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.

KPMG, one of the Big 4 Accounting Firms, has taken their investment in new hires and candidates to a whole new level. This investment is seen in the form of their sprawling KPMG Lakehouse campus in Orlando, Florida where new and tenured professionals go to build their skills, participate in training, and grow their network. 

One particular immersion that KPMG has at Lakehouse is their Talent Sync program where intern and full-time candidates gather to learn what life is like at KPMG and to get better acquainted with the firm.

While the benefits of Talent Sync are vast, we’ve identified a few main allures through conversations with participants and facilitators of the program. Whether it is simulated work experiences and first-hand narratives of personal journeys or networking and team-building exercises, KPMG Talent Sync is an excellent opportunity for early-career candidates looking to jumpstart their professional services careers and immerse themselves into a vibrant work culture.

Seeing Yourself in Their Shoes

One of the main benefits of Talent Sync is that prospective interns, new hires, and candidates get the chance to interact with professionals from all different levels of the firm. The goal of the program is to provide an opportunity for participants to imagine their own career trajectories at the firm.

Jacob went on to say how inspiring it was listening to leaders in the same field he was interested in talk with so much passion. This motivated him to set similar goals for himself and choose KPMG as the place where he wants to begin his career.

When we spoke with Courtney Kelly, a manager on the University Talent Acquisition team who helped facilitate Talent Sync, she explained how “interns aren’t always thinking about years down the line, so by having multiple levels of professionals on-site at Talent Sync, candidates are better able to picture themselves in different positions within the company.” Looking at Jacob’s story, it’s clear that KPMG’s efforts did just that.

A Behind The Scenes Look at What Life Is Like at KPMG

Another great allure of KPMG Talent Sync is the opportunity for prospective interns and new hires to see what life is really like at KPMG. This means learning about both the work you’re going to be doing and the benefits you get as an employee.

In the practice breakout rooms at the program, Audit, Tax, and Advisory professionals with various levels of experience lead interactive sessions on a range of topics relevant to their respective practices. These sessions offer participants a unique opportunity to engage with professionals in a small group setting and gain insights into the work performed on their teams.  

Talent Sync goes as far as having designated location-specific cohorts on-site to help candidates understand what life at KPMG is like. This past year, Audit Senior Associate, Brady Blanton had the privilege of being an on-site cohort captain. While Brady helped participants at Talent Sync understand everything involved with the actual work they will be doing, he also offered them insight into everything outside the work of a KPMG professional as well.

The fact that KPMG has someone like Brady on-site at Talent Sync to show these participants a really accurate portrayal of the firm’s culture and work-life just goes to show how much they invest in candidates before the job even starts. By the end of our conversation with Brady, it was clear that KPMG was making an effort to show these candidates that they really wanted them to work for the firm and cared about their future. 

Building Career-Long Relationships

When KPMG invites candidates to Talent Sync, they do so with the intention of compelling them to accept their offer to join a firm with incredible opportunities to grow their careers and their network. 

Talent Sync naturally becomes a place where career-long relationships begin.

KPMG knows what it takes to be successful in the accounting industry and clearly values strong networking opportunities. Whether it’s to start career-long relationships or see a real inside look at what life is like at the firm and what your career could consist of, Talent Sync is one of the most unique opportunities for early-career candidates interested in professional services.

If you want to learn what it takes to grow and develop yourself at one of the Big 4 accounting firms, take a look at some of the open roles and job opportunities at KPMG on their WayUp profile or www.kpmguscareers.com/job-search.

Some or all of the services described herein may not be permissible for KPMG audit clients and their affiliates or related entities.

The information contained herein is of a general nature and is not intended to address the circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Although we endeavor to provide accurate and timely information, there can be no guarantee that such information is accurate as of the date it is received or that it will continue to be accurate in the future. No one should act on such information without appropriate professional advice after a thorough examination of the particular situation.

© 2023 KPMG LLP, a Delaware limited liability partnership and a member firm of the KPMG global organization of independent member firms affiliated with KPMG International Limited, a private English company limited by guarantee. All rights reserved.

The KPMG name and logo are trademarks used under license by the independent member firms of the KPMG global organization.

The post A Future-Ready Workforce at KPMG: Investing Ahead of the Curve appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

You might be the perfect candidate, with a perfect resume, and exactly what a company is looking for. But, if you don’t know how to interview well, or conduct yourself in a professional manner don’t expect to land a job. 

Over the years, the interview process has evolved into a digital landscape with new rules and codes of conduct. Although the platforms have changed, the importance of interviewing has only grown. As a job marketplace, our main focus is to get you hired. While you might think of us mainly as a place where you can find jobs, we are also dedicated to your success and are a resource that strives to help you every step of the way.

This being the case, we hosted a Job Searching 101 event with recruiters from companies like Expedia, Discover, and CVS Health to identify a list of interview tips and ways to prepare for an interview in 2023.

1. Research Everything About a Job & Company

First and foremost, before you even apply to a company, research must be done. While knowing all the ins and outs of the position you’re applying for is important, far more research is needed. 

Learn about the company and its standing in the industry. What are some of the recent goals and expectations that the company has set for itself? Bonus points if you’re familiar with recent events that the company was involved in and you’re able to bring it up naturally in conversation. What are the company values, what is their mission and culture? Do you know their mission statement?

However, as much as you want to be informed and well-researched going into an interview, you also want the dialogue to flow naturally. You’re not trying to prove your knowledge or solve a problem, so try not to overdo it! As Taiana Hale, a College Recruiter for CVS Health says, “research the company and understand their industry and goals as an organization. However, try not to overdo it. You’re not trying to prove your knowledge. We still want the interview to seem natural.”

2. Understanding the Process

When you get to the interview portion of a job application it is best to familiarize yourself with the process as much as possible. Don’t be afraid to ask your main point of contact, whether it is the recruiter or the employer, what the particular process is like. 

Is there a behavioral part and a technical part? Is there a case study portion? Ask them what is to be expected and what some good ways to prepare are. Not only will you be able to prepare yourself better for the interview but you’ll demonstrate to the recruiter or employer that you’re taking the time and energy to make sure you do a good job and potentially get the job.

Another great option is to reach out to someone who works at the company and ask them for tips! While you may not get a response 100% of the time, if you approach someone professionally and authentically they are more likely to help. At the end of the day, all processes are different, so don’t pull your hair out trying to memorize questions or certain steps of an interview.

3. Reliable Technology

The next thing you need to keep in mind when going into an interview is to have reliable technology that you have a firm grasp on. In this virtual age, a large percentage of job applications and interviews are done online through video chat or otherwise. This being the case, candidates need to make sure they have a good web connection, they’re testing the applications or platforms being used for the interview, and no technical difficulties will occur during the interview.

“I had an interview and the candidate was 12 minutes late because they hadn’t loaded the application and couldn’t get into the system. I hope that they learn from that and take more preparation going into the interview process next time”

Lane Garnett, Sr. Manager Recruiting Process and Engagement, Discover Financial Services

You could be the ideal candidate for a company but if you’re lagging on the video interviewing aspect you could get nixed. While in-person interviews have not been done away with entirely, virtual interviews are becoming more and more common. One way or another, having your technology locked in will ensure that you don’t miss out on a job because of a technicality.

4. Appearance and Aesthetic

Your appearance, whether it’s during an in-person interview or a virtual one, is critical. For virtual interviews, you want to make sure your background is neat and orderly and there are no distractions or off-putting stimuli. Adding a blurred filter to your background on a video call may be a good idea to ensure you aren’t showing an unprofessional background.

Always make sure you check how you look on camera before starting the interview. Glares from lighting, messy clothes in the background, and sound interference will all make you look unprofessional in the eyes of recruiters. So if you have roommates, make sure you let them know you’re going to be on an interview before they barge in asking about happy hour!

“This one time I was interviewing this one candidate, and they had their background was all set up fine and dandy, but they didn’t tell their roommates they were interviewing this day, and the roommates kind of barged into the room and started talking about “a crazy bender” they had last night, and it was not the best impression.”

Sean Bea, Early Careers Recruiting Expedia Group

When it comes to what you wear, the more formal you are the better. However, it’s a great idea to take note of what the aesthetic of a company is before going into an interview. Is everyone buttoned up with a jacket and tie? Or are some people rocking more casual wear with sweaters and shirts? Don’t fake your appearance, but always look professional so the employer will see you as a fit for their company.

5. The Question Part

At the end of your interview, more often than not, the person on the other end will ask if you have any questions yourself. The worst thing you can do in this situation is say no. On the other hand, a well-thought-out and intellectual question will leave a very good impression on the interviewer.

One great question is to ask the interviewers themselves about their own experience of the company. What do they like and enjoy about working there? What are some of the challenges they face and how can you support and assist them in some of those things? How do you measure success?

The list of good questions you can say at this moment goes on. Just remember to keep it relevant to the job and to ask something that seems like you’re interested in the longevity of your contributions to the company. You want to show that you have been paying attention and are engaged in the conversation. 

6. How Do You Follow Up After an Interview?

This last interview tip is one that a lot of people tend to forget. Make sure to send the recruiter or whoever interviewed you a follow-up and thank you email. The first 24 hours after an interview is the best time to go ahead with a follow-up. 

Use it as an opportunity to expand a little bit on what you discussed during the interview and points that resonated with you. If there was something that stood out to you or something you aligned with, whether it was one of the company’s core values, the direction they’re headed, or an attribute of the job, don’t be afraid to share that.

The more interviews you do, the better you will get. While it may be a time to show yourself off and what you’re capable of, don’t forget to use the interview as a time to see if the employer is a right fit for you.

The more you think about interviews as a conversation and an exchange of information the more at ease you will feel. Keep up with the WayUp community as we continue to share resume secrets, career tips, and professional information you can’t get anywhere else. 

For more career advice and tips on how to find a job, keep up with the WayUp community guide and look out for new Job Searching 101 virtual events!

The post 6 Interview Tips From Industry Experts appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

Finance and business professionals are faced with the challenge of navigating increasingly large volumes of data to make the most informed decisions possible.

Bloomberg, a financial technology company, plays an important role in connecting the world’s decision-makers to accurate information about the financial markets. Through innovative tools such as the Bloomberg Terminal, the company provides access to financial data, news, and insights that help clients turn knowledge into action.

Bloomberg’s Data team is responsible for the end-to-end intake and delivery of data behind the company’s products and services. The team processes billions of pieces of financial information daily and plays an integral role in ensuring the breadth, depth, and quality of financial data for which Bloomberg is known.

In this article, we’ll learn more about the Data department and its ever-evolving role at Bloomberg and within the financial technology industry. Additionally, we interviewed James Hook, the Global Head of Data, about the latest industry trends, his career trajectory, and the traits and skills needed to succeed in Data roles today.

Bloomberg’s Data Department

At Bloomberg, data analysts combine both financial market knowledge and technical expertise to collect, analyze, and supply the most relevant content to clients operating across industries and asset classes. At its core, the team is primarily responsible for: 1) acquiring, modeling, and enriching proprietary and third-party data so that it can be used by clients, 2) providing support to client data queries, and 3) innovating workflow efficiencies that enhance the company’s systems, products, and processes.

Data management is an emerging area that comprises many academic disciplines, including data modeling, artificial intelligence, data science, and data quality management. Individuals who focus on data at Bloomberg are given training and client exposure to better understand how data fits into the financial markets. As the data industry evolves, ample opportunities to expand one’s skill set and experience emerge across various domains.

The rapid evolution of the industry also requires Bloomberg’s data team to adapt to the latest trends and practices to help clients solve their current business problems. The team proactively stewards data that addresses future client needs.

The Career Trajectory of James Hook

During his 18-year tenure at Bloomberg, James Hook has embodied what it means to be an effective team member and leader. At Bloomberg, James has demonstrated an ability to work across different disciplines, first as a software engineer and later as a Team Leader of the Structured Products team, where he developed both technical and financial market expertise to deliver valuable client solutions.

That experience led him to the Data Technologies Engineering team, where he managed the talented individuals who built the systems that onboard the data that drive Bloomberg’s applications and enterprise systems. Now, as the head of the Data division, he focuses on combining domain expertise with innovative data management techniques to increase the overall value of Bloomberg’s data products.

Through his intellectual curiosity, collaborative spirit, and diligence, James has grown his career at Bloomberg. While his path is unique, it speaks to the career possibilities available in Bloomberg’s Data Division. 

Global Opportunities in Data

During our interview, James Hook described what Bloomberg – and the data industry in general – looks for in candidates, and the qualities it takes to succeed and make an impact as an employee.

Successful Bloomberg data professionals can come from a variety of academic backgrounds and share two common traits – first, an aptitude to delve into specific data and financial domains, and second, an appetite for innovation and experimentation.

In addition to developing subject matter expertise and technical skills, data analysts collaborate with a range of stakeholders around the globe, from Engineering to Sales, on product development.

While most of Bloomberg’s employees work in major cities around the world, many data analysts work in Princeton, NJ, a suburban community about an hour from New York City. The Princeton location offers a research campus-like culture and boasts open, outdoor spaces that facilitate unique collaboration opportunities among the departments working there. This location also allows the team to build relationships with local universities and foster a continuous learning environment where new and bold ideas are developed, tested, and brought to life.

With a diverse data team based around the globe in Princeton, New York City, and more than half working in Latin America, Europe, and Asia, James is focused on nurturing a culture of collaboration and inclusivity throughout the department and the broader organization as a whole. 

The Bloomberg Way

Bloomberg runs on data. Thus, developing strong data management skills is critical for Bloomberg’s continued and sustained growth as a company. Positioned at the intersection of technology, finance, and data management, employees have a lot of range to explore their passions and pursue different projects throughout their careers with the firm.

Not only is the culture and environment of Bloomberg special, but also the company’s philanthropic mission makes a real impact on the world and is incredibly motivating.

If you’re interested in learning more about open roles at Bloomberg and taking a step further into the world of data and analytics, check out their current job listings. As the world of data grows, so do the opportunities, so don’t hesitate to make your move!

The post Data and Financial Technology: What it’s Like to Work at Bloomberg appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

When you’re young, it’s hard not to think about money. Money you want to spend, money you want to invest, money you want to share with your family, and money that you want to earn. Depending on who you are and what field you’re pursuing, expectations about your starting salary are bound to vary. But that doesn’t change the fact that everyone still wants to know how much money they could possibly make in a particular career.

This being the case, we decided to create a list of some of the highest-paying\ jobs for early-career candidates using data sourced from Salary.com. Although there may be jobs that exist in between these rankings and salaries that vary from company to company, this will give you an idea of what you can expect to make in each of the corresponding positions.

10. Accounting Analyst – $56,076

At the top of our list, we have a position that everyone reading this should be familiar with – accountants. Accountants can range from public, to personal, to private, serving a myriad of clients with ranging budgets. For example, you could be handling daily operations as an accountant at Northrop Grumman. Or maybe you’d prefer to support worldwide business leaders as a global finance accountant for Capital Group? It’s entirely up to you and what you love!

As you can imagine, an accountant handling the taxes of a typical citizen as opposed to an accountant handling the profile of a Fortune 500 company will vary. So keep that in mind when choosing your route!

9. Risk Analyst – $59,921

Next up on our list of highest-paying jobs, we have risk analysts who are responsible for reviewing and examining financial firms’ investment portfolios. This includes overseeing international investments and assessing the risk involved with certain financial decisions. One very typical industry you might find risk analysts working is in banking with names like Citi or JPMorgan. Although this is near the bottom of our top 10, don’t doubt the ability to make serious money in a career like this.

8. Financial Analyst – $61,769

Although a risk analyst may sometimes be classified as a financial analyst, the jobs vary in depth. A financial analyst works in banks, pension funds, insurance companies, and a wide range of other businesses that exist outside the financial realm. Their official titles may be specified as securities analyst, research analyst, equity analyst, investment analyst, or ratings analyst.

Looking to pursue a career in this direction? Check out Citi’s Summer Analyst position that they’re hiring for right now!

7. Inside Sales – $65,729

An inside sales rep is an extremely broad category just because of how many different sectors they operate in. The reason this may be weighed down is because of the sheer amount of sales companies that exist in our markets.

Although there may be bigshot inside sales reps who are making up to 6 digits including commission there are also reps selling cheaper products somewhere else. A few roles in particular that land within the inside sales category include the inside sales specialist role at Ingram Micro and the sales operations internship with GE Appliances. Keep in mind that the role with BNSF is far more of an entry role, but that being said it could definitely prop you up and give you the experience needed to secure the account manager role with Dell in the future!

6. Investment Banking Analyst – $75,934

One of the more popular careers on our list of highest paying jobs falls in the investment banking category – an incredibly lucrative field for some of the most ambitious minds in the business world. Placed in a variety of different industries such as finance, healthcare, manufacturing, or any of the other emerging markets, investment banking analysts serve a critical role in securing and/or saving money for a wide variety of clients.

One company that is currently hiring for a range of investment banking roles across several cities in the US is Citi. Check out their WayUp profile page to browse open positions.

5. Business and Information Technology – $81,100

Business and information technology have always been a major presence across industries. But more so in recent times due to the advancement of technology within the space. As a business and information technology representative or analyst, you are responsible for the integration and oftentimes management of a business’ particular technology which, depending on the complexity of said technology, will range in compensation.

Looking to get your start in the field? Check out Dell Technologies’ finance and business operations internship!

4. Cyber Security Architect – $105,078

Given the rise of cyber terrorism and the severity of the damage inflicted on victims, cyber security specialists have become a very high-paying job. Businesses across various different industries have enlisted the services of cyber security engineers and architects to make sure their defense systems are ironclad.

Given the fact that finance companies with large quantities of money to keep safe are oftentimes the ones seeking out architects, you can expect to make a large chunk of change in a profession like this. That being said, it does take some time to get to a wage like this. You have to start at the beginning, like at Northrop Grumman’s Internship/Co-Op for software and cyber engineers.

3. Supply Chain Manager – $116,738

A supply chain manager is responsible for coordinating, organizing, and overseeing multiple activities that revolve around the facilitation of a product. This includes the identification, acquisition, production, and distribution of said product all while making sure nothing goes wrong and saving money wherever possible.

In a position like this, you might be managing a supply chain that supports the manufacturing efforts of new products at L’Oreal or ensuring the procurement of jet engine components at somewhere like Howmet Aerospace! Given how fast product markets are growing, there is no wonder why this is on our list of highest paying jobs.

2. Software Engineer – $118,780

Sitting comfortably at second on our list are software engineers. The degree of difficulty involved with becoming a software engineer, and a good one at that, is part of the reason why it is such a high-paying job. Depending on what kind of software you are designing and for who, expect this profession to keep you fed, well clothed, and living great. Sound like something you might like? Check out these positions for a Staff Engineer at Abercrombie & Fitch and a Solutions Engineer at Capital Group.

1. Data Scientist – $135,537

There’s no denying the facts – data runs the world. In this information age of our’s where data and statistics have become currency, more and more companies, app developers, and entrepreneurs of every variety are seeking out knowledgeable and capable data scientists to help them turn numbers into profit. Profits that data scientists are given a large portion of. Take Acxiom for example – they are a company that is run on data and is constantly looking for data scientists to fill their ranks. But IBM is just one of the many employers looking to hire savvy analytical minds for massive paychecks which is why it is one of the highest paying jobs for early-career candidates.

Although salary is an incredibly important factor when it comes to deciding where you want to work, it shouldn’t be the only factor. There are several reasons that make a job the right one for you and it’s critical that you weigh all of them with the intention of doing what’s best for you. 

To find out more information on how to go about choosing a career path or determining what job is perfect for you, make a profile with WayUp and get matched with tons of employers all looking to fill positions today.

The post 10 of The Highest Paying Jobs for Early Career Candidates appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

Your experience working in private equity, venture capital, or other investment sectors is bound to vary depending on where you work. While some firms are grounded in certain protocols, codes of conduct, and modes of operation, other new-age firms have adopted more innovative and revolutionary approaches – both with their business practices and the involvement of new hires and employees.

Regardless of which private equity firm you eventually work for, the most important factor is that you like the company and are able to give your best effort day in and day out. But what makes an ideal employer when it comes to working in private equity? And how do you know what to look for in a firm when deciding where to apply and potentially secure employment? 

There are certain characteristics and features that a majority of current students, recent graduates, and active professionals in the field look for when deciding what firm would be the best fit for them. These are characteristics and features that private equity firm Insight Partners has proven to retain, provide, and promote to the fullest extent.

Recently, we hosted a virtual event with Insight Partners where students and graduates looking for jobs got to hear more about life at the firm. One of the reasons we host these events is to offer prospective hires direct insight into a company from the people who work there. 

Here are a few of the key takeaways about Insight Partners that we pulled from the event and what the firm believes working in the private equity industry is all about.

1. Getting in the Action Early

The first characteristic we identified that makes Insight Partners such an attractive place to work is the opportunities it offers to new hires. It doesn’t matter what industry you’re working in – it is extremely rare to get direct, hands-on experience with crucial business matters, practices, and functions early on in your career. 

It usually takes time to reach a position where you’re able to take part in high-profile decisions and influential transactions, especially when it comes to private equity (PE) and venture capital (VC). However, this is not the case at Insight Partners. At Insight Partners, new hires and fresh analysts are thrown into the mix right away, creating a breeding ground for some of the most lucrative investors in the business to grow and thrive.

Gaining hands-on experience early on in your career is not only exciting, but it contributes to how quickly you grow and gain skills as a professional. If this is important to you, then Insight Partners is a firm you want to look into.

2. Work-life Balance

There is no doubt that the private equity industry can at times be tough. Almost everyone who pursues a career in the industry knows there will be early mornings and long nights, sometimes on the same day and on consecutive days. While these trends may still exist across the industry, Insight Partners has strived to offer its employees the right work-life balance. 

Employees at Insight Partners aren’t treated as employees; they’re treated as human beings who all share common goals. These goals include the proliferation and advancement of their mutual business ventures and the betterment of their personal lives, to name a few. By treating employees with respect and always coming from a place of understanding, Insight Partners believes it can create a workforce that is both productive and satisfied. 

3. Learning While You’re Earning

No matter what title or position you hold, you will always be learning on the job. With that in mind, one important factor to consider is the rate at which you learn new skills and how your coworkers and leaders are helping you refine them.

At Insight Partners, there are no walls between C-suite executives and junior employees. The culture at Insight Partners is collaborative through and through, with every team member driven to help one another succeed and accomplish objectives whether or not they are directly involved.

4. An Initiative of Inclusivity

At Insight Partners, your background is not only welcomed but celebrated as well. While the firm prides itself on having a diverse workforce, Insight Partners also looks to continue growing its presence as a symbol of inclusivity both inside and outside of the private equity realm.

For example, in 2019 Insight Partners hosted a summit in NYC that brought together over 300 female leaders across different interests and passions in tech, during which the firm underscored the need to elevate underrepresented demographics within the industry. Other examples of Insight Partners contributing to the proliferation of minority communities include matching employees’ donations to Black social justice charities, establishing Juneteenth as an annual firm holiday, and putting in place a DE&I Council to measure progress and ensure accountability.

What’s Right for You?

At the end of the day, it’s up to you to determine which factors matter when it comes to selecting a firm to apply to and work for. Whatever you do, make sure you weigh your options carefully and identify the values that truly matter to you.

For more insights into private equity, and for more information about the firm and its job offerings, keep an eye on Insight Partners’ profile page. If you’d like to rewatch the virtual event, follow the link here!

The post What Makes Insight Partners a Top-Tier Firm to Launch Your Career in Private Equity? appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

It’s a widely known truth that when you place women in positions of power, businesses thrive. While gender equality at work is certainly moving in the right direction, there’s still so much work to do when it comes to creating a gender-inclusive workplace from entry-level to C-suite. Take sales. For many, the thought of sales conjures up images of suits, briefcases, stressful conversations, and well… men. Lots and lots of men.

Right now, only 19% of women in sales are in leadership positions and the industry itself has the second biggest gender equity gap. But the tide is changing here, and Just a few of the programs TEKsystems provides for females are Mama Bear for mothers, a Caretakers Network, a Women Employee Resource Group, and Onyx, their Black Females Network.

It seems pretty clear, whether you’re about to graduate college or are considering a career change, the future is bright when it comes to women in sales. Want to hear more? Join us on Tuesday, October 12^th, 2021 at 6pm EST for a virtual event.  Click here to RSVP 

FIND RELATED TOPICS

Networking, Career Inspiration, Female Leaders, Leadership, Women In Business, Women In Leadership, Women Leaders

The post 15 Female Leaders Share Their Favorite Career Advice and Keys to Success appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

We spoke with Tara Carlidge, Recruiting Manager at Citi and former Personnel Officer in the U.S. Army, to ask her how a veteran should look through the qualifications in a job description and assess whether they are qualified. Here’s what we learned:

First, look at the job description and assess the qualifications. See if you have a background in the field and/or the skill sets required for the role. This requires some research, as you may not be familiar with exactly what skills are needed for which role.

Second, see if the roles/skill sets are required or just preferred. Usually, companies separate their “must have” requirements from their “nice to have” requirements in a job description. Don’t be scared off by the “preferred” list of qualifications, as those are often less stringent and can be learned on the job.

Third, network with people within the company — especially someone who has been on the team you’re applying for, or who has been in the role before. By doing that, you can learn the difference between what was really necessary for the job and what you can learn on the job. Plus, that person may end up advocating for you to the hiring manager or recruiter — they can make the case for you (on the inside) as to what you can bring to the table and how you can be an asset to the team. Networking also shows your interest in the role and allows you to show enough of the qualified skills that the company may be willing to take a chance on you.

Finally, rarely does a candidate have all of the skills required or preferred for the job. So if you don’t meet all of the criteria, you should consider applying for the job anyway. Companies are looking for candidates who meet most of the criteria but don’t expect that each candidate will meet them all. Don’t feel like you have to tick every box!

This article is one of nine in a 9-part series WayUp has completed in partnership with the Bob Woodruff Foundation and VOWS in an effort to help Veterans entering the civilian workforce. To sign up for WayUp and be discovered by employers, we encourage you to go here.

The post Tips For Veterans When Reading Civilian Job Descriptions appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

“Whenever I get a stack of resumes, I throw half of them in the trash. I sure don’t want unlucky people on my team,” said no hiring manager ever…but sometimes it can feel that way when you’re hunting for jobs. 

Since the advent of online job applications, candidates have experienced the resume black hole: You spend hours submitting your resume to hundreds of positions only to maybe hear back from a couple. WayUp was actually created to stop this cycle. Whether you’re a student applying to internships, a recent grad looking for entry-level jobs, or have been forced to find a new position due to the pandemic, this guide is here to help! 

A well-written resume is the most important tool job seekers have in standing out to recruiters and building a network. With the job market flooded by candidates recently laid off due to the pandemic, catching a recruiter’s eye with an effective resume is now more important than ever. 

How To Format Your Resume

The first item anyone should see on your resume is your name, and the font size should reflect that. Your name should not take up a quarter of the page but a moderately larger bolded font will serve nicely in helping recruiters remember you. After your name a contact section including an email, phone number, and LinkedIn link are necessities. 

Sometimes a different version of Word will show a resume formatted differently. If your resume is in the wrong format, your chances of hearing back are low. Avoid this by only sending in your resume as a PDF file. This ensures that the recruiter will receive the resume formatted as you like it and will help any HR software they’re using to scan your resume easily.

Your resume should be no longer than one page. A recent graduate with two to five years of experience should not require more than a one-page resume. A great strategy used by candidates today is to have your fully fleshed out LinkedIn profile link included, which can show off a greater depth of experiences and info. Most recruiters will receive your resume electronically and if they are interested in you, they can easily click the LinkedIn profile for more information. 

How To Describe Your Experience 

The name of the game when describing your experience is to summarize not list. 

For each role, present the concrete contributions you made to your past teams, using measurable metrics if possible.  For example:

“Drove $5000 in new business while remaining under budget”

Anything else that you feel is important for recruiters to know—but doesn’t fit into fewer than five bullets—should be relegated to your trusty LinkedIn profile. 

The XYZ formula is a great way to display your experiences. Phrasing bullet points as such: Accomplished X as measured by Y, by doing Z. This helps keep your bullets concise and full of valuable information.

Another important step in any applicant’s process should be to review the job description and do whatever possible to highlight the most relevant experience or skills you have. Having a running document of your recent experiences can be helpful in choosing which fit most with the position. Remember not to list your experience, but to summarize your accomplishments. 

In A Rush? Don’t Make Sloppy Mistakes

If you are a recent graduate looking for your first entry-level role or one of the many individuals who lost their job due to the pandemic, then you’re probably quickly applying to a lot of companies. The most important advice for ensuring a good resume, and the advice most often forgotten is to check for spelling and grammar mistakes. 

Recent graduates and candidates eager for a new opportunity can allow their excitement for a new role to cloud their attention to detail. Before you share your resume with recruiters, have a friend or family member read it over. It might be the only thing separating you from being the perfect candidate! 

Was your internship opportunity canceled because of the pandemic? Looking for valuable ways to gain experience outside of an internship? Check out our Go-To Guide To Growing Your Career This Summer Without An Internship

The post 3 Easy Resume Tips And Tricks From An Entry-Level Recruiting Expert appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

Fall, winter, spring, and summer can all be referred to when discussing the duration of an internship, but, what about an externship? The only proper way to answer this question is with an ambiguous statement of “well, it depends.”

What is an Externship?

The simplest externship definition is to job shadow an individual, typically a respected professional within an industry or workplace a student has interest in pursuing. Externships are typically held for short time period lasting anywhere from a single day to eight weeks and are often held over a student’s winter or spring break whereas internships tend to be eight weeks long at minimum.

Differences between Externships and Internships

The other major difference between externships and internships are that externships typically are unpaid and the student usually doesn’t receive school credit for their experience. Even though the student is directly in the workplace, they’re still only shadowing the professional or group of professionals rather than having work delegated and projects assigned, such as one would have in an internship. The top aspect to remember when deciphering the difference of an externship versus an internship is that externships are used mainly to explore interests and curiosities whereas internships act as the bridge from student life to professional life.

For example, a finance student desperate for real world experience within the industry would most likely hold a fall or summer finance internship for a well known finance company such as Sequoia Capital. On the other side, a finance student who only had a single week free in summer might hold an externship with the CFO of Kiva, still gaining valuable experience but holding it for a shorter duration and mainly for observational purposes.

How to get an Externship?

But wait, how would a student land an externship with a CFO you ask? This can be answered with the use of a single tool – professional networking. A student should spend time harnessing powerful tools available such as browsing connections on Linkedin, asking professors for introductions to past colleagues, or watching campus guest speakers and meeting them once their presentation is over. Networking is often overlooked, so tap into it and land your next externship.

In the end, both externships and internships are extremely beneficial for a student of any major. The trick is proper time management to know which is the best fit, at the given time.

The post Externship vs. Internship appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

We know picking the right company to start your career with can be challenging . Luckily for us, TEKsystems makes your choice a whole lot easier. WATCH:

#1 TEKsystems wants you to be yourself and inspire others.

Regardless of your degree, background or experience, TEKsystems has a place for you to make an impact.

They do it by continuously nurturing an inclusive workplace. Whether that’s through one of their employee resource and affinity groups or training programs.

#2 Comprehensive training programs just for you.

Through formal mentorship and training programs, you’ll receive all the tools you need—and feel empowered to succeed.

And even though a lot of your work at TEKsystems involves technology based solutions, don’t worry, you don’t need any previous IT experience to succeed.

#3 Ever-expanding growth potential.

The sky’s the limit to what’s possible and where you’ll take your career at TEKsystems. With highly competitive salary and an uncapped commission structure, working at TEKsystems brings you unlimited opportunities.

#4 Benefits package built to bring out your best. 

For TEKsystems, work/life balance isn’t just a buzzword. Through their internal health and wellness programs, TEKsystems provides additional resources designed to educate, support and inspire you to pursue a healthy, balanced life.

Want to join the TEKsystems team? They’re hiring on WayUp right now!

The post 4 Reasons TEKsystems Is A Great Place To Launch Your Career appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

People are always talking about how getting your career started and moving up the ladder is all about who you know, but what if you don’t know anyone?

The good news: You’re definitely not alone.

The other good news: Building your network from scratch doesn’t have to take several hours every day. Instead, try using these five easy methods for creating a network that people will call #squadgoals.

1. Create a List of Everyone Who Could Be in Your Professional Network

I know what you’re thinking: “I can’t create a list of professional contacts! I don’t have any!,” but unless you’ve spent your entire life living off the land in a cave by yourself, chances are you’ve come into contact with other humans…right?

Here’s the kicker: Every person you’ve met and will continue to meet has the potential to be part of your professional network. Do you have any close friends who work in the same industry as you? Add them to your list, or maybe you have family friends, professors or alumni whom you’ve leaned on for mentorship and support in the past. They get a spot, too. Any employers or coworkers from previous jobs or internships? Put ‘em on there as well.

What should this list look like? Create a simple Google Spreadsheet that includes each person’s name, current role and company, contact information, where/how you met them, the last time you interacted with them and any other notes about your professional relationship.

The good news is, building and maintaining a network from scratch doesn’t have to be a huge puzzle. If you’re proactive and thoughtful, you’d be surprised how quickly things can go your way.

While you don’t need to be overly detailed (“Tweeted at Joe Smith on April 24, 2016 at 5:10am”), it’s helpful going forward to see which contacts you haven’t reached out to in a while (say hey before the connection goes cold) and also who you can reach out to for what.

Pro tip: Make sure you’re reaching out to everyone in your network roughly three times per year. Even if it’s a quick check-in, that’s way better than no contact at all.

2. Contact Your Network the Right Way

One of the biggest mistakes young people make when it comes to building and maintaining a network is not knowing when or how to contact professional contacts when they need something.

Some quick networking etiquette for reaching out to your network:

• Make your ask small and manageable. Don’t ask a contact for a job right off the bat or to figure out your career path for you.
• Keep your email short (five sentences tops).
• Steer clear of emailing with several requests in a row.
• Be mindful of other people’s time and also what needs they might have.
• Offer them an out.

What should you do instead? As I mentioned above, if you’re staying in touch with your network, reaching out should be no big deal.

What a Template of Your Email Looks Like

Here’s what the outreach email can look like:

Hi [name],

It was so great chatting about [topic you discussed] at [place you interacted]! As always, your thoughts were on point and exactly what I needed to hear.

I have a very quick favor to ask you. I’m [explain in 1-2 sentences] and would really appreciate your help with [explain in 3-4 words]. If you’re able to hop on a quick 10-minute call to discuss, that’d be amazing, or if it’s easier to answer over email, that’d be helpful too.

I totally understand that you’re really busy, so it’s okay if you can’t take this on right now! Either way, I’d love to go out for coffee and catch up soon.

Best,

[Your name]

What Your Email Looks Like in Practice

Here’s what that email looks like when filled out:

Hi James,

It was so great chatting about your start in software engineering at Wesleyan’s alumni event last weekend! As always, your thoughts were on point and exactly what I needed to hear.

I have a very quick favor to ask you. I’m about to have my first technical interview next Thursday and would really appreciate your help going through the basics of how technical interviews work. If you’re able to hop on a quick 10-minute call to discuss, that’d be amazing, or if it’s easier to answer over email, that’d be helpful too.

I totally understand that you’re really busy, so it’s okay if you can’t take this on right now! Either way, I’d love to go out for coffee and catch up soon.

Best,

Lily

What a Template of Your Email Looks Like

If you haven’t reached out to someone in your network in a long time, make sure you acknowledge that you haven’t been in contact in a while, and also make sure that your ask is small.

