There are many facets to the world of college, but the most important one is preparing ourselves for real life. Getting a degree opens many doors to the professional world that wouldn’t be there otherwise. Every course you take (well most courses) are meant to provide you with the tools you will need in your field of choice, but you must do a lot of work on your own as well. There are three main components to your professional profile:  your resume, cover letter, and networking. You need to present yourself as a professional both on paper and online to set yourself apart from the many other college grads looking for a job.

On Paper

Your resume and cover letter are the two most important pieces of paper in your professional identity. Combined, these two documents represent you as a potential candidate for your dream job. If they do not represent you to the fullest, you could lose an amazing opportunity. Many recruiters will write off a candidate because of formatting, spelling and grammar errors.

Resume:

There are three main rules to follow when making your resume. The first rule is “One Page Only”. This rule is so important! It is an unwritten rule, but I promise every recruiter/employer will notice if you follow it. The second rule is “Formatting”. Formatting your resume shows you have attention to detail as well as a good sense of organization. The third rule is “Tailoring”. Tailoring your resume takes it to the next level. It’s all about making you and your experiences fit the company you want to join.

One Page Only!

Whether you are a new graduate or a well accomplished professional veteran, your resume should be ONE PAGE! The resume is a snap shot of what makes you awesome. You should only put your best and most relevant experience on your resume. Generally it is good idea to keep your experience as recent as possible. Your high school experience doesn’t need to be on your resume, it will make it seem as though you haven’t done anything while in college.

If there is a club or sport you participated in that is relevant, let them know in the interview. In the interview high school experience can be a nice point for conversation, but keep it off your resume. As long as your resume is only one page, you’ll separate yourself from the applicants who wrote a book instead (and you will definitely get the interview over them).

Formatting!

If you format your resume correctly, it will stand out over those that seem haphazardly put together. This can be hard on Microsoft Word, so try to seek help from your career center or use a formatter. Online formatting aides may cost a few dollars, but they will make your resume look so much more polished. Make sure the indentations and bullet points are all in line. If your resume looks great, the employer will want to read it first and appreciate the hard work that went into it.

Tailoring!

This is such an important step. Unfortunately, a lot of people skip it. Tailoring consists of researching the company and making your resume fit what they are looking for. A good place to start is by looking at their mission statement and seeing what their company is all about. Also, try to use the same language as them, look for key words and use them in your resume and cover letter. Researching the company will not only help you with your resume, but it is essential for your interview. You can have the same resume for every job interview, but if you tailor you primary resume for each job, it will show your interest in the company. Tailoring is about picking and choosing the right words, experiences, and organization to fit the company you want.

Cover letter

Your cover letter is the more personable version of your resume, and your way of telling the employer that you are the best person for the job. When you are writing your cover letter always remember what is on your resume and refer back to those experiences. Try to format it in three paragraphs. The first should state why you are writing and what position you are interested in. Mention something about the company that interests you, such as an award they have achieved or an achievement in their field. If you add this in, they will know right off the bat that you know about their company and have done research. The second paragraph should address how your skills and achievements will improve their company. Don’t undersell yourself; you have worked hard for 4-5 years to get the job of your dreams and you need to tell them why you are just what they were looking for. The final paragraph should restate the reason why you are writing them and thank them for their time. Passionately engage yourself to their company and make yourself too good to refuse.

Address the letter to someone, not to whom it may concern. This shows you know who to contact and how interested you are in this job. If you don’t know who to address it to search their website or call the company and ask for the name of the hiring manager. Finally, for the best results, mention in the end that you will be contacting them at a specific date to ensure they have received your application packet. If you say this, you are showing just how determined you are to get an interview/job with this company!

Online

It is also necessary to create a professional online identity. Who you are online is just as important as how you represent yourself on paper and in person. Your online persona is important to many employers and can make or break your chances with their company.

