5 Productive Ways To Make The MOST of your Summer

Summer is a time of relaxation, a break from the crazy stress of classes, and a chance to log in some serious Netflix time. While you enjoy your summer, however, there are a few things you can do to be productive and prepare yourself for the fall:

1.     Update your resume.

Update your resume. Working a summer job? Add that. Summer, for most people, is when they have the most free time. Relish in the fact that you have this time to make your resume perfect. Check out NAU Career Service’s resources as well as various online websites. Then, by the time fall comes and you’re back up in Flagstaff searching for a job, you won’t have to stress about your resume!

2.     Start networking!

If you don’t have time to volunteer or join clubs in the fall, now is the time! Finding somewhere in your major/job field to volunteer is a great way to get experience without the stress of finding a job. Not only is this a great way to get connected with the community and do something good, but it’s great to put on a resume. Volunteering also helps network and can open the doors for a future job position. Other ways to network are joining local organizations or teams. You never know who you’ll meet at an event.

3.     Apply for jobs.

If you are searching for a position in the fall, it’s best to be ahead of the game and search this summer. A lot of jobs (especially on-campus) will be posting their positions starting now to late summer. These are usually filled quickly so it’s best to start early.

4.     Prepare for any standardized tests coming up.

Tests like the MCAT, LSAT, or the GRE require a lot of studying. Why not start now? Game of Thrones or Gossip Girl can wait.

5.     Start a project.

Business major? Start a small online business. Interested in film? Watch every movie on the 100 Best Films of All Time. Doing something small, but relevant, will make you feel productive and you’ll be able to say you did something awesome instead of watching Netflix all summer! 

The Top 5 Mistakes I See On Resumes

With the new class of 2017 pouring in for orientation, Jobs for Jacks has seen a lot of wear and tear the past couple of weeks. So many students are making accounts (WHICH IS AWESOME, by the way) and their resumes are coming with it. I’ve seen the best and worst of resumes. For students that have not made an account or resume yet, be sure to avoid these mistakes:

1.     Avoid personal information

Personal information includes age, sex, marital status, religious views, ethnicity, and anything else. While employers are legally prohibited from asking you this information, it is important not to even include this in a resume because it will protect you from discrimination.

2.     “Maybe I should include one of my senior photos on my resume!” DON’T DO THIS. Please.

This goes with the 1^st point. This is private information that should never be included on a resume.

3.     Putting your high school under “Education.”

Once you are out of high school and in college, there is no need to put this information. Likewise, adding every single extracurricular you did in high school is also not relevant. You CAN, however, put something if it is very relevant to the job you are applying for. For example, if you are a sophomore applying for a Peer Jacks position helping students with issues, you can put that in high school you were an assistant student counselor since it relates well with the position.

4.     Sorry, but employers do not care about your love for yoga and frisbee collecting.

Unless you are in a yoga club or frisbee collecting organization, you should not include hobbies.

5.     Putting a long paragraph about why you are good for a position or what your skills are.

The point of a resume is a brief summary of your experience, education, and skills. There should never be full sentences or paragraphs in a resume. If you are applying for a position and want to “talk about yourself”, you should put this information in a COVER LETTER.

To see sample resumes and cover letters, check out the ones on Career Services website: http://www4.nau.edu/CareerServices/Resume.htm

ZocDoc – Guest Post by Laurah

At first I thought the recruiter was lying to me. Free catered lunch every day? Staff retreats at a beach house? Puppies in the office? A dress code featuring T-shirts and jeans?

If you’re skeptical too, watch this clip about ZocDoc. They just opened a new office in Scottsdale, and are looking for motivated, ambitious NAU grads to join the team. One of the perks is so, um, unusual that I can’t even publish it on a university-sponsored blog. (But you can  read about it here on page 27…!)

We’ve found that our students are happiest in their employment when they’re a good “culture match,” when their personal values are reflected in the culture of the organization. So, if you value creative environments, having lots of freedom to solve problems on your own, and social interaction, you might want to check ZocDoc out.