Hi [name],

Long time, no talk! I’ve been busy [explain your situation in 3-4 words] and it looks like you’ve been doing huge things at [explain their situation in 3-4 words].

I have a very quick favor to ask you. I’m [explain in 1-2 sentences] and would really appreciate your help. If you’re able to hop on a quick 10-minute call to discuss, that’d be amazing, or if it’s easier to answer over email, that’d be helpful too.

I totally understand that you’re really busy, so it’s okay if you can’t take this on right now! Either way, I’d love to go out for coffee and catch up soon.

Best,

[Your name]

What Your Email Looks Like in Practice

Here’s that email when filled out:

Hi Carly,

Long time, no talk! I’ve been busy finishing up my senior year and handing in my thesis (more about this on WayUp), and it looks like you’ve been doing huge things at Google (congrats on the big product launch!).

I have a small favor to ask you. I’m looking at applying for several engineering jobs, but I’m nervous about how technical recruiting works for full-time positions. Since you worked as a university recruiter and dealt with these scenarios all the time from a hiring manager’s perspective, I would really appreciate your help going through the basics of how these parts of the hiring process work. If you’re able to meet up for coffee or hop on a quick 15-minute call to discuss, that’d be amazing, or if it’s easier to answer over email, that’d be helpful too.

I totally understand that you’re really busy, so it’s okay if you can’t take this on right now! Either way, I’d love to go out for coffee and catch up soon.

Best,

Lily

Trust me: There’s nothing worse than getting an email from someone you haven’t spoken to in a year that says, “Hey! We haven’t talked in a year! Get me a job at your company!” Not a good look.

3. Master the Cold Pitch

Once you’ve found your footing with the people you already know, how do you reach out to people you don’t? WayUp’s co-founder and CEO Liz Wessel is a huge fan of cold email pitching, and she’s onto something: Cold email pitching is a surprisingly effective way to meet new people and get further in your career. Why does it get a bad rap? Often people just don’t do it right.

When you’re emailing someone you’ve never talked to before, there are 3 key things to keep in mind:

• Keep your actual email short (five sentences tops).
• Make your request small, simple and straightforward.
• Offer the person an out.

What a Template of Your Email Looks Like

Hi [person’s first name],

I’ve been a huge fan of your work at [person’s company] for a while, particularly your recent work on [specific project or initiative]. I also saw that [insert 5-7 words about any other points of connection, like being an alma mater or how you worked on something similar].

I’m a [explain your situation in 3-5 words], and since this is in your wheelhouse, I was wondering if it would be possible to [short one-sentence request]. I’d love to meet for coffee or hop on a quick 15-minute call to discuss, whatever’s easiest for you. I also understand that you’re busy; if there’s a better time for me to follow up, let me know.

Thanks so much for your time, and if you need any other info, feel free to have a look at my WayUp profile [link to profile]!

Best,

[Your name]

What Your Email Looks Like in Practice

Hi Abby,

I’ve been a huge fan of your work at Teen Vogue for a while, particularly your recent four-part installment on college party culture. It was such an eye-opening read, and as someone who’s covered the college beat in the past, I know how much work it took.

I’m a recent grad who’s looking at two potential career paths in magazines, and because you’re so knowledgeable about the world of magazine journalism, I was hoping to get your opinion on if it’s better to start in print or digital when it comes to working at a magazine.

I’m New York-based, so I’d love to buy you coffee or hop on a quick 15-minute call to discuss, whatever’s easiest for you. I also understand that you’re busy; if there’s a better time for me to follow up, let me know.

Thanks so much for your time, and if you need any other info, feel free to have a look at my WayUp profile!

Best,

Lily

Time to rack up those contacts.

4. Use Your Social Media for Professional Good

Speaking from personal experience, during my four years of college, I was based in Middletown, Connecticut, a periphery suburb of Hartford, and while I liked my time at Wesleyan, central Connecticut isn’t the most happening place for networking, especially if you’re looking to connect with professionals primarily in New York and San Francisco.

How’d I get around it? One word: Twitter. I joined Twitter chats, tweeted out links to stories and articles I found interesting, and interacted with as many people on the platform as possible. Unsurprisingly, after nearly two and a half years as an active user, I’d venture to say that I met 70% of my network online (and probably 50% of my friends, if I’m being honest).

While I’m not saying you need to follow what I did to a T, the lesson is simple: Social media, whether it’s Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn or another network, is an easy, free way to build your network at your own pace. It isn’t just for personal use, and it can get you light-years ahead.

5. Help Other People as Much as Possible

When you’re trying to build your own network, it’s easy to get caught up in what you need and what your own career looks like. One of the most important things you can do as you continue to add more people to your list is to make sure you’re helping out your contacts as much as possible.

Feel like you don’t have anything to offer others as a young person? Think again. Often people are looking to others for small favors, like posting about an exciting opportunity on social media or inviting some friends to an event their company is throwing.

These small favors add up and make you a valuable connection for other people, so the sooner you start offering your help to people, the easier it is to build your network and also create an army of people willing to go to bat for you in the future.

The post 5 Easy Ways to Build Your Network From Scratch When You Don’t Know Anyone appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

Are you counting down the days to the end of your school year? Maybe you’ve got a few exams left or maybe you’re already home free. Either way, one thing is coming up whether you’re ready or not: summer internship season.

If you’re sitting in your dorm or childhood bedroom right now and thinking, “I haven’t applied for a single internship,” then do not despair. New internships are showing up every day on WayUp because—believe it or not—there are always more opportunities opening up at companies.

If you’re internship-less and don’t know where to start, then start right here, right now by reading this quick guide.

Instead Of Giving Up, Start Your Internship Search Now

But where should you start your search?  Thousands of companies—including startups, Fortune 500s, and everything in between—are still searching for Summer 2019 interns. Maybe they had too many positions and couldn’t fill them all yet, or maybe they just realized the need for a new marketing intern for their latest product. Either way, the reality is that thousands of companies are still hiring on WayUp right now.

Worried that you’ll be competing against hundreds of applicants? Well, WayUp has that covered. Once you’ve created a profile and logged into the homepage you’ll receive an endless feed of jobs tailored to your qualifications, expressed interest, and academic/professional background. With your custom job feed, you’re bound to find an internship that matches you closely.

Of course, finding internships you want to apply for is only the beginning.  You also have to have your resume ready to go.  Check out resume beginner guides to get yourself on the right track and make sure you have a couple different versions of your resume for different industries (if you’re applying to a wide range of jobs).

Even if you’re not looking for a full-blown internship, there are plenty of amazing part-time summer jobs on WayUp, too. These, too, can be great money-makers and resume-builders for people early in their college career.

The most important thing to do is actually apply. So make your WayUp profile, get your resume ready, and start searching today!

The post It’s Not Too Late To Get A Summer 2019 Internship! appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

Recruiters want to get to know you. Their jobs depend on finding and hiring successful candidates just like you everyday. Yet many job seekers are afraid of reaching out to recruiters. When they do, they fumble words, aren’t timely or don’t convey enough interest in the role to gain a reply, let alone a job offer. I hate seeing skilled applicants lose out on a better life because they didn’t know how to communicate with a recruiter.

The good news is there’s a proven way to reach out to recruiters and get a response – break away from the pack with these tips:

1. Know what you want.

One of the worst ways to reach out to a recruiter is with a vague request that only benefits you. Think about how you can make the recruiter’s life easier instead of wasting their time.

“Have time to chat?” – Most likely not since they’re reviewing hundreds of applicants. Also, chat about what?

“I’m interested in this job – would you know something about it?” Yes, it’s their job to know.

Have a specific purpose for reaching out other than wanting a job – which is why everyone is applying in the first place. Learning about company culture, asking for introductions to the hiring team or getting feedback on your candidacy are great reasons to reach out to a recruiter.

2. Keep it short and sweet.

Recruiters get anywhere from 5 to 30 seconds to review each applicant. They have even less time for answering emails from people that would like to borrow some of their time to chat.

By keeping things short, you are respectful of the recruiter’s busy schedule and are more likely to receive a response. Messages shouldn’t be more than 2 minute read. Anything longer will be “saved for later,” but more likely will be forgotten and never opened again. How many times have you done this with your own email?

3. Observe the power dynamic and be respectful.

You’re the one requesting a job from someone with an extremely busy schedule. The recruiter’s opinion of you can make or break your job offer.

Be respectful with your tone and requests. Start small and always give the final choice to the recruiter.

“I applied to this position. Can you forward my application to the hiring manager?” Why does the recruiter owe you a favor? This is too direct for an introduction.

“I want talk about Acme Co. I’m free on Tuesday at 4PM and Thursday at 3PM.” This assumes the recruiter wants to talk to you, which may not be the case. Also, you want to give the choice of time to the person in power by offering a range of options. Being strict upfront isn’t a good first impression to set.

Being respectful shows you’re likely a pleasant person to work with, another plus in your job candidacy.

4. Make decision making easy.

Your goal with the first email is to get a yes to the introduction and a small request, not a job offer. While it’s possible to get a job with a single email, it’s highly unlikely for most people. Since you’re likely to have multiple email exchanges with your recruiter, start off small with easy “yes or no” questions.

“I applied to Acme Inc. How do you like it there?” This question begs for a long response, which probably won’t happen.

—

With the above tips in mind, here are two email scripts I’ve used in my own job hunt to get responses.

[REACHING OUT]

Hi Recruiter,

My name is Leo and I recently applied to the Associate Marketing Manager position at Acme Inc. I’m reaching out to introduce myself and learn more about Acme’s culture. Are you open to chatting about your experience at Acme sometime this week? I’m free anytime after 2PM.

Thanks in advance for your time.

Best,
Leo

Why this gets responses:

• Clear intent
• Polite
• Respects power dynamic
• Gives easy choice to recruiters

[FOLLOWING UP]

Hi Recruiter,

My name is Leo and I reached out last week to learn more about your experience at Acme Inc. I didn’t want my last request to get lost in your inbox. If you’re free, I’d love to chat anytime this week after 3PM. Please let me know!

Thank you,
Leo

Why this gets responses:

• Refers previous message
• Polite reason for follow up
• Respects power dynamic
• Direct call-to-action for recruiter

—

By mastering communication, you speed up your job hunting, network your way into an offer and stand out from the sea of other job seekers.

Here’s what to do next:

1. Modify the above scripts to match your needs and try them for your next job hunt. Leave a comment below telling us your results.
2. If you’re interested in learning how to turn outreach emails into job offers, check out my free tactical guide on “5 Steps to Interview” – a FREE download.

The post 4 Steps to Email Recruiters and Get Responses [Email Scripts Included] appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

Ready to fall in love… with a new job? The first quarter of 2019 is the perfect time to start (or continue) your search for the perfect entry-level job.

WayUp has thousands of entry-level jobs that are tailored and vetted for our users. However, if you’re looking for inspiration beyond your normal job search, we’ve put together a list of 20 incredible jobs that are sure to merit at least one application from you.

All of these positions have qualities about them—the mission, the compensation, the perks—that can help make you a very happy employee. For example, the very first job on this list (from McDonald’s Corporation) has a starting salary of $65,000. How’s that for inspirational?

1. Restaurant Business Consultant (Leadership Development Program) @ McDonald’s Corporation

2. Junior Marketing Associate @ L’Oréal

3. Data Science Associate @ Nielsen

4. Entry-Level Sales/Recruiting @ Apex

5. Advisory Consultant Program @ EY

6. B2B Sales Representative @ Keyence

7. Global Markets Graduate Programme @ Deutsche Bank

8. Software Engineering Analyst @ BlackRock

9. Digital & Creative Account Manager @ TEKsystems

10. Entry-Level Assurance & Tax Associate @ CohnReznick

11. Entry-Level Teacher (Grades PreK – 12) @ Teach For America

12. Cyber Threat Ops Tech @ Raytheon

13. Avionics System Design Engineer @ Lockheed Martin

14. Entry-Level Technology Program @ Northern Trust

15. Merchandising Development Program @ The TJX Companies

16. Associate Teacher @ Success Academy Charter Schools

17. Sales Development Program @ Thermo Fisher Scientific

18. Management Training Program @ Enterprise Holdings

19. Apparel Designer @ Under Armour

20. Application Developer @ Starbucks

Don’t see your dream job? Explore top companies or search for your perfect match on WayUp.

The post 20 Entry-Level Jobs You’ll Totally Fall In Love With (Bonus: They’re Hiring) appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

Finding your first or second job out of college can be a bit of nightmare when it feels like every job post online is just a blackhole for resumes, cover letters, and applications. How are you supposed to know which companies are actually hiring for entry-level jobs at any given time?

That’s why we’ve put together a list of the top ten companies hiring recent grads for entry-level jobs in February 2019. These ten amazing companies are all seeking to hire the best talent for their open roles right now. 

So, strike while the iron is hot by checking out their company profiles below and applying to your dream job ASAP.

1. Travelers

2. Ferguson

3. Apex

4. McDonald’s Corporation

5. TEKsystems

6. EY

7. Citi

8. UPS

9. Teach for America

10. Northern Trust

Don’t see your dream company on this list, but still feeling inspired? Check out WayUp’s Top Companies and find your perfect fit.

The post Top 10 Companies Hiring Recent Grads For Entry-Level Jobs This Month (February 2019) appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

Going to school isn’t just about gaining an education; it’s also about forming professional relationships that’ll help you carve the path to your dream career. From your first year in college to your last, part of your time as a student should revolve around preparing for your career and making sure to use all of the resources at your disposal. Networking is an essential and integral part of your professional development and definitely shouldn’t be taken lightly.

Even the best students make these gaffes, so let’s go ahead, and get your professional network in tip-top shape by discussing the top 5 mistakes students tend to make.

1. Thinking It’s Way Too Early to Start

A common mistake students make is believing that they need to be juniors or seniors before starting to build their professional networks, but like any relationship in life, the more time you invest into it, the stronger it becomes. As early as your freshman year (if not earlier), you should begin forming a career plan and be on the look-out for opportunities to connect with companies and professionals in your industry.

A great way to get started is by joining a professional organization at your school! Industry-minded organizations such as the ACS (American Chemical Society) and the SEA (Student Education Association) have chapters located in colleges all throughout the country. They host networking events of their own all the time, focusing on providing students of all years with valuable knowledge and connections in their fields. Some may require membership dues (as low as $10/year), but the leverage gained really pays for itself.

It is never too early to go out and gain exposure in the professional world. Show up to events, talk to everyone, be honest about where you currently are, express your interest and stay in touch. A conversation you had your freshman year might score you a job upon graduation.

2. Connecting Only With Students in the Same Major

Some of the greatest collaborations and partnerships known throughout the world began between college friends. It’s a commonly overlooked fact, but you might have a potential business partner sitting in your classroom right now. Start talking to some of your peers, and you might find that your career goals align.

Don’t just focus on connecting with students only in your major, though. Strive for compatibilities, not just similarities, so that you create a wider and more diverse network. If you’re a graphic designer with hopes of creating your own magazine and your roommate is an English major and aspiring editor, keep in touch! These are the times to form those relationships that will help carry your career forwards, so hold them close.

3. Speaking to Professors Only About Grades

Your greatest source of support and connections will sometimes come from the very individuals teaching your classes. Your professors are people who have years of experience and are more than willing to share all of that with you (otherwise they wouldn’t be teaching!).

If you have questions or would like recommendations for graduate programs or professional options, send your professors an email or talk to them after class. Set up a time during their office hours to discuss your career path; they can shed a light on any doubts or concerns you might have.

4. Keeping Circles Local

As a student, it may be tempting to keep your contacts within a few miles outside of your own home or college town, but this isn’t a wise move in the professional world. There are plenty of opportunities available to you beyond your town and state, so don’t be shy about branching out. In this age of social media and the internet, it’s easier than ever; companies located miles away are now only an email or tweet away!

Even if you aren’t contemplating relocating after college, keeping your network wide and open will lessen the risk of you missing out on a great opportunity not only within, but also beyond your own backyard.

5. Failing to Stay in Touch

Once you’ve made a connection with someone, it is essential to keep in contact with them over time, or else that connection will fade. Sending people a quick “hello” or tagging them in a relevant article with a note like “This reminds me of your work” keeps the conversation going even years after you’ve last seen each other. You don’t have to maintain in constant communication with them, but do be present and accessible.

Feel free to reach out for advice or an opinion concerning something relevant; just be sure not to ask for too much or make the conversations all about what they can do for you. Don’t worry if they don’t respond right away; recognize that they may be pretty busy, so remember to be patient. If it’s been some time since you’ve met, begin first by reminding them how you know each other, and always be sure to exercise proper social media and email etiquette in order to keep your communication professional.

So, which of these mistakes are you guilty of? The good news is, it’s never too late to fix any of them. Make the most of your life as a student and set yourself up for even greater success with strong connections and contacts. So, be bold and get that network growing!

The post 5 Networking Mistakes Even the Smartest Students Make 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.

It’s that time of year again. The dog days of summer—when you have to start thinking about how you are going to get a schedule without class on Fridays and—more importantly—how you are going to secure a Fall internship.

Fall internships can be amazing for your resume and personal development. Having that experience shows that you’re serious about pursuing your field. It also shows you have excellent time management skills. And it’s proof that you’re able to do real work.

Plus, because it’s during the school year, the competition is less stiff—which is great for people without previous experience.

That’s why we’re here to answer all your questions about how and when to start looking. Here at the WayUp Guide, we’ve come up with 5 easy steps to secure yourself an amazing Fall internship.

1. Prime Your Resume.

If you have an internship right now, be sure to add it to your resume and online profiles before applying.

If you didn’t have an internship over the summer, then you should have a compelling story about what you were doing. Think “volunteer vacation in Costa Rica” not “acid trip at Outside Lands.”

Your WayUp profile is a great place to show off these types of non-internship experiences. If you made a funny YouTube series with your friends, you can add that to show experience with media. If you did any coding or freelance work, you can show off how you use your free time. Even if you got a bunch of great Instagram pics while traveling, you can integrate that into your profile (and refer to it as a “travel blog”).

The less work experience you have, the more important it is to showcase the other parts of your life and personality that make you a great candidate.

2. Get the Letter of Rec.

And get your references lined up, too!

Start looking at what companies you’ll be applying to for a Fall internship, and whether or not they require a letter of rec. If they do, ask your employer now if they would write you one, or if you can put them down as a reference. If they’re unsure what to write, give them a template.

And if you don’t have an employer or manager to ask, try emailing a professor or TA instead. Be sure to include any great stories from class or funny memories you have to remind them of who you actually are.

Many companies will actually check your references. So, definitely be sure to ask your references in advance if you can put them down. You can also let them know what type of job you’re applying for, so they can be sure to emphasize certain skills.

3. Clean Up Your Social Media.

It’s easy to forget about what is appropriate to have on your Instagram and Twitter accounts during the summer. Be sure to delete or archive any inappropriate pictures or tweets before applying. You don’t want to get rejected from a Fall internship simply because you were holding a bottle of tequila on the ‘gram.

It’s best to keep your social accounts on private during the application period. However, if you’re applying for a marketing, writing, or social media-based position, then CLEAN IT UP. You’re actually being judged on it.

4. Have a Clear Idea of Your Availability.

Most students can take on about 15-20 hours of internship work a week with a normal course load. That’s the same commitment as a part-time job. Having held a part-time job during school in the past is actually a great way to demonstrate to employers that you could handle an internship. Balancing school and work can be tricky—and no employer wants somebody who takes on more than they can handle.

Be realistic about your workload and class schedule. You know (or can easily find out online) if that Shakespeare professor is gonna give you an essay every week or 20 hours of reading. Use ratemyprofessors or ask around to find out ahead of time.

The worst thing to do is to accept a job and then get overwhelmed and quit halfway through the semester. Factor in time for extracurriculars, midterms, friends, and finals, and let companies know ahead of time how long you’ll be gone for Thanksgiving and winter break.

5. Apply Early.

And often!

Although many companies continue accepting applications well into September, you should start applying ASAP. The internships that pay the best and look the best on your resume will close sooner than those that do not. Recruiters cannot always spare the time or resources to look at thousands of applications, so act fast.

Now if your resume and WayUp profile is up to date and you’re ready to apply, just search “Fall Internships” right here on WayUp and you’ll get opportunities tailored your skills, interests, and major. There are thousands of internships available on WayUp, so go find yours today!

The post 5 Steps to Secure a Fall Internship appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

Many companies have a strong social media presence, so having an active social media presence is a great way to build your network and start branding yourself. You can reach a wide range of companies and individuals through social media and ensure that you keep yourself at the top of their minds throughout your job search. More and more students are finding jobs and internships through social media, so follow these tips to brush up on your networking skills and maybe you’ll be next.

1. Create a WayUp profile.

WayUp isn’t just a job site; it offers users amazing networking opportunities as well, because you have the chance to showcase both your skillset and your unique personality.The structure of your profile emphasizes the importance of hobbies and extracurricular activities as much as it does your work experience and coursework, so employers gain a better sense of who you are. Perhaps one of WayUp’s best features is that employers can request for you to apply to their jobs, so even if you’re not actively applying for positions, the more detail you include in your profile, the more likely you are to be contacted. In addition to reaching employers, you can expand your network within your university too by following and connecting with other individuals, including fellow students and recent grads.

2. Follow company social media channels.

Many companies dedicate a lot of time and effort to their social media channels and use them as a way to connect with potential employees. Follow companies you’re interested in on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and any other social media profiles they may have. Pay close attention to how they conduct their social media accounts including the written and video content that they post. Be engaged. Like or comment on a company’s posts or send a direct message if you particularly like a video, an image, or an article. Following a brand on social media will help you learn more about a company and having that knowledge will give you a leg up in a cover letter application or an interview.

3. Include your university major or profession in your social media bios.

When you apply for a job or internship or even when a recruiter is scrolling through social media accounts to find talent, having a professional social media presence will win you major brownie points. Ensure that all of your social media accounts represent the brand that you’ve built for yourself, because many companies will use your social media to gauge your personality. If your social media presence showcases that you’re a university student majoring in biology and that you are actively looking for an internship in your field, your profiles will stand out from those that don’t include that information.

Networking is so much more than just a networking event or two, so in order to get ahead of the game, make sure to beef up your social media networking skills. If you follow these tips, you’ll be off to a great start!

The post Top 3 Tips For Social Media Networking appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

Raise your hand if you’ve ever thought about how to turn an internship into a full-time job.

Of course we take internships to learn a ton about the company and get amazing hands-on experience, but we also take them to increase our chances of working for that company after graduation.

In fact, that’s a great reason to take an internship! That’s why we talked to the team at John Deere who shared six ways to increase your odds of getting hired.

Join all the activities.

Alex Graupmann started as a John Deere intern and ultimately landed a job there as a property accountant. His key to standing out as an intern? Getting involved in everything from factory tours to sports leagues. John Deere has so many networking opportunities for interns, so make it a priority to attend, even if you don’t know anyone. It may seem intimidating, but it’s worth it! You’ll get to connect with other interns outside of work, and you might also meet your future manager and get to chat with them in a more casual setting.

Find your niche.

Whether you’re one of a few summer interns or one of many (some John Deere locations have over 100 interns), finding a way to make yourself stand out could increase your odds of getting a job offer. For example, maybe you have a knack for designing PowerPoint presentations and can volunteer your time. Let your skills and interests shine through and you’ll be on the right track.

Soak up as much information as possible.

If you plan to go after a full-time job, you’ll want to use your internship to build as much knowledge as possible. For example, it might help to figure out the intricacies of Excel and other programs you’ll be working closely with. And learn everything you can about the company and your coworkers, too. It’s a great way to show everyone that you’re in it for the long haul.

Figure out what you want. Then share it!

Luciano Moriguchi interned at John Deere and was eventually hired full-time as a Supplier Quality Engineer. His mentor shared this great advice with him that works whether you’re an intern or an employee: “Communicate the experiences you’d like to have and the career path you hope to follow. Once they have that information, your manager, supervisor, or mentor can open doors for you. So be ready before your first day with a few experiences you’re hoping to have.”

Go beyond your own department.

Odds are, you were assigned to a specific group for your internship. But that shouldn’t stop you from exploring everything else that’s going on at the company. Jenny Farmer, an accountant at John Deere who landed a job as an accountant after graduation, used her internship time to learn about John Deere’s different products and business areas. No matter what role you’re going after, understanding how the company operates even before you work there full time can be a huge advantage.

Treat your internship like one big interview.

No pressure, right? Jennifer Gibson, a Supply Management Specialist, shared this advice from her own days as a John Deere intern: “Displaying professionalism, industriousness, and a positive attitude will help you stand out and show that you’re ready to be a full-time professional.”

See yourself at John Deere? They’re hiring now on WayUp for roles like their Environmental Engineering Development Program!

The post Want To Turn Your Internship Into A Full-Time Job? Here Are 6 Ways To Increase Your Chances of Getting Hired appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

College happens in a blink of an eye and before you know it you’re sending out graduation announcements. You only have one internship under your belt and you’re afraid that your low GPA will stand in the way of obtaining your dream postgraduate entry-level or internship position. What could you do?

In a recent study, we discovered that 67 percent of employers think GPA is important in student recruiting. If you are interested in interning or working in fields like finance, law, engineering, or computer science, an exceptional GPA is usually required in obtaining a position. Often times hiring managers utilize the GPA to assess problem solving skills and predict applicant success.

If you weren’t the best student in college, struggled maintaining a part-time job, or were buried under too many extracurricular activities, try applying these helpful tips to overcome the upperclassmen “GPA Blues.”

1. Leave your GPA off of your Resume.

Don’t include your GPA unless it is exceptional or the employer specifically asks. In general, if you need a certain GPA to apply, recruiters look for applicants with a 3.0 or greater. Is your major GPA higher? If so, include that score instead.

2. Perfect your Application.

Compensate your low GPA score with a strong resume application. To dazzle hiring managers, demonstrate that you are a well-rounded student with ambition, skill, and leadership ability!

• Tailor your resume by adding action words detailed on the job description. List phrases like “quick thinking” or “complex problem solving” to demonstrate your communication and technical skills.

• Create a cover letter that tells your story. Express why you are interested in the company and how you will deliver.

• Add work samples (if required) to your application and make sure to list links to any digital portfolios or personal websites.

3. Get Referred.

“Employee referrals have the highest applicant-to-hire conversion rate – only 7% apply, but this accounts for 40% of all hires.”

An employee referral is the easiest way to separate your resume from the rest. This is your chance to practice your networking skills  in order to boost your application, ultimately landing you the job. Tap into your professional network, and use peers or professors as resources for referrals.  Don’t forget, if you’re referred to a position, mention it in your cover letter. This acts as a “built in recommendation.”

4. Focus on better opportunities that are a better fit for you.

Unfortunately, various firms are strict on GPA requirements. If they require a 3.5, and you have a 2.7, your chances may be slim to none. Apply for internships and entry-level jobs that are flexible with GPA scores, and match your abilities. If you excel at these jobs, you might be able to circle back around to the company you first wished to work for. Seek a counselor who can help you reevaluate your options. You definitely won’t be the first to waltz into the career center with a GPA question.

At the end of the day, if you are unhappy with your GPA, CHANGE IT! Even if you are in the first semester of your junior year or last semester of your senior year, each grade counts. Take your GPA seriously, but understand that it is not everything when applying for certain roles.

Are you screwed? Not exactly. Every internship you apply for won’t require you to list your GPA and many companies who were strict on GPA scores are now evolving. One major company being Google:

“Google famously used to ask everyone for a transcript and G.P.A.’s and test scores, but we don’t anymore, unless you’re just a few years out of school. We found that they don’t predict anything.” – Laszlo Bock, Google’s Senior Vice President for People Operations

The post “Am I Screwed?” Applying For Internships With A Low GPA appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

Ever feel like job hunting is a full-time job itself? Do you wish there were a “dream jobs” button you could press and magically get hired?

Yeah, we’re with you on that.

But no matter how many interviews you’ve been on or how many times you’ve questioned what you even want to do with your life, there is a light at the end of the tunnel: The perfect job is out there, and finding it makes up for all the stress that comes beforehand.   

So, if you’re having trouble seeing the forest (read: a job) through the trees (read: seemingly endless rounds of interviews), then we have the perfect antidote.

Check out these nine inspiring stories about how college students and recent grads found their dream jobs — and dream companies.

1. This Qualtrics Product Specialist pitched an application idea three months into the job. That idea is now used by teams across the company.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY FOR JOBS AT QUALTRICS

2. These two analysts loved consulting but didn’t want the crazy travel schedule. Their solution? They found jobs at EY that let them enjoy the benefits of consulting work—while staying put in one location.  

CLICK HERE TO APPLY FOR JOBS AT EY

3. This Unilever intern started in engineering, but eventually realized that marketing was his true calling. He then made a big career switch—without ever leaving Unilever.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY FOR JOBS AT UNILEVER

4. This AlphaSights Associate and recent grad got the chance to give the C.E.O. feedback. What did she do? You’ll have to read to find out.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY FOR JOBS AT ALPHASIGHTS

5. This amazing grad student knew she liked GLG the moment she started at the company. What she didn’t know was that she’d be a manager in under 18 months. 

CLICK HERE TO APPLY FOR JOBS AT GLG

6. This OppenheimerFunds intern got to hone his leadership skills when his manager went on vacation for a week. What he learned during that time will definitely surprise you.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY TO WORK AT OPPENHEIMERFUNDS

7. These 7 Starbucks baristas have totally changed their lives since they started working at the company. How? Starbucks sent them to college! See, dream jobs do exist!

CLICK HERE TO APPLY FOR JOBS AT STARBUCKS

8. This Gates engineer was already excited when he started his job. His excitement grew even more when he was given the opportunity to project manage a team of 40 employees across 10 countries—less than six months after his start date. 

CLICK HERE TO APPLY FOR JOBS AT GATES

9. Although she loved technology, this engineering major didn’t want to spend her career coding, so she found the perfect solution: She accepted a job at Johnson & Johnson that let her do exactly that.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY FOR JOBS AT JOHNSON & JOHNSON

Now that you’re feeling inspired, energized, and excited, explore WayUp to apply for jobs at these and hundreds of other companies!

The post 9 Inspiring Stories That Prove Your Dream Job Is Out There—and Your Dream Company Is Hiring appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

After a few years of working paid retail jobs over the summer coupled with some unpaid internship experiences that weren’t my favorite, I decided that the best thing to prepare myself for graduation come senior year of college would be getting a paid internship this time around.

Since I knew exactly what type of internship I was looking for in January, I started researching and applying for positions that would not start until May. I ended up applying to 12 different roles, and I got rejected from all of them. However, I don’t call this process a total wash; here are some of the most important things I learned that you can take with you during your job or internship search.

1. Start the Job Search Early

What makes the internship application process a lot harder is when you’ve waited until the last minute. By hitting the ground running during the spring semester, I got to talk to classmates who’d held internships at places I wanted to work, discussed my options with professors and took advantage of other campus resources.

2. Don’t Be Picky

Maybe 12 was excessive, but I knew that I really wanted a good internship at the end of the day, one where I could learn a lot and walk out with great experiences and contacts. Thus, I made the realization I was totally willing and able to work an unpaid internship if it was in my desired field. Although nobody wants to do work for no pay, sometimes an unpaid internship will give you payoff in ways you wouldn’t expect.

So, I applied to 12 positions…and it led to 12 rejections, but before we get into what I learned specifically from those rejection emails, let’s move onto another important lesson I learned: Selling yourself.

3. You Sell Yourself Better Than Anybody Else

The time that I spent without an internship allowed me to realize how valuable my personality and skillset are to me personally. I think that when I was applying, I described myself confidently in my applications but did not buy into it myself. That was my number one mistake: If you don’t think you’re great, nobody else is going to think it for you. Have pride in your craft and your interests; find ways to let them shine and reach people beyond those who might receive your internship applications. You’d be surprised as to who will reach out to you when you let your passion shine through. I’ve worked at YouTube NYC Headquarters, met famous authors and now the voice of Siri even follows me on Twitter!

How did I get there? It sounds cliche, but once I realized that doing all the things I was “supposed to do” still didn’t enable me to get the results I wanted, I had to become inventive. I thought I had done enough to secure an internship, but there were other tools I was missing that hadn’t even dawned on me to use.

I got on business networking websites. I began attending networking events. I created social media specifically for business networking purposes. I had a photoshoot and got headshots and learned how to build a professional website with widgets and interactive links. I started sliding into DMs on Instagram and Twitter and tweeted at people I wanted to work with and for. I made an email account specifically for business and created my own unique brand.

All of these little steps added up over time; I just didn’t know this before I applied to those 12 fateful internships.

4. Every Career “No” Can Become a “Yes”

Before I applied to so many internships, I talked to everyone I knew…or at least I thought I did. I prepared months in advance and even had professors, advisors, family and friends look over resumes and cover letters. I applied to multiple positions at the same companies and had some “target” positions as well as “dream jobs.” I made sure I covered every base I could. Even so, come April, my email inbox was filled with rejections. When I e-mailed asking why my applications were not accepted or how I could improve, I was either met with no answer or an elusive response about “more qualified applicants.”

If there’s anything my internship rejections have taught me, it’s that you are going to hear the word “no” a lot. You have two choices: Become comfortable with it, or let it tear you down. I’m not saying to let it roll off your shoulders as if it doesn’t matter, but I am saying to let those rejections make your shoulders broad and strong. Find out ways to improve yourself, and make who you are marketable in its uniqueness.

You’re not always going to find work in the traditional way of submitting forms online, but you will be stuck to that method if you never give yourself the chance to reach the world in other ways. Whether it’s videos, photography or a blog, make a situation for yourself so that when things don’t work out, or you experience the worst case scenario and every place you apply to tells you no, you have other means of creating success.

To tell you the truth, some of the best career experiences I have had thus far have been from what I’ve created for myself. Give yourself, not the privilege, but the right to make your career life what you want it to be, no matter how many times you hear the word “no.”

The post What I Learned From Getting 12 Internship Rejections appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

We all know how stressful and scary interviews can be. You don’t know what hiring managers are going to ask, how much you should know about the company and so many other things. Before you start getting all worked up, take a deep breath and remember that ultimately, if it is meant to be, it will be.

Below are five things I’ve done before heading into nerve-wracking job interviews, and they really helped me keep calm.

1. Remember that employers already like what they see.

Chances are you’ve already given a hiring manager your resume and cover letter, and you’ve made it to the next round! While it’s definitely important to be prepared for some difficult questions about yourself and the company (you can use the WayUp Guide to prepare here), it’s important to remember that the employer’s already shown interest in you and wants to hear all about your experiences. That’s why you’re here in the first place!

2. Do something beforehand that makes you feel confident.

So, you’re about to walk into a room to impress a bunch of strangers. Make sure you can walk into that room like you just won a Grammy. Okay, maybe that’s a bit excessive, but treat yo’ self beforehand, so that you walk in there feeling your best.

Indulging in some of the things you love is a great way to feel awesome before an interview. Listening to your favorite hype song or sneaking a piece of chocolate may make all the difference. As the old saying goes, look good to feel good.

3. Give yourself plenty of time.

Try and wake up at least two hours before the interview. You don’t want to leave a groggy first impression now, do you? Make yourself a nice cup of coffee (if coffee is your thing) and something to eat so you’re as alert as possible. Take some time to go over your notes, and minimize any possible pre-interview morning anxieties.

