Sarah Then and Now

Hello everyone!

Between my classes, two internships and my job I've been... busy.

Senior year is in full swing and I'm at that weird point in the semester where throwing everything to the wind and calling it quits sounds very appealing, but I know that in doing so my last semester of college will be right around the corner.

That's just scary.

Is it just me, or have other people in my situation really thought long and hard about life after graduation? How does one find out what they want to do? And once that's settled, where do you want your mark on the geographical map to be?

See above: That's just scary.

There are so many places, and job titles I'll never know about. A handful of which, if I searched long and hard for, could actually be the perfect job for me! I may just never know about them.

Luckily, I've been to go to a school that has supported me in everything I've done and I know it will stay this way long after I graduate. The support system is there.

In one of my internship roles,  I get to ask prospective students about their lives and what they're thinking about doing with them. (Mind you, if I was on the receiving end of my questions 4 years ago, I would have been nothing short of terrified) This role has undoubtedly forced me to reflect; I've been able to think back to what I would have said and compare it to where I am now.

It's in those moments of reflection that I've realized that I'm a different person. I mean that in the best way possible. From shy and timid to confident in my work- I have changed. I have been challenged. By myself and by people who saw my potential long before I did.  I've realized that I've done a lot more than I think I've done. My little celebrations and hiccups throughout my life and in college have made me more certain of who I am or where my path may lead.

I guess this purpose of this post is to let you know that people will always be there for you, many people have been in your shoes before and that you are far more capable of doing things than you think.

This is to not only remind myself, but to remind you that we can all do great things, because whether your memory recalls or not, you've already done magnificent things to get to where you currently are.

Love,

My Favorite Online Resources

Hey guys!

I am online more than I'd like to be.  I don't need to tell you this though, because chances are you're in the same boat.

You know how awesome the internet is. 

 When it comes to crunch time, you know tons of papers, projects and assignments- productivity declines faster than the speed of light and somehow you get sucked into YouTube. Or Facebook. Or Twitter.

Hey, it happens.

However, there are things online that can actually increase your productivity- really. 

Here are my faves:

1. Trello

Upgrade your to do lists to the digital age. Create to do lists online and have them transfer over to Trello's handy dandy app! You can create different lists, invite other people to join them, color code them and more. Trust me, it'll make you want to get things done.

2. Self Control

If you have a Mac and happen to find your mind wandering more often than it should then this is the app for you.  Install this app and gone are the days of How am I on Facebook, I swear I was just writing my paper a minute ago??? It's time to be productive guys!

3. Thesis Builder

Have most of your essay mapped out, but not a thesis? Thesis Builder takes your main points and creates your thesis for you! Now there's no excuse to take social media breaks to "get ideas flowing." (guilty as charged) One of the toughest parts of an essay is done in 2 minutes or less.

4.TED Talks

TED Talks are fantastic resources. The topics and ideas shared are endless AND SO DIVERSE. I'm sure that you've watched tons in your classes, but have you ever watched any for fun? Or for inspiration? My goal is to start watching one a day. If you need help with research or finding particular topics, TED is actually a great place to start. Chances are someone out there did a talk on your very topic. If that's not motivation, I don't what is.

5. The Skimm

Although I'm a Com major, I really don't stay as up to date on the news as I should. Whoops. The Skimm is my life saver. Every morning I get an email with the biggest news stories over the past 24 hours. Not only that but it's all actually EASY TO UNDERSTAND. Less jargon and more humor. With one simple email, I'm in the loop and know all the important details without even having to search for them.

Have you tried any of these resources? Are there any I missed? Let me know!

With love,

Friday Factoid: How to Fall Asleep Quicker

Hello everyone!

What's the one thing everyone wishes for?

Better sleep.

It's true. Nothing beats waking up feeling refreshed and ready to conquer the world. Based on the day's events, it's often hard to get adequate sleep. I often find myself tired during the day, but my mind is racing the second I snuggle into bed. It sucks!

I know you've had this dilemma as well, so today I am sharing my favorite sleeping trick.

I learned this, surprisingly enough, in my conflict management class. To fall asleep quicker your breaths need to be stabilized. And so it goes...

Inhale for 4 seconds

Hold your breath for 7 seconds

Exhale for 8 seconds

(and here it is in photo form for you to save!)

That's it.

 Just as this technique helps calm you down during a confrontational or anxiety inducing conflict, it's a handy dandy tool for falling asleep! When our mind or emotions are racing, our breathing tends to be short/rapid.

This technique forces your heart rate to slow down, your mind to relax and you to fall asleep or feel at ease before you know it. You're getting more oxygen into your system, and that makes your body a very happy camper.

I must say it's a bit odd at first, but you'll become a pro in no time. Repeat this as many times as necessary. You'll wonder how you ever fell asleep before doing this!

Sweet dreams!

With love,

Ace The Interview!

Good morning!

If you've been checking back on my blog from time to time, you may be sensing a theme.

My New Year's Resolution was to become more career driven. True to my word, I'm still working on it people!

Then, I decided to dabble in the world of internships.

So it only makes sense for me to keep the momentum going and write to you all about how to ace your interview.

Define your goal, find the internship, secure the interview, get the position.

***

1. Pick your outfit out the day before

Pick out your favorite, work appropriate outfit. If you're dressed in something that makes you feel great, you'll end up looking great and acting confident!  I promise you, your confidence will show. Also, pretty please - for me- iron your outfit the day before too. 

2. Have 3 stories you want to share

Sure, an employer looks at your resume before interviewing you. However, your resume is only compiled of bulleted achievements. You have the power to give those words life.

