Marketing blog,” “engineering newsletters”).

3. Make a Website

Making a [your name here].com might be the perfect way to showcase yourself on the internet. This is especially useful if you’re in any sort of creative field, from writing, to marketing, to academia. You can use this place as a host for anything, from work examples to particularly-polished PowerPoint presentations. Even if the field you’re entering doesn’t require writing samples or a portfolio, it’s nice to be able to show that you’ve written, researched, or did something that takes effort and discipline.

4. Publish an Article or Research Paper

It’s not hard to get into the writing game, at least on an amateur level. Whether you’re writing about a college student’s perspective on your future industry, a reflection on your latest summer internship, or some sort of research you’ve done for school, it’s all valuable when it comes to showing your interest in the field.

You don’t need to pitch your article or paper to an official publication either. You can publish it on your own website (see #4) or a free blog like Medium. This will also make the process more convenient and freeform: On your own site, you’re the editor-in-chief.

5. Let Companies Know You’ve Applied on Social Media

If you’re particularly proud of your social media presence, then feel free to reach out on social media after applying. Sending them a tweet, a reply, or even a DM on Instagram letting them know that you’re excited about the company and the role can help to form the impression that you’re sociable and courageous. It’s also another opportunity to have employers check you out online, which can put you top-of-mind when it comes to decision time.

The post New Year, New (Virtual) You: 5 Ways To Boost Your Social Media Presence To Advance Your Career appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

Finding a new job is one of the most popular New Year’s resolutions—this is especially true for recent grads. Even college seniors are in on the action as they hustle to find their perfect post-grad position.

Because of these trends, the competition is going to be fierce, so here are a few ways to ensure that you really stand out from the crowd in this busy application season and accomplish your goal.

1. Make A “Portfolio” Of Your Best Work

Whether or not you’re actually in (or hoping to enter) an industry that requires a portfolio of your work, it’s a huge advantage to have one. Even if it’s a large report you made or an important presentation you put together, it’s important to be able to show what you’ve done. And just having that kind of work ready isn’t enough. Most of the time, you won’t have the opportunity to directly show recruiters or interviewers the work. However, being able to speak to it, its importance for the business, and the results it produced are essential interviewing skills.

2. Update Your Resume

If you haven’t already, then you haven’t really begun your new job search. For many jobs, it’s the only thing that will truly get you in the door. Make sure that you hit all the essential points and know when to be flexible with it. Some jobs or industries might even require specific types of resumes (here’s how to know when).

3. Make Sure Your Online Profiles Capture Your Work

70 percent of employers are using your online presence to make decisions about hiring you. That means when you apply to a job, your online profiles are most likely being scoped out by hiring managers and recruiters. This means sites like LinkedIn, Facebook, and—of course—your WayUp profile are all coming up in the search process.

This isn’t a bad thing, either. It’s another opportunity to showcase your wins, highlight your skills, and prove to them that you really ARE the best person for the job.

Of course, there are some social media rules you should absolutely follow (like not posting anything bad about previous employers or oversharing your personal/social life). But for the most part, online profiles are just another great shot at impressing your future employer.

4. Have A Good Answer to the “Why Do You Want A New Job” Question

This question is tricky to answer and will almost always come up when you’re seeking a new job while still employed.  Even if the answer is “I want to make more money” or “I have an insufferable boss who overworks me,” you should try to pitch it in a positive way as to avoid looking like a negative person or a bad employee.

We’ve crafted a video that answers this question exactly:

If you don’t have the time or the personal space to play a video, we’ll sum it up for you:

Your answer should be short and positive. You’ve appreciated the opportunities you’ve been given, but you want more responsibilities, room to grow, or to focus on a new industry.

5. Don’t Stop Applying

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: When you’re searching for a job, don’t stop applying. Of course, take your time and make sure you’re submitting quality applications, but most people make the mistake of not submitting enough applications. While the job market is hot right now, there are still only so many roles available to college students and recent grads. So, don’t give up if a new job (or even your first job) is something you really want.

Looking for more advice and killer career tips? Check out the WayUp blog and guide for more.

The post New Year, New Job? 5 Steps To Make Sure Your Next Job Is Better Than Your Last appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

One of the most frustrating parts of the job search process is feeling like you’ve tried and failed. You’ve submitted applications, written cover letters, and—worst of all—waited. And if you’re still coming up short, you might start to feel like things are never going to work out.

Here are a few things you need to hear:

1. You will find a job.
2. There are things you can do to make the process easier.
3. You’re probably in much better shape than you think you are.

We’ll answer one of the biggest and most ambiguous questions for you (and point you toward a few helpful tips to supercharge your submitted apps for good measure).

How many job applications is enough?

The short answer: Far more than you probably think. Different job search experts report a range of numbers. Some experts estimate that it might take 10 job applications to land one interview, while a UK survey found that applicants were sending as many as 27 applications to land a single interview. After getting an interview, one also has to get an offer. So, there is no hard and fast number, but if you’ve submitted fewer than 50 applications over the course of a couple months, then you probably aren’t applying to enough jobs.

Even if you’re really excited about and worked very hard on the four or five job applications you’ve already submitted, chances are, they aren’t enough to land you a job on their own.

Finding your dream job (or any good job) will take more time than you probably think.

In the meantime, if you HAVE submitted more than those 50 apps, perhaps it’s time to rethink parts of your application strategy. Are you writing great cover letters? Is your resume right for the jobs which you’re applying to? Read the WayUp Guide to make sure you’re nailing the simple stuff, because often the finer details can make a big difference in the outcome.

At the end of the day, there is no perfect number of applications to send, because there isn’t a time when you should give up. Keep applying diligently, even treating the job search process as another class or a full-time job, and you will be hired.

Don’t forget to use special filters like city, job type, industry, and more on the WayUp search tool to make sure you’re applying to all the right jobs.

The post When To Keep Applying: How Many Job Or Internship Applications Is Enough? appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

If you’ve been at college for more than 30 seconds, then you’ve probably heard about these things called internships. In case you’re not sure what this means, an internship is a term of temporary employment at an organization. Ideally, you’ll receive training, do real work, and—hopefully—be paid for doing so.

If this doesn’t sound like enough of a reason to have an internship, then there’s one other major benefit to internships you should consider: They’re the gateway to full-time jobs.

So, why should you do an internship? You’ll get the experience and connections required to get your first full-time job—and in your desired industry.

Let’s dive into some of the more specifics that demonstrate just how essential internships are for your future—and not just on paper.

Internship Motivator #1: Some Things Can’t Be Learned in a Classroom

No matter how excellent your undergrad program is, you can’t learn the art of whatever it is you’re studying entirely from books and lectures. Much of the nitty-gritty of the job, office culture, and essential skills come from actually operating in a corporate environment.

For example, as an entry-level marketing associate, 40 percent of your job might be working in the Facebook ad manager. You won’t know how you’ll perform certain tasks until you’re assigned to do so for a real company—and shown by a manager.

On-the-job learning is how you learn about the latest industry trends, which makes you infinitely more valuable than someone who read the latest textbook.

Internship Motivator #2: Overcoming the Experience Gap

When it comes to finding your first full-time job, there’s a catch-22. You need experience to get a job. You need a job to get experience. How can you break that vicious circle before you’re caught in it? By getting an internship—a type of experience available to those without.

Interns are often trusted with the very same tasks that go to their full-time, entry-level counterparts. This allows you to speak to your ability to handle those tasks during an interview.

Connections can also be used to bridge the experience gap. Your connections to your manager, the recruiters who hired you, and your co-workers could all help you. Reaching out to these people could get you a return offer at the company or a recommendation for a different role elsewhere.

Internship Motivator #3: Fail Sooner, Go Further

Getting real experience also means finding out what you like—and dislike.

Internships let you know if you’re actually going to enjoy the experience of working in your desired field. This can help you avoid the nasty situation of getting trapped in a full-time job that you end up hating.

Want to be a banker? Give it a test run as a summer analyst (industry term for banking interns). Want to be a consultant? Try an internship program at a major firm.

Finding out your strengths, your likes, and your wants makes charting out your career path that much easier.

Ready to find your first internship? Start applying right now on WayUp.

The post Why Do I Need an Internship? appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

Setting New Year’s resolutions can sometimes feel like a trap. Eating only salads, giving up Starbucks, going to bed before eleven o’clock: These are pipe dreams for many of us. However, there are some things that you can knock out not only in the first week of the New Year, but in the first day.

Here are just a few of the fastest, easiest New Year’s resolutions for college students and recent grads:

1. Revamp Your Resume (30 Minutes)

This is a task you could theoretically spend hours and hours on, but the reality of the situation is: It’s more about the content than the style. If you’ve gotten advice from a manager or a career counselor before on your resume, then you’re probably just going to need a tuneup. Put your latest accomplishments and extracurriculars on it, update the dates, and then get ready to put into application systems.

2. Update Your Online Profiles (30 Minutes)

This should be very quick. Use a nice, recent photo. If you don’t have one, put on a nice top and get someone to take a picture of you (Portrait Mode, please!) in front a neutral background. Think you sitting in front a blank wall—but smiling like you’re about to accept an award!

These are frequently checked by recruiters, so just make sure they are up to date. If you don’t have any yet, start here.

3. Ask For References/Recommendation Letters (20 minutes)

This is really the easiest one on the list, because mostly everyone you ask (nicely) will say yes. Think of your favorite professors, TAs, managers, and even family friends if you’re desperate. If you’ve ever had a debate team coach, camp supervisor, or any other responsible adult who believes in you, then you’re all set.

For people with whom you’ve got a closer relationship, send them a text or even give them a call. For professors and managers whom you’ve got a more businesslike acquaintance with, send them a brief, friendly email.

Let them know you’re starting the year off right by applying to jobs or internships and you’d love it if you could list them as a reference. Say it’s because you admire them as a professional/person/whatever and you really value their opinion.

Don’t overthink this ask. It’s very simple and shouldn’t be more than three brief paragraphs.

Example text/email:

SUBJECT LINE: Hi from [Your Name]
Hi, Professor Blankfield:

Hope your holidays went well. I’m hoping to start off my New Year right by kicking off the job/internship search.

I’m contacting you because I really admire you, enjoyed working with/studying under you, and hope that you enjoyed it, too.

Would you mind if I listed you as a reference on my job/internship application? I would really appreciate it.

[Here’s where you can ask for their contact info, if you don’t already have it.]

If you’d prefer to speak to me before moving forward with this or need anything else on my end, please let me know. Thanks so much for your time and consideration.

All the best,

[Your Name]

That’s just one example, but if you want to copy it word for word, then go ahead!

4. Start The Job Search (30 Minutes)

Luckily, while you’re waiting for those references and recommendation letters to start rolling in, there are plenty of jobs and internships that do NOT require them. Find a bunch of those jobs and start making a list of jobs you want to apply to.

If you see ones along the way that do require them, still make note of them and wait for the recommendations to come in before sending in your applications. If they have a deadline that ends very soon, then try using a family friend or closer adult acquaintance whom you’re comfortable asking to move faster on a letter.

Part of looking for a job is to decide what you really want. If you don’t do this, then your job search can be painfully aimless. If you need help figuring out what you really want, check this out.

5. Apply To (At Least) One Job/Internship (20 Minutes)

This might seem like the Herculean task at the end of a long road—but it’s really not.

The truth is, no matter how badly you want a job or an internship, most applications are just a small leap of faith that you have to just take. Small adjustments to your cover letter, resume, and online profiles can help, but they are just that: small.

Once you’ve prepared a resume, online profile, and gotten some references in order, then just do it.

Write a brief cover letter and apply to the job. It’s as simple as that—and it’s a huge step in the right direction.

Just Don’t Stop Applying

At this point, you’re probably wondering, “Can I really check off everything on this list in a single morning?” The answer is: Absolutely, yes. If you find yourself spending more than an hour on any of these, you’re taking too much time and need to make decisions faster.

Altogether, the actual work of this stuff should only take 2 hours and change. That leaves the other hour or so of the morning for some other stuff.

You can earmark this extra hour for a couple of things: your natural human tendency to triple-check stuff related to job applications, your need to snack, the very high likelihood you need to look at yourself in the mirror and say, “I got this,” between every one of these steps.

Whether it’s January 1st or the 21st night of September when you’re reading this, it’s never too late to start on some self-improving goals. (In fact, if you’re that late, just think of yourself as starting early on your 2020 goals. Silver linings!)

The post 5 New Year’s Resolutions You Can Finish In A Single Morning appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

Second semester seniors have a reputation for being, well, checked out…

But beneath the veneer of a totally chill, wizened college veteran, there’s the feeling of impending doom that comes from the total life-altering change that is graduation. It can be pretty crippling not knowing what’s coming next.

And no one wants to be dragged down by anxiety while everyone else is out forming life-long memories. So, we’ve put together the perfect pre-Senior Spring checklist to beat the anxiety before it starts.

1. Make Sure You’re All Set For Graduation

This can be a pretty big headache, and chances are you’ve already worked this out before heading into your last semester, but it never hurts to double check. Set an appointment with your advisor and go over the list of graduation requirements. You don’t wanna be waiting at graduation wondering if they’re going to call your name (even if it would make an otherwise dry event pretty captivating).

With this off your to-do list early, you can focus on the important stuff like school, fun, and—oh, yes—applying for full-time jobs.

2. Start Applying For Jobs (Like, Right Now)

It might seem weird to apply in December or January for a job that might not start until the summer, but we can promise you that it’s standard practice. Plus, think about how good you’ll feel having a full-time job lined up for after graduation.

We have also heard from reliable sources that WayUp is a good place to start…

3. Make Sure You Have Enough Money

Senior spring can be expensive. Between the “Welcome Back” parties, the “We Made It” parties, the “Goodbye” parties, and the “We Really Made It” parties, there’s always a new cost around the corner. Make sure your bank account is ready for it.

Either curb your winter break spending and put some in savings or get to work on increasing your balance the old-fashioned way.

One way to insure your wallet can survive the coming storm: Get a side hustle (they also rock for your resume).

4. Make An Exit Plan (If You Can)

Moving out can be a hassle. Moving out while graduating, going to grad parties, traveling, or doing whatever else comes along with the big finish for you can be a HUGE hassle. So, make a plan now.

While your parents are probably already on it, make sure you align with them on the logistics. You might need a van or a truck. Just clear this stuff out of the way so you can make all of the celebration plans you deserve.

Now’s the time to seize the day, team. Run through this checklist. Keep applying to jobs. And don’t forget to actually enjoy your last semester.

The post Beat Graduation Anxiety Before It Starts With This Pre-Senior Spring Checklist appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

Winter break can be long. According to a straw poll of folks at the WayUp office, breaks can last anywhere from a measly two weeks (Seriously, UPenn?) to a luxurious six (Bless you, NYU. #VioletPride).

For most people, let’s say, it falls somewhere in the middle. That means you’ve got a month to yourself. And no one’s saying you have to go crazy with work during it. It’s your free time and you totally earned it.

But, at the same time, there really isn’t a world in which you need every hour of a month entirely dedicated to chilling. Plus, in a way, preventing future stress is sort of like relaxing (but, like, in the future tense).

So, with that being said, here are four things to keep on your winter break checklist that are sure to lead to happier, more fulfilling (but still entirely relaxing) winter break.

1. Stay Healthy (And Happy)

That sedentary lifestyle can kick in a little too hard over winter break. It’s cold. There’s nothing on the agenda. Plus, you stayed up really late last night. That’s a recipe for a couch/bed-locked disaster day.

We’re not saying you have to be the guy from P90x or anything, but getting some exercise can really help with your mood and general energy.

We know you don’t have your school’s gym to go to, but see if you can borrow your dad’s YMCA card or a friend’s sports club membership on their off day. A treadmill, a weight room, and an indoor pool all offer much warmer venues for exercise than the great outdoors. Plus, there are tons of workouts you can do at home, no equipment required.

2. Apply For Internships (Or—Yikes—Your First Full-Time Job)

For the first time in a long time, you’ve got time. Use it wisely.

It might be hard to comprehend, but recruitment for many of the summer’s best internship programs (and even entry-level job openings) has already begun. We get it, you were too busy doing school and life and everything else first semester to think about applying for your dream summer position. That’s why now is the time to strike.

Here are a few tips to get yourself into fighting shape for application season (crafting a perfect resume, updating your online profiles, writing quality cover letters, and finding the right jobs to apply to).

3. Read A Single Book (For Fun)

There’s so much to watch. And—we really believe this—there’s no shame in TV or movies. They’re art, too. But scientists (and every English teacher you’ve ever had) will tell you that there is legitimately something different about what reading does for your brain. It makes you more empathetic. It makes your brain work better. Plus, it also makes you more interesting to talk to.

Space it out over however long you decide. Do it before you go to bed or while you eat breakfast. Just get it done. If you pick a classic (or even a modern classic), then chances are you will not regret it.

4. Make Some Money And Beef Up Your Resume

This one’s for the real go-getters. You know how much a semester’s worth of fun costs. You also know how much time a “part-time” job can actually take up—especially a campus-based job. Plus, there’s always your actual school work.

So, winter break might be the perfect time to stock up on some funds AND beef up your resume for all the summer internships (or full-time jobs) you’re going to apply to in a not-so-distant future.

But getting that bread doesn’t have to mean donning the mask of delivery driver for your local sandwich spot, either. There are plenty of ways that college students can make money without putting their entire life on hold. Here’s a quick list of awesome side hustles that will beef up your wallet (and your resume).

If you manage to nail these steps, you’ll be headed back to school in fighting shape. Let the winter chill-but-not-too-chill begin!

The post The WayUp Guide To A Perfectly Productive (And Fun) Winter Break appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

Jordan is a recent graduate of Howard University. He’s also a full-time employee at L’Oréal, having been hired for their highly-selective Marketing Associate Program: an exclusive group of recent graduates who participate in a training-intensive, high-impact rotational program that establishes them as industry experts and puts them on the fast-track for marketing success.

The unique thing about Jordan’s career journey, though, is that he didn’t need to be part of the internship recruitment process.

Here’s how Jordan landed an amazing post-grad job offer with one of the world’s largest consumer goods companies.

The Brandstorm Competition

Jordan’s story starts with a business case competition…sort of.

“In 2016, I was an ELC (Executive Leadership Council) Scholar. It’s an organization that educates mid-level managers of color and helps create a network of mid-level and c-suite executives within Fortune 500 companies,” Jordan explains. “Every year they give a scholarship to students who attend HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges & Universities). I went to Howard University,” Jordan says.

“They also have companies who give scholarships—and I won a scholarship through the Coca-Cola Foundation. A part of that scholarship is a scholars orientation where they bring you to New York for a week to tour some of the top ten companies of the entire ELC program. L’Oréal was one of them,” he says.

When he toured L’Oréal, Jordan was really impressed with their office and the different types of products they worked on. But there was something he didn’t see on his tour that he really wanted to know more about.

“I remember asking, ‘What is L’Oréal doing for men and men’s grooming?’ And then someone on the L’Oréal team told me, ‘I’m glad you asked that. We actually have Brandstorm coming up. Brandstorm is a case competition and this year’s theme is Disrupting Men’s Grooming.’ And so I was like, ‘Maybe we can take advantage of this!’”

After that, Jordan and some of his friends from Howard came up with a product, a business plan, and a pitch presentation. Their product, Noir, was a set of black soap and cocoa butter products tailored to the multicultural community, specifically at college-aged men. (Part of their proposal was to do a soft launch at HBCUs to get feedback from a diverse group.)

“We submitted our idea and we were chosen to compete in the USA Finals here in New York. And we were competing against seven other teams for a chance to compete in the International Finals, and we ended up winning the USA Finals. We went to France in the summer of 2017 to pitch our idea against 45 teams from around the world to the executives of L’Oréal,” he says.

Even though Jordan and his team received great feedback in Paris, they didn’t end up winning the top spot.

“We didn’t win top 3, but we didn’t have hard feelings! We loved the teams we competed against, and it was a great, healthy competition,” Jordan adds. “It was also a week in Paris in the middle of summer. What’s better than that?” (As anyone who has ever been to Paris knows, the answer is: absolutely nothing.)

But his results were still strong enough—and his presentation good enough—to merit a different kind of prize.

How Jordan Got The Job Offer

“Just being in Paris at the competition put the teams on the radar for employment at L’Oréal, no matter where you were coming from,” Jordan explains. “We learned a lot about how the company worked. We talked about the innovation, some of the artificial intelligence L’Oréal was trying to incorporate into their products. From there we learned about the Marketing Associate Program.”

After a few conversational interviews about Jordan’s interests and career aspirations, L’Oréal extended Jordan an offer to join the program after he graduated the following spring—an offer he enthusiastically accepted. With the Brandstorm competition behind him and plenty of new ideas for the company buzzing in his head after seeing a world’s worth of innovative pitches, Jordan had plenty to talk about.

“It really did help that I was in the competition. When I had my two rounds of interviews, I was really able to speak to that,” Jordan says.

From Competitor To Future Leader

Even though Jordan was a perfect fit for L’Oréal (and vice versa), it wasn’t something he ever really imagined for himself.

“I can’t say this is where I ever imagined myself, but when you break it down in terms of business—I have a business degree from Howard—this is an international company that operates in more than 150 countries,” Jordan says. “There are engineering and STEM jobs at L’Oréal, too. That’s something that’s really important. Everyone has a place here, and that’s something that not everyone realizes. A lot of people just think makeup and hair [when they think of L’Oréal], but there really is a lot more going on.”

As Jordan tells it, the intersection of tapping into a multicultural market, international business, and entrepreneurship aligned perfectly with his interests.

“What they’re preparing us for is to be leaders within the organization, and that’s something I can definitely see,” Jordan says.

Jordan’s story isn’t an uncommon one for L’Oréal. Every year, they host their Brandstorm competition to hear from the newest generation of rising college talent and to let entrepreneurs show them what’s next.

By the way, this year’s Brandstorm competition is looking for new competitors right now through January 2019. So, gather your team, start brainstorming, and prepare to give the pitch of a lifetime. It might just land you your dream job.

Want to see more fun facts, videos, and amazing job and internship opportunities? Learn more about L’Oréal on WayUp now!

The post How I Got A Full-Time Job Offer — And Skipped The Recruitment Process appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

There’s one thing your parents (probably) always tell you they want when it’s holiday/birthday season: For you to be happy.

While that’s 1) not always as easy as it seems and 2) pretty hard to present in a, you know, gift-able way, it’s not an entirely useless thing to say. There are more than a few ways to surprise and delight your parents without spending any money (and actually earning some in the process).

You might feel like we’ve tricked you, but we promise that if you can follow through on any of these your parents will be absolutely thrilled.

1. Surprise Them With Your Brand New Spring Internship

Your parents have probably worked incredibly hard to support you throughout your education. And what’s their goal? Making sure you can become your own person. An internship is the first step in securing a self-sufficient life for yourself and making them even prouder.

If you want to wow them, then buy them some company swag and put that underneath the tree. You’ll finally get an idea of what it is like that time they bought you an American girl doll or a Wii.

2. Blow Them Away With Your First Full-Time Job Offer Letter

Chances are, your parents already know that you’re looking for a job. It’s gonna be pretty hard to keep this secret from them until Christmas morning, the last night of Hanukkah, or whenever your preferred gift-giving holiday might fall. However, the payoff will be insanely high. They will be just as thrilled as you are (maybe even more).

If you’re too early in the process, making a little card that lets them know you got an interview for your dream job can make a pretty great stocking stuffer, too.

3. Show Off Your Entrepreneurial Side With Your Side Hustle

Can’t find a job (or just not ready for one yet)? Start your own business. It’s actually a lot easier than it sounds.

When you’ve got a side hustle, you basically own your own small business. Whether you’re a tutor, freelance writer, or even a dog walker, you’re building relationships with clients, selling your own service/product, and making money while you’re at it.

These four companies will do most of the client-finding, advertising, and administrative legwork for you (plus working for them totally rocks for your resume).

If you want to make it very official, start an LLC to manage the money you make. It’ll cost you a bit of your first check, but it might be worth it just to see the smile on your parent’s face when you’ve named your business after them (or the family poodle).

All fired up? Find your dream job, perfect internship, or fast-paced side hustle right here on WayUp.

The post 3 Amazing Holiday Gifts For Your Parents That Don’t Cost Any Money appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

Whether you’re graduating in just a few weeks, already did a few months ago, or are getting ahead of your looming May 2019 date, one thing is certain: Now is the time to apply for your dream job.

One convincing piece of evidence: A ton of people already have.

Here’s a list of the top 10 most popular jobs on WayUp this month. If you see your dream job among them, you should get applying, fast.

(Pro Tip: Most job seekers need to send about 10 resumes for every one interview. So keep applying and don’t get discouraged!)

1. Public Administration/Government Analyst Consultant @ Crowe

2. Staffing Recruiter/Sales @ Apex

3. Entry-Level Consultant: Machinery & Equipment Valuation @ CohnReznick

4. Inside Sales Representative @ Dell

5. Arts Executive @ Brunswick Group

6. Business Operations Analyst @ BlackRock

7. Assistant Scientist R&D Rotational Program @ Johnson & Johnson

8. Associate Teacher (K-12) @ Success Academy Charter Schools

9. Financial Representative @ Northwestern Mutual

10. Quality Control Analyst Associate @ Lockheed Martin

There you have it: Ten different dream jobs. The competition is on, but the good news is that all of these jobs are still live. You can still apply (and you totally should).

Don’t see your dream job? Don’t sweat it. Head to WayUp and start searching entry-level jobs. Then just apply, interview, and watch the offers roll in!

The post Top 10 Most Popular Entry-Level Jobs On WayUp This Month (November 2018) appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

You can never be too early applying for your summer internship. (At least, as long as the application is live!) Recruiters want to get way ahead on hiring, that’s why most of them are in full swing right now. A ton of the best students and interns are already applying for those highly coveted summer 2019 spots.

And now’s your chance to do the same. We’ve put together a list of the top 10 most popular internships on WayUp this month. Hopefully, this roundup of highly desirable internships lights a fire under you and inspires you to fill out those apps early and often! Happy hunting!

1. Engineering/Developer “Rookie” @ Under Armour

2. Marketing Internship @ L’Oréal

3. Tax Intern (Diversified Staff Group) @ EY

4. Quality Intern @ Lockheed Martin

5. Research & Innovation Intern @ L’Oréal

6. Advisory Consultant Intern @ EY

7. Accounting/Finance Internship @ Johnson & Johnson

8. Finance Summer Analyst @ Citi

9. Assurance and Tax Internship @ CohnReznick

10.  Software Engineering Summer Analyst @ BlackRock

BONUS: WayUp Campus Ambassador (Paid + Perks!)

All of these roles are perfect for people looking to get real experience with world-class companies. Most of these companies also offer training/learning development in one form or another. That means you don’t need to be a genius rocket scientist before you apply to Lockheed Martin. You also don’t have to be a doctor of economics before you apply to BlackRock.

Internships provide an opportunity to shape your future and contribute to a company’s mission. And the people who get the best ones all have one thing in common: They applied.

What are you waiting for? Search amazing internships on WayUp or check out the best employers on our Top Companies hub.

The post Top 10 Most Popular Internships On WayUp This Month appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

Halloween is all about the balance of sour and sweet, spooky and serene, and—of course—tricks and treats.

A trick would be a jump scare in a movie. Or those costumes that fall apart as soon as you leave Party City. Also, that neighbor who puts apples in his plastic cauldron instead of candy definitely counts.

Some treats? Full-size candy bars, for sure. Nailing the perfect costume for $10 at a thrift store. And, of course, finding your next job or internship on WayUp right now is pretty sweet, too.

To help with that last one, we’ve put together five of the (literally) sweetest jobs on WayUp.

1. Full-Time Nabisco Sales Service Representative @ Mondelēz

What’s sweeter than working at the world’s largest cookie conglomerate on one of their most iconic brands? You’ll be working on the tail end of the supply chain. It’ll be your job to make sure that all of Nabisco’s in-store customers get what they want. The position comes with full benefits, experience at a major consumer goods company, and (we bet) a ton of free cookies.

2. Food Solutions Marketing Internship (2019) @ Unilever

Unilever is the force behind a ton of your favorite ice cream brands: Magnum, Popsicle, and—the holy grail—Ben & Jerry’s. What’s sweeter than that? Plus, they make a ton of other great products. To name a few: Dove, Axe, Vaseline, and Popsicle. Unilever makes so many things that, on any given day, 2.5 BILLION people on Earth use/consume/love its products.

As an intern on their Food Solutions Marketing team, you’ll be putting your creative and analytical skills to the test in a top notch internship program with a ton of learning, mentorship, and perks.

3. Restaurant Business Consulting (Leadership Development Program) @ McDonald’s Corporation

While they’re mostly known for their savory, salty offerings, McDonald’s restaurants are home to the McFlurry, McCafe, and tons of other delectable treats that make working for them one of the sweetest jobs on WayUp.

The program is for recent grads with business, economics, finance, and other analytical skills looking for a role in creative, thoughtful business management. You’ll learn a ton, have a fast-track into the department of your choice, and earn a generous starting salary of $65,000.

4. Global Supply Chain Intern (2019)@ Starbucks

Starbucks is the world’s largest coffee cafe. They serve sweet drinks, sugar-coated cinnamon buns, and gourmet chocolate, making them one of the downright sweetest companies hiring on WayUp.

As an intern on their Global Supply Chain team, you’ll be working in a fast-paced world. Starbucks has a highly developed, top-tier logistics and production operation. And with that kind of experience, you can start an amazing career anywhere.

5. Research & Innovation Intern @ L’Oréal

While L’Oréal isn’t known for anything strictly edible, they make tons of products with enticing aromas and saccharine scents. That’s why working on their Research & Innovation team as an intern is one of the sweetest jobs on WayUp right now.

If you’re a Material Sciences or Chemistry major, then you’re probably familiar with some of the incredible ingredients that go into making premium skincare and makeup products. You’ll be working with these sweet and potent components to create new products for one of the world’s most respected brands.

These Jobs Are Just The Beginning

Don’t see your dream job on this list? Don’t sweat it. We’ve got thousands of employers hiring for thousands of open entry-level jobs and internships right now on WayUp.

Explore our Top Companies page now to see even more amazing opportunities!

The post All Treats, No Tricks: The 5 Sweetest Jobs (And Internships!) On WayUp, Literally appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

Don’t miss out on insights from three amazing finance professionals with exciting careers outside the banking world. Join us on October 30 in person at WayUp’s NYC headquarters in the Flatiron District or watch at home as we stream the event on Facebook Live.

RSVP today and get the best seats in the house for food, networking, insider insights, and more.

Studying or interested in finance, but not in the traditional path of banking? You’re in luck.

There are plenty of options for people with financial skill sets outside of the banking world. Corporate Finance, Accounting, and even Venture Capital are all paths available to finance-types without a desire to enter the traditional banking grind.

And thanks to Johnson & Johnson, some of the leaders in those spaces are headed to WayUp on October 30 to talk about how people like you can start their finance careers, entirely free of the banking world.

One of the expert panelists, Vinny Pujji, is a 2014 graduate of UPenn’s elite Huntsman program in Economics and International Studies. After founding two startups in online payments and education, Vinny joined the team at Insight Venture Partners in New York City where he serves as an Investment Associate. He’ll talk all about combining a finance skill set with other passions to fuel a career in one of the most exciting, rewarding industries: Venture Capital.

Our other panelist is a veteran of Corporate Finance: Scott Trzaskawka, who works as the VP of Global Finance Talent Development at Johnson & Johnson, where he oversees the development of hundreds of recent grads and new hires on Johnson & Johnson’s finance team. He’ll talk about how finance plays a role in major corporations and how you can utilize more than just the number-crunching part of your brain when you get a job in Corporate Finance.

Finally, we’ll be joined by WayUp’s own Director of Finance and Accounting, Jess McKean. She’s worked for both large corporations and in fast-paced startups as an accounting and finance expert.

The event is sponsored by Johnson & Johnson. They’ve remained a leader in healthcare and consumer goods for more than a century by embracing technological trends, constantly innovating, and—most important—hiring only the best talent for all of their teams.

The post Learn Everything You Need To Know About Finance Careers Beyond Banking With WayUp appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

The post Where Do You Belong In A Consulting Firm? This Quiz Will Match You To Your Dream Role appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

It’s pretty rare to find an app that actually gives you real money with no strings attached. After all, the money has to come from somewhere. But thanks to an app we recently discovered, Paribus, the money’s coming from online stores and retailers you’ve recently shopped at. And since part of our jobs at WayUp is to help students get through college more easily, we had to share this one with you.

What is Paribus? After you make your normal online purchases, Paribus tracks when prices on those purchases go down, and then it helps put money back into your pocket—no effort required. Seriously, none.

Here’s a look at how Paribus works.

Paribus Tracks Your Receipts To Get You What You’re Owed

Many retailers have policies that entitle you to a refund if they later reduce the price of a product you’ve purchased. But even though retailers routinely do just that, many of us forgo the money we’re owed because we don’t want to jump through the normal hoops required to get that money back. Do you track the prices of every item you buy after you buy them? Probably not. But Paribus does — they’ll jump through the hoops for you!

The algorithm the Paribus team developed (psst! they’re hiring) continuously tracks both store policies and online prices after they log your receipt. Then, if the price drops, they’ll either get the refund for you—with no extra effort on your part—or send you a quick email letting you know how you can easily and simply obtain it for yourself.

All you’ve gotta do is sign up for Paribus and sync it with your email. Then, let the money roll in.

So far, they’ve found more than $28 million in savings for their users.

Where Does It Work?

The Paribus team currently has their algorithm monitoring more than 25 major retailers. Online stores like, Walmart, Anthropologie, Zappos, Costco, Gap, Target, Nordstrom, Macy’s, L.L. Bean, Loft, and Wayfair are all on the Paribus watch list. They also monitor late shipping from Amazon for you!