4. Use Google to your advantage.

You have all the answers on the world-wide-web right at your fingertips. Use it. Research the company beforehand to look into common interview questions (again, did we mention we have all that information for you here?). Remember, there’s no excuse for a lack of preparation, especially in the digital age. You’ll have some peace of mind knowing you looked up everything you could.

5. Get some help meditating.

If you just can’t get rid of those pre-interview jitters, check out some meditation apps. Once again, take advantage of all the billions of resources technology provides at your fingertips! My favorite is the Calm app, but another great one is Headspace.

Remember, this interview is just one tiny part of your life story. If this job doesn’t happen to work out, there will be plenty more opportunities for you down the line. Regardless, this is a learning experience, and you’re going to rock it!

The post Here’s Everything You Need To Prepare For A Nerve-Racking Job Interview appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

The act of networking can happen in any place, at any time and under just about any circumstance. From big-time events made specifically for this type of relationship building or in the smallest and least typical moments in life, you might find a chance to reach out, shake a hand and potentially cause a chain of reactions which can lead to the career breakthrough or collaboration you’ve always dreamed of.

No matter what the chances are, here are a few opportunities you might have overlooked where genuine and beneficial relationships can be made.

1. Your Current Job 

Let’s say you had to take a server job at a local burger joint or pick up the night shift at your school’s library; no matter what it is you’re currently doing to pay your bills and keep your fridge full, there is a networking opportunity available to you!

There are plenty of supervisors and managers who are willing to connect students who work hard for them with perhaps professional and even personal connections of their own. Even if all you manage to receive is a stellar letter of reference, that will take you one step closer towards potentially fulfilling the career of your dreams. Don’t let the rough shifts and maybe uninteresting tasks fool you otherwise.

2. “Meet & Greet” Events

There are plenty of events hosted by your school and local organizations with the purpose of bringing all kinds of like-minded individuals all under one roof. That’s where you should be, in the panel discussions hosted by your department chair or at the rally where important social issues are being discussed. That is where you are going to find people who have the same passion, whether it’s biological sciences or climate control. Grab a planner and take note of these days lest you miss out on some fantastic “matches!”

3. Your Social Media Networks

Use your social media accounts for more than just sharing memes and commenting on each other’s selfies. There are millions of companies right now in every field and industry in the world waiting to hear from you. Send a tweet to your all-time Wall Street role model or comment on a reporter’s article, asking an important question that shares a fresh point-of-view. Participate in weekly Twitter chats or in Facebook groups, and watch as the right people come along, willing to connect with you and discuss your favorite topics further, leading to the kind of constructive and inspirational relationships your network should be made out of.

4. Daily Commutes

If you take the train or bus (or even walk) to travel around, you are bound to eventually notice familiar faces going in your same direction, especially if you’re doing this multiple days around the same time.

Yes, there’s the age-old belief implanted in us as children of “not talking to strangers”, but come on; these are your co-workers, classmates, neighbors, you name it. Strike up a conversation with them while you’re waiting for a bus or for the street sign to say “walk.” If you’re seeing them frequently enough, chances are they’ve been noticing you too. Get to know your commute buddies better, small moments at a time, and eventually, you just might create a relationship that can carry beyond what would be your typical walk or train ride.

5. Your Local Newspaper Or Blog

This is not an opportunity reserved for just for established writers and editors! There are plenty of college-related publications and blogs that are always looking for the next voice of your generation.

Not only is this a fantastic chance to share your point-of-views with your community and age-group, but you will also find yourself quickly being established as an authority on whatever it is you’re writing about. This can easily lead to readers and fans to remember your name as someone who is driven and in love with a cause or industry, making you a point of contact for anyone seeking to further the conversation or offer you an opportunity to discuss the topic in other venues and forms. Sometimes networking isn’t about who you know, but about who knows you instead.

Remember, networking is all about creating valuable relationships, which can hopefully last a long time and benefit both sides in your quest to live your ideal life. Take any chance you get to talk to someone about your major, your aspirations or what you’re passionate about! Use the unexpected and the overlooked moments in your college life to set up the future you’ve always wanted.

The post 5 Networking Opportunities You Never Realized You Were Missing Out On appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

Breaking into a new industry from the ground floor can be intimidating, but the best way to integrate yourself into the fast-paced world of any field is to land yourself an internship!

However, that can be easier said than done. If you need help, five remarkable college students are sharing their advice on how they landed the internships of their dreams. If you take their tips, hopefully you can too.

1. Never discount who you meet in your classes—or in line at Starbucks. 

“I got the internship through a friend that I met early my freshman year who is going into the same field that I am. In the music industry it is really really important to make connections and know many different people with different skill sets. You never know what opportunities will come up!” – Danielle, University of Oregon ‘19

You never know who is connected to whom; the student sitting next to you in a lecture hall of 300 might be an open door to a dozen great opportunities, or potentially be your future coworker, boss, or client. Always be friendly, positive, and courteous to everyone.

2. Don’t just talk to family only during the holidays. 

“I was able to get this internship with the help of my sister flagging my application as she is the Assistant Manager of Domestic Theatrical Media Marketing [at 20th Century Fox]. I learned how incredibly important networking and keeping in contact with people [is] because I now know people my age who will go work for other companies and could drop my name. I also was able to have “meet and greets” with people in other fields such as publicity and got my foot in the door for other internships next summer.” – Allison, University of Oregon ‘19

Never be afraid to utilize those connections especially if you have a relative or family friend that can dog-ear your application and put in a good recommendation for you!

And once again, it’s always important to make and maintain those connections that you make on and off the job. You can learn more about building and maintaining connections here.

3. Know exactly what you want and why. 

“My supervisor later told me that I was chosen over other applicants because I told them what I was passionate [about]. Other people didn’t specify what unit they wanted to work in and they were passed over…be clear with what you want and know what you want to get out of an internship. For my senior year I am back at [the Department for Human Services] for the whole year. I now have a better idea of where I want my career to go and where I see myself in the future.” – Sarah, University of Oregon ‘19

Prove that you’ve done your research: You know exactly what you want, where you want to be, and how you’re going to get there career-wise. Also emphasize that this internship is going to be your first stepping stone to fulfilling those aspirations. People want to work with those who clearly want to be there, and not just so they can add another bullet point to their resume.

Another important point: Just because you know what you want doesn’t mean you should be picky. Often students will put all their internship eggs in one proverbial basket, when in reality it takes quite a few applications to hit the mark.

4. Reach out to professors, teachers, and leaders in your community. 

“Getting an internship was a requirement for my degree and at the time I thought I had a really solid resume compared to most. With past job experience, clubs, and a high GPA, I thought there wouldn’t be a problem finding something. But all the companies I had applied to never got back to me, even after I followed up with a phone call. So I talked to my professor about it, and right away he offered me this really cool position through his network of professionals. I ended up getting an internship way better than any of the ones I initially applied to.” – Monica, USC ‘17

Asking around might feel like a last resort, but it shouldn’t. Professors are probably the best resource for a student looking to break into a specific industry, because your professor most likely has a huge circle of professional contacts looking for young college interns to help with their latest research, campaign, or project. (It’s also a good motivator for participating more in class and showing up to office hours often too!)

5. Ask for help from friends and peers.

“My friend had worked for this tech company before and it was something that I was interested in doing so she showed me their website, what to apply for, and she helped me apply for a position. Within a couple of days I received a phone call from the company and I was scheduled for an interview later that week.” – Franklin, University of Oregon ‘18

Maybe filling out applications and writing a cover letter about “the best of you” isn’t exactly your strongest suit. If a friend or peer already has experience working with professionals in the same industry you’re looking to jump in, and knows exactly what the employer is looking for, then allow them to help you articulate your strengths and skills.

It’s all about finding the right wording, which achievements to elaborate on, and which items of your resume you should just leave out (regardless of how proud you are about winning that hot dog eating contest). You want to put your best foot forward, and with the help of a friend who clearly knows what they’re doing, you’ll figure it out soon enough too.

No excuses now, time to get off mom’s couch and go find yourself an internship!

The post 5 Students Tell You How To Land Your Dream Internship 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.

There’s more than one way to build a tech career at Dell. Coralia Nunez’s story is proof of how fulfilling it can be—no matter what department you join.

Carolia joined Dell’s MBA internship program in 2015 and joined full-time in 2016. She agreed to give us an inside look at how she got there, what she does in her role, and why you should consider Dell for a career in tech.

Why Dell?
I wanted to work for a company that I could feel proud of and that provided me with the right tools and resources to maximize my potential and impact. Dell’s approach to sustainability, innovation, and using technology to drive human progress was aligned with my own goals and values.

What does it mean to be a Supply Chain Sustainability Project Manager?
I manage the communications and stakeholder engagement strategy for the supply chain sustainability team. This includes how we interact wi th suppliers, customers, and key stakeholders to create a supply chain that’s always raising the bar in the electronics industry.

What are the most innovative projects you’ve worked on?
Customers want to know more about how the products they buy are manufactured. One way we’re innovating is by figuring out what transparency looks like for the electronics industry. I led a project for the release of Dell’s first progress report on all of the social and environmental responsibility initiatives in our supply chain.

I also worked on a customer tour project, where we invite customers to tour our supplier manufacturing facilities, interact with workers, and experience the working conditions.

What was the impact?
Both of these projects helped build trust with our customers and strengthen the relationships between our supply chain team members across the globe who all had different roles in the projects.

What’s the best part of your job?
I get to interact with highly talented team members across the company with diverse perspectives, expertise, and viewpoints. Our team is focused on driving sustainable and responsible practices, which goes hand-in-hand with continuous improvement and innovation.

How has Dell helped you grow professionally since you joined?
Dell has many resources for professional development, and each employee has individual development and learning plans. I’ve taken several development courses on topics like design thinking and strategies for problem solving.

I’ve also been able to interact with leaders of other departments to develop a broader understanding of Dell’s strategy and operations. [As a result] I started as a procurement intern, and now I’m part of the supply chain sustainability team.

What do you want WayUp’s readers to know about a tech career at Dell?
Maintaining an innovative culture is part of our DNA. In many ways, the startup culture is very alive—if you have an idea to improve a process, you have the culture and leadership support to explore it further and drive implementation.

Ready to start your career at Dell? They’re hiring now, so head over to WayUp to explore open positions and apply!

More From Dell:
Want to Stand Out? Make These Updates to Your Professional Profile
5 Signs Your Internship Prepared You for a Full-Time Job
One Employee’s Unexpected Path to Dell

The post 7 Questions with Coralia Nunez, Supply Chain Sustainability Project Manager at Dell appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

Before her senior year, Kristina Albano never considered a career in human resources. In fact, the marketing and supply chain major admits she didn’t know much about the field at all.

Still, as she was figuring out how to spend the summer after her junior year, an HR marketing internship listing at Danone (the company behind everything from Evian water to OIKOS greek yogurt), caught her eye. She applied on a whim and made it into the program. By the end of the summer, she had a new passion and was ready to leave marketing and supply chain behind.

When Kristina went back to school at the end of the summer, all she could think about was how badly she wanted to go back. Now, she’s Danone’s Talent Acquisition and Campus Coordinator.

Here’s what Kristina wants you to know about a career in HR (and being open to any new career path):

Your People Skills Will Go a Long Way
You won’t find “people skills” on the syllabus of a college class, but if you’ve got a knack for getting along with every single person you meet, you might hold the secret weapon to a successful HR career. In HR, you’re often the first person a potential candidate interacts with, so your ability to connect with them and sell the company is huge.

It Can Be a Super Creative Field
You might associate human resources with lots of paperwork and endless interviews, but that’s not all it’s about. Kristina says her proudest accomplishment as an intern was planning a national sales day in New York City for Danone Waters of America, one of Danone’s brands. To help make the event a success, Kristina worked on everything from the food menu to a book filled with fun facts about Evian’s employees that was handed out at the event. “I got to see everything I worked on for a month come to life,” she says. “Even our General Manager gave me a shout-out over the microphone!”

You Might Learn Some Unexpected Skills
As an intern for Danone Waters of America, Kristina got some surprise coding experience when she was tasked with building an internal website to house information for all employees. Even though she never coded before, she learned how to make it work by studying an older site model. The project was a success and employees are still using it today.

Your Work Can Impact the Entire Company
Since she now works in talent acquisition at Danone, Kristina has a direct role in pushing along the process of hiring new talent. She’s also working on campus coordination, helping Danone build a top-notch campus program so more and more amazing interns return to the company full-time after graduation. She also gets to visit career fairs and talk directly with interested students.

Kristina’s story is proof that your perfect career path may be one you never even considered. And there’s no better time than an internship to discover that. So if a listing catches your eye, apply! You never know how one amazing opportunity could change your career course for the better.

By the way, Danone is hiring. Head over to WayUp to explore their open positions and apply!

To learn more about a career in human resources, click here.

The post Why an Internship Outside Your Major Could Lead to Your True Calling appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

The days of working 40 years at one company with one job title are in many ways behind us. In her inspiring TED talk, writer and artist Emilie Wapnick describes the kind of people she calls multipotentialites, who range in their interests and professional identities over time. If you identify as someone who has found yourself in high school, college, early adulthood, or midlife, wondering what it is you really want to do or how you are going to do it, this piece is for you.

The job search can be overwhelming. While options A, B, and C might all meet your needs, they likely differ in subtle, difficult to prioritize ways.

This piece is meant to be a starting place to begin thinking about what is it you want and need in a job. This list is not exclusive. I encourage you to make it your own depending on your personal perspective and experience.

1. Start with the essentials

The logistics of what you definitively need to survive will make or break your retention in any position. Be honest with yourself. Review your most recent checking and credit card statements. How much do you spend per month? Do you want or need to be spending as much as you are in every category?

Create a simple budget like this, or create an account with a service like Mint, to better understand your spending habits. This will help you understand what you need in a salary. This clarity will help you decipher which options on your plate will better serve you logistically. You may also realize you don’t need as high of a salary as you thought, which may liberate you to pursue a previously discounted opportunity.

2. Assess your risk tolerance

Risk tolerance identifies how comfortable or uncomfortable you are with uncertainty. Some experience risk as adrenaline, which can be invigorating and motivating. Others experience risk as groundless, which can be paralyzing and debilitating. HumanMetrics developed a Risk Attitudes Profiler quiz you may take if you are looking for more guidance in assessing your own risk tolerance.

Risk varies widely from job to job. One example of a high risk route is starting your own company. You may experience very high highs and very low lows and will largely learn by doing. This type of job often calls for someone who identifies as having high risk tolerance, or the person experiences uncertainty in an encouraging and manageable way.

Alternatively, one example of a relatively low risk route is pursuing a 9-5 position at an organization that offers an attractive salary and benefits. You might not experience as steep of highs and lows day to day. You will have an opportunity to learn from the experience of those around you. When you leave work, you will likely experience more space to pursue other life goals and relationships in more depth. This type of position is ideal for someone who grounds in stability and prefers clearer expectations for the future.

Sometimes, your risk tolerance does not solely depend on your personal preferences. If you are going through a transition outside of the professional space that requires financial or time stability, you may not want to pursue an unpredictable professional space. For example, individuals experiencing health complications or anticipating family planning and pregnancy may refrain from taking high risks.

3. Reflect on your previous experience

Think about any previous job, project you completed with a team, or passion project you executed on your own in the past.

What did you like best? What did you like least? Jot down 5-10 bullet points of elements in a job you would love to be present, and elements in a job you would like to avoid. These will help reframe how you read job descriptions and decide whether you want to apply. In the next stage, this will also help you organize what to ask or learn more about in an interview.

Here are a few prompts to get you started:

• Do you prefer to work independently or with a team?
• Do you prefer consistency or variability in your responsibilities and hours?
• How much clarity do you want and need in the outcomes expected of you?
• Do you enjoy managing others?
• Is the content and mission of the work important to you?

4. Short-term vision

Often, the job search becomes the most overwhelming when we perceive the position will define us and our future.

I encourage you to view this next role as a one- or two-year commitment. Rather than what do you want to do with your life, what do you want to do for the next year? You may stay longer (or shorter) in the role, but framing the commitment this way is significantly more manageable.

Some questions to consider:

• Is there a skill or group of skills you have and would like to strengthen?
• Is there a skill you admire and do not yet have that you would like to learn?
• Does one year of exploration and high risk feel enlivening to you?
• Does one year of stability feel like a sigh of relief?
• When you wake up tomorrow, what would you be excited to get ready for?

5. Maintain your calm and perspective

No matter your risk tolerance or preferences, the job search is a stressful and exhausting process. Ensure you have the proper routines and systems in place to take care of yourself.

Eating well, exercising regularly, prioritizing regular sleep, and connecting with support systems are important elements in approaching the job search as the best version of yourself. Engaging in therapy during transitions can also be helpful as you can utilize the time commitment and objective third party to evaluate your many options, thoughts, and feelings.

Like many things, to find your professional fit, much of the work will be having the courage to try and try again. You may go through these steps and embark on a job that, on paper, seems perfect and promising, only to find it is not what you had hoped. Conversely, you may begin a position, anticipating you won’t love it but it will meet your immediate logistical needs, only to find that you have connected with a side of yourself that you quite enjoy.

As you ebb and flow, try your best to remain open and to view each experience as an opportunity to learn. You will learn new skills. Perhaps even more importantly, you will learn about yourself. Despite what mainstream messages try to convince you, there is no way you can know in your first, second, or third job exactly what you want in a professional experience. As you work, and as you grow, you will learn and adjust accordingly.

Thank you for your reading attention today. If you are interested in pursuing therapy and do not know where to begin to find your therapist match, I am happy to help. If you’d like to discuss the job search and its impending stress in more depth, comment below, or keep in touch on social media!

* This article was written by Alyssa Petersel, LMSW, founder of My Wellbeing.

My Wellbeing is here to help you connect with a therapist who fits your needs.

Trained clinicians at My Wellbeing can help you better understand what you are looking for in therapy, who might be best to begin working with, and what next steps are to getting started.

First, you fill out the 3-minute My Wellbeing questionnaire. My Wellbeing will make up to three recommendations for you, always one at at time, to be as intentional and anxiety-reducing as possible. Moving forward, you are privy to exclusive My Wellbeing wellness events and workshops, partner brand discounts, and opportunities to connect with wider wellness communities. No matter what stage you are in along your therapy journey, your My Wellbeing team member will continue to serve as a support system for you should any questions, concerns, celebrations, or feedback arise.

To get started, fill out the My Wellbeing questionnaire, visit the My Wellbeing website, or email Alyssa at alyssa@mywellbeing.us.

Interested in bringing My Wellbeing to your company? Therapy can help teams perform better, achieve stronger interpersonal relationships, engage better with community, and set and achieve more fulfilling goals. Learn more about how therapy referrals can help your team reduce burnout, reduce psychiatric symptoms of stress, reduce financial losses due to absenteeism, heighten self-esteem and improve workability through our founder Alyssa’s October blog post. Email Alyssa at alyssa@mywellbeing.us to discuss in more depth.

The post 5 Tips to Prioritize Your Needs During Your Job Search appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

At Infor, 16,000-plus employees build business software for more than 90,000 customers across just about every industry you can think of.

How do they do it? And how can you make an impact at Infor from day one? To get the answer, we asked interns and early-career employees how you can set yourself up for success.

Interested in a job or internship with Infor? They’re hiring on WayUp now! Head this way to check out their open positions.

The post 7 Things You Need to Do to be Successful at this Software Company appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

You submitted an amazing application. You rocked your interview. You got the job.

But how do you know if it’s the right job for you? If have these six things, there’s a good chance you’ve struck gold.

1. You feel like you belong
Your 30-minute lunch conversations with coworkers could easily stretch for three hours. Outside of the cafeteria, your teammates are always there to offer guidance and listen to your ideas. Both during work hours and outside of work, you feel comfortable being yourself and know that your team just “gets you.”

2. The “company perks” go way beyond free snacks and team outings
We love free snacks as much as the next person, but one of the biggest job perks should be the feeling you get when you see the impact of your hard work come to life. Or that feeling when your whole team gets creative to solve a challenging problem for a client.

3. You’re proud of what you do (and want to do more)
The right company is one where you can’t wait to take on what’s next, from presenting to clients to going above and beyond your work responsibilities to help your team succeed. It’s also one where you can’t wait to tell your friends about the shout-out you got from your boss, and you smile when anyone asks you: “so, what do you do?”

4. You know you’re making an impact
It’s an amazing feeling when you research and plan and finally share an idea that your team can’t wait to help bring to life. If you get to experiment with new approaches and learn and grow along the way, you’re probably in the right place.

5. You don’t question whether you have work-life balance
Even the most dedicated workers need to unplug sometimes, and working for a company that understands this can make all the difference. If you know you can leave the office early once in awhile to see your favorite band in concert or work from home when your tasks require more focus than usual, there’s a good chance you’ve found a workplace match.

6. You’re encouraged to keep learning
You know, without a doubt, that professional development opportunities will always be encouraged and supported. From asking your company to pay for that course you always wanted to take, to making the case for attending a top industry conference, you know the likely answer is “yes, of course!”

Every day, you’ll see these six signs in action at Accenture, a leading global professional services company. But don’t just take our word for it! Accenture is hiring now, so head over to WayUp, explore their open positions, and apply.

The post 6 Signs You’re at the Right Company 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.

Think about your favorite job or internship. What made you excited to come into work every day?

Whether it was the people, the projects or the chances to learn and grow, that question tells a lot about what it’s like to work for any company. That’s why we were so impressed by what these Philips Lighting team members had to say about their jobs. Read on for six things you should know about working there:

1. Being part of a team doesn’t mean being like everyone else

Innovation doesn’t happen when you stick to the status quo, and the work happening at Philips Lighting is proof of that. “Philips Lighting has allowed me to be who I am,” says Shaifali Kumar. “I bring my own working style to my job [and] my own unique ways of problem solving.” At the same time, the team is expected to be understanding of their differences and learn and grow from one another

2. Employees never settle for “good enough”

If you’re always thinking one (or a few) steps ahead, you’ve come to the right place. “The thrill-seeker in me is always looking for the next big thing and I do not give up easily,” says Manmath Ray who works on mobile applications. “It feels good to know that, at Philips Lighting, my drive and determination are appreciated and even encouraged.” How many companies expect employees to use their imaginations to revolutionize an entire industry?

3. Their work makes a huge—and high-tech—Impact

Ekhtiar Syed, a Big Data Engineer, works on projects related to the Internet of Things—a job that requires a lot of data analysis so everything from street lighting to industrial light installations work properly. “Ultimately, our systems derive information for illumination projects that help people and communities,” he says.

4. They’re doing amazing things for the planet

The Philips Lighting team is in a perfect position to change how people around the world use lighting. The world needs to get smarter about how it uses electricity,” says Sandra Teh. “With 15 percent of the total global electricity use being attributed to lighting, we can make a genuine and positive difference to the way the world consumes energy in the years to come.” In other words, the company is using lighting to make the world a better and “brighter” place.

5. They’re given a lot of flexibility

Maybe you don’t work well sitting at your desk all day. At Philips Lighting, there’s a clear understanding that not everyone needs the same environment to be productive. That’s why you can choose the work environment that suits you best. “My colleagues and my manager know that I work hard and that I’m going to get things done,” says Pamela Abraham. “I have the flexibility to be able to work from home when I need to.”

6. They’re always innovating

As a Marketing Manager, Amandine Brun’s work has a clear impact on the people who use her company’s products, which motivates her to keep achieving great results. “If you share our passion for improving people’s lives, a marketing position at Philips Lighting may be just what you’re looking for,” she says. “You’ll be free to exercise your entrepreneurial spirit [and] develop and market innovative products.”

Ready to start your own career at Philips Lighting? They’re hiring now! Head over to WayUp, check out their open positions and apply.

The post 6 Things to Know About Working at 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.

The skills you’ll need to be competitive when it comes to tech internships are actually a bit more diverse than you’d expect. In the current climate, fulfilling the basic technical minimums is no longer enough to outcompete everyone vying for a position. Many times other skills such as interpersonal skills and leadership make a difference in the application process.

To really stand out to recruiters and interviewers, you’ll want a good fusion of both technical skills and soft skills related to people and communication. The realization of a company’s goals is no longer simply a function of who has the highest technical abilities but also relate to how well a team of people can organize themselves and complement each other. Here are some of the key skills you’ll want to spend time sharpening in college to strengthen your internship applications to tech companies.

Programming Experience

Having a bit of experience about the ins and outs of various programming languages and a sense of familiarity with the uses of each is essential for tech companies. The architecture of the software most tech companies will be designing will probably involve common coding languages such as Java, C, PHP, Ruby, Python, and others.

The easiest way to practice is to take some language-specific computer science courses. In your free time, you’ll want to look for opportunities to help you design software with real-world applications to help broaden and sharpen your programming skills. Github is a common resource for many software developers and programmers to showcase their works for employers by posting the source code for a software for public use.

Show That You Have Experience Solving Real Programming Problems

Programming shouldn’t just be a list of languages or courses you know that sit on a list in a résumé. Tech companies and firms want to see that you’re actually able to use what you’ve learned to the benefit of other businesses and individuals.

It’s easy to find opportunities to solve real-world software and programming problems: just advertise your skills for free. You should aim to build up a sizable following of businesses or individuals that can attest to how your programming expertise or solutions directly helped their business expand or grow.

Mathematical Background

This is another cornerstone of the types of technical abilities that most tech companies will be on the lookout for in applications. If you possess a strong background and foundation in mathematics in general, you will be an asset to a tech company since most technological problems have solutions with underpinnings in math. Coursework in statistics, calculus, and differential equations give companies a baseline for the depth of your technical know-how.

Experience with SEO and Similar Analytics

In comparison to programming knowledge, experience with SEO is a minor skill that still holds a bit of significance. The way that tech companies will determine whether or not hiring you as an intern will benefit them lies in evaluating what you’ve achieved so far as well as your future potential. When a tech company offers you an internship, it’s also partially a future investment to boost your employability.

Possessing an extra skill or two that has wide applications like SEO can really put you ahead of the crowd. It shows employers that you’re a diverse applicant. If you have a background in math and programming, picking up the basics of SEO techniques should be a cinch.

Strong Interpersonal Skills

Interpersonal skills are the bread and butter for coordinating social tasks and efforts in any company. Many inefficiencies in team management can be traced to deficits in communication and faulty interpersonal relationships that exacerbate conflict. If you can show recruiters or a company that you’ve participated or managed a team effort in relation to programming, it will be a huge boon to your application because it shows that you’re adaptable.

Leadership

Many big tech companies are well-known for their innovations. Bose’s noise canceling headphone or Tesla’s electric car are flagships in each of their respective fields. The importance of innovation in technology means that leadership is doubly important since leaders guide the direction of that innovation.

Networking

Being able to navigate through a number of personal connections to meet the right people is also a big part of how you can set yourself apart during the process of finding that ideal internship. Knowing how to work some magic on platforms like WayUp can really get put you ahead of the game if you can find a way to get in touch with the decision makers and executives of a tech company.

The breakdown is that you’ll want both technical skills and soft skills. Your employability will depend on how well you sell your technical skills. Meanwhile, your soft skills help add some flair and uniqueness to your application. Getting an optimal balance of each is important if you want to succeed.

The post 7 Skills You Should Learn in College to Land an Internship at A Tech Company appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

This post was originally written by Culinary Agents, a professional networking and job matching website designed for current and aspiring professionals in the food, beverage, and hospitality industry.

Whether you are jumping into your first career or are moving on to your next one, here are tips for becoming a standout candidate in the hospitality industry.

1. Get Inspired

Take a step back to see how others got to where you want to go. Familiarize yourself with industry leaders you admire. Pick your top five individuals and then delve deeper into the why. Identify patterns in their career paths, trace their success back to see if they have common roots and/or training. (Don’t know where to start? Check out our Inspirational Career Timelines.)

2. Identify Your Priorities

It is important to know what you want. Start by doing some self-discovery and ask yourself important questions. Here are some to get you in the mindset: How do you rank money, work/life balance? What do you want to get out of your next job (e.g., learning opportunity, fame, awards, etc.)? What do you need right now? What can be sacrificed for the time being?

3. Do Your Research

Think about what parts of hospitality interest you. Which types of businesses do you see yourself at? Who do you aspire to work with? What excites you and drives your passion for this industry? Pick a few positions that fit your criteria and look at how leaders have been successful in them. Understand what skills you need to get started as well as what knowledge gaps you may have and how you can fill them.

4. Speak the Language

Be realistic about what skills you bring to the table as well as what you need to learn. If you’re coming from another industry, take the time to understand how your skills align and apply with those important to hospitality. Go out, explore, observe and talk to people who are currently working in the industry. People are still the core of the hospitality business.

5. (Re) Set Your Expectations

To reap the rewards, you must put in the work. Prepare to work hard and be willing to start at an entry level position to create a strong foundation for your path. Don’t get discouraged by titles. Titles vary based on the sector and category of hospitality business. If you did your research and focused on your priorities, chances are you’re going after the right employers.

6. Get Noticed

Be proactive and persistent. Seek out your selected employer(s) and reach out to them. Thoughtfully approach cover letters and applications by inserting snippets of your research in and highlighting why you are eager to work for them.

7. Follow up and be professional

Everyone is busy, which makes a timely and professional “thank you” important to stay top-of-mind and shows initiative. If you don’t get the job, understand why so that you can learn from the experience. Also, circling back with a follow-up message at a later date could make a difference. Remember, if you want something bad enough, go for it!

The post How to Get Started in the Hospitality Industry appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

As a college student, you’re told to choose a major, complete internships and join clubs and activities that interest you. These experiences are designed to lead to a fulfilling career, but what if you don’t know what you want to do yet? That’s totally okay and in fact, it can actually be beneficial to you in the long run.

You’re going to change your mind at least once.

When you begin your freshman year of college, the major you choose might be something that interests you, but you don’t really know if you’ll enjoy it until you try it out. Most college students change their major at least once in college and many change them more than once for several reasons. You might really like history, but you may decide once you start taking history classes that you’re not as excited about it as you originally thought. College is the perfect time to expand your horizons and do a lot of different things, and figuring out what you don’t want to do is just as important, if not more important, than finding your dream career.

Internships and jobs can help you find your dream career.

Very few people start off knowing exactly what they want to do with the rest of their lives, because it’s hard to know what you’re looking for in a career until you actually get a taste of that particular industry. Although the classroom teaches you quite a bit, there are some things you can’t learn anywhere besides the professional world. Internships are the perfect opportunity to test the waters and you might find that you love the field that you’re studying or come to realize that it’s not for you. The good news is that both revelations are extremely valuable.

Your classmates are in a similar situation.

It can be easy to compare yourself to your friends who seem like they have it all figured out, but the truth is that sometimes you just have to fake it until you make it. Almost no college student has his or her entire life planned out, so try to remember that your fellow students across the country feel the same way that you do. Being unsure about your career opens up so many doors, because it simply means that you have a ton of options to choose from. Our advice to you is to get as many different experiences as you can to help you decide where you see yourself in five years, 10 years and so on. Just keep in mind that every time you find something you don’t like, you’re that much closer to discovering your passion, so don’t stress about uncertainty, because you never know what can happen.

Talk to friends and family, join clubs, take classes that interest you, take on internships and jobs and you’ll be well on your way to finding something that makes you feel like you’ll never work a day in your life. In the meantime, though, enjoy not knowing and take advantage of everything college has to offer.

The post Not Sure What to Do With Your Career? You’re Not Alone appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

If you’re looking for a position with flexible hours and awesome networking opportunities, a brand ambassador or campus rep job might be perfect for you. We have a lot of opportunities  on WayUp, but here are just a few that stick out to us.

1. Campus Rep – Clothes On Inc

Clothes On Inc provides high quality and affordable apparel to college groups nationwide. As a  campus rep, you’ll be responsible for spreading the word on campus and ultimately converting various student groups into customers. As a reward for your hard work, you will receive commission on each order you place, so the amount of money you make is completely up to you. If you’re a go-getter, be sure to check out this position. Apply here

2. Campus Rep – Textbook Valet

Are you looking for a chance to make some big time cash next semester? Textbook Valet is looking for Campus Reps to buy back books from students (with their money of course) to sell online at a cheaper price than bookstores. You create your own schedule and you’ll make up to 20% commission off the books you purchase. Previous reps have made over $1,000 during finals week alone in a single semester. If this sounds like a good fit for you, apply here.

3. Brand Marketing Representative – Lyft

Lyft is looking for representatives to get the word out, both on their campuses and around their cities about the Lyft app, which provides transportation at the press of a button. You’ll earn commission from passenger and driver referrals (up to $750 per referral) and have the opportunity to work events that are paid hourly as well. If you love to talk to people, don’t miss out on this opportunity. Apply here

4. Campus Ambassador (CAP Intern) – Gift of Life Marrow Registry

Gift of Life facilitates transplants for children and adults with life threatening diseases. Are you interested in fields like social work, medicine, healthcare, nonprofits or business? The paid Campus Ambassador program will enable you to explore all of those avenues. Starting off with a two day training, you’ll develop the skills you will need to form partnerships with organizations, lead recruiting drives throughout the semester and more. If you hope to make a difference in others’ lives, this is just the right role for you. Apply here

5. Campus Rep – WayUp

Last but certainly not least, we’re hiring Campus Reps for the fall semester here at WayUp! Your main goal is to help college students and recent grads find jobs and internships and you will earn $1 for every person that signs up using your unique referral code, plus there’s no limit to how many sign ups you can get. There will be several incentives, bonuses and perks throughout the semester and you will also have several resources at your disposal. If you’re excited to help out your peers and add experience to your resume, apply here now.

If you want to explore even more positions, we have several campus rep and brand ambassador roles on WayUp that will spark your interest, so be sure to check them out before the fall semester begins.

The post 5 Awesome Brand Ambassador & Campus Rep Positions You Can Apply to Now appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

When it comes to finding a full-time job, it’s important to look for opportunities that offer you a chance to develop your skills and use your imagination. This is especially true if you want to work in a creative field like marketing, design, social media, public relations or communications.

To help you find your dream job, we’ve rounded up some of the best jobs for creatives. Check out the full-time opportunities for a chance to let your creative side shine.

