About Career Blog

Blending Theory With Reality

I had my internship review today, and it went really well! It is nice to know that real practitioners think I am on the path to success

. It's always great to hear that from friends or professors, but when actual people in the industry have faith, it's an awesome feeling.
I am also excited because I am going to start doing analysis of survey results and present them, AND I am researching the value of internet video and other new media for my internship (which is conveniently going to be the focus of my independent study next semester.)

I get to write up the proposal to launch video and other forms of new media on our internet media center, and my research will be the start of the white paper. How awesome!

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Posted by Christina on 12/10/2007 11:19:00 PM
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Graduation and Jobs

I went to register my classes for next semester, and it hit me. This is the last time I will be registering for classes. May 8, I will proudly walk across the stage to pick up my diploma, and then it's back to the "real world" again.

Going through school again really helps you hone down certain things that are important to look for in a job search. I know I do not want to commute very far (fortunately there are alot of PR options close to me,) I would rather work for an organization that values sustainability if possible, and I need growth options and a challenge.

The other thing that I realize is that I want to take a vacation right after graduation. I didn't take a real vacation after undergrad, and I wish I had. I want to walk into my new job fresh, happy and relaxed, rather than stressed out and exhausted from my finals.

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Posted by Christina on 11/06/2007 02:53:00 PM
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When Will I Ever Use This?

So I got on this topic with one of the interns at my doctor's office the other day. We were talking about writing papers, class presentations and group projects, and how, as undergrads we always wondered how any of this would actually help us in the "real world."

And now I can see. No, nobody actually cares about the history of the field, and you will never end up talking about theory or obscure case studies in the work world.

But learning these things are valuable in a different way. You learn how to independently find information, you learn how to back up your arguments if you are proposing a new program at work, and you learn how to appropriately participate in meetings and such.

I wish I had realized these things when I was going through school the first time around, because I think it would have helped me shape my resume when I had no experience to speak of....

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Posted by Christina on 10/16/2007 11:51:00 AM
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Intern

My boss and I were talking this week about internships and how necessary they are for college grads right now. Everytime I tell my brother or one of my friends that they should get one before they graduate, I always get the same answer. "I don't want to work for free."

This is such a bad frame of mind, because without experience, you will not get a job, not even with a college degree. Well, you may get a job, but not one that will make you very much money. I know. I had to work in retail management for years before people would take me seriously.

Now that I am back in school I have made it a point to get internships and join PRSSA. And this seems to be a better route for me because they just asked me to stay on.

Thinking about this is much nicer than thinking about how our offensive line needs some serious work. boo to that!

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Posted by Christina on 10/13/2007 07:02:00 PM
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Making Money

Being a student in college, money is usually as issue. So many college kids complain about being broke, which is very true. Now that I live in an apartment I go out to eat more, spend tons of money of the weekends and my personal bank account is decreasing very quickly. Now on top of my first midterm starting tomorrow and my trip to NYC next week, I need a job!


My roommate was just hired at Ruby Tuesdays and with 3 girls as your roommates, trips to the mall happen on a weekly basis. It's very hard turning down a shopping trip and iIam stressing out about money. With no car it is hard for me to find job, except for work studies on campus. Minimum wage is $5.00 an hour so I don't know if it will be worth it but I need to figure it out QUICK! With loads of work to do and no money now I need to worry about finding a job too, which was something I never had to worry about my freshman year.

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Posted by Kelly on 9/27/2007 12:02:00 AM
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Sorority life vs. jobs.

Sorority life is so much fun and I love all my sisters. There is always something to do. I'm never bored unless I want to be, it's great. It's been like practice for the real world: The recruitment process is a lot like interviewing for a job. Bid day is like finally getting that job you've been hoping for. Getting to know my sisters is synonymous with getting to know your co workers. And, working with my sisters to accomplish something is teaching me to handle group situations which I will more than likely come across in a job. I know that having a job isn't going to be as exciting and fun as being in a sorority but, it's kind of neat drawing that comparison.

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Posted by Jen on 9/08/2007 10:24:00 AM
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So, Why College?

Throughout high school, college was always the next step. Not attending college was definitely an option I never allowed myself to have. It is a necessary part of life. Well, it is a necessary part of my life anyway. One of the dreams that I hold dearest in my heart is, to eventually support a mentally and physically, happy and healthy family.

I feel that supporting a family takes a good education and financial stability. Financial stability cannot be had without a good academic foundation; which can act as a gateway to well paying, financially stable jobs. Going away to college is also a great way for a young adult to take more control of their lives and learn the decision making skills that can help in all of their future endeavors. Making these decisions are a vital part of moving into adulthood and the job community at large.

Right now, I'm undecided as to how I want to achieve that academic foundation or job stability. So, I'm taking my general education courses and hopefully, slowly narrowing down my career options. Within the two weeks I've been here, college has already proven that it's going to be the most crucial and confusing time of my life. Hopefully, soon, all the pieces of the large convoluted puzzle called my life, will start to fit.

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Posted by Jen on 9/06/2007 12:32:00 PM
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