It’s a pretty robust list. And as you’ve probably noticed, it includes basically every place you’ve used to stock up on your school supplies, furnish your dorm, get your Official First Day of School outfit, and do way more of the stuff that comes with being a student.

When Should I Start Using This?

College is crazy expensive. We know — we’ve been there, and many of us at WayUp are still paying it off. But Paribus can help you save money during college, and we’d recommend starting now. Why? Because at the time of us writing this, “Back to School” sales are slowly finishing, which means prices on the “Back to School” items you’ve bought (notebooks, stationery, supplies, dorm room swag, etc) are going to start dropping. And you can get money back as a result.

Interested in saving a little extra green with no extra effort? Sign up today with your email directly on their website!

The post Our New Favorite App That Literally Gives You Money (We’re Serious) appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

Searching for your summer internship or first job after college is obviously a nerve-racking experience—but it shouldn’t be.

With more digital platforms, online guides, and amazing companies hiring than ever before, it’s so easy to find your dream role at your dream company. Whether it’s your first job or an internship that you’re looking for, both can be amazing opportunities that pave the way for rewarding, life-long careers.

However, all of the possible benefits put a lot of pressure on the search process. Here are three tips for keeping calm during the job search process.

1. You Can Prepare More Than Ever Before

There’s not a type of job interview in the world that someone hasn’t already done—and they probably wrote a blog post about it. Even interviews for specific companies have reviews written for them on Glassdoor and similar sites. We’ve assembled guides on most types of interviews.

Even if you’re worried about the stuff that comes before interviewing, we’ve got you covered. We’ve got guides on resumes (even on how to make job-specific resumes). Don’t worry about stuff like cover letters, cold emailing, and networking events, either.

With all these resources online and (hopefully) better education standards than ever before, you have the ability to be fully prepared for any type of interview.

2. You Can (And Definitely Should) Apply To More Than Just A Few Jobs

It might not seem like it while you’re spending every day looking for just one of them, but there are so many jobs out there. Most recruiting experts will say that—even for top-tier, experienced talent—a healthy ratio of applications to interviews is to 10:1. In some places, that number is as high as 27 applications to get one job interview.

So, ask yourself, have you sent out 10 job applications yet? That’s just for one interview. You should really be thinking about sending out about 40-50 applications over the course of a few weeks.

One of the biggest mistakes people make in the job application process is that they simply don’t submit enough applications. Some people are tinkering perfectionists who just can’t seem to finish something to their standards. Others are just ignorant to the reality of the situation. But this isn’t bad news.

There are thousands of jobs out there. The goal is to find the right one for you. Don’t spend all your time obsessing over minor details for the three jobs you’ve decided you do really want. Take that passion you have for those jobs and find other ones just like them. You’re much better off finding your dream title and role and then applying to it at multiple companies you think are a great fit.

3. Businesses Are Looking For More Than Just Experience

If you’re a college student or recent grad, chances are you don’t have a ton of professional experience. That’s okay. In fact, for some companies, it’s actually what they’re looking for.

Entry-level jobs are called “entry-level” for a reason. They’re for people hoping to find their way into an industry or career path. They’re not for industry veterans or insiders—or even people with 3-5 years of experience. Entry-level jobs are for recent grads.

Some college students even worry that they will be blocked out from internships because of a lack of other internship experience. There are plenty of ways to get a job or internship when you don’t have experience. For example, highlighting skills on your resume gained from school projects, extracurricular activities, or volunteering.

More than anything, businesses want people who have done their research on the industry, have a demonstrated interest in their potential job, and have the curiosity and intelligence to learn. Show them these qualities, and it’s not all about who had the flashiest internship her junior year.

The Best Tip

Research the companies, make sure your resume and cover letter are set, and apply. However, the real trick is doing all this in about an hour (of actual focused work time). Don’t spend too much time worrying or even researching (you can save the bulk of your research for once you get the interview).

Have we squashed your fears yet? Need more career advice? Check out amazing companies and all-star advice on the WayUp blog.

The post BOO! Job Hunting Shouldn’t Be Scary: 3 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Fear The Job Search Process appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

When it comes to companies, size really does matter.

A lifetime of effort goes into finding a job, but the work doesn’t stop there. There’s way more to consider about a prospective employer than the fact you might have received a job offer from them.

Everything from the dress code to the opportunities for advancement can be essential parts of making sure you’re happy in the next chapter of your life. And size is one of the biggest factors in determining these facts.

1. Responsibilities: Would You Rather Wear Many Hats Or Just One?

Size can mean everything when thinking about your company responsibilities. It makes intuitive sense, too: The fewer people there are who work at a company, the higher the chance that you will be asked to perform tasks outside your job description.

This can be pretty incredible for someone just starting a career. It’s the opportunity to build even more skills and experience for your resume. However, it can go both ways. You don’t want to be asked to do so many jobs that you end up with limited proficiency in your actual field.

Finding a firm in the “Goldilocks Zone” between these extremes, like CohnReznick—one of the country’s premier accounting consultancies—can be the ideal situation for recent grads. With a few thousand employees in offices around the country, CohnReznick is large enough to support you in your own specialty, while lean enough to let you take ownership of your work and build meaningful relationships with people in upper management.

2. Resources: What Are You Working With?

This is one of the realms in which you’ll find the biggest difference between a small company and a massive enterprise—for obvious reasons, too. Established industry giants usually have whole departments dedicated to providing you with the necessary tech, like phones, laptops, and software packages. Startups and small companies might not have a conference room for every meeting.

However, certain companies do actually manage to strike a balance between resources and the above-listed responsibilities. At an established midsize firm, you can get things like amazing benefits and tech, while still being able to take on actual responsibilities that you can get credit for nailing.

3. Corporate Culture

You should always think about what your life will be like day to day. Are you comfortable putting on a tie every morning? Will you be bored to death on your hour-long commute? These details, while not a factor that the company chooses for itself, are realities that you need to consider. Maybe you can find another job that allows you to wear t-shirts and walk to work. Maybe you work best in a more traditional environment. These things are personal and have to play a role in your decision.

The Goldilocks Zone

If you’re someone who wants to get ahead fast by taking on major challenges at your first job, but you don’t want to take on the risk or hassle of working for a startup, finding a company that’s smack dab in the Goldilocks Zone could be a smart career move.

It’s not just about first jobs, either. Even internships for companies outside the zone can pose challenges, too. If your goal is to not only get experience but also secure a job after graduation, then a midsize company could be your best bet.

Want to work in the Goldilocks Zone? Click here to learn more about opportunities at CohnReznick on WayUp

The post 3 Things You Need To Think About When Deciding If A Company Is The Right Fit (And Size!) For You appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

One of the biggest advantages you can give yourself in the competitive internship application process is time. There are very few things that cannot be accomplished if you provide yourself enough time. That’s why the best way to secure your spring 2019 internship is to start now.

Here at WayUp, we’ve put together the one-stop guide for securing that perfect spring 2019 internship. Doing something like that could help you 1) get the perfect summer internship, 2) get the perfect post-grad job, and 3) make you insanely rich and famous. Okay, maybe not #3. But it can definitely help you start an amazing career.

Follow these five steps and you’re off to the races.

1. Start Researching What You Really Want (Make A List!)

You’re not always going to know what you want. Even if you study something specific like Electrical Engineering, there are a ton of different disciplines within the field that you might want to explore. So, start doing your research: Read internship reviews, job descriptions, and see what top companies are really offering students. (Sometimes it’s easier to find a good internship if you pick a company you admire rather than a specific role!)

Make a list of skills you want to learn, hone, and get exposure to. Write down companies you admire. Think about people whose careers you want to emulate and reach out to them (or research them online if they’re celebrities/high-ranking executives), so that you can see how you might do the same thing.

This should help you make another list (the important one): Spring 2019 internships you actually want to apply to. Maybe even make a spreadsheet with all the due dates and requirements.

2. Prepare The Right Resume(s)

If you’re someone with an interest in both journalism and advertising, for example, you’re going to need more than one resume if you really want to stand out in both types of applications.

For journalism jobs, you’d want to focus on not just writing experience, but also research and reporting.

However, for advertising, you’d focus your resume on writing as it relates to other creative ventures, any sort of client or relationship skills you have, as well as any sort of business experience.

Optimizing your resume to fit the role is really important, because so many places—especially big, prestigious companies—sort applicants based on the presence of skills. To get a better idea of which skills they’re looking for. Check out job descriptions and online applications to see what they’re listing.

3. Beef Up Your Resume

If you don’t have “great skills,” then don’t worry. There’s still time to get them. Here’s how.

It’s the beginning of fall semester. Club fairs abound! Club leaders love to have new people join their orgs and each of these is an opportunity to demonstrate interest in a subject, commitment, social skills, and even leadership. Once you’re in a club, you can help them organize events (valuable skill), manage budgets (really valuable skill), and even lead teams or task forces (totally invaluable skill).

There’s also still time to get a Fall internship. Try using WayUp to find the perfect fit in your area. Even if companies aren’t formally hiring, you can still email someone on the team and send them your own proposal for an internship.

Volunteer experience is 1) always a good thing for the people you’re helping and 2) always looks good on your resume. It can also be a shorter-term commitment than a club membership or an internship. You could go on a week-long service trip or volunteer every other weekend.

4. Get All Your App Requirements Ready

Some apps are much harder than others. Long personal statements, recommendation letters, references, and more can take up your precious time and put you in danger of submitting an incomplete app or—even worse—entirely missing an app deadline. That’s why starting early is so important.

As for letters of recommendation, those can take serious time to write, especially if you want the person to do a good job. So, to be courteous (another amazing trait they can include in your recommendation), ask with at least two weeks notice, preferably longer. If you don’t have that kind of time, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t ask. You want to do a great job—not a good job—on this app. So, ask ahead.

As for personal statements, make them stand out. Everyone wants that perfect Spring 2019 internship, everyone’s passionate (at least on paper), and everyone wants to “make the world a better place.” Tell them how you plan to do this. Tell them WHY it matters to you. There’s so much you there—you just have to put it in the app. (But nothing too weird! It’s not literature; it’s business.)

5. Now Apply (As Early As Possible)

Once all your ducks are in a row, you can actually submit (ahead of time) your very first, perfect application to a spring 2019 internship. This will give them a chance to really savor and digest your application. Don’t worry, they’re not going to forget about you because you applied early. They LOVE when people get their apps in ahead of time, before the big deadline rush.

Want more Back To School hacks, amazing career tips, and everything else you need to succeed in the working world? Check out the WayUp Guide right now!

The post How To Get The Perfect Spring 2019 Internship (Hint: Start The Application Process Now) appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

Summer’s over and it’s an absolute tragedy. Waterparks have shut down. The ice cream man has stopped showing up to your pick-up games. And—of course—your summer job (or lack thereof) has gone out of style, fast.

While we can’t help you with the water slides or the King Cones, we can certainly help you get a better gig now that it’s a more temperate, businesslike season.

It’s time for a full-time job—and we’ve got the hookup.

Here are 10 full-time, amazing jobs hiring recent grads right now.

1. Ops Associate in the Emerging Leaders Program @ Nielsen

Nielsen sets the gold standard in market research and analysis. Your first full-time job could be as an Ops Associate in their ELP.

The Emerging Leaders Program trains the next generation of data tech executives. If you’re a tech person or a business-minded recent grad, this is an amazing opportunity to get into the world of market research.

2. Sales Analyst @ Unilever

Unilever products are used by a third of the Earth’s population on any given day. That’s more than 2.5 billion people. If your first full-time job is with Unilever, you’ll be a part of one of the world’s biggest companies.

They’re hiring Sales Analysts for some of their brands. You’ll be analyzing sales data, identifying patterns, and providing business solutions to the company. An excellent first job in the consumer goods industry, this role is great for number-crunchers, business brainiacs, and more. What are you waiting for? Apply now!

3. Inside Sales Representative @ Dell

Want to start a career that combines business with tech? Try sales at Dell. They’re innovators in every field, including salesmanship. If you’ve got a passion for technology that makes life better, a gift for human interaction, and problem-solving skills like no other, then you should definitely apply to this role.

4. Software Engineer @ Avanade

Avanade is a business tech consulting firm, which makes it the dream company for recent grads. You can travel, learn about all types of businesses, and get the full consultant experience while remaining in a tech-first role. Personable, practical programmers should definitely apply!

5. Research & Development Development Program @ Belden

Belden is all about sending signals, literally. They make the best tech for communications, network architecture, and even information security. Here’s a chance to help build what’s next in an industry that touches, well, everything.

6. Recruiting/Sales Specialist @ TEKsystems

Recruiting and Sales skills are like peanut butter and jelly. They go great together and one of them is pretty hard to get anything out of without the other. That’s why TEKsystems, a leading staffing firm, looks for people eager to break into sales/recruiting and offers a killer starting salary of $60k.

7. Business Systems Analyst @ Travelers

Join the legendary insurance company’s Technology Development Program as a Business Systems Analyst. You’ll work and train alongside professionals on the cutting edge of business tech. This is an amazing first job as it sets you up with skills that work well at any company.

8. Apparel Designer (Women’s) @ Under Armour

Worry not, creatives. There is, in fact, something for you on this list. Under Armour makes amazing gear for amazing athletes. And here’s your opportunity to use your creativity to contribute to that in their trendy New York office.

Your first full-time job could actually be designing some of the items that clothe the world’s most renowned athletes like Lindsey Vonn and Tom Brady.

9. Supply Chain Trainee Program @ Ferguson

Supply Chain is one of the most exciting fields in business. It’s action-packed, high-intensity, and it rewards its experts with authority and competitive salary. But breaking into the industry can be hard. That’s why Ferguson’s Supply Chain Trainee Program is the perfect first full-time job in the industry. It’s an awesome way to get your foot in the door.

10. Electrical Engineer @ Raytheon

Raytheon’s a defense contractor that makes amazing stuff for the government, military, and even space agencies. It’s a patriotic, high-stakes job. Don’t miss it.

These are just the beginning of the amazing jobs hiring on WayUp right now. No matter what your major was or your future goals are, you can find your next step on WayUp.

The post Still Looking For That First Full-Time Job? Here Are 10 Full-Time Roles Hiring Recent Grads Right Now appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

The Fall semester is an amazing time of year. New classes, new spaces, and another round of opportunities to join all the clubs, groups, and initiatives you regretted not doing before. All this isn’t just good news for your personal growth, either. Every one of these opportunities can be awesome for your resume.

1. Join A Club/Organization You Really Care About

One of the things employers love most in potential candidates is passion. It’s a combination of dedication, enthusiasm, and curiosity that’s really hard to find in people—especially when you’re just looking at their resumes.

But finding something that you really care about and giving it your all can lead you not only to better social circumstances, but also better professional ones. What if you become the A Capella superstar your school always needed? What if you’re the national debate champion? All of these things make you feel more confident in yourself and give you plenty to talk about during interviews. They’re also ways of demonstrating your commitment to your commitments—especially if you can manage to be a good student while also being a great fill-in-the-blank.

Even if there’s no competitive aspect to the organization, there are still ways to excel. Seek leadership roles, organize fundraisers and events, and try to get your hands on some management skills while you’re at it. You can make friends and build valuable work skills. After all, they’re gonna want to hear about more than just your summer internship during your next job interview.

2. Get A Part-Time Job/Fall Internship

Summer is the season of internships, but the needs of businesses don’t just disappear in the fall.

Now’s the time to grab the reins and get yourself an internship or a part-time job for the fall semester. Few things look as good on a resume as work experience and who doesn’t need a little extra cash? And, given that there are usually fewer interns in the Fall, you can almost always make quality connections with important people in the office.

3. Volunteer With Your Spare Time

Volunteering is good for everyone. The people (or animals, or planet, or body of water, or body of cultural artifacts etc.) will certainly be grateful for your help. Plus, you’re building practical skills. And, at the end of the day, it’s much easier to secure a spot volunteering somewhere than it is to secure a very competitive internship. And it will certainly help you on that path, too.

Most non-profits and organizations that accept volunteers are also comfortable accepting other types of volunteering, like offering them social media consulting or helping them run their website. Stuff like this gives you valuable professional experience and also helps a good cause in a way that you might not have considered before.

Ask your local charity if they need any help running the organization. Tell them what you study and why you want to contribute your talents to their cause. You’d be surprised what kinds of opportunities might come your way.

Another great thing about volunteering is that it’s a very flexible, possibly very small time commitment. You can do it once every two weeks or even once a month and still do something good while beefing up your resume.

4. Dive Deep Into Your Classes, Study Hard, And Get Amazing Grades

Fall semester is also a time for, you know, school. Killing it in your classes will give you an easy way to demonstrate a lot of these important traits like determination, intelligence, curiosity, and all-around responsibility.

A lot of the most competitive employers ask for your GPA (even if it isn’t the most important factor) and having the 3.8 jump off the page at them is an awesome way to make a good first impression!

Plus, you might actually learn something that you can use later in your life.

Whatever You Do, Just Do Something

Don’t let the semester disappear without you getting any new, enriching experiences. What you do in fall semester can make excellent material for the job interviews that come in the Spring and Summer. You’ll also have the opportunity to make friends and connections you’d have never otherwise met.

For more tips, tricks, and hacks for crafting the perfect resume, acing the interview, and securing your dream job, check out the WayUp Guide for more!

The post 4 Ways To Make Fall Semester Work For Your Resume appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

Banking: It’s the oldest industry in the modern world—but it’s also the one that’s been transformed the most by technology.

You can attribute this evolution to the rise of Financial Technology (FinTech). It’s one of the economy’s fastest-growing sectors, and it has turned the smartest banks into tech powerhouses.

However, not all banks deploy their tech prowess in the same way. Take Deutsche Bank, which continuously looks for driven and passionate people to join their team. Here’s a look at some of the innovative, impactful work Deutsche Bank’s Tech Team has created.

The DB + Cure Leukaemia Foundation Hackathon

Hackathons are a regular part of a technical team’s development. Why? They’re a great way to get a working prototype of a product off the ground.

Except this time, it wasn’t about making a banking product. It was about improving the lives of leukemia patients.

Deutsche Bank’s chosen method? Devising an app that could connect patients with the Cure Leukaemia Foundation, a charity based in the United Kingdom. They provide resources on everything from self-esteem and mental health support to information on different treatments and diets for patients undergoing treatment. (If you’re curious about the different spellings, it’s because leukemia is spelled “leukaemia” in British English.)

Deutsche Bank is a global company, so they had technical teams from around the world competing to code the best app in only a day’s time. Squads of tech whizzes from Germany, Romania, the UK, Russia, Hong Kong, Singapore, and the US worked around-the-clock to create an app built off Deutsche Bank’s dev platform, Fabric.

The final product? An app that could truly change the way people with leukemia live with and respond to the disease.

The winning team was “She Hacks,” who represented Deutsche Bank’s London tech group. The all-female coding team built Sanguine, an app that connects patients based on their symptoms and individual diagnosis to help them cope and stay strong during the treatment process.  This approach helped solve one of the daunting obstacles leukemia patients face: They struggle to find the kind of information that can help them feel “normal” and confident during treatment.

Sanguine uses factors like gender, diagnosis, age, and more to connect patients and demystify the treatment and recovery process. It curates articles and advice from trusted sources in the Cure Leukaemia network, and it also collects their well-being data, which they can choose to share with doctors, family, and friends.

From Charitable To Cutting Edge: Tech At Deutsche Bank

Technologists at Deutsche Bank also make some of the most cutting-edge solutions in FinTech. The bank has a centralized tech advancement center in its native Germany, called The Digital Factory. It serves as a hub for Deutsche Bank’s global tech projects.

Some of these incredible initiatives include a digital currency exchange platform, a mobile payment system, and a multi-banking online hub for clients with complex accounts. Yet another one is the Deutsche Bank Digital Safe (also known as eSafe), which is a highly secure digital platform for sensitive documents, information, passwords, and more. The variety of projects Deutsche Bank technologists work on means they seek experts and rising talent from all types of specialties and backgrounds – making it an excellent place for interns and recent grads to learn more about a certain skill set.

No matter what the project is, though, Deutsche Bank is looking for technologists who create and think with passion. Whether your app changes the way leukemia patients connect with a support network or the way investors access their projected data, the enthusiasm for entrepreneurial thinking and desire to work on outcome-oriented projects remains the same.

Think you’ve got what it takes to be a Deutsche Bank techy? Check out fun facts, videos and amazing job opportunities from Deutsche Bank on WayUp today!

The post You’ll Never Guess Which Company Is Helping Create An App To Fight Leukemia (Hint: It’s A Bank) appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

There are two things you probably remember from your high school biology class:

1) Mitochondria are the powerhouse of the cell.

2) Proteins are the building blocks of the body.

So, it’s fair to say proteins are important. And as a scientist, being able to better understand the shape and nature of a protein means medicine, evolutionary history, and all kinds of discoveries are suddenly at your fingertips. That’s why cryo-electron microscopy is so important—it lets scientists see proteins and other tiny particles in entirely new and novel ways.

It’s so important, in fact, that three scientists—Jacques Dubochet, Joachim Frank, and Richard Henderson—were recently awarded the Nobel Prize for breakthroughs in the technology.

But how does cryo-electron microscopy actually make it into the hands of researchers around the world? Somebody needs to perfect and sell it. And that’s where employees at Thermo Fisher Scientific, the world leader in serving science, come in.

Wasabi Spice Detector: How It Works

Essentially, the process works in three steps. The first is freezing the proteins (hence the “cryo” part). Regular electron microscopy only works if the proteins are stiff enough to actually pin down and capture. But that’s exceedingly difficult to do with the kinds of microscopic organisms scientists want to study. Why? They can be too “floppy” to handle unless they’re frozen. This technology eliminates that problem.

Once frozen, these proteins or other organisms are then blasted with electrons and their image is captured thousands of times. Finally, an algorithm takes the images and assembles them to create a 3-D model.

What have scientists been able to better understand thanks to cryo-electron microscopy and the vivid imagery it generates? Among other breakthroughs, they’ve gained insights into how the Zika Virus functions, how our circadian rhythm works, and why wasabi tastes so spicy.

Let’s dive into that last one a little bit more.

As the National Institute of General Medical Sciences explains, the TRPA1 protein is responsible for that kick you taste when you bite into a helping of wasabi. (It’s actually known as the wasabi receptor.)

This protein essentially pokes tiny holes in the membranes of sensory nerve cells. When we eat something like wasabi, these pores open up, triggering “a warning response that we feel as a tingling or burn,” according to the NIGMS. Though it’s useful in detecting spiciness, this small protein packs a surprising amount of punch: Its primary function is to notify the body of pain. As such, having a better understanding of the TRPA1 protein could potentially lead to all sorts of medical advancements in the field of pain management.

How This Can Be Used to Save Lives

Understanding the curves and crevices of a molecule means that researchers can design drugs that fit into them, break them apart, and maybe even put them back together better than before. That’s why the innovators behind cryo-electron microscopy techniques won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry.

Scientists working throughout the 20th and 21st centuries collectively invented the technique of cryo-electron microscopy. But only in Thermo Fisher’s laboratories did that technology actually become a widely available product that could be deployed to create new pain management drugs, cancer treatments, vaccines, and other treatments. Thermo Fisher’s groundbreaking research and innovative employees made those groundbreaking discoveries possible. It’s Thermo Fisher’s commitment to its customers that makes this all possible.

With the largest investment in research and development in the industry, Thermo Fisher empowers its employees to take innovative ideas and turn them into life-saving products. And it has an equally important impact on its clients: The work done at Thermo Fisher gives other scientists the ability to perform the kinds of innovative research that can fundamentally affect the lives of people across the globe.

And it’s not just scientists, either. Supply-chain professionals, marketers, salespeople, and even writers are all an important part of making sure amazing discoveries turn into amazing results.

Interested in learning more? Thermo Fisher is hiring now on WayUp, so check out their open positions and apply!

The post Can Wasabi Spice Detector Proteins Change The World? This Company Thinks So appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

From films to finance, New York City gets an inordinate amount of attention when it comes to, well, most things. But here’s the deal: New York is by no means the only city worth moving to and living in. In particular, there are now many more exciting options to develop a world-class financial services career outside of the Big Apple.

Skeptical? Well, have you heard of Chicago? (Trick question, we know you have.)

From world-class museums and restaurants to shopping and cultural attractions, Chicago is a major global city and a finance hub in its own right. The Windy City is home to economic engines like the Chicago Mercantile Exchange and the Chicago Board of Trade. In fact, financial products prevalent in modern capital markets like futures, derivatives, and options were all invented there. That’s probably why world-renowned business schools such as the University of Chicago, Northwestern University, and dozens of international financial institutions choose the city as their home, too.

The largest financial services firm in Chicago is Northern Trust, a global company that serves the world’s most-sophisticated clients—from sovereign wealth funds and the wealthiest families to the most successful hedge funds and corporate brands. Headquartered in Chicago with offices around the world, Northern Trust offers its employees the ability to work for a major brand in finance without having to live in New York. (Though full disclosure: They do have an office in New York and many other US locations.)

We spoke with employees in both their Chicago and Tempe, Arizona, offices to bring you the lowdown on how you can work in finance outside of NYC.

FinTech And Fun Runs in Chicago

Growing up in a nearby suburb, Kristin always felt the pull of Chicago.

So, while studying finance and economics in college, she was thrilled to get an internship with Northern Trust. Signing that offer letter meant she could finally work in the business hub she’d dreamed of, and she wouldn’t even be too far from home.

“I always thought I would end up in Chicago,” she says. “Chicago is a big city, but it’s also small, in a sense, where you can have great connections with the people in your community. Even if it’s just going out to lunch, you might see someone you know.”

When she got hired full-time for Northern Trust’s rotational program in the fall of 2013, Kristin was able to stay in Chicago working at the company’s headquarters. This came with some benefits that a branch office would have lacked, she says. For example, she got to meet with the CFO and was able to work at multiple Chicago offices across different sectors of the business.

Danny, another Northern Trust employee, agrees that his career got a boost by making the move from New York to Chicago. “There are a ton of opportunities to work in financial technology at our office in Chicago,” he says.

But it wasn’t just business that drew Danny to the Windy City. “The food scene in Chicago is absolutely spectacular,” he says. “Chicago’s home to some of the best restaurants in the world and has a diverse selection of cuisines.”

Plus, both he and Kristin said they love being close to Lake Michigan—a lake so “great” that it’s basically an inland oasis, home to harbors, boating, and beaches. Many take advantage of all the Chicago lakefront has to offer including bike paths, team sports, and restaurants. One of the highlights for Kristin, she says, is a yearly charity run by the water in Chicago’s famous Grant Park. This and the many other parks in Chicago are home to festivals and concerts, including Lollapalooza.

APPLY TO WORK AT NORTHERN TRUST NOW!

Lakes, Mountains, And Project Management In Tempe, Arizona

Palmira is a Project Manager for Northern Trust. Like Kristin, she also grew up in the Midwest, on the South Side of Chicago. She, too, was lucky enough to score a Northern Trust internship that turned into a full-time job when she graduated from the University of Illinois at Chicago.

Now she works out of their office in scenic Tempe, Arizona. Surrounded by mountains and just 20 minutes east of Phoenix, it’s the ideal middle ground for those less interested in the nonstop action of big-city life, but who still have the talent and drive for finance. As Palmira explains, there’s a lot to love about Tempe. “The mountains! I love being able to hike on the weekends,” she says.

The weather in Tempe is bright and sunny all year, with only nine inches of rain and, yes, zero inches of snow. Northern Trust isn’t the only firm to notice this, either: Dozens of other companies keep their headquarters or major offices in Tempe, so there are a ton of people to network and connect with.

In the summer, Palmira says, the heat means you might even get to deviate from the traditional corporate dress code. “We still have a great culture as far as the work environment goes,” she says. “But there are different adventures out here that you can be a part of.”

Whether you’re looking to work on the cutting edge of FinTech or to find your fit as a financial professional, be sure to check out all the exciting opportunities at Northern Trust on WayUp right now!

The post Here’s How You Can Work In Global Finance Without Having To Live In New York appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

Looking back, it might seem like the Allies won World War II without a hitch—but that couldn’t be further from the truth. There were moments when the only thing that stood between victory and loss were the intelligent minds of a few important people. And some of those fine minds could’ve been found at Lockheed Martin’s enigmatic Skunk Works division.

They’ve produced the fastest jets the world has ever seen. They’ve made stealth planes that could fly without being picked up by radar before anyone else could. Today, they work on top-secret technology the public has yet to imagine. But just what is the Lockheed Martin Skunk Works?

Here’s their story and how YOU could actually become a part of one of the world’s most advanced research and engineering teams.

The Skunk Works Story: Saving The Allies From Defeat In WWII

In the heat of the European campaign in WWII, the Nazis unveiled a new technology that put thousands of lives in danger: The ME-262 fighter jet, which was known among troops and engineers as “the Whizzer.”

The Germans were outgunning and outrunning everything the allies had in the skies. There was no time to spare. But nothing in development was even close to ready. The Allies needed an answer and it came in the form of a Lockheed Martin engineer named Kelly Johnson. He had plans to build something unlike anything the world had ever seen—something even faster than the German fighter jets.

The government and Lockheed Martin had a problem, though. Everything was booked. All the money, buildings, factories, and even engineers were entirely occupied producing bombers, engines, and anything else that an all-out war demanded. So, they told Johnson, as one modern Skunk Works engineer described it, you can do it, but with, “No people, no facilities, and no equipment. Good luck!”

Instead of a lab or a dedicated team, Lockheed gave him a tent.

The First Skunk Work

They immediately began work on what would eventually become the Lockheed XP-80 (aka The Shooting Star). Setting a precedent for future Skunk Works projects, the effort was entirely centered around a few simple goals. Whatever they made had to be meaner and faster than the German plane—and it had to be on the battlefield yesterday.

This is where Johnson’s “assume it can be done” mindset came into play. He created an environment where all ideas were legal tender, as long as they contributed to one of those goals. It’s an atmosphere that persists in the Skunk Works today; as the new director of special programs, Renee Pasman, puts it, “When people feel their leadership supports them, they’re more comfortable taking risks.”

And take risks they did. “We’ve built vehicles that we knew were going to crash, because we wanted to explore what was on the edge of the envelope,” says Steve Justice, former director of Skunk Works.

Working in absolute secrecy, Johnson’s team built the Shooting Star. It was faster. It was more agile. And it was ready in 145 days. Luckily, it wasn’t really needed for WWII and was quickly outclassed in the following conflicts. Also luckily, the Skunk Works team was the one outclassing it.

They soon built the SR-71 Stealth Bomber (you know, the one that looks like a spaceship), the Starfire jet, and the world famous F-22 Raptor.

They Still Answer The Call To Innovation

A lot has changed about Skunk Works. Today, they’re an essential part of Lockheed Martin’s operations. Their team is made up of engineers, designers, scientists, physicists, and more who work together to build the next big thing in aviation, whatever it may be. Plus, they’ve upgraded from a tent to a top-of-the-line research and testing facility.

But one thing that hasn’t changed is the Skunk Works philosophy. They still work toward impossible goals in practical ways. Nothing is wasted. Every idea and all people have to buy their way onto the team by showing that what they can do helps make the impossible possible.

Do you think you’ve got what it takes to work on the most advanced team in aeronautics? Check out fun facts, videos, and job opportunities from Lockheed Martin on WayUp right now!

The post This Company’s Aeronautics Division Builds Fighter Jets And Started As A Top Secret WWII Project—And They’re Hiring appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

Good karma is now officially a statistical fact. And you can thank a study conducted by the finance giant MassMutual for that.

We can now say with confidence (perhaps even a 95 percent confidence interval) that, yes, being a good person does have a financial benefit.

Start by crunching the numbers.

The MassMutual 2018 Financial Wellness and Community Involvement Study took a nationally representative sample of 10,000 US adults and asked them questions about their relationships with others, the benefits of those relationships, and their financial confidence.

These questions were asked to challenge the company’s “Live Mutual” philosophy. This revolves around the idea that depending on each other leads to happier, more secure, and fulfilling lives—whether that means trusting someone with a loan or helping your neighbor take in their groceries.

But when you’re a leader in a statistics and data-driven industry you don’t just scream your philosophy from the rooftops. You prove it. This meant putting the full force of one of the country’s leading financial institutions—and its statistics experts—behind a simple question: Does being a good person make you more successful?

And what did the American people have to say? MassMutual—which is the number one writer of whole life policies in the country—found that people involved in their communities, especially their own neighborhoods, were rewarded not only personally but also financially.

Good people make great neighbors.

Do you volunteer? Do you host events? Is your community limited to your group of friends? Or does it include your whole neighborhood? How confident are you in your financial well-being? These types of questions informed the results of a survey that ultimately found there is a strong association between people doing good deeds in their communities and their feeling of financial well-being.

Examples of these good deeds include anything from volunteering at a local food bank to helping a neighbor carry groceries.

Among other findings, MassMutual’s researchers identified differences among age groups in terms of not only the type of involvement they were more likely to perform but also the definitions they have of community.

Older people (73+) are more likely to donate money or time, according to the study. Gen Z and Millennials (anyone 36 or younger), on the other hand, were more likely to host and attend social events.

Why the differences? There’s still more work for MassMutual employees to do in order to better understand these disparate views. However, it may have to do with the different definitions of community, most of which listed geography and many of which included culture, values, and lifestyle.

They make even better employees (probably).

So, what gives?

Well, people who do good deeds and care about the well-being of others are more likely to: 1) Be positive about the future. 2) Have more faith in those around them to help them out in a tough situation.

This positivity affects everything from believing in their own ability to accomplish long-term goals to having more confidence about the stability of their job (both of which are major factors in someone’s financial outlook). Essentially, wholesome, trusting people can inspire similar traits in those around them—so they’re not as worried about their future.

The best news is, there’s plenty of goodness to go around. About half of all people who responded said that they were involved with their neighborhoods. The MassMutual team summarized it this way:

“Those who place a premium on community involvement have unexpected benefits, with approximately six in 10 being either comfortable or confident in their current and future financial well-being.”

