It's been quite an enjoyable experience blogging for La Roche. Hopefully my entries have been at least a little helpful to at least a few people. The most important thing to sum up all of my blog entries is probably the topic of communication. Communication is necessary in everyday life, but it also helps you succeed, take new chances, gain opportunities, and get further ahead in life. Communication can range from asking someone at La Roche where to find something to networking for an internship or job. While you want to be sure to have fun in college, remember that the day after graduation, you're thrown out into the real world. If you don't have a job lined up or at least some kind of plan, it can be very daunting. So for a long lesson turned short: play hard and work harder because the harder you try to succeed, the more things will go your way.
For anyone with questions about La Roche, graphic design, or life in general, who may have been reading this blog or just caught one post, please feel free to contact me. My student email is sarah.egolf@stu.laroche.edu and I would be more than happy to talk with you.
To those who have just finished their first week at La Roche, good luck and best of wishes for a fun and successful school year!
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Sunday, August 21, 2011
First Week on Campus
In the first week of college, it's important to get involved and get routines down. More than ever it's important to meet new people and make as many friends as you can. La Roche may be a small school, but at lunch time, the cafeteria is almost always packed. If you always recognize a friendly face, you'll always have a place to go at lunch or dinner. Breakfast is a good idea, but not many people take advantage of it. Not only will making friends help with seating situations but it will also give you someone to hang out at events with, to talk to in classes, to ask about homework, to get a ride somewhere for groceries or other supplies, and to just generally hang out with so life isn't boring. The first week on campus is also a good time to figure out when the dining hall is least crowded, when your friends eat, and when the best time to do laundry is. Of course, the first week can also be for more mundane things like getting a schedule established. Make the most of your first week and be sure to have some fun.
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Caffeine
Caffeine is an unfortunate necessity of college life. I went into college hating coffee and I came out with an addiction to it. It's extremely important to keep good hours in college in order to stay healthy. However, at some point, most of us realize that it just isn't going to happen that way. A lot of people's immune systems take a beating while they're trying to establish a schedule and they end up getting sick. If you're surviving on coffee and energy drinks, there's a strong possibility that this could be you. Try not to depend on caffeine too long. Set a limit for yourself of one energy drink and two cups of coffee a week. The important thing is to not become dependent on caffeine to keep you awake and functioning, although most of us make that mistake at least once. Caffeine can also cause serious health problems itself. Some people are caffeine intolerant. For my aunt, consuming too much caffeine affects her vision. Caffeine can also affect your heart rate. Because it is acidic in nature, too much coffee (or too many energy drinks) on an empty stomach can result in not feeling well. If you suddenly cut back on your caffeine intake, you can get bad headaches. For some people, it doesn't take much difference to start experiencing caffeine withdrawal.
That being said, coffee is useful and it's good. The cafeteria and cafe at La Roche have coffee and the cafe keeps stocked up on energy drinks and canned coffee drinks. There is also a coffee machine underneath the library that offers coffee, hot chocolate, and cappuccino. If it's late and you're in your dorm room, you might have your own coffee maker. Another quicker alternative is instant coffee. There are many brands from the expensive Starbucks Via to the inexpensive Nescafe. Additionally, there is a Starbucks on McKnight Road. With all of these options, you're sure to always have quick access to coffee and other forms of caffeine when you need it most.
That being said, coffee is useful and it's good. The cafeteria and cafe at La Roche have coffee and the cafe keeps stocked up on energy drinks and canned coffee drinks. There is also a coffee machine underneath the library that offers coffee, hot chocolate, and cappuccino. If it's late and you're in your dorm room, you might have your own coffee maker. Another quicker alternative is instant coffee. There are many brands from the expensive Starbucks Via to the inexpensive Nescafe. Additionally, there is a Starbucks on McKnight Road. With all of these options, you're sure to always have quick access to coffee and other forms of caffeine when you need it most.
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Work Study Jobs
If you need a work study job while you're at La Roche, don't fret. Many of them are really easy and can be really fun. A work study job is a form of financial aid and it entails that you do a few hours of work each week. Every semester there is a work study job fair in CC Square. This is a great place to go and learn about all of the opportunities that are open. However, if you don't want to wait that long before you get a work study job, you can go see the people at financial aid. They will give you a list of departments looking for work study students. Depending on your aid, a work study job can consume 2 to 12 hours or so per week. The library has work study positions available. Here you do typical library duties such as checking people's books out, assisting people with finding library items, and organizing books. The interior design department has a work study position available where a student organizes all the resources in the resource room and does other small tasks, especially like helping to set up for events. Several of the offices (like Registrar) have work study positions where you go and take phone calls and file things to fill your hours.