And…if any NAU grads can fandangle me an invitation to that beach house, I’d be very much obliged.

The Best Pandora Stations for Studying

It’s finals week. The weather is beautiful (kind of, it’s Flagstaff and its bipolar) and we’re all stuck in our caves, I mean rooms, studying away because we all decided to start two days before our final exams. For those of you that aren’t major procrastinators, I applaud you. Those who are better get studying! Here is a list of the best Pandora stations for studying.

For the tired student

Stations like Mumford and Sons and Mozart will only make you want to crawl into bed even faster. However, a station like Instrumental Hip-Hop will pump you up without distracting you or making you fall asleep! Trance and House Genre stations are great pick-me-ups as well.

For the movie-loving student

Did you know that there are multiple Harry Potter Pandora stations? Harry Potter Pandora plays film scores from the Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, Pirates of the Caribbean, and even the Hunger Games movies. This is my personal favorite. Another favorite of mine is Lux Aertna Pandora which plays scores from the movie Requiem for a Dream. Other movie composers with stations are Hans Zimmer, Ramin Djwadi, and Thomas Newman.

For the coffee-addled-student-that’s-in-the-zone-and-can’t-be-distracted

Stations like Mozart and Pachelbel by Canon will get you in the zone, without distracting you with lyrics. These stations feature upbeat classical music. It’s also been studied that Mozart helps students with memorization and concentration, called “The Mozart Effect”.

For the easily distracted student with the attention span of a 3 year old

Students that are easily distracted can focus with stations like Clair de Lune by Debussy and Classical for Studying.

For the students that want interesting stations

Looking for something different but will still help get you in the zone? Check out Pachelbel Meets U2 and Tycho. Tycho plays mellow electronic music while Pachelbel Meets U2 plays artists like David Tolk and Yiruma. Tito Puente is a station that plays Afro-Latin music and is great for staying awake and upbeat. The Trance Genre station plays trance music from artists like Darude and Tiesto. 

If a lot of these stations sound interesting to you, you can even add variety and combine multiple Pandoras. Good luck studying!

How To Tell If A Mystery Shopping Job Is A Scam

Getting paid to mystery shop. Sounds awesome, right? However, there are some scams out there. Check out these guidelines on how to determine if you’re being set up:

1. They ask you to pay an upfront fee. Honestly, this is advice for ANY job. Never pay upfront.
2. Charge you to have access to see available jobs.
3. Asking you to wire money. This is a huge RED FLAG. They may send you a check for a large sum of money, claiming you get to keep part of the check. They may then ask you to wire-transfer it through Western Union. This could land you in jail because these checks are typically counterfeit.
4. Making outrageous claims such as making $50-$100/hour, getting to keep designer clothes or products, or getting paid to do nothing.
5. Although this isn’t true for all jobs, one thing to be wary of are contact emails with general accounts. For example, billsmith@gmail.com or janedoe@yahoo.com.

Ways to tell the mystery shopper job is legitimate:

1. Shoppers being paid by the job, not the hour.
2. In the application process, you will be asked your SSN. It is because they have to report your income to IRS.
3. Check to see if it’s a secure website.
4. If a company is a part of the MPSA website (www.mysteryshop.org) it is a company you can trust.  A list of companies can be found at: http://www.mysteryshop.org/member-companies

If you feel like something seems wrong, trust your instincts and don’t get scammed!

 

5 Study Tips to Get That A+ While Not Losing Your Mind

Finals are looming ahead and it’s time to get those gears into motion. Check out these study techniques to help you get that A+ and good luck!

1. Avoid the distractions of social media.

Deactivate facebook, twitter, or instagram if it’s too distracting. Turn off your phone or data. This will stop the temptation to update your status to: “Studying!!!! LOL!!!!”

2. Set the mood.

With some classical Pandora. Depending on the type of person you are, music can get your mind into focus. Use sites such as 8Track, Pandora, Spotify, etc. to play music. Classical music is a great way to make you focus yet not distract you. Classical study station, instrumental, or acoustic guitar are great stations on Pandora.