How’s that for living mutual?

Want to start a career with an innovative company that does amazing things like this? MassMutual is hiring on WayUp, so check out their open positions and apply now!

The post Can Being A Good Person Make You More Successful? This Company Thinks So appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

It’s 3 AM, you’re studying for finals, and…

…you want ice cream. Now.

Lucky for you, in the year 2018, that’s not a problem. Head to any 24-hour convenience store and you won’t find just any frozen deliciousness on the shelves, you’ll find the (ice) cream of the crop: Ben & Jerry’s.

We’re talking Americone Dream. We’re talking Cherry Garcia. We’re talking—the absolute Holy Grail—Half-Baked. It’s all there. And it’s easy to forget that people are behind the scenes, making it all happen.

So, if you do ever wonder how it got there AND why it’s always there when you want it, we found your answer. We spoke to Kamree, the man with a plan (for getting you your ice cream). He’s a Customer Service Analyst at Unilever, the company that makes Ben & Jerry’s and hundreds of other brands like Axe and Dove.

He told us everything we need to know about the amazing business of getting products to the people.

Getting Ice Cream Where It’s Wanted (AKA Everywhere)

Supply Chain is the science of getting products from the manufacturer to the customer. It’s a discipline that involves incredible time management, multitasking, and nerves of steel. And Kamree’s got all of that.

“I manage the Foods and Refreshments categories for Unilever,” he says. This is actually quite tricky to manage, because food—especially ice cream—can spoil (or melt) easily. But Kamree isn’t deterred by that challenge.

“I’m involved with all of our ice cream products, so brands like Ben & Jerry’s, Breyers, and our Good Humor brand, as well as Popsicles, Klondike, and so forth. I’ve also worked with food products like Knorr and Hellman’s Mayonnaise,” he says.

But what, exactly, does he do?

“I’m pretty much a middleman with the customer,” he says. “We’re always planning, so my job sometimes even involves transportation. For example, we’ll help ensure that stores like Target receive their food and refreshment on time and in full.”

That translates into a lot of hours running numbers and visiting stores and manufacturers. It also means time spent collaborating with managers, engineers, and supervisors and coordinating with everyone from the people packaging the batch to the people unloading the trucks.

How Did Kamree Become The Ultimate Ice Cream Man?

“In school I studied Operations Management,” Kamree says. “I actually came upon Supply Chain on a study abroad experience in China. We learned about manufacturing, as well as overseas distribution of products.”

That trip really sparked his interest in this somewhat hidden but entirely essential aspect of the economy.

“I realized that a lot of the business is run through the Supply Chain,” he says. “It doesn’t matter how much you market a product or how great the product you create is. If you can’t get the product to the consumer, then it really doesn’t matter.”

It’s a lot of responsibility and a lot of pressure. That’s why, when it comes to Supply Chain Management, it takes a certain kind of person to handle it.

“You have to be very comfortable with the uncomfortable,” he says. “In Supply Chain, things are very rarely quiet, and just being able to manage yourself in those types of environments is key. High emotional intelligence is another thing.”

But it’s not just stressful for you. Manufacturing is a labor-intensive process with a ton of opportunities for error. To excel, you have to be able to communicate effectively with all the different personalities and stakeholders.

“Another thing is just being very personable. Because we work in the middle of so many different functions, you have to be able to empathize with other people and understand how other things work in order to truly make an impact,” Kamree says.

Yet despite the high-intensity environments, Supply Chain is a rewarding career path, Kamree stresses. Another perk: It also offers a high base pay.

“Knowing that I’m that integral piece to ensure that little girl gets her ice cream, or that little boy can have his popsicle, that’s what makes it the most interesting to me,” he says. He loves being the person everyone can count on.

And don’t worry, working around ice cream hasn’t taken any of the magic out of it for him. He still has his favorite flavor.

“It’s PB & Cookies, the non-dairy one. I’m vegan, so I have to eat non-dairy everything. And it’s absolutely amazing,” he says.

Think you could be the next great Supply Chain Manager? Check out fun facts, testimonials, and amazing internship and co-op opportunities from Unilever on WayUp right now!

The post I Make Sure Your Fave Ben & Jerry’s Flavor Is Always Available When You Want It (AKA All The Time) appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

If a person told you her motto was, “Sending All The Right Signals,” then it could basically mean anything. However, when a company like Belden—the country’s low-key leader in communications technology—says it, it really means it.

And it actually means everything.

Whether it was when you were watching the news, checking your email, swiping into your dorm, or reading this article, you probably used Belden technology today.

From Belden’s Early Career Leadership Programs—a three-year global program designed to build Belden’s future business leaders that you can learn more about below—to their wide array of departments and industry expertise, here’s a look inside this behind-the-scenes powerhouse and all the opportunities there for people just like you.

What Is Belden?

Belden began as a cable company—we’re talking lengths of sheathed copper, not the TV channels without commercials—and became a leader in all sorts of essential communications technology. It bought into TV broadcasting tech, cybersecurity, network architecture, and wireless transmissions. And even though it’s not the same type of cable as your favorite movie channel, you can bet they’re using Belden tech to broadcast that content.

It would be genuinely difficult to think of a major industry that doesn’t employ Belden’s tech. Security, retail, banking—you name it, and Belden has its cables or routers or rack switches inside of it. In fact, there’s a very good chance that the university Wi-Fi network you’re using right now utilizes Belden networking gear.

Who Works At Belden?

Belden is first and foremost a tech company: It employs hardware and software to make sure that the unifying force behind the modern world (hint: the internet) actually works for the people who need to use it. And at its core it’s a manufacturing company, which provides yet another perspective that can be useful in your career, regardless of the field you end up in.

However, because of its incredible reach, Belden employs experts across tons of major industries—and you could be working in any of those divisions.

“Belden’s diverse portfolio allows you to work in different businesses with a variety of products and clients, ensuring that you are always learning something new,” one career expert at Belden, Maggie Morris, told us. “Once you start feeling comfortable in one business, you may be moved to a new one for some excitement, a new challenge, and—ultimately—a developmental opportunity.”

And this doesn’t just go for tech people either. Sales, marketing, finance, supply chain, IT, and even HR professionals will all get broad exposure to Belden’s different divisions if they seek it out.

What Can I Do There?

Want to better understand television broadcasting? Work for Belden in their broadcast division and get an understanding of the tech that powers everyone’s favorite industry. Want to work in security or government? Learn about the systems that protect modern businesses from hackers and keep the average person’s data safe. Want to work in supply chain or manufacturing? Belden tech powers automation in factories and beyond.

One of the best ways to access all these businesses at Belden is through one of their Early Career Leadership Programs. As Kristin Poulos, a VP in Cyber Security told us, “Many of those early in their careers, especially those in ECLP, have the opportunity to work through high-impact, yearlong rotations across a variety of Belden brands.”

This can be extremely valuable when it comes to building toward long-term goals.

“This exposure helps them broaden their networks and understand the technical nuances of their chosen function to become better leaders in the future,” she says. “In addition, our General Management ECLP enables early-career professionals to gain experience across many functions including sales, marketing, product management, and operations.”

For you, this means Belden can be a gateway to any career. Whether your path is up through the promotion track or on to a different industry after gaining valuable expertise, Belden can be a perfect place to start.

Want to help engineer experiences from the special effects on theme park rides to the jumbotrons at MLB games? Then check out job opportunities at Belden on WayUp right now!

The post This Megabrand Affects Every Major Business In The Country And Lets You Start A Career In Any Industry—And You’ve Never Heard Of It appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

In an ideal world, you and your boss would be having weekly 1-on-1s to discuss how the previous week went and how you should proceed moving forward.  The reality, however, is that the bigger the company — and the busier your boss — the less likely those frequent reviews occur. Sometimes, you feel completely in the dark about how you’re performing. Is your boss happy and satisfied with your work, or are there things that you can work on improving — things that your boss isn’t telling you?

Asking your boss for feedback is scary, but as an intern or recent grad, it’s so important to be proactive. For full-time employees, that means way before your mid-year or end-of-year review. Being proactive shows that you’re determined to improve your performance and will also ensure that you won’t be blindsided when you do get your formal review. We recommend having monthly checkpoints with your boss to recap what you’re doing well and what skills you can develop — although the timing of these meetings may vary depending on your boss’s schedule. Send a note to your boss saying something like, “I’d like to set up recurring meetings with you once a month for about 30 minutes to go over the projects I’ve completed and discuss areas for improvement.”

Once you’ve scheduled a recurring time, it’s important to come up with a short agenda so that during the meeting, you’re prepared to give a quick overview of the major projects and tasks that you’ve completed. (You should be keeping a weekly log of your work, so creating this overview will be easy.) After your quick recap, ask your boss, “Based on my performance so far, is there anything I could have done better? What would you like to see from me in the future?” Then, be prepared for constructive criticism – and try your best not to take it personally. Everyone has received constructive criticism multiple times in their career. Look at it this way: Even if you’re the best employee the company has, there is always room for improvement.  You’re getting exactly the advice you need to move forward in your career.

After you receive feedback, make sure you actively work on developing or improving based on your boss’s assessment. That way, in your next 1-on-1 review, you can begin with something like this: “Last time, you told me I should work on A, B and C, and I believe I showed improvement in those areas by doing X, Y and Z. Do you feel that I met those goals, and if not, how I can improve going forward?”

Your boss will be impressed that you listened and that you moved as quickly as possible to apply his or her advice to your work ethic. Not to mention, you’ve made the learning curve in your new career a little less formidable.

The post How to Ask Your Boss for Feedback appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

With graduation fast-approaching, we decided it was time to highlight some of the most impressive seniors on WayUp.

We looked through thousands of WayUp profiles, specifically, those seniors who’ve made the most updates since January 1, 2018. We then filtered through to see who had filled out specific fields including a fun fact, leadership experience, skills, and a professional headshot.

After much deliberation internally, we settled on these 50 students from 47 colleges and universities across the nation that we feel are WayUp’s “Most Hirable Seniors.” These students not only have incredible past work experience but, are also well-rounded individuals we believe will crush it in the real world.

Check out our “Most Hirable Seniors” below:

Name: Alex Gerzon
School: Rutgers University
Hometown: Kiev, Ukraine
He is hirable because: Alex has an impressive amount of technical skills including CSS, Python, Ruby, SQL, and so much more. Not only that, he thrives in any environment he’s in, as he’s moved over 20 times in his life!

Name: Anhar Karim
School: Princeton University
Hometown: Germantown, Maryland
He is hirable because: Anhar implemented what he learned in the classroom as a Religious Studies major out of the classroom as a leader in the Muslim Students Association at Princeton.

Name: Antonellie Delacruz
School: SUNY Plattsburgh
Hometown: Centereach, New York
She is hirable because: Antonellie’s passion for equality in the workplace is made clear by her commitment to the Women in Leadership club on campus.

Name: Berliza Soriano
School: University of Puerto Rico
Hometown: San Juan, Puerto Rico
She is hirable because: With coursework that includes bacterial genetics, bioinformatics, and cell cytotoxicity has big things in store as she pursues a career in biotechnology.

Name: Brandon Beilstein
School: Pennsylvania State University
Hometown: Greenville, Pennsylvania
He is hirable because: Brandon isn’t just an aspiring mechanical engineer. He also has a passion for the outdoors and volunteers with Shenango River Watchers, an organization dedicated to preserving the environment.

Name: Cassandra Reyes 
School: San Jose State University
Hometown: San Jose, California
She is hirable because: This well-rounded marketing major has a serious passion for all aspects of the field, from photoshop to product marketing, to advertising, and more.

Name: Chantal Atkinson
School: New York University
Hometown: Atlanta, Georgia
She is hirable because: Chantal isn’t just a triple major who knows multiple coding languages. Her soft skills are equally impressive. On her WayUp profile, she includes public speaking, collaborative problem solving, and resourcefulness.

Name: Chris Cognetta
School: University of Southern California
Hometown: Los Altos, California
He is hirable because: Chris is a natural leader. He created the organization Bright Innovative Technologies, which helps students develop and produce new software. In addition, he’s also the Vice President of Teach for Los Angeles, where he helps with the organization’s website and marketing efforts.

Name: Christine George
School: University of Maryland
Hometown: Yorktown Heights, New York
She is hirable because: Christine is serious about marketing and business development, but she’s also got a fun claim to fame: two-time winner of a Greek Life watermelon-eating contest.

Name: Colette Smith
School: DePaul University
Hometown: Las Vegas, Nevada
She is hirable because: Colette is an entrepreneur. She took a year off from college to found an online vintage clothing store, then went back to finish her degree in computer science.

Name: Danielle Emeka
School: Portland State University
Hometown: New York, New York
She is hirable because: Danielle’s skills include creative writing, photoshop, social media, and website design. Not surprising, since she notes on her WayUp profile that she’s always challenging herself.

Name: Danielle Wilkinson
School: Purdue University
Hometown: Norcross, Georgia
She is hirable because: Danielle has some serious journalism experience. She is the Editor in Chief for the Purdue branch of Her Campus, and is also President of the Association for Women in Communication.

Name: David Baker
School: Berry College
Hometown: Suwanee, Georgia
He is hirable because: David channels his creativity into everything he does—whether it’s his hobbies of music production and playing the piano to his future marketing career.

Name: Duke Nguyen-Ngoc 
School: Augustana College
Hometown: Hanoi, Vietnam
He is hirable because: When Duke was five years old, he appeared in a Vietnamese movie series. This probably means this triple major is also great at public speaking…

Name: Emily Kern
School: Union College
Hometown: Newton, Massachusetts
She is hirable because: Talk about multi-talented. Emily always said she’d never get into writing. Now, she’s a computer science major and an editor for her school’s newspaper.

Name: Emmet Hayes
School: University of Massachusetts
Hometown: Pasadena, California
He is hirable because: Emmet has an array of unique interests. Some of Emmet’s passions include coding, technology, math, science, and music (he plays electric bass in a local band).

Name: Gabriela Yáñez
School: Normandale Community College
Hometown: Minneapolis, Minnesota
She is hirable because: There’s no question that Gabriela is smart and driven. How do we know? She started college when she was only 16 years old!

Name: Hannah Presley
School: Christopher Newport University
Hometown: Finksburg, Maryland
She is hirable because: Hannah isn’t just a future communications leader. She’s also an animal lover, having volunteered at the SPCA for the past several years.

Name: Jonathan Feng
School: UC Berkeley
Hometown: Diamond Bar, California
He is hirable because: Jonathan is a cognitive science major, but he also has a passion for video. His most recent work includes a freelance documentary about the recent forest fires in Santa Rosa, California.

Name: Jonathan Liang
School: Emory University
Hometown: San Diego, California
He is hirable because: His leadership experience includes welcoming and supporting new international students on campus and serving as the Head of Android Development for his school’s programming development club.

Name: Joseph Delgado
School: New Jersey Institute of Technology
Hometown: Saddle Brook, New Jersey
He is hirable because: Joseph has no shortage of technical skills. This computer science major lists 3D printing, game development, and several programming languages as his areas of expertise.

Name: Joshua Chin
School: Cornell University
Hometown: Branchburg, New Jersey
He is hirable because: Joshua clearly has a passion for technology. As a double major in applied economics and management, he cares about making an impact on others and learning new things.

Name: Junwei Xu 
School: UC San Diego
Hometown: Taiyuan, China
He is hirable because: Junwei has volunteered with UCSD Education Corps for the past year, where he volunteers at schools around San Diego and helps students learn math and Chinese.

Name: Katherine Arriola
School: SUNY Buffalo
Hometown: New York, New York
She is hirable because: This electrical engineering major has impressive leadership experience. She teaches computing workshops and classes to middle school and high school girls, and is also the secretary for the National Society For Black Engineers.

Name: Kayla Orlando
School: Marist College
Hometown: New York, New York
She is hirable because: Kayla has an impressive range of hobbies, including traveling, video games, ice hockey, boxing, editing, and PC building. What doesn’t this girl do?

Name: Kelsi Navalta
School: University of the Pacific
Hometown: San Jose, California
She is hirable because: Kelsi may be going to school for biology, but her Instagram feed is proof that she also has some serious photography skills.

Name: Kendra Tallman
School: University of Nebraska
Hometown: Kennewick, Washington
She is hirable because: Kendra is an English major, but reading and writing aren’t the only things she loves to do in her spare time. She’s also a fan of sewing, drawing, painting, yoga, and video games.

Name: Kevin Bjelland
School: Utah State University
Hometown: Rancho Cucamonga, California
He is hirable because: Kevin works a full-time while going to school. Talk about time-management skills…

Name: Mariia Onipchenko
School: Northeastern University
Hometown: Saint Moritz, Switzerland
She is hirable because: Mariia completed three co-ops during her time at Northeastern—one of them abroad. She also did not one, but two study abroad programs to understand how different businesses and cultures operate.

Name: Matthew Stanfield
School: Missouri University of Science and Technology
Hometown: Grandview, Missouri
He is hirable because: In addition to being an aspiring aerospace engineer, Matthew also volunteers his time socializing shelter dogs, playing piano at his church, and helping alleviate poverty in Guatemala and El Salvador.

Name: Meg Weck
School: Tufts University
Hometown: Princeton, New Jersey
She is hirable because: This English and film major has a whole lot of leadership experience, including serving as the student government programming chair and being an assistant teacher for underprivileged children.

Name: Mia Stranberg
School: Concordia College at Moorhead
Hometown: Andover, Minnesota
She is hirable because: Mia has an impressive amount of volunteer experience, including assisting teachers at a Spanish-immersion school, and supporting an organization whose mission is to end human trafficking.

Name: Micaela Gately
School: Florida Southern College
Hometown: Stevensville, Maryland
She is hirable because: Judging from her coursework, Micaela has an amazing career ahead of her. She’s studied topics like sales management, industrial psychology, applied business statistics, management principles, and more.

Name: Michaela Mucha
School: High Point University
Hometown: Havre de Grace, Maryland
She is hirable because: Throughout her college career, Michaela has volunteered with the US Army, Habitat for Humanity, NYC Pride, Food Recovery Network, and more.

Name: Mohammad Afrasiabi
School: CSU Northridge
Hometown: San Fernando, California
He is hirable because: Mohammad has some pretty unique volunteering experience: working at a therapeutic horseback riding center. He helps children ride the horses and complete different games and activities.

Name: Nicholas Espinosa
School: University of Central Florida
Hometown: Orlando, Florida
He is hirable because: This computer science major has some seriously interesting hobbies. Among them: gaming, playing instruments, record collecting, DIY projects, board games, and cryptography.

Name: Nityam Jigyasu
School: Texas State University
Hometown: Mumbai, India
He is hirable because: Nityam speaks four languages: English, French, Gujarati, Hindi, and Marathi. And that’s not including the programming languages he knows.

Name: Pauleen Banzuela
School: UC Riverside
Hometown: Corona, California
She is hirable because: When she’s not in class, this bioengineering major loves powerlifting, hiking, drawing, and traveling.

Name: Prince Ikede
School: Carroll University
Hometown: New York, New York
He is hirable because: This college athlete isn’t afraid of a challenge. He plays soccer, basketball, and can jump over anyone who’s shorter than 6 feet.

Name: Renay Brown
School: Stephen F Austin State University
Hometown: Los Angeles, California
He is hirable because: This California native is an involved member of his schools “Men of Achievement” organization, and loves problem solving. He even developed an app that would allow the whole organization to communicate and interact outside of their meetings!

Name: Renee Li
School: Rice University
Hometown: San Antonio
She is hirable because: Renee is a math wizard who enjoys helping others. She started her own SAT math tutoring business and has tutored over 30 students.

Name: Ryan Murray
School: Oregon State University
Hometown: Newnan, Georgia
He is hirable because: Ryan mentors other students in the engineering department. Why? He has some impressive technical skills including c++, css, html, java, python, and more.

Name: Sabrina Lee
School: UC San Diego
Hometown: Carlsbad, California
She is hirable because: She’s a fast learner who’s not afraid to teach herself new skills. She plays piano, and taught herself how to play the guitar and the ukulele.

Name: Saul Flores-Lopez
School: University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
Hometown: Sheboygan, Wisconsin
He is hirable because: This Google student ambassador worked at a factory making toilet seats every summer throughout his undergraduate college years in order to help pay for it. Talk about hustle.

Name: Scott Allen
School: Eastern Washington University
Hometown: Renton, Washington
He is hirable because: Don’t try to keep up with Scott on a bike. He placed 45th at collegiate cycling nationals last year, and his goal is to make the top 20 this year!

Name: Sunny Chen
School: Baruch College
Hometown: New York, New York
He is hirable because: Sunny has a wide range of skills. He can build sophisticated pivot tables, beautiful keynote presentations, figure out your SEO strategy, and even get in the weeds with your social media strategy.

Name: William Mandl
School: Indiana University
Hometown: Livingston, New Jersey
He is hirable because: This future health and medicine leader is a great role model as well. As a two-time high school sports captain, he now brings his love of sports to elementary school children he coaches in lacrosse.

Name: Yeho Hwang
School: New York University
Hometown: Teaneck, New Jersey
She is hirable because: Yeho speaks three languages (English, Korean, and Chinese) and has some impressive leadership experience. She’s the Recording Secretary for Kappa Kappa Gamma, and the President of Habitat for Humanity on campus.

Name: Zebrielle Wheatley
School: University of Maryland
Hometown: Washington, District of Columbia
She is hirable because: You can count on Zebrielle to put in 100%, always. She had perfect attendance from kindergarten through her senior year of high school!

The post Introducing WayUp’s Most Hirable Seniors appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

Sometimes it’s hard to be yourself at work. Ken Bouyer knows that firsthand. When he first joined professional services organization Ernst & Young LLP (EY), he was convinced he had to be someone else to succeed there — until a teammate completely changed his perspective.

Now he’s the Director of Inclusiveness Recruiting for EY Americas. Here, Ken shares why diversity should be a top priority for all job searchers and how it impacts everyone at a company, from interns all the way to executives.

How do you define diversity and inclusion?
When people hear the word ”diversity,” they may get turned off, but EY’s focus on diversity is really broadly defined. No matter who you are, you’re diverse in some form or fashion. It goes far beyond skin color and gender and includes veterans, LGBTQ individuals, and even diversity of thought and perspective.

Frankly, diversity is about all differences. At EY, inclusiveness is the way we leverage those differences to achieve better business results—creating an environment where all of our people feel (and are) valued. If you effectively leverage differences, you drive innovation, create a sense of belonging and inclusion, and deliver different perspectives and approaches to clients and consumers.

Why is workplace diversity so important?
You have the highest-performing teams when you have diversity on those teams—people who will pull from their unique point of view to challenge decisions when needed. Diversity is also critical to innovation. When you think about companies like Airbnb that disrupted an entire industry, you need diversity of thought for that to happen.”

A lot of companies say they care about diversity. How can a job searcher know if a company really means it?
The best thing they can do is ask for examples of how that company supports diversity and inclusion. If you asked me, I’d tell you that 25 years ago 10% of our hires were minorities. Now it’s 30% and there are people who wake up every single day thinking about how we’re going to impact diversity for EY.

You talk a lot about wanting employees to be their authentic selves, but sometimes that’s hard to do at work. How does EY make it easier?
Early on in my career here, I thought I had to be someone else to get ahead. Then a partner told me, “We hired you to be who you are, not someone else.” Those reminders are critical. Once you start with EY, we have a lot of support networks, whether it’s the Black Professional Network, the Latino Professional Network, the Veterans Network, the Professional Women’s Network, or one of nine other groups. These networks are places where you can feel at home, have honest conversations, ask questions, and challenge thinking.

Any final advice about embracing diversity and inclusion, especially for someone who’s just starting their career?
Ask yourself whether or not you have real conversations with the people around you—not just your group of friends. Do you know what religion they practice or why they take certain days off from school or work? What kind of food do they eat? What is their family like? When it comes to diversity, you need to get comfortable with being uncomfortable. When you do that, you’ll be amazed by how you’ll learn and grow.

Interested in building your career at EY? They’re hiring. Check them out now on WayUp.

More from EY:
4 Ways EY Employees are Giving Back
Your Guide to a Career in Consulting
Top Consulting Interview Questions

The post Why Everyone (Yes, Everyone) Should Care about Diversity in their Job Search appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

When you meet Amy, you know almost instantly that she’s driven to succeed. It’s fitting, then, that she found a dream job at a company whose business is built on putting people in the driver’s seat.

Let us explain.

While studying business management at Florida SouthWestern State College, she maintained an intense work schedule. Apart
from a full course load, she worked as a medical assistant and then as a dental office supervisor.

Difficult as it was at times, Amy—who was born in the Dominican Republic and moved to the U.S. as a teenager—knew the experience would help her achieve her dream of starting her own business.

Yet even with all her experience, she kept encountering the same obstacle during her post-grad job search: Every company seemed to require prior management experience. Instead of becoming discouraged, however, she continued to look for opportunities.

Then she heard about the Enterprise Management Training Program, which provided all the training necessary to learn how to run a business —no prior management experience needed.

Jackpot.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY TO WORK AT ENTERPRISE RENT-A-CAR NOW!

Way More Than Car Rentals

Armed with her entrepreneurial spirit and customer service experience from her college jobs, Amy landed a spot in Enterprise’s program.

As excited as she was to start both her classroom and one-on-one training, she was even more excited to join her peers in the branch and use what she learned to help grow the business. It’s true that the Management Training Program teaches you how to run all aspects of a business, but getting to put that training into action is where the magic really happens.

For Amy, there was a defining moment when she realized her job had a real impact on people’s lives.

“A couple that had recently gotten married came into our branch,” she says. “They had a reservation for a mid-size vehicle, but I realized they had so many things with them—including a wedding dress. The car they rented wouldn’t have fit all their belongings, so I offered them a minivan upgrade. They were thrilled.”

As Amy knows well, it’s the little things that can truly have a profound impact.

APPLY TO WORK AT ENTERPRISE RENT-A-CAR NOW!

The Road to Running Things

Though Amy’s only been at Enterprise for eight months, she’s grown her management and leadership skills more than she ever expected. She already feels empowered to make decisions that contribute to her branch’s success.

What about her dream of running her own business? “After I started working here, I felt like I didn’t need to go anywhere else,” she says.

Translation: She IS running a business—as a Management Trainee at Enterprise.

She also has an entire team behind her every day, from managers to peers, who celebrate her wins and help her succeed. They were right beside her for her biggest career achievement yet: passing her recent management exam, which came with a promotion to Management Assistant (her first at the company).

Yes, you read that right: She got a promotion after only eight months on the job.

Compared to other jobs she’s had, the recognition she receives at Enterprise is unparalleled. “Before Enterprise, I worked for five years and never got a promotion or acknowledgement for my work,” she says. “One of Enterprise’s Founding Values is ‘we work hard… and we reward hard work,’ and I’ve already experienced that firsthand.”

Interested in working in the Enterprise Management Training Program? Amy says the most successful candidates are dedicated, organized, self-motivated, great communicators, and curious.

Sound like you? Enterprise is hiring Management Trainees across the country now!

—

If you’re looking to jump-start your career with a clear path to advancement, then the Enterprise Management Training Program is for you. Whether you see yourself in sales, business development, customer service or operations, this program will prepare you to create your ideal career. As a Management Trainee, you can count on a defined career trajectory with a clear beginning and an open end — meaning you can take your training and shape your future. And with our promote-from-within philosophy, you will have plenty of opportunities to advance without ever having to change companies.

The post How I Went From Graduating College To Running My Own Business appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

While internships are essential experiences, with a new environment and a new set of skills to learn, mistakes are bound to happen. The good part? This is totally okay (and completely normal).

Here’s what you need to know about coming to terms with the mistakes you’ve made during your internship.

You’re not the only one.

It’s important to keep things in perspective. You’re not the only intern who has ever made a mistake. All interns (and full-time employees) make mistakes, because we’re only human and it’s a natural part of life. It can be easy to trap yourself into thinking that everyone else is perfect and you’re the only one who has messed up, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Your supervisor, your boss, your co-workers and your fellow interns have made mistakes, and they were able to get past them, so you can too.

It’s a learning opportunity.

Usually, you make a mistake when you’re unfamiliar with something or you’re doing a task or project for the first time, so when you do mess up, think about how you can improve the next time you’re in that situation. For example, ask a question if you’re confused, conduct research on what you’re doing or go a little bit slower and take your time. What’s key here is that you learn from your mistake so that you don’t repeat it again. Mistakes only become an issue when they happen over and over again, so make sure to own up to your mistake and make an effort to change it.

It’s not the end of the world.

As soon as you make a mistake, several thoughts are floating through your head. ‘Are they going to fire me? What if I leave a bad impression for the rest of my internship? Will my supervisor ever give me another assignment?’ As long as making mistakes isn’t a habit, the answer to these questions is almost always going to be no. Your supervisor and co-workers understand that you’re an intern and that you’re going to make mistakes. In fact, they expect you to and would probably be surprised if you didn’t, because making a mistake means you’re in the process of learning and that’s the whole point of an internship.

When you think back on the mistakes you’ve made during your internship, don’t worry. Simply own up to them and do everything you can to improve. One mistake doesn’t define your entire internship experience or you as a person, for that matter. You’re all still the rockstar interns that we know you are!

The post Why It’s Okay To Make Mistakes During Your Internship appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

This article was adapted from the blog post “Seven Habits for Success in the Workplace of the Future.” You can read the full text here.

The way we work is changing. From the sheer number of tools we have for communicating with people inside and outside the office to the idea of working remotely becoming more and more commonplace, things look a lot different now than they did when your parents started their first jobs. And it’s bound to change even more in the future.

So how do you make sure you’re ready no matter what?

The team at Accenture Federal Services is accustomed to thinking one (and often many) steps ahead. So to help you succeed no matter how much the way we work changes, their recruiting team shared five things they want you to know.

APPLY TO WORK AT ACCENTURE FEDERAL SERVICES

1. How you communicate is important.

Depending on the person we’re communicating with, we might text, call, email, send a message on social media, or have a conversation in person. And those are just a few basic options. We’re not just faced with an endless number of ways to communicate; we’re also connected at all times.

But here’s one skill that’s timeless: understanding whom you’re communicating with, and the most efficient, clear, and authentic way to communicate with them. Will you get more done if you talk to a coworker in person for five minutes, rather than messaging them on a chat app? Will your client be more likely to remember your message if you email them a clear list of next steps instead of calling? Figure these things out, and you’ll be well on your way.

2. Don’t let a flexible work environment get the best of you.

Whether you work in a traditional office, from your kitchen table, on-site for a client, or at the local coffee shop, each setting comes with its own challenges and benefits. No matter the work environment, it’s important to set boundaries so you stay focused and get through your to-do list.

If you work from home, create a dedicated office space that’s set up for productivity (the couch might be tempting, but you probably associate it with relaxing after a long day). If your job has you on the go all the time, make sure you have everything you need so work isn’t interrupted—like chargers for all your devices and a mobile hotspot in case WiFi is scarce.

APPLY TO WORK AT ACCENTURE FEDERAL SERVICES

3. Know when to disconnect.

There’s a fine line between using technology to be more efficient and over-using it because it’s so easy to access. Depending on the expectations of your specific job, set specific times of the day (an hour before bed) or scenarios (out to dinner with friends) when you push work-related things to the back of your mind and avoid checking email on your phone. Taking a break lets you relax and clear your head, so you’ll feel more refreshed when you do return to those emails.

4. Never stop learning.

You’ll probably reach a point when you’re very comfortable with the responsibilities at your job. But that’s not the time to sit back and relax. Instead, read up on the latest business or tech trends, follow blogs or social media accounts that cover your industry, and subscribe to a relevant newsletter or two. Want to really gain an advantage? There are plenty of free online courses and seminars that’ll prepare you to be even better at your job in the future than you are right now.

5. Keep an open mind and embrace change.

In every field—and especially if you’re working in technology—the best way to keep up is to view changes as opportunities, rather than challenges. The tools your team uses, the projects you work on, and even the structure of your team may change multiple times. You might even collaborate with other teams or companies to get the job done. No matter how much your environment changes, the best thing you can do is stay flexible and soak up as much knowledge as possible from each new experience.

Ready to join a team that’s already taking on the future of work? Accenture Federal Services is hiring now! Check out their open jobs on WayUp!

Accenture Federal Services has served every cabinet-level department and 30 of the largest federal organizations. Accenture Federal Services transforms bold ideas into breakthrough outcomes for clients at defense, intelligence, public safety, civilian and military health organizations.

The post Want to be Great at Your Job? Then You Need to Forget About It (Sometimes) appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

Hi, I’m Megan! As a college senior going into my last semester of college at Syracuse University, I’ve spent far too many hours over the past few months trying to figure out what I want to do after graduation.

The conclusion? I still don’t know! In fact, not only am I unsure of the industry I want to be in, but I’m also not sure of what kind of role I want or even what type of company I want to work for.

If you’re facing this dilemma, too, don’t worry. It’s alright. The only thing we can do is begin learning what we like, and what we don’t like (as well as what we’re good at, and what we’re bad at!). If you’re like me and still figuring it out, I recommend trying these steps to help narrow your choices down, and gain a better understanding of what your professional preferences might be!

1. Take a career exploration class.

A little career research now could save you lots of time in the future!

Many schools actually offer career exploration classes. These are courses in which you take a variety of personality and aptitude tests to determine your strengths and weaknesses to use as a jumping off point for further career research. Jenna, a Digital Marketing Associate at WayUp, said that taking a career exploration class was instrumental in helping her find out that she was interested in marketing. She learned that because she is both analytical and creative, digital marketing would be an ideal industry to explore!

2. Attend as many panel events as you can.

Channel your inner Leslie Knope and make the most of your time by attending panels.

If your school doesn’t offer a career exploration course, try seeking out on-campus career panels for the different fields you are interested in. Most departments will host panels with professionals in a variety of different roles, so it’s an easy way to get information about careers you might not have even known existed! I’ve gone to several career panels for public relations, advertising and even entrepreneurship, and always come away with ideas for roles to look into, as well as some new professional contacts to build my network!