1. Marketing & Community Manager – Elizabeth & Clarke

Do you plan on starting your own business one day? If you answered yes to that question, Elizabeth & Clarke is looking for you. As a marketing & community manager, you will have several responsibilities focusing on customer service, marketing, PR, social media and branding, so you’ll have the chance to wear a lot of different hats. A graphic design background is also helpful in this role as is the ability to be upbeat, organized and a team player. The best part? The company will reward your effort with projected fast promotional growth. Apply here

2. Content Specialist – Cvent

Does the thought of writing content for a web and mobile app sound like fun? Cvent is hiring a content specialist to join their team. You’ll be writing copy for several applications including onboarding users as well as developing internal processes and documents through research and strategizing. You should be a fast learner to understand the technology quickly, have excellent written communication skills and be a passionate worker who takes initiative. If you’re not afraid to ask questions and you like working both independently and as part of a team, don’t miss out on this opportunity. Apply here

3. Social Media Associate – GoodSport Media

Are you both a social media and sport fanatic? Then look no further, because this might be just the right position for you! As a social media associate, you will manage all company social media channels and design and implement a marketing plan for GoodSport’s content to drive traffic to the site. You will also conduct research to develop, edit and write various features on athletes. If you have knowledge of digital media, don’t let this opportunity pass you by. Apply here

4. PR & Influencer Marketing Coordinator – Vellabox

Interested in working for a rapidly-growing startup? Vellabox delivers candles nationwide to monthly subscribers and is searching for an influencer to shape a top-level marketing strategy to increase brand exposure and drive growth of product sales. You’ll stay in close contact with media sources, strategize with the business development team, track outreach metrics and write content for internal and external communications. If you’re passionate about the millennial lifestyle’s latest trends and you’re ready to jump into a fast-paced environment, this is a great role for you. Apply here

5. Digital Marketing Specialist – SlideBelts

Does your dream job involve the use of both creativity and numbers? SlideBelts is looking for an individual to manage the company’s brand awareness and growth strategies through SEO, PPC campaigns and email marketing. Must-haves for this role include knowledge of Google Adwords, strong analytical skills and technical understanding as well as excellent written and oral communication skills. If you’re a self starter who is enthusiastic and passionate about succeeding, this could be the perfect role for you. Apply here

6. Communications Strategist – VSC

Are you a natural storyteller with an itch to share your ideas with the world? If you’re passionate about technology, a critical thinker and a leader, VSC may be the right company for you. You’ll be working with a variety of different companies worldwide alongside people who have won hundreds of awards for PR campaigns.Did we mention the perks? Between a dog-friendly office, work from home Fridays, tuition reimbursement and more, this is one application you definitely want to fill out. Apply here

7. Editorial Assistant – Viacom Catalyst

Are you looking to get your feet wet in the media industry? Catalyst is hiring an editorial assistant to work on various projects for the team and assist in administrative work. You will also help create presentations, work on communications and brainstorm ideas for a variety of media. If you’re passionate, creative, motivated and eager to learn as much as possible about an in-house advertising, marketing and branding studio, this could be the opportunity for you. Apply here

Ready to find your perfect job? Check out the full list of opportunities here.

The post These Full-Time Jobs Will Let You Put Your Creativity to Use appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

Finding a full-time job as a recent grad can be a daunting task, especially when you have expenses like student loans hanging over your head. You may be thinking that you have to accept the first job you’re offered, even if the salary is much lower than you were hoping, but that’s not necessarily the case. If you’re looking for great opportunities with a chance to make over $45,000 a year, check out these entry-level positions.

1. Growth Specialist – Varsity Tutors

Looking to jumpstart your career in sales at a fast-growing tech company? Varsity Tutors is hiring growth specialists to help build their consumer base by connecting clients to experts in a wide range of subjects. If you’re interested in cultivating deep connections with students and their families, this is the perfect position for you. As an added bonus, you’ll receive 52 hours of free tutoring to help you brush up on a certain subject or learn something entirely new. Apply here

2. Director of Talent and Human Resources – Chick-Fil-A

Does the thought of managing an entire team of employees sound like the right career path for you? Chick-Fil-A is searching for a talented candidate to design and implement leadership development strategies for their staff. If you have awesome conceptual and analytical skills and you’re a team player with an adaptive and entrepreneurial spirit, this role is right up your alley. Oh, and did we mention that you’ll get free and discounted food? If you’re a Chick-Fil-A lover, what could be better? Apply here

3. Sales Development Representative – Skopenow

If you’re interested in engaging with customers and developing relationships with potential clients, look no further than Skopenow’s sales development rep position, where you can earn up to $70,000 per year. You’ll create strategies to convert leads into clients and you’ll become an expert in understanding and explaining internal technology. Skopenow defines four pillars of success as being tenacious, accountable, enthusiastic and integrous. Think you fit the bill? Apply here

4. Ruby on Rails & React Developer / Software Engineer – Design Pickle

Are you a software engineer who’s fascinated by graphic design? Design Pickle is looking for a software engineer to collaborate with external engineering teams and fix current software bugs. The bonuses are limitless, with an annual vacation to the Philippines, unlimited vacation time and the chance to work from home. If you’re familiar with Javascript and have an extensive understanding of web technologies, don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity. Apply here

5. Kindergarten or First Grade Teacher – The Equity Project Charter School

Are you fond of literature and dedicated to enriching others’ knowledge of language arts? The Equity Project is hiring kindergarten and first grade teachers who will focus primarily on the language arts curriculum and who will become central components to helping students achieve maximum success. For your exceptional work, you will be given an annual salary of $125,000, so if you have experience teaching kids and you’re extremely passionate about learning, this might be just the role for you. Apply here

6. Entry Level Finance – National Debt Relief

Want to contribute your positivity and enthusiasm to a role that will help others achieve financial stability in their lives? Working within the finance department fort National Debt Relief, you’ll be communicating with creditors in order to gain favorable outcomes for clients. The company is looking for dedicated and hardworking individuals with great interpersonal and organizational skills. Apple here

7. Field Sales Specialist – Sun Run

Interested in a position that helps the environment and adds a good chunk of money to your bank account? Sun Run is hiring independent and motivated field sales specialists to meet with potential customers, strategize sales tactics, reach target numbers and participate in sales meetings and events. If you’re an out-of-the-box thinker who is willing to travel to various company locations, take advantage of this opportunity. Apply here

The post 7 Entry-Level Jobs That Pay More Than $45,000 appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

The National Intern Day campaign is in full swing and you, your fellow interns and intern programs nationwide deserve to be celebrated for the hard work and dedication you put into your positions every day. There are several reasons why you should participate, but here are just a few of the standout reasons why you’ll benefit from entering the contest.

1. Be a part of something that matters.

As an intern, there’s nothing better than feeling recognized, valued and important to the company you’re interning for. Internships are a critical stepping stone to a successful career and by entering the contest, you’re helping to establish their significance. Interns are future world leaders, so nominating a rock star intern or an intern program that consists of professionals who are dedicated to teaching and shaping the next generation of workers will highlight the fact that internships are more than just getting coffee and making copies — they’re a great way to launch a career

2. The chance to win some awesome prizes.

Although winning an award for best intern is a stellar achievement on its own, the interns in each of the six categories that receive the most nominations will receive some awesome and fun cash prizes. You can nominate a friend (or even yourself) for the chance to take home one of these amazing prizes. Intern programs will win bragging rights, so if the company you’re interning for this summer is excellent and you’re learning a lot, nominate them today and win yourself some extra brownies points.

3. It will help you in your job search.

By keeping yourself up to date on the companies that have pledged to participate as well as interns and intern programs that have been nominated, you’ll have a better idea of where to start your search when you begin applying for internships. The interns who have been nominated are interning at companies that push their interns to succeed and the programs that have been nominated consist of individuals who believe in the importance of internships. You’ll have a list of companies in hand that make interns a priority, and it’s those values that would make you want to work for a company in the first place.

National Intern Day is a day to celebrate your achievements as well as the accomplishments of interns all across the country, so don’t miss out on a day that’s all about you. Enter the contest and be proud of interns everywhere not only on July 27th, but all year long, because your time as an intern is always worth the recognition. You can go to nationalinternday.com now to enter.

The post 3 Reasons to Enter the National Intern Day Contest appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

Internships are a hot topic for college students, because they are extremely important for your career and can help you get your foot in the door to the professional world. There’s no doubt that having an internship is a wonderful opportunity, but if all of your friends are talking about their internships when you haven’t had one yet, it can be easy to feel left out and possibly even behind, so it’s important to keep a few things in mind.

You have time.

Maybe you’ve already begun applying for internships or maybe you haven’t even thought about them yet. Whichever situation you find yourself in, you still have time. As a freshman or sophomore in college, you should focus on fully exploring your options. Think about the different industries and positions that interest you and consider applying to as many as possible. This will give you the best chance of landing a great internship and also help you figure out what you want (and don’t want) to do.

You can take on an unpaid internship.

Even if your ideal internship isn’t a possibility yet, there are definitely other ways to build your resume and your skill set. If you’d like to get as much experience as possible as an underclassman, consider taking on an unpaid internship. Startups and nonprofits are the perfect places to start because many offer these types of internships and having that unpaid internship under your belt will help you land a paid position later on in your college career.

You can join other clubs and organizations to boost your resume.

Internships aren’t the only types of experience that look good on a resume. To turn yourself into a well-rounded candidate, join clubs and organizations on campus or volunteer at a local nonprofit. Having a part-time job is also a great resume booster for freshmen and sophomores, because it shows your work ethic and your ability to balance the responsibility with your schoolwork, social life and other obligations. No matter what you’re involved in, your dedication to your future will be evident in your resume, in your application and in a potential interview, so no experience will go to waste.

It’s only natural to worry when you feel like you’re the only one who hasn’t had an internship, but there are many other students in your shoes. If you keep adding experiences to your resume and applying for positions, the time will come for you to be the one talking about your internship to your friends and family. Just remember not to stress too much, because the fact that you’re already thinking about it is a big step in the right direction.

The post 3 Reasons Not to Panic if You Haven’t Had an Internship Yet appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

It’s the 4th of July and that means that it’s the season of barbeques, fireworks, family time and…networking? Believe it or not, there are many subtle, but effective ways that you can boost your job search over the holiday and still have a good time. Check out these quick tips to keep your motivation alive and well throughout this long weekend.

1. Discuss job opportunities with family.

Networking with career professionals can be intimidating, especially if you’re shy, but talking to family? Piece of cake. If you’re going to a family BBQ this weekend, use your family members as a resource to learn more about an industry you’re interested in or any job openings they might know about. You can even simply ask them advice about the working world or ask them more about what their jobs entail. These people are close to you and they want to help! Your family will be happy to discuss jobs and internships with you, so don’t be afraid to bring up the topic.

2. Brainstorm with your friends.

Just like family, friends are a great resource for your job search. Are you going to see fireworks or sit around a bonfire with your friends for the 4th? Use your time with them to do a little brainstorming! Your friends are closer in age to you and will be able to tell you some of the specific ins and outs of the job hunt for college students or recent grads. Some of them may be interning right now or working at an awesome company and will be able to share their experiences with you. Since they know you so well, your friends can even help you figure out what you’re looking for in a position or a company, so take advantage of the opportunity over the holiday.

3. Take the time to think about your career goals.

Having some downtime over a holiday weekend is a perfect chance to take a step back and decide what you’d like to get out of an internship or job experience. If you’re feeling extremely dedicated, you can even apply to a few positions that catch your eye. What’s most important though, is to give yourself the chance to evaluate your dreams, your goals and also maybe any dealbreakers regarding your job hunt. Once the holiday is over, if you have even just a little bit more of an idea of what your dream job looks like, you’ve used your downtime well.

While you’re busy keeping the momentum of your job search going, don’t forget to have fun and enjoy yourself as well. Your friends and family are part of your network, so you never know what may happen. Maybe your friend’s brother is looking for an intern or maybe your aunt’s friend’s company is hiring. The 4th of July might be a time for some well-deserved relaxation, but don’t discount its networking opportunities either.

The post 3 Quick Tips For Boosting Your Job Search Over the 4th of July appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

It’s natural to think that a hobby is simply a pastime, but in reality, you can turn what you’re passionate about into a full-time position. The key is to be strategic about your approach and to build up your skills and resume along the way. Although it’s possible to turn any side gig into a career, I’m going to focus on how to break into a career in the creative industry, specifically in writing.

Love what you’re doing.

Though this may seem obvious, if you’re truly set on transitioning a hobby or side gig into your career, you have to thoroughly enjoy what you’re doing. Through writing, for instance, you can develop your skills for years before it becomes a full-time role. If you start off writing for your college newspaper or magazine your freshman year and realize that it’s something you love to do, you’ve already begun setting yourself up on the right path.

Take advantage of every opportunity.

Join several clubs at your university that focus on what you’re interested in. If you like to write, join creative writing and poetry clubs and try branching out to TV, radio and film organizations, because you’ll have the chance to broaden your writing skills even more. Take a stab at freelancing for national magazines and newspapers or start writing your own blog. In order to make writing your profession, it’s necessary to build your portfolio and resume through participation in extracurriculars on campus as well as other small writing jobs.

Take on a writing or editorial internship.

With a few freelance gigs under your belt, you’ll start building your writing portfolio . You can take the next step in shaping your future career by applying for writing or editorial internships at publishing houses and other media organizations. There are also many other fields, such as marketing, public relations and advertising where you can put your writing to good use as well, so make sure to consider all your options. An internship is extremely important, as it is your first professional experience in the working world, in a field in which you plan to establish yourself.

Upon graduation, apply to jobs where writing is a central component of the role.

Although you may have first started writing for your university’s newspaper, simply to be entertained, you now have the experience that you need to start your dream career. Your coursework, extracurriculars, side gigs and internships in writing have prepared you for the full-time job application and interview process. Though you might not receive an offer immediately, your enthusiasm will be evident, so you’re bound to find a job and a place where you’ll be excited to work.

It’s not easy to turn a passion into a job, because it requires a lot of dedication and hard work, but if it’s something that you truly love to do, you’re going to have fun putting in the extra time. Writing, just like with any major or field, offers you a wide range of opportunities; you just have to be ready to grab hold of them and give it your best effort.

The post How to Turn A Side Gig Into A Full-Time Job appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

Whether you’re searching for an internship in business or you’ve just graduated with a finance degree, there are several employers looking to hire college students and recent grads with a diverse set of skills and abilities.

Ready to get started? Here are seven finance jobs and internships you can apply to right now.

1. SEC Filing Specialist (Analyst), InsiderScore

Eager to work in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment? This Internet-based company is hiring business savvy individuals in the Princeton area to help clients read and understand SEC filings. You’ll be collaborating with several departments regarding data processing, quality control and processing efficiency. This position is perfect for professionals who are detail-oriented, quick on their feet and have excellent oral and written communication skills. Apply here

2. Research Analyst, Magellan Research Group

Looking to hone in on your customer service skills at a growing startup? This financial service organization is looking for motivated individuals to expand their Client Services Team. As a research analyst, you’ll be working on the front line with several big clients, including many executives from Fortune 500 companies. An added perk? You’ll be on an aggressive promotion track. If you’re a self-starter, a team-player and a natural leader, this role might be just right for you. Apply here

3. Business Operations Analyst, Finvoice

Ready to take on a role that offers you the chance for immense growth and development? As a Business Operations Analyst, you’ll be helping with sales, fundraising, customer service, administrative duties and more to optimize the organization’s overall operations. As a bonus, you’ll be given gourmet lunches and the chance to take surfing or tennis lessons for free. If you’re interested in becoming a part of a booming startup, apply here.

4. Tax Associate, CohnReznick

As one of the biggest accounting, tax and advisory firms in the nation, this company understands the importance of building strong leaders. Hands-on experience, hefty training programs and advice from senior staff members will enable you to prepare tax returns and perform tax procedures in accordance with current policy. With a long-list of benefits to offer, this position is great for an individual with exceptional drive and communication skills, who is also passionate about giving back to the community. Apply here

5. Entry-Level Finance, National Debt Relief

Are you an altruistic recent grad who’s ready to jump into the world of finance? Recruiters at National Debt Relief seek talented professionals to make a difference in people’s lives by communicating with creditors, while keeping the client’s best interest in mind. You’ll build relationships with various contacts and check client accounts for accuracy, in order to come to the right solution for every client. The role is great for anyone who is creative, analytical and organized. An extra perk? You’ll be given a discounted gym membership. Apply here

6. Campus Partners, Ground Up Ventures

Interested in venturing out into the startup world as a college student? This remote position will enable you to discover the ins and outs of venture capital, all while building your network for future opportunities through branding yourself and working with other Campus Partners. You’ll learn about investing and begin to understand the qualities that make up a good company. If you’re a hard-working, motivated student, this may be the ideal position to kick off your career. Apply here

7. Staff Auditor, ScottsMiracle-Gro

Are you an experienced young professional looking to dive into operational, compliance and IT audit projects? With a beautiful office and wellness center, this company is looking for a staff auditor to become familiar with business practices and procedures through various projects and tests. You’ll also be responsible for building stakeholder relationships both internally and externally. As an added bonus, you’ll have the chance to participate in several activities like intramural sporting leagues. If you’re a problem solver and critical thinker who doesn’t mind traveling, you can apply here.

Don’t miss out on landing the perfect job for you. You can start applying here.

The post 7 Finance Jobs And Internships You Can Apply For Now appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

You carefully filled out the application and prepared for hours for your interview. You thought the interview went really well until you receive that email in your inbox that says, “the position has been filled.” It’s impossible not to be upset about a negative response, especially when it’s an internship you really wanted, maybe even your dream internship, but that doesn’t mean you should let it get you down. Everyone has been rejected from a job or two and it’s not an indication of failure.

Stay proactive even when faced with rejection

It can be extremely difficult to not immediately think the worst, but it’s important to remember that rejection is a natural part of life. The way that you think about it determines how you will use a rejection to fuel your actions. If you weren’t given the position because your skillset didn’t fit with what they were looking for, maybe the position was completely different than what you were expecting. The key takeaway from an internship rejection is to move forward with a positive mind and the will to continue giving the job search your all. A proactive step you can take is to apply to more internships or apply to internships that align better with your qualifications. Another important factor to keep in mind is that if you put in your best effort during the application process, you will find an internship eventually, so don’t worry too much.

Don’t take it personally

Although it’s not easy, try not to take it too personally. There are thousands of applications and possibly dozens of interviews. You could have been a great candidate, but maybe there was someone who had a little more experience or whose major was a closer fit. A rejection doesn’t mean that you had an awful resume or that your interview went terribly. Hunting for internships is competitive, so you might receive a few rejections before you receive an offer and that’s okay.

An internship rejection isn’t the end of the world. You’ve just got to keep your head held high and continue doing your research. Maybe even ask for feedback about why you didn’t get the internship so you can improve your skills for future applications and interviews. Even though rejection doesn’t seem like a positive occurrence, there is always something you can learn from it and now you know what to do better for next time.

The post How to Overcome an Internship Rejection appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

You’ve recently graduated from college with a major in business and you are looking for a full-time entry level position. Whether you’re looking to work in sales, customer support or human resources, there are a variety of opportunities on WayUp that can help you make an impact in the business world.

Ready to start applying? Here are 10 business jobs you can apply to now.

1. Technology Sales, Insight

Looking for exciting hands-on training and an opportunity to interact with customers on a daily basis? This Fortune 500 company is on the lookout for hungry account executives with both heart and harmony to develop relationships with company partners like Microsoft, IBM, HP & Lenovo. The best part? No prior experience is necessary. This is the perfect position for anyone who has both an outgoing personality and an ability to listen well to others. Apply here

2. Sales Development Representative, Cvent

Looking to gain experience in sales, marketing and customer service? Cvent is seeking ambitious individuals to develop relationships with contacts and ultimately turn them into clients. As an associate, you’ll have the chance to brainstorm marketing strategies, attend various events, and provide feedback for product changes. An extra benefit is that there will be opportunities to travel internationally. If you’re a team-player, this just might be the role for you. Apply here

3. Account Representative, CDW

Passionate about technology with a knack for sales and relationship-building? CDW is seeking individuals to nurture long-term relationships with clients in various industries, including government, business, healthcare and education nationwide. As an added bonus, CDW will reimburse you for tuition should you decide to continue your education. If you’re an ambitious multitasker with great time management skills, this may be the position for you! Apply here

4. Customer Support Coordinator, Houzz

Interested in working for a fast-growing technology company? Houzz is hiring friendly and driven individuals to join their e-commerce team. As a member of the customer support team, you will be aiding customers and vendors to navigate the company website. An extra perk? Houzz is extremely proud of its employees and believes deeply in hiring leaders from within the organization, so a promotion is a good possibility. This is a great position for anyone who loves to communicate and is always up for a challenge. Apply here

5. Sales Development Representative, Managed By Q

Want to contribute your ideas to a high-energy growth team? Managed By Q is looking for individuals with a work hard, play hard mentality to qualify leads and develop relationships with businesses across the world in order to help their workplaces flourish. You’ll quickly learn a lot about the office space as well as develop an overall understanding of market expansion. If you’re passionate about what you do and enjoy thinking on your feet, look no further and apply here.

6. HR Recruiter, National Debt Relief

Passionate about finding people with good talent? As an HR Recruiter for National Debt Relief, you’ll be doing just that. You’ll be interviewing and screening candidates as well as aiding new hires in the onboarding process. As a tech-savvy go-getter, you will be utilizing the Internet routinely in your search as well as using a variety of other mediums. If you’re organized, detail-oriented and can handle emotional situations well, National Debt Relief is looking for you. Apply here

7. Sales Representative, Rhino Financial LLC

Eager to join a culture of people who are anything but typical? Rhino Financial LLC wants their employees to walk the talk and will train them in all facets of the business. You will be completing many different tasks focusing on sales and new account acquisition by honing in on your previous experiences. An added bonus? You’ll attend trips paid for by the company throughout the year. Because you will be introduced to all of the ins and outs of the company, this position is just right for anyone who is interested in business, but hasn’t yet found a niche. Apply here

8. Sales Development Representative, Vettery

Hungry to learn and become an expert in your field? Vettery is searching for self-starters who want to jumpstart their career in sales. You will be researching markets and building new relationships with contacts at several companies to convert them to active clients. Vettery encourages uniqueness and diversity and wants employees to shine on the job. This is the ideal position for a positive self-starter with superb communication skills. Apply here

9. Outside Sales Representative, Protect 1 Family, Inc

Interested in branching out of your comfort zone and having in-person one-on-one conversations with customers? Protect 1 Family is looking for proactive employees who are willing to work to earn a large income and to make a difference within both the company and the insurance sales industry. Leadership is the pillar of success in this organization and good candidates will be both independent and coachable. If you are dedicated and unwilling to accept the status quo, you are perfect for this position, which also offers extensive commission and cash bonuses. Apply here

10. Customer Success Representative, Justworks

Interested in a career surrounding customer success with the occasional opportunity to work from home? With a dog-friendly office and a wide variety of snacks, Justworks is searching for individuals to prioritize customer outreach through phone, email and chat. You’ll be on the front line strategizing creative solutions to help customers as well as providing extensive feedback about the product to the team. You’re compassionate and committed to delivering excellence; you’re responsive and resourceful and you’re an awesome communicator. If you’re compassionate, resourceful and committed to delivering excellence,, don’t miss out on this opportunity. Apply here

Ready to land the perfect job? Start applying here.

The post 10 Full-Time Jobs Business Majors Can Apply to Today appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

Whether you’re into coding or want to teach math, working in a STEM-related field is a great opportunity to contribute to exciting advancements in science, technology and engineering. Best of all, you don’t need to wait until graduation to get started. In fact, with many companies hiring interns of every experience level, this is the perfect chance to find an opportunity that’s right for you.

Here are 10 science and tech jobs you can apply for now.

1. Operations Engineering Intern, Gates Corporation

Passionate about engineering and want to learn more about the field? As an intern for Gates Corporation, an engineering leader with a strong foundation in research and development, you’ll be responsible for supporting senior management with the implementation of manufacturing processes. This is a great position for a motivated self-starter with Microsoft Excel experience. Apply here

2. Statistics Tutor, Varsity Tutors

Love teaching and want to help others succeed? As a statistics tutor for Varsity Tutors, a live learning platform that connects students with personalized learning experiences, you’ll have the chance to set your own schedule while tutoring high school students in a variety of subjects including statistics and biostatistics. Perks include receiving earnings twice a week and being able to pick up tutoring sessions on-demand to fit your schedule. Apply here

3. Desktop Support Technician Intern in Boston, TripAdvisor

Interested in learning about tech support? As a desktop support technician intern for TripAdvisor, the world’s largest travel site, you’ll be tasked with providing customer support for users through both hands-on and remote management tools. This is a wonderful role for anyone interested in developing their customer service and tech skills while being part of an organization with a truly unique culture (and a great office!). Apply here

4. Middle School STEM Teacher, Success Academy Charter Schools

Want to make a difference in the lives of young students? As a middle school STEM teacher at Success Academy, an organization that’s redefining what’s possible in public education, you’ll be responsible for teaching subjects such as earth science and life science while simultaneously building a classroom culture designed to help students love science. You’ll learn hands-on teaching skills while also receiving a competitive salary and full benefits. Apply here

5. IoT Software Engineer, Philips Lighting

Love coding and want to develop your skills while working for one of the world’s leading tech companies? As an IoT software engineer for Philips Lighting, a global leader in technology and connected lighting, you’ll have a chance to do just that. Working directly with devices designed to function through the Internet of Things (IoT), you’ll be writing code in Java and Python while also organizing backend algorithms. If you want to be on the cutting edge of technology, this is the job for you. Apply here

6. Formulation Scientist, ScottsMiracle-Gro

Are you a scientist with a passion for researching and developing new formulas? As a formulation scientist at ScottsMiracle-Gro, an industry-leading lawn and outdoor products manufacturer, you’ll get a chance to develop and launch new products and design your own experiments. You’ll also enjoy a competitive salary, great benefits and a flexible vacation policy. Apply here

7. Science Teacher Residency Program, Success Academy Charter Schools

Love science and dream of becoming a teacher? Success Academy has the perfect program for you. This two-year, full-time program will help you build the teaching skills you need to become a qualified science teacher while also helping you develop meaningful relationships with your students and their families. Apply here

8. Construction Estimator and Project Engineer, JA&M

Want to explore a career as a project engineer? As a construction estimator and project engineer for JA&M Construction, a construction company that specializes in concrete and masonry, you’ll be tasked with estimating and organizing bids, and assisting with pre-construction projects. This is a great way to get your foot in the door as an engineer with on-site experience. Apply here

9. Full-Stack Engineer, WELL

Know how to work with both back-end and front-end technologies? As a full-stack engineer for WELL, a powerful communication tool that allows offices to have communication with patients, you’ll get to do exactly that by building innovative products, writing tests and working with the back-end team to design new APIs. This role also offers unlimited vacation days and a generous equity package. Apply here

10. Math Teacher, Achievement First

Have you always been good at math and want to help others love it too? As a math teacher for Achievement First, a non-profit charter school system, you’ll get to develop your teaching skills in a supportive environment while creating an achievement-oriented environment that engages students. Best of all, this position offers extremely competitive compensation and the chance to establish yourself in a truly rewarding career. Apply here

Ready to find your perfect job? Check out these awesome jobs and internships to find the one that’s right for you.

The post 10 Science and Tech Jobs You Can Apply for Now appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

Social media is revolutionizing the professional world and is no longer just a source of entertainment and communication. Because it has become a tool for employers to find out more about their potential employees, it’s important to remember that having a professional online presence is a must.

Wondering if your profiles leave a good impression on employers? Check out the top mistakes to avoid making on social media below.

1. Publishing posts with excessive profanity or vulgar terms.

More and more, companies are interpreting social media as an indication of your character and if you’re cursing or using offensive language, you’re probably sending the wrong message. Hiring managers and recruiters will think that you will use that same language when communicating with other employees, clients, etc… and will most likely refrain from hiring someone who could cause a problem with customers later on.

2. Posting pictures with drugs or alcohol.

While most people enjoy a good party, branding yourself in this light is a big turnoff to employers. A company cannot afford to have its reputation tarnished through association with illegal and illicit activities, so hiring managers will usually write you off automatically. Employers will also begin to question how you will act at work and might even view you as irresponsible or careless and most importantly, they won’t take you seriously as a candidate.

3. Presenting yourself as a negative, pessimistic individual.

Employers are searching for candidates who will bring positivity, initiative, and motivation to a position, and if you’re constantly complaining on your social media profiles, they will assume that you will bring that draining energy and negativity into the workplace. In addition to having a negative attitude, be careful about what you say on social media about jobs and internships in general and especially about certain companies. You don’t want to insult a potential interviewer before you even walk through the door.

4. Sharing too much of your personal life.

When you are hired at a company, the individuals who will work alongside you need to be able to trust you with confidential information. If you document too much on social media, many managers and recruiters will assume that you will share details of the company and will therefore be hesitant to relay information to you. Trust is a major part of any job or internship, and if your manager distrusts you off the bat, it will be much more difficult to earn that trust back.

5. Lacking an ‘about you’ section.

Although having a full-length resume isn’t necessary, because employers are using your social media profiles to learn a little more about you, it’s beneficial to include some of your interests, hobbies, past and current experience, and your accomplishments in your profiles. If you created a video for a class or if a journalist wrote an article about you for winning an award, it’s worth sharing. These tidbits of your background will showcase your talents and will help an employer determine if you’re a good fit for the company.

As you peruse your social media profiles, always remember that whatever you put online never goes away, so make sure that you represent yourself well. You want to give yourself your best shot at getting an interview and receiving an offer, so cleaning up your social media could be the first step to landing your dream position.

The post Top 5 Mistakes To Avoid Making On Social Media appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

When it comes to looking for a job or internship, there’s more to consider than just the position, company or salary. It’s also important to think about the type of place you want to live and what you can expect if you’re considering a move to a new city or town.

To help you figure it out, we’ve put together some great tips for navigating the top three cities for jobs and internships.

New York City

Finance, communication and healthcare are just a handful of the powerhouse industries constantly hiring in New York City. In addition to all the opportunities you can expect in your chosen industry, there’s also a lot to discover about the city itself. Want authentic pizza? New York City has it. Craving a smoothie bowl? No problem. Dying to try that insane milkshake you saw circulating on Instagram? You got it. You’ll never go hungry in NYC with the endless variety of food on every street corner.

If you want more of a cultural experience, you can check out must-see sights like the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty and the MET Museum, but the real beauty of NYC lies beneath the lush green trees that cover numerous hidden parks, dozens of trendy rooftop gardens, underground “secret” speakeasies and so many museums you won’t know which to visit on your next weekend day-trip. Unless you’re hiding out in your apartment binging on a “Law & Order” marathon, you really can’t have a boring day here.

San Francisco

Known for its beauty and its bustling tech scene, San Francisco is popular among those who are eager to work in tech, especially with dozens of Silicon Valley startups. Your commute won’t feel like a drag when you get to take a peek at the Golden Gate Bridge as you’re heading into work.

Slumped from a killer work week? Pretend you’re a kid again and ride down the Seward Street Slides on scraps of cardboard and forget about responsibilities for a short while, or catch a ballgame and cheer on your San Francisco Giants while enjoying a hefty plate of Irish nachos.

If you’re looking to work off those nachos, don’t worry. This city is bustling with gyms, but you can also get a healthy dose of vitamin D just by walking the hills alone. When it is finally time to relax before duty calls on Monday, head back home and wait to do it all over again.

We’ve also heard rumors of the brain-power behind Tesla engineering underground tunnels for car transportation. Traveling up to 130 mph will be an absolute game changer for your daily commute.

Washington, D.C.

You may not get to step into the White House on your first day in D.C., but this is the city to move to if you’re hoping to jumpstart your career in politics, and if politics aren’t your thing, that’s okay too! The chances of scoring a job in education or tourism are very high here.

While your first couple weeks on the calendar will be marked with the usual hotspots like the Lincoln Memorial, the Smithsonian Museum and the Washington Monument, you’ll be hitting the local joints in no time. The can’t-miss Cherry Blossom Festival is held every spring where the Japanese trees along the Tidal Basin come to life and will be sure to make an incredible Insta photo. With this many museums and historical landmarks steps away from each other, you’ll be sure to impress Mom and Dad with your new knowledge about what you learned at Capitol Hill.

With all of the traveling to and from your destinations, you will need a pick-me-up. D.C. is flourishing with new restaurants that let you take food on the go. Sushi, pho and ramen bowls are also becoming hot staples in the area if you are looking for a sit-down meal. If you want genuine D.C. food, head over to 9th street for Ethiopian fare, or dig into a half smoke chili dog at Ben’s Chili Bowl.

Whether you need a quiet neighborhood to catch some Zzz’s or a fun night on the town, you can’t go wrong living in the heart of Washington D.C.

Ready to find a job in your dream city? Check out some great opportunities on WayUp.

The post The Top 3 Cities for Jobs and Internships appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

Whether you’re looking for a part-time job, an internship or your first job out of college, finding a company that supports your growth and helps you develop new skills is a great way to ensure that you’re setting yourself up for success as you get started in your career.

Ready to land the perfect job this summer? Here are 7 awesome companies that are hiring now.

Capital One

As a high-tech financial services company, Capital One is using technology to change the way it interacts with customers. The really cool part? They’re looking for data analysts and rotational program associates to join their team. This is a wonderful chance to work for a well-established company with a vibrant culture and a truly entrepreneurial attitude. Apply here

Lockheed Martin

If you’re passionate about cutting-edge technology, working for Lockheed Martin could be the perfect opportunity for you. As a leader in global security, Lockheed Martin is constantly working on new solutions for tough engineering and defense challenges. Whether you’re interested in exploring a role in communications, finance or engineering, this is a great place to start your career. Apply here

TripAdvisor

Love to travel and want to help others make the most of their travel experiences? TripAdvisor, one of the largest travel websites dedicated to trip reviews and travel planning, is looking to fill roles in product management, desktop support and recruiting. This is an awesome chance to join a fun and unique team (hint: you can wear whatever you want to work). Apply here

Philips Lighting

As a leader in lighting innovation, Philips Lighting is redefining how people see and experience the world. From leveraging the power of the Internet of Things (IoT) to embracing green energy, Philips is building smarter and brighter technologies for homes and cities. Interested in joining the team? Check out the full range of positions in areas such as mechanical engineering, integrated communications, marketing and supply chain management. Apply here

Thermo Fisher

Dedicated to helping customers make the world a healthier and safer place, Thermo Fisher Scientific is a world-class biotech company focused on creating new solutions for everything from genetic testing to food chemistry. The best part of working here? The team encourages personal and professional development and offers a leadership development program to help recent grads gain experience and find their niche. Apply here

Cedar Fair

What’s better than going to an amusement park? Getting to hang out in one every day. Cedar Fair, the company behind amusement parks such as Knott’s Berry Farm and Dorney Park, is looking to grow its team at Cedar Point Park. This is a unique opportunity to live and work in a resort town while being part of an awesome. Apply here

Charlotte Russe

If you love fashion, working for Charlotte Russe might just be a dream come true. Named after a French dessert and offering great fashion styles at reasonable prices, Charlotte Russe has been a leading women’s retailer since 1975 and is currently looking to expand its teams at locations throughout the country. Apply here

Ready to find the job of your dreams? Check out our full list of jobs to find the one that’s right for you.

The post 7 Great Companies Hiring This Summer appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

You’ve finished your finals, moved out of your dorm and said goodbye to your friends for the summer. Now what? If you’re passionate about finding a great job that can help you gain experience (and some extra money), you’re in luck! Companies all over the country are searching for motivated college students to join their teams.

Here are five roles you can apply for right now.

1. Software Engineer Intern, Managed by Q

Interested in coding and want to find out what it takes to be a software engineer? As an engineering intern for Managed by Q, a platform for office management, you’ll be an integral part of the team from day one. In this role, you’ll be learning all about the company’s technology and helping to power its unique platform. In addition to competitive pay, this is a great chance to get in on the ground floor of one of the fastest-growing companies around. Apply here

2. Proofreading Intern, OppenheimerFunds

Passionate about helping companies communicate with their clients? As a proofreading intern for OppenheimerFunds, a leading global asset manager, you’ll be responsible for proofreading content and ensuring that the voice and style of all company materials are consistent. You’ll also get a hands-on feel for the full editorial process and be a key member of the content team. Apply here

3. Summer Instructor, Galileo Camps

Love teaching and want to work with kids? As a summer instructor at Galileo Camps, a camp experience focused on creating a fun environment for fearless learning, you’ll have the chance to teach art, science or outdoor activities to groups of campers ranging in age from 5 to 14. In addition to receiving weekly and overtime pay, you’ll also get a great feel for what it’s like to work in education. Apply here

4. Oncology Informatics Intern, Thermo Fisher

Want to help make an impact in the medical field? As an oncology informatics intern at Thermo Fisher, a world leader in the science industry, you’ll develop a database to store and maintain genetic information that will be used for cancer research. You’ll also have the chance to learn about the R&D process involved in cancer research and get some wonderful training along the way. Apply here

5. Step Up to Leadership Intern, Aramark

Want to gain great business and leadership skills this summer? As an intern in the Step Up to Leadership Program at Aramark, a world-class customer service company, you’ll be responsible for assisting with projects and developing relationships with key members of different departments. You’ll also get the chance to test and implement different solutions for the projects you work on. In addition to great compensation, you’ll also have the chance to build your professional network and gain valuable experience. Apply here

Ready to find the summer job of your dreams? Check out the full list to find the one that’s right for you.