Probably one of the best jobs, in my opinion, is to have a work study job with the I.T. department. Especially as a graphic design student, this position gives you a lot of useful experience. If you prove to be responsible, you will be trusted with jobs like fixing paper jams in the printers instead of having to call I.T. You learn how to change the toner cartridges and do basic printer and computer maintenance. Making sure the printers are always stocked with paper and the supply cabinets are full is probably the most important part of the job. One of the other great things about this job is that you get to do your homework while you supervise the lab as long as no one needs assistance and you've performed all of your other duties. Again, especially in graphic design, this is very beneficial.
Another important part of a work study job is to make and maintain relationships. I was able to keep the same work study job for all four years because my supervisor liked me so much. He gave me a lot of room to hand pick my hours and was always there to talk to. He even enthusiastically agreed to be a reference for me when graduation approached and I was sending out resumes. All in all, a work study position is really what you make of it and it can be boring and useless, or it can be fun and even pay off in the long run.
Probably one of the best jobs, in my opinion, is to have a work study job with the I.T. department. Especially as a graphic design student, this position gives you a lot of useful experience. If you prove to be responsible, you will be trusted with jobs like fixing paper jams in the printers instead of having to call I.T. You learn how to change the toner cartridges and do basic printer and computer maintenance. Making sure the printers are always stocked with paper and the supply cabinets are full is probably the most important part of the job. One of the other great things about this job is that you get to do your homework while you supervise the lab as long as no one needs assistance and you've performed all of your other duties. Again, especially in graphic design, this is very beneficial.
Another important part of a work study job is to make and maintain relationships. I was able to keep the same work study job for all four years because my supervisor liked me so much. He gave me a lot of room to hand pick my hours and was always there to talk to. He even enthusiastically agreed to be a reference for me when graduation approached and I was sending out resumes. All in all, a work study position is really what you make of it and it can be boring and useless, or it can be fun and even pay off in the long run.
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Back to School Packing
Regardless of whether it's your first trip or last trip off to college this year, it's coming quickly and I'm sure you still have Back to School shopping to do. Walmart has a lot of great items for dorm rooms and apartments. Each year there are sets of colors they use for all of the major Back to School items. The colors are generally suited to guys and girls, so it's easy to find something you like. The only bad thing about these cool colors is that they change every Back to School season, so don't count on being able to find replacement towels or additional storage containers in the same colors as you already have. Walmart was definitely my favorite place to shop for Back to School items. Target is known for having a comprehensive Back to School packing / supplies list, but there are generally a lot more extravagent items on it, as well as items that may not even be allowed in most dorms. One thing about places like Target and Ikea is that they seem to be more apartment focused than dorm room focused.
You'll never really figure out what all you do and don't need for school. Though La Roche doesn't have a Walmart in the immediate area, there are other nearby stores and there's always Cranberry in a pinch. There's no secret master list of items to bring to school, but there are a lot of base idea lists out there. Because your needs will probably change throughout your 4 years in college, you will likely always be needing different supplies. So best of luck in your shopping endeavors!
You'll never really figure out what all you do and don't need for school. Though La Roche doesn't have a Walmart in the immediate area, there are other nearby stores and there's always Cranberry in a pinch. There's no secret master list of items to bring to school, but there are a lot of base idea lists out there. Because your needs will probably change throughout your 4 years in college, you will likely always be needing different supplies. So best of luck in your shopping endeavors!
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Social Media
I'm sure you've had a lot of lecturing about social media and representing yourself on the web. As a graphic designer, I can say that it's a good idea to have an online presence. It definitely helps in networking and finding a job. However, it is true that you should control what is out there on the internet about you. If any of your social media profiles are "open," any of your professors and future employers might stumble upon them and then have a less than favorable opinion of you because of a photo your cousin's friend's boyfriend posted and tagged you in. I'm not saying you can't have any fun or post any crazy pictures, but I do think you need to be careful who you allow to see them. Also, keep in mind you need to be careful who and what you complain about because things can be misinterpreted online.