3. Job shadow someone working in the field you are interested in.

Make sure to ask lots of questions at your job shadow!

Once you’ve identified a role or company that sparks your interest, see if you can set up a job shadow with someone who has this job. They could be a family friend, someone your professor introduced you to, or an alumnus from your school. Alumni are often eager to help, and are a great resource to leverage throughout your time in school. So far I’ve shadowed employees in PR, product design, and content creation!

Use your time at the job shadow to learn what that individual does, and ask specific questions to see if their position might also be a fit for you. In addition, be sure to speak with other people at the office. You never know, you might shadow one person, but be really intrigued by a role on a different team altogether!

4. Intern!

It might take a few internships before you find the right fit for you!

A good internship is the best way to learn about a certain position or company. I’ve found it helpful to keep notes about the different tasks I’ve done throughout the day at my internship so that when it’s over, I can quickly look through and determine what aspects I liked and which I didn’t. This can be a great jumping off point to determine if you’d like to do something similar in the future or try something different!

It’s more than okay to be overwhelmed by the job search as you’re approaching graduation. However, taking the initiative to reach out to a new contact or attend a particular panel are just some of the ways you’ll figure out what you want to do in your career.

Over the past three and a half years I’ve slowly been getting closer to figuring it out. Going into my last semester, I’m going to continue keeping an ear out for possible jobs I’d like after graduation, attend a few career fairs and reach out to some of my networking contacts as graduation draws nearer. I’m confident that this semester I’ll be able to build on my past experiences and find the right job fit for me!

You got this!

The post I’m a College Senior Who’s Still Figuring out What I Want to Do after Graduation—and I’m Okay with That appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

It’s no secret that January is a hot month to apply for jobs.

Whether they’re an underclassmen trying to get internship applications in before the semester picks up, or a senior trying to figure out what they want to do after graduation, January is the time when students put their career goals into motion.

New year new you right?!

In honor of all that job searching happening this month, we surveyed over 750 students and asked them to rank what is most important to them when evaluating a potential employer. We’re not talking about perks like great snacks and gym discounts. This is about the stuff that actually matters — such as company culture, advancement opportunities, inclusivity, and more.

Check out our findings below!

Work-life balance is more important than you think.

Of the general population of 750 students we surveyed, 48.5% said that work-life balance was one of the three most important attributes they evaluate when picking an employer. Interestingly, this number jumped to 52.9% among diverse students (African Americans, Hispanics, and multiracial individuals), and 59.5% when it came to asking students studying business. Also worth noting: work-life balance does not mean an equal balance between work and play. What it truly means is whether your company correctly prioritizes the things that matter most to employees such as health, leisure time, and family.

Corporate America, listen up: The next generation of business minds needs work-life balance. Younger workers value things like exercise, travel, and family just as much as they care about advancing in their career.

When it comes to recruiting younger employees, make sure that you communicate that work-life balance is taken seriously in your organization!

Young job searchers look for companies with a purpose-driven culture—that also aligns with their values.  

Right after work-life balance and salary (because let’s face it, we’ve all got bills to pay), students ranked company culture as an important consideration when picking an employer.

43.9% of the general population of students rated having a “purpose-driven culture aligned with my personal values” as one of their three key requirements when evaluating an employer. Interestingly enough, students majoring in STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) didn’t rank this condition quite as highly. Only 39.7% ranked this among their top-three aspects when figuring out where to work.

Why does this matter? Students want to work for a company that sees eye to eye with them. Whether its environmental sustainability or LGBTQ support, young workers want to know that their employer shares their values when it comes to social issues.

Not everyone prioritizes big name brands.

It’s no secret that many students want to work for companies with recognizable names. According to our survey, 33.7% of students listed “a company name to build my resume” as one of their three most important requirements.

Also interesting: big names seem to be more critical to women and minority students. 35.2% of female students surveyed ranked this attribute in their top three, and 42% of diverse students did.

Interestingly, MBA candidates and STEM majors felt less strongly about brand names. Only 27.4% of MBA students and 31.8% of STEM students surveyed ranked this as one of their three most crucial attributes when searching for a job.

Companies with recognizable brand names certainly have an easier time attracting talent. However, if this survey shows anything, it’s that students care about much more than “just a label.”

Students want to see that their work has a real impact.

Whether going to work for a Fortune 500 organization or a growing startup, students want to see that their work has a real impact on the company.

Out of all the students we surveyed, 38.3% said that a workplace where they can see the impact of their contributions was one of their three most critical components when choosing an employer.

Interestingly, women and STEM students ranked this slightly lower than the general group: Only 36.3% of women and 36.4% of STEM students said this was one of their top three attributes. Meanwhile, diverse students and MBA candidates ranked this attribute higher: 43.1% of STEM students and 40.7% of MBAs said that this was a top priority.

Students value transparency and want to see that their work drives real results. They want to know why they are building a specific spreadsheet or designing a special newsletter. Even if it seems obvious, always share the “big picture” impact with the students and recent grads you are looking to hire.

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This survey was conducted from September 2017 – October 2017 among 750 undergrad and MBA students, with a primary focus on Business and Physical Engineering majors that had a proper distribution across gender and year of study.

The post What Do Students Really Want When Choosing an Employer? appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

Back in October, I wrote a piece for WayUp about prioritizing your needs in your job search. One of the five tips I offered was to view your next role as a one- or two-year commitment. I shared that one of the most overwhelming aspects of a job search can be perceiving that whatever decision we make will last for years or for our entire lives. We put a tremendous amount of pressure on the decisions we believe will shape us, our success, and our experience of ourselves and the world around us.

This pressure can influence our decision or skew our priorities. Pressure, in this case and many others, can lead us to feel trapped.

To relieve some of that pressure, let’s delve deeper into six freedoms that come with a one- or two-year plan. I call this short-term vision.

1. Freedom not to know the long-term answers
At 17 or 18, often sooner, we are expected to answer the question, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” This may also sound like, “What is your major?” or, “Do you have an internship this summer?”

Occasionally, we have a friend, roommate, or loved one who is on a laser-focused mission. This person knows exactly what the next 15 years looks like, broken down into digestible, action-oriented steps.

This person is not the norm. More often, you have a range of interests. You haven’t yet had the opportunity to try them all in a professional setting. You haven’t yet been exposed to the variety of ways in which you can employ your many passions and skills.

If you commit to a one- or two-year plan, the answer to “What do you want to be when you grow up?” can be “I don’t know.” Because you don’t have to know. Because, despite the many stressors and decisions that come with technology and a wealth of information, we are experiencing a transition in career trajectory. We do not know what the next 1, 5, or 10 years will bring. Even if you had a plan for your future, you would very likely need to adjust it.

When you create a vision for the next year or two years, your answer can revolve around what you are doing now. What are your goals for the next 12 months? Why?

2. Freedom to try something new
The question that often follows an inevitable “I don’t know” response to “What do you want to be when you grow up?” is “Well, what are you good at?”

This question is not obsolete. You may encounter much insight by exploring what you are good at. Often, you are good at something because you have prioritized learning more about it, or you practice it often because it brings you joy.

However, just because you are good at something, does not necessitate that you are passionate about it. You may be a very talented mathematician but hate formulas.

When we were expected to work in one place for a lifetime, and to advance through a hierarchy, it made sense to evaluate what skills of ours stood out most among the others.

When you have a one- or two-year plan, you have the freedom to challenge yourself. You have the freedom to try something new.

Say you are the talented mathematician mentioned above. You are 24 and have been working two years in your current math-focused, office-based job. You find that the best part of your day is when you have an opportunity to answer others’ math-related questions. You wonder what it would be like to teach.

With a one- or two-year plan, you can experiment. Say you volunteer as a teacher for one or two years. At 26, you have a chance to return to an office-based job, having lost nothing, or, perhaps, you have discovered a new trajectory for yourself, which creates more opportunities for the best parts of your day, and reduces the worst.

3. Freedom to explore the next level of your current skills
Say, unlike the mathematician above, you are satisfied with your current work. However, you are beginning to feel comfortable. Perhaps a little too comfortable. You wonder what the next chapter of your professional trajectory looks like, but you don’t want to transition to another place of work.

With your one- or two-year plan, you can pencil additional learning into your routine. Perhaps you are an engineer and you code in three languages. Over one or two years, you may like to learn a fourth. For one evening or one weekend afternoon per week, during your short-term vision, you take an online course or join a coding community and learn with a team. That fourth language may open doors for you, either in your current role, in a more senior role at your current company, or at a new company entirely.

4. Freedom to fail
Even reading the word “fail” may tighten some knots in your stomach. As hinted in the anecdotes above, having a one- or two-year plan affords you an opportunity to fail with limited risk.

Either the mathematician or the engineer above may try teaching, or the fourth language, and fail. They may hate it. They may not be very good at it. After the 12 or 24 months, they will have tried something new, grown as a person, familiarized with new and different sides of their personal and professional personalities, and in the end, found themselves in the same position. A mere one or two years older, the only loss is time.

Ekaterina Walter, a contributor at Forbes and a powerful leader, spoke in a Ted Talk about failure and shared 30 inspiring quotes with Forbes here. One that speaks to me is from Ellen DeGeneres, who said, “When you take risks you learn that there will be times when you succeed and there will be times when you fail, and both are equally important.”

As mentioned above, we are in a professional age where we transition between various roles and places of work. What matters more than age in job applications is experience, resilience, self-awareness about your strengths and weaknesses, and willingness to try. What matters most is not whether you fail, but how you react when you inevitably fail, and how you go about bouncing back.

5. Freedom to familiarize with yourself
Each and every moment, day, and year, we change. There is no possible way we can know at 18 who we will be and what we will want at 65.

With a one- or two-year plan, you can ask yourself, “What am I most curious about right now?”

What do you want to learn more about? What new skills can complement your current role? What new roles do you find your mind wandering to between tasks?

Maybe your work life is relatively stable right now. What inspires your curiosity outside of work? Have you been wanting to read more but finding the time is the challenge? Have you been meaning to change your relationship with food but are finding yourself at a loss of a reliable resource or guide?

Perhaps—and this can be the scariest of all—you feel a gnawing sense of wanting something different, but you do not know what you want, what inspires you, or what you’d like to change.

In this case, your one- or two-year plan can be to challenge yourself to find out. Test the waters. Go to meet-ups or new classes. Join a book club.

One of the best resources for familiarizing with yourself can be therapy. Build this relationship to learn more about your internal world. Ask yourself difficult, thought-provoking questions. Realize how your past and present are impacting your perspective. Which aspects would you like to hold on to, and which would you prefer to let go?

6. Freedom to write the next chapter
After all, the one- or two-year plan is finite. Break down your goals into measurable chunks. Begin with chunks you can comfortably achieve and work up to goals that are more challenging, or more of a reach. Celebrate your wins and lean into your losses. With both, you will learn a tremendous amount.

This post may so far feel over simplified. I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge that change is hard. Setting and achieving goals takes diligence and determination. Blood, sweat, and tears is not a shallow expression.

I encourage you to seek and accept support where and when you can. Your first task is to trust and understand you have the answers within yourself. Your next task is to build an army of supporters around you who will remind you when you need it how brilliant you truly are, just as you are.

As the one or two years come to a close, reflect on where and who you were when you embarked on your short-term vision. Explore which aspects of your journey have changed. And finally, of course, the journey continues. Write your next chapter.

Alyssa Petersel, Founder and CEO of My Wellbeing and author of Somehow I Am Different, graduated Northwestern University in 2013, New York University in 2017 with her Master’s in Social Work, and The Writers’ Institute at CUNY Graduate Center in 2017 with certification in creative nonfiction writing. Alyssa now lives in Brooklyn and enjoys coffee, community, and social justice. Alyssa is happy to help you find your therapist through My Wellbeing, or happy to work with you as a therapist at RevitaLife Therapy.

The post 6 Reasons You Shouldn’t Plan Too Far Ahead in Your Career appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

This post originally appeared on Society of Grownups. 

I’m a student. How can I stick to a budget and still have a social life?

Here at Society of Grownups, we often hear from students who want to budget responsibly. And kudos to them—it’s tempting to take that big initial check of grants and loans, the available line on a new credit card, and the funds from a work-study job right to Amazon, the mall, or a pub.

Savvy Grownups know that resisting those initial temptations can go far, money-wise, and that smart financial decisions, starting now, can really pay off in both the short- and long term.

It’s not all willpower, however: Ariel Anderson, one of our CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professionals, has tips for school-going Grownups who need a little help with budgeting.

Prioritize and Plan
Decide what’s important—prioritize goals, and how soon you’d like to achieve them. Then take a look at where you’ve been spending. Does it match your goals?

Over time, you want to build good spending habits, and sticking to a plan is the way to get there. Here’s how to get started:

1. Jot down every asset. (It may not be much, but don’t get discouraged.) Then, write down everything owed.
2. Determine earnings: What’s coming in? Use a monthly schedule to start tracking.
3. Calculate expenses: What’s outgoing each month?

Then, look ahead.

“Consider how much you earn, owe, and spend on a monthly basis. How much do you have and how long does it have to last?” says Anderson. “Then, take a deeper look and bucket your expenses into wants and needs.  Think of everything—school supplies, transportation costs, dining out from time to time—and see if you can identify any areas to cut out in order to find some wiggle room.”

If your cash flow is negative, get creative about cutting your expenses. Renegotiate your cable contract or share a Netflix account with your best friend. Price shop for groceries instead of accepting the mark-ups at the local convenience store. Maybe even opt for a roommate or cheaper apartment to lower your rent. There are many ways, both big and small, to positively impact on your bottom line. On the flip side, look into getting a side hustle for when you’re not studying. Even a few hours a week will bring in some extra cash!

Embrace the Student Lifestyle
It pays to be aware, and to say no. Resist peer pressure! You don’t need to do every social activity as your friends. To reduce mindless spending, pick and choose only those activities that appeal most to you.

Take advantage of everything you have access to. “Tuition and activity fees often cover a wide range of items, including meal plans, library access, printing services, and gym memberships,” says Anderson. “You already paid for these things, so you might as well use them. And always take advantage of free or low-cost events on campus or around your community. There are tons! For example, I went to college in Boston, and the Boston Public Library gives out free museum passes. Get your friends involved and you’ve found a free social activity.”

Avoid overspending by setting aside money in advance, say $50 at the beginning of the month for coffee. Take advantage of prepaid cards or apps, and once you run out in a given month, it’s done.

Guard your credit card! Be mindful of when you use it and how—and make sure you pay your monthly bill on time.

“Be careful about using your credit card at the bar or opening a tab,” Anderson says. “Instead, take a certain amount of cash out of an ATM and consider that your budget for the night. When you run out of cash, you’re done spending for the evening!”

—
Society of Grownups is a learning initiative of MassMutual where millennials can educate themselves on the basics of personal finance through a digital platform of online classes, financial calculators and editorial-based advice from financial advisors and personal finance experts. Building a solid foundation of knowledge in personal finance topics such as saving, investing, and taxes can empower Grownups to take action toward their goals. For more information, visit www.societyofgrownups.com.

Any third-party resources or websites referenced above are not under Society of Grownups control. Society of Grownups cannot guarantee and are not responsible for the accuracy of the resources, websites, or any products or services available through such resources or websites.

While Society of Grownups hopes the information is useful, it’s only intended to provide general education. It’s not legal, tax, or investment advice, and may not apply or be useful to your specific financial situation. If you need recommendations geared to your personal financial situation, schedule time with a financial planner.

The post How to Make a Budget as a College Student appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

Each year, in 11 cities across the US, accounting students gather for CohnReznick’s two-day Summer Leadership Program. The best part? You may walk away from the program with a winter or summer internship at CohnReznick (ranked one of the top internship programs in the country by WayUp). Landing an internship there will also up your chance of landing a job at the firm after graduation.

Here’s what happens during those two days:

You’ll learn what it takes to build a successful career in public accounting
Four-hundred current CohnReznick employees attended the last Summer Leadership Program. They represented all career levels at the firm, all the way up to Partners, giving students a one-of-a-kind networking opportunity and a chance to hear about life at a mid-size national accounting firm from the people who experience it every day. You’ll also walk away with a better understanding of the career opportunities CohnReznick offers.

You’ll participate in a leadership skills workshop
At CohnReznick, leadership isn’t just reserved for employees in top roles at the firm. Interns are encouraged to make their voices and ideas heard. On day one of the program, last year’s students were challenged to define what it meant to be a leader by reading quotes from famous leaders and discussing which ones they identified with the most.

… and a communication skills workshop
Whether you’re a student, an intern, or you’ve been working in the same job for decades, there’s always room to communicate better. For the second workshop of the Summer Leadership Program, students were split into groups and given LEGO blocks. Each member of the group had a specific role in the project, challenging students to communicate clearly and effectively to build the best project possible before time was up. At the end of both workshops, CohnReznick employees reviewed the results of each workshop and gave valuable feedback that students would use to help them win a case competition the following day.

You may walk away with a winter or summer internship
Can a two-day event really change your accounting career? The answer is “yes”. No matter what, you’ll walk away with new skills and a better understanding of the accounting industry, but those 400 CohnReznick employees who attend the Summer Leadership Program are also there to identify students that are a great fit for a CohnReznick internship. How many companies offer an opportunity like that?

Last year, over 200 students from 74 schools across the country attended CohnReznick’s Summer Leadership Program in their city. Will you be one of them this year? Head over to WayUp now and apply.

The post Accounting Majors: This Two-Day Summer Leadership Program Could Get You Into a Top Internship Program appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

On November 9th, WayUp hosted an incredible event for students and grads in New York City interested in launching a career in finance.

It was not your average “networking” event. We brought together 60+ future finance leaders (and hundreds more who tuned in on Facebook Live) together for a discussion with three top-notch speakers to discuss how to navigate a career in finance, and what diversity in finance means today. Our speakers were very candid with the audience and gave genuine, unfiltered advice on everything from finding a mentor to how to work with people from various backgrounds.

Want a quick recap of some of the best advice and knowledge the speakers shared? Read below!

1. A mentor can block for you, but you need to score the touchdown.
Kellen Carter, the Chief Compliance Officer at investment firm ARK Invest, told students that while mentors can help you find opportunities, it’s up to you to seize them. He gave a football analogy to explain this by saying that, “a mentor can ‘block’ for you, and get you to the five-yard line, but it’s up to you to score a touchdown.”

Mentors can undoubtedly open doors and give excellent guidance, but they can’t nail down a new job or internship for you. It’s up to you to take advantage of the opportunities and advice they provide.

2. Spend time cultivating a network of peers in your industry.
General Catalyst venture capitalist and Rough Draft Ventures founder Peter Boyce II told guests that the worst advice he ever got was from someone who told him not to spend time with other people in venture capital. “Friendships and relationships are vital in the venture community. Sharing notes and insights is a great way to collaborate to find the best investments, even though it’s a competitive space.”

Even though you might be going after the same deal, job, or client, it’s always worth creating a network of peers that you trust who you can rely on. Maintaining quality professional relationships becomes especially key for when you are ready to make your next move!

3. Understanding different cultures and norms is a must in today’s globalized world.
Chris Oglesby, an investment banking associate at Citi, told the audience that Citi is one of the most global organizations he has ever seen. “Citi is a massive company with offices all over the world. I speak to people on my team across many different time zones. It’s critical to understand cultural norms and customs of all of these places to accommodate others and foster a productive working environment.”

Working for a global company comes with lots of perks, but it’s vital to be respectful and understanding of your coworkers—no matter where they are from or what they look like.

4. Push value before you take value.
Peter Boyce II gave some honest advice on cold outreach. “No one drinks more coffee than I do, but when you are asking someone for coffee, give them something of value. Don’t just take, but give.”

All too often in networking, people will ask for a favor or a connection without giving anything in return. To be a more genuine (and effective) networker, offer up feedback or an idea in your outreach. If you can prove that you are insightful and helpful from the start, people will be much more receptive to your outreach.

5. Work twice as hard as the next person.
Kellen Carter graduated from law school in 2010, when the job market was at a low point. However, he believes he was able to land a role at the SEC because he hustled more than anyone else. “Even in a down market you can make it happen. You have to believe, and work twice as hard as the next person.”

Kellen believes that perseverance is the key to success. He’s a big believer that failure should motivate you to work harder, and that rejection should motivate you to improve, not give up.

Want more? Check out the full panel discussion here:

The post 5 Things we Learned From WayUp’s “Diversity in Finance” Panel appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

Want to make your love of cooking, trying new restaurants, or growing your own backyard veggies into your career?

It is possible to turn your passion into your job—if you take the right approach.

There are so many incredible professions tied to food that require a variety of skills—opportunities like becoming a social media manager for a consumer food brand, working as a software engineer for a food delivery startup, or making sales for a restaurant supplier. Even Fortune 500 organizations like Unilever (the makers of Ben & Jerry’s and Hellman’s Mayo) offer incredible full-time jobs and internships in marketing, supply chain management, R&D, and more.

No matter the type of role you are applying for, the best way to differentiate yourself from other candidates is to show employers what makes you unique. Most students and grads don’t realize that companies care about who you are as a person, and what makes you, you. It’s not all about your past work experiences!

Check out some of the tips below for what to talk about on the job search, and how you can shape your “personal brand,” to land your dream position in the food industry.

Talk about your leadership experiences.

Strong leadership skills are vital for success in any role, especially in the food industry. Leadership means many different things, but at its core, a leader is someone who can ”guide or direct a group.”

Think through past experiences in which you displayed leadership. Did you lead your group project in your finance class to an A grade? Were you one of the editors of your school’s Spoon U chapter? These are both excellent examples of leadership that show any prospective employer that you can work well within a team, and collaborate towards a common goal.

However, leadership can also be shown in less apparent ways. Perhaps you worked as a nanny in college to make extra money to pay for your books. Or, managed your family’s diner on the weekends to help your parents make ends meet. Both of these examples of leadership show that you take responsibility, and aren’t afraid of hard work.

Make sure to mention your hobbies.

Believe it or not, companies want to know who you are outside of work or the classroom. Employers today are incredibly focused on hiring teams with diverse interests, which you can bring to life through your hobbies.

No matter what your hobbies are, make sure to talk about them to employers…especially if they have to do with food! Do you bake your own desserts with ingredients you source locally? Are you obsessed with reading biographies of famous chefs? Or, perhaps you binge watch Chef’s Table on Netflix!

Pro tip: By sharing your hobbies, you might even find you have something extremely rare in common with the person who is interviewing you!

Show off your social media presence.

Finally, social media is not just a place for tagging friends in memes and posting pictures from a recent formal. Social media provides an excellent opportunity to brand yourself professionally and curate the image you want others to see of you online.

Maybe it starts with posting about some of the hobbies mentioned above on your channels. Or, perhaps you can create a separate set of handles to feature the delicious foods that you cook, or, the adventurous dishes you try wherever you eat out. Many employers (particularly in creative fields) are excited when applicants show who they are online in a professional but colorful way.

Don’t be afraid to make your social media presence a part of your next professional conversation. Just make sure to curate the image online that you want them to see.

So, start utilizing your leadership, hobbies, and social media presence to help you form your personal brand. In doing so, you’ll be able to convey what you’re passionate about and demonstrate your value in a way that will make you an even more desirable hire to any employer!

The post Want To Land Your Dream Job In The Food Industry? Take These Steps To Stand Out In The Process appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

Work experience isn’t the only way to prove your worth. With Veterans Day just around the corner, we wanted to spotlight some of the incredible veterans in our community who are using the skills and experiences they gained during their service to take their careers to the next level. These veterans prove that the military prepares you for professional success.

From learning how to become effective leaders to developing strong communication and interpersonal skills, the veterans we talked to all agreed that their time in the military helped them learn a lot about themselves and about the world at large. As they embark on the next phase of their careers, they’re using these experiences to craft new paths for themselves and to apply their knowledge in different ways.

Andrew Morris, a Marine Corps Infantry Veteran and aspiring social media marketer, also credits his military service with helping him develop skills and interests that he may not have otherwise developed. “It makes you good at soft skills like team management, project management, organization, and communication,” he explains, emphasizing that he developed these skills while learning how to lead his own team and how to communicate effectively with different people across the chain of command.

Now a marketing major at California State University San Marcos, Andrew is passionate about pursuing a career in social media marketing and compares the day-to-day work involved in marketing to his previous work as a Marine. “During my service, when a mission was assigned I had to make sure that everything was in place and I had to tackle problems along the way to get to a final result,” he explains. “Marketing is a lot like that. Checklists are key.” By applying his skills to a new field, Andrew has been able to use a lot of his knowledge about project management to develop the types of campaigns that deliver results to clients.

A former ROTC cadet and current member of the National Guard, Hillary Esposito also emphasizes how important military service has been to her personal and professional development. Referring to her training, she explains that it taught her how to be confident in her decisions and how to be an effective leader. “They’re constantly putting you in environments where you don’t know how to react,” she says. “You find yourself leading people and you have to portray yourself as if you know what you are doing, and then figure it out.”

During her time in the ROTC, Hillary also worked with a medical unit which led to her developing an interest in the medical field. As a result of her experiences, Hillary has decided to pursue a Masters of Health Administration at Rutgers University with the goal of becoming a hospital administrator. Her driving force? A passion for helping others and the desire to do so on a large scale.

Taylor Davis, a former marine and current education major at Salt Lake Community College, explains that military service helped to prepare him for the next phase of his life and his career. “It was an eye-opening experience,” says Taylor, referring to many of the intense moments he encountered during his time in the military, including being involved with the rescue of Captain Phillips and his crew when the captain’s ship, the Maersk Alabama, was hijacked by Somali pirates in 2009.

Now studying to become a special education teacher, Taylor is using the skills he picked up during his military service to develop his career, and credits the Marines with giving him perspective, teaching him to be patient and giving him the skills to mentor others. With two years left before graduation, Taylor is working as a teacher’s aide to get hands-on teaching experience while still in school. Once he graduates, he looks forward to starting his teaching career.

When it comes to military service, individual experiences are as varied as they are in any other field. However, all of the veterans we spoke with had one thing in common: they emphasized how much those experiences had shaped them and helped them to build a diverse skill set that has set them up for success.

The skills that students pick up in the military are incredibly valuable across a number of different fields and roles. Whether you’re a student veteran with little work experience or any student or recent grad with limited professional experience, remember to consider your volunteer work, hobbies and side project to show employers who you are as a person.

The post According To These Student Veterans, The Military Teaches You More Than You May Think appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

Raise your hand if you’ve ever fallen behind at a job or internship. It’s a frustrating situation to be in, but it’s also incredibly common—most of us have felt stuck at some point.

That’s why we love Matt’s story. Today, Matt is an Assistant Manager at the global transportation provider Enterprise Rent-A-Car, but there’s more to his story than meets the eye.

Matt first joined Enterprise as an intern. The experience was so rewarding that upon graduation he applied to and landed a spot in the Management Training Program at Enterprise. Matt went into the program feeling like he had a major advantage: his internship taught him a lot about the company and his customer service skills were great. But he didn’t get promoted as quickly as he’d hoped. He even saw newer teammates he mentored get promoted before him.

After a year without a promotion, Matt could have chalked it up to a poor fit and applied to other companies. Plenty of people do that. Here’s what he did instead:

Areas for Improvement

In the Enterprise Management Training Program, success is measured on a mix of sales, customer service, business growth, and employee development called the Matrix. Matt’s scores were off the charts for customer service and employee development, but his sales skills needed some improvement. Matt reached out to his manager for guidance and support, and together they came up with a plan. What happened next transformed Matt’s career.

A Major Change 

Matt and his manager worked closely to identify and improve gaps in his sales skills. Through activities like role-playing sales calls, reviewing basic training lessons, and one-on-one meetings to assess his progress, Matt started dramatically improving. His commitment to improving even got him to the top of the employee scores. One month into his improvement project, he was promoted to Assistant Manager. This summer, he celebrated another major achievement: becoming one of the top Assistant Managers in his area.

A Company-Wide Support System

“The management team here is driven to make sure you’re comfortable doing things the right way and learning the right way,” Matt says. “People have always taken me under their wing here, from area managers down to branch and assistant managers. It’s really a team effort for the customer.”

Because of that level of support, Matt made more progress staying at Enterprise than he would have if he gave up and went to another company. Now, he inspires other new hires to stick with it.

Matt shared a few reminders for anyone who feels like they’re falling behind at work:

1. Once upon a time, even the CEO knew nothing about the company (and probably faced a good deal of challenges at some point). Everyone has to start from the beginning and everyone faces professional setbacks. If you feel like you can’t get ahead, this should help keep things in perspective until you’re back at the top.

2. If you’re having a tough time at work, make it clear to your manager that you’re dedicated to making improvements. Be proactive about finding a solution, and you’ll probably find he or she is happy to help you out.

3. Don’t stop learning and improving once you’ve caught up. If you’re already in the habit of professional development, keep that momentum going. There are always opportunities to keep improving—no matter where you are in your career.

Want to work for a company that’s committed to helping you succeed? Enterprise Rent-A-Car is hiring now, so head over to WayUp and apply!

The post How this Assistant Manager Went from Falling Behind to Being One of the Best Performers on His Team appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

Want an internship that gives you world-class training, takes you on tours of top companies, and provides access to technical certifications to help you get ahead?

You’ll find it all at CDW, a Fortune 200 company and leading IT solutions and services provider. CDW partners with over 1,000 leading technology brands to help meet the technology needs of customers around the world.

Last year in Chicago, CDW provided career-changing experiences to nearly 100 interns from almost 50 colleges. Any of them can tell you CDW approaches professional development differently. After all, there’s a reason they were named a top internship program in WayUp’s National Intern Day awards.

But how, exactly, is CDW different? Here’s an inside look:

1. Interns Learn How To Build Their Personal Brand

Summer interns are taught how to put their best foot forward—both online and in person. One professional development event brings in a LinkedIn guest speaker to help interns build rockstar profiles. Interns also work with CDW’s Social Media team and learn how to shine on any social platform.

CDW interns have exposure to executives, and they’re encouraged to speak up and share ideas. To help make the most of those interactions, interns learn how to best represent themselves during conversations and presentations. During a special Executive breakfast, summer interns also get to network with executives and have the unique opportunity to share career aspirations and what they’ve learned during the program.

2. Interns Get Top-Notch Training

Every year, interns complete Lean Six Sigma “White Belt Training”—a structured set of trainings focused on improving productivity and performance. In addition to training sessions on professional skills like public speaking, coworkers from CDW’s leadership team join interns for lunch to discuss the impact of White Belt Training on their own careers.

One of the most amazing parts? These experiences are also an opportunity to network and collaborate with interns across the organization. Interns from IT, sales, finance, marketing, and other departments all come together to share knowledge about their specific fields and learn about other departments at CDW.

Professional Development Days make CDW’s Summer Internship Program one-of-a-kind, but the theme of continuous learning isn’t just for interns. No matter where they are in their career at CDW, coworkers have access to amazing training programs and resources to help them advance in their careers.

3. Interns Team Up with Each Other During a Volunteer Day

Summer interns also have access to rewarding opportunities outside the office. Last year, interns gave back to the community by painting an old school on Chicago’s South Side and installed air conditioners to improve the learning environment for local students. More than half of the summer interns participated in this optional program to beautify the school, which was counted as a paid day of work.

The activities outside of the office don’t stop there: summer interns also go to Chicago sporting events, attend vendor events, and visit CDW’s distribution center.

Ready to see for yourself what CDW is all about? They’re hiring now, so head over to WayUp to explore their open positions, and apply.

More from CDW:
Five Things We Can All Learn from this Company’s Sales Training Program

The post How One Of The Top Internship Programs In The Country Approaches Professional Development appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

One day, a man named Jim Casey asked a friend to lend him $100 to start a business. It was 1907 and he was only 19 years old at the time.

His idea? UPS—the biggest package delivery company in the world.

Here are a few things his story can teach all of us about life and work:

1. Trust Your Instincts

We’re not sure if Jim Casey ever questioned asking his friend for a loan, but he did it nonetheless. If you’re passionate about your idea and committed to making it a reality, push that doubt aside and go after your goals.

2. Don’t Stop at Success

Is your idea working? Great! Now keep going. People were happy with UPS, then the company gave them something to be even happier about: overnight deliveries. It was a huge success because, well, no one likes to wait.

3. People Want to Be in the Know

People are more likely to believe in your ideas if you’re transparent with them. For UPS, that meant introducing online tracking so customers knew exactly where their package was at all times. Today, the company gets 101.5 million tracking requests every single day.

4. Change is Good

Sometimes slight changes are in order. Other times, success calls for big shifts in how you do things. Did you know that UPS invests $1 billion a year in tech initiatives? That money goes towards things like chatbots for customer service, drones that monitor warehouse stock, and a system that automatically plans tens of thousands of delivery routes per minute.

Ready to be a changemaker? UPS is hiring on WayUp now!

The post How A $100 Loan Helped Create One Of The World’s Biggest Companies appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

Whether you’re looking for an internship or a full-time job, if you’re a little spooked by the job search…you’re definitely not alone.

In fact, we recently conducted a survey of almost 600 students and recent grads right before Halloween to find out what the scariest parts of the job search process are.

Ready to see how your fears stack up? Here’s what we uncovered.

Students are afraid of not being able to stand out during the job search

When it comes to setting themselves apart, it turns out that students are much more scared than recent grads that they’ll get lost in the crowd. In fact, 31% of students compared to 23% of recent grads say they’re scared they won’t be able to make themselves stand out during the application process.

Does this sound like you? Luckily, there’s a lot you can do to get noticed, including creating a personal brand that will help you stand out to employers.

Students and recent grads are worried that they won’t land a job, not that they won’t like it

While many students and recent grads are worried that they’re not qualified to get a job, few are worried that they’ll hate the job they get. In fact, only 13% of students and 10% of recent grads said they considered the possibility that their dream job might turn into a nightmare.