The post 5 Summer Jobs and Internships for Motivated College Students 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.

You weren’t just made to ride rollercoasters and load up on all that great amusement park food. Nope! You were born to be a bigger part of the action (and ride the rides and eat the food when you’re not on the clock, of course). In honor of sweet, sweet summertime being just around the corner, here are three signs working for Cedar Fair and their family amusement parks is, without a doubt, your dream job.

Sign #1: “Team Captain” is Your Middle Name

Whether you’re playing sports or leading a group project, everyone knows they can trust you to bring people together for the win (or… uh… grade). You’re a natural at keeping people motivated and organized even when the going gets tough, and you work well with every person you meet. No matter what you’re doing, nothing’s going to slip through the cracks on your watch.

Sign #2: You Always Have the Answer

Not in a “know-it-all” way, but more of a “thank goodness you’re here to save the day” way. We’re not sure how you do it, but everyone knows you as the most helpful person around. You make spot-on recommendations for handling tough situations or troubleshooting problems, which means people can count on you to keep calm, think fast on your feet, and find a solution to even the trickiest challenges.

Sign #3: You Make Everyone (Even Strangers) Feel at Home

You’re the perfect party host and you make new friends everywhere you go. In other words, you know how to work the room, whether that room is filled with five people or thousands of amusement park guests. Within seconds, you’re usually chatting with a stranger as if you’ve been longtime friends. Basically, you leave a great, lasting impression.

Bet you didn’t realize you could put these qualities to work at an amusement park. Think you’ve discovered the summer job of your dreams? Head over to WayUp and apply to work for any one of the Cedar Fair parks now.

The post Three Signs You Were Born to Work at an Amusement Park appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

If you’ve always been creative, independent and passionate about turning your ideas into actions, chances are you’ve got the makings of an entrepreneur. So how can you make the most of your talents and develop the skills to match? By finding a job where you can learn and grow as a young professional.

Here are 10 jobs you can apply for right now.

1. Sales and Business Development Representative, GQR Global Markets

As a sales and business development rep at GQR, you’ll have the potential to earn a considerable salary as early as your first year and climb up the ladder to a director position within a few years. This position is ideal for you if you have a track record of success and are a powerful negotiator. While working at GQR, you’ll have lots of opportunities for team trips to Vegas and the Bahamas, international relocation, and more! Apply here

2. Blockchain for Smart Cities Intern, Philips Lighting

Are you passionate about engineering and computer science? This is your chance to join an innovative research and development team incorporating blockchain technology into the future of smart cities. And here’s another great thing about this role: along with amazing benefits, Philips also offers education reimbursement! Apply here

3. Account Executive, Worldwide Express

If you’re seeking a challenging position with a lot of great benefits, being an account executive at Worldwide Express, a shipping company partnering with UPS, could be just what you’ve been looking for. To succeed in this role, you should be comfortable in a fast-paced environment and enjoy building relationships with clients. With advanced training programs, you will have the resources to excel and make at least $50k+! Apply here

4. Social Impact Intern, GLG

Are you interested in the social impact of businesses? While interning at GLG, you’ll lead the company’s social impact mission through candidate screening and interviews, planning meaningful events and acting on client feedback. You get an inside look into all areas of the business and have the chance to work across different teams. Oh, and did we mention that the job comes with a lot of great benefits? Apply here

5. Tax Associate, CohnReznick

As a tax associate at CohnReznick, you’ll work for a company dedicated to giving back to the community. Your responsibilities will range from recognizing and solving tax issues to drafting and reviewing tax returns and memos. Aside from loving what you do as a tax associate, you’ll also receive various advantages like professional development and a competitive salary. Apply here

6. Sales Development Representative, Vidyo

As a sales development rep for Vidyo, a company that’s changing the way humans communicate with each other through video chat no matter where they are in the world, you’ll be in charge of growing and retaining your lead base and taking part in marketing initiatives. You’ll also be provided with full health, dental, and vision benefits, commuter reimbursement, and a lot of delicious food! Apply here

7. Summer Intern, Floss Gloss

Staying in NYC this summer and looking for an internship? As an intern at Floss Gloss, an up-and-coming nail lacquer company, you’ll get combined retail and design/marketing experience while helping with inventory management and creative event production. You’ll also get free lunches or travel stipend! Apply here

8. Marketing Assistant, Satori Audio

If you’re ready to work for a fun startup diving into marketing, Satori Audio, a radio streaming company, is the place for you. As a marketing assistant you’ll handle all things social media, organize street team events, and much more! $12/hour to have a great time AND get an outstanding experience? Yes, please! Apply here

9. Graphic Design & Photography Intern, Lace & Liberty

Lace & Liberty is a fashion startup that focuses on luxury bridal wear for a reasonable price. As a graphic design and photography intern, you’ll be working directly with the marketing team to create great content. If you can work your way around a professional camera, you’ll also get the chance to style different designs and assist in high-end photoshoots! Apply here

10. Outside Sales Representative, Altitude Business Group

How does an annual trip to the Caribbean sound? Pretty sweet, right? At this family heritage insurance agency, you’ll gain extraordinary experience in accumulating new sales leads while maintaining client relationships. If you’re interested in travel perks, bonuses up to $3,000/month and stock options, see what Altitude Business Group has to offer. Apply here

Ready to find the job of your dreams? Check out our full list of jobs to find the one that’s right for you.

The post Top 10 Jobs for Entrepreneurs appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

Most of us can name a favorite teacher, someone who made us actually look forward to class and who had a knack for keeping us awake and interested, even when we couldn’t wait for other classes to be over. Let’s face it: an amazing teacher is basically a superhero. If you’re passionate about education and want to become an amazing teacher, we have some great news! A teacher can have a bachelor’s degree in any subject, it doesn’t need to be an education degree.

What you do need to have are the four traits below.

You’re Itching to Make a Difference with Your Career

Maybe you realized it during that spring break volunteer trip or it might’ve been working with kids during your summer as a camp counselor. Somewhere along the way, you realized that the career path that will make you the most fulfilled is one that will make a difference in other people’s lives. And ever since then, you’ve been racking your brain to figure out what that career might be.

You Never Back Down from a Challenge

Are you someone with some serious courage? You’re not the type to give up if something is hard or doesn’t work out the way you planned. Instead, you make a point to learn from everything you do (the successes and the not-so-successes), and you keep working at any problem until you find a solution. In fact, you’re happiest when you’re growing and learning new things.

You Have a Knack for Explaining Things

Whether it’s giving your parents a crash course in using a new iPhone or showing a friend how to do his taxes for the first time, you’re a natural at helping people learn new things. When someone asks a question, you’re the first to step up and help out. On top of that, you’re articulate and patient, and when you say there’s no such thing as a silly question, you mean it.

You Believe That All Children Should Have Access to a Great Education

You want children to reach their full potential and believe that a great education can make a big difference in a person’s life. It doesn’t matter if a kid lives in a leafy suburb or the inner city – you are passionate about putting students on the path to college by inspiring a love of learning. You revel in the idea of being a role model and a role model for what’s possible in education.

Sound like you? We bet you’d be an amazing teacher who can help students continue to cultivate their love of learning. If you’re feeling inspired to dive into a life-changing career, check out Success Academy on WayUp!

The post 4 Reasons You’d Be an Amazing Teacher (No Education Degree Required) appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

Do you consider yourself a leader, an entrepreneur and a problem-solver? If you answered yes to these questions, chances are you’re a trailblazer. That’s great news and here’s more: lots of companies are looking for hire employees like you.

Here are some of the best places to work for trailblazers.

Deloitte

As one of the nation’s leading audit, advisory, tax and consulting firms, Deloitte prides itself on hiring highly talented employees with diverse backgrounds and supporting them as they become leaders. If you’re looking to work for a company that provides a healthy work-life balance (i.e. paid leave, $$$ towards health and fitness, and more!), Deloitte is hiring full-time SAP analysts, solution developers and tech interns now. Apply here

Dell

As a world-renowned tech company, Dell believes in enhancing professional development for all of its employees. As a member of the Dell team, you’ll benefit from having mentors and formal training, as well as development programs and networking opportunities to help your career growth. With a flexible culture, a passion for innovation and individualized career tools, Dell has a lot to offer college students and recent grads. Check out their sales rep positions and software engineer intern position now! Apply here

Capital One

Think Capital One is, “just a bank?” There’s actually a lot more to it than that. As a technology-focused financial services company, Capital One is changing the industry by putting technology first and is hiring data analysts and rotational program associates in finance, design and management to make it all happen. The is a great chance to thrive in a collaborative environment and to be part of a team with a truly innovative culture. Apply here

Lockheed Martin

Another tech company on the list, Lockheed Martin is a leader in the space and defense industry and is easily one of the most inventive places to work. Lockheed knows that its employees are the backbone of performance and offers them award-winning training and development to help them achieve their goals. From finance to PR/communications, engineering and more, Lockheed Martin has over a dozen positions that are calling your name! Apply here

Unilever

You’re probably familiar with the popular brands like Dove, Ben & Jerry’s, Lipton and Axe, but did you know that Unilever is the company behind those brands? And in addition to developing great products, Unilever also offers awesome benefits like a private shuttle to take employees and interns to work every day! The flexible workplace offers the opportunity to work from home on Fridays and provides individual training for professional development as part of the Unilever Future Leaders Program. Check out their supply chain co-op, R&D nutrition intern and design packaging co-op opportunities. Apply here

L’Oréal

If you want to break into the beauty industry, look no further than L’Oréal. While working at L’Oréal, you’ll be part of a fast-paced team with a mission for creating the best products and services for consumers. This is a company that deeply cares for its employees’ well-being and provides a hefty benefits package. Major bonus points: L’Oréal is also making strides towards reducing its waste footprint and promoting fair trade! Apply here

CohnReznick

CohnReznick is a leading accounting, tax, and advisory firm, and the innovation lab will blow your mind. The top-notch technology gives employees the chance to use futuristic tools for more efficient productivity. Check out full-time openings for assurance and tax associates, and take a peek at several leadership programs. Apply here

Ready to find the job of your dreams? Check out our full list of jobs to find the one that’s right for you.

The post The 7 Best Places for Trailblazers to Work appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

If you watch shows like Silicon Valley or read about the tech industry, you probably have a sense of what it’s like to work at a startup. Cool office spaces, awesome co-workers and a lot of great projects to work on. So how do you get a job at a startup? By knowing what startup founders look for (Hint: it’s motivated, entrepreneurial people) and finding a startup that’s building something you’re passionate about.

Here are seven startups that are hiring right for internships and full-time jobs right now.

1. Ed-tech Intern, NextTier Education

Do you love college and want to help high school students find a school that’s right for them? NextTier Education, a startup focused on helping students with their college applications, is looking for an intern to help compile data about different colleges and programs. This is a great chance to learn the ins and outs of market research and data analysis while working for an awesome ed-tech company. Oh, and did we mention the in-office hammock? Apply Here

2. Junior Digital Marketing Specialist, Toymail, Inc

Want to work for a company that was recently featured on “Shark Tank” and that’s changing the way kids play with toys? Toymail, a platform that lets kids communicate with their loved ones through Wi-Fi-enabled toys, is looking for a digital marketing specialist to build successful user acquisition campaigns and collaborate on new strategies. You’ll learn all about growth-focused digital marketing while getting a chance to develop a broad range of skills. Added bonus: Toymail offers flexible hours and the option to work remotely at times. Apply Here

3. Art Startup Intern, Curatious

Passionate about art and want to make a real impact on the art world? Working for Curatious could be the job you’ve been looking for. As the world’s first quality art index, this startup is focused on creating a global art canon through cutting-edge crowdsourcing technology. As an intern for Curatious, you’ll be helping out with all every aspect of the business from operations to marketing and even PR and getting in on the ground floor of a great startup. Apply Here

4. Global Operations Associate, New Story

Want to work for a company that helps build homes and communities in underdeveloped countries? As a global operations associate for New Story, you’ll be responsible for managing a network of partnerships all over the world, as well as contributing to overall partnership strategy. The best part? You’ll get to travel several times a year and benefit from an unlimited vacation policy. Apply Here

5. Social Media Intern, Piaggio Fast Forward

Curious about what it’s like to work with really innovative tech? Plaggio Fast Forward, a company that builds robots designed to make movement easier in urban settings, is looking for a social media intern to help grow awareness of their brand. This is a great opportunity to create and execute social media campaigns while increasing engagement with the company’s followers. And just in case it needs repeating, you’ll get a chance to work with robots! Apply Here

6. Sales Associate, Heat Watch

Do you want to combine your love of the environment with your love for technology? As a sales associate at Heat Watch, a startup that helps building owners reduce fuel and water consumption through online monitoring, you’ll get to put your passion to good use by connecting with potential clients and helping them identify the best solution for their needs. This is a great chance to join a fast-growing, motivated team and build your communication and sales skills in the process. Apply Here

7. Field Sales Rep, Snackblend

Ever wonder what it would be like to be able to make smoothies as quickly and easily as you can make coffee? Snackblend, a startup that created the “Keurig” of smoothie machines, is looking for a field sales rep to be the face of the company. You’ll be responsible for demoing and promoting the product to potential customers and collecting feedback to share with the product team. The really great part? With a high commission structure, you’ll be able to more than double your base salary each year. Apply Here

Ready to find the startup of your dreams? Check out our full list of jobs to find the one that’s right for you.

The post 7 Non-Engineering Startup Jobs You Can Apply For Now appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

Picture this: You’re a recent college graduate looking for an amazing role that’ll give you leadership experience and skills to succeed in sales, operations, and IT. The problem? You feel like you don’t even have enough experience to start a job in any of those fields.

Enter leading transportation services company Penske and its Management Trainee Program. Penske’s program searches for the next great leaders and trains them to be successful managers through hands-on learning and mentorship. And Penske knows what it’s doing, because 87% of all leaders in the company started in this program.

So, what’s it like to be part of Penske’s Management Trainee Program? We spoke with six amazing employees who shared their favorite parts.

1. You’ll Enjoy Your Work

“I go to work every day excited about getting to run my facility the way I want to, to make sure it’s the most profitable location in my district. I’ve also enjoyed interacting with Penske leadership during this program. It’s very encouraging to touch base with people who were once in my shoes and are now in leadership roles. Penske is a wonderful company to grow with. Starting off as a management trainee has opened the door to so many opportunities in my life.” – Ress, Hartford, Connecticut

“I really want my days to feel like a drag!” said no employee ever. At Penske, each day can be different as you’re operating and building your district, and you never know what will come up. You’ll also get to work closely with a variety of different team members, so you’ll feel excited to learn something new every single day.

2. You’ll Get Actual Experience (and Don’t Need Any to Start!)

“Before coming to Penske, I was in sales. I was attracted to the Management Trainee Program because of the training opportunities it offered. When I was job searching, I had problems getting a job because I didn’t have experience in an operational role. Penske offered me a chance to get that experience. I’ve learned so much in my time here, but I’ve also built so many amazing relationships with customers and with co-workers. Working at Penske is not work for me. Every day I go to work and I work hard, but when I go home, I don’t feel like I just spent all day at work. It’s probably the most rewarding career I’ve ever had.” – Santiago, El Paso, Texas

Ever heard the joke that too many entry-level jobs require three to five years of work experience? Penske knows that with the right tools and mentorship, anyone can succeed, which is why they don’t require team members in the program to come in with lots of prior knowledge. That’s right, Penske is going to help you build the skills you need to become a successful leader.

3. You’ll Learn Many Different Skills

“Penske is more than just renting trucks. There’s a lot of logistics, a lot of planning, a lot of marketing that goes into it. I have a lot of exposure to leadership in my role. On a daily basis, I get to work with some of the senior managers in central reservations. They’ve personally trained me on profit-and-loss reports. It’s been really nice that I’ve been able to network with them in my time here. I love my job. It’s something new every day, and it’s rewarding.” – Jenna, Green Hills, Pennsylvania

If you become part of the Penske Management Trainee Program, one thing’s for sure: You won’t walk away with just one skill set.

4. You’ll Gain Real and Meaningful Responsibilities from the Start

“Being a management trainee can be challenging, but you learn so much. Problem-solving is 98% of your job at Penske, so you have to learn to think on your feet. Along with that comes a lot of control. I have control to really manage my fleet and manage my Penske location. That’s something that’s unheard of for an entry-level position like this. For anyone thinking about the Management Trainee Program at Penske, I’d tell them that if you want to come work for a great company that’s going to give you opportunities to move anywhere in the country and opportunities to grow, not only as a person but in a business, Penske is the place for you.” – Brian, Evansville, Indiana

Many entry-level jobs have the same issue: They don’t give people enough work to do! At Penske, that isn’t a problem. Management trainees are encouraged to take the reins from day one and to learn as much as possible.

5. You’ll Exceed Expectations

“I think it’s important for other women considering the Management Trainee Program at Penske to know that it’s about learning how to run the rental department and sales. It is a true management training program, and you get to learn the company from the bottom up. If you work hard, you will see results. Being a woman in the transportation industry was difficult when I first started. The customers didn’t know I could move a truck. But I knew I could do what any other guy working there could do.” – Janae, Montebello, California

Some industries are difficult to break into, but Penske knows that by giving all team members equal opportunity to shine, they’ll rise to the occasion.

6. You’ll Be Part of A Team

“I first came to Penske as a summer hire. I worked here every summer during college and then came back here after college to start my career. What brought me back were the connections I had made with my coworkers and my manager. We have a great team environment here. Everyone is on the same team. There’s competition, but it’s all friendly competition to help the company be successful. Being in the Management Trainee Program has given me the chance to really learn the ins and outs of the industry. You learn something new every day. To be constantly learning can be a challenge at times, but it’s also very rewarding.” – Ben, Green Hills, Pennsylvania

When it comes down to it, most people want the same things out a job: They want to feel like they’re part of something and they want to walk away with more knowledge and skills. At Penske, you get the chance to work alongside team members who are as smart and excited as you to accomplish something amazing together, and you’ll all learn so much by the time you’ve completed the program.

If Penske’s Management Trainee Program sounds like the perfect fit for your post-grad life, now’s your chance: Apply to work for Penske now!

More From Penske:
87% of this Company’s Leadership Went Through This Program First

The post What It’s Really Like to Work for Penske, As Told By 6 Employees appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

Landing a great job isn’t just about finding a position that matches your skills and interests. It’s also about finding a company with a culture and office that fits your style. Not sure where to start looking? Featuring flexible work spaces and awesome amenities, these five companies are redefining what a workplace looks like.

1. Deloitte

From collaborative workspaces to wellness programs, Deloitte has a lot to offer employees looking for a fun, flexible workplace. Best of all, because of the focus on employee well-being, the company fosters a true sense of community among its team members, building relationships and focusing on personal and professional growth.

Added bonus: Many of the Deloitte’s offices have on-site cafes and Starbucks coffee machines and some even offer other cool perks like treadmill desks. Apply Now

2. Unilever

Ever wonder what it would be like to get a ride to work every day and have breakfast waiting when you get there? Unilever offers just that with a free shuttle from New York City to the company’s headquarters in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey and an eatery where employees can grab breakfast or a snack before heading into work.

Added bonus: Unilever also has an agile work policy that gives employees the freedom to work from any area of the office, including outdoor spaces and common areas. Apply Now

3. Ogilvy & Mather

Want to take a yoga class before your morning meeting? How about getting a massage during your afternoon break? Ogilvy & Mather’s New York office offers both of those perks, as well as a lot of others including personal training and meditation classes.

Added bonus: The company’s focus on employee wellness is designed to ensure that everyone on the team is happy and thriving. Talk about putting employees first. Apply Now

4. OnDeck

Love the idea of working for a company with a startup culture and a focus on team building? OnDeck offers exactly that with great office spaces, team activities and get-togethers.

Added bonus: Weekly events like in-office games and happy hours are all about helping employees bond with their teams and create the kind of community that leads to growth and innovation. Apply Now

5. Under Armour

If you’re into fitness, Under Armour’s new Baltimore headquarters is a dream come true. Featuring a waterfront campus overlooking the Patapsco River, numerous workout areas and restaurants, the company’s main office is all about creating a fun, balanced lifestyle.

Added bonus: Just in case you want to take a casual stroll to a sports stadium during your lunch break, Under Armour’s campus has that too. In fact, it’s a 5,000-person stadium that’s home to several regional events. Apply Now

Ready to find the workplace of your dreams? Check out our full list of jobs to find the one that’s right for you.

The post Want to Work in a Really Cool Office? These 5 Companies Are Hiring Now appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

Winter break is always a great thing at first (No more finals! Lots of food! Mom doing your laundry!), but as you start to go a little stir crazy, there’s one thing you can do to help yourself in the future: Apply to summer internships.

Believe it or not, many employers have been hiring summer interns since September (that’s nuts, right?!), so if you were going to wait until March to start applications, you’re already behind. Setting yourself up for career success doesn’t have to become a laborious process; in fact, just a couple of hours a week can really alleviate your stress in the spring and help you land the best opportunity ever come summer.

Want to get your internship search and application process going? Here are 15 easy and incredibly practical things you can do when you’re hanging out at home.

1. Job Shadow

What’s job shadowing? As the name suggests, it’s the opportunity to “follow” someone around for a period of time (a day, a week, or longer) to see what his or her days in a particular role look like. For instance, if your cousin works at a startup, you can go with her to see what her day-to-day responsibilities look like, what kinds of challenges she tackles and more. It’s a great time to ask questions and get a more realistic sense of what a profession is like.

An added bonus: Often people who job shadow do get handed some responsibilities, so it’s a great way to sneak your way into an internship later if you really like the work you’re doing!

2. Talk to Family Members

Even if you’re not going into the same field, your winter break is an awesome time to talk to family members (parents, aunts, uncles, cousins, everyone!) about their career paths, what they learned and what they wish they knew.

3. Conduct Mock Interviews With Your Family and Friends

Get ahead of the interview curve by practicing your answers with family and friends. Many internship programs start conducting interviews as early as the first week of the spring semester, so by taking the time to get prepared now, you’ll be less stressed later.

What types of questions should you know the answers to? We’ve created a list of the 10 most common interview questions employers ask on the WayUp Guide, so give those a look!

4. Complete a Winternship

“Winternships” are just as hip as the name suggests; they’re internships for a shorter period of time (typically three to five weeks) during what’s normally a busy season for most companies.

Plus, if there’s a field you want to check out but don’t want to dedicate an entire 12-week summer internship to finding out if you like it, winternships are the chance to test the waters without too much commitment. And like talking to relatives, you’d be surprised how often winternships can turn into more in-depth summer internships.

How can you find a winternship ASAP? You guessed it: We’ve got thousands of employers on WayUp hiring students to work during their breaks, so check ‘em out now.

5. Connect With Professors From Your Previous Semester

Now that your semester is over and your professors are done grading massive numbers of exams and papers, it’s time to check in and strengthen those connections, especially if you aren’t taking classes with those professors during the coming semester.

You’d be surprised how often professors can help you find great internships, and by reaching out during a break, you’re likely to catch a professor when he or she isn’t  busy helping other students.

6. Update Your Resume and Online Profiles

It’s time to make your resume beautiful and your WayUp profile shine. We’ve got plenty of tips for how to make a resume great, so check out those resources here:

• 3 Tips for Using Your WayUp Profile as a Resume
• 4 Ways to Make Your Resume Stand Out
• 37 Quick Resume Changes You Can Make in the Next 5 Minutes
• 7 Ways to Write the Best Resume Over Winter Break

7. Update Your Email Signature

Students often either have no information in their email signature, or they have way too much. Aim for having around three or four lines in your signature, including your full name, your contact information, your title (“Student at _____ University” will do) and a link to an online portfolio (like your WayUp profile) is more than enough.

8. Learn a New Skill

If you’re looking to make yourself a more competitive applicant or you need to learn a particular skill for your field, there’s no better time to do it than winter break. Not sure what to work on? We compiled a list of 25 free online classes you can take to become the applicant every company wants to hire.

9. Splurge on High-Quality Wardrobe Essentials

Get those interview and job outfits ready to go now before you get too busy during the semester.

Obviously, every industry differs in terms of what’s appropriate, so if you just want to get some basics that could work for a variety of industries, there are still some items you can buy. Women can invest in a more formal dress, blazer, pencil skirt, button-down shirt and nice heels. Meanwhile, men can definitely have a fitted suit, dress shirt and dress shoes in their arsenal. It’s great to feel like you have a go-to outfit to turn to as soon as you get a job interview request.

10. Become Part of a Professional Network

Whether it’s joining an online group, participating in a Twitter chat or signing up for a great industry newsletter, make an effort to find new connections and learn more about the field(s) you want to go into.

11. Check in With Potential References

If you’re applying for internships, chances are at least one of your applications will ask for references.

Our advice? Check in with the people you want to be references before you apply to internships. It shows respect (you’re not just assuming they want to recommend you), and it also gives you the chance to catch up and fill them in on where you’re going career-wise.

12. Talk to Friends About Their Previous Experiences

Now that you’re home and have time, take the opportunity to reach out to friends or other peers. What have their internship experiences been like? Have they learned anything that you haven’t? Those check-ins are important.

13. Connect With Previous Employers

Similar to checking in with friends, don’t be afraid to email previous employers to say hi, see how they’re doing, and let them know if you need anything internship-wise.

14. Create a List of Your Favorite Internships

Winter breaks are practically made for all of this research grunt work. Make a spreadsheet that includes all of the following information for each potential internship:

• Name of internship
• Short description of what the internship entails
• Name of company
• Short description of what the company does
• Internship application requirements
• Application deadlines
• Company or internship program contact information
• Any other notes about the company, the position or any connections you have to that organization

Now, when all of your friends are scrambling to put together their applications in March, yours will be ready and you won’t be tripped up on deadlines.

15. Put Together Application Materials

While you might not necessarily be able to finish applications over winter break, get a head start by personalizing your resume for each internship application and write any cover letters or essays if the program requires it. Need a letter or recommendation? Email your professor or former employer now so that you’re all ready to go come spring semester.

While all of your friends are hyperventilating come March or April, you’ll be all ready to go to get that dream internship for the summer. Who knew winter break could be so productive?

The post 15 Easy and Practical Ways to Start Your Internship Search Over Winter Break 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.

You go through a series of highs and lows in all parts of your life, including your relationships, friendships, moods and your job situation. The best way to get through any kind of low is to keep on going. If you stop and linger, you really won’t get anything done, or worse, you’ll lose all your motivation and potential for success.

For those moments when your inbox is empty, your outbox is full, and you’ve written so many cover letter versions, you lose count, read this.

You won’t get an offer right off the bat. There won’t be a recruiter telling you how awesome you are immediately. You won’t be the best of the best all the time. What you need to realize may sound a little cheesy, but it’s true, I promise. I’m not one to give into the cheesy ‘you’re great’, ‘trust fate’, all that kind of stuff, but sometimes it’s less about repeating it over and over and more about forcing yourself to believe it. Times will get tough. The job hunt or internship hunt will be difficult to maneuver. You’ll get tired of sifting through postings and compiling cover letters convincing someone to hire you.

You have two options: First, you could focus on the positives. It takes a while to get a bite, plus you don’t want to take the first offer off the bat, anyway. You’ll get there, you just need to keep trying. You need to remind yourself that it’ll be tough because that’s the truth. Your second option is this: Form a battle plan. This is my favorite method. It requires being self-aware and calculated. What does your resume lack? What could you be doing better? Or, what other opportunities are you not exploring?

While I’m a big supporter of the plan option, it’s also important to keep tabs on your mental health. Constant rejection is hard on one’s mind. I know what it’s like to get rejection after rejection. I also know what it’s like to get multiple offers. The difference between the two results is in the plan you formulate to get there. Figure out what you need to make yourself a desirable candidate. What will make you stick out? If you’re not memorable, you won’t get anywhere.

Keep your head up and keep trying. Send out hundreds of applications, make hundreds of plans, and do what you need to.

The post When the Hunt Gets Tough, Get Tough and Keep Going 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.

Back in the day, most college students didn’t start thinking seriously about their career and finding a job until their graduation date was in clear sight. If you apply this strategy today, you are already behind in terms of launching a career that is a good fit for you. It’s no secret that internships are a great way to start clarifying your interests, building your network and landing that job after you walk across that stage.

When is the best time for four-year college students to do one or more internships? There are no right or wrong answers to this question, but there are certain pros and cons about your choice of timing.

Freshman Year vs. Senior Year

Although your career interests and your workplace skills might not be that developed as a freshman, a freshman-year (or sophomore-year) internship can be a good place to start weeding out potential major choices and career paths. Even a part-time internship at this stage will help you develop basic workplace skills like managing time, taking initiative and communicating in a professional manner. The downside to interning early in your college career is that your career interests might be unclear. An internship you’ve committed to can feel interminable if you discover early on that you don’t enjoy this type of work. As a freshman, you also haven’t had a chance to take the upper division courses in your major that can provide you with stronger qualifications and knowledge as you head into an internship. As a result, you might get meatier projects as a junior or senior than you would as a freshman. You are also more likely to receive an offer for permanent employment with the organization, the closer you are to graduation.

Summer vs. Academic Year

Summer internships allow you more freedom, in general, since you have a wider choice of options such as interning part-time or full-time. Being able to intern full-time will give you a clearer sense of what the workplace is really like and will give you more opportunities to take on and complete intensive projects. Student-athletes typically have more availability during summer without extensive practice and travel schedules. Non-credit summer internships can provide more flexibility in terms of geographical options, if you don’t have to be on campus taking courses. More companies offer internships during the summer (in fact some only offer summer internships); however, the flip side of this benefit is that securing a summer internship can be much more competitive.

If you decide to complete an academic year internship, make sure you plan your course schedule carefully to maximize blocks of time when you can be at your internship. Interns rarely get to work on meaningful projects if they are only able to be in the organization a couple of hours here and there. Take advantage of any academic credit available for completing your internship (and if you are in the U.S. on an F-1 visa, keep in mind that you will need to be earning internship credit towards your degree in order to receive authorization to complete an off-campus internship). Use academic year internships to clarify your career direction and build your network to secure a summer internship.

Interning after Graduation

While it might feel like you are not moving on to a “real job,” completing an internship after you have your diploma in hand can be a good way to get your foot in the door with a company that is highly competitive. Many larger and fast-growing companies use internships as a recruitment tool. Post-graduation internships can also allow you to continue to fine-tune your interests without a longer-term commitment. The downside is that most internships don’t offer benefits such as health insurance, which can be a financial burden as you move towards greater financial independence.

Optimal internship timing for you will be based on a variety of factors—academic load, whether you need a paid internship and your goals and other commitments. It’s never too early to create a plan for when you will complete internships during college. If it makes sense for your situation, intern early and often.

Angela Schmiede is Dean of Academic & Professional Success at Menlo College, a small, private business college located in Silicon Valley. She has over 20 years of experience designing and leading experiential learning programs, and has taught at Vanderbilt and Stanford Universities.

The post Timing Is Everything: When to Do an Internship 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.

So you’ve decided to work at a startup, and you’re still a little confused by all the different components of an offer. Not to worry! Let’s walk through the least understood part of startup offers: employee stock.

Getting equity in a company is an important part of tech startup culture. This is the main reason so many people are packing up and moving out west in this new “gold rush”. Many will trade a lower salary in return for a stake in a startup with the hopes it will become the next Facebook (only roughly the first 1,000 employees at Facebook became millionaires, by the way!). Stock options and restricted stock units (“RSUs”) are the two major forms of equity issued. For rank and file employees, stock options are the most common form of employee equity issued in early-stage startup companies.

What is a Stock Option?

Simply put, a stock option is the right, but not the obligation, to buy a fixed number of shares of stock at a specified price for a specific period of time. Options have an expiration date, you always need to know when they expire.

What is Restricted Stock?

RSUs (or Restricted Stock Units) are shares of Common Stock given to the hire and these stock units are usually subject to vesting (see below) and, often, other restrictions.

Exercising your stock options

Three times when you would likely exercise:

1. When the company experiences a “liquidity event” such as an acquisition or IPO (involuntary) OR
2. You sell the underlying common stock in a secondary sale (voluntary) OR
3. When you leave the company.

Note: There are probably two scenarios where early exercise makes sense:

1. Early in your tenure if you are a very early employee or
2. Once you have a very high degree of confidence your company is going to be a big success and you have some savings you are willing to risk.

Most companies offer you the opportunity to exercise your stock options early (i.e. before they are fully vested). The benefit to exercising your options early is that you start the clock on qualifying for long-term capital gains treatment earlier. The risk is that your company doesn’t succeed and you are never able to sell your stock despite having invested the money to exercise your options.

You will owe no taxes at the time of exercise if you exercise your stock options when their fair market value is equal to their exercise price and you file a form 83(b) election on time. Any future appreciation will be taxed at long-term capital gains rates if you hold your stock for more than one year post exercise and two years post date-of-grant before selling. If you sell in less than one year then you will be taxed at ordinary income rates.

Vesting

Your options must be vested before you exercise them. Vesting usually happens over a four year term (i.e. 25% on one year grant date anniversary, monthly vesting for the next 36 months), and they usually “cliff vest” the first year (i.e. you get nothing if you leave the company before 1 year is up).

Now that we’ve gone over some basic terms concerning employee stock in the startup world, let’s answer 5 frequently asked questions.

1. How Does a Stock Option Work?

A stock option gives the recipient the right to acquire company common stock at a set exercise price established at the time of grant of the option. If the option is granted early in the life cycle of the company, it will likely be at a favorably low exercise price.

A typical grant is as follows: Ben Smith receives options to acquire 10,000 shares in Company ABC at 10 cents per share. The options are earned or “vest” over a 4-year period if Ben continues to be employed by Company X. He has a cliff vesting of one year (meaning he has to be at the company at least one year before any of his options vest, and at the end of that one-year period, he has vested a quarter of her options).

If Ben stays at Company ABC for the full 4 years, he has the right to exercise all of his 10,000 options at the exercise price. The exercise price is set at the time of the grant of the option at its then fair market value. If he wants to exercise his options, he then has to pay the exercise price times the number of shares (10 cents times 40,000, or $4000).  Hopefully, when he exercises his options for 10 cents a share, the value of the shares has gone up significantly.

2. How Many Options Should I Get as a New Employee?

There is no guideline for this as it is always negotiable. A company may have its own internal guidelines by position within the company. What is most important is not the number of options, but what the number represents as a percentage of the fully diluted number of shares outstanding.

For example, if you are awarded 100,000 options, but there are 100 million shares outstanding, that only represents 1/10 of 1% of the company. But if you are awarded 100,000 options and there are only 1 million shares outstanding, then that represents 10% of the company.