3. Find the perfect location.

If your room is too distracting, find another place to get your study on. The library, outside (if the weather permits) or a coffee shop can be great places to focus.

4. Start early. Don’t wait until the day before to cram!

Figure out what day your exam is. If you expect it to be harder than the other exams, start earlier. Make a study schedule and by studying earlier, you will be more efficient and retain information.

5. Take study breaks.

Don’t overheat and crash. Ha ha. But really, take a break every 2-3 hours to get a snack or just rest your mind.

10 Things to Know About Federal Employment – Guest post by Laurah!

10 Things to Know About Federal Employment

I had no idea working for the federal government could be fun. I imagined nameless employees filling row after row of desks, doing paperwork and speaking in monotone, wearing gray and black. Then I met Mike Odle…

Mike is the Director of Public Affairs for the National Indian Gaming Commission. He spent a day on campus, speaking to students and training staff about federal employment. Mike loves working for the federal government. He’s worked internationally, and in several different federal agencies, finding lots of opportunities to grow and take on new challenges. Here’s what I learned from his presentations:

1)      Grads have 2 years to apply for federal employment in the Recent Graduates Program, which eliminates up to 80% of applicants that they’d be competing against if they wait to apply with everyone else.

2)      If you’re interested in a position that’s not part of the recent grads program, you can call the department to ask if they’d convert it. They just might be willing to, and if so, you’ll be competing against fewer applicants.

3)      Membership in an honors society, even for just one semester, qualifies students for a higher pay grade. So does a 3.0 overall GPA, a 3.5 in-major GPA, and graduating in the top 1/3 of one’s class.

4)      You can transfer between federal agencies, and all your vacation/benefits transfer with you. This is a great way to build your career in a variety of organizations, without having to start over in each one.

5)      You can work internationally for federal agencies, since 50,000 positions are abroad.

6)      Internships are available in most fields. After 640 hours, your position can be converted to full-time federal employment. If you’re exceptionally awesome, your position can be converted after 320 hours. 

7)      “Normal” resume rules don’t apply to federal resumes. Give all the details about your background, accomplishments, and responsibilities.

8)      You can compare federal agencies to figure out which one is the best fit for you. 

9)      There are federal positions available for every major.

10)   Donuts are not actually that popular with students. After our first sessions, I still had ¾ of a box of Dunkin Donuts Munchkins, which I had to beg the forestry students to take. I’m gladly taking suggestions for other treats…

What to do AFTER the career fair

The career fair is over! But you’re not done yet…here are some things you could do after the career fair:

1. Show initiative. 

Follow up with employers you are interested in while you could still be fresh in their mind. Take a look at their business cards and contact them that way.

2. The art of email.

Use the material you received to research companies and if you are interested in a position or opportunity, mention that in the email!

3. Thank-You Notes.

If an employer paid extra attention to you, or you are very interested in their company, send a thank-you note.

Take a breather…the career fair is over! For now…dun dun dun. Remember that if you show initiative and contact employers, you will stand out amongst a crowd!

Some Last Minute Career Fair Attire Tips

So…the Career Fair is next Thursday. Have you assembled your outfit yet? Have you even bought it?! Don’t worry, I haven’t either, fellow procrastinators. Here are some last minute tips for gentlemen and ladies on Career Fair attire.

Gentlemen

1. Don’t forget to cut off the stray threads on new suits. Often they can be in places that you can’t see! Take a quick scan over your suit, grab a pair of scissors, and you’ll be looking professional.

2. Choose a 2-piece matching suit with conservative colors: navy, black, grey, etc. Make sure your shirt is a nice long-sleeve dress shirt in a complementing color. Avoid suits like these…

3. Your tie can be the element of your outfit that you can let reflect your personality. Don’t go with crazy or ridiculous patterns, but you can choose a color or pattern that “pops.” Make sure you don’t choose a striped tie when you already have a striped shirt. Here is a great career fair outfit:

4. DON’T FORGET to be well-groomed! Take a shower, put on deodorant, comb your hair over (add a dab of hair product if it’s longer), brush your teeth, and SHAVE!