If you’re among those who are afraid that your new job won’t be a fit, don’t worry. Even if your new job or internship isn’t the best, there’s a lot you can do to address the situation and come out on top.

Both students and recent grads are afraid of in-person interviews

The biggest fear of all? You guessed it — interviews! Nearly 60% of students and recent grads are afraid of interviewing, especially when those interviews in person rather than over the phone or video. And while nerves are a pretty common part of the interview process, there’s a lot you can do to make sure that you’re prepared and ready to face whatever question the hiring manager might throw your way.

Pro tip: Practice makes perfect. Check out some of our videos on how to nail the most common interview questions like “Tell me about yourself” and “Why did you choose to attend this university or college?,” and spend some time rehearsing your answers in front of the mirror or with a friend.

So whether you’re scared of interviewing, having your application get lost in the pile or disliking your new job, you’re not alone. The good news is that by knowing what to expect — and how to tackle the job hunt — you can put those fears to rest and land a job that’s right for you.

So remember to have a happy Halloween and not to let the job search spook you!

The post Spooked by the Job Search? You’re Not Alone appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

All of these college grads have two things in common:

1. Their tuition for their online bachelor’s degree program at Arizona State University was fully covered through the Starbucks College Achievement Plan, or SCAP for short.
2. They have some amazing post-grad plans.

With their new degrees in hand, here’s what these Starbucks partners are taking on next:

Ready to take on your own college and career dreams? Starbucks is hiring baristas across the country on WayUp!

Barista Application Tip!
Did you know you can submit your application to up to 5 stores at one time? In order to stand out after submitting your application, stop by the store(s) you applied to and introduce yourself to the manager or shift supervisor. Let them know you recently applied and what excites you about the opportunity. If you don’t get a call for an interview within 60 days, you can re-apply to the same or different stores. Good luck!

The post These 7 Recent Grads Revealed their Post-Grad Career Dreams appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

Think all jobs in sales are created equal? Think again. Working in sales at any company can be rewarding, but an employer who provides superior training and support will prepare you to be even more successful in the role. 

Enter CDW: This IT solutions company has earned a reputation for its six-week training course that covers what to sell, how to sell, and the tools to help you sell. And once the initial training ends, learning activities, one-on-one coaching, and dedicated support continues to maximize your potential.

There’s a lot we can all learn from CDW’s unique training program. To prove it, we asked CDW coworkers to share their experiences with the company’s training program and how it accelerated their success.

1. With the right tools, you’ll see success faster.

“I had no idea about some of the ways technology could work together, and after leaving CDW’s six-week training program, I was able to have an intelligent conversation about IT,” says Austin, an Account Representative. “A week after leaving the program, I got a call from a customer who needed a simple license renewal, and I was able to help. I would have never known how to help them solve their problem just four weeks prior. It’s pretty mind-blowing.”

2. Taking risks can be the best way to learn—even if it means you might fail.

“Several times throughout the training program, we were faced with challenges that allowed me to build confidence, whether it was a role-play call or a presentation in front of our managers,” says Account Representative Mara. Doing things out of your comfort zone (and taking risks) is the only way to grow—and to become an amazing sales rep.

3. Embrace opportunities to grow your confidence. You were hired because your company believes in you.

“Believe in yourself and your capabilities,” says Michael, a Corporate Account Representative. “It is easy to be intimidated or overwhelmed at first, but [the best response is to] work smarter, not harder. Focus on building and managing relationships and remember to be yourself.”

4. Supportive teammates and extensive resources can help at any stage of the selling cycle.

“Having come from a non-IT background, I was very nervous getting into a Fortune 200 IT Solutions company,” says Sneha, an Account Representative. Thankfully, those nerves didn’t last. Sneha soon discovered just how many people—both inside and outside of the company—were dedicated to helping each new coworker grow. “CDW wants you to succeed, and every coworker knows that success comes when you work as a team.”

5. Prioritizing your day will make even the biggest tasks more manageable.

“In the sales training program, we learn how to use our calendars strategically to make the most of our time here,” says Ryan, an Account Representative. “This practice has made me more organized and more productive.” In other words, don’t just think about what’s on your plate—consider how you’re going to tackle it.

See yourself joining the sales team at CDW? Ryan sums up the experience best:

“Coming into CDW, I had very little knowledge of technology, so having an extensive amount of material to cover seemed overwhelming at first. But in the end, I had technology and sales knowledge I never knew I would have.”

Want to join one of the best sales teams around? CDW is hiring, so explore their open positions on WayUp now!

The post Five Things We Can All Learn From This Company’s Sales Training Program appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

WayUp teamed up with seven Unilever interns who wrote about what it’s like to work for a company that makes products used by 2.5 billion people around the world every single day. Today’s post is from Chelsea Miller, Human Resources and Communications intern, Jackie Robinson Foundation scholar and student at Columbia University.

On the first day of my Unilever internship, I promised myself two things:

1. That I would use the next ten weeks as an opportunity to truly challenge myself.
2. That I would approach all facets of the company with an open mind and open heart.

I’m Co-Founder and CEO of a non-profit called Women Everywhere Believe, Inc. (WEBelieve) that focuses on training the next generation of civic and corporate women leaders. Unilever was my first corporate internship. Before that, I had done work primarily in the non-profit and government sectors.

For me, Unilever was an opportunity to broaden my understanding of cross-sector collaboration to solve some of the most pressing issues of our time. As a Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholar, I was familiar with Unilever’s commitment to working across industries because of their partnership with the Foundation, which was founded by Rachel Robinson, wife of the late civil rights leader and baseball great  Jackie Robinson. It’s dedicated to providing the necessary resources to close the achievement gap for college students of color, and Unilever was its first corporate sponsor. However, investing in partnerships is only a small part of Unilever’s purpose-driven model.

As a Unilever intern, I was placed in a dual role in their Human Resources and Communications departments this summer. Over the course of ten weeks, I worked on incredible projects that focused on framing and tackling challenges around food insecurity, homelessness, and unemployment.

One of those projects was Growing Roots, where Unilever partners with local organizations to build farms and gardens in inner cities. The goal is to provide access to and education about growing and cooking healthy food in urban communities like Chicago, Los Angeles, Houston and New York. It was amazing to see how organizations with seemingly different interests could work together to meet their priorities.

As we look to build a better world, we must hold all sectors accountable in taking the necessary steps to sustain communities, economies, and the earth. It’s increasingly important for corporations to help drive this change. As I finish my senior year at Columbia University, I am grateful for the exposure to a company that has truly shown its commitment to setting and raising the bar.

Head over to Unilever’s page on WayUp to check out open opportunities and apply!

The post Intern Diary: Giving Back at Unilever appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

Landing a job offer after your internship might be one of the most rewarding career feelings out there. After all, it’s no easy feat and says a ton about the impression you left after just a few months.

But how do you know if your internship prepared you to be a full-time employee?

These five Dell interns landed jobs there after graduation. Now, they want to share how those internships helped them get ready to take on the next phase of their careers. Read on for five signs you’re ready to go from intern to full-time employee.

1. You Didn’t Just Learn New Skills—You Learned How to Apply Them

No matter how much you learn as an intern, nothing compares to putting what you learned into action. Saint Anselm College grad Jane Bunn landed a job as a Commercial Account Manager after completing Dell’s Inside Sales internship program. She says that getting hands-on experience as an intern made the transition to full-time much smoother. “[As an intern] I learned to navigate a previously daunting corporate America, and how to apply skills I learned in development trainings to communicate effectively with customers,” she says.

2. You Understand How the Business Works

Ali Tyburski works in Digital Strategy and Global Communications at Dell. The American University grad’s career there started when she interned for EMC’s Field Marketing Team, focusing on the federal space (EMC and Dell merged in 2016). “”My experience began with learning how our technology helps to power the US Military and Government,” she says. “After a great first experience as an intern, I took a full-time position within the Marketing Development Program. “I landed in Global Communications, where I’ve contributed to numerous product launches, marketing campaigns, and global events—including the announcement of the largest merger in tech history.”

3. You’re Already Comfortable Sharing Your Ideas

Prateek Mathur earned his MBA from Penn State and now works in Operations Strategy. “At Dell, no question is off limits and no idea is too outrageous,” he says. “If ideas are well thought-out, logically defended, and shown to make business sense, you have the freedom to pursue them. Everyone from interns to VPs are expected to contribute insights and ideas.” During his internship, Prateek saw first-hand how willing managers were to sit down with him to hear his ideas and share feedback. That turned out to be great practice for his full-time role.

4. You Had an Opportunity to Learn from People Across the Company

It’s perfectly fine if you don’t know exactly what you want to do with your career when you’re an intern. After all, the best internships give you the chance to meet people in different roles and discover what you want to do and what you don’t want to do. “In the three short months of my summer internship, I was introduced to multiple finance functions and interacted with people throughout the entire organization,” says Matthew Pelletier, a Bryant University grad who’s now a Corporate Strategy Consultant. It’s that exposure to different jobs within finance that made him excited to return to Dell after graduation.

5. You’ve Built a Professional Support System

Rachel Garlitz was surprised by the level of responsibility she was given when she joined Dell full-time after graduation. She was also 100 percent ready to take on whatever tasks came her way. As an intern, she was part of the Supply Chain Development Program and now works in Global Materials and Global Operations. The Texas A&M grad attributes her smooth transition to full-time to the support she received from her colleagues. “Everyone at Dell—from your peers to the leadership team—is genuinely invested in your success,” she says. “There are ample opportunities to learn, develop, and grow as a young processional.”

A great internship should leave you with so much more than a new line on your resume. It should also challenge you, teach you way more than you’d ever learn from a class or textbook, and leave you feeling more prepared to take on a full-time role in your field after graduation.

Ready to follow in the footsteps of these former interns? Dell is hiring now, so head over to WayUp, explore their open positions, and apply!

The post Five Signs Your Internship Prepared You for a Full-Time Job appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

At professional services organization Ernst & Young LLP (EY), there’s no shortage of ways to give back. These are a few initiatives employees dedicate their time to:

1. The College MAP Program: Employees work with high school students, providing guidance and encouraging them to apply to college. EY volunteers also help students apply for financial aid.
2. The EY Vantage Program: In partnership with an organization called Endeavor Global, employees travel to emerging markets to advise promising entrepreneurs.
3. EY Connect Day: This is an annual event where EY employees volunteer their time and talents to work on local community service projects.
4.  The EY-Earthwatch Ambassador Program: Employees work with local entrepreneurs in Brazil, Costa Rica, Mexico and Peru while simultaneously helping advance climate change research.

Just how much of an impact do these initiatives make? We’re glad you asked! Here’s a by-the-numbers breakdown of what it looks like to volunteer at EY.

Ready to join the EY team in giving back at home and around the world? They’re hiring now, so head over to WayUp and apply!

The post 4 Ways EY Employees Give Back in a Big Way appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

Success is something we all strive for, but it looks different for everyone. It can be easy to define yourself by the mistakes you make, but the individuals below have all experienced their share of failure and have used their failure to fuel their success. You will fail, but it’s what you do after the fact that matters most. Check out what these successful entrepreneurs have to say about how they became successful.

1. Mark Zuckerberg

Back in 2004, Mark Zuckerberg was the average college student until he created Facebook in his dorm room. Since then, Facebook has become an incredibly successful worldwide brand, but Zuckerberg explains that it hasn’t always been easy and that his experience truly has been an uphill battle.

After a fallout with his management team, he has redefined his mission and has said that “Finding your purpose isn’t enough. The challenge for our generation is creating a world where everyone has a sense of purpose. To keep our society moving forward, we have a generational challenge: to not only create new jobs, but create a renewed sense of purpose.”

2. Mark Cuban

Multi-millionaire tech entrepreneur and Shark Tank judge, Mark Cuban, offers his perspective on success at a young age. He insists that success is a trial and error process of trying and learning until you find your calling or your passion.

He argues that “when you’re 22, 23, 24, there’s no such thing as failure, really. Whatever job you take, you’re getting paid to learn. And you just spend however many years paying to go to school, and you paid a lot of money, probably still owe money. Take that job. You’re gonna get paid to learn, and if it was like my experience where I learned what not to do and I was getting paid, it was still well worth it.”

3. Arianna Huffington

Huffington Post founder, Arianna Huffington, says that a large chunk of success is understanding the importance of self-care and relaxation in your career and in your life. After she collapsed, due to being overworked, she changed her lifestyle completely.

She says that making herself a priority “was really the beginning of reevaluating my life and recognizing that I, like millions of other people around the world, had been suffering from the delusion that in order to succeed, we have to burn out. And yet all the latest science disproves that. It actually proves that we need time to recharge, to sleep, to unplug from technology, and I became such a passionate evangelist for this message.”

4. Phil Knight

Nike Co-Founder, Phil Knight, shares the anecdotal story about the crazy idea he had to make himself run faster, when he was still living in his parents’ house back in 1962. Knight is confident that success is rooted in running with that crazy idea even if no one else thinks anything will come of it.

He said to himself on that day, “Let everyone else call your idea crazy … just keep going. Don’t stop. Don’t even think about stopping until you get there, and don’t give much thought to where ‘there’ is. Whatever comes, just don’t stop,” and he strongly believes it’s the only piece of advice anyone needs to hear.

5. Tommy Hilfiger

Designer and founder of Tommy Hilfiger Corporation, Tommy Hilfiger, provides his three most important components of success. Hilfiger explains that a strong network of loved ones, an understanding of numbers, and an equal balance of a good product and raw passion are the building blocks of success.

“I’ve always surrounded myself with the right people and people who are very bright, passionate and hard working,” he says. His bankruptcy in his early 20s also affected his outlook on life. He states that “Ever since a bankruptcy in my early early years, I’ve always paid attention to the bottom line to the business part of the business,” though perhaps his most significant piece of wisdom is to “Follow your heart. If you have a business idea or passion, go for it.”

Although every person has his unique approach to success, there are certain elements in each story that are similar: work hard, dream big, and keep chugging along.

The post 5 Entrepreneurs Share What It Takes To Be Successful appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

What if we told you there was a city that actually had it all? Now, what if we told you that city probably isn’t on your current list of top places to work? We’re talking about Denver, Colorado.To get all the details about what makes Denver great, we talked to Jasmine Prasetyo, University of Colorado Boulder grad and Recruiting Coordinator at OppenheimerFunds. Read on, and don’t be surprised if you suddenly feel compelled to buy a one-way ticket to Denver.

1. You Don’t Have to Choose Between City Life and Outdoor Adventures

Culturally, Denver has many of the things a larger city like San Francisco or New York has to offer, says Jasmine. But it also has one big advantage: you can head to the mountains whenever you want. Skiing, snowboarding, hiking and biking are all just a short trip away, and you don’t even need a car to some of the top outdoor destinations—Denver has “ski buses” that specifically travel from the city to the slopes.

 
Photo by: Michael Starkey @starkey__co

2. It’s One of the Healthiest Cities in the Country

This one isn’t so surprising, considering how much time Denver residents spend outdoors. No matter what sport or activity you love, you’re bound to be in good company here. In fact, OppenheimerFunds’ Denver office is surrounded by running and biking trails, and there are even bikes available to rent. Jasmine says it’s pretty common to find coworkers running together before work, after work and during lunch.

3. There’s Always Something Going On

Denver has eight professional sports teams spanning football, soccer, baseball, hockey and basketball, which means you can root for the home team all year ‘round. But sports aren’t the only things going on at arenas in Denver. You can also catch concerts around the city, and at the amazing open-air Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre, which was rated “America’s Best Outdoor Amphitheatre” by Rolling Stone. It’s just 15 miles outside of the city.

Photo by: Michael Starkey @starkey__co 

4. The Weather is Better than You Might Expect

A lot of us associate Colorado with snow, snow and… more snow. And while it certainly snows there, Jasmine made it clear that Denver also has plenty of sunshine—which is why it never takes long for that snow to start melting.

5. There’s an Impressive Food Scene

Zagat named Denver #3 on its list of “The 26 Hottest Food Cities” last year. The city also has the second largest amount of breweries and microbreweries per capita than any other state—72 of them as of last year, in fact. Translation: if you’re a foodie, this is the city for you.

6. The Cost of Living is Lower

Budgeting while living in a city is tough, especially when you’re just starting your career. Did you know that, it’s 41 percent less expensive to live in Denver than in New York City? That means you’ll have room in your budget for those sporting events, concerts and dinners out.

Suddenly planning a move to Denver? You’re in luck—OppenheimerFunds is hiring now. See if your future career is waiting for you in Denver (or one of their other office locations).

The post This City Might Be the Perfect Place to Live and Work appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

This post was adapted from a story by Kelly Sheppard about Arizona State University graduate Sirikwan O’Gorman, who got a free education through the Starbucks College Achievement Plan. The article originally appeared in the Starbucks Newsroom. Read the full story here.

How many people can say that a coffee shop is paying for their college education (and transforming their life in the process)? Thanks to Starbucks, the answer is over 7,000 and counting. It’s all part of the Starbucks College Achievement Plan , which started three years ago and lets employees—or “partners” as Starbucks calls them—choose from over 70 online undergraduate degree programs from Arizona State University with full tuition-reimbursement. So far, more than 730 Starbucks partners have changed out of their green aprons and into maroon caps and gowns to graduate from ASU. Along the way, they’ve been backed by the support of the close-knit Starbucks community.

Sirikwan O’Gorman, a member of this year’s graduating class, has an especially remarkable story. She grew up in Thailand, inspired by the work of her grandfather, who would invite anyone who needed healing to their countryside house so he could help them get better. Sirikwan saw the impact her grandfather made on so many lives and knew she wanted to one day pursue a career with a similar impact.

This May, she proudly walked across the ASU stage to receive a degree in Healthy Lifestyles Coaching—an achievement made even sweeter by the fact that she’s the first in her family to earn a college degree.

But Sirikwan’s path here wasn’t an easy one. Her grandfather, the person who inspired her career path, died in 2001, compelling her mother to give the family a fresh start, away from Thailand. So she moved to the United States to find a job, leaving Sirikwan and her brother back home with their grandmother. It wasn’t until five years later that her mother returned to Thailand to bring her two children to Las Vegas. Adjusting to life in the United States was challenging for Sirikwan, who was a high school student at the time. But she dedicated her spare time to studying hard and taking additional night classes. Because of that dedication, she graduated high school with straight A’s and went on to enroll in the University of Nevada Las Vegas.

Paying for college wasn’t easy, so Sirikwan started working two different part-time jobs. Little did she know, both would change her life for the better. Her first job, a receptionist at a dentist’s office, ultimately determined her future career. At her second job as a waitress, she met her now-husband, Kevin O’Gorman. At the time, Kevin was working at a nearby hospital, but he later joined the Air Force with the goal of becoming a doctor one day. Because of Kevin’s career path, the two relocated from Las Vegas to Maryland and Sirikwan left school at the University of Las Vegas Nevada.  

It was in Maryland that Sirikwan found a job as a Starbucks barista—and a support system in the process. Since she wanted to complete her college degree, a store manager encouraged her to take advantage of the Starbucks College Achievement Plan. It was another life-changing decision that earned Sirikwan the Bachelor’s degree she’d been working toward for so many years.

Now, countries away from where her story started, Sirikwan has a college degree and she’s following in her grandfather’s footsteps. She’s pursuing a job as a dental hygienist, where she’ll be able to both help people and find work she loves no matter where she and her husband move in the future.

Ready to join a company that believes in empowering its partners (employees) and providing a college education? Starbucks is hiring baristas across the country on WayUp!

Barista Application Tip!

Did you know you can submit your application to up to 5 stores at one time? In order to stand out after submitting your application, stop by the store(s) you applied to and introduce yourself to the manager or shift supervisor. Let them know you recently applied and what excites you about the opportunity. If you don’t get a call for an interview within 60 days, you can re-apply to the same or different stores. Good luck!

The post Starbucks Stories: How This Barista Pursued Her Childhood Career Dreams appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

Alyssa Bryant knows how to be a stand-out intern for two reasons:

1. She joined OppenheimerFunds not long after graduating from college, so past internship experiences are still fresh in her mind.
2. She’s now an intern mentor herself.

When Alyssa, a Learning and Development Analyst, was nominated by a colleague to participate in the mentorship program at OppenheimerFunds, she jumped on the opportunity to help her company’s newest team members succeed. As Alyssa puts it, she wanted to make sure all interns learned “the stuff they don’t teach you in college.”

So what are Alyssa’s top tips for students on being a stand-out intern? Read on to find out:

Take Ownership Over Your Internship

As an intern, you’re there to learn as much as possible and get as much experience as you can in a short amount of time. You’re not going to know everything about the company (or your job as an intern) when you walk in the door, and that’s a good thing. Seek out new opportunities to learn and grow instead of waiting for the work to come to you. If you do that, your passion and dedication will be clear.

Work Deliberately

Of course you want to make an amazing impression during your internship, but be careful not to let the quality of your work suffer in the process. Obviously, you don’t want to sit around waiting for your next assignment says Alyssa, but you also don’t want to rush through a project just to check it off your list. Finding that balance is key.

Don’t Pretend to Know the Jargon

At OppenheimerFunds, there can be a lot of industry jargon to decode, but that’s not something unique to financial services—it’s the case in almost every industry out there. Instead of assuming you know what people are talking about when they discuss… say… beta-one investments (or investments that move with the market), do your research. Keep a running list of the terms you don’t know so you can brush up before it gets brought up again. If you still don’t understand after researching, ask! And whatever you do, don’t pretend to know what a term means.

Be Open to Feedback

Who doesn’t love being told they did a great job on a project? The thing is, you’ll learn much more from the things you could have done better. As tough as it can be to hear, asking your internship manager how you can improve is one of the best things you can do for your personal and professional development. Plus, your manager will appreciate your commitment to learning and growing.

As a mentor to OppenheimerFunds interns, Alyssa isn’t just imparting great advice—she says she’s learned a lot from the interns she’s worked with, too. 

The post Interns: Here’s How to Stand Out, Be Productive, and Learn a Ton (According to an Intern Mentor) appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

When it comes to setting up interns and employees for success, not all companies are created equal. In fact, one in particular stands out: Infor. We asked a few team members at Infor how their company helps them succeed. Here’s what they had to say:

A Supportive and Encouraging Environment

Eva Fine, a former Infor intern on the education team and a student at Washington University in St. Louis, says she was always trusted to complete all of her responsibilities efficiently and effectively. “Though I had not been exposed to this type of work before, the full-time employees on my team trained me very patiently, and then trusted me to work independently to complete all of my work. Though they were always available for questions, I appreciated this trust and felt proud when I was successful.”

Networking Opportunities

“Being involved in LEAP (Leaders of the Education Alliance Program) has helped me network with professionals in many areas at Infor,” says Chad Behnke, a sales rep who graduated from Concordia University with an MBA. LEAP is Infor’s 18-month, on-the-job training program for new associates. And since Infor employees work in just about every industry you can think of, there’s always someone new to talk to and something new to learn.  

Access to Leadership

One activity that stood out to Eva from her summer interning at Infor was the Scholar Lunches, where company leaders would share their professional backgrounds and the projects they were working on. “This inspired us and let us see how their paths led them to their positions at Infor,” she says.

Room to Grow

“Infor has a tremendous amount of courses and resources available to employees,” says Alyssa Barry, an Infor Value Engineering consultant who graduated from Brandeis University with a master’s in international business. “I can be selective and take courses that might be beneficial to my career on my own time.”

Opportunities to continue learning and growing are available outside the company, too. “I plan on taking advantage of the tuition reimbursement plan here to continue educating myself in pursuit of another master’s degree,” Chad told us.

The Chance to Make a Company-Wide Impact

Tyler Henn, a security management major at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice, interned with the business innovation and technology information risk team at Infor. “We were in charge of protecting the company from threats like malware and social engineering,” he says. Tyler was in charge of creating content for future awareness trainings, educating employees about security risks, and working alongside his manager to update security policies. 

Ready to join a company that’s invested in your success? Infor is hiring now, so head over to WayUp, check out their open jobs, and apply!

The post What Does it Mean to Invest in Employee Success? These Team Members Have the Answer appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

How do you know you’ve found the right job? Just ask Alex Bossetta who began working at GLG last year.  Although most associates come straight from undergraduate degrees, Alex recently completed her master’s degree at The George Washington University and now works in GLG’s Austin office.

“After my first few months at GLG, my friends and family noticed how happy I was—how things were going super well,” she says. “They told me: ‘It’s like they gave you a hiking guide map to get to the top of the mountain.”

There wasn’t much structure at Alex’s last job, which meant she never knew how she was performing. She left all of that in the past when she joined the Senior Associate Program at GLG, the world’s leading professional learning platform. Associates there work closely with the company’s clients, who are professionals at top businesses. Alex came into the program ready to work, performed well, and was promoted to a manager position in less than 24 months, with no shortage of support along the way.

At each stage of the program, associates are thoroughly trained in the skills they need to be successful in their jobs. It typically takes 18 to 24 months to progress through the Senior Associate Program, a timeline that depends on performance. Alex was promoted more quickly than many of her peers in the program (12 months!), which her team attributes to her curiosity and dedication to finding new ways to help GLG’s clients succeed.

Here’s what Alex learned along the way—and how you can join GLG and go from first day to manager in 24 months or less.

Fast-Track to Management

There are two phases to the GLG Senior Associate Program, each designed to build a specific set of skills and prepare associates to reach the next level of their career:

1. Junior Associate: This is where Alex (and all new associates) start out at GLG. The goal for employees in this role is to grow GLG’s Council Membership and understand the internal workings of the company. It’s also a chance to show your manager that you’re a team player and committed to working hard every day.
2. Senior Associate: In this role, associates begin to shift their focus to client service. They also continue to work with and add to GLG’s 500,000 council members and are  expected to know the ins and outs of what those subject-matter experts have to offer. Alex works specifically with private equity and venture capital clients. It’s her job to connect her clients with those experts to solve difficult problems.

Once an associate has mastered these skills, they’re promoted to a manager position. Managers are responsible for client account and people management, in addition to the same basic responsibilities as Senior Associates. Before graduating to this role, associates must demonstrate that they know how to lead a team by motivating colleagues and supporting their professional development.

A Lifetime of Lessons

“The main thing I’ve gained throughout the program is confidence in who I am personally and as a professional,” Alex says. In her first year at GLG, she’s learned some amazing lessons like:

• Teamwork is Crucial: “[I learned] how to transition from being a high-performing overachiever to realizing you can’t do it without the people next to you,” she says. “You’re really in it together.”
• Take Creative Risks: “GLG is really a place where you can trip and fall and you’ll have people right there to pick you up,” she says.
• You Don’t Need to Know Your Niche: “Before graduation, my college career center was pushing me toward a single path,” says Alex. But that path didn’t feel right to her. At GLG, that’s pretty common—even welcomed. “It’s a place where people can learn to be a great all-around professional and then find their niche,” she says.

Ready to take your career from 0 to 60? GLG is hiring now, so head over to WayUp and apply!

The post How This Associate Went from First Day to Manager in Less Than a Year and a Half appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

This story was written by StudySoup, a peer-to-peer learning marketplace that connects top students in the class with those who need a little help. Top students can upload their notes and study guides to the StudySoup Marketplace, providing their peers with helpful materials while also earning some extra cash.

You’ve just graduated college. Diploma in hand, you score an interview with the company of your dreams. You nail the interview, feeling even more confident that it’s the perfect opportunity for you.

Then a few days later, the hiring manager calls, and you wait patiently for her to offer you the job. But instead, she offers you an internship. An internship? You didn’t just spend all of that time and money on a college education for an internship. You want a full-time job, right?

But things don’t always work that way. And though post-grad internships often get a bad rap, they can actually be incredibly beneficial. Here are a few ways a post-grad internship can help you in your career.

Reason 1: Bulk Up Your Resume

One of the most frustrating and challenging problems that new graduates face is gaining the relevant work experience they need in order to get the job they want. However, you need a job to get that experience. So at this point, you are kind of in a pickle.

The great thing about internships is that they directly address this problem and can help you build up several sections of your resume, including:

• Work experience
• Professional skills
• References
• Portfolio samples

All of these are necessary for creating the perfect resume that will give you the competitive edge you need to land the job of your dreams. And internships are a fantastic way to build up all of these crucial areas and polish them immensely.

Moreover, internships allow graduates to try out new positions in different areas of a company and get the opportunity to work with different groups on different projects. If you have your sights set on a particular area within a company, this is a fantastic opportunity for you to take some initiative and ask to help out with a project on that specific team.

Finally, internships give you the chance to bolster up some crucial professional skills that hiring managers are always on the lookout for. Tip: these skills aren’t necessarily covered in the classroom. So for many, an internship is the first chance to practice them.

Some of these skills include:

• Self-Reliance: you demonstrate that you can work independently and that you are organized in the workplace
• Team: although the ability to work independently is important, you also need to be able to work well with others in collaborative environments
• Proactiveness: you show that you have the drive to get the job done, no matter what it takes
• Adaptability: demonstrate that you’re willing to constantly keep learning and be able to manage change effectively

Internships offer new graduates a perfect environment to learn, as well as showcase, these skills.

Reason 2: Get Ahead of the Competition

Securing an internship after graduation is a great way to get ahead of the competition. As I’m sure you are aware, you are not the only one who is going to be applying for most jobs. There will likely be a pool of applicants with varying degrees of experience and skills that will be competing against you.

However, an internship can make you stand out above the rest and give you the boost you need to secure your ideal job. It can be particularly valuable if you have your eyes on a specific company or job.

Even more, getting an internship can help pave the way for you to earn a full-time position at a company. As a matter of fact, returning and non-returning interns usually receive first pick at positions within companies they intern for.

Think about it. Hiring managers have a pool of applicants. Most likely, a lot of these applicants are like you: recent college grads, only some work experience, newly developed skills, etc. However, you stand out amongst the rest because the hiring manager knows your name, and the company knows your abilities. Chances are you’ll be picked over someone they don’t know.

Reason 3: Build Your Network

One of the best benefits of getting an internship after graduation is the opportunity to build up your network. The individuals that you meet as an intern can often become the most influential and helpful people in your professional career. These people can act as mentors, professional references, or connections to new job opportunities.

Vying for a full-time position in the company you’re interning for? Make a strong connection with your internship supervisor, who may be able to pull some strings at the end of your internship and help you move up the ranks to a full-time position.

And you aren’t just limited to making connections with only people on your team. Meeting with different clients, customers, or people working in different job functions or teams can also make valuable professional connections.

There are many people that you can interact with during an internship. Building relationships with each of them can help you build your professional network which can open up doors for you in your ideal career.

Recap

Though a post-grad internship may not necessarily have the same ring as a full-time job, don’t fret! Post-grad internships are an extremely valuable way to bulk up your resume, get ahead of the competition, and extend your professional network. And just maybe, you can leverage your internship for a full-time paid position.

The post A Post-Grad Internship Is More Valuable Than You Think appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

You might’ve studied abroad in college, but have you ever considered working abroad? After a few years as an Associate in AlphaSights’ London office, Jonathon Buck saw an opportunity to help grow the information services firm’s San Francisco office. Now, he’s been working in SF since January 2017, helping grow the company’s accounts there.

It’s all part of AlphaSights’ Global Specialist program. After two years with the company, Associates can apply to work in one of eight international offices (San Francisco, New York, London, Hamburg, Dubai, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Seoul) for anywhere from 18 months to three years.

Read on for Jonathon’s experience with the program so far, then head over to WayUp and apply to start your career at AlphaSights.

What drew you to AlphaSights’ San Francisco office, specifically? 

The San Francisco office in particular was an opportunity to grow something from the ground up. The thing I enjoyed most about AlphaSights’ London office was that it was a lot smaller when I joined. The overall approach at AlphaSights is that if you can present a business case and it makes sense, nine times out of ten, they’ll make it happen for you. It’s clear that the management team cares about the development of young professionals and they’re willing and able to support and challenge them as much as possible.

How did your role change from an Associate in the AlphaSights London office to a Specialist in the San Francisco office?

In the Associate role, you do a bit of everything. The Specialist role has become an evolution of that. I have much more time now to dedicate toward account management and thinking more strategically about accounts. When you’re an Associate, you’re responsible for delivering our core product to your clients and 75 percent of the role revolves around that for the first two years. For the Specialist role, account management is 25 or 30 percent of my time and the other 70 to 75  percent is now filled with general management and putting in place ways to grow our accounts.

How has AlphaSights made you feel at home while working in another country?

I think the main thing that makes it work is the people. Making me feel welcome is definitely a testament to AlphaSights and the quality of people we hire everywhere. It would be very different, especially in a small office, if everyone was in a drastically different place in their lives and it wasn’t a fun place to work. Everyone here has been fantastic at helping me fit in and giving me the resources and information to help me out.

What have been the most valuable aspects of the program so far?

It’s a combination of things: just moving countries for the first time is a good personal experience, but it’s also about putting yourself out of your comfort zone. I was pretty comfortable with what I was doing in London and I needed a fresh challenge. The culture is slightly different, so I’ve had to make the adjustment, build on my skillset and learn different things. From the outside, the work we do in San Francisco is not so obviously different, but it is different in terms of the client base and the actual deliverables. I’m still learning new tricks after doing the job for two years!

How can someone decide if the Specialist program is right for them?

It’s worth thinking about where you are in your career and what you’re looking to do at that point in time. Looking back, I think I made the right choice. I wasn’t ready to take a manager role, and this has let me do one more year of more commercial work, focusing on client relationships and building the business. It also gave me an extra year to build my management skills for when I do hopefully become a manager.

What advice do you have for someone who’s applying to a job at AlphaSights and interested in working for an international office?

The main thing is attitude. It’s a major decision and I think everyone underestimates the culture shock. You’ve got to be in it for the long haul and recognize that the first three to six months may not be the most comfortable thing in the world, but it certainly improves with time. Reflecting on the first six months, I can see that my personal and professional growth have skyrocketed.