3. What Taxes Do I Have to Pay for Stock Options?

There are two types of stock options under the tax code: Incentive Stock Options (ISOs) and Non-Qualified Stock Options (NSOs). Most employees typically receive the more tax advantaged ISOs. The tax treatment for ISOs is as follows:

• There is no taxable event at the time of the grant of the option.
• There is generally no taxable event at the time of the exercise of the option.
• At the time of the exercise of the option, the spread between the exercise price and the value of the stock will be taken into account for determining whether additional tax is owed under the alternative minimum tax rules.
• At the time the stock acquired from the exercise of the options is sold, that will be a taxable event. If the stock has been held both for more than two years from the date of grant of an ISO and more than a year from the date of exercise, all of the gain will be taxed at the more favorable capital gains rate; otherwise, all of a portion of the gain will be taxed at the ordinary income tax rate.

(Note: NSOs have less favorable tax treatment, and the spread between the exercise price and the value of the stock at the time of exercise will be taxed then at ordinary income rates.)

4. Are There Any Downsides to Stock Options?

The key downsides of stock options are:

• You typically have to pay cash to exercise the options.
• At the time you exercise the option, you may incur a tax depending on your particular alternative minimum tax situation or the type of options you hold.
• When you exercise the stock options, you will receive stock that will not be easily saleable if the company is still privately held or is subject to substantial transfer restrictions.
• The value of the stock could go below the exercise price you have paid for the stock, which is why many option holders wait until a liquidity event to exercise options.

5. How Long Do I Have to Exercise a Stock Option?

The stock option agreement and stock option plan lays out the time periods for when an option has to be exercised. Typically, as long as you remain an employee, you will have 5 to 10 years to exercise the vested portion of the option. But if you are no longer employed by the company, you typically only then have 30-90 days after termination to exercise the vested portion of your option (determined as of the termination date of your employment).

The post Who Wants to be a Millionaire?!: Demystifying Employee Stock in Tech appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

Whether you land your first internship in high school, as a freshman in college or just after graduation, applying to your first internship can be immensely stressful. When you have limited or absolutely no previous internship experience, it can seem like an unattainable process.

After over half a dozen internships, I have grown confident in my capabilities as an intern and as a dedicated worker. However, my confidence stems from years of mistakes, dozens of interviews and tons of trial and error. If I could switch places with Barry Allen (i.e. the Flash) and travel back in time, I would tell my freshman year self not to become defeated by the hundreds of rejection emails.

So, what can I tell you about applying to that first internship? Here’s what I wish I’d known.

1. Rejection Is Normal

It took me nearly six months and over two dozen applications before I received my first interview invitation. Don’t let a few (or a lot) of rejection emails prevent you from applying to more internships. It’s important that you don’t take this rejection personally, because that will reduce your ambition significantly.

Stay strong and learn from these rejection notifications. Sometimes hiring managers will even offer comments as to why you were not chosen for the internship position. If you continue to try and put your application material out there, companies will understand exactly why you are proud of the highlights on your resume.

2. It’s Okay to Make Mistakes

Internships are an extension for you to learn outside of the classroom. Because you are still learning, it is important to understand that you will make mistakes. Likewise, it is important to know that your coworkers know you might make mistakes every so often.

Instead of trying to deny these mistakes, own them. Once you admit to your error(s), you can learn from your fellow coworkers on how you can fix it. You can gain insight even from your smallest gaffes, and from that, you will become a better professional.

3. Apply to Internships You’re Not Entirely Qualified For

While you may not get hired for an internship that you aren’t qualified for, a company could be willing to give you a chance based on your work ethic. More and more companies are realizing that skills can be taught, but strong work ethic is a quality that should be embraced.

During my sophomore year of college, I applied to an internship for juniors and seniors. I worked with one of my professors, who was familiar with the internship program, and he helped me create a strong portfolio of work and a resume for the application. After a lot of work, I was accepted into the internship program. I was and still am grateful that my professor put me through an illustration boot camp prior to the internship. Because I took a risk and applied to an internship that I was not qualified for, I was able to immerse myself into a competitive learning experience.

4. Have Someone Review Your Resume

Resumes are tricky, especially for inexperienced applicants. It is just as easy to put too much detail in your resume as it is to not include enough detail. Instead of stumbling over hundreds of edits and variations, get someone to look over your resume.

If you don’t have someone who is willing to review your resume or you are a perfectionist, change the font of your resume. At times, a font change can make grammatical errors easier to notice. Typically when you need to think more clearly, you change your physical setting. Well, alterations in your font choice can change the setting of your resume to reveal some glaring errors.

5. Don’t Be Afraid to Write Cover Letters

During my first round of internship applications, I avoided any job posting that required a cover letter. I had no idea how to start a cover letter, let alone write a successful one. Even if a job application does not require you to submit a cover letter, submitting one could determine whether or not you are offered an interview. Cover letters serve as an extension to your resume, and they can help highlight specific projects and tasks you spearheaded in the past.

When dozens or even hundreds of applicants apply for the same position, a cover letter can show employers how dedicated you were to your past employers and your desire to work for their company.

And if you need help, we’ve got resources in the WayUp Guide for how to write a cover letter.

6. You Don’t Have to Accept the First Offer You Get

It is incredibly exciting to receive your first internship offer; however, you should always keep your options open. Like buyer’s remorse, internship regret exists. It is not uncommon to ask for a week or two to decide on an internship offer. Most hiring managers factor in one to two weeks into the hiring process to accommodate for this exact situation.

7. Remember to Relax a Little Bit

This might seem like unconventional advice for internship newbies, but it is vital to a successful career. It’s important to feel comfortable with your body and the way you look, and this confidence is vital to be comfortable with yourself before any interview. Although you should look like the best version of yourself on your interview day, you shouldn’t stress over one wrinkle in your dress pants or if you have one or eleven pimples.

When I was invited to my first interview, I’d just cut off all of my hair. No, I didn’t just have a cute pixie cut; I had completely shaved off all of my hair. Though I had committed to the buzzcut in order to donate my hair to a great cause, I was worried about what the hiring managers might have thought about my choice. I was tempted to buy a wig for my interview, but I instead chose against it. I went brave-faced and bald-headed into that interview, and I nailed it.

Although I felt more exposed without my luscious locks, I was able to relax and focus on my qualities and skills during the interview. I was able to persevere beyond that interview, and I continued the cycle and applied to every internship opening in the Ames area.

After all of those months of applications, I only had one interview, but it was the only one that mattered, because I was ultimately offered the internship. Although it took me several months, multiple applications and dozens of pep talks, it was ultimately my confidence and persistence that landed me my first internship. During my first internship, I grew a lot and learned a lot, which has helped me become even more intrepid in my current and future endeavors.

The post 7 Things I Wish I Knew Before I Applied for My First Internship appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

Today, I’m a pretty self-assured person. I have a general idea of the direction I’m headed in life, sprinkled with a healthy dose of take-things-as-they-come.

But if you had met me a year ago, a few weeks out of college, you would have found someone with indefinite living arrangements, let alone life plans. I was among the many recent college grads unsure of what my next step was, and it wasn’t until the past couple of months that I really began to feel like I have a strong game plan.

I’ve gained a few nuggets of wisdom over the past 12 months, and I’ll share them with you in this One Year Out series. First up on the agenda: living arrangements.

Is moving back home a sign of failure?

A classic sign of reaching adulthood is leaving the nest and living on your own, so moving back home after college would be a sign of failure, right?

I used to think so.

I don’t think anyone strives to live with their parents forever, but the truth is that more and more college graduates are moving back home. In fact, according to Pew Research Center, 32.1% of 18 to 34-year-olds live at home with their parents. That’s the most common living arrangement, even over living alone.

Plenty of working Millennials are choosing to live at home, even if they can afford to move out. Why? Well, you can save a lot of money. For people trying to save for grad school or a new car, moving back in with their parents makes a lot of sense. It’s also convenient and, let’s face it, sometimes a much better option than living with that random Craigslist psycho. Plus, Mom’s casserole really hits the spot.

But what if you have to move back home because you can’t afford to live on your own? Are you a failure then?

Again, I used to think so.

After college, I was faced with a painful decision. Do I take the first job I can get just to pay the bills and continue living on my own, or do I move back home, save my money, and look for serious career-building positions? I gave myself a month of the former and then chose the latter.

I felt like a failure up until I finally found a job, but once I had the job and could afford to move out, I continued to stay at home; and I wasn’t alone. Most of my 20-something co-workers were also living at home. Could we afford to move out? Yes. Did we want to move out? At times. Were we actually going to move out? Not anytime soon.

As a young person with no firm commitment to any city, person or job, it might not make sense to make a commitment to a lease and invest in furnishing an apartment. If it makes sense for you, that’s great. Go forth and conquer! If it doesn’t make sense for you, then just know you’re not a failure. You’re using your resources, and that’s a very mature move.

The post One Year Out: Is Moving Back Home a Sign of Failure? appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

In a perfect world, we’d all make enough during college to afford tuition, save some money and maybe spend the last couple of bucks. However, we don’t live in a perfect world, and more often than not, students have to take up a part-time job, like waitressing or retail to make ends meet while in school.

And while you might not think your part-time college job matters in the long run, you can still include it on your resume or CV, because waiting tables on the weekend or working in a trendy clothing boutique tells your future employers way more than you think it does about who you are as an employee.

1. You’re Willing to Do Grunt Work

Let’s not beat around the bush here: Working as a restaurant server, retail employee, or other manual part-time role isn’t easy. These roles are physically and mentally demanding.

Some days, you have to juggle carrying a tray full of food while taking another tables order, or you have to clean the fitting rooms for the umpteenth time while dealing with returned items. Obviously, it’s not glamorous work, but it has to get done. These jobs show your future employers that you are committed to completing a job, no matter how difficult or straining it is and that you are up to do just about anything to make sure the job is done right.

2. You Have Customer Service Experience

Day in and day out, you deal with customers’ wants and needs. One customer wants no cheese on their cheeseburger, and another wants their size in a pair of shoes that are out of stock. While you may think that you bending to the whim of a customer isn’t relevant to your future job, you may want to think again.

You might not deal with customers in the future, but you will definitely deal with clients, managers and even the public. You probably won’t be taking your future boss or client’s lunch order, but your customer service experience will definitely allow you to figure out what they need.

3. You Have Patience

You have definitely heard those crazy stories where someone refused to tip a server, because they had to wait a long time for a table or how someone left a pile of trash in a fitting room. The horror stories from these jobs are endless, and even though they may make your shift a little more difficult, they actually end up toughening you up. Your future employer will probably not only laugh when you tell these stories at the water cooler, but he or she will also admire your tenacity and ability to handle difficult situations under pressure.

4. You Earn Your Keep

Many part-time college jobs are revolving doors of employees with most only lasting a brief period of time. However, if you’re a hard and competent worker, then your manager is probably going to try and keep you around for as long as possible. These few years at the same job might look like you’ve plateaued to some employers, but to the best employers it will show that your skills and work ethic were so successful that your manager or supervisor wanted to hold onto you and your skills.

When it comes to applying to that dream job or internship, don’t hesitate to list your part-time college job on your resume. Instead, be proud to put it on there. It’s at these jobs where you will learn some of the hardest and most important lessons when it comes to being an employee, and someday, when you’re an employer looking to hire someone, you’ll know that these jobs are usually indicative of a great employee.

The post 4 Reasons to Include That Part-Time College Job on Your Resume appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

First impressions are everything, and the struggle to put your best foot forward is never more real than during job interviews.

And while all job interviews can be intimidating, phone interviews can often be the most daunting of them all. After all, how do you know you’re making a good impression if you can’t physically see your interviewer? How will you pick up on facial cues and body language? How can you seem prepared without reading notes? If you’re not sure, here are several key things that’ll help you ace that phone interview.

1. Start Strong

Since you won’t be able to make a physical first impression, you need to kill it on your vocal one. Answer the phone confidently as if you’re expecting it to be your future employer. Have a brief yet effective introduction for yourself prepared and let them know right off the bat that you are ready for this interview.

For example, if you were to be interviewing for a job at WayUp you could say “Hi [name of interviewer], I am thrilled to have the opportunity to speak with you about becoming a [position] at WayUp!” This tells the interviewer that you know what you want, and you’re enthusiastic.

2. Do Your Homework

This should be a basic rule of thumb for any interview, but being prepared to talk shop with a phone interviewer can be even more challenging. In person, you can observe an office and make conversation based on the environment. In this case, any conversation you make needs to be planned.

However, not being in a physical office offers you an advantage: You can keep notes on hand about important aspects of a company and the position. While you still don’t want to read off of what you wrote, you may get a couple of cues you wouldn’t otherwise get during an in-person interview.

3. Be Clear and Concise

Phone interviews are particularly hard because you cannot read the interviewer’s body language. Even on Skype interviews, you can tell how a person is feeling to some extent.

Because of this, it’s crucial that you remain upbeat and clear when you speak. This means no mumbling, “ums” or slang. Refer to the interviewer however he or she is introduced to you, avoid stammering and speak confidently.

Another pro tip: Stand up while you’re speaking; sitting down may cause you to slouch or feel tired. And hey, strike a power pose if you’re feeling it.

4. Let Them Finish

Nothing is worse than an awkward phone conversation. To avoid cutting off an interviewer, be patient and give him or her some time to breathe. Be eager to answer, but be sure that the other person is done talking first.

People will often chime in with more thoughts after they finish their sentences, so that extra second or two is crucial and trust me, hiring managers are used to this when conducting phone interviews!

5. Don’t Let The Call Drag On

“You hang up!”

“No, you hang up!”

This is the last thing you want happening on an interview call. If an employer seems like they are wrapping up your conversation, let him or her do it. Final impressions can be as influential as the first. As long as you are sure an interviewer is looking to hang up, be sure to thank him or her for taking the time, express your interest in the position and let him or her know you are looking forward to hearing from them in the near future. Be polite and be professional, and you will be remembered.

Next time you’re preparing for a phone interview, don’t stress about not being face-to-face, rejoice in the advantages you’ve gained. Have your notes ready, get comfortable and make that call. If you do it right, it could be the call that lands you your dream job.

The post How to Make an Awesome First Impression Over a Phone Interview appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

Have you ever noticed how many parallels there are between dating and job hunting? Both largely take place online, both can be super awkward and both will seriously test your patience and your confidence. There’s even a Tinder for job hunting!

If you’re single and looking for a job, you’ve certainly got your work cut out for you. Luckily, much of the advice you get for dating can also apply to the job hunt, so keep in mind the following tips whether you’re dating, job hunting or both!

1. Don’t Look Too Desperate

Desperation reeks, so don’t stink up the room with your overeager hopelessness. You wouldn’t say “I love you” on a first date, would you? I hope not. Job hunting requires the same sort of finesse and savviness as dating; sometimes playing “hard to get” can make the other party want you even more, so don’t call every five minutes, don’t apply to every available job at the company just to have a chance of working there and most definitely don’t change yourself to try pleasing the hiring manager. By staying confident and true to yourself, you will appear way more attractive, I promise.

2. Don’t Oversell Yourself Too Much

You should always present the best version of yourself when meeting people you hope to establish strong relationships with, but be careful not to present a “too perfect” version of yourself, because relationships built on lies will never last. If you hiked once, five years go, don’t tell your date that you’re an avid hiker. What will you do when they ask you to go on a difficult hike with them this weekend? You can only fake it for so long. Similarly, don’t tell a hiring manager that you’re adept at advanced Excel functionality if you don’t even know how to create a pivot table. What will happen on Day One of your new job when you’re expected to complete incredibly complex tasks on spreadsheets you can’t even read? Always be honest about who you are, because that’s the person they’re going to see after the first date or interview.

3. Don’t Ignore the Red Flags

Did he have a different girl in every picture on his Tinder profile? Was she rude to the waiter at the restaurant? Do they never offer to pay when you go on dates? The more time you spend with a person, the easier it will be to spot red flags and deal breakers. Ignoring these warning signs could lead to a very unhappy and unhealthy relationship, so always pay close attention to the things that bother or worry you. The same can be said for job hunting. Are there lots of negative reviews for the employer on Glassdoor? Did the current employees you interacted with during your interviews seem stressed or unhappy? Is the recruiter responding to your emails at 9pm? These observations are incredibly useful. Ignoring them might lead you to accept a job you will end up hating.

4. Don’t Be a Ghoster

No one likes being ghosted. “Ghosting” occurs when someone suddenly and without explanation disappears by cutting off all communication, but it doesn’t just happen with dating – job applicants (and hiring managers, for that matter) do it all the time. Maybe you’re a few steps into a job application and then you accept an offer for another position. Don’t just stop responding to the other recruiters you’ve been working with – send them a considerate email informing them of your new position, so they can remove you from their list of applicants to contact. You never know who you’ll be interacting with in the future of your career, so don’t burn any bridges along the way by doing something as dumb as disappearing just because you’re too lazy to send an email.

5. Don’t Talk About Yourself Too Much

Ever been on a date where the other person talks about themselves the whole time? It’s awful. Don’t be that person in a job interview. A good interview should be a conversation with equal participation from the interviewer and interviewee. Asking good questions throughout your interview will show that you’re more interested in the job and the company than just in yourself.

6. Don’t Fixate on the Rejections

You swipe right; they swipe left. You had a great time; they never call back. You want to go on a date; they friendzone you. Rejection sucks, but it doesn’t need to consume your life. Wallowing in the pain of being rejected will only extend your suffering, hurt your confidence and prevent you from moving forward. The same goes for job hunting. If you spend all of your energy mourning the jobs you didn’t get, you’ll miss out on the new ones popping up every day. It’s true that you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take, so don’t let the sting of rejection prevent you from applying for new opportunities.

7. Don’t Settle for Less Than You Deserve

“You’re too good for him.” “He doesn’t deserve you!” If you’ve ever been told something like this from a friend, you’ve been given a not-so-subtle reminder of an important rule: Keep your standards high and never settle for less than you deserve. Being single can suck, but it’s better than being in an unhealthy relationship. Being jobless really sucks, and sometimes you don’t have the option of waiting for the perfect opportunity, but you should never settle for something you’re unhappy with. It’s okay to hold onto a job you don’t like so long as you put in the effort to find a better fit somewhere else.

The most important thing to remember when you’re job hunting or dating is to always be true to yourself. A job is just a job; a significant other is just a significant other. If you’re not happy with yourself, you won’t be happy in any job or any relationship, so always remember to put yourself first!

The post 7 Dating Don’ts That Also Apply to Job Hunting appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

Writing a resume can be incredibly daunting and difficult, which sometimes results in you using the same generic buzzwords and phrases that everyone else uses.

But when it finally comes time to apply to that dream job or internship, you are going to want to make sure that your resume stands out among the rest of the students applying for the same position. In order to write a successful and compelling resume, I’ve compiled a list of overused words and phrases usually found on resumes (and how to make ‘em better).

1. “Organized”

This one’s a doozy whether you use it as an adjective or a verb. Being organized should be a given when you are applying for a job. Why would a hiring manager want to hire anyone who is disorganized? By using this term to describe yourself, you are just wasting valuable real estate on your resume and the hiring manager’s time. If you really want to highlight your organizational skills, try providing a real world example like, “Created and implemented an easy-to-use filing system for 10,000 documents that streamlined the sales process.”

2. “Performed Data Entry”

As a generation, students have grown up uploading content. At this point, hiring managers can assume that students applying for a job or internship can and should be able to upload content or perform simple data entry into programs like Excel.

In order to make your uploading and entry skills stand out though, be specific and say something like, “Curated multimedia content” for those pursuing a job in the communications industry, or “Collected data to be entered into the management system,” for those in a more number and statistics heavy field. Give numbers of other specifics if you can.

3. “Team Player”

Again, this is an issue of redundancy. Any job that you will ever work at will expect and require you to work as a team player. Collaboration is key in most, if not all, fields, and saying you are a team player is an ineffective term.

However, if you really want to highlight the fact that you play well with others, use phrases like, “Managed a group of seven people, which led to a 124% increase in output.” By saying you managed a team and showing impact, you are telling a hiring manager that you can delegate tasks to people while also working with them to produce the best results.

4. “Proficient in Microsoft Word”

If this is on your resume, take it off right now. In today’s job market, it is assumed that people (especially young people) are able to handle Microsoft Word at the least. To make your skill set stand out, highlight the fact that you know a specific video editing software or Adobe Creative Suite.

And obviously, don’t stretch the truth about how well you know a certain program; you don’t want to say you’re “proficient” at Excel when you don’t know a single function.

5. “Responsible For”

The whole point of a resume is to highlight what you were responsible for at your previous jobs or activities. Phrases like this bog your resume down in superfluous terms that will take your resume right out of the running. Be concise and action-oriented with your bullet points, and don’t waste time or valuable space.

6. “Improved”

This word is not as bad as the previous ones, but what puts it on this list is because so many resumes have it but fail to be specific. You might have improved a system or improved customer relations, but there is no concrete data behind the sentiment that a hiring manager can use to assess how successful you would be. Instead of using “improved,” use something like “increased by 47%” or “decreased by 22%” to display the actual success of your situation.

Now that you know some words to stay away from, pull up those resumes and get to revising them. The sooner your resume stands out, the sooner you will land that killer job or internship.

The post 6 Overused Words and Phrases You Definitely Have on Your Resume appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

When I began my college journey, my mom told me a story about her relationship with one of her professors who guided her towards the job she works at today and who she still talks to on Facebook every now and again. “You have to build a network, Allison,” she told me (and has continued to tell me ever since). “That’ll get you a job.”

Certainly, I thought, there was more to getting a job than just “networking” (whatever that word meant), but there is truth in what my mother told me. Networking—building relationships and connections with people who can lead you to incredible opportunities—is just as important as any other skill or achievement you have written on your resume.

So when I began studying in a small private liberal arts college in a rural Southern town, I began to wonder: How do I create a network at such a small college in the middle of nowhere?

You’re probably wondering the same thing. Luckily for you, I’ve compiled a list of tips and ideas to help you get started on building your network when the options seem few and far between.

1. Understand the Power of Being a Big Fish in a Small Pond

A friend’s father told me this tidbit of advice years ago when I told him where I’d be attending college, and it’s been the best way to motivate and inspire me to build my network. Developing a network at a college in the middle of nowhere means that you need to stand out and make yourself known on campus.

While this doesn’t necessarily mean you have to be the most popular person on campus, it does mean that you need to stand out in the minds of your peers (your professors, especially, at this time) as someone worth knowing.

2. Talk to Professors and Administrators

Ultimately, networking involves people, and talking to your peers will help you develop those relationships and connections that sometimes can lead to unexpected opportunities for you. Professors are also great people to begin to network with, so talk to them outside of class or during their office hours. Sometimes, professors even bring in colleagues or speakers to campus, both of which are perfect opportunities to ask questions, make statements or introduce yourself to begin building your network.

Talking to counselors and other administrators will also help you to grow your network. They are a bountiful source of connections and are there specifically to help you make and utilize those connections.

3. Get Involved

Involvement can mean a lot of things, but it’s a great way to get yourself into a new experience where you can build meaningful relationships that may lead to future employment opportunities.

Besides just extracurricular clubs and intramural sports, other ways to get involved include undertaking internships (this is especially cool if you can get one with a professor on campus), volunteering on campus or in the community (like at the local community garden or animal shelter), joining a committee (for example, I just joined my school’s Women’s Leadership Committee) and traveling.

This last idea is really great when you can befriend international students on campus or meet up with other kinds of people who all enjoy exploring an unknown place, because you all get a shared experience and a deeper connection to each other. Involvement shows that you care about issues and hobbies outside of your academic work, and your involvement in these areas may help land you a really cool, fun job or internship later on. You never know until you try!

4. Take Advantage of On-Campus Events

Schools organize potential networking events all the time, including forums, seminars, lectures and panels with professionals. In-person connections are where you first want to make yourself noticeable to future employers or admissions counselors, but the follow-ups with the people you meet are just as, if not even more, important. If you get any business cards, make sure to reach out and remind the person who you are.

The virtual connectedness of technology today makes keeping in touch a lot easier than sending snail mail or visiting a place in person. Social media can be used to connect with people, future jobs or graduate schools. By simply posting or tagging the company, school or professional in relevant posts or tweets, you show investment and interest in what that organization or person has to offer.

Emails are also often effective ways to keep in touch with future employers or professionals. One way you can reach out to your network connections is to send a message saying how interested you were in what they had to say at the event. Asking a question or two about any further information or involvement with the company or school also helps you stand out as someone to remember. You can even ask if there are any internships or potential positions opening up in the future, or you can ask for advice and guidance on how to enter into a career field.

The key point to remember about taking advantage of those on-campus events is showing interest beyond the event itself.

5. Make Networking Work for You

The word “networking” sounds incredibly formal, technical and intimidating when you first think about it; I know it sounded that way for me, but networking is not as hard to do when you’re honest and open about yourself with those people you want to make connections and relationships with. Just as you would try to make a friend in an informal way, you try to make a relationship that is more professional but still personable. Honesty, sincerity and friendliness go a long way in creating your professional network, especially when some resources found in larger cities are not available.

One last tip about networking that is important to consider: Try not to think about it so much. It’s definitely important to recognize a networking opportunity when you see one and to take advantage of that opportunity, but I’ve found that it works best to think about networking not as “networking,” but as just introducing yourself and speaking a little bit to someone about some common idea or experience.

It’s hard to know at this time where you’ll end up exactly, so developing a network when you’re in the middle of nowhere is especially important. It may seem difficult to do, but the fun thing is that you can get creative with how you network.

The post 5 Tips for Building Your Network in College (Even If You’re in the Middle of Nowhere) appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

Resume writing is a daunting task for even the most seasoned job seeker. You’re basically selling yourself to employers on a piece of paper with very limited space, and there are things you definitely need to avoid. With all the things that could go wrong, you’re most likely to go to your parents for help in this time of need.

Of course, your parents will give you some great tips on what to include and what not to include your first time around, but how much of what they say is true? Often, parents have had their current jobs or careers for the last 10 to 20 years or more; since a lot has changed within the job market (particularly the internship and entry-level job markets), their advice is probably a little outdated.

Here’s a definitive list on what to avoid including on your resume, despite the wise words of your parents.

1. Objective Statement

Including an objective on your resume takes up space you could use to include experience information, references or even links to published work if you submit online. It is redundant to include an objective in a resume because employers are already aware that your bottom line is to be offered a position within their company.

2. High School Information

Those of you with a college degree or who are in the process of completing a degree do not need to include their high school information (like the name of the school or your high school GPA), unless it is totally relevant to your position.

It is safe to say that if you were accepted into an accredited college or university, you’ll have a high school diploma or similar credentials in your arsenal as well. If employers are really curious about your high school alumnus, they will ask you about it during your interview.

3. Irrelevant Previous Jobs

When applying to big boy/girl jobs that offer luxuries such as a 401K or a dental plan, it’s okay not to include that grocery store job you had one summer in high school. Employers look for past job experiences relevant to the position you’re applying for, so it wouldn’t be in your best interest to include your brief stint as a pet store associate when applying for a position within a bank’s corporate office, unless there’s an important and obvious parallel in terms of skills.

4. Controversial or Long-Winded Hobbies

You may consider your knitting skills to be off the charts, but it’s not necessary to include irrelevant, controversial or long winded hobbies on your resume. Employers are very likely to ask you what you do in your free time, and that’s when you mention your hobbies that don’t take too long to explain or could come off too controversial.

For instance, explaining to your possible future employer that you spend your weekends picketing for certain political causes could make you come off as a liability risk, or maybe you have a really out-there hobby (“I like to wakeboard while wearing a Santa Claus costume in lakes up and down the West Coast!”); if it’s too hard to explain in one or two words and it doesn’t relate to the job, take it off your resume for now. Keep things short and sweet, and think in your own best interest.

5. Political Affiliation

No matter how strongly you feel about politics, the safest option is to keep your personal beliefs out of your resume (that is, unless you’re applying to something in the political realm). Instead, add a couple organizations you’ve worked with or are working with currently.

Political affiliations are a very personal attribute for many, and this could lead to an employer tossing your resume in the trash or an awkward encounter during an interview. This is a piece of information that could be brought up during the interview depending on the position, but unless you’re applying to be Paul Ryan or Hillary Clinton’s personal assistant, don’t include it on a resume.

Although your parents have come through with some great advice in the past, resume writing has changed over the years and it wouldn’t hurt to make sure you’re armed with the best resume specifically for you. Although resume writing is definitely one of the more difficult tasks with job hunting, after reading up on these tips, maybe you’ll be the one your parents go to for help.

The post 5 Things Your Parents Told You to Put on Your Resume That You Really Shouldn’t appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

Going into a job interview can be scary, even terrifying. There’s certainly a lot of pressure no matter what role you’re up for; you want to make a good impression, sound knowledgeable and informed and most importantly, get the job, but so much could go wrong.

It’s all pretty intimidating, but knowing these seven simple tips will help to improve your performance and confidence levels!

1. Do Your Homework Ahead of Time

By simply googling the company, you can gain some helpful insights into what the company expects of its employees and the goods or services they provide. This will also prepare you for what you’ll be facing in the interview and makes you look good if you get asked questions specific to the company.

Looking into the company may also give you some questions to ask your interviewers. You can also be prepared by rehearsing some answers to common interview questions and things that you think might be asked in your interview. Here are some examples of what to look for when you’re doing your research:

• What are the responsibilities of the role you are pursuing? How does that role fit into the company at large?
• Who are the important people in the company?
• What is the company’s history?
• What direction is the company currently headed in and how will you fit into that?
• Do past employees have anything positive or negative to say about the workplace?
• What does the company’s social media and larger digital presence look like?

2. Dress Appropriately

This is so much more than dressing “professionally.” How you dress in an interview reflects how prepared and knowledgeable you are about the role you are pursuing.

In terms of general don’ts, avoid wearing jeans and clothing with tears or holes. If you have no idea where a company falls on the spectrum of formality, you can never go wrong wearing a nice button-down shirt, slacks or skirt, and dress shoes. Feel free to add any accessories or jewelry that are minimal but show personality. And remember: If you’re unsure of how to dress, it’s always better to dress up rather than down, but be careful not to go too far (for example, don’t wear a ballgown to the interview!).

I would also recommend checking out a company’s website and social media pages to see what employees are wearing in those photos.

And if you need more tips, our WayUp Guide has more tips for how to dress for a more traditional corporate setting versus a smaller startup company.

3. Open With a Firm Handshake

I cannot stress the importance of this enough! Your handshake is one thing you should definitely practice ahead of time, as it’s crucial you get it right. If you don’t, you’ll spend the remainder of the interview trying to repair a poor first impression instead of adding to it.

For a good handshake, make sure you are grasping the person’s hand firmly; don’t give a soft squeeze or go all dead-hand on someone. Try to avoid clammy and damp hands as well as overly dry hands. Make sure you maintain eye contact during the whole handshake, which will usually last two to three seconds. Also, beware of using scented lotions or other products, as some people might be allergic to them – and that definitely won’t leave a good impression!

4. Repeat the Question at the Beginning of Your Answer

This will make sure that you understood the question you’re being asked and will give you some time to think of an answer. If the question has multiple parts, break it down and repeat each section with its respective answer.

For example, a common question is to list your greatest strength and weakness. Obviously, no one wants to tell a possible employer about their weaknesses, but how you answer will paint a picture of how you deal with it and are working to improve it. If possible, try to list your weakness first, but make it clear that that’s what you’re doing. I usually follow that by telling interviewers what I’m doing to improve that particular quality. Next, tell the interviewer that you’re moving on to address the strength question. This one can also be tricky because you don’t want to sound like you’re bragging, but you also shouldn’t sell yourself short.

(If you want help answering questions about your greatest strengths and weaknesses, we have comprehensive guides to those here and here!)

5. Don’t Forget to Ask the Interviewer Questions

This goes back to having done your homework. Asking questions shows that you know a little about what you’re getting into and that you’re willing to learn. This also breaks up the interview so that the interviewers aren’t the only ones asking questions. Your goal is to create a conversation with the interviewer so that he or she can get to know you on a more personal level.

This would also be the time to ask about the things that weren’t listed on the job posting, like what a typical day at the company in this role looks like as well as some problems the company has faced and how it plans to move forward in the future.

6. Remember to Relax

This is probably the hardest thing to do during an interview because everyone’s nervous. However, like the handshake, smiling and showing that you’re comfortable creates a good impression and shows that you’re friendly and open to meeting new people.

This also relates to being aware of your body language throughout the interview. Avoid fidgeting or anything that would distract from your answers. I always make sure when I go into an interview that my hair is pulled back and out of the way so I’m not tempted to play with it. Make sure your nails are well-trimmed so that you’re not picking at them, and shave or trim any facial hair if you need to. Be mindful of where your hands are placed, preferably in sight, and that you’re not rocking in your chair, especially if it’s a swivel chair. Avoid crossing your legs if possible and definitely don’t slouch. Your whole body language should be positive and focused.

7. Thank Your Interviewers

After an interview is over, it can be easy to rush out and heave a huge sigh of relief, but there’s one thing you need to make sure you do first: Thank the interviewer(s). Everything about your interview should be genuine, but this especially. This is your closing impression because chances are, you’re not going to encounter these people again until you get the job there.

Before I leave the interview, I always make sure to include a handshake with my thank you and address each interviewer by name when I thank them. I’ll also throw in a line like “Thanks for taking time out of your day to meet with me” or “I look forward to hearing from you.” After you get home and the stress of the interview is over, send them an email or even a personal note thanking them again (if you need help with this, here’s some advice on how to write a great thank you note!). Even if you don’t get the job, this looks very professional and creates a lasting positive impression of you.

Nothing beats practice and experience when it comes to rocking an interview, so make sure you prepare before going into an interview and remember these crucial points. There are a lot of do’s and don’ts, so it’s important to remember why you’re applying for this job and why they should hire you. You have lots of valuable and unique skills and experiences, so don’t sell yourself short!

The post 7 Strategies That’ll Take Your Job Interviews to the Next Level appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

No matter how many of them you have been on, interviews are a nerve-wracking experience for everyone. Though you might not be able to rid yourself of the jitters entirely, you can make any interview less stressful with ample preparation, and who better to use as a preparation role model than Parks and Recreation’s Leslie Knope?

Even though Leslie can be extremely tenacious, she did get the job at the Pawnee Parks Department even after yelling at the hiring manager and future boss, Ron Swanson. Here are seven interview tips from Leslie Knope that’ll help you land the job.

1. Research, Research, Research

It is never a good idea to go into an interview and wing it. Researching a company and its work environment can make any interview more enjoyable. It can be awkward when a hiring manager gives you time to ask questions and you have no questions to ask, and likewise, it can be off-putting if you do not have any company or industry-specific inquiries.

A brief analysis of a company’s website and social media handles can inspire some questions about the organization. Don’t be afraid to write these questions down in a notebook. If you find something about a company that could be completed more efficiently, or if you have an idea for a new company product, scribble it in your notepad. If you’re prompted, hiring managers will be impressed by both your knowledge of the company and enthusiasm to work.

2. Stay Organized

You can’t leave a good impression if you’re shuffling through papers when you enter the conference room. A lot of hiring managers request applicants to bring copies of their resume, portfolio samples and even supplemental application materials. It would be embarrassing to hand out your resumes to the hiring manager after they have been wrinkled or bent in your bag.

Getting organized for an interview can take quite a bit of time and effort. Take a tip from Leslie Knope and get a professional folder or padfolio to organize all of your interview materials (and your notes). A “padfolio” will help keep your papers flat, plus it looks super professional. Take it from Leslie, who always impresses with her detailed binders.