A good idea prior to going off to college or graduating from college is to "clean up" your profiles. Go through and see if there are any incriminating photos of you or swearing from your friends on your profile. These things definitely WON'T help you get a job if your potential employer happens to stumble across them. Of course, like I said earlier, you have less work to do if you just keep everything private. Speaking of keeping things private, there are some things you should keep public. You SHOULD advertise your name, any school or education you have achieved, and perhaps your hometown or current area (which you can generalize). You do want people to be able to find you online because that's what social media is for. Just remember that anything you have set to public should be flattering or used to identify / clarify your online identity without exposing too much personal information. In summation, you don't have to be paranoid about what you put online, but it does pay to be thoughtful about it.
A good idea prior to going off to college or graduating from college is to "clean up" your profiles. Go through and see if there are any incriminating photos of you or swearing from your friends on your profile. These things definitely WON'T help you get a job if your potential employer happens to stumble across them. Of course, like I said earlier, you have less work to do if you just keep everything private. Speaking of keeping things private, there are some things you should keep public. You SHOULD advertise your name, any school or education you have achieved, and perhaps your hometown or current area (which you can generalize). You do want people to be able to find you online because that's what social media is for. Just remember that anything you have set to public should be flattering or used to identify / clarify your online identity without exposing too much personal information. In summation, you don't have to be paranoid about what you put online, but it does pay to be thoughtful about it.
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Preparing For an Interview
There are many things to do to ensure you have a successful interview. You can find interview tips everywhere, from books to the Internet to your parents and teachers. The company I am currently working for recently interviewed for a freelance position. We had several candidates come in and that led me to remembering my interview pet peeves.
1. Dress up. Wear your Sunday best for an interview. Girls, wear a nice business suit or blouse and skirt with dress shoes. Guys, wear a suit and tie with dress shoes. You would be surprised at the number of people who can't make this initial impression a good one.
2. Show up before "on time." Take a test drive out to the location of your interview if that's what it takes. Know for a fact how much time it should take you to get there and what kind of traffic there should be at the time you're heading there. Showing up 5 minutes early is better than showing up exactly on time and both are better than showing up even one minute late. Yes, things happen, but you should be responsible enough to take that into account. Twenty minutes early is a good goal to aim for. You don't want your interviewers to be looking at the clock in frustration because you are wasting their time even before you get there. Don't be lazy. Be early.
3. Your chosen career field may have a specific jargon, but remember to gauge your audience as you speak with your interviewers. If they look bored, perhaps you are being too technical and need to tone it down a little. You want to show your expertise, but it's important to know how to relate yourself to your audience.
4. Always follow up. After an interview, ALWAYS write a thank you letter or email to thank your interviewers for taking the time to meet with you. It highly impresses your interviewers and is more than worth the short amount of time you should spend on it.
These four things are guaranteed to leave a good impression with your interviewers and give you a fruitful interview experience. Good luck to everyone!
1. Dress up. Wear your Sunday best for an interview. Girls, wear a nice business suit or blouse and skirt with dress shoes. Guys, wear a suit and tie with dress shoes. You would be surprised at the number of people who can't make this initial impression a good one.
2. Show up before "on time." Take a test drive out to the location of your interview if that's what it takes. Know for a fact how much time it should take you to get there and what kind of traffic there should be at the time you're heading there. Showing up 5 minutes early is better than showing up exactly on time and both are better than showing up even one minute late. Yes, things happen, but you should be responsible enough to take that into account. Twenty minutes early is a good goal to aim for. You don't want your interviewers to be looking at the clock in frustration because you are wasting their time even before you get there. Don't be lazy. Be early.
3. Your chosen career field may have a specific jargon, but remember to gauge your audience as you speak with your interviewers. If they look bored, perhaps you are being too technical and need to tone it down a little. You want to show your expertise, but it's important to know how to relate yourself to your audience.
4. Always follow up. After an interview, ALWAYS write a thank you letter or email to thank your interviewers for taking the time to meet with you. It highly impresses your interviewers and is more than worth the short amount of time you should spend on it.
These four things are guaranteed to leave a good impression with your interviewers and give you a fruitful interview experience. Good luck to everyone!
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