You can also maximize your time in the Specialist program by being open to new things. The program relies on everyone approaching it with the mindset that they can learn from their colleagues in different offices.

See yourself thriving in AlphaSights’ Global Specialist program? Employees are eligible to apply after their second year as an Associate, so head over to WayUp and check out their open positions now.

The post This Company Lets You Apply for an International Transfer After Two Years appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

You just finished a successful summer internship. You rocked your first day, your first week, your first month and beyond. You’ve written thank-you notes to everyone you worked with, said your goodbyes and now it’s time to head back to campus and leave your days of working at a company behind you until next summer rolls around.

Not so fast.

The benefits of your summer internship don’t end just because school is back in session. There are a handful of things you can do to maximize the impact of those few months well into the new school year. Below are some of our favorite ways to leave a lasting impression and set yourself up to rock your future career.

Update Your Resume

Do this right after your internship ends, when everything you accomplished over the summer is still fresh in your mind. If you wait until spring semester when it’s time to start applying to new internships or even jobs, the details might be a little foggy.

As you’re updating, here are some things to think about:

1. When did you go above and beyond at your internship? What did you accomplish as a result?
2. Did you lead a big project? What did you learn about leadership throughout the process?
3. What results can you show for your work? Did you increase your company’s Twitter followers by 15 percent? Pitch an idea for a new process that saved everyone on your team 10 minutes a day?

Instead of just listing responsibilities, think about the accomplishments you’re most proud of. The more detailed you are, the easier it will be to wow future employers.

Make a “Pros and Cons” List

Maybe your internship reaffirmed everything you thought you wanted to do with your career. Maybe there were some aspects you now know aren’t the best fit. Or maybe you decided your intended career path just isn’t the right one after all. Either one of these is perfectly fine!

Internships are as much an opportunity to learn new things and get hands-on experience as a way to help you figure out what you do and don’t want to do. Within the first few days after your internship ends, write down what you definitely want to do again and what you want to avoid in a future internship or job. That way, when you’re applying to and interviewing for your next position, you can ask smart questions to better understand what each potential job will look like.

Consider Any Knowledge Gaps

Was there a particular project you found really challenging or a skill other interns had where you were a little rusty? Maybe you realized learning a certain coding language would give you a major career advantage.

Great! Head back to school and fill in those gaps. Even though it may be too late to enroll in new first semester classes, see if you can audit a class that’ll help you build a certain set of skills. Or, make a note of what you want to learn to be strategic when second semester enrollment time arrives. There are also plenty of online classes (many of them free) that will help you gain that competitive edge.

Organize Your New Contacts

It’s never too early to start building your professional network. Odds are, you’ve made a handful of industry connections, both at your company and through any networking events you attended. In addition to connecting with them on LinkedIn, make the most of those contacts and start a document to keep everything organized. You’ll want to include each person’s:

1. Name
2. Email address
3. Job title
4. Where you met and—in the case of networking events or one-off meetings—what you talked about

Instead of saying, “I’m graduating this May and wanted to get back in touch as I start my job search,” say something closer this: “I’m graduating this May and noticed [insert company] has an opening for a [insert role]. I’d love to put my application in for the job. Are you able to make an introduction to the hiring manager?” This approach is much clearer and makes it easier for your contact to take action.

Whether you’re looking to land your first, second or third internship, Philips Lighting will make sure you have plenty of experiences to add to your resume, amazing contacts to keep in touch with long after your last day, and plenty of chances to learn and grow. They’re hiring now, so head over to WayUp and apply!

The post How to Get the Most Out of Your Summer Internship—After It’s Over appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

Roughly a year and a half ago, during my freshman year of college, I became a campus rep for WayUp. I first found out about the company from a post my floormate put in a Facebook group. At the time, I was extremely eager to take on my first part-time job in college and, looking back now, it was the best decision I have ever made.

I’ve come to know over the past 18 months that WayUp makes a difference in people’s lives, including my own; both my mind (and my resume) are at ease because of the countless opportunities that have come my way, as a result of this amazing company, including the chance to intern in the office this summer.

Back on my first day in May, I distinctly remember walking into the building feeling both incredibly nervous and excited as I wondered what the next 12 weeks would bring. From the moment I walked into the office, I immediately felt welcomed as a part of the team, and the nerves faded away. That was when I knew that this summer would be an experience I would never forget, and as I approach my last week, it’s clear that I couldn’t have been more spot on.

Throughout my time here at WayUp, I have learned more than I thought possible from the nearly 60-person team. I have had the opportunity to pitch my own ideas and publish my own work on our blog, but most of all, I have been able to write directly to my fellow college students across the country, giving them advice about internships, careers, majors and college life. Perhaps the most incredible part of my experience was my participation in the creation of the first-ever National Intern Day.

As an intern myself, I can’t even begin to describe how rewarding it was to help create a day to celebrate interns. From researching a variety of topics related to internships to writing content for our blog, email and social media channels to helping film intern testimonials and even  putting together intern celebration kits, I am so proud of the work I have done here and so thankful for the opportunity to be a part of such an amazing campaign.

Additionally, having the chance to complete a wide variety of tasks throughout the internship, like helping to develop the campus rep program and providing feedback about the site’s current onboarding process, has taught me so much about myself. I have discovered new interests and explored existing ones, developing them even further in the process. I am absolutely blown away by how much I’ve learned this summer, and none of it would have been possible without WayUp. It has been a privilege to learn from the group of talented and brilliant individuals who make up the WayUp team.

I looked forward to coming into work every day, and as a native New Jerseyan making an almost two-hour commute each way, I can honestly say that it was worth every delayed train and crowded bus. I wouldn’t trade my experience here at WayUp this summer for anything (even more sleep!).

Between choosing a major, thinking about what you want to do as a career and ultimately figuring out who you are, college can be a rough time. Because of that, I want all of my fellow college students to know that WayUp truly cares about helping us find jobs, internships and our career paths, and at the end of the day, I honestly believe that you’re not going to find that sort of connection or compassion anywhere else.

And finally, to WayUp, thank you for helping to shape me into the person I am today and thank you for turning me into a true New Yorker. #IFeelBlessed.

The post Thank You, WayUp: Reflecting on My Summer Internship appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

How do you feel about a job where you can make a global impact, use the most advanced software technologies, and work with passionate people every day? Sounds like a pretty great place to start or advance your career to us!

Infor and its team of over 15,000 employees provide cloud-based business software solutions to companies in just about every industry you can think of (The Cheesecake Factory, Nissan, Foot Locker and Lockheed Martin are just a few of their customers). In short, the Infor team is completely reshaping the way people do business, and how the world operates.

Ready for a challenging job where you can clearly see the impact of your work? Read on for three ways Infor team members are achieving amazing things for the companies they work with.

Infor Employees Helped Skills Inc. Increase Orders (and Productivity)
Because of Infor’s work, aerospace industry contract manufacturer Skills Inc. reported a 510 percent uptick in orders from one of its biggest customers, increased its number of on-time deliveries, and improved overall workplace productivity. Best of all, measurable impact isn’t just an occasional thing. At Infor, it’s the status quo.

Infor Improved Hospital Care in a Big Way

The Infor team used its technology to cut down over 65,000 hours of time spent on organizing patient processes at the Hackensack University Medical Center in New Jersey. As a result, appointments get scheduled 5 to 10 times faster than before when everything was done via a phone call. Infor’s technology also led to greater communication and freed up more time for doctors to spend with their patients. Infor employees may not be working in a hospital, but they still have a huge impact on patient care.

Infor Optimized the Biggest Particle Collider in the World

CERN is the largest particle physics research center in the world, and the home of the Large Hadron Collider, the world’s biggest particle collider. The center, which serves up key information about the particles of the universe to 10,000 scientists, called on Infor to optimize its equipment and figure out ways to keep its infrastructure intact without interrupting work to perform maintenance. And they achieved just that. The work of Infor employees resulted in a 50 percent reduction in maintenance and gave CERN scientists the ability to process certain information 15 times faster than before. Talk about a world-changing job.

Outcomes like these are part of the reason Infor employees come to work every day. Want to learn more? Check out Infor’s company page on WayUp.

The post Meet the Company That’s Changing How Work Gets Done appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

Any company that’s still doing innovative things after more than a century deserves some serious respect. We’re looking at you, UPS, with your route optimization algorithms and your drone testing. A  journey through the history of UPS makes it clear that pushing the limits is engrained in everything this company does. UPS employees are part of a long legacy of technological advances and delivery firsts. So what does it take to be a leader in shipping? Read on.

1907

It all started when the founder of UPS, Jim Casey, asked a friend for $100. He used it to start something called the “American Messenger Company”. Back then, $100 went a whole lot farther than it does today.

1913

A Model T Ford became the very first UPS delivery car. Oh, and the company changed its name to “Merchants Parcel Delivery”.

1919

Another name change. We’re sensing a trend here. Except this one, “United Parcel Service (UPS),” stuck.

1924

It’s hard to imagine warehouses working smoothly without conveyor belts. UPS built the first one for package handling this year.

1929

Air deliveries took off, making UPS the first company to transport packages this way.

1950s

Before the 1950s, UPS wasn’t allowed to deliver packages in between both private customers and commercial ones (like department stores). Then, they acquired something called “common carrier rights”. Those rights made UPS the US Postal Service’s biggest competitor.

1975

UPS became the first to deliver packages to any address in the United States—except Alaska and Hawaii. Those happened later. It seems simple, but state border restrictions made this an impossible feat until this year.

1985

Nobody likes to wait. UPS gets an upgrade with overnight air delivery.

1988

The Federal Aviation Administration declared UPS an official airline. It grew faster than any other airline and it’s now among the 10 biggest airlines in the country.

1993

You know those handheld devices you have to sign when you get a package? UPS developed them this

year to stay on top of its 11.5 million deliveries. It seems like a small thing, but it took UPS to an enviable level of organization.

1995

Ever obsessively check the tracking details on a package you were extra-eager to get? The UPS website launched in 1994 and a year later, online tracking became available. By 2000, the company was receiving 6.5 million tracking requests through its site.

2010-2014

UPS acquired over 40 companies, taking it far beyond straightforward transportation services. Those companies are leading the charge in things like trucking, air freight, finance and international trade services.

Today

UPS has a presence in over 185 countries and territories and reaches more than four billion people.

Ready to contribute to this longstanding legacy and help UPS continue making history? They’re hiring now, so head over to WayUp and apply!

The post Meet the Century-Old Company that Never Stopped Innovating appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

There’s no denying it: starting a new job can be a little intimidating—especially if it’s your first job after college.

… Unless you’re starting a new job at information services firm AlphaSights. That’s because their training program is designed to make you feel right at home from day one (and ready to be a trainer yourself in about a year). We were curious how the program sets team members up for success, so we sat down with Taylor Brown, a Manager at AlphaSights, and her trainee, Julia Castle, an Associate at the company.

Read on to hear what these two team members had to say. (Spoiler alert: Julia has now been at AlphaSights for over a year and a half. She got so much out of the program, she’s now a trainer herself!)

What’s the AlphaSights training program like? When does it start for an employee and how does it evolve over time?

Taylor: [Starting on their first day] every new joiner goes to a one- to three-week training program called AlphaCamp, which is run by managers and VPs. Even though the trainee isn’t at their desk physically during that time, they still have someone who is there to answer questions. Trainers stick with trainees from the first day, helping them work on project delivery, all the way to project and client management. Almost everyone has the opportunity to train either a summer Associate or a full-time hire after 12-18 months. It’s viewed as a huge development opportunity. Ideally, we try to model the trainer/trainee relationship like an apprenticeship for the first three to six months. This summer, about 80 trainers are working with either Summer Associates or full-time Associates.

Julia: The trainer and trainee are always on the same team, and work together directly to tackle client projects during the learning period. Your manager is there to be the point person for all career development things and to answer higher-level questions. For granular, day-to-day work, your trainer is the person you go to. You typically sit next to them and work with them to help get you up to speed as a full-fledged Associate. 

Taylor, what inspired you to get involved with the AlphaSights trainer/trainee program?

When I first joined AlphaSights and I was going through the training program, I really looked forward to being a trainer myself. I’ve always enjoyed teaching others, so I started gunning to become a trainer as fast as possible.  

What has been the most rewarding part of the program so far?

Julia: It’s definitely that, on day one, you have a personal advocate. When you come to a new company, you don’t really know who to talk to or who to ask the embarrassing questions. Taylor knows how much I’ve grown more than anyone else at the firm. One of the most memorable things I’ve learned from her is that it’s not just about the numbers you hit, but how hard you’re trying, and how you serve your clients and your team. AlphaSights also has a really tight-knit culture and Taylor really pushed me to get acquainted with many other people at the firm, which was important for my growth and development at the company.

Taylor: For me, the most rewarding aspect is the relationships I’ve built with my trainees. As Julia said, the key piece of the program is that you become extremely close with that person. Another rewarding piece is when I finally see my trainee become very self-sufficient or hit key milestones. Like the first time I watched Julia run a project by herself from start to finish. My mantra has always been “make that person more successful than I was at the job”.

What skills have you developed throughout the trainer/trainee program?

Julia: This was my first job out of college. As a new professional, I learned how to write in a business-professional way, speak intelligently on the phone to people I didn’t know and how to hold my own in meetings. I also learned how to wear multiple hats and handle unexpected responsibilities.

Taylor: Looking at this as a trainer, a big skill is how to provide feedback to someone who might only be a year or two more junior than I am. I also learned how to have tough conversations with people and how to actively listen to someone else. Finally, I learned how to be more empathetic towards my colleagues and how to feel confident in what I’m doing day-to-day.

Julia, how can future AlphaSights trainees get the most out of the training program?

My number one piece of advice is to not be afraid to ask questions. It’s the only way to really learn. Also, a key part of being a trainee is watching and listening to what your trainer is doing at all times. Be involved, speak up and ask for challenges and responsibilities. Taking initiative will show your trainer you’re willing to grow and take on whatever comes next.

Ready to build your future career at AlphaSights (with a trainer by your side, of course)? They’re hiring for positions like IT Support Technician, Recruiting Associate and Business Development Manager. Head over to WayUp and apply!

The post How One Company is Making Your First Job Out of College a Lot Less Scary appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

Internships have become a necessary part of the college experience. In fact, according to NACE, the National Association of Colleges and Employers, 65% of college graduates in 2015 had an internship while in school.This percentage will definitely keep rising, especially given that employers are looking for more and more experience from entry-level employees.

But while internships are great, there are definitely problems that can arise. One common one? Not all internships are what they seem to be. Here are five steps you can take if your internship isn’t what you expected.

1. Assess the Situation

As soon as you realize that your internship is not going in the right direction, take a step back and think about what is happening. Why did you expect it to be different? Were you promised a lot more than you are being given? Are you not getting the hourly pay or stipend that was listed on the job posting? Did you think you were going to get hands-on public relations experience, but you actually spend most of your time cleaning and taking out the garbage?

Make a list of what you feel is wrong. Writing it on paper will help you come to your senses, so jot down an old-fashioned list. You might realize that some of those “problems” aren’t as bad as you originally thought, or maybe there really is something suspicious going on here.

2. Ask Around to Other Interns

If there are other interns in your office or building, you should definitely reach out to them or observe what they’re up to. If they seem to be having the same experience as you, maybe you can go through the rest of these steps together.

However, if they are having a positive experience, you should find out what they are doing differently. Maybe they are taking more initiative or being more social. If you change those little things while you’re on the job, there is a good chance that your experience might change for the better. Your fellow interns can help make your internship better, and now you might have a new friend too!

3. Make the Most Out of Your Time

Everyone hates hearing this, but maybe it’s you that needs to change, not the internship. If you act like you’re not happy to be there, then you will probably never be truly happy. Try your best to be motivated, and act like you want this job. Staying on top of your assignments is so important, but interns are often left with extra time. Ask for extra work (most supervisors would love to have more help!), and request time to take employees to coffee to learn more about them, their roles, and their career paths.

4. Talk to Your Supervisor

If you feel that you are not learning the skills that you had hoped, your supervisor might be able help. While you might not want to flat-out say that you aren’t happy with your internship, talk to him or her about what you were expecting to learn. Your boss might be able to find responsibilities that are in line with what you’re looking for.

If you have any other questions or concerns, make sure to bring them up! If your boss isn’t open to allowing you to do other work, at least you will realize what kind of internship you want (and don’t want).

5. Network With Employees

Networking is a huge part of getting new jobs and opportunities. At every internship you get, make sure to stop in and say hello to all of the employees. Since they have actual positions at the company, find out how they got there. They might even have suggestions for you. Even if your experience at the internship is not the greatest, at least you will leave knowing that you made as many connections as possible.

While it is definitely unfortunate if your internship is not what you expected, following these five steps will help you make the most of it.

Want to find out more about National Intern Day and how you can win a cash prize? Head over to nationalinternday.com to get the scoop. 

The post 5 Steps You Can Take if Your Internship Isn’t What You Expected appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

For every business that posts an unpaid internship or job on WayUp, we always ask the same question: Are there any additional benefits to the position? It’s not that students aren’t willing to work without being paid (as proven by the number of applicants each unpaid listing on WayUp receives). The real issue is what they can get out of the experience. Is it the opportunity to network with experts in the field? A guaranteed letter of recommendation? The potential to work full-time?

It’s no surprise that when you hire an intern, you’re making an important investment in your company – not just because you may want to hire that intern for a full-time position, but also because that intern can become an advocate for your business. They can go out into the world and talk to their friends, family, and strangers about your brand. They can convert the people in their network to customers of your service or product just by word-of-mouth; they can even become customers themselves. That’s why it’s incredibly important to put time and effort into creating a positive internship experience. The best way to do that is to make sure your interns know one thing: that despite the lack of monetary compensation, they are valued and valuable.

How do you ensure that this message comes across? Funny you should ask…

1. Give them real responsibilities.

Yes, compensation can come in the form of the type of work you give your interns – so our recommendation? Don’t just have them fetching coffee or copying files. College students want to learn – not just to build up their resumes, but to expand their skill set. Giving your interns real responsibilities–like mapping out a marketing strategy or pitching a new article for the blog– shows them that you have faith in their abilities. It also benefits your company – you have a young, new hire who can think in new and creative ways, coming up with the ideas you may need to help your company grow and reach new audiences.

2. Schedule recurring lunches.  

We understand that every company has a budget – especially the small ones (#scrappystartupshoutout), so you don’t have to pay for your interns’ lunches every day.   However, it’s incredibly important that you get to know your interns and show them that you care about how their experience is going. During these lunches, you can also give them valuable feedback about how they can develop professionally (which produces more efficient workers for your company) and receive valuable feedback from them about ways the company can improve.

You should also make sure your full-time employees are interacting with your interns, giving them the advice and guidance they need to excel during their time at your company.

3. Give them the opportunity to present their learnings.

Whether it’s halfway through the internship or at the very end of the program, give your interns the opportunity to show off what they’ve learned. They’ll be able to practice and hone their presentation skills, learning how to clearly and succinctly voice their ideas and analysis to other professionals. Allowing them to present will send the message that they work they’ve contributed is incredibly important — that their voices are being heard and their accomplishments are being recognized. In other words, you’ll show them that they are valued – which is exactly what every employee wants.

So as you hire your next batch of interns, think about how you can make your unpaid internship program a mutually beneficially experience — an investment in their abilities as well as an investment in the growth of your company. We promise that putting the extra effort into creating this positive experience will ensure that your interns will talk more about how incredible your company is and less about the lack of pay. So how else will you compensate your interns?

The post Unpaid Internships: How Else Are You Compensating Your Hires? appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

“What in the world is that!?” I’m guessing you’ve already asked this question during your summer internship.  What makes an internship valuable is that immediately after you learn something new, you are thrown into hands-on experiences to test your knowledge.  After learning what a sales pitch is, you reach out to clients directly; after learning a new programming language, you write computer software according to that new information. The quicker you can become knowledgeable about what you’re working on, the more successful you’ll be. This article will show you how you can accelerate your learning curve.

1) When you collide with something you don’t understand, catch it before it slips away!

Write down that word or topic so you don’t forget it, and then start gathering information as soon as you can.

2) Learn for the sake of personal growth.

Even if what you’re learning about doesn’t relate to your specific job as a summer intern, you’ll still benefit by being knowledgeable about it. You could end up working in that particular field or you could use your knowledge to contribute to an important conversation.

3) Take advantage of all the resources available at your fingertips:

• E-books: provide in-depth information.  Quora.com is a great resource, especially for tech students.
• Forums: give you the street-knowledge of the topic
• Magazines: are interactive and fun to read
• Blogs: allow you to interact with a community of specialists.  For instance, if you want to learn more about SEO, great.

Your colleagues should be glad to respond to any questions you have.  If they don’t know the answer, then you have just created an opportunity for them to learn alongside you. Use Twitter and Facebook to post questions.  When you spark an online discussion, you never know what knowledge could be shared or who could join the discussion.

There is a gap between being familiar with a topic and being a master of it. You can bridge that gap by purposefully acting to accelerate your learning curve throughout your summer internship.

Want to find out more about National Intern Day and how you can win a cash prize? Head over to nationalinternday.com to get the scoop.

The post How to Accelerate Your Learning Curve During an Internship appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

When it comes to internships, many of us often forget that there’s more to being an intern than just being someone’s assistant, and you really have to come prepared if you want to go above and beyond what’s asked of you. What do you need to prove you’re ready to get down to business? Here are seven things that the most successful interns bring to work every day.

1. The Right Planner

Having a planner that meets your specific needs is important if you want to stay organized and on time. Look for one that has both monthly and weekly spreads. You can put general reminders and events on the monthly pages, while writing down other assignments on the weekly pages.

Some websites even offer customizable planners, like Agendio and Erin Condren, where you can choose your own designs and layouts. Would you prefer a reasonably small-sized planner so it’s easy to take everywhere? Or would you rather have a larger planner, so you have plenty of room to write your daily schedule? There are so many options out there, but just make sure you pick one that works for you.

2. Extra Pens

You are probably going to lose your pens, even when you try so hard not to. We drop them while walking, we let the person sitting next to us borrow one, and we accidentally take them all home. Just be prepared by always having a ton of extra pens. You don’t want to be caught off-guard in an important lecture or meeting without a pen to take notes!

3. Lotion

If you ever find yourself unable to sleep or stressed out to the point where nothing can relax you, then you should try using some hand lotion. Bath & Body Works sells travel-size aromatherapy lotions that will make you feel better instantly, and who doesn’t feel better with softer hands?

4. Post-Its

Post-Its are one of the best ways to make reminders for yourself, and they definitely beat writing on the back of your hand like in middle school. You can literally stick them anywhere, like your computer, desk, or notebooks. The bright colors are easy to spot, so you’ll never miss a note. Post-Its come in all different colors and sizes, both lined and blank. The larger lined notes are perfect for to-do lists. Try assigning different colors for all of your commitments so you avoid getting confused.

5. Vitamin Boosts

Chances are that if you’re running around between school, work, extracurriculars, and friends, you’re going to be exhausted by the middle of the day. Even though most of us often turn to coffee when we need more energy, vitamin boosts are a better alternative.

Olly Nutrition has plenty of options, like Endless Energy vitamins for endurance and focus, which contain caffeine from green tea, B vitamins, and amino acids to give you an energy boost. If you’re one of those people who is constantly sick in the winter, they have Ultimate Immunity vitamins as well. These vitamin boosts will keep you going throughout your busy schedule.

6. Mints and Gum

Besides saving you from bad breath, having mints or gum in your bag might even be able to help you network by offering a piece to the other people around you. It will give you an extra opportunity to introduce yourself to your coworkers and supervisors that you might have not had before.

7. Positive Attitude

Probably the most important thing that every intern should bring to work is a positive attitude. At this stage in the game, we’re still trying to find our place in the real working industry. We need to love what we’re doing in order to get the most out of our experiences as interns. If your employer sees that you’re going above and beyond, so many other opportunities open up (like even a position after you graduate!). You’ll never know until you put in the extra effort.

From planners to vitamins, these things will help you make it through your long days of class and work. Now that you know the seven things that the most successful interns bring to work every day, all you need to do is make sure that you find a bag, purse, or backpack that you love to carry them all in!

Want to find out more about National Intern Day and how you can win a cash prize? Head over to nationalinternday.com to get the scoop.

The post 7 Things the Most Successful Interns Bring to Work Every Day appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

You’ve made it through your first day and your first week. You’ve met everyone in the office, familiarized yourself with the location, and gotten a grip on the commute. So, now what? You’re still in the early stages of the internship, but your responsibilities and projects are beginning to kick into high gear, and you want to ensure that you succeed. Now that the work has really begun, check out these tips to keep up the positive impression you made during your first week.

1. Understand your deadlines.

This step is critical. As you begin getting assigned projects, you will be expected to turn them around by a specific date and you don’t want to be rushing to get something done at the last minute. Make sure to keep track of your time in order to prevent yourself from getting overwhelmed or frustrated. If you find that you’re struggling with something, talk to your supervisor. The last thing you want is to be asked for your progress and have nothing done, so make a to-do list, prioritize what needs to be done first and check off items as you complete them. This process will be much easier than crossing tasks off in your head.

2. Expose yourself to as much as you can.

If you have the opportunity to do a variety of projects or assignments, you should take advantage of it. Internships often don’t last very long, so you want to use your time wisely. If there’s an aspect of the business that you’re really interested in, ask your supervisor if you can try out something new for a day or even for an hour. Although it can sometimes be intimidating to speak up, an internship is a learning experience for you and if you don’t ask, you’ll regret it later when your internship is over.

3. Ask questions when you’re confused.

As an intern, you’re almost always going to have questions, because you don’t have a lot of real-world experience yet and that’s okay. As long as you’re not asking the same questions repeatedly, there’s nothing wrong with doing so. In fact, your employer would probably be more surprised if you didn’t have any questions. If you’re working on a project and you need a little clarification, ask. While there are some things that you can figure out yourself, don’t sit there for hours because you’re afraid to ask for help. You’ll wind up wasting time, and most likely you’ll have to end up asking the question anyway or redoing something because you did it wrong the first time. Asking questions is a good practice — it’s the only way you’ll ever learn!

4. Put forth your greatest effort.

Although you may be challenged and you may find what you’re doing difficult sometimes because it’s all new to you, the most important thing you can do is to try your best. Whether you make a mistake or do something perfectly the first time around, your supervisor will be able to tell if you put a lot of work into it or if you just threw something together. Your work ethic will show, so be sure to always put your best foot forward and your dedication and determination will be respected.

You’re going to have a few pitfalls during your first month, but that doesn’t mean you’re not a good intern. The first month consists of almost entirely new experiences, and once your first month is underway, you’ll be better prepared for the second, then the third, and so on. Try to keep in mind that practice makes perfect.

The post How To Tackle The First Month Of Your Internship appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

While there are many steps you can take to make yourself an all-star intern, there are also mistakes you can make (sometimes unknowingly) that can have the opposite effect. In order to avoid these, it’s important to remember why you’re at your internship in the first place. Although it should definitely be a fun experience, you are receiving college credit and perhaps other forms of compensation to contribute your time and effort to the organization, so staying motivated and productive is a must.

To avoid landing yourself in hot water, check out our top tips about what not to do at your next internship.

1. Don’t spend time on your phone or on social media.

Unless there is an emergency or you’re expecting an important call, there is no need to be on your phone throughout the day. You’re at your internship to learn and to work and if you spend your day slacking off and not accomplishing your goals, it will not go unnoticed. Surfing social media sites or texting all day will make it seem like you don’t care at all about the position and that you don’t want to be there. The last thing you want to be known for at your internship is being lazy or unproductive.

2. Don’t contribute too much or too little.

There’s an important balance you want to reach between making your voice heard, yet knowing when to just sit back and listen. As an intern, you’re still relatively new to the industry and you don’t have as much experience or knowledge as your fellow coworkers. That being said, if you’re asked for input or if you have a suggestion that you think is worth contributing, then by all means, do it. You just want to make sure that you’re not overstepping your place or coming off like a know-it-all.

3. Don’t be closed-minded.

An internship is meant to be a learning experience and you want to gain as much knowledge as you possibly can, so never say no to a project or a task because you don’t want to do it or because you think you won’t like it. Give everything a chance, because not only is it your job as an intern to follow instructions, but it will ultimately help you decide what you see yourself doing as a future career.

It can be difficult to know what not do in a new position, especially as an intern, but by following these tips, you’ll knock a bad habit before you even start it.

The post 3 Things You Shouldn’t Do At Your Internship appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

Your first week at an internship is extremely important. It’s when expectations are determined and you learn even more about what you’ll be doing throughout your time at the company. You’re setting the course for the remaining weeks, so you want to make sure that you do everything you can in that first week to make yourself stand out to your coworkers and your supervisor.

Follow these tips below to showcase your talents and be the rockstar intern that you are!

1. Come in early and leave late.

While punctuality is expected, coming in early will make a positive impression the second you step foot in the door. This is especially important on your first day, but throughout the first week and even throughout your internship in general. If you’re working eight hours per day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., don’t show up at 9 the dot and leave at exactly 5. You’ll be much more respected as an intern if you arrive earlier than necessary and leave around the same time, if not later, than everyone else, because you’re going above and beyond the minimum requirement.

2. Introduce yourself to everyone.

Your first week is the perfect time to get to know the people that you’ll be working alongside. Meet everyone and anyone you can. Getting to know your fellow interns and coworkers will make you feel comfortable in your environment and it will give you the chance to learn from many different people. Grab coffee or lunch or even just set aside time in the office to chat. This is your time to ask questions about an individual’s position, background, and experience at the company. Your internship will be so much more rewarding if you engage and interact with those around you.

3. Familiarize yourself with the office.

Within your first week, make sure you know the location of the bathroom, the kitchen, supply closets, etc… As a new intern, you’re not supposed to know where everything is yet, but if you don’t take the time to navigate the office early on, you’re going to feel awkward asking someone questions about it later on down the road. It doesn’t hurt to familiarize yourself with the surrounding area as well. Maybe take a walk outside during your lunch break to find restaurants, stores, or anything else you might be looking for at some point. You’re going to be in the office for a majority of your time, so you want to know what’s around it too.

4. Get organized.

Even though you may not have begun any projects yet, because the first week can be a bit overwhelming sometimes, staying organized is key to being productive. Make sure to complete any tasks you may need to do to get you started like setting up your computer or desk or filling out forms. You want to have everything ready and prepared for when you start diving into your work and you don’t want to run into any issues before you even really begin.

5. Be positive.

No matter what happens on the first or second day, remain positive. Your coworkers and supervisor especially will be able to gauge your attitude, so avoid complaining or talking negatively. Wearing a smile on your face, especially during your first week, shows everyone in the company that you deserve to be there and that most importantly, you want to be there. In order to be a successful intern, you have to be willing to take on any tasks that are asked of you without hesitation. Plus, staying positive will make your time much more enjoyable.

Your first week is extremely significant, but don’t forget that an internship is meant to be a fun, learning experience for you as a student, so don’t get too caught up in any mistakes you make along the way. Just keep working hard and doing your best. Good luck!

The post 5 Tips For Rocking The First Week of Your Internship appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

In our fast-paced society, nearly every day consists of a busy schedule and it’s all too easy to become overwhelmed. Whether it’s school, work, your social life, or other responsibilities that are stressing you out, taking breaks is a must. They are good for your health and they give you something to look forward to during your hectic day. Even if you don’t have that much time on your hands, you can take a deep breath and relax in only 10 minutes. You wouldn’t believe the impact it will have on your mood and then when you return to work or class, you’ll feel refreshed and ready to take on your next task.

Check out some of our tips below to relax when you’re on the clock!

1. Go outside and take a walk.

A breath of fresh air truly is the cure for anything. If you begin to feel stressed out or you just need a minute to breathe, taking a walk outside will do the trick. It gives you a chance to remove yourself from your environment, gets your blood circulating and allows you to declutter your mind, which will help lift the weight off your shoulders. Basking in the sun (or even a little rain) for even just a short period of time will rejuvenate you.

2. Drink a cup of tea.

Tea is meant to soothe you and help you relax, and even if aren’t a fan of tea, it’s the relaxation element that counts, so grab yourself a cup and savor the taste and the time to yourself. Enjoying the little things in life is what’s most important when you’re tense or frustrated because it serves as a reminder to not let a bad day get the best of you.

3. Write in your journal.

Journaling is a wonderful stress reliever. Write about anything that comes to your mind or maybe even write about what’s bothering you. Letting it all out on paper is incredibly helpful and a great way to get past the things that are stressing you out. And remember, your journal is yours only so no one else will ever read it. In this case, you really have the ability to let your thoughts loose, so that you’re not keeping everything bottled up all day and letting it grow even more.

4. Listen to music.

Bring your headphones with you everywhere you go, so when you have a few minutes to spare, you can go off in your own world. It’s the perfect way to unplug completely, because it’s just you and the music. Listen to your favorite song or listen to a song with a slow melody. Music is extremely powerful and hearing a song you like almost always puts you in a better mood, with a smile on your face.

It’s natural to experience stress now and then because it’s a part of life, but when you feel like can’t handle it anymore, take a little break and remember that it’s only temporary.

The post 4 Tips To Help You De-Stress In Only 10 Minutes appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

Now that it’s almost summer, internships are the hot topic for college students. Maybe you’re starting your first internship in a few weeks or you’re in the process of applying and you’re worried that you don’t have enough experience. There’s no need to fret. Remember that summer job you had as a lifeguard at the local pool or as a camp counselor at a daycamp? They both helped you gain valuable experience and what you’ve learned as a result has prepared you for this next step. So, how exactly do you highlight those skills in a way that helps you land the job?

Focus On Your Soft Skills

Communication and problem-solving skills are necessary in any work environment. Although you might never have had a sales internship at a marketing agency, your previous experience as a camp counselor has provided you with customer service skills. Think back to the countless times you interacted with campers and their parents and helped defuse any potential problems as they arose. When you reassured parents that their children would be in good hands, you put them at ease. If you make a customer’s life less stressful by selling them a product or service at your new internship, you’re using that same skill, just in a different setting.