3. Treat Yo’self

The best way to ease your nerves is to enjoy one of your favorite meals the night and/or morning before the interview. Giving yourself a small treat can boost your self-confidence. Just make sure it’s something light that won’t make you feel gross while you’re talking to a hiring manager!

4. Prepare With Friends

While your bestie can’t come to your interview with you, he or she can help you prepare for your big day. Hiring managers can throw you a lot of curveballs during an interview, so instead of stumbling on your own words, have your friends ask you some tough questions about your past jobs and internships. While it is important to practice answering difficult questions, it is more important to cultivate answers to a variety of questions.

Consider answering questions about your weaknesses, strengths, specific projects and about your hobbies. A lot of candidates get caught up when hiring managers ask them to talk about themselves. The question is very open-ended, so it can catch anyone by surprise. It’s important to test different answers from what you like to do in your free time and how it relates to your past jobs or even your dream job.

If you want to conduct your mock interview in true Leslie Knope style, you could even wear your go-to interview attire. If you don’t have a favorite interview outfit, your friends can judge your professional wear during an informal fashion show.

5. Give Yourself a Pep Talk

Some self encouragement can go a long way. Along with aiding in relaxation, pep talks can also help kickstart your endorphins and dopamine levels. Rehearsing your best motivational speech to yourself could be the key to landing the job.

As corny as it might seem, pep talks in front of a mirror can boost your confidence before an interview, a meeting and even a presentation. Tell your reflection how you would be a valuable member to that company. Don’t hold back; tell yourself how your superb scrapbooking can increase your future employer’s revenue.

Even if you aren’t comfortable talking to yourself in front of mirror, you can still give yourself a pep talk. Try writing some skills that you have mastered or attributes that make you a good employee and team player. Jot down some adjectives and adverbs that describe you and your work. Read this list back to yourself, or have a friend read it back to you.

6. Stay Optimistic

The days leading up to an interview can give any qualified candidate a healthy dose of doubt. Nevertheless, it is important to channel Leslie Knope’s enthusiasm, so you can stay optimistic. Think of how many jobs and internships you’ve accrued and how you have learned from them. Focusing on how far you have come since your first job can give you a positive mindset.

Even if you’ve never had a job before, try to think of accomplishments you’ve acquired through your extracurricular activities or even your hobbies. You can also use any examples of your accolades and attributes to talk about yourself during an interview.

7. Get Some Sleep (Just Not Too Much)

Being well rested for an interview is arguably the most important preparation tip. Although everyone yawns, hiring managers can view yawning as a sign of boredom or disrespect during an interview. Getting between eight and nine hours of restful sleep can make you feel more alert. Just make sure you do not get too much sleep, because excessive sleep can have the same effect as sleep deprivation.

Most importantly, don’t forget to celebrate after a successful interview. Even if you don’t feel like you aced your interview, you should still rejoice. Practice makes perfect with interviews. There is always something to be learned from each interview experience, so pat yourself on the back for continuing to grow and learn. Now, channel your inner Knope and party on!

The post 7 Ways to Channel Your Inner Leslie Knope When Preparing for an Interview appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

Sophomore year is a great time in college: You’re no longer new to campus, you’ve got your friends and your interests figured out (at least a little bit), and you’ve probably even started thinking about your career as a whole.

Want to get ahead and snag the perfect first internship or job? We’ve rounded up five amazing paid opportunities on WayUp specifically for college sophomores that you need to check out now.

1. Sophomore Diversity Leadership Intern, McKinsey

Renowned consulting firm McKinsey is giving sophomores the opportunity to work with three to five seasoned consultants to learn the ins and outs of client engagement.

You’ll have access to every part of the team, and even more importantly, you’ll get to work with a special mentor during your first couple weeks on the job to make sure you’re settled in. Apply now.

2. Software Development Intern, NetSuite

Calling all the computer science and engineering students out there: If you want the opportunity to make an immediate impact, find mentors to support your career, and build products that change the world, there’s no better place to do it than at NetSuite this summer. Apply now.

3. Marketing Intern, L’Oreal

What do marketing efforts look like for an iconic brand? Now’s the time to find out: L’Oreal is looking for Marketing Interns who are excited to jump right in and take on numerous marketing projects, events, and so much more. Apply now.

4. Supply Chain Intern, Under Armour

Getting the opportunity to work for one of the most-recognized names in sports? Count us in. As part of Under Armour’s Summer League Supply Chain program, you’ll get to work in all aspects of supply chain management, including customer service, sales operations, supply planning, strategic sourcing, and so much more. Apply now.

5. Sales Excellence Co-op Program, Bimbo Bakeries USA

Want to have the opportunity to spend six months taking on real-world sales, distribution, and planning issues that affect a global brand? Bimbo Bakeries is hiring students to join its Sales Excellence program to specifically work with Entenmann’s (their donuts and cookies are delicious, right?!). Apply now.

And in case you missed it the first time, all of these roles (and millions more) are available on WayUp now, so sign up and start applying ASAP!

The post The 5 Best Paid Opportunities for College Freshmen and Sophomores appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

Interviews are increasingly important, as they will make or break your dream job opportunity. How can you make sure that every interview is incredible? Here are 11 traits of people who constantly rock their job interviews.

1. They Do Their Research

Research your potential employer’s website, blog, social media, press, quarterly reports and anything else you can find. Bringing concrete numbers to the table and understanding every part of a business shows that you’re interested and star interviewees know that.

2. They Clean Their Social Media Profiles

As I mentioned in a previous blog post, 92% of companies use social media for their recruitment, with one in three employers rejecting candidates based on something they found in their social profiles.

3. They Don’t Change Up Their Routines

Instead of drinking lots of coffee or taking medication you think might help you, make sure that you stick to your regular routine. That espresso shot will just make you jittery, nervous and overenthusiastic.

4. They Use the “Iceberg Strategy”

Just like in an effective opening paragraph for a paper, the “iceberg strategy” can be used effectively here.

How does it work? Expose enough about you that you are interesting and the employer wants to hire you, but not so much that you only talk about yourself and bore your interviewer. Combine your professional and personal life so that you discuss how you have been shaped by your experiences and how they have brought you to this perfect potential job today.

If you want more help with this, check out contributor Peyton Murry’s advice on crafting a rockstar elevator pitch here.

5. They Put Thought Into Their Appearance and General “Vibe”

In order to be taken seriously, your mannerisms as well as appearance must be impeccable. Wear something that is special to you that could be a conversation starter; maybe it’s a piece of jewelry from your latest travels or something that represents your culture or heritage.

Additionally, before the interview, find a mirror and repeat these mantras to yourself: “I am confident, I am strong and I will achieve anything and everything I want.”

6. They Focus on Showing What They Can Bring to the Table

We’ve talked to recruiters in the past, and they’ve told us that they look for professionalism, appearance, behavior-based answers (“In my last role, I did…”) and straightforward results.

By combining your past experiences with research into the company and where it’s going, you’ll show a hiring manager what kind of impact you can make for his or her team in the future.

For example, you could say something like, “Through my leadership as Vice President of the Habitat for Humanity club on campus, I was able to use my love for community service to create a strong organization dedicated to the benefit of others. We raised over $10,000 and built over 100 homes under my leadership, and given those experiences, I think I could add a lot to the development team here as a Fundraising Intern.”

7. They Set Themselves Up as a Team Player

It’s a well-known fact that the best teams are comprised of a number of different personalities who bring a variety of talents to the table. Before heading into an interview, think to yourself, what personality traits do I bring to the table, and how will they benefit this specific workplace and my future team’s goals?

8. They Come Overly Prepared

Always carry an extra resume (I would even say three or four so that you can distribute multiple if asked!), and come with a pen and paper as well as lots of questions (here’s a great list of what to ask your interviewer!).

Make sure you’ve already talked to your references, so that they know to potentially expect a call or email, and release your college transcript information if an employer has mentioned needing it in the future. All of these steps will keep any hiccups from forming during your application process and make you seem better than the rest.

9. They Recognize Their Flaws and Pose Solutions

Rather than saying something like, “I have a hard time with being a perfectionist” (all employers groan at this), talk about an actual area of improvement and show how you’ve worked on it.

For example, say something like, “In the past I have struggled with my time management; I have a tendency to want to do a lot, and sometimes it leads to too much to do and not enough time to create quality work. To combat this issue, I’ve done a number of things: I created a color-coded calendar to keep track of deadlines, and I also create daily and weekly to-do lists to track my progress. Furthermore, I ask a simple question before I sign onto anything now: ‘What does this position do that I’m not getting from my other commitments?’”

For more information on how to rock these questions about weaknesses, check out this article in our WayUp Guide.

10. They Reveal Their Experience With Questions

At the end when it’s your turn to ask some questions, incorporate your experiences to further show you’ve paid attention and done your homework.

For example, you could say something like, “I wrote as a contributor for WayUp and received 5,000 shares on one of my articles. Will this position provide more opportunities for me to use blogging and social media management techniques?”

11. They Stay in Touch

Grabbing the interviewer’s business card and sending a thank-you email (or better yet, a handwritten note!) will not only show that you are interested but that you also take a hiring manager’s time and effort seriously.

Pro tip: Allow yourself to be filled with gratitude as if you have already received the job, and imagine yourself being congratulated for your acceptance as you write your thank-you note!

To recap, make sure you are prepared for your interview with data and knowledge about your strengths, and recognize how you can use your flaws to grow.

The post 11 Secrets of People Who Always Nail Job Interviews appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

Every year, expectations get higher and students are expected to do more. For example, gone are the days when all you had to do was take a few tests and write a few essays to get into college. Now schools want to see students with volunteer work, extracurricular activities, work experience, diverse hobbies, high GPAs and so much more.

And guess what? The job market is no different.

More and more people are talking–actually, obsessing–about internships, and so many people are freaked out if they:

• Had one but it wasn’t very impressive (or worse, they hated it).
• Were only accepted to an unpaid internship.
• Haven’t had one, and can’t seem to get one.
• Haven’t had one, and chose to do other work instead.

If you fall into one or more of these categories, I am here to assure you that you’re not alone.

There are plenty of reasons people don’t get internships, and there are plenty of reasons  why people haven’t had them yet, but the one thing to remember is not to freak out! Just because you haven’t had an internship yet doesn’t mean you won’t be able to get hired in the future or pursue your dream career.

Here are some key things to remember if you haven’t had an internship yet and are nervous about what that means.

1. Your Personal Experience (Whatever It May Be) Is Useful

Like a college application, most employers are looking at your resume as a whole, and they are taking into account your volunteer work, your work experience, your extracurriculars and everything else.

Hiring managers want motivated and highly engaged employees, and your resume, even if it doesn’t have an internship on it, will show that. Whether you were a club president or a club member, the class president or a member of the class, your personal experiences are unique and can bring positive change. Our experiences help us to develop useful skills, and that’s valued.

If you want more help crafting your resume to show your skills and experiences, get more information on the WayUp Guide and check out this article on ways to tweak your resume.

2. Work Experience Doesn’t Count For Nothing

Okay, maybe you haven’t had an internship, and maybe you haven’t had a job that made you commute, sit at a desk or do any of the typical requirements. Maybe, like me, you were a camp counselor, tutor, nanny, dog walker, pet sitter or something completely removed from an office experience. Guess what? That’s OK! In fact, it is more than OK; it’s great.

Employers understand that a lot of internships are unpaid, and a lot of students (like me) need that money they make over school breaks. They also understand that regardless of the experience, those skills are transferable.

For example, say you were a nanny and now you are applying to work in marketing. Perhaps you haven’t had to work on a social media campaign deadline, but you are great at being flexible and adapting to your surroundings; when a kid cries, you jump into action, you think quickly on your feet when some sort of ruckus occurs and you’ve even learned to lead. Getting kids to listen to you is a huge challenge, and if you can do that, then you can definitely get your co-workers or whichever client you are pitching to listen to your ideas.

3. Work Ethic Goes a Long Way

One thing that employers love to see is employees willing to put in the extra work and go that extra mile. Maybe it means coming in 10 minutes earlier every morning, formatting a presentation style because you found out that the company you’re pitching to uses red in its logo or working hard and grinding away at everyday tasks. 

I challenge you to take that extra step. Show your employer that you can put in that extra effort, get up a littler earlier or work a little later and notice little details that may help in the long run and perhaps prove to be essential. Hard work really does go a long way!

4. Willingness To Learn Is Essential

Don’t be afraid to be wrong. Take chances, make mistakes and ask questions. Before you go into an interview, make sure you look up the company beforehand, have questions ready for the employer and show them that you are excited to learn.

When an interviewer asks you questions about experience in areas in which you may have none, ask them where you could learn to do that skill, figure out who you could talk to, where you could take a course or even just tell them you are willing to learn.  Most managers want to see employees with ambition; they want their workers to take initiative, and with this go getter attitude, you are sure to impress an interviewer; it’ll help the team improve as a whole, so don’t shy away!

If you haven’t had that dream internship yet, don’t freak out; there’s still plenty of time to get one if you want or need one, and you already have a lot going for you!

The post 4 Things to Remember If You Haven’t Had an Internship Yet (and You’re Freaking Out) appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

I grew up in a household where we were taught a job is literally just a job. You have to have one in order to pay bills, put a roof over your head and put food on your table. What do you do, though, when the mentality your parents raised you with has flown out the window? How do you explain that to people?

A job is no longer just a job to me. I’m not aiming to jump at another stepping stone. I’m aiming for the boulder labeled “Career”. Of course, I’ve always been a job hunter. I’ve always been on the lookout for a newer, better, more exciting occupation and opportunity. However, those opportunities seemed to always come to me in the form of a job I couldn’t really move up in.

Before I moved to Colorado, I had several phone interviews for jobs in Colorado. The initial interview would go great. I’d even get a call back to set up a face-to-face meet with the manager. The issue, though, was that I wasn’t sure any of the jobs I’d interviewed for were truly what I wanted to do. I’m not a call center type. I’m not really a marketer. I don’t want to do door-to-door sales.

I had three phone interviews in the two-week timeframe before I moved to my new home. Each employer said the same thing to me: “Well, we really need you to fly out here for a couple days so we can get you through the interview process.”  In the back of my mind, I knew I should comply with what each employer wanted me to do. After all, I needed a job. The bottom line was that I didn’t really want any of those jobs. It wasn’t worth the flight expenses or the hotel expenses. Not a single one of them. For me, I just reasoned if I was going to spend my hard-earned, hard-to-save dollars to fly to Denver and back plus the hotel expenses, that job had better be exactly what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.

For the last four years, I have gotten so used to working with the general public face-to-face. My specialty and focus since graduating with my first degree has been customer service and communications…though I’ve always considered myself a writer and more creative type. I’m from an extremely small town in Iowa. Moving wasn’t easy for me, but I wouldn’t say it was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do. What’s made the move even more difficult, though, is not wanting to settle for just any job but knowing eventually I might have to.

There are several little things I’ve learned in the past several weeks as I’ve combed through every job board site you can think of. The most important—in my opinion—are the following:

1. Do Things That Are “Optional” and Put Your All Into Everything

As I was applying for jobs, I noticed the only jobs I was receiving a call back on were the ones where I included a cover letter with my resume, even if it was just an optional part of the application. I’d also recommend making sure to double and triple check any documents you send in to a potential employer.  Have two or three other individuals check over your application materials and if you want to be the best applicant ever, I’ve also noticed saving these documents in PDF form has won me a few brownie points here and there.

(And for more tips on tiny resume tricks that make a huge difference, we’ve got 37 of them in this blog post.)

2. Having More Than One Type of Resume Is Great—Not Misleading

Do you have expertise in more than one area? For instance, I’ve got experience in communications, writing/editing, customer service, and sales. I have two separate resumes: One for the communications and writing and one for the customer service and sales. This is completely okay. I have a lot more experience in several other areas, but I list those in the ‘Skills’ section of my resumes.

3. Do Your Research

Look into a company before you apply for the job. I made the mistake of not doing any research at all for one company. I went in for a face-to-face interview my first week in Colorado and the job turned out not being anything like what I thought it was going to be. Needless to say, though I was hired for the position, I had to turn it down and was kicking myself for letting the process get that far.

4. If You’re Given the Chance to Interview With a Company, Take It

Interviews are experience, and experience prepares you for whatever could come next. Not sure you want to take the job? There’s no harm in going in for the interview. If, by the end of the interview, you feel as if it just isn’t a position for you, there’s no harm done. You can still tell the employer in a professional way you just don’t feel as if you’re the person for the job. I’ve had to do it twice in the last two weeks. Often people starting their careers forget that interviews are a two-way street. The employer gets to learn more about you, and you get to learn more about them as a prospective employee. This is a great time to get a real feel of your potential employer! Keep that in mind!

5. Know That You Have to Start Somewhere (But That Doesn’t Mean You Shouldn’t Be Careful)

Unless you do have 30 years of experience, you’ll start small in most companies. This is oftentimes why I stick with the mentality of a job being a job. We need the experience to work our way up or to apply for the careers we truly want.

That said, beware of smoke and mirrors.  In many cases, a potential employer may make a job sound better than it really is. If you feel like a job is too good to be true, ask questions. Get specific with your interviewer. Be curious. If they don’t have the answers, give them your email and tell them you need the answers. You always want to be aware of what it is you’re getting yourself into. Questions are a great way to weed out jobs, so you can find your dream job.

For any individual out there trying to find the perfect career fit for them, I can’t sugarcoat it: It’s difficult. I’m sure for some individuals things may just fall into place for them. That isn’t the case with every individual, though. Be aware, research and make necessary adjustments to any and all application materials. Know your worth, know your boundaries and know your surroundings.

Job hunting isn’t hard.  Career hunting can be, though.  Make sure you do plenty of research, tweak your resumes and other application materials and realize you may have to work your way up in any career field.  Keep a positive attitude and a bright personality, and always be ready to ask or answer questions.

The post What I’ve Learned About the Job Hunt From Reading 100 Job Listings This Month appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

Tech jobs in Silicon Valley, and throughout the rest of the world, are some of the most sought after positions for new and recent graduates today. It is imperative that you give 110% in your job search efforts and remember that persistence is key. Only one word comes to mind when applying for jobs in tech: “HUSTLE”! We’ve come up with a framework outlined below that will teach you how to hustle your way into a job in tech.

(Note: This blueprint does NOT have to be followed in the exact order presented)

H – HOMEWORK

U – UNLOCK opportunities

S – STAND out

T – TALK to people

L – LEVEL up

E – EXPLAIN your story

H  – HOMEWORK

Doing your “homework” for your tech job search simply means doing more in-depth research on the sector(s) you have chosen and coming up with a list of target companies.

Become a sector expert

A follow-up to “Choose Your Path” in Chapter 1, going in-depth about each specific industry sub-sector within tech that interests you is very important when preparing for interviews. You should perform various google searches about the sector, or visit sites like Venture Scanner Sector Maps and Quora to find out how the specific industry’s ecosystem is organized, which are the major companies within a specific sector, what are the must-read industry specific publications / blogs, and who are the superstar executives in the space.

Compile a list of target companies

A good first step in the company research process is to gather a list of companies that interest you. You can use free or freemium resources like crunchbase.com, angel.co, or even glassdoor.com, to find companies that fit your criteria and get a sense for the reputation.

Once a set of companies is found, the next step would be to look for open positions on the company websites.

Lastly, narrow down this list by taking a closer look at each to weed out any companies with major red flags. Below is a list of questions that will help you get started in this analysis:

How much money has the company raised?

It is important to know this so you can assess the level of risk you will be taking by joining the team.

Who are their investors? Who is the lead investor?

A question primarily for small companies. You want to know if the investors behind the company are well regarded as this is usually a signal that there will be support for the management team.

How long do employees typically stay?

If you look at employee profiles on LinkedIN and find that several employees have quit abruptly in the past year (stayed less than 3-6 months), that may signal something is not quite right at the company.

How do customers feel about this product or service? Would I buy or use it?

If the company sells a product or service that is widely known to be unimpressive or something you would never use, it is probably not a place you should seek employment.

What is the company’s overall reputation in the industry?

It is a good idea to search for any recent news articles or blog posts about the company to get insight into how things are going.

U – UNLOCK opportunities

“Unlocking” the opportunities simply means that you not only have to search by company but also by job opening. After all your target you can’t possibly sift through every single company that exists! Knowing where to go for the best startup jobs is a crucial tool in your job hunt. To give yourself an edge over your competition, know where to go up front.

Some of the best places to look are: LinkedIn, Startup.ly, Hired and Jobr.

S – STAND out

In order to land a job in tech it is important to stand out from the crowd. Again, these jobs are super competitive and hiring managers and recruiters receive tons of applications for each role. A simple email with a resume attached will probably not do the trick. Moreover, it is important to have a presence online so that people can understand how you think and what you are passionate about. Lastly, samples of your work product will also serve you well to stand apart from the herd.

Resumes & Portfolios

A Few Good Resume Templates (Use these sites to create beautiful, simple resumes in minutes):

• KickResume
• OverLeaf Templates
• INeedAResume

A Few Good Portfolio Templates:

• Format
• Blurb
• Squarespace

Web Presence

Blogging: Keeping your own personal blog is a must when you are just beginning a career in tech. This puts you on the “radar” and help you join the conversation at large. People with the power to hire you can use your previous writings to understand the way you think, assess your level of curiosity and passion, determine if you have the basic qualifications for a job, and much more.

Social Media: Twitter and LinkedIN are the most important social media platforms for you job search in the tech world. It is important to have a presence on each of these sites as they each offer the chance to network, display your intellect, and learn about new opportunities and trends.

Branding: While each of the elements in this section contribute to your personal brand, it is important to note a few key items that can help polish off your public persona:

• Make sure all of your social media handles are consistent so that you are easily recognizable
• Purchase a personal domain and build a simple site for a quick reference guide about who you are
• Take professional headshots (it’s worth the extra effort!)

T – TALK to people

“It’s not what you know, but who you know”. This quotation has never been more accurate than when looking for jobs in tech. Qualifications and skills will only get you so far, and proper NETWORKING is the only way to get to the finish line. Here are the key components to effective networking for a job in tech.

Nurture your existing connections

Your network is most likely bigger than you think. Have you thought about all of your family members, friends, neighbors, co-workers, teachers, fellow church members, and even casual acquaintances? Go through your social media accounts, contact list, and email to collect names.

Ask for advice, not a job: It is important to not make your contact feel ambushed, so ask for information or insight instead. This way they become an ally and are more invested in your success.

Be authentic & considerate. The goal is to be “you”, and be honest about your interests and goals. However, you also need to be mindful of the other person’s time.  If you are talking to a busy professional then keep your conversation short and summarize your ask.

Prioritize strongest contacts.  Start by engaging the people in your trusted inner circle to help you fill in the gaps in your network. List the people who are crucial to your network—people you know who can and have been very important to you.

Create a process for connecting. Make connecting a habit. Keep a running list of people you need to reconnect with and make your way down the list.

Always try to reciprocate. Successful networking is a two-way street, and the goal is to form a set of mutually beneficial relationships. That means it is a game of give and take. Send a thank you note, ask them about their family, email an article you think they might be interested in, and check in periodically to see how they’re doing.

Follow-up

This is where most people fall short. The follow-up is the most crucial component to effective networking. No matter if you are setting up coffees with existing connections, meeting people at conferences, making new friends in industry-related groups, or cold emailing hiring managers, the only way to make sure you keep the connection alive and demonstrate enthusiasm is by following up. Most people you meet will be very busy and will have other priorities, therefore, it is important that you make the effort to follow up in your communications.

L – LEVEL up

In order to land a role in tech it is important to make sure that you strengthen the specific skills required for each role. We do a deep dive of what those skills are in Chapter 2. You can think of Chapter 2 as a “study guide” for each of the roles outlined in the last chapter. This chapter consists of lists of skills, tools, tutorials, courses, books, blogs and podcasts to help you get and keep your job in tech.

E – EXPLAIN your story

Your story is crucial to your job search, and it will be used in phone calls, casual meetings, informational interviews, and formal interviews. Research also suggests that interviewers often make hiring decisions subconsciously within the first 2-3 minutes. Therefore, your story needs to be 2-3 minutes long and it needs to include enough information clearly convey: who you are and why you are here? Crafting your story simply means summarizing the following points:

Your Start
Your Spark
Your Interest
Your Ambition
Your Future

Getting into tech can take a lot of leg work up front, but using the H.U.S.T.L.E. framework can help you realize outsized results!

The post H.U.S.T.L.E. Your Way Into Tech appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

Job interviews are stressful enough as it is: Your hands sweat the whole time, you stumble through your answers and you develop a stutter that came without warning, so don’t even get me started on what you should be doing before you even head to an interview.

Some might overlook the entire interview preparation process, but as a college senior who has been to dozens of interviews, I have plenty of horror stories that could’ve been easily avoided had I taken more time pre-interview to get it together. Trust me, you don’t want to repeat what I did.

1. I Missed an Interview and Then Lied About It

After applying and hearing back for an internship at a local radio station during finals week of my junior year, I ended up missing the scheduled interview because I mixed up the days. After reading the email confirming the interview and not writing it down, I ended up realizing it only an hour after it was supposed to happen.

I told the employer that a final had ran late, so I couldn’t make it that afternoon and rescheduled for a later date. Moral of the story? Triple-check when your interviews are (WayUp actually has an interviewing scheduling tool), and more than anything, don’t lie!

2. I Wore a T-Shirt With Half-Naked Marilyn Monroe on It

Over the summer, I usually live and work somewhere other than where I go to school, and employers usually want to interview people in April or May. It would be a bit of a commute to interview across the country and make it back for class all in the same day, so thankfully, some employers will agree to a video interview.

This all seems straightforward enough, but in my case, I not only forgot what time the interview was, but because of this, I also had to rush to the interview donning a t-shirt that had a scantily clad celebrity on it.

That day, I wore a shirt featuring a half-naked Marilyn Monroe but planned on changing well before my interview that afternoon. In the span of a minute, my dog began to uncontrollably bark at the innocent UPS man at the door and my future employer video-called me for our interview. He not only saw my black lab barking like Cujo but also the unmistakable figure of Marilyn printed on my body.

Note to self: On the day of an interview, don’t wear a shirt featuring half-naked Marilyn.

On top of noting down when the interview is scheduled, if you have a video call interview scheduled, don’t wear anything scandalous. Stick to the professional clothing as much as you can that day because they could end up calling earlier than you expected.

3. I Didn’t Research a Company Beforehand (and Almost Joined a Scam)

Last summer, I applied to a position with a company that was looking for active participants interested in helping with the protection of Minnesota’s ecosystems. Of course, the Captain Planet inside me screamed with excitement and I agreed to an interview without even really looking into the company.

That was a mistake.

Showing up to an interview without knowing exactly what the company does would be like showing up to a midterm without having ever showed up for class. This is also a very good time to recommend at least looking into employee reviews that you can find with a simple Google search.

After doing the research after my interview, it turns out, the company that had reached out to me lures optimistic college students in with hopes of saving the world and what not, but it doesn’t actually do anything outdoors other than make employees canvass in local communities. This meant going door-to-door asking people if they would like to donate and learn more about protecting their local ecosystems from pollution and construction projects. They also had thousands of one-star ratings all across the board and were known to fire people if they didn’t meet their quotas of signatures each week.

The bottom line? Lots of time and energy would’ve been saved on my part and their part if I’d just headed to Google before heading over the the job application and subsequent interview.

4. I Lied on My Resume

While working at a call center for a test scheduling company one summer, it was mildly embarrassing to explain to my supervisor that my fluency in Spanish and French that were listed on my resume extended to the comprehension of two semesters of each in school.

During the interview, I knew I was under-qualified for the position so I added a couple things that I thought would make me look better. I was far from fluent in both French and Spanish, and once I started the job, I’d forward all of the non-English calls I got to some other representative. Part of the reason I had to eventually go to my boss was out of guilt for not being able to help those innocent callers, but also because there had been a growing number of Spanish calls being forwarded around to tellers and nobody knew who was doing it. Yikes.

Lying on your resume is a horrible practice that could lead you to becoming the office embarrassment for a place you don’t even work at. Noting that you have skills and experience you actually don’t have in your arsenal could lead to some pretty awful situations. You’ll be put on the spot and have to make a stage exit similar to Ashlee Simpson getting caught lip-syncing her own songs on Saturday Night Live.

5. I Came Off Too Cocky

If I were an employer, humility would be one of the golden traits that I would look for in a future employee. Nobody likes the overly cocky office tool who talks about his weekends partying with D-list celebrities and puts on his sunglasses before leaving the building. Don’t be that guy.

While interviewing with the owners of a quirky hat shop in a hipster-populated area of Minneapolis, I didn’t realize until after that I had talked myself up way more than what was necessary. I had answered every one of their questions while somehow making it relevant to something about me (and not in a good “self-promotion is awesome!” way).

I am far from the D-list-celebrity-partying-sunglasses-in-the-office guy, but I had just come from working in a leadership position elsewhere, and I was still living off of my past glory. The hiring managers had apparently thought the same thing and didn’t offer me a position after thinking I could just survive off of my ego.

Cockiness can be a very hard trait to overcome because, like myself, you’re proud of all the accomplishments you’ve achieved so far in life. We all get that you’re proud, but don’t live in the past. Employers are looking for those interested in making a change in their life with the help of their company. They don’t care about all of the great things that happened in your last job; they’re looking for someone open to new experiences and looking to the future. It’s not healthy to be living in the past, and it can also deter you from getting that much desired job.

Everyone has their own interview horror story, but it’s important to realize what went wrong and how you can improve for the future. Learning from your mistakes and making sure no careless errors are made could land you the dream job you’ve always wanted. As for me? Let’s just say I’m googling companies way earlier now, and I put that Marilyn Monroe t-shirt in the back of my closet.

The post 5 Totally Avoidable (and Utterly Cringe-Worthy) Mistakes I’ve Made In Job Interviews appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

Tomorrow’s the big job interview and you need a quick refresher on tips and tricks to set yourself apart from the others. Quickly surfing the internet, you find that there are thousands of articles handing out perfectly crafted answers to the most basic and expected interview questions.  

However, there is one answer to a question you can’t simply steal from the internet: The infamous “elevator pitch,” a broader version of the good, old-fashioned “Tell me about yourself.” It’s a basic question commonly mistaken as a slam dunk (after all, you know how to talk about yourself, right?), but it can throw even the best interviewees off their game. You may ask yourself, where do I begin?  What is my interviewer looking for in my answer? Thanks to the elevator pitch, you’ll have all your questions (and your interviewer’s) answered, all in one.

First Thing’s First, Remember to Keep It Short ‘n’ Sweet

Because your future employer doesn’t need a history lesson about your past, merely sprinkle the highlights, preferably the ones best representative of your skill set, goals and work ethic.  

Introducing the elusive elevator pitch, where you pretend you’re in an elevator with your interviewer and have roughly 30 seconds to leave the best possible impression of yourself before reaching your hypothetical floor.

Just like being on a date, your interviewer wants to know what your intentions are. Are you going to be in it for the long haul or is this all fun and games for you? A good place to start is to articulate your goals in the context of the industry of the job you’re applying for.

Ask yourself, what is it that you’re striving for? Buying a big house one day and sleeping on a pile of cash is not a goal, but a fantasy. A goal is something to be achieved in growing as an individual or a milestone to be reached in order to measure your progress and success. A well-developed goal is one that is specific but reachable and broad enough to guarantee a little wiggle room.  

Now that you’re thinking about the point of your elevator pitch, here’s how to break it down in 30 seconds.

Seconds 0-10: So, What’s the Plan?

Once you’ve established your goals, explain your plan of action in 10 seconds. How do you expect to get where you want to go? This is the point in which you display your ideas for the future, driven by your insatiable will to succeed, fueled by the harbored passion already invested in your interest for the industry. What are you doing to make these goals your reality?

Seconds 10-20: Great Ideas, But Why Do We Need You?

In the next 10-15 seconds, explain what exactly makes you crucial to any operation. Why can’t this employer just take your ideas and hire somebody else to execute them? You need to figure out what makes you indispensable to the team. Allow your uniqueness to shine through; what is it that got you here today? As far as I know, you have access to the internet in order to read this article, so you must be doing pretty well.

Second 20-30: Wait, Who Are You Again?

Finally, in your last 5-10 seconds, end with something memorable, something that leaves your interviewer reeling even after the interview is long over and he or she is sitting silently in their dimly lit kitchen over a late night cup of tea.

One of my favorite ways is to leave them with a question or comment centered on genuine interest in the job. A good question would be one that shows your interviewer you’re definitely wanting to excel; it can also make you seem knowledgable regardless of your qualifications.

If you’re lacking experience, for example, a good follow up question when you’re applying to a local government-related position would be, “I have experience collaborating with others and taking leadership roles in social projects through my Rotary volunteer club; would it be difficult to jump right into facilitating policymaking on a larger scale?” It can leave an impression on your interviewer that you are prepared and capable and that you know exactly what you’re talking about.

With this breakdown of the elevator pitch, you’ll be able to confidently paint the picture of yourself, where you’ve been, who are you now and where you’re headed, all with the potential employer in mind, therefore, aligning with what he or she is looking for in a future employee.  

Here’s an Example

“I am a [academic year] student at [name of college]. I was involved in set design and costume making for student run play productions in our drama department. I’m really interested in working on more of the creative and administrative sides of technical theater and was set manager for our most recent musical. I love the collaboration and teamwork behind set designing and modeled our last set for [insert production name] after my own grandmother’s living room. Because I’ve worked on these smaller projects in smaller venues, I’m wondering how different the pace is when applying what I’ve already learned to a much larger production, hence why I was so interested in [name of role].”

Feel free to head to the WayUp Guide for more information and examples.

Cheers to never being tongue-tied again.

The post How to Answer One of the Hardest Interview Questions in 30 Seconds appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

When looking through job or internship listings, it can be easy to miss several pieces of key information, especially if you’re in a hurry to apply.

While every part of a job listing is meant to give you insight, some things are often forgotten about by applicants until much later in the hiring process. Below I’ve compiled a list of some of the most important things to look for in any job listing (and to ask an employer about if you don’t see them mentioned).

1. Listed Benefits

Check to see what kind of benefits are included with the job besides your stipend or salary, such as healthcare, compensation, insurance, vacation time, sick days, professional development and in-office benefits (like free food or a nap room). They might not all be listed, and that’s something you can ask about in an interview.  

Also, check out what is listed as starting pay and make sure you understand if there are any other components of a salary to be aware of (like commissions or bonuses).

2. Commute

Sometimes applicants get so excited about an opportunity that they don’t ask several important questions about their commute:

• Where will you be working? Is it far from where you live, and how much will the commute cost you?
• Will you be able to drive or use another mode of transportation to get there on time every day? How long is the commute and how bad does traffic get?
• Will your employers expect you to relocate for the company or travel for business trips?
• Are you able to work from home at all, or do you need to be in the office every day?

One thing you can check on is if there are carpool options, whether it’s with neighbors or co-workers. You can also ask what measures the company will take in order to help you get to work, such as commuter benefits or a company car or shuttle.

3. General Role Expectations

Often the expectations reflect strongly on what the company represents, so it’s good to know before applying what will be expected of you once you start the job. This is especially important given that responsibilities can differ great from company to company, even if two people have similar job titles.

For instance, an editorial intern at one company could be spending most time uploading and proofreading articles, while another one spend lots of time writing articles.

To make sure the role expectations are in line with what you’re looking for, here are some questions to ask yourself:

• What type of work must you accomplish each day?
• Based on the listing, are your days very goal-driven, or is there some room for longer-term projects?

Remember that if you don’t like your core responsibilities, chances are, you won’t like the job as a whole, either.