Social Networking

Employers as well as job seekers are learning as they go about the importance of social networking and online profiles on the job market. There are new rules being made as to the security of your online profiles. Facebook has become a tool many employers use to find out about future employees from a different angle. This can be detrimental for any college student that has questionable pictures. Technically, the information you put online is not private, so be careful what you put online! Making your Facebook private may not be enough. Some companies are asking for Facebook usernames and passwords before hiring. This is a controversial breakthrough, but it is something that future grads should be aware of.

Although social networking sites can be used against job seekers, it can also be a great tool to use in your job search! Sites such as LinkedIn and Twitter can be used to network with companies you seek to join.

LinkedIn

This site is a “professional Facebook” and it is used by employers and business professionals to connect online. You can upload your resume and experience for employers to see. Employers will put up job postings and search through resumes. If you are looking for a job, LinkedIn can connect you to people in the field you wish to work in. The old adage is true, ‘it’s not what you know, it’s who you know’. Professional networking sites can help you network in the digital age.

Twitter

Twitter can be for fun, but it can also be used for professional networking. I myself have a personal twitter as well as a professional twitter. The difference is all about who you follow and what you tweet. I do not follow any friends on my professional twitter. I follow companies I am interested in and Job posting sites. I will post articles I have written and research companies though their tweets. Twitter is a great way to keep posted on what is happening in companies in your desired field as well as getting even more of your experience out there.

Now that you have the tools to represent yourself in the best way, you will be sure to get an interview. All of these tools are going to be seen by the employer far before they ever meet you, which is why it is so important to represent yourself in the best light. Searching for a job is all about being proud of who you are and showing employers why you are the perfect man/woman for the job! If you’ve done the work and followed these tips, there is no reason you shouldn’t be successful in finding the perfect job!

The post Establishing a Professional Identity appeared first on The Campus Companion.

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Every year the temperature rises, and out come the shorts and tank tops, until you realize those weeks hunkered down avoiding the cold have contributed to an additional few pounds being. It’s okay. This happens to me and many others every year. During the winter months, good nutrition is hard to stick to and regular exercise is even harder.

In an effort to ease the minds of hopeful students, I have come up with a plan to get in shape by summer. I am by no means an expert, but after enough research, and a lot of personal experience, I know what works for me and what doesn’t. At the very least, all you readers can have the ease of mind that I am doing this plan right along with you, so let’s get in shape!

Eating Right:

Make a plan:

Make a weekly plan of healthy meals to eat. If you write down all the meals you plan to eat that week, it will be easier to go shopping for groceries, save money, keep track of what your eating, and help you stay away from eating out.

Here’s an example of my eating plan:

Monday

• Breakfast: Scrambled Eggs, Grapefruit, Coffee, Toast (with light butter)
• Lunch: Turkey sandwich, apple slices with peanut butter, yogurt, and edamame (soy beans, seriously delicious and really healthy)
• Dinner: Chicken and rice bake with broccoli, side salad, and a fruit parfait for dessert

 Once I have made my list I can cross check what I already have and then write down what I need to buy. I am a classic grocery store wanderer and I end up buying anything that catches my eye, spending way too much money and then getting home and having nothing to really eat. With this plan I know I have something to eat for every meal and I stay a lot healthier. The nice thing is that you can write all the meals down, but if you want something that’s on a different day, go ahead and eat it. The plan doesn’t need to be constricting, but rather a way for you to pick and choose.

Find foods that are good for you that are delicious too:

There may be people out there that adore eating salads every day and love tofu, but that is just not me! I like to eat a lot of random healthy stuff that others might hate, which is why it’s important to try healthy stuff and find what you like. I love edamame, spinach, and brussel sprouts, but I never would’ve known that if I hadn’t tried them. Try different ways of cooking veggies – you may think you don’t like something, but it may take spicing it up a little to change your mind.