Highlight Your Ability to Be Productive

Punctuality, efficiency, and productivity are crucial skills for a successful employee and a successful intern. Through summers jobs, you have grasped the importance of being on time each and every day and working diligently and productively while on the job. Following instructions regarding mealtimes and bedtimes for the children you have watched as a nanny enables you to follow a timeline of deadlines for a specific project you might be working on at your accounting internship. This connects directly to having a strong work ethic and showing initiative. Working, in any capacity, illustrates your commitment and dedication to your role, your co-workers, and your company, whether this is at a part-time retail job or an internship at an engineering firm.

Emphasize the Fact that You’re a Team Player

The ability to work as part of a team is perhaps the most important skill you need to flourish anywhere. Hiring managers and recruiters actively seek out individuals who can get along well with others and who can contribute to a team effort. Working as a barista requires a lot of teamwork, because some employees take orders, while others actually make the drinks, and others still are working in the back, cleaning and doing inventory amongst other tasks. The customer wouldn’t be able to leave the coffee shop with a drink in hand if the employees didn’t work together. The same goes for launching a new brand, idea, or concept. Without the ideas of several team members and a sense of team cohesion, the project may never see the light of day.

Though these skills are only a few of the many skills that will give you a leg up in the professional world, what’s most important is how you accentuate your experience on your WayUp profile. First and foremost, do your research and figure out what qualifications companies are looking for in their candidates. Make sure to highlight any and all skills that describe you and use similar terminology, so that your skills aren’t hidden. Next, make sure you use action verbs when listing what you have done in your previous roles. Instead of saying, “I was part of a team,” say, “contributed my ideas to team project ABC, where XYZ was accomplished,” and make sure to be specific. If you created new activities for the camp where you worked, include the results of your effort. If you increased the amount of sales in your store by suggesting a reorganization of the product setup, provide numbers or percentages. What matters most is the outcome of your actions. Include a few bullet points of your key responsibilities as well as what you accomplished throughout your time in a particular role. You want your WayUp profile and resume to stand out, so sell yourself.

By honing in on your skills and following these tips, you’ll be on your way to your first internship interview and offer in no time. Good luck!

The post Transferable Skills From A Summer Job To An Internship appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

From Steve Jobs’ now-famous advice to “Stay hungry…stay foolish,” to J.K. Rowling’s suggestion that “it is impossible to live without failing at something,” college graduation speeches have provided some of the greatest moments of inspiration and encouragement in recent history. That trend continues this year with celebrities and entrepreneurs like Will Ferrell, Sheryl Sandberg and Oprah Winfrey sharing their wisdom at commencements around the country.

Ready to be inspired? Here are the three best pieces of advice from this year’s graduation speeches.

1. Follow your dreams

When Will Ferrell graduated from college, he was not an overnight success. In fact, the comedian and actor spent the first two years of his post-college life sleeping on his mom’s couch in Southern California. What he discovered along the way is that success is not an easy road or a straightforward one. “Yes, I was afraid. You’re never not afraid,” Ferrell told students in his graduation speech at USC last week. “But my fear of failure never approached in magnitude my fear of what if. What if I never tried at all?”

By trying, failing and finding his strengths, Ferrell eventually earned a spot on SNL and launched his career as a sketch comic and, eventually, a movie star.

2. Build resilience

As the chief operating officer of Facebook and author of The New York Times best-selling book, “Lean In,” Sheryl Sandberg is familiar with success and the hard work it takes to sustain it. But the lesson she shared with graduating students at Virginia Tech last week wasn’t just about success, it was about resilience. After losing her husband, management consultant Dave Goldberg to a heart attack in 2015, Sandberg set out on a journey of self-discovery in an attempt to work through her grief. What she discovered was that the way to work through that grief was to become more resilient. “We are not born with a certain amount of resilience,” Sandberg told the crowd in her commencement speech at Virginia Tech. “It is a muscle, and that means we can build it. We build resilience into ourselves.”

After studying the concept of resilience for two years, Sandberg joined forces with Wharton School professor Adam Grant to write “Option B,” a book dedicated to uncovering answers about how to cope with adversity and find joy again.

3. Expand your definition of success

Oprah Winfrey may be a global media personality but she didn’t have the easiest time establishing herself in the field. Prior to landing her famous TV talk show, “The Oprah Winfrey Show,” Winfrey was fired from her job as a news anchor for Baltimore’s WJZ-TV. The reason? Producers claimed Winfrey was too emotional about the stories she covered.

Rather than feeling defeated, Winfrey embraced her interest in unique stories and became a talk show host. As she shared with students in her commencement speech at Agnes Scott College, the main lesson she’s learned throughout her career is that there is no single definition of success. “Those of you who have a lot of shoes know having a closet full of shoes doesn’t fill up your life. Living a life of substance can.”

Ready to find your calling in life? Check out some of the amazing companies hiring this summer and start building your own path to success.

The post The 3 Best Pieces of Advice From This Year’s Graduation Speeches appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

You’ve probably used Philips light bulbs dozens of times, but have you ever thought about what it’s like working for the company that creates them? There’s so much more to Philips Lighting than a company that brightens up the world. It’s also a great place for college students and recent grads to light up their careers.

It’s a Global Company with a Startup Spirit

Philips Lighting has been around for more than 126 years, but it still has a strong startup spirit. Just look at the company’s Innovation Labs, built for improving “products, prototypes and processes”. Five labs focus on things like electromagnetic compatibility, prototyping and material analysis, and employees work together to solve complex problems. That spirit of innovation stretches across the entire company and the opportunities to learn are endless. In other words, don’t be surprised if you feel like you’re working at a startup.

It’s a Company Full of Problem-Solvers

Philips Lighting looks for team members that are ready to take on any challenge. Every day, employees work on meaningful improvements to the world of lighting. And Philips Lighting makes sure they have all the tools they need to drive lighting improvements across the globe. At the same time, they make sure innovations are as eco-friendly as possible, and work towards building a future driven by renewable energy.

You’ll Feel Inspired Every Day

Philips Lighting knows that inspiration—along with plenty of encouragement and support every step of the way—leads to greater innovation. That’s why they place a strong focus on company culture and employee development. The result is a fast-paced workplace filled with smart people who are eager to work together on game-changing projects.

Ready to brighten your career potential at Philips Lighting? Head over to WayUp now to check out open positions and apply!

More from Philips Lighting:
How Philips Lighting Approaches Innovation
6 Things Current Employees Want You to Know About Working for Philips Lighting
Meet the Philips Lighting Intern Who Helps Run the Company’s Internship Program

The post Shedding Light on Career Growth with Philips Lighting appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

This story was written by StudySoup, a peer-to-peer learning marketplace that connects top students in the class with those who need a little help. Top students can upload their notes and study guides to the StudySoup Marketplace, providing their peers with helpful materials while also earning some extra cash.

College isn’t doing a very good job of teaching students the critical skills they need for the “real world” anymore. There’s a gap between what students are taught in college, and what they actually need to be successful on the job. But not all students are aware of this.

According to Payscale.com, 87% of graduates say that they feel prepared to start working in their field, but only 50% of hiring managers feel the same way. What’s worse is that when it comes to finding a job, almost all graduates believe that they won’t have a problem getting hired. But 51% of graduates had to deal with underemployment.

Turns out there’s a pretty big difference between what college students think they need to do to find a job compared to what hiring managers are look for.

In this post, I’ll talk about a few critical skills that college won’t teach you, and why they’re important.

Critical Skill #1: Proactiveness

College can help students grow in a lot of different ways. But it teaches them “to test” instead of helping them to think creatively. That means students have to follow a set syllabus, do all the assignments and follow all the instructions, and figure out what type of answers the professor wants to hear. That’s how they get an A.

But that same approach students become so accustomed to doesn’t translate so well when it comes to applying for a job. Most graduates scroll through job boards like Indeed or CareerBuilder, read through the job description, and if they feel like they fit most of the requirements, they send off a resume. And in many cases, they don’t hear back for a long time…if at all.

But proactive students take a different approach.

Take Nina Mufleh, for example. She wanted to get a job in marketing at Airbnb. So instead of sending out a standard online application, she created Nina4Airbnb.com.

She put together some well thought out ideas on how Airbnb could grow on her site, and sent it to the company’s CEO. She got an interview almost immediately.

Being proactive shows employers that you have the drive to do whatever it takes to get the job done.

Critical Skill #2: Adaptability

The world is changing faster than ever before.

The skills critical to success in any job are changing rapidly. If you learned a programming language in school, chances are it already changed by the time you graduated. Ten years ago, Facebook advertising wasn’t a tactic that marketers thought a whole lot about. But today, almost every digital marketer has at least some experience in it.

Nowadays, graduation marks the beginning of your learning. Not the end of it.

In school, learning takes place at a relatively normal pace. You have time to do your assigned reading, work on your homework, go to office hours if you have any questions, and make sure you understand everything perfectly before the exam.

But the real world isn’t like that.

You might have to execute on projects rapidly before you get a perfect understanding of how everything is supposed to work. You’ll have to constantly keep learning by doing things like reading the right books, blogs, listening to podcasts by experts in your field, enrolling in online classes, and applying what you’ve learned by doing something.

Critical Skill #3: Critical thinking

60% of employers say that critical thinking is the skill that new graduates lack the most.

Critical thinking is the ability to gather information from sources you can trust and analyze them. Being able to solve problems and make decisions based on gathered information is something that employers place a high value on.

Seth Godin said in an interview once that if you can only do what someone else tells you to do and nothing more, then they can find someone (or something) cheaper than you to do it. If you can creatively think through problems, present solutions, and make decisions, then you’re a resource that can’t be replaced.

One way to prove that you’re a creative thinker is by coming up with new and interesting ideas for how you could help a company before you apply, like Nina did.

Conclusion

The growing “skills gap” between what colleges teach and what employers want is more about soft skills than hard, technical skills. In fact, only 12% of employers say that graduates lack technical skills like computer programming, and 7% say they lack skills like SEO/SEM.

Most people are proficient enough when it comes to the technical aspects of their job, or they can be trained to become proficient pretty quickly. You can train someone in program in basic Javascript within a few weeks.

What’s much harder to train are the soft skills. It’s hard to teach someone how to be proactive. Managers struggle to teach critical thinking. It’s almost impossible for them to teach adaptability and to have a constant hunger to learn more.

That’s why you’ll have a massive leg up over other candidates if you have these three critical skills before you apply.

The post 3 Critical Skills College Doesn’t Teach You appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

From Dove soap to Degree deodorant, odds are you’ve got more than a few Unilever products at home. A household name for more than 100 years, Unilever isn’t just dedicated to keeping you clean; it’s also committed to helping the planet while enriching people’s lives. Thanks to something called the Unilever Sustainable Living Plan, the company is doing great things for the environment while helping its employees succeed in their careers.

Excited to work for a company that’s passionate about earth-friendly innovation? We bet you are! It’s a great chance to make a difference in the world. Here are 11 reasons why we love Unilever’s approach to sustainability.

1. Unilever’s products are used by 2.5 billion people around the world every day and the Sustainable Living Plan covers all of those products and countries. Talk about a big commitment!

2. They’ve got big plans to change not just the way products are made, but also the way people use them. How big? Unilever plans to cut their environmental impact in half.

3. And it’s working already. In 2015, Unilever’s waste impact went down by 29 percent per consumer use.

4. If people don’t have a place to recycle, they won’t do it, so Unilever is helping to improve recycling centers across the country by investing in more technology in places like Baltimore and Chicago, and small towns that may not otherwise have the resources to set up or promote recycling.

5. Unilever is also creating smarter materials and designs to help the planet.

6. … like the incredible MuCell™ bubble-powered molding tech that’s reducing the amount of plastic in bottles by as much as 15 percent.

7. That means the 33 million people who buy Dove Body Wash every year are now using 275 tons less plastic every year, and that’s just one product.

8. Oh, and it also means lower shipping costs and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

9. Plus Unilever takes the phrase “sharing is caring” to a whole new level by giving other companies access to its MuCell™ technology so they can use less plastic too.

10. When Unilever realized just 14 percent of Americans recycle bathroom plastics (versus over 50 percent in the kitchen), they collaborated to come up with this clever “I Want to Be Recycled” campaign.

11. They also created this addictive “Super Sorter” recycling game. Excuse us. We’ve got some playing to do.

Bet you didn’t know you could celebrate Earth Day by applying to work at Unilever. Head over to WayUp now and check out open positions at this planet-friendly company.

The post 11 Ways the Makers of Dove, AXE and Ben & Jerry’s Are Helping the Planet appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

Whether you were making a new signature scent or dissecting a pig, lab day in science class was always exciting. Now remember that feeling, enter the real world and say hello to Thermo Fisher Scientific. Thermo Fisher Scientific is a multi-billion dollar company whose business is bringing that science class to life. From genetic testing to food chemistry examination, they are providing science that makes a real difference in the world.

Now meet Lauren Miller, a scientist in the Research and Development group of Thermo Fisher. After graduating from Boston University in 2014, her goal was to make the world a healthier place, and after interning at Thermo Fisher Scientific she knew that was where she wanted to begin her full-time career. Here’s why she thinks everyone, regardless of their major, should consider starting their career with Thermo Fisher Scientific.

You do real work

Lauren expected her first job as a scientist to consist of cleaning bleekers and running machines. However, at Thermo Fisher she’s been given real work from the get-go and has been thrown right into the thick of it. She even got the chance to travel to Scotland to help a customer on site on the company’s dime.

You are changing the world

Thermo Fisher is trying to change the world for the better through science. By joining their team, you can be rest assured that your work will be put towards the greater good. As Lauren said, “it’s very exciting to see something go from the lab bench to real solution. It’s an amazing feeling.”

The company will help you figure out what you want to do

Since Thermo Fisher is such a large company, there truly is a spot for everyone. Thermo Fisher realizes that not everyone graduates from college knowing exactly what they want to do, so they’ll support you in figuring it out. Lauren shares, “especially if you don’t quite know what you want to do, [Thermo Fisher Scientific] is a great place to start. It’s a huge corporation and there’s a place for everyone.”

Want to do good in the world? Click here to learn more about Thermo Fisher and apply for open roles on WayUp!

The post How Thermo Fisher Ensures That All Their Employees Make a Real World Impact appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

This article is sponsored by CohnReznick, which is hiring on WayUp now.

“If you do your best to serve faithfully your community, your clients, and your associates, success will most surely follow.” — Julius Cohn, founder, CohnReznick.

For some of you recent grads, we know trying to spot the differences between the big accounting firms can sometimes feel like the most excruciatingly boring game of Where’s Waldo—just swap the classic red-and-white stripes for a sea of indistinguishable black and grey suits or green-and-white Excel sheets.

For CohnReznick, one of the companies hiring for internships and entry level positions on WayUp, its people-focused spirit defines their culture. At the professional level, it means that the firm encourages its employees to find creative, dynamic solutions to problems that don’t always come right from the textbook. And at the personal level, that dynamic spirit translates into some of the most important work the company does—at the public service and community level—through programs like CARES, Pay it Forward, and Golf Invitational.

CARES: Making accounting acronyms mean something.

Like any good accounting firm well-supplied with acronyms, CohnReznick’s CARES stands for Community, Education, Responsibility, Education and Service. Formed by the company’s National Social Impact Committee in 2013, CARES acts as a direct call to action to motivate its employees to embrace the dedication to service and find ways to give back to their communities however they can.

Now in its 10th year is the company’s ‘Pay It Forward’ movement, which is loosely based on the premise of a movie that came out in 2000. Basically, before he was terrorizing the Washington elite as Frank Underwood, Kevin Spacey played a social studies teacher who tasked his students with forwarding every good deed they receive to someone else, creating a continuing chain of good will that ends up changing the world (it’s hard to imagine, especially after the end of Season 3 of House of Cards, but you’ll have to trust us).

CohnReznick’s take on it is similar—each December, the company provides a little something extra to employees’ paychecks, encouraging them to “Pay it Forward” to the organizations that have been positive, contributing influences in their life. A creative take on the traditional means of encouraging giving, Pay it Forward helped the company receive honors for its “Impressive Good Works” by the Commerce and Industry Association of New Jersey.

Your Golf Game That Keeps on Giving

Over the past twenty five years, CohnReznick has led a charitable charge through its annual Charity Golf Invitational, which provides charities with donations from benefactors across the community. Last June, the firm donated $150,000 to the Special Operations Warrior Fund (SOWF) and the Joe Torre Safe at Home Foundation, coming from the CARES program as well as the CohnReznick Foundation.

If you’re looking for more than just a job, but for something that helps the people who need it the most, then check out the internship and entry-level opportunities at CohnReznick! It’s a wonderful place with even more wonderful people, and the perfect place to kickstart your accounting career!

The post Being Accountable: How CohnReznick Gives Back to the Community appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

Have you been searching for your dream internship, but feel like you’re not sure what employers really want from you? Internships are becoming essential to college students who want to work in their field straight out of college, because the experience that is gained in an internship is valuable and making those industry connections is vital. College experience is good, but actual work experience is even better.

There are many mistakes that you can make when applying for internships, but here are some of the most common ones (and how to avoid them).

1. Not Applying to Enough Internships

The truth is that you are not going to get every internship you apply for. To prepare for this, you need to apply for more than just the one that seems the most ideal to you. Applying for one internship is definitely the easiest thing to do, and if you get a job, that’s even better on you, but the chances of getting your dream internship on the first try is very low. Apply for a bunch of internships to raise these chances.

Another pro tip: Don’t get too picky. Sure, the “I’ll take any internship!” track isn’t the right mentality either, but don’t turn down internships that aren’t absolutely perfect or don’t meet every single one of your nice-to-haves.

2. Waiting Too Long to Apply

It’s not hard to put off a date for so long that you completely forget to apply by the application deadline. Yes, most internships require you to apply in a very short window of time, but this gives you ample time to prepare your application and write your cover letter for that company. Procrastination will not help you get that dream internship you’ve been scavenging for.

3. Not Following Up

Employers aren’t perfect; they can forget about you, just like you can forget about them. Following up with the employer after you send the application to them will ensure that they know who you are and won’t forget to take you into consideration when they are appointing their internship positions.

When should you follow up after submitting an application? Give it at least five to seven days, then send a quick three-sentence “Hey, just checking in!” email.

4. Not Sending a Cover Letter

If an employer gives you space for an optional cover letter or a place to include an attachment, write a cover letter and send it over. You have absolutely nothing to lose by doing this, but you have so much to gain. Companies want to know exactly why you are applying for certain positions. This will only help your chances and show the employer how worthy you are of the position you are applying for.

Never written a cover letter before? Check out our tips in the WayUp Guide.

5. Depending on Other People to Recommend You for a Position

We all have those friends who say they can get us an internship or job for the summer, but we also know that they can never follow through with their promises. Depending on other people is never a good idea when it comes to furthering your professional career, so don’t lean on anyone’s shoulders but your own. Get down to the nitty-gritty and do your research on different internships. Yes, it’s okay to have a friend send some emails, but don’t put all of your eggs in that one basket.

6. Not Cleaning Your Social Media

The last thing an employer needs to see is the distasteful tweets you made about the most recent election. They would much rather see your professionalism on display in all aspects, including your social media. Make sure you go through your archives and delete anything that an employer would not like to see. They check your social media–it’s not as private as you might think.

7. Not Following Application Instructions

This is important: The first impression that you’re going to give an employer is the way you followed the instructions of the application they provided. If you aren’t careful and mess up on even one part of the application, this will be a massive blow to your chances of getting the internship.

8. Only Applying to One Type of Company

Facebook and Google have enough applicants; why don’t you try applying for smaller companies? On the flip side, if all of your previous work experiences are with smaller organizations, it might be time to see how the corporate life would treat you.

Branching out not only diversifies your resume but also gives you a number of new experiences to consider as you continue to figure out what you want to do after graduation.

9. Using an Outdated Resume

Make sure that the resume you send to your dream internship contains everything that you’ve done up to the point of when you sent the application. Add everything that would be relevant, and always check your resume before you send it.

And another thing: make sure you create a custom resume for every single position you apply for! Your resume should be highlighting things that the company specifically calls out in its internship listing, and not doing this could be the factor that separates you from getting to the interview round and becoming just another app in the pile.

Get those applications out. You never know what internships you might land; just make sure you avoid these mistakes at all costs, whether you’re applying for your dream internship or your dream career.

The post 9 Common Mistakes Students Make When Applying for Internships appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

The holiday season is quickly approaching and that means an onslaught of party after party. Some you look forward to, like your Friendsgiving dinner. Some you dread, like your weird second cousin’s ugly Christmas sweater party that you only attend to be polite. Then, there are some that are harder to navigate, like the office holiday party. When in doubt, here are the definitive Do’s and Don’ts of the annual office holiday party.

Don’t dress too revealing…

Holiday parties are appealing because it’s an opportunity to dress up in something nicer than your coworkers normally see you in, but even if you think that low-cut dress is tasteful and on-trend and therefore acceptable, it’s not. Save revealing outfits for non-work related parties, and choose something more professional for work shindigs.

…Do dress up

But that doesn’t mean you should dress in the same old pantsuit you wear to the office! Whether you work in a business formal environment or at a super laid-back startup, you should make an effort to dress to impress, always.

Don’t be on your phone the whole time…

Snap a couple photos then put your phone away for the night. That means leaving your Snapchat and Instagram stories alone. Why? You don’t seem approachable or in the moment if you’re constantly on your phone and you’re ignoring people. Also, it’s not very professional and can make you appear vain and immature. So tuck it away. You’ll be OK.

…Do network

Forego social media for in-person social networking! It’s the perfect opportunity to talk to your coworkers about whatever outside projects they may be working on and a chance for your boss to get to know you more outside of the hustle and bustle of the workplace.

Don’t get drunk…

Obvious, right? A few free drink tickets or an open bar may sound like a good opportunity to load up on alcohol, but it’s not. Remember that even though you’re off the clock, you’re still at a work function. You don’t want to get tipsy and say something inappropriate.

…Do enjoy a drink or two (if you want)

By all means, have a drink or two. Just know your limit and be cognizant of when ‘having a good time’ turns into ‘speaking a little too loudly’. Getting a little buzzed may be acceptable on a night out with friends and family, but remember that at work functions, it’s your professional reputation on the line.

Don’t say anything you wouldn’t want your boss to hear…

With the drinks, the food and the loud music, it might seem like an acceptable time to let your guard down and make a few off-color jokes. Keep in mind that these are still your professional peers and just because you’re off the clock doesn’t mean you’re off the record. A good rule of thumb is to not say anything you wouldn’t be OK with your boss hearing.

…Do loosen up

It’s a party, after all! While you should take your setting into account, it’s also important to loosen up and have a good time. Don’t hide in the corner with your date the whole night. Take it as an opportunity to get to know your coworkers. You might be surprised to find out that Shy Sheila from HR does roller derby on the weekends.

The post The Definitive Do’s and Don’ts of Office Holiday Parties appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

If you’re a college junior, chances are you’ve started looking for job experiences now that’ll help you land that dream opportunity after you get your diploma.

Want to get a head start learning valuable skills that’ll set you apart from the rest of the pack? Check out these five awesome listings that’ll give you resume-worthy job experience, and then head to WayUp to see millions more.

1. Corporate Communications Intern, Brunswick Group

Want to get your feet wet learning about corporate communications? Brunswick group is hiring an NYC-based intern to create editorial calendars and media lists, proofread internal and external documents, organize the logistical aspects of corporate announcements, and so much more.

An added bonus: The position pays $13 per hour. Apply now.

2. Design and Marketing Intern, Cribspot

Sharpen important transferable skills by helping Cribspot’s team create assets like postcards, newsletters, and landing pages while learning about marketing and design principles. Apply now.

3. Brand Ambassador, CUPS

As a Brand Ambassador for CUPS, you’ll gain sought-after sales experience in no time, as you’ll be nurturing leads, building partnerships, and learning the art of cold calling. Apply now.

4. Fashion Production Intern, Sockbin

If you’re looking for an “in” in the fashion industry, now’s your chance: Sockbin’s paid (yes, paid!) Fashion Production Internship gives you the opportunity to learn about supply chain management, trend forecasting, product logistics, and brand marketing.

Sounds like a dream come true. Apply now.

5. Marketing and Leadership Role, Zero Energy

Your job is simple: Marketing Zero Energy’s incredible product to as many people as possible, and get paid $25 per hour to do it.

And here’s a kicker: Some of Zero Energy’s top reps have made over $60,000 per year. Apply now.

Why are you still here? Apply to all of these roles and more on WayUp right now!

The post 5 Opportunities That’ll Set College Juniors Up for Success After Graduation appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

Before I had any idea what the word “love” meant, I loved books. I loved words. I loved the way a book could make me reconsider and reevaluate the world I live in and the people I interact with. I loved the way a book could quicken my heart with its words, bring tears streaming down my cheeks while I, sniffling, turned the next page, and leave me lying awake at night long after I set the book down by my nightstand, with so many thoughts churning in my head.

I still love the way books affect me, though college has shifted my pleasure reading time into a more academic one. Still, many of the books I have read for my classes were just as enjoyable and mind-changing as any of the ones I read before college. I could tell you the books that signaled great changes in my life: How to Eat Fried Worms by Thomas Rockwell, The Giver by Lois Lowry, When All the World is Old by John Rybicki, and now, in college, Louise Glück’s Averno. Each of these books taught me something about challenge, the world, love and loss, and identity, things which I am still mulling over today.

If you’ve been wanting to find some books that can get you thinking or feeling new things, check out the books that changed everything for these college students.

1. The Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket

“The Series of Unfortunate Events series by Lemony Snicket forever changed my life. It sounds dumb, but the series is such an introspective and thoughtful series for children that exhibits heavy themes that are important for children to know and for adults to engage with as well. The series is what began my love for reading in the fourth grade and that’s why it changed my life! I truly think I am a better/smarter student because I started at an early age with this series.” – Matthew, Louisiana State University ‘20

I remember reading this series as a kid as well, and I was always fascinated with the mystery of the Baudelaire children’s family history. For a dark but humorous and complex mystery, The Series of Unfortunate Events series is the one to get you thinking about people’s motivations for doing what they do, while also giving you some down time from reading all those academic textbooks for classes.

2. Breaking Clean by Judy Blunt

“The book Breaking Clean by Judy Blunt really helped change my perspective on certain aspects of my life. It helped me realize that I could break out of the norms of the life I was born into and do more. From reading this book, I found that change is inevitable in life. It is just something that you may have to be thrown into sometimes and hope that you swim instead of sink.” – Sarah, Clemson University ‘18

College is such a big change in our lives, it can be scary, intimidating, and daunting to try and tackle alone. But reading about change as a positive thing is helpful during this time in our lives, and it’s comforting to find identification with the fact that life itself is just one change after another.

3. Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand

“Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand has made me really step back and look at the way governments act and how society reacts to today’s newfound income inequality. It’s made me realize that some people want complete autonomy in everything they do and they don’t believe in sacrificing themselves for anything lesser than its value. Others believe that no one should be left on the streets or be denied “basic human rights.” This book has made me question where I stand on issues like government, capitalism versus socialism, altruism, and society’s perception of what is right and valuable to myself or to others.” – Anna, Presbyterian College ‘18

With all the recent political and social drama happening in our increasingly global world, college gives us a space to explore where we stand on such important and influential issues. Books like Ayn Rand’s Atlas Shrugged can especially give us even more perspectives to consider when making such decisions on personal values.

4. Gone With the Wind by Margaret Mitchell

“Gone With the Wind by Margaret Mitchell. I love that Scarlett will go to any lengths necessary to protect herself and those she loves. I find her strength and perseverance inspirational after everything she had to go through.” – Laurel, Presbyterian College ‘17

For the pick-me-up you need when life and college get tough, Gone With the Wind offers that strong female protagonist who, even when her world is becoming unrecognizable, fights to keep her integrity and changes with the times, showing her as a role model for persevering through difficult challenges.

5. The Shack: Where Tragedy Confronts Eternity by William P. Young

“The Shack: Where Tragedy Confronts Eternity by William P. Young changed my life because it gave me a different outlook on how to have a personal relationship with God. It showed me how to have faith when life throws storms my my way. Also, I read it when I was having a hard time in my life and it restored my happiness.” – Jessie, Midlands Technical College ‘19

Some of us college students find comfort not just in the strength of a strong character, but also strength in a certain faith. While The Shack offers a Christian perspective on the relationship one develops with God, it remains a book that at its core stresses the value and meaning of love even when it seems that love is gone.

6. Bluets by Maggie Nelson

“Bluets by Maggie Nelson changed my life. Not only did I read it at a time in which I related to it acutely, but it also pointed me in the direction of the form I’m most interested in studying (lyric essays), and inspired me to write one of my own. Bluets changed the way I thought about form, loss, and the experience of pain.” – Jozie, College of Charleston ‘17

A collection of short lyric essays that read like poems, Bluets explores “personal suffering and the limitations of vision and love, as refracted by the color blue.” For anyone seeking solace and emotional expression through words, especially if you are trying to find some sense of meaning for what lies in the future, this book is one to consider.

7. East of Eden by John Steinbeck

“I graduated a year and a half ago and recently read East of Eden by John Steinbeck. I found it to have a certain profoundness to it, a treatise on human nature. I think what I loved so much about it is that in it Steinbeck examines, without fear, some of the most common human flaws (and virtues) that we see around us or in ourselves. It is not a fantastical story that could never have happened; it sounds an awful lot like a story that was real, that happened to a family in California many years ago. I think the main thing I got out of it was that humanity is beautiful. Terrible sometimes, but beautiful. We have the power to choose between good and evil; we are terrible because we choose evil, and we are beautiful because we choose. And all because “thou mayest.” – Isaac, California State University-Chico ‘15

I recently finished reading East of Eden myself and found some of the most haunting and inspirational and thought-provoking moments and sentences written in that book that I had to take my time thinking about it, because there was so much to unravel. It’s a beautiful book that I highly recommend to anyone who wants a story about a family and what it means to love and be loved.

I’m adding many of these books to my summer reading list, because soon I’ll be out in the “real world” having to look for a job, and books can be both escapes from and guides to this bustling, creative, uncertain but exciting world we live in. There is always something to be said of humanity in every book we read. Especially in college, when we’re trying to figure out who we are and why we do what we do, reading books can give us that much more insight into who we can be and what we can do in the world.

The post 7 College Students Reveal the Book That Changed How They Thought About Everything appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

Whether you’re a student or an entry-level employee, talking to your professor, supervisor or boss can sometimes seem a bit scary. You want to seem competent and educated without coming off like a suck-up; it’s a difficult balance to achieve.

In order to successfully chat with your professor about your performance in class or with your boss to discuss that potential raise, consider the following points as a guide for your future conversation.

1. Get Over Your Fear

First and foremost, you will have to simply get over your fear of talking to authority. While it might sound easier said than done, it’s actually not. It is in the job description of your professors and work supervisors to talk with students and employees. They are there to listen to your concerns, questions and just about everything related to your class or job.

Most of the time, professors and bosses enjoy discussing these matters with people like you, especially if you’re prepared, so take a deep breath, pull yourself together and get rid of those pre conference jitters.

2. Come Prepared for Your Chat

Just like class, you should come to your professor or boss’s office for your conversation prepared and ready to discuss anything related to your class or job. You wouldn’t come to class without having done the assigned reading or checking that long email thread from your boss, would you? The same applies here; this is definitely not a “just wing it!” situation.

If you have a question about an upcoming test or essay prompt, make sure you have specific questions that can help you make the most of your professor’s office hours. If you’re asking for a raise or promotion, make sure you have all of your research and supporting evidence like successful projects to help them make a decision. Essentially, you can make the whole process easier and more effective if you come prepared.

Another key part of being prepared: Think about all potential outcomes, especially if you’re going in with a request. If you’ve prepared yourself for every result, you’ll feel a lot more confident going in.

3. Research What the Other Person Has Done Beforehand

People, especially those in authority, love when their employees or students humor their ego, so use the Internet to your advantage for when you want to talk to your boss or professor. Look up your boss’s professional history and see who he or she knows in your current field or a field you are hoping to break into, or use your university’s library to read your professor’s research or doctoral thesis. All of these will make great jumping off points and will show your boss or professor that you did your homework for the conversation.

4. Be Proactive

It cannot be stressed enough that you should never prolong a discussion with your boss or professor if you are experiencing a problem at your job or if you are struggling in the course.

First, it’s irresponsible to you as a student and employee. Your job or class standing could be jeopardized just because you didn’t go and talk to your supervisor before the problem got out of hand. Second, your boss or professor will probably not treat you with the same amount of sympathy and understanding that they most likely would have bestowed upon you if you came to them when you first started having problems. So, the first sign of struggle is when you should schedule a time to sit down with your boss and professor and attack the problem.

Now that you know how to talk to your professors and bosses like the adult you are, go and schedule a time to talk with them. Whether it’s just to chat or to discuss a problem, they will appreciate that you took the time to speak with them. Now get talking!

The post How to Talk to Anyone (Boss, Professor, or Otherwise) Without Sounding Like a Suck-Up appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

By now, most of us have probably caught onto the fact that one of the best ways to show a past, current or future employer that you care is by sending a follow-up note. Notes can be sent after an interview, following a work event or just to let somebody know that you’re thinking of them. A “thank you” is always appreciated, but there is one surefire way to have your words of thanks stand out from all the rest: Write the best thank you card ever!

Even though e-mails are a nice and easy follow up, sending a card shows your competency in writing and organizational skills that employers want to see still hold up in a digital age. Writing a card is not as hard to do as it might seem. Once you put a little effort into the letter writing process, you’ll find it to be fun! Here are five steps to sending out the best and most memorable thank you card.