4. Skills and Experience Required

There are generally two types of skill requirements: Need-to-haves and nice-to-haves.  Don’t bother applying for a position if you don’t have the need-to-haves skills, but realize that the nice-to-haves are things that will help you stand out. Requirements can be a range of things, including language, computer, medical, and personal skills, but it’s a good idea to check what is required of you before pursuing the job.

The bottom line? Don’t apply if you don’t possess any of the skills or experience a job needs.

5. Application Instructions

What do you need to do in order to apply, and what is the deadline to apply? Many employers will ask for something extra as well, such as a cover letter, a list of recommendations or supplemental questions or requests, so be sure you read a listing carefully so that you don’t miss anything.

Make sure that you have plenty of time to gather everything required in the posting and submit it.  It’s especially helpful to submit application materials early, but the most important thing is that they’re at least on time.

As I mentioned earlier, most job postings won’t have all of these listed, but make sure you look through the listing several times. Gather the information you can and use that to guide you through the rest of the hiring process.

The post Are You Missing These 5 Things When You Read Job Listings? appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

At this point, you’re probably well into your fall semester and settled into your classes and extracurriculars. But if you’re looking for an easy way to make extra cash and gain amazing work experience, we’ve got a treat for you.

We’ve rounded up 10 of the coolest paid (yes, PAID!) campus rep positions on WayUp right now for you to check out, and they’re hiring students from all over the country. Take a look, apply, and get ready to watch that cash roll in.

1. Campus Ambassador, Facebook

Yes, you’re reading this correctly: Social media giant Facebook is hiring Campus Ambassadors on WayUp. You’ll earn $15 per hour helping Facebook test its new College Communities product. Apply now.

2. Campus Rep, Trusted

As a Campus Rep for Trusted, you’ll be identifying child care providers, promoting job opportunities, and meeting with program managers to discuss your marketing tactics.

You’ll make $15 per hour in this role. Apply now.

3. Campus Rep, Fullstack Academy

In the position of Campus Rep for Fullstack Academy, you’ll be finding quality students to apply for the company’s Summer of Code program, promoting campus meetups for the program, and finding new ways to market Fullstack Academy’s offerings on your campus.

For your efforts, you’ll receive $500 per referral in addition to hourly rates for specific events. Apply now.

4. Campus Rep, NEU

NEU Campus Reps are tasked with reaching out to different groups of students on campus and setting them up with custom apparel orders. You’ll receive a 10% commission for every sale you make, and some reps have made up to $2,000 in a single semester. Apply now.

5. Brand Ambassador, Instacart

Live in Austin? On-demand delivery service Instacart is on the hunt for Brand Ambassadors to recruit new shoppers and bring brand awareness to their respective campus. (And if you’re not in Austin, Instacart is also looking for reps in Boston and San Francisco.)

The pay’s pretty sweet, too: You’ll get $100 for every shopper you refer. Apply now.

6. Campus Rep, CollegeTown Promos

You’ll be building the CollegeTown brand around your campus and coming up with your own marketing strategies. Even cooler, you get a 5% commission on all sales as well as an extra 2% commission on sales made by other reps you recruit.  Apply now.

7. Campus President, Society for Collegiate Leadership & Achievement

The Society for Collegiate Leadership & Achievement is looking to create chapters at colleges nationwide. In exchange for setting up a chapter on your campus and creating awareness, you’ll receive a $500 annual stipend, free SCLA membership, and a letter of recommendation. Apply now.

8. Campus Rep, Textbook Valet

Textbook Valet will pay you to ensure students use its technologies at the end of the semester to sell their textbooks and generate awareness around campus.

And get this: Many students earn up to $1,200 during finals week off of the program’s 20% commission rate. Apply now.

9. Campus Ambassador, WeRally

Love social media and want to learn more about how to market an amazing app to thousands of young people? WeRally, a platform that helps you get together with friends, is looking for Campus Ambassadors to market its app on campuses nationwide.

You’ll get a $200 sign-on bonus, plus at least $250 per month and free swag. Apply here.

10. Brand Ambassador, OXO

Love to immerse yourself in a company’s mission? OXO is looking for talented Brand Ambassadors to show off its kitchenwares and other products to potential customers. You’ll earn $15 (and $60 for four-hour demos), business cards, and free products in addition to sales and marketing experience. Apply now.

These campus rep positions are just the beginning; surf thousands of listings curated just for you on WayUp!

The post 10 Paid (Yes, PAID!) Campus Rep Programs Looking for College Students Now appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

When I was a freshman in college, I heard about the career center, and while I passed the door to the office every day on my way to class, I never dared to venture inside. It wasn’t until the middle of my sophomore that I made an appointment with the office, and my only regret is that I didn’t go sooner. Other students I know have other career regrets and wish that someone had given them the heads up when they were just starting college.

While every college differs, there are lots of career opportunities on campus that I guarantee most students are not leveraging. What are the top three? Check them out for yourself.

1. Talking to Someone in Real-Time About Specific Career Questions

If you have any anxiety about interviews or the interview process or want someone to double-check your resume for typos, don’t fret; many career centers can set up mock interviews with professional counselors, and they have staff on hand who can give your resume that final look. This will help you prepare answers to frequently asked interview questions while also working on your etiquette and attire, and they can pick up on things you didn’t catch in application materials.

Furthermore, don’t underestimate how much other people on campus, like professors or administrators, can also answer questions you may have about a specific field. The bottom line? There’s a lot more help out there than you think, and you should take it!

2. Learning About On-Campus Events

Before I went to the career center at my school, I didn’t even know where to start. I didn’t know that it had a website or a student portal where I could sign up for lectures, workshops, information sessions, or conferences.

Many students aren’t aware of the breadth of opportunities available to them on campus that could really help their careers. For instance, the career center or an academic department could bring a renowned expert in the field you hope to pursue to you. Why wouldn’t you take the chance to see what that industry is all about? Keep an eye out for posters, and see if there’s a specific email list or Facebook group you can follow to get these types of updates.

3. Getting in Touch With Helpful Alumni and Parents

Additionally, the career center or alumni office can put you in contact with alumni, both recently graduated and further along in their careers, with similar goals and aspirations as you. You can also get in contact with parents of fellow students so you can find out if their companies are hiring.

In addition, finding out your dislikes is important, and talking to as many people as possible (and using their connections to snag a job or internship) can be crucial. The career center and your college’s alumni network don’t just want to just help you find a job that pays the bills; they want to help you find a job that you will love. To do that, it is important to understand what you don’t want to do.

For example, I have an older friend who was dead set on majoring in biology, so for two years, she took nothing but science courses. After checking out her options, she got some help getting internships working in labs, shadowing doctors, typing up reports, the works. She had all these great opportunities and experiences, but through them, she realized that the professions that suited a biology major were not for her. She changed her major to creative writing and never looked back, and she wouldn’t have been able to do that without the exposure she got.

And let’s face it, all of us college students really want to prove that our parents are wrong and we are, right? Right?

Forging ahead with your career while on campus is an overwhelmingly positive thing that will do nothing but enhance your overall college experience. Get started sooner rather than later!

The post Here Are the 3 On-Campus Career Resources Most Students Ignore appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

According to Staff.com, 92% of companies use social media for their recruitment, with one in three employers rejecting candidates based on something they found in their social profiles.

Social media greatly enhances your ability to present yourself effectively, establish connections with people in your career and reach out to professionals and employers. Who wouldn’t want to take advantage of this? Most people are not sure how, but the tips you need to land your dream job using your favorite sites like Instagram, Facebook and Twitter are outlined below.

1. Make Your “Brand” the Same on All Social Platforms

Chances are you probably have more than one social media profile, so if you’re trying to look professional for employers, be sure that the “branding” of your accounts is the same throughout.

Use the same profile picture or avatar as well as a cover photo if the social media site calls for one, and try to score the same handle everywhere if you can swing it. Every single post should support your goals in some way.

2. Use Hashtags and Join Groups/Chats

Using hashtags on platforms such as Instagram and Twitter allows you to connect with like-minded peers who can help you in your field, people in your field who you can look up to for guidance or better yet, people who are looking for your skill set. Make use of Twitter, Google+ and Facebook to create and/or follow groups related to your college or areas of study/work. Doing so will help you create a network.

Think of it this way: Even if you are qualified for a job, you might not get it because the employer was introduced to someone else or knew someone else who was also available to take the position. It’s all about making strong connections and building a strong network.

3. Reach Out to Professionals and Employers

Follow and connect with people you admire (or even want to work for) on social media, as it makes it easier to connect offline.

Think this approach sounds intimidating? It definitely works! Take, for example, Kristie Dash, a then-college student who followed every magazine editor on Twitter before reaching out about internships at their respective publications. By sending then-Teen Vogue editor Eva Chen an email with a subject line that referred to one of her tweets, she landed an interview (and then an internship!) at Teen Vogue.

4. Use Tools to Manage Your Media Smoothly

There’s one complaint you hear all the time from people about their social media: “There so much of it that I can’t keep up with it all the time!”

The good news is, you don’t have to.

There are many apps you can use to help you get to know your audience (and employers), so that you can decide how to best appeal to them. Tools such as Buffer and Hootsuite can help you schedule and manage your social media posts for free and give you valuable insights, and if you want more help learning how to become a social media aficionado, there’s a great infographic here that breaks down all the potential tools you can use.

Remember, three out of four hiring managers and recruiters check candidates’ social profiles, making it more imperative than ever that your profiles are professional, consistent and connected in order to launch your dream career!

The post 4 Quick Social Media Tricks That Will Get You Hired appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

When you’re looking for full-time opportunities after graduation, it can be confusing to figure out where the best place is to relocate. After all, just because a city is big doesn’t mean it has the best entry-level jobs available, nor the biggest abundance of opportunities, but now, there’s data to back up where you should be going instead.

Abodo, an apartment hunting startup, recently conducted a study on five industries that are growing well above national industry average of 4.47% in the country’s top 25 cities:

• Community and social service
• Computer science and mathematics
• Healthcare
• Construction and extraction
• Arts, design, entertainment, sports and media

The results? There may be more interesting cities to go to for your career than you think.

For example, if you want to go into arts and media, cities like Seattle, Columbus and Denver are incredibly viable options that you may not have even known had rich media scenes.

What are some open job listings in unconventional places currently looking for recent grads? Here are a few places that might be perfect for you:

• Ogilvy & Mather wants a Community Manager based in Chicago.
• Paradeigm is looking for a Graphic Designer in San Diego.
• Traipse is on the hunt for a Communications and Creative Content Associate in Staunton, Virginia.

Or, if you’re looking for a computer science job, did you know that Phoenix, Dallas, Boston and Denver also have great opportunities for you to check out? 

If you’re looking for potential opportunities in these cities, here are a few options you can apply for right now on WayUp:

• TripAdvisor is hiring Software Engineers in Boston.
• Adobe is looking for Technical Engineers and Data Scientists in a number of cities, including Seattle.
• Keyence Corporation is looking for Technical Sales Representatives across the nation.

Long story short? There are plenty of amazing cities in the U.S. that can give you a great start to your career (and also keep your cost of living down). There’s no reason to feel like you have to be in a certain city to be successful.

And if you want to see the rest of the research, check out Abodo’s findings here.

The post Are You Job Searching in the Wrong City for Your Industry? appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

Every year, top students from all over the U.S. compete for the highly-coveted summer analyst and associate positions at top tier investment banks. It is not uncommon for Wall Street interns to turn their 10-week long summer stint into a full-time offer from their respective firm.

Goldman Sachs’ 10-week summer internship is no different as it is the major feeder for its full-time analyst and associate programs. However, Goldman is viewed as the “top of the top,” as far as investment banks are concerned, and an internship there is considered the Holy Grail for many ambitious future bankers. It has been reported that more than 15,000 people apply for the Goldman Sachs investment banking summer internship program, and that the program has an acceptance rate of only around 2%.

So what’s the bottom line…what does it take to actually get an internship at Goldman? While there are numerous resources out there, and sometimes even an overload of information, we will provide the blueprint (an entire chapter, in fact!) to put you on the right path.

First, you need to understand the specs of the actual job:

• Salary:
  • Base salary for an investment banking analyst is about $85,000, according to Glassdoor. Interns get paid based on a pro-rated first-year analyst’s salary, which comes to over $16,000. Not bad for a 10 week haul!

• Job Description:
  • Spend 10 weeks working in the Investment Banking Division, from financial modeling to attending client meetings, in some cases, with the potential for a full-time job offer.

• Job Requirements:
  • Rising college junior or, more typically, senior. You don’t need a business or finance background but should be interested in banking. Be able to explain why you’d like to work at Goldman and to emphasize personal qualities that would help you in the role.

Next, you will need to understand the interview process:

• Application:
  • Goldman has a “rolling” application. This means they will accept applications past the deadline indicated on the website ….but the earlier you apply the better! (Dec. 4, 2016 is the deadline for all undergrads).
  • You can also apply online directly through the company website

• First Round:

• • GS has introduced the Video Interview into their process for the first round. You will need to pre-record a video of yourself answering a prompt given by the recruiting team. It is important to remember that this video will be judged as if it were a live interview, and you must conduct yourself as such.

• Final Round:

• • This will remain the traditional “Superday” where those chosen from the first round will come to the office and undergo a series of interviews. The interviews will likely last for 30 minutes each and there will be 2 people who work in ibanking full time in each one. Those selected generally get offers within a day or two of their Superdays.

Lastly, you will need to understand what to focus on:

• Study the firm: You should study the “Who We Are” section of the firm’s website and talk to current employees to get a good understanding of how the bank is organized, who the leaders are, and some of the unique aspects of Goldman culture.

• Craft your story: Make sure that you have your 60 second “elevator pitch” down cold. Be able to articulate where you have been, where you are now, and where you plan to go. You story must also incorporate why you are interested in this internship and how your skills are transferrable. (Note: It is important to convey that if given a full-time position, you have made the decision to pursue banking for the long-term).

• Learn the basics of finance: Take advantage of websites like Investopedia and the   Wall Street Journal to gain a basic understanding of finance and financial markets. Knowing the key ways to value a company, the balance sheet equation, and the relationship between bond prices and interest rates would be a good start.

• Remember, it’s a conversation!: The real way to ace an interview is to remain calm and be yourself. If you don’t know the answer to a question then ask for clarification or say that you simply don’t know (but will follow up after the interview when you have researched the answer!). The best candidates show that they are prepared but not rehearsed to the point of sounding robotic. The best hires display a temperament that shows they will work well with others, and get the job done no matter what.

Now, of course, Goldman Sachs isn’t the only place that offers high profile internship programs in banking. There are several premier firms that offer well structured programs that pay well. And these tips will put you at the front of the pack and make you a standout candidate!

Get started now on earning your spot for summer!

The post The Bottom Line: Land a Summer Analyst Internship at Goldman Sachs appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

Whether you’re a college student applying for a part-time job or internship or a recent grad looking for that first full-time job, it can be frustrating to get to the final stages of the hiring process only to get a “nope, sorry” from an employer.

You’re absolutely qualified for the position and had great interviews, so what could’ve possibly gone wrong? Here are three small things you might be doing that are keeping you from getting that offer letter.

1. You Slacked Off on Professionalism

Regardless of how cool a company seems or how chill the hiring manager claims to be, neither of these are excuses for slacking off on your professionalism, especially as you get towards the end of the hiring process.

What are some ways you might be letting a little too loose when you’re interviewing with and talking to a company? Here are several common ones:

• You didn’t match the dress code of the office.
• You treated the hiring manager like a friend instead of a professional and potential employer.
• Your email correspondence was too lax.

No matter who you’re chatting with, remember to keep it polished: Make sure your outfit fits the more formal end of the office dress code, treat every person you meet with the utmost respect, and stay away from slang and emojis.

2. You Were Too Enthusiastic (Or Didn’t Seem Enthusiastic Enough)

One of the trickiest balancing acts of the hiring process is showing that you’re excited and motivated but not coming across as over-eager or creepy. Sending an employer that extra follow-up email could land you an opportunity, but sending too many follow-ups could just as easily lose you that same opportunity.

Where’s the fine line? Here’s a quick primer on everything you need to know about staying in touch with someone who might hire you:

• By all means email a potential employer if that person reaches out to you first, and make sure you do so in a timely manner (preferably within 24 hours)
• Haven’t heard back from someone in a while? You’re free to follow up after five to seven days, and don’t hesitate to reiterate your excitement about the position in your message.
• If you have any important questions for an employer about the position or its responsibilities, it’s okay to email and ask; just make sure your email is short and straightforward.

Other than that, there’s no need keep reaching out to check in.

3. You Didn’t Send a (Good) Thank-You Note

Thank-you notes are a double-edged sword. On the one hand, many employers will take you out of the running for a job if you don’t send one in a timely manner after an interview. But on the other hand, if you send a thank-you note that’s typo-ridden or gives off the wrong vibe, it can also lead to the end of your quest to get hired.

The trick to writing a great thank-you note? Keep it short ‘n’ sweet. Here’s a quick breakdown of the anatomy of the perfect thank-you note or email (and check out our template here):

• Sentence 1: Thank the hiring manager for taking the time to interview you.
• Sentence 2: Highlight one or two things that stuck out from the conversation.
• Sentence 3: Thank the person again, mention that you’re happy to answer any further questions, and say that you look forward to hearing from the company soon.

And before you send it? You know how we feel about this: Proofread, proofread, proofread.

It’s easy to get caught up in the end of the hiring process, but by keeping these three important things in mind as you’re finishing up your job search, nothing will stand in the way of that hiring manager sending you an offer letter.

The post 3 Small Things That Are Keeping You From Getting Hired appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

September’s here, and if you’re looking for a new role to start the fall of on the right foot, you’ve come to the right place.

There are thousands of employers looking for motivated and enthusiastic recent grads, and if you need a place to start, check out these five amazing listings.

1. Product Marketing Manager, Look

Look’s Product Marketing Manager will be wearing a lot of hats: You’ll analyze and interpret user behaviors and in-app experiences, develop product messaging, and work with college-based teams to present the most effective product possible.

And if this doesn’t get you excited, nothing will: Your total compensation package can be as high as $200,000. Apply now.

2. Sales Representative, Kotis Design

If you’re on the hunt for a sales role that also allows you to work on branding and design solutions, you’ve come to the right place. Kotis Designs is looking for an enthusiastic sales rep to find and acquire new potential leads. Apply now.

3. Political Canvasser, Custom Campaigns

Want to see what it’s like to work on a campaign from the ground up? Custom Campaigns is seeking Political Canvassers to get out the vote. You’ll also have the opportunity to meet important elected officials in the Los Angeles area. Apply now.

4. Designer and Project Coordinator, A&E Construction

If you’re looking for a client-facing role, this Designer and Project Manager Coordinator position with A&E Construction may be for you. In the position, you’ll be meeting with clients from sales pitch to completion, working on product selection, and overseeing project development.

Because you’ll be out and about, A&E also offers several benefits, including cell phone and gas reimbursements. Apply now.

5. Sales Representative, IvyStone Group

Want to work in the retail sector? IvyStone Group is looking for a motivated top performer to sell home, lifestyle, and gift products. And in terms of pay, you get a $40,000 base salary plus your commission and benefits. Apply now.

Want to keep searching for the perfect entry-level job? Head to WayUp to see thousands of listings.

The post 5 Entry-Level Jobs That Are Looking for Enthusiastic Recent Grads appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

Looking for a great internship this fall? The good news is, there are plenty of life-changing companies hiring self-motivated and enthusiastic college students this semester. Need a boost finding something amazing? Check out these five listings.

1. Sales and Marketing Intern, Eyediologie

If you want to get the opportunity to see what it’s like to work with corporate clients and gain experience in strategic branding, Eyediologie is looking for a paid Sales and Marketing Intern to help land and maintain new accounts. Apply now.

2. Blogger/Content Intern, CanPlan

CanPlan’s Blogger/Content Intern will conduct research, create content, implement SEO strategy, and track web analytics to gain further insights into audience behavior. It’s a great mix of qualitative and analytical work for anyone who’s looking at media work. Apply now.

3. Global Partnerships Intern, New Story

As New Story’s Global Partnerships Intern, you’ll be given lots of responsibilities by the New Story team vetting new partners, managing a database of current and potential partners, and presenting your findings to the Chief Operating Officer and other team members. Apply now.

4. Dating and Relationships Intern, Underground Unattached

This internship will allow you to get a feel for how so many different parts of a business work. You’ll be meeting and vetting clients, aiding in event planning and production, copy editing marketing materials, coordinating meetings and times with industry experts, and more. Apply now.

5. E-Commerce Intern, 3B International

3B International’s E-Commerce Intern will get to do a little bit of everything. In the role, you’ll help with the day-to-day marketing and management of e-commerce sites, assist in content creation and management, help with social media planning, and monitor the trends and movements of competitors. Apply now.

Still looking for a great fall internship or opportunity? Surf thousands of listings on WayUp with a single click.

The post 5 Great Internship Opportunities Looking for Excited College Students Right Now appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

Putting together your resume is always a struggle, no matter how much or how little work experience you have or where you are in your career. The good news is, other people totally feel your pain and are here to share their struggles.

Below are five recent grads who are sharing the biggest resume mistakes they made, so hopefully you can all avoid them in the future.

1. They Didn’t Use Action Verbs

“I had my resume reviewed by one of my past internship supervisors and he told me that I was lacking action words. When you’re writing your resume, make sure to give yourself credit to all the hard work you’ve done. You didn’t just write for a publication, you ‘pitched,’ ‘managed,’ ‘produced,’ ‘assessed,’ ‘built,’ ‘covered,’ ‘curated,’ and ‘communicated.’ Try to think of different verbs for each point. Get creative with your word choices. Use strong words that help you stand out. Be specific.” – Cassidy, Emerson College ‘16

We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: Use those action verbs, especially if you’re trying to show employers that you’re a strong and effective communicator.

2. They Sent in a Typo-Ridden Resume

“I think the biggest mistake I made was a spelling error for the company I was applying for. Fortunately the woman handling them sent it back and asked me to update before it went to a higher level, but it was so embarrassing especially when you’re in editorial. I learned that even when the job search is tough, you must take time for every single resume/cover letter. No one is going to land an awesome job based on simple mistakes!” – Kaitlin, University of North Carolina-Wilmington ‘15

In addition to quadruple checking the spelling of the hiring manager’s name and the company’s name, be sure to have at least one other person look over your resume, and read your resume out loud (and from the bottom to the top) before you submit.

3. They Left in the Fluff

“My resume once said that I ‘Uploaded content to the site,’ but that’s not impressive in the age of digital media. In fact, it’s sometimes a given. You can put ‘CMS’ in your skills section, sneak it into another bullet, or talk about it in your cover letter if appropriate.” – Emily, University of Florida ‘16

When putting together your resume, think: Is there a more concise way to say what you did? Is there a piece of industry lingo that’ll make you sound more knowledgeable? You could save space and impress a potential employer in the process.

4. They Didn’t Make It Look Interesting

“The biggest resume mistake I made was making mine look just like everyone else’s– the same white background, black text, boring font. Then, I finally used Canva and gave my resume a yellow background and some interesting fonts. I also added links that people can click on– since I’m typically sending it as a PDF. I’ve gotten multiple compliments on it– people are happy to see something that doesn’t look exactly the same!” – Jillian, Boston University ‘15

While you don’t want to go full-on Elle Woods with a pink scented resume, adding a little pizzazz never hurts, and it’ll help your job application stand out from the crowd.

5. They Didn’t Make Their Previous Experiences Sound Different

“I [made] all of my jobs sound too similar. Even though they were all editorial positions, I didn’t do anything to distinguish what I did differently in each role. Later on I edited it to include specific milestones that I made and particular tasks that I performed at each publication or website.” – Barbara, University of Wisconsin-Madison ‘15

When hiring managers looks at your resume, are they able to distinguish your different skills and experiences, or do they see your resume as one big blob? While you don’t want to list every little thing you did, being able to list important takeaways from each role can separate you from the rest of the pack.

Once you’ve gotten your resume up to snuff, it’s time to put it to good use: Apply for thousands of jobs on WayUp right now!

The post 5 Recent Grads Explain the Biggest Resume Mistakes They’ve Made appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

Want to start your fall off right with an amazing entry-level job? You’re in luck: We’ve selected five amazing new listings on WayUp for you to check out now.

1. Sport Writer, View Newspaper Group

Looking to break into the world of journalism and love sports? View Newspaper Group is looking for an amazing Sports Writer to join its award-winning team. If you’re an entry-level reporter looking to learn more about local news, it’s a great opportunity. Apply here.

2. Junior Digital Strategist, Return Logic

In this role, you’ll brainstorm and execute online marketing campaigns, provide and analyze metrics for social media and email marketing campaigns, and drive acquisition to key performance indicators. Apply here.

3. Legal Research Assistant, Primary Wave Media

Primary Wave Media’s Legal Research Assistant will need to have stellar communication skills, conduct market research, update internal records and systems, and take responsibility for compliance with any regulations, laws, and procedures. Apply here.

4. Customer Experience Specialist, Dyson

Want to learn what it means to have excellent interpersonal skills? Dyson is hiring Customer Experience Specialists to provide outstanding customer support, maintain customer account information, and uphold Dyson’s high-quality service at all times. Apply here.

5. Production Supervisor, Bimbo Bakeries

Bimbo Bakeries’ Production Supervisor position is perfect for someone who wants to wear a lot of hats in their role.

You’ll handle food and manufacturing safety regulations, coordinate and maintain production procedures, train contractors and production associates, and troubleshoot any issues that arise. Apply here.

There are plenty more jobs out there for you too, so head over to WayUp to get your hands on thousands of entry-level listings!

The post 5 Entry-Level Jobs to Check Out If You Want to Start the Fall Off Right appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

Looking to sharpen your communication skills and gain valuable professional experience along the way? There are so many incredible opportunities that allow you to get a feel for what it’s like to work on messaging, whether it’s in real life, through social media, or because of other channels (like podcasts!).

Intrigued? Here are five amazing communications opportunities you can find on WayUp right now.

1. Social Media Intern, Toynk

This is an unbelievable opportunity for a college student interested in digital communications: You’ll build a company’s entire social media strategy from scratch and test different ideas along the way. You’ll also be paid $12 per hour, so what’s not to love? Apply here.

2. Sales Representative, Vector Marketing

You can make serious cash and gain valuable sales skills as a Sales Representative for Vector Marketing. You’ll be selling CUTCO products to customers, all with training and support from the Vector team.

Another bonus: Your hours are completely flexible, so you’ll only work when you want to. Apply here.

3. Brand Ambassador, OXO

Want to make $15 per hour ($60 for a full demo) showing off great OXO products at Williams-Sonoma? In this role, you’ll have to put your sales pitch to the test and constantly find new ways to communicate OXO’s message to customers. Apply here.

4. Blog and Copywriter Writer Intern, ADOPETS

Are you an animal lover? You can turn it into a great opportunity as the blogger for ADOPETS, helping them create clean, clear content and even having the opportunity to look over other marketing copy along the way. Apply here.

5. Podcast Production and Editing Intern, Every Step Coaching

You may not be the one talking on the podcast, but figuring out the best way to communicate with people is a huge part of this opportunity. Every Step Coaching is on the hunt for a rockstar Podcast Production and Editing Intern who can do it all: Brainstorm ideas, write podcast scripts, find content clips, and edit.

And here’s a little more incentive: You can make up to $20 per hour in this role. Apply here.

There’s plenty more where these opportunities came from. Head to WayUp to see thousands of other listings.

The post 5 Opportunities for College Students Who Want to Get Serious Communication Skills appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

When you’re a student or recent grad searching for that perfect job or internship, the job hunt can seem like an endless process. The good news is that for every hired student and/or recent grad, there comes an awesome piece of advice that’s gotten that person where he or she is today.

This week, we talked to three Princeton students who all landed amazing opportunities through WayUp. These three offered to chat with us to share their biggest job search tip for their peers who are still on the hunt. You’ll want to take their words of wisdom to the bank.

1. Be Open to Any Experience

“Don’t limit yourself to certain fields; there are opportunities within each. You could get a lot out of it. Before this internship, I was working for the Department of Employment; that was a pretty random company but I was able to find great PR & marketing opportunities within that environment. I was actually able to learn a ton.” – Catherine Adams, Princeton Class of 2017

Catherine’s advice is especially crucial for young job seekers: It takes a while to gain experience. If you’ve never worked before, you probably won’t land a marketing job at Google right off the bat. However, you can easily cultivate your marketing skills and gain meaningful experience at a company that you wouldn’t typically peg as being “marketing-heavy.”

This summer, using her past experience Catherine was able to find a more straightforward  marketing position as a Summer Intern for Infor. However, even Infor is not what most job seekers would consider a typical marketing company. if you’d asked her three months ago if she’d be interning for a company that is the third largest provider of enterprise applications and services, the answer would probably have been no. What Catherine did know is that she wanted to pursue marketing and was willing to explore any company with a great program.

Like most college students, Catherine didn’t magically know that she was passionate about marketing; she learned that she was interested in it by testing out different clubs and classes on campus. “Figuring out [that I was interesting in] marketing was a long journey for me didn’t happen until sophomore year by trying a bunch of things. At Princeton there is an Advertising and Marketing Club that puts on a big conference every semester. That was my first introduction to marketing,” Catherine notes. After that discovery, she pursued a top notch internship to hone in on her skills this summer.

For all of you interesting in marketing, Catherine worked on international campaigns that would be translated and shared worldwide, cultivated her messaging and writing skills, and went to several large conferences (one that even included Adam Levine – random!).  She explains that with her first real hands-on experience with marketing, she has learned that “writing in a particular tone has really helped me understand the core of marketing and branding. I’ve also learned a lot about SEO, and Google AdWords. It’s been so helpful to get some actual skills that I can put on a resume besides being proficient in Word.”

All in all, even though Catherine didn’t know what type of company she wanted to work for she was still able to get amazing experience this summer. We’re looking forward to what comes next.

2. Always Make a Personal Connection

“I’ve spent my fair share of time job searching, and I think what was really helpful for me was try to make a personal connection whenever possible. Whether you’re sending an email or making a phone call, try to establish some common ground.” – Daniel Mozley, Princeton Class of 2017

Arguably one of the most frustrating parts of the job search is sending an email or your resume into cyberspace. One of the best ways to avoid that is to make a personal connection from your first touchpoint with a company or hiring manager. A few easy ways to accomplish this:

• Figure out who the hiring manager is. Using a first name is always better than “Dear Hiring Manager…”
• Do your research. If you can find the contact’s name, look him or her up and see if you have any common interests.
• If you can’t find out the hiring manager, research the company’s most recent projects and/or achievements. Tie these back to your interests.

Daniel’s going into his senior year at Princeton and has been cultivating these authentic people skills by tutoring other students through his position at Mentr.  “When you’re a tutor, you really have to think about how you explain things and how you convey a message to others. I’ve learned how to listen carefully and figure out how to explain a concept or problem so that it makes sense so that it makes sense to someone other than you.”

During the school year, Daniel also works as a swim instructor on campus working five to 10 hours per week.As a result of these various people-facing jobs, Daniel has developed interpersonal skills allowing him to readily make those initial connections in the job process whether it be the first email interaction or the final interview.

3. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask People for Help

“Sometimes it can be a bit intimidating and you might feel a little awkward, but a lot of times you’ll be surprised how many people want to help.” – Jake Reichel, Class of 2019

The worst thing somebody can say to you is no. But if you don’t ask, you’ll never know. Jake’s lesson is one that can take people years to learn. Talking to people is intimidating, asking questions is intimidating, and asking for help is definitely intimidating. The sooner  you get over this fear, the more productive your personal and professional lives will be.

Jake learned this lesson early on by working his way through his freshman year. He explains that when it comes to the job search, “it takes awhile to get acclimated. You need to be able to figure out how to hold up time management wise. Take it slow to get used to school before you start worrying about everything else.”

Jake was able to balance his school work, social life, and a job freshman year by taking on WayUp’s very own Campus Rep position. By approaching his peers as well as learning to report and communicate with a boss Jake learned that in order to get the result you’re looking for, sometimes you just have to do is start talking to people and ask to pick their brains.

WayUp’s CEO, Liz, is on the same page as Jake. In fact, she gives advice to everyone in the company to cold email an idol asking for help.

Some of these tips may seem a little daunting but trust us, the best way to learn is to face your fears and dive right in. In the next couple of weeks, we challenge you to follow at least one of these three tips.

Got hired using WayUp? You can be featured in an article like Catherine, Daniel, and Jake by filling out a brief survey here.

The post 3 Princeton Students Reveal Their Biggest Tips for Getting Hired appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

Fall is approaching, and if you’re looking for a great entry-level job to kick things off, you’re in luck: We’ve rounded up five incredible new listings on our site that you should check out. It’s time to get hired!

1. Regional Sales Representative, Guayaki

Want to sell a life-changing product (yum, yerba mate) and work for a company that invests in its team members? Guayaki is hiring Regional Sales Reps who will learn all about the process and cycle of sales, build and maintain strong vendor relationships, and come away with an understanding of sales best practices.

Another bonus: The starting salary is $50,000, and you’ll also get a 401(k), paid time off, and insurance benefits. Apply now.

2. Social Media Marketer, A Sales Guy Inc.

In this role, you’ll be given lots of autonomy in maintaining social media channels, brainstorming and executing marketing campaigns, and helping with long-term, cross-channel projects.

The job calls for someone who’s self-motivated and a quick worker, so if that’s you, this may be the perfect position. Apply now.

3. Junior IT Developer, My.Suit

My.Suit is looking for a .Net developer with SQL experience who’s excited to take on any software challenge. Knowledge of HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Git, and VBScript are also must-haves. Apply now.

4. Sales Associate and Brand Ambassador, Bee

Want a hands-on job that’ll give you flexibility with your schedule and help you learn everything there is to know about field marketing and on-the-ground sales? Bee is hiring Sales Associates/Brand Ambassadors, and if you’re passionate about helping people better their finances, this could be your next job. Apply now.

5. Creative Design Specialist, 2020 Companies

If you want the opportunity to be creative while also working with several different departments in a single company, 2020 Companies is looking for you.

The team needs someone who can do a little bit of everything: Create eye-catching graphics and data visuals, maintain a consistent creative strategy across platforms, and assist other departments with their creative assets. Apply now.

There are millions more jobs where these came from, so check out WayUp and find that perfect entry-level opportunity.

The post 5 Entry-Level Jobs That’ll Lead to Big Things in the Future appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

Breaking into any industry is tough, and marketing is no different. How can you be sure that you’re learning about the field and getting the right skills that’ll make you a hot commodity after graduation? Check out these five internships that’ll put you on the right track.

1. Content Marketing/Community Intern, Storyhunter

Storyhunter is on the hunt (ha, get it?) for a paid Content Marketing/Community Intern who will research, produce, design and write blog posts, help with video production, use marketing tactics to grow an email list, and more.

Other bonus: The pay is $400 per week. Apply now.

2. Marketing Intern, Forever Icon

In this role, you’ll be helping marketing Forever Icon’s blog to get 2,500 new email subscribers. How you get them is totally up to you, and it’ll put your creative marketing mind to the test.

This listing is both remote and paid, so you’re able to get your work done anywhere. Apply now.

3. Social Media Marketing Intern, Waverly Labs

Waverly Labs is seeking a Social Media Marketing Intern to work on the brand’s social media channels, assist in paid marketing efforts, create competitive analyses of channels, produce creative assets, and report on engagement. Apply now.