About Career Blog

My (Brief) Life on the Beat

During my junior year of high school, I had this insane notion that I was going to eschew a post-secondary education altogether and jump into the world of private investigation. A family friend had opened his own firm, and I, eager to break into the business, researched the art of snooping quite thoroughly. As an all-around gadget geek, I had the tools and knowledge of a seasoned pro, or so I thought.

School let out for Winter Break, and I interviewed with the head of the firm. I was given my first assignment a few days later. I'm not at liberty to divulge the specifics of my subsequent adventures, but let it suffice to say that I'm a lousy private eye. After being unceremoniously tossed into a swimming pool by a couple marks who weren't at all happy about my clumsy surveillance work, I decided that maybe the whole gumshoe thing wasn't my bag. Raymond Chandler had this racket all wrong -- it's not glamorous or particularly thrilling; it's risky drudge work mired in a bunch of bureaucracy, at least on the entry level. And I wound up getting tossed into a freakin' pool by Pruneface and Flattop. A week into the gig, I quit and never looked back.

Let this be a lesson about the importance of testing the waters before jumping into your "dream job." Sometimes, you'll find that they're a bit cold.

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Posted by Brian on 9/29/2008 10:49:00 PM
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College Internships: Test Drive Your Dream Job!

The internet has dramatically transformed the way businesses find and hire new talent. You are no longer vying for the same job as the person next door, now you’re in fierce competition with job seekers around the world. And, if you want to get noticed, you need to stand out!

While your education will crack the door to new career opportunities, employers want to know what’s behind the good grades before they invite you in. Your studies will give you the foundational knowledge you need to pursue your career goals, but only experience can give you with the practical knowledge and skills you need to succeed in the workplace. That’s the inestimable value that an internship can provide. The real-world insight, hands-on experience and contacts you’ll make will move you one step closer to the job of your dreams.

Experience, Experience, Experience!
If you’re looking for a competitive angle in the job market, an internship can provide the tangible experience you need to gain the attention of sought-after employers. It’s the proverbial “X” factor that will set you a part and prove you have more to offer than mere book smarts. Even if an internship is not in your field, the business exposure it provides is invaluable.

Once you have an internship, seize the opportunities. Ask lots of questions and learn as much as you possibly can about everything. View it as an extension of the classroom—it’s meant to be a learning experience, so treat is as such. The more you learn, the better you’ll do when the real-life tests come. There is so much to glean, from the work experience and social interactions to the workplace dynamics that no textbook could ever teach you. It can help you identify your talents and strengths, while affording you the opportunity to work on your weaknesses. An internship will also give you insight into the do’s and don’ts of the business world, while teaching you the communication skills necessary to move from college student to workplace professional.

Is this really what I want to do?
Let’s face it, college cannot possibly prepare you for the challenges you’ll face in the workplace. There’s only one way to be sure the major you’ve chosen will take you down the career path that’s right for you—and that’s through an internship. Like test driving a new car, an internship will bring you face-to-face with the real deal. And, after you take it around the block a few times, you’ll be well-equipped to decide if it’s a career that will take you where you want to go. It could just be the career confirmation you’ve been looking for all along.

It’s not just what you know, but who you know…
While what you know is important, who you know can open doors that knowledge alone can’t. An internship will put those people right in your path. What’s more, if you do a good job with the tasks you’re given—whether it’s answering the phone, stuffing envelopes or filing documents—you could earn yourself a good recommendation letter that will speak volumes to your next employer. For a college student, that’s like earning an A+ on a term paper, only this grade will take you much farther in life!

So, while you’re earning the reputation of an A+ employee, licking those envelopes as fast as you can, make sure you’re networking! Here are some tips to help you on your way: Ask people questions about their work. What does it entail? How did they get there? Do they have any advice they could offer you? People love to talk about themselves. Suggest going to lunch one day to delve deeper into what they do. Use your internship wisely. Network all you can, make contacts and do you’re best to foster those relationships even after you leave. LinkedIn and other social networks are designed to help you grow and maintain your list of professional contacts. You never know where they may end up, or how they could help you in the future.

A hard-working intern today, a full-time employee tomorrow
Often, internships will lead to real job opportunities. Many companies use internships as a recruiting tool to help them find their next great employee. Don’t underestimate the power of an internship. Work hard, earn their respect and be willing to take on greater responsibilities. Go above and beyond what you are asked with every task, no matter how menial. When asked to contribute, present your ideas and take the initiative to implement them. Show your supervisor what a well-organized, self-motivated team player you are. Who knows, they could be test driving your skills to see if you have what it takes to succeed in their organization!

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Posted by Seymour Jobs on 9/26/2008 01:44:00 PM
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