1. Know How to Properly Format, Address and Send a Letter

You might not think about it often, but when was the last time you hand wrote and mailed a letter? You’d be surprised how many people have never mailed out a note before in their lives! Contents of the envelop aside, the first thing the recipient of your thank you card is going to see when it gets to their mailbox is the packaging it comes in. You can never make a second first impression, but sending a clean, neat envelop is as close as you can get to one! Make sure that you have your name and your address (a return address is always helpful and important) in the upper left-hand corner, and “Company Name, ATTN: Recipient’s Name, Recipient’s Official Title, Company Address” legibly written in the center of the envelop. A stamp in the upper right- hand corner is a must, but make sure the stamp isn’t crooked, ripped or out of season. A snowflake stamp just won’t cut it in the middle of May!

Besides adding your signature at the end, there are lots of great ways to make your thank you letter stand out even beyond contents and format. I highly recommend investing in some notecard stationery sets. Try to find a pattern or style of card that is professional, but also unique. It can either be something that screams you or reflects back to the recipient. Bonus points if you can find a card that relates back to your conversation with the person getting the card!

The ability to send a properly formatted letter once the envelope has been opened shows that you’ve got the whole package. You know what a letter should look like and what it should say. Paying attention to little details such as spacing, a smooth seal, no ink smudges and straight label placement implies that if you are just as meticulous with the “little things,” you can handle larger, pressing and more time sensitive topics when communicating as a trusted representative of your company.

2. Be Timely

What makes any thank you note a good one is being timely. I wouldn’t wait more than the next day to send out a follow-up. People are always busy and have a lot going on; the longer you wait to say thanks, the greater the chances are that they might not remember your name or confuse you with someone else.

Being punctual means that both on paper and in person, you are creating a lasting impression in the mind of a future or former boss by letting their most recent memory of you be a kind thank you. A surefire way to secure that good impression is also to follow up your more traditional note with a thank you email as well, so the recipient knows right away that you are thinking of them, instead of letting time pass by without contacting them as the letter goes through the mail.

3. Be Thoughtful

Inside of your letter, be thoughtful and genuinely express exactly what it is you would like to give thanks to. Instead of just saying something standard and unoriginal like ‘thank you for the great opportunity,” try to think back to the event or conversation you are writing in regards to and pinpoint one to three things that you enjoyed or were impressed by.

Did you learn something new? Mention that. Were you inspired by a speaker or presentation? Tell them why and how. Was there a piece of advice that resonated with you from that day? Quote it in your letter.

Those who go this extra mile in good faith are those more likely to be recognized for their passion and ability to acknowledge that they want to be part of a team effort or success. Gratitude is always greatly appreciated at any stage of the game, and the fact that you went through the trouble of doing things like taking notes, finding their address and official title and even just sending out a clean envelope means you are being thoughtful.

And if you need more help on content, we’ve got a step-by-step guide to being grateful in a thank-you note on our WayUp Guide.

4. Take Notes and Plan Topics Ahead of Time

One way to get around having writers block for thank you notes is to take notes as soon as an event or interview is over, whether it’s on your phone or in a notebook; jot down your overall impressions of the day and anything that really stood out to you. Try to paraphrase important ideas or note key concepts that were brought up in an interview or networking event. When it comes time to write your letter you can just pull out your notes for reference, write a small draft and then put it down in a card.

5. Have Good Penmanship

Your penmanship will also make you easily identifiable in another way other than your face or voice. Write neatly, without spelling errors, and write well, so that in the future, if your work ends up on someone’s desk, he or she already knows you who are by the handwriting and quality of your work.

6. Putting It All Together

When all has been said and done, you ideally want your handwritten thank you note to look something like this:

Hi [person’s name],

I just wanted to take a moment to send you a note to thank you for the positive experience I got to share with you at yesterday’s [insert activity here]. I spent the ride back home following our meeting reflecting on [what stood out to you most], and I think it’s really going to change [5-10 words on what you learned]! I really appreciate your guidance, and  I look forward to the next opportunity we might have to work together.

Thank you again for [what did you most get out of this interaction]. Looking forward to talking again soon!

With appreciation,

[Your name]

Where there are blanks, you will want to make sure you have referred to your note taking and chosen the best moments to showcase in your note. Don’t just choose random points just because they sound “good”- just like with any academic writing, you want to make sure the points relate and flow along in a logical progression.

It doesn’t have to be a long letter, but it does have to be one that shows you are thinking about how your interactions with the recipient will positively impact your career life. If this person seems like someone you would like to work with again and keep contact with, make sure that you allude to the possibility of future collaborations, so that the reader knows you are still interested in them.

Whether networking is done via WayUp and online or through a friend of a friend, separating yourself out from the rest as someone who gives that extra unprovoked effort is a great way to make a lasting impression that goes beyond your online networking accounts. If you wanna have the best reputation, one way to solidify it is by sending the best thank you letter!

The post How to Create the Best Handwritten Thank You Note Ever appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

When you’re in high school, you may take any number of odd jobs. You might be a waitress, busboy, dishwasher, cashier, etc. It’s a line between needing gas money and wanting to be able to buy a few nice things, right? Well, sometimes it’s a line between wanting to save money for college and needing to make payments on your car insurance on time.

The first job I ever took consisted of me changing diapers, running after screaming kids and dealing with more bodily fluids from toddlers than I ever cared to see. My parents told me if I wanted to drive a car, go to college or go out with friends, I had to work for all those things, so that’s what I did.

The second job I ever took was at a restaurant my senior year of high school. I cleaned tables off, did dishes and eventually was promoted to a cook on the weeknights. I learned a really harsh lesson with this job, though. I learned that I couldn’t work 20+ hours a week and concentrate on my schoolwork. I eventually had to quit the job because, in six months, I’d lost two scholarships. It wasn’t exactly something I was proud of.

Throughout the years, I’ve had third, fourth, fifth jobs. The list goes on. I’ve been unemployed. I’ve worked for almost no money. I’ve had jobs I couldn’t stand and jobs it was hard to leave because I loved them. I had coworkers I meshed with and other coworkers I couldn’t handle.

However, the most important thing I’ve learned in my years of going from one odd job to the next odd job is this: A job isn’t just a job. A job is, seemingly, much more than that. A job is what teaches you life lessons even if you don’t immediately see those life lessons. Sometimes it can take years for you to put the pieces of that puzzle together. Sometimes it takes seconds after you’ve quit a job to realize what the lesson was.

This is something I had to learn the hard way: I always looked at jobs I took as just another job, and I never looked at them as a learning experience. They were simply a means to an end, which is probably why I was rarely happy in any job I took. Not only was that job not exactly what I wanted to do, but I wasn’t looking at it in a positive way. I wasn’t looking at those jobs as something that was bettering me as an individual.

I babysat for years. I bussed tables at a restaurant. I washed dishes and cooked at that same restaurant. I’ve worked at grain elevators, a pharmacy, libraries and a livestock feed store, not to mention all the odd jobs I’ve had on the side throughout the last five or six years, like helping truck drivers with paperwork to helping power-wash buildings.

Even if you don’t want to do what you went to college for, there are jobs out there you can aim for. I went to school for English. All I’ve ever wanted to do was write. However, with that being said, I’m great with people! I’m a people person with extensive skills in communications. I’m great with customers, so that’s what I do. I work primarily with people while trying to maintain my identity as a writer. Someday, my writing will lead to the career that I believe I want.

I’d like to think of jobs before our careers as stepping stones, metaphorically speaking, at least. Jobs we take before we land on the path we feel we’re truly meant to be on are building blocks for our future. You might be cooking at a fast food restaurant, but in a year you might be a manager at that same restaurant. It’s going to give you experience.

I know how hard it is to think that a job isn’t shameful. I know how hard it can be to be proud of the work you do, especially when those jobs are so frowned upon by society. Trust me: No one is above any job regardless of their education, financial background or own thought process. Someone has to work at the gas stations, fast food joints and in janitorial positions. Those jobs matter too.

No matter what, though, a job is a great experience. We should look at it that way rather than being unhappy in the work we’re doing. If you’re going to flip burgers, make them the best burgers you’ve ever flipped. If you’re going to clean toilets at a school or Fortune 500 company, make sure those toilets sparkle when you’re done with them.

No matter what you do, make sure you do it with pride.

The post The Most Important Thing to Remember With Any Job You Take appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

Everyone struggles with frustrating nerves and intimidation when going into an important interview or meeting, no matter how prepared they are. Thankfully, there is a proven way to create a confident mindset when pitching your big idea or arguing why you are the perfect fit for the job. Its name? Power posing.

What Is a Power Pose?

According to social psychology Amy Cuddy, there is a simple technique that can be used to reduce anxiety and up your confidence in just a few minutes. It’s called power posing, and it’s advertised by Cuddy as ideal for a quick boost in morale before interviews or a meeting.

The poses quickly rose to fame after Cuddy performed what is the second most watched TED talk of all time in 2012. In the talk, power poses are characterized by open, expansive postures with the most famous pose being termed “Wonder Woman” in which legs are spread apart and hands are resting on hips.

Why Do Power Poses?

Believe it or not, power poses have actually come under fire recently for not being scientifically sound. One of the study’s co-authors, Dana Carney, disavowed the 2010 study’s claims to create hormonal changes that made the findings so revolutionary originally.

Cuddy has since acknowledged this unfounding, but maintains that “adopting expansive postures causes people to feel more powerful,” in response to the study’s criticism this past September. Feeling empowered is the base reason for power posing and does actually make users feel psychologically empowered as well as convince others of their assuredness.

What Are Some Power Poses You Can Do Now?

Power poses are still cited by many as effective ways to boost your confidence and help feel more at ease in tense situations. Instead of standing in the “Wonder Woman” before a presentation in hopes that your hormone levels will change, focus on changing your posture before and during your presentation to assert yourself as a stronger force. During interviews and meetings, be cognizant of how you’re sitting, like Cuddy advises in her TED Talk; do not hunch over or cross your legs and arms into each other.

Think of the posture someone would have at the head of a conference table. It’s expansive, often leaning back in a way that opens the body up. Stretch out our arms and prop them up on the chair back. It’s all about body language and appearing dominant and powerful.

Make your voice heard and your presence seen. The underlying message behind power poses is a “fake it till you make it” mentality. This does not have to be done by some quick fix or your hormonal levels, but by acting like you belong in that room as much as anyone else there. You will be able to deliver your points much more strongly, and convince others that you and what you bring to the table deserves attention.

The post Here’s Why You Should Be Striking a Pose Every Day (Seriously) appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

As a college student, I think it’s safe to say that time management is the devil. You know there is always something productive you could be doing, but leisure time is also so incredibly important to staying focused and motivated throughout the year. Making sure you find that perfect balance between work and play is imperative to a life of joy and success.

How can you keep yourself from burning out and recharge in a productive way? Here are a couple of my favorite things to do.

1. Get Some Steps in When It’s Convenient

Believe it or not, it has been proven time and time again that exercise helps to stimulate the mind. Maybe you don’t feel like you can spare two hours on a regular basis to make the schlep to the gym, shower and then hit the library again, but there are other ways to still get a few steps in without making this huge time commitment.

If you find yourself having an awkward 45 minutes in between classes, take a longer, more scenic route. Try and embrace your surroundings, and clear your mind a bit. You’ll thank me later.

2. Hit the Gym

If you do think you can spare those extra two hours a few times a week, do it. Getting into good habits at a young age will lead you to live a longer, happier and healthier life. Join your local yoga studio, or make your way to your gym on campus. Maybe watch some Netflix while you’re on the elliptical, or listen to your favorite hype playlist.

By doing this, you are stimulating your mind and treating yourself by watching or listening to something you enjoy.

3. Get Ahead of the Game on Assignments

Stay on top of all assignments and get ahead if possible. If you notice your schedule is light, but you have an assignment due in a week, begin looking into it. It can’t hurt! Leisure time is important, but it’s also important not to overindulge in it because that is when bad habits start forming.

Don’t get me wrong, I understand laziness happens, but if you’re feeling stimulated and proactive, take that energy and put it to good use. Then, when you are feeling super lazy a week later, you’ll already have an outline for that upcoming assignment or even the assignment itself completed. Maximize your potential, people!

4. Take Advantage of Your University’s Resources

Calling all freshmen: Discover your likes and dislikes right away and get involved! As a senior, I can admit I did not quite do this and I wish I had. If you love TV and movies, don’t be afraid to be independent and check out that movie club you heard about. You are very lucky to be attending a university that has so many different resources available at your fingertips. Don’t waste your time and money by not taking advantage of them.

Fill up your free schedule with courses, clubs, intramural sports teams and possible internships or jobs that actually interest you. Doing this will both help you learn more about what you are interested in and meet people with similar interests. Not only will this make your resume look great, but it will also make you a happier, better you.

If I am being completely honest with you, I wish someone had told me these tips day one freshman year. I most definitely do all of the above now, and I’ve never felt so confident in myself and my future. Of course your GPA matters, but what it all boils down to is experience. Are you doing all that you can with your time to maximize your potential?

If the answer is no, follow my advice and make the answer yes to get yourself out of that college slump once and for all.

The post In a Rut? 4 Ways to Snap Out of It Today (Like, Right Now) appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

Have you ever found yourself in that weird, numbing sensation when you lose track of what you really want to do in life and how you’ll ever be successful at it? Don’t lie. It happens to all of us, and rightfully so. A lot of the time, this feeling eats us up, and we’ll find ourselves buried in a pillow contemplating how we’re ever going to survive. It’s okay, though. Luckily, other people have had this sudden dilemma in the past and have found ways to overcome it, shut it down and prove themselves wrong. And to be even more generous, they’ve written down their strategies to allow people to follow a similar path.

So, if you’re ever contemplating dropping out of college and hiding under a rock for the rest of your life, go find these books and enlighten yourself a little bit. They totally changed my outlook!

1. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

This is a classic awarding-winning novel that won’t take you more than a week to read.

First off, it’s super, super good. (Just had to put that out there.) Secondly, it will open your eyes to all the potential you possess as a young, soul-searching individual. What a sigh of relief, right?

The book’s plot is about a young man named Santiago who is on a journey to discover his identity and purpose in life. The simple, metaphorical lessons he picks up on his journey are meant to inspire readers to take risks and big steps in life. I highly recommend giving it a read it while you’re young and looking to plan out a future; you won’t regret it, I promise.

2. Outwitting The Devil by Napoleon Hill

This book right here will do exactly what its title implies. Napoleon Hill puts into words how to overcome life’s fears, obstacles, challenges and tough times and how to be confident when doing so.

Dealing with outside stress is something that is extremely common amongst students and recent college grads, and if you cannot take care of it, potential for growth and success can be quite detrimental. Hill is very famous for his books on personal success and how to achieve the most in life, and with his knowledge being available to you for free (with the use of your school’s library, of course), you’ll find yourself changing for the better, and your friends will be totally jealous.

3. The Book of Secrets by Deepak Chopra

This, just like the other two books mentioned, will teach you more about yourself than you would ever think. I won’t ruin it for you since, of course, it is the “Book of Secrets,” but the secret is that it’s truly worth the read.

Chopra outlines in unique fashion so many important life aspects such as, how to converse with people knowledgeably, how to carefully examine the world around you and how to take in and process information in the most efficient ways. Again, don’t be the one to read this when you’re older and realize you only have so much time left to reach your potential. Go do this now!

To uncover success in your personal life and career, you not only have to be confident and composed, but you also must have a good perspective on yourself and the future. For students and millennials all together, this can be extremely stressful, and the pressure can be somewhat overbearing. These books obviously won’t have all the answers, but they are definitely a good way to help get your mind on the path to a successful future.

The post The 3 Books That Totally Changed My Perspective on Success appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

We’ve all had those days where we’re struggling to finish a paper for class or are simply nervous about doing well. Either way, we all know what it’s like to stress about writing college essays. This a guide to help you do your very best, so you can relax and focus on other things.

1. Set Aside at Least Two Days to Work on a Paper

Even though it’s easy to procrastinate and leave your paper until the night before, this is one of the worst things you can do to yourself. Not only are you in a rush to finish it, but you’ve eliminated extra time to revise.

Since most students don’t spend weeks and weeks writing a paper, the best strategy is to spend at least one day writing the essay and a second day editing and revising it. Two days is, of course, a minimum. Generally, the more time you put into writing and reviewing your paper, the better it will be. Proportioning this time is important too. For example, you will want to spend more time on papers that are more important, such as finals and mid-term papers.

2. Form an Outline First

I always start my papers by writing out my thesis and main points. It’s pretty simple and doesn’t take much time since I type a simple sentence explaining my point and then build on it to fill in the outline. Outlining first ensures that you’ve thought through your points and that each argument will flow into the next. I’ve found that this also keeps me on-topic and makes it easier to continue working after each break.

3. Get Rid of Distractions

When it comes to working on a paper, most students will use any distraction as an excuse to put off writing. Even when you’ve turned off the television, it can be all too easy to get lost in the internet, which is why I recommend turning off your wifi connection while you write. There are also apps you can download that will block social media channels (hello, Self Control), allowing you to focus on your paper instead of Facebook notifications.

Another thing that distracts a lot of people is listening to music while they write. I’m guilty of this as well, and all too often end up typing song lyrics into my essays. Luckily, there is still music you can listen to while you work, just without lyrics. My personal favorites are movie soundtracks because they are designed to be motivating.

(Here’s a Spotify playlist for studying that I like to use.)

4. Write Your Introduction and Conclusion Last

These two paragraphs are usually the most difficult to write, so why not leave them for last? The opening and closing paragraphs are supposed to introduce and sum up your thesis and main points, so it’s smart to wait to write them until you’ve finished writing the body of your paper.

When you do get to writing your introduction and conclusion, don’t stress too much. Many students feel unsure about what to write, so they rush something they aren’t confident in. It’s important to remember that the introduction is just proposing the topic and setting up the background for your paper. The introduction sets up the discussion and the conclusion highlights the most important points. The conclusion is a summary of your whole paper – what were the important points and why is it important? Try to tie the introduction and conclusion together by using similar opening and closing statements.

5. Take Breaks

Depending on how efficiently you’re working, you can take this between every paragraph or after finishing several. Don’t let it be too long; I like to take a break to check notifications on my phone (which is another distraction you should put away while you work), or watch a short video on YouTube.

Taking a break allows your mind to clear and let new ideas in. It also gives you some perspective on what you’ve just completed, just like the first point about putting some time in between writing and revising. If you’re really stressed, this can be when you switch subjects and work on another assignment or reading you need to do, but it’s preferable to do something unrelated to school work to allow your mind to stop working for a short while.

6. Keep Referring to Your Professor’s Guidelines

It may seem like a no-brainer, but professors almost always have their expectations on the syllabus. They may even have an outline of content they expect to see and how they grade papers. Professors may also list places you can go for extra help on a paper, whether it’s meeting with them during office hours, on-campus resources, or websites, so it never hurts to check the syllabus.

7. Reference Class Materials Before Looking Things Up Online

When it comes to citing information, it’s better to use what you already know than to grab bits of information you found online. Using your notes and textbook shows your professor that you paid attention in class and know the material.

8. Don’t Use Words You Have to Look Up

It can be tempting to use a thesaurus in order to sound more educated on a topic, and, while it’s true that an expanded vocabulary adds flavor to the diction of a paper, looking up new words just for an essay is not a good idea.

Sometimes this can lead to word-vomit, a pile of overly complicated sentences that distract from the message of the paper. You also run the risk of using words that don’t fit into the definition you intended. For Friends fans, you may remember the episode when Joey uses a thesaurus to describe Chandler and Monica but ends up calling them “humid, prepossessing homosapiens with full-sized aortic pumps” instead of “warm, nice people with big hearts.” This is the last thing you want in your paper, and, rather than making you sound more intelligent, you sound silly and desperate.

9. Fix Formatting After Finishing Your Paper

If you’re anything like me, you tend to waste an hour adjusting the formatting of your paper instead of actually writing. You fiddle with the text size, font, spacing and paragraphing, and then, you take a break even though you’ve accomplished nothing. I’m certainly guilty of this all too often. A better option is to start writing; eventually you’ll get into a writing rhythm. Once you’ve finished writing, or at least made a good start, you can go back and adjust the format. This is a step that I usually leave for last, along with my revisions.

10. Read Your Paper Out Loud

Spell-check doesn’t catch everything, so this a good method to find small errors in your work. Another alternative is to copy and paste sections into Google Translate and listen to it. It’s easy to miss spelling and punctuation mistakes when you’re skimming through a computer screen, but reading aloud is a pretty good way to catch some of those since it forces you to look at each word individually. It’s also a great way to make sure your sentences make sense outside of your head. Not only is it good for catching mistakes, but it also gives you a break from sitting at the computer and typing.

Ultimately, the best strategy for a good paper is to put in a lot of work. Multiple revisions will never hurt, nor will taking a lot of time to think through what you’re writing and researching on the topic. College papers shouldn’t be anything to stress too much about and everyone has their own champion techniques. Good luck on that essay!

The post 10 Tips for Slaying Any College Paper appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

As a college student and a creative entrepreneur, I am always on the lookout for books and articles all about getting there. I think reading books has been one of the best motivators for me when I feel stuck in my work on my website, my articles for WayUp or my work on Her Track.

If you’re a fellow college student with big dreams and goals for the future, my best tip to get motivated or inspired is to pick up one of these fantastic books!

1. #GIRLBOSS by Sophia Amoruso

Can I just say that I am obsessed with this book?  Don’t let the title scare you; this book is for everyone, not just women. Sophia Amoruso is very blunt and comical, and she talks about everything that allowed her to get her clothing empire, Nasty Gal, off the ground with no loans or investors whatsoever. Sophia Amoruso emphasizes the idea that a person must earn his or her success and be very smart with their finances. She is also very assertive about her point of maintaining the company values herself, not just expecting them for others.

2. You Are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life by Jen Sincero

This book is often compared to #GIRLBOSS in its comical and blunt tone; in fact, it ‘s described as a “verbal meat cleaver” in it’s Google profile. Jen Sincero is very relatable and displays a bit of that teen angst that millennials tend to enjoy. If you’re up for some comical advice on being a “badass” (excuse my language), pick up this book.

3. Becoming the Boss: New Rules for the Next Generation of Leaders by Lindsey Pollak

I love the title of this book! I truly believe that business does run differently nowadays. As millennials who don’t have a lot of respect in the professional world due to stereotyping, the ways in which to “become the boss,” so to speak, have changed. Lindsey Pollak begins with her story of “becoming the boss,” making her a very relatable writer. She provides clearly defined rules and actions for millennial leaders to follow through with.  

4. Do Over: Rescue Monday, Reinvent Your Work, and Never Get Stuck by John Acuff

This is an excellent book for college students, especially those who feel they are stuck in the wrong career path and aren’t sure where to go. John Acuff talks all about doing it over and reinventing your work rather than throwing it away. Acuff has said that he took 16 years to write this book, and the long wait doesn’t disappoint. If you need to reset and update, this book will help you do it.

5. Manage Your Day-to-Day: Build Your Routine, Find Your Focus, and Sharpen Your Creative Mind by Jocelyn K. Glei

This book is seriously amazing! I truly believe that routine is a life changer. Glei talks about various well known people who feel the same way such as Woody Allen, Twyla Tharp, and Ross Bleckner. Glei covers how to lay down a routine and get into your groove. She talks about every possible aspect of a routine, from specific morning routines to utilizing certain tasks such as meditation. If you want a step by step for your day to day, this book is your best bet!

What are your favorite books to encourage leadership, creativity and learning? Have you read any of these? Let us know in the comments below!

The post The 5 Best Books for Young People with Gigantic Dreams appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

In the first post in this series, I wrote about why moving back home is not a sign of failure. This time, we’re talking about how it feels when everyone seems to have their life figured out after college graduation—and why they don’t.

In the months leading up to college graduation, my Facebook was littered with posts from my friends and peers who had already lined up jobs. I couldn’t scroll through my feed without a humble brag or even just a flat-out brag flashing in my face. It made it seem like everyone but me knew their next step.

What I didn’t realize was that people primarily post about their successes, not their failures. Sure, every status update you see may be someone reporting that they landed their dream job or are moving to Europe, but just remember that people who are unsure of what to do next probably aren’t going to post that on social media. Facebook inflates other people’s success.

And that knowledge of success inflation is key in a world where so much of our lives take place on social media. It continues after college graduation too. You see friends posting about their engagement, grad school acceptance or job promotion. Bloggers and social media influencers often build their brand around the idea of perfection as well. Even ‘lazy day’ photos on Instagram can be painstakingly styled until their ‘day off’ just looks like any other idyllic editorial spread.

Seeing friends and acquaintances post only about their successes compounded my insecurities about not having a clear next step. I continued comparing myself to other people, and while comparisons can create a good sense of competition, they’re not healthy if you’re comparing your highs and lows to somebody else’s highs.

After I started my new job, so many of my friends and coworkers opened up to me about their similar post-graduation struggle, but it took the comfort of job security to finally feel OK to talk about it, so if you feel like you’re sinking instead of swimming, just know that you’re not alone.

The post One Year Out: When Everyone Has Their Life Figured Out (Except You) appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

It’s been an insane day starting with class and ending with studying; the only thing left to do is make up for those meals that you skipped, while you were busy doing work, but while you’re waiting in line at Chick-fil-A, you realize your bank account is drained from all of the textbooks you just bought, and you’re standing there, confused and hungry.

It’s time to start learning to eat cheaply. I know what you’re thinking: There’s no time and it’ll be way too much work! Well, you’re in luck. There are tons of ways to eat on a shoestring budget, especially in college. Take these tips into consideration as you start learning how to cook at home, and you’ll be on your way to culinary and financial freedom in no time.

1. Invest in Cooking Appliances and Utensils

Start out with the essentials, like forks, knives, spoons, and basic pots and pans (a frying pan and medium pot will do). Eventually, you will reach a point where whisks, meat tenderizers and sauce pots will become essential, but start with the basics, and work your way up as you get used to the life of cooking.

2. Shop in Bulk for Cooking Ingredients

Tired of going to the store and paying exuberant prices for individual items and small portions? Start to perfect the art of shopping in bulk. Some stores offer bulk shopping options, such as Costco and Sam’s Club, as well as many local grocery stores.

3. Learn to Spot Cheap, Filling Meals

Cheap meals are everyone’s best friend, but sometimes those meals aren’t so filling. Focus on getting a lot of protein and good carbs into your body, like rice and beans; canned beans or even beans in bulk are extremely cheap and provide a ton of nutrition and protein for your body, while the rice offers healthy carbs. If you want to be even more healthy, throw in some veggies!

4. Keep Track of Sales in Grocery Stores

Many grocery stores offer weekly sales on certain food and drink items. They have recently made it even easier by adding these sale schedules to iPhones and Androids apps, so download these apps, and get ready to improve your savings on a weekly basis.

5. Utilize the Community Kitchen If You’re in a Dorm or Similar Situation

Older dorms don’t offer the amenities of having a kitchen in your dorm hallway or room, but most universities offer community kitchen spaces in their dormitory buildings. Yes, it might be awkward to have to lug your cooking supplies around your dorm, but think about the chances of meeting new friends and fellow chefs in your building!

 6. Search for Coupons, Coupons, Coupons

This goes hand-in-hand with downloading grocery store apps, but you can have these coupons mailed to you as well. You might not completely love the idea of having to use coupons to pay for your food, but this will save you loads of money in the long run.

7. Buy a Reusable Water Bottle

I had to learn the hard way how expensive buying plastic water bottles from the store can be in the long run. Not only is this a waste of plastic and a serious harm to the environment, but it costs a significant amount of money to stay stocked with them. Consider buying a Nalgene or Hydro Flask; both are reusable water bottles that can save you a ton of money and help the environment at the same time.

8. Watch for Free Food on Campus

Organizations on campus are notorious for giving away free food–they understand the struggle that is finding cheap meals in college. Check your college’s events page to see which organizations will be giving away free food. This will also provide you the chance to get involved with helpful organizations that understand students.

9. Avoid Straying From Your List

We’ve all done it: We go to the grocery store on an empty stomach, only to empty our bank accounts too. Whenever shopping at a grocery store, make a list beforehand and stick to it as best you can. Sure, you’ll find items you forgot to include on the list, but make sure that these items are absolutely necessary and fill up on a snack before you start shopping.

10. Use Freezers

Is your food that you just bought already expiring? Don’t waste your food and money like this. Throw some of that food into the freezer; the freezer will preserve the food and slow the aging process of it significantly. Having a freezer will be your life saver when you don’t use some of your food quick enough.

Put down your meal plan card and stop dipping into your savings to pay for meals. Utilize the tips in this guide, and you’ll be on your way to financial stability when it comes to the food you need!

The post The Lazy Student’s Guide to Eating Cheaply in College appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

When you first get to college, everything is new and exciting. Freshmen are ready to engage, get involved and devote all their spare time to activities.

Subsequent college years are a little trickier. As college goes on, people have their core friend groups. They are less likely to reach outside their comfort zone, as the “newness” of college has faded off and classes start getting harder.

This combination usually leads to a debilitating condition known by some as “senioritis,” but don’t be fooled by the name. Seniors are not the only people susceptible; juniors and sophomores are too. This creates what is known as the “sophomore slump” or the “junior drag” (a term I have heard but is less well known.), and good news: These conditions are not uncommon. I, for one, had a major issue with the sophomore slump, as did many of my friends.

Based on my experiences getting through these difficult times and watching other students do it too, here are some tips to help you get through a similar slump, or even avoid one altogether.

1. Get Active

Ever since I was a little girl, my mom has told me that running fixes things, but I was stubborn. Running, or any type of cardio exercise, is hard, so I ignored her. Big mistake!

As usual, moms are always right, and now I, too, believe that running (or really any movement) fixes things. Exercise is a great way to clear your head and be productive and also avoid work. It is good for your physical health, mental health and emotional health (especially during the colder months), so getting active is the perfect first step to breaking your slump.

2. Keep Yourself Busy

One great way to break the slump is to avoid it all together. Get busy. Join student groups, run for positions on the club board, sign up to do community service, take on an extra project or get an internship or job (hint: WayUp has thousands of listings for you!).

Keeping yourself busy (like exercising) encourages you to be productive in ways aside from school work, allows you to use different parts of your brain and increases your overall motivation.

When you are busy and have commitments, it ensures that you can’t spend the whole day sleeping or avoiding your work. Everyone needs a break day every now and then, but when a break day turns into a daily excuse, things get dicey. I challenge you to step outside your comfort zone: Plan an event no one has attempted before, apply for a job or try something totally different. When people are depending on you, it makes accomplishing tasks and taking on responsibilities much easier and much more rewarding.

3. Set Goals for Yourself

You’ve got to take everything step by step. Whenever I get behind on work, I know that I easily become overwhelmed. If this has happened to you, the best way to avoid massive amounts of panic is to step back, take a breath and do each assignment one by one.

“Divide and conquer” is the name of the game. I am not sure who said it first, but dividing up your work and setting smaller, more tangible goals for yourself will help you avoid becoming stressed or overwhelmed, no matter how far behind you are.

4. Get in a Routine

It is scientifically proven (at least my friend who is a biology major says so) that people with a routine are happier and more productive than people without one. Additionally, science has proven that getting on a routine sleep schedule with a set bedtime and set wake up time, is one of the healthiest things a person can do for their body.

Set times for yourself, and even schedule in your breaks. Routines will help you avoid stress while also allocating time for each assignment or activity so that you never get “too caught up” at work, on a paper or on a project and ignore your other work. This will also help you study or do work ahead of time!

These methods really helped my friends and I break our slumps, and I hope they can help you too! Just remember, there is always a way if you are committed, and no matter how far behind you are, how out of shape or how disorganized, it is never too late to fix it.

The post 4 Ways to Crush the Sophomore Slump (Or Any Slump) appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

We all know that surviving as a college student can be tricky; there’s so much to pay for and so little time to keep track of all of the academics, extracurriculars and monetary obligations we have to abide by.

Lucky for you, five smart students are weighing in on how they manage money and limit their stress.

1. They Stick to a Budget

“I always break my budget down per month based on food, transportation, and spending money (for everyday things, clothes, etc.). This way, I can allot money for the essentials I truly need while cutting out excess expenses on things such as that bag that I might really want but don’t necessarily need. I have to give myself parameters.” – Calvin, University of Charleston ‘17

Organizing your expenses can make all the difference and help you choose what to spend excess money on. Not sure how to make a budget from scratch using Excel? Look no further than this great step-by-step guide. In addition, here is an awesome spreadsheet to use that is very detailed and can be downloaded and customized.

In order to create an effective budget, make sure that you remain aware of how much you spend and give yourself incentives that will help motivate you and keep you on track!

2. They Limit Fun to the Weekends

“I usually reward myself on the weekends if I have been good at managing my money during the week. For me, this means eating dessert, as well as going out for food or to the club with friends. I need an incentive during the week to keep me motivated in all aspects of my life, whether it is academics or managing my money. I make sure that I take advantage of free food opportunities on campus, since most college students’ money usually goes to food.” – Leah, Hofstra University ‘17

Treat yourself on the weekends for all of your hard work during the week! There’s no need to be eating out or celebrating every day of the week, but it’s okay to splurge now and then.

3. They Use Apps to Track Spending

“I use an expense app called Pocket Expense to track my spending. This app is great because it allows you to track your income and where it comes from, as well as your bills, and separates your spending into different categories. It also allows you to set a timer on your bills so that you never get behind in your finances. In this way, I can see where most of my money goes (towards groceries, books, pets/apartment maintenance, or bills).” – Calum, Mahidol University ‘19

Technology can make it much easier to keep you on track, since you have so many different things to worry about.

Pocket Expense stores multiple banking accounts in one place, determines how much of your budget is spent on certain things, and times your bills. Spending Tracker is similar, but does not give you the option of paying bills. It does, however, allow you to put a date and time on recurring transactions and gives you data in both line and pie graphs. HomeBudget Lite syncs with your iCalendar on your iPhone and Mac to help you keep track of your bills and expenses and keeps your budget with you, so that you can keep up with how well you are sticking to it.