 I was recently told in an interview to have 3 stories in the back of my head that I think truly define my accomplishments. For example,  if someone asks,  "When was a time you ____?"  I'll know to pull out my story about how I put on an art event for 100+ people in Ireland. (True story) When you have your achievements already laid out in your head, you'll be more comfortable talking about them and won't have awkward silences in your interview.

3. Research, research, research

Never enter an interview blind. Know what you're applying for! It sounds so simple, but because it's an extra step, a lot of people actually overlook this. You may be asked about the company or why you want to work there. If you say something vague, your interviewer will  know.  They interview people on the regular. Dig a little deeper on LinkedIn or on the company's website. Doing your homework will be duly noted and leave your interviewer impressed.

4. Follow up with a thank you

Use the manners your momma taught you! Follow up your interview with a handwritten thank you note or email. You have 24-48 hours to craft a well thought out response to your employer/ interviewer. Thank them for their time, bring up something special from the interview, that you're looking forward to hearing from them etc. Taking this extra step makes you *extra* memorable and shows that you appreciated the employer's time.

***

Interview season is in full swing. And guess what? It may be tedious and stressful, but we're all in this together! ... I may not be as cute as Troy Bolton aka Zac Efron, but boy, do I have as much spirit as him. 

You can do it! 

With love,

How To Get Inspired And Gain An Internship

Hello there!

There are very few things I love more than career topics.  I know I just lost some cool points right there, but resumes, internships and LinkedIn- GOD BLESS LINKEDIN- are some of the coolest things around.

Now is the time to start seeking out those Summer internships! It's almost as if I can hear your booing from your computer screen as I type this. I feel you.

Starting out, searching for an internship seems very monotonous and time consuming. As one to never lie to you let me say that the internship process, can at times, be this way. However, by simply looking at the different options out there, you may surprise yourself.

There will be things you've never even knew existed as jobs or you'll find out about different companies that are actually really awesome. Soon, you'll be fantasizing of all of the internship possibilities.

To do an internship, or not do an internship. If you don't want the answer to be an adamant YES, then you best be asking someone else instead of me!

Internships are so important. 

You gain real world skills,  get to network with some really cool people and the best part is that you find out if what you did at your internship is something you actually want to do for an extended period of time. (Notice how I didn't say forever, the way we look at careers is changing people!)

What do you want to be doing this Summer or the rest of your life? Now is your chance to search and get it! And I'm going to help you.

Here are the internship websites I often frequent:

1. The Muse

2. Look Sharp

3. Glassdoor

4. LinkedIn

5. Internships.com

6. Idealist.org

Check internship sites often. Positions are always being added and now is the time to secure one. If you're not fully committed yet, keep an eye out for exciting things you may want to do in the Fall!

Is there an internship search engine you have an affinity for? Let me know.  I'd love to take a looksie.

With love,

Sitting in Class, Thinking About Being Abroad

Hey there friend!

Remember how I said that when you're busy being homesick, the tables will turn and you'll be homesick for abroad? (No? Refresh your memory here)

Well, that time has come. Actually, it's been around for a while and I can't escape it.

Ireland. I. Miss. You. A lot.

And. Greece.

Oh. And. Lovely. London.

Last, but not least- Paris for good measure.

( Shout out- Thanks to my friend Nicole for snapping some of these beautiful memories!!)

No one tells you how weird you'll feel coming back from a semester abroad. I came back from the Emerald Isle feeling like my college campus shrunk.  Granted, it was a small school to start with.

I also felt like everyone was so much more prepared than me- even though it was only syllabus week.

Here I am now, starting week 5 of the semester, and I can say I feel a lot better about being back in the states. Sure, I miss my old class schedule, my favorite pubs and coffee shops  and professors, but I've accepted it now as part of the territory. 

*

Here's some tips to cope with post abroad sadness:

1. Stay in touch with your old professors, faculty and staff

The connections you made over 4+ months are too valuable to be thrown out the window! In talking to past professors, faculty and staff about readjusting, the new wave of students abroad, things that made you think of them etc.- you'll still feel connected. They'd love to hear from you so send them a quick message!

2. Meet up with people who went abroad and share stories

The first week back, my school had a re-entry meeting for all the students who studied abroad. We got to swap stories and eat pizza. What is better than that? You can tell stories about your time abroad to many people, but only a few people will truly get them, so it's really comforting to touch base with the people who went through the same experiences as you!

3. Dive back into your passions at school (or find new ones!)

Getting back into leadership roles or clubs is so comforting. They're things you loved pre- abroad and things you most likely missed while you were gone. Reignite those passions. Going abroad I realized that I love traveling, so I decided to make it a point to work in my Study Abroad office at school. In doing this, I got to find a new passion and still link back to my adventures abroad. This leads me to my next point...

4. Shout from the rooftops why others should study abroad

Remember the days where you were practically jumping at the chance to study abroad? And wasn't it one of the most magical feelings when you finally could? (Answer: Y E S) You listened to everyone's stories, you read all the information you could and you asked all the questions you could possibly think of to upperclassmen. 

Now it's your chance to be that vessel of knowledge. There's tons of students that are now looking to you for advice. In being a study abroad alum, so to speak, you get to tell everyone why they need to go abroad. It helps spread the word, soothes student's worries and you get to talk about your kick ass experience.

*

Just like being homesick while abroad, remember that you're not alone when coming back to college. Some of your peers are going through the same thoughts and feeling as you. It's ok to be nostalgic and it's ok to be sad! Just remember, there's always people you can talk to. 

Above all else, don't forget what fire sparked in you when you first chose your college.  (Burlington, you're such a babe. Always beautiful and #1 in my heart) You felt a sense of belonging then- and chances are, that sense of belonging is still in your heart now! It may be trickier to find at the moment, but I can promise you that it won't belong before you rediscover it again.

With love,