Planning an Alternative Spring Break Experience

I developed this list of websites for my other site (TheHBCUCareerCenter) to help college students research alternative spring break options.  For those college students who want to spend less time partying and more time volunteering, an alternative spring break experience is the way to go.

College students should know that alternative spring break experiences can be found in local community, a nearby city or could include travel abroad.  These resources will help students and families do the necessary research to plan a meaningful alternative spring break experience.

Spring Break and Study Abroad Articles

Employers Value Candidates Who Study Abroad
11 Resources for Planning an Alternative Spring Break Experience

Paying it Forward in a Tough Economy!

My husband and I were in line yesterday at a major retailer known for cool cotton attire. It was a pretty long line and we soon found out why. It appears that the store and other affiliates were offering a sale, giving a 30% discount to shoppers who had retrieved a coupon online.

Well, since this store is not on our regular routine, (we were actually in the store next door and thought we would go in), we did not have a coupon. Of course we expected that we would be paying full price or at least the store two-fer sale price.

After a few minutes in line a patron who was exiting the store, having made her purchase, asked who in line did not have a coupon. I spoke up and she gave me hers with the instruction to “Pass it on” since someone had passed it to her. Before the ethics police accost me, I should share that the coupon clearly stated – “for multiple uses by friends and family”.

I think that was pretty nice of her and so I passed it to the person behind me. She was last in line and so as she went on to another cashier, my cashier told her that they would be happy to pass it on to other customers.

Although no one really said it in line, I think I know what people were feeling - the slow economy had caused the scaled down staffing. The line was clearly taking a while since only two cashiers were available to run the entire adult section of the store. The children’s section had two people also and their lines were even longer. Everyone there, I think, was feeling the bad times and so the sharing of the coupon helped to lift spirits and foster conversation.

It made me think about how bad times can really promote unselfish behaviors. If we are all in the same boat, why not help someone else?

So I was thinking, with over a million layoffs and job losses this year so far, chances are you know someone who might be unemployed and looking.

What would it take for you to:
- share some information
- offer a lead on a job
- promise to help someone look out for them
- follow up if and when you hear about an opportunity
- help a jobseeker with someone you know

Chances are – it won’t take much out of you and you could be making someone’s day or a better holiday for doing it.

Paying it forward is not just about job search either - don't let the economy stop you from helping someone if you can. A friend in Florida who is in the Rotary club is still asking for funds to help 5 families with their Thanksgiving. What can you do? If you want to help, let me know and I will send you their address!

Develop New Skills Through Volunteer Work

The recent Volunteer Impact survey from Deloitte showed that Generation Y employees feel that volunteerism is a good way to develop new job skills.

91% of the respondents to the survey agree that skills-based volunteering, such as sharing accounting skills with a non profit organization could add value to their long term marketability.

Here are a few highlights of the survey including the statement and feedback.

1. Volunteering offers me the opportunity to enhance my leadership skills.
- 76% strongly and somewhat agree
- 20% neither agree nor disagree
- 4% strongly and somewhat disagree

2. Volunteering offers me the opportunity to develop skills I can use at work.
- 75% strongly and somewhat agree
- 21% neither agree nor disagree
- 4% strongly and somewhat disagree

3. The greatest contribution a company can make to a non-profit organization is...
- 37% Making a financial donation
- 26% Allowing its employees to volunteer their work-related skills or talents
- 25% Allowing its employees to volunteer in a hands-on (more physical) way
- 8% Making a product donation
- 3% Other

Find out where and how the company is involved and get on board. You could build a powerful network through volunteering.

A Real Washington Internship Story

Do you know who Huma Abedin is? You do or you might. You just don't know you do.

Huma Abedin is Hillary Clinton's body person. You probably saw her during the presidential primaries always next to Senator Clinton. Essentially, as Senator Clinton's body person, Huma Abedin manages the Senator's event schedule and meets her every need at public events. New York Magazine says, "Huma Abedin, Hillary’s beautiful, enigmatic “body person,” spends nearly every waking minute with Hillary and so has the best sense of her daily rhythms and routines."

Abedin is known for her extraordinary ability to multitask and juggle several assignments without breaking a sweat.

Huma Abedin was born in Michigan, to an Indian father and Pakastani mother. She was raised in Saudia Arabia and attended George Washington University. Abedin applied to the Whitehouse Internship Program and became an intern in 1996. She impressed Senator Clinton once she landed an internship role in the First Lady's office. Her internship role has evolved into that of the personal "body person", available to meet the candidate's every need from water bottles to keeping the press at bay.

Want to apply for internship programs in Washington DC? Consider the following:

John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts Internship
This Internship program is open to college juniors and college seniors as well as new college graduates within 24 months after graduation. College interns must be interested in careers in performing arts, management and/or arts education. College interns will work 37.5 to 40 hours weekly for a twelve to fourteen week rotation. About 20 students are selected each semester for this prestigious internship program.

Veterans Affairs Medical Center
Psychology majors in approved APA and counseling psychology programs are eligible to apply for the internship program at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Washington DC. The deadline to apply for this internship program is November 1. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0, submit an application, 3 letters of recommendation and a formal statement from the program director supporting eligibility for the internship program.

Every year thousands of college interns spend time in Washington DC working and learning in a variety of internship programs. Not only do these paid internships and unpaid internships offer valuable work experience, the college interns get to build a network of contacts and mentors.

Abedin is one such college internship success story.

In Search of the Perfect Internship

In March of this year, Scottrade sent out a press release in which recruiter and internship coordinator, Amy Meister, listed seven things college students can do to optimize their internship or entry-level employment searches.