Give yourself a break:

This is just my opinion and I doubt you will see many diet and exercise plan that agrees, but I honestly feel you should not limit yourself too much. Everyone has those really bad for you foods you just can’t resist, and I say on occasion, have at it. Try not to limit yourself to healthy food all the time and have those goodies every now and then. I can try as hard as I want to be healthy, but nobody can come between me and my hot wings, Cheetos, and mac and cheese!

Exercise:

I have found that anyone who wants to get in shape has an issue with either eating right or exercising; for me it is definitely exercising. If you are not in very good shape, the task of working out can seem daunting. I have very little ability to run, bike, or swim without getting out of breath, but the truth is it is a work of progress. I make the mistake of expecting too much from my body too early in the process.

Set a goal:

Set a realistic goal for yourself. That way, you can work on it slowly and it is not too far out of reach. Setting a goal like that makes it easier to achieve, without pushing yourself too far and getting burned out.

My goal: To be able to run 1 mile without stopping by the end of June.

Other good goals:

• To fit in to my shorts from last summer
• To be able to do a 5k
• To drop a dress size (but sizing is so varied by store, try picking one great outfit or dress to by when you feel great about your progress)

Make a plan:

I have to go with this tip again. Making a plan ahead of time will make it so much easier to stay motivated. Look at your schedule and find the best time for you to workout. Know yourself and don’t pick unrealistic times. I am not and never will be a morning person, so I would be shooting myself in the foot if I decided to workout in the morning before class, I have tried this and I always opt for sleeping in.

My plan:

• Monday: Rest, my Monday’s are so hectic I couldn’t imagine working out.
• Tuesday: Workout after my last class; Cardio for 30 minutes, Abs and Arms for 20 minutes
• Wednesday: Workout during my break in between classes; Cardio for 1 hour
• Thursday: Workout after my last class; Cardio for 30 minutes, Legs and Butt exercises for 20 minutes
• Friday: Workout after my last class; Cardio for 1 hour
• Saturday: Rest
• Sunday: Workout any time of the day; Cardio for 45 minutes, Yoga for 15 minutes.

Find the right workout:

In general it is best to do cardio every day you workout and do strength exercises 2-3 times a week. Find out what your style of working out is. Are you a gym person? Would you rather workout outside or in your apartment? Once you find what you like, it will be easier to follow your plan.

Good cardio exercises:

• Dancing: Sometimes I feel silly, but I will dance in my room for 30 minutes and it is definitely getting my heart rate up.
• Running: For many people running can be a huge stress reliever, work up to it by walking first and adding running in intervals.
• Walking: Now that it is nice out on my campus I have been walking everyday and I surprisingly feel the burn.
• X-box Kinect: If you play JustDance or any of the adventure games on Kinect or Wii you will definitely get a good workout.
• Roller-blading or Biking: Use these as modes of transportation and you will burn more calories than you ever will driving.
• Go Play! When we were kids this concept wasn’t difficult, so embrace your inner child and go out and play in the beautiful weather, just don’t forget to hydrate.

Getting in shape can be hard and terrible or it can be fun and motivating. If you put the right foot forward you will definitely be able to succeed. Just remember that it is about your health and self-confidence, not your weight! Stay positive and get a friend involved for the best results. Find ways that make eating right yummy and working out fun, that way it doesn’t seem like a chore and the results will end up being an extra treat!

The post Our Official “Get In Shape For Summer” Guide appeared first on The Campus Companion.

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The freshman fifteen may not be a myth, but I wasn’t told that every following year has a little weight gain as well. Between alcohol, delivery restaurants that stay open until 3 a.m., and your only exercise being the walk to class, it’s no surprise that college is not the best time for your body. Having personally had my ups and downs, I’ve learned that the key to being healthy in college is not putting too much pressure on yourself. This is not the time to be counting calories and exercising all the time. If you put too much stress on being in perfect shape, you’ll drive yourself crazy and miss out on some of the best things about college. The real trick is learning moderation and finding a balance. I am not pretending to be an expert on the subject, and it is a really difficult plan to stick to, but I will share the routine that I found most successful.