5. Check out this great diagram on what to wear for men – it includes how to tie a tie and other great tips:

http://pinterest.com/pin/548665167073366279/

Ladies

1. If you decide to go with a suit, stick with neutral colors. If you choose a fun color or pattern for the skirt, complement it with neutral colors for the blazer/top. Make sure you wear nylons with the skirt.

2. Wear a nice dress shirt, sweater, or blouse underneath your blazer. Avoid low-cut (cleavage showing) and flashy shirts (sequins). You can go with a nice color to make your shirt pop against the conservative colors of your outfit.

3. A skirt isn’t always necessary! If you go with slacks, make sure they aren’t too long at the bottom and drag on the ground.

4. Choose coordinating flats or heels. This isn’t the club, leave the 4-inch pumps at home! Medium-height heels are perfect.

5. Jewelry: Avoid flashy and large jewelry pieces. Leave the bling-bling at home!

6. Makeup/Nails: this isn’t a beauty pageant so you should forget the smokey or blue eye shadow. Go with nice neutral shades for a more natural look. For nails, stick with nude or natural colors as well.

7. Hair: Keep your hair well-groomed and modest. Avoid over-teasing and hairsprays (fire-hazard). Use your judgment about crazy hair colors (non-natural) and hair fads (ombre, feathers, tiger stripe highlights).

8. Piercings: Take out face piercings or any other visible body piercings but you can leave 1-2 traditional ear piercings in. For non-traditional ear piercings (cartilage, tragus, conch, rook, industrial bars, etc.) use your judgment. Take it out if possible, but if not, put in a small and conservative stud. The goal is not to be distracting!

9. Tattoos: Are you aware of your potential employer’s stance on tattoos and piercings in the workplace? If you have many visible tattoos, decide how you feel about covering them up.

Good luck on finding your perfect outfit!

The Myers-Briggs, and why I LOVE this assessment – Guest Post by Laurah

Back in my undergrad days, I was the resident advisor for La Maison Francaise, the French-speaking residence on campus. I poured over the resident applications and selected just the most ambitious-sounding students. We spoke French religiously between 2-10pm. We hosted a campus-wide crepe party, working in shifts to make 1200 crepes on two frying pans in the cramped kitchen. We hosted the French faculty for an evening soiree. We had a whiteboard by the door with a “verb du jour,” and a friendly little test during the weekly house meeting. Can you say “Type A?” Oui oui.

 

After that year, I was exhausted. I never wanted to be an RA again. While applications were being taken for the next year of staff, I went to visit my RA-friend Stephanie. While at her hall, she hugged a student, asked how her day was, and loaned her a DVD. WHAT?!?

 

In that moment, I realized that I rarely asked people how they were; I asked them how much progress they were making towards their goals. I rarely chilled out enough to watch movies. I had a feeling that there was some personal growth I needed to do, but couldn’t quite put a finger on what. So, I ran over to the ResLife office, convinced them to take my late application, and decided to try again.

 

That year in RA training, we were introduced to the Myers-Briggs personality assessment. Reading through my results was a turning point. I learned that by default, people with my personality preferences for ENTJ (the acronyms make sense once you’ve taken it….) often prioritize getting the job done over the people who are doing it. We tend to be very task and goal-oriented, and compulsively efficient in how we execute plans. That year, I put myself out of my comfort zone to learn new communication and interpersonal skills, that didn’t come naturally to me.

 

The genius part of the Myers-Briggs is that it’s not designed to stuff you into a box. It’s designed to help you identify your default ways of acting and thinking. Out of this awareness, you can choose another course of action. You’re not a victim to habit and comfortable routine, you can choose what actions you want to manifest. I love the Myers-Briggs because it helped me identify a major blind spot, which set me up for developing a new skill set that has served me well professionally.

 

Earlier this month, a dream came true: I was “required” to take a 4-day certification training for administering the Myers-Briggs assessment to students at Gateway. I cannot wait to start applying this training. Very few things have been as helpful to my professional growth as this assessment, and I look forward to helping NAU students take on their own process of growth.