1. Use all of your resources to find a great internship. You don't have to look too far to find a great resource. Take advantage ofthe career counselors and advisors at your college or university and look toyour network of friends. Upperclassmen may be able to recommend internships they have held or heard about.

2. Practice professional job seeking skills. Take your internship search seriously as if you were looking for a full-time job. Formalize your correspondence and avoid using text messaging grammar or spelling. Make sure your e-mail screen name is appropriate. Set up a more professional user name, such as using your first initial and last name, or use a university or college e-mail address. Check your voice mail message and ask yourself if that message would resonate well with a potential employer.

3. Show an interest in the company. Your initial query or cover letter should be personalized and reference the company and position you are applying for. Do some research about the company and point out any prior experiences that relates to the company. Once you have booked an interview, take the time to research the company further and know what you seek to gain from the position and what you can contribute. When you sit down for the interview, ask informed questions. Read more...

Posted by Candice Arnold on May 6, 2008 3:27 PM at CollegeRecruiter.com.

Earn More Than a Paycheck This Summer

Build your high school resume or college resume and earn more than a paycheck this summer.

Did you know that you can learn work skills and life skills through summer jobs like this one at the Oregon Gardens?

For almost 10 weeks in Summer 2007, 12 low income teenagers learned leadership skills, workplace responsibility and how to work with others by working with Oregon Gardens.

The program is sponsored through an Oregon Youth Conservation Corps and Workforce Investment Act grants.

The Oregon Garden's horticulture manager Jill Martini said that for most teens this was their first job. The program is now five years old and pays the teens through $22,000 in grants.

Do some research in your own community to find organizations that offer programs like this which will give teen workers more than just a paycheck.

Start a Business This Summer

Did you ever think of owning your own business? Teenagers and college students do it all the time.

Many of these young entrepreneurs are very inspiring and reading their stories could give you the courage you need to run a successful small business.

Here are some great websites to find out more about how you can become a successful "teenpreneur" too or start a business this summer.

1. Junior Achievements
Great resource created through a partnership between educators and businesses. Read bios of successful teen entrepreneurs, watch videos and find Junior Achievement offices near you.

2. US Small Business Administration - Teen Link
Use checklists to find out if your business ideas are solid and will work. Learn more about managing the financial and legal aspects of a business and find a terrific list of resources they call "Business Buddies".

3. Young Entrepreneurs of America
A non profit organization established to help young entrepreneurs make their ideas a reality.

4. Teen Entrepreneurial Network
T.E.N.'s mission is to help teenagers between the ages of 15 and 19 with with their preparation for the business world after they graduate from High School and College.

Read more about the personal character traits of successful entrepreneurs. Start your research now and spend your summer growing your client list.

Are You Watching the Presidential Campaign?

The news is that college students are engaged in this process this election cycle as they haven't before. This is a good thing since the current presidential campaign can have the following impact on your future career:

- The unemployment rate went up to 5% this past December. Is that an indicator of the job market for the Class of 2008 and 2009?
- How will the cost of healthcare impact your entry level career and entry level salaries?
- How can government affect or offset the rising costs of higher education?
- How will competition from China or off shoring jobs to Asia affect your job, major and career choices over the next few years?
- What does international security and instability mean for your career choices and options?
- What lessons are you learning about how bad behavior can follow you in this time of 24 hour media?

There is no shortage of questions and hopefully our college students are paying attention!

Build Your College Resume During Spring Break

College students are planning all kinds of travel semester breaks.

Not only will Spring Break 2009 give college students needed rejuvenation, it provides an opportunity to add volunteer service and community service experience to your college resume.

These organizations help college students schedule meaningful Spring Break 2009 activities and internship programs:
Break Away
Spring Break Alternatives
Student Conservation Association
Hillel - The Foundation for Jewish Campus Life
Habitat for Humanity

Ask the college career center about spring break programs and opportunities to build job skills through volunteering for your resume.

Employers Value College Graduates Who Study Abroad

Recent surveys showed increased value of study abroad to employers as they select new college graduates for career positions.

Before you plan a spring break trip to Jamaica, think about travelling with a purpose and spending your college breaks going global for meaningful reasons.

College students should learn about study abroad programs including "Semesters-at-Sea" and other great programs for meaningful vacations and breaks.

Read the complete article about study abroad by BullsEyeResumes here.

Additional resources for college students to study abroad:
Transitions Abroad - TransitionsAbroad.com offers expert career and trip advice, first-hand experiences, and practical resources for college students wishing to find jobs overseas.

Student Traveler - Student Traveler encourages college students to see the world, believing that those who experience foreign cultures will change for the better.

International Student - Online resource for international students to see the world and improve their education experience.

Peace Corps - Established in 1961 by President John F. Kennedy to promote world peace and friendship through post college experiences.

Semester at Sea - A floating university that lets college students travel globally two to three months at a time.

British Council - British agency dedicated to building relationships between the UK and other countries through college student exchanges and scholarships.

Study Abroad - Comprehensive source of information on educational opportunities for college students who want to study abroad.

Day 16 - Volunteer!

National Career Development Month!

If you are considering making any kind of career change or just want to enrich your existing job, think about volunteering. Many companies have a commitment to community service and encourage employees to give back to the community. If your organization does not have such a program - start one.

Look around your existing organization or your community for committees, projects or civic organizations for volunteer opportunities. Volunteering can help you:

-build a network of professional contacts
-gain new competencies
-develop leadership abilities
-test out a new career field you wan to learn more about
-enrich your existing job
-give back your skills to your community

Here are 3 great resources to help you locate volunteer opportunities:

The Center for Volunteering
VolunteerMatch.com
Government Volunteer Opportunities
USO

mr@bullseyeresumes.com