Know When And How To Eat Well

I’ve gone back and forth between being healthy and being totally horrible to my body, and I’ve learned from both. After a lot of research online and general knowledge, I have found the best foods to eat, as well as the worst. More importantly, however, I’ve learned a couple rules that will make eating well a little easier.

Don’t skip breakfast:

Ya, ya, ya, you’ve heard that one a million times, but only because it really is that important. As a college student, you are going to need energy for the day and the healthiest way to go about that is by eating breakfast. Breakfast will get you through the morning without craving pizza or Cheetos on the way to class ( my personal weaknesses).

Don’t censor your breakfast, either. If you are not a breakfast person, then you aren’t going to want your average eggs and a bagel. My personal opinion is go ahead eat whatever you want – at least you’re eating breakfast. My favorite breakfast on a morning when I am motivated to eat well is grapefruit, scrambled eggs, and some coffee. The more protein you eat, the more full you will be; so don’t skip the bacon or greek yogurt for a fat-free option.

Do your research:

A great way to know how to eat well is by learning about food. Researching food and recipes that are healthy is something I do constantly. There are so many resources: online magazines, blogs, newsletter, and books are great places to start looking.

I wouldn’t always recommend following a specific eating plan. It can be too constricting for a student and often times too expensive as well. Try looking at several plans, learn what is healthy and then create your own plan that suits your needs. I’ve learned that snacks such as nuts, edamame, and greek yogurt all pack a ton of protein which will keep you full and taste good too.

Also, try to drink as much water as possible. Drinking water was hard for me, because I’ve never liked it much(I know that’s strange), but it’s so helpful. A good way to go about that is simply buying a cheap water bottle. There are fountains everywhere and you’ll never be without a source of water. Surprisingly, when you have water on you, it just seems natural to drink it.

Make a plan:

This does not have to be down to the meal each day, but if you’re on the go like me I try to pack a lunch and some snacks to get me through the day. If I don’t do this, I wind up eating at the Union (my school’s dining hall), which is never a good choice for me or my wallet.

It could be as easy as a sandwich, a bag of cut up fruit and nuts, and a water bottle. I try to prepare everything at night because I am always in a rush in the morning, but do whatever fits your lifestyle. I don’t care what I bring for lunch, because whatever I bring is probably better than that calzone I would be getting otherwise. If you eat decently healthy all day, you won’t need to feel pressured to say no that free hot dog at the bar (hopefully that’s a common thing, because it should be!).

Know your drinks:

If you are really committed to a healthy lifestyle, you probably wouldn’t drink much alcohol, but that’s just not me. When I go out to the bars, I try to stick to somewhat “healthier” drinks. The main culprits are the mixers, people. Try your drinks with soda water, or 100% juice. One of my favorite drinks that is low in calories is ‘vodka, water, lime.’ The bartender will know it, so try it once and you might like it (ask them to put Rose’s Lime in it.)

If you’re a beer person (and I’m definitely with you on that!) I say drink it in moderation, but don’t go for light beer just because it’s light; beer is an art. Don’t muddy up your senses with a Coors light all the time, try some good, full-bodied beers. Guinness is a great beer that is surprisingly better for you than you might think. College is the time to get away with drinking, so don’t let weight loss goals hinder your goal of having a fun time.

Exercise!

I will preface this by saying I am not a huge fan of exercise, but i’ve found that it is all about the way you go about it. Try to find fun new ways to get your heart rate up. You are surrounded by young people, clubs, sports, and free recreational centers – it just can’t be that hard, right? Well it can be. Between classes, going out, and roommate drama you can feel so drained it is impossible to want to work out. Here are a few things I’ve come up with to get a little workout in without hitting the gym:

1. Walk to class: The bus system is great, but try to plan ahead and walk to class. Unless it is raining, snowing, or freezing outside there is no reason to take the bus. Walking to class is the easiest way to get in some activity without noticing, and you get to see a lot of your friends on the way.
2. Dance at the bar: Don’t be afraid to get jiggy with it on the dance floor. Ladies especially, this is a great workout and don’t try and tell me you are not having fun. Dancing is such a great way to raise your heart rate, in more ways than one!
3. Have sex: Sorry, but it must be said. This is one of the best ways to get your cardio in, and I should hope you’re not thinking about working out.
4. Play a game with your friends: Find a spot of grass or a field and play anything with a little running. Try a new sport or make one up. It is not only a good workout, but a great time with your friends. There are basketball and tennis courts on basically every campus, give them a try!
5. Make up a workout game: I just found this awesome workout that is based on the Harry Potter movies, you have to do a specific move every time something happens in the movie, such as 10 squats every time a spell is cast. I haven’t tried it, but I am sure it’s not as miserable as I feel on the treadmill!
6. Go shopping: This may not be great for your wallet if you have no control like me, but in the words of Carrie Bradshaw (Sex and the City), “Shopping is my cardio”. Between the walking around and trying on clothes you are definitely burning some calories. As long as you can resist that cookie cake or soft pretzel, you’ll be getting a good workout in.

Exercise is important, but don’t make it your life. If exercise is your stress relief, that is a great thing to do often. I have never been a gym person, but I have a lot of friends who love it! It is all about finding the right way for you and your lifestyle to go about it. Once you find your niche, may it be joining the dance team or going to the gym every day after class, you are making a healthy step.

If you eat healthy as much as you can without pressuring yourself and get a little exercise in during the day, you will be in better shape by summer. If you want a more structured plan, try making a calendar and write down exercises to do on the days you have time. Having a set plan will keep you motivated and help you succeed. Being healthy is the goal, not losing weight. When you make these little changes, you will feel so much better, happier, and have more energy (which is never a bad thing).

The post How To Stay Healthy In College appeared first on The Campus Companion.

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Being in a relationship is all about learning and growing as a person and as a duo. Being in a relationship in college is both exciting and difficult. The college environment is just plain different than the real world, and every relationship must adapt to these differences.

Warning Signs

There are three major red flags when it comes to your relationship. If you avoid these red flags, someone will surely be hurt and things could end poorly.

1.) Lack of Trust

If there is no trust in your relationship, you are in trouble! As cheesy as it may sound, trust really IS everything. Trust is essential to every successful relationship, but it is the easiest problem to ignore. There a few ways to know when trust is lacking in the relationship.

• Constantly Checking Phone/Social Networking Sites

  

Whether it is you doing the checking or your significant other, it is important to notice when it becomes excessive. College is very social environment and if you feel you need to monitor your text messages or social network accounts, you are no longer in a trusting relationship. It can be hard to let something like checking your phone be a make or break decision, but it is not something that will get better in time. Trust is vital, precious, and difficult to keep, but if it is there, you are on your way to a wonderful, healthy relationship.

• Jealousy

If you go to the bars or a party and your significant other is constantly asking you about the people there, he/she is showing classic jealous behavior. It isn’t healthy to feel as though you are doing something wrong if you are talking to a friend who is of the opposite sex. Jealousy only comes from the fear something bad will happen, which indicates a lack of trust.

2.) Fighting Regularly

Every relationship will have fights, even really bad fights, but if it becomes a constant occurrence you need to start re-evaluating why you are fighting in the first place. The point of being in a relationship is to have fun, your significant other should be at the base of it all, your friend. Fighting all the time can be really hard on both parties and it may indicate something deeper is the problem.

3.) Desire For Something Else

If you or your partner are having strong feelings about someone else, or a strong desire to be single when you are away from each other, there is a problem. This may seem obvious, but when you are in a long term relationship it is hard to get out of it. There can be a long period of you wanting to be single, but it is really difficult to come to terms with breaking up. Be aware of how you are feeling and how your partner is acting and discuss what you two really want, now.

Tips For A Healthy College Relationship

1.) Have Similar Interests

Obviously you should want to be interested in the same things, but it is especially important in college. College life is all about school, clubs, extra-curriculars, sports, etc. and if you don’t have much in common it will be difficult to ignore. It could be something as simple as, he is in a Fraternity and you don’t like to drink at Fraternities. The truth of the matter is, that shouldn’t be a big problem, but it could lead to a lot of nights apart.

2.) Know Your Values

Always go into a new relationship knowing their values and your own. Make a list of a few things that are most important to you and hold true to your beliefs. Think of vital things, like religion, alcohol, or sex. You may be able to look past your value differences at first, but eventually disagreeing on important issues will become a constant source of arguments.

3.) Don’t Rush It!

This tip is SO essential in college. College is a time to have fun while also focusing on your future. At this age, things change constantly –  your major, your dream job, etc. It is not a time to rush something that is dependent on all these other changes. A relationship is not a race to the aisle, stay away from the MRS degree and focus on yourself. You will have 20 plus years to think about everyone else, but now is the time to stay focused and have fun. If it is meant to be forever, it will be.

4.) Be Prepared For Game Changers

With internships, study abroad, and job placement, relationships in college are surely going to experience big changes. You need to be prepared for these changes, and get ready for how to deal with them.

5.) Be Spontaneous

This is important for any relationship! Never lose the spontaneous moments; they are what make relationships so fun and exciting. Have a random date night, or do something you’ve never done before. Doing these things will help keep the spark going in a stressful time. Try to keep up with your partner’s interest and surprise them. If they are a huge fan of baseball, grab some tickets to a game and go on a road trip! These kind of acts will be amazing for both of you. There is nothing better than seeing a huge smile on the face of someone you care about.

Conclusion

Relationships are fun, dramatic, exciting, emotional, and so much more. Whether they are amazing or not, they are worth it. You can learn so much about yourself and how to deal with others by being in a relationship. Try these tips to achieve a healthy relationship, but don’t ever stay in a relationship if you are not happy, because being happy is the primary goal, especially in college!

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Do…

1. Know the right fit:

Notice the word fit, not size. Sizes vary from store to store and brand to brand so never judge something completely by it’s size. Try things on and see that they fit you correctly, that way you won’t waltz in the bar with far too much showing.

2. Find what style suits you best:

There are so many different styles to adhere to, don’t get stuck wearing something that just isn’t your style. Think to yourself, “Are you gutsy or chic?” When you come up with your style, then play around with pieces until you know what works.

3. Look at the weather:

Going out at night is a free-for-all of crazy outfits, but nothing is more ridiculous than wearing shorts or a tube top in the dead of winter. Whether it is cold or hot there are many ways to look great so be kind to your body dress appropriately for the weather.

Don’t…

1. Wear anything you will worry about all night:

That top may look amazing, but if you have to make sure it is covering you all night, you’re going to be miserable. Don’t wear anything you need your friends or you to keep in check. It’s just not worth it.

2. Take off your shoes:

This is definitely a girls issue. Ladies, heels can be cruel! Don’t be that girl, though, walking around barefoot with her heels in her hand. When you are buying shoes, look them up and read the reviews or wear them around the house a while. We all have those nights when they just must come off, but try your best to bring some cute flats in your purse.

3. Forget the details:

Any outfit can be amped up with some fun added details. For girls, this could include your accessories, handbag, and even make-up choices. For the gentlemen, try picking a fun color, a cool belt, or even some special shoes, because girls love when guys have good taste in shoes.

These are just some basic tips to avoid a fashion blunder. The most important thing to do is be yourself and keep up with the latest trends that suit you. Fashion is all about expression and fun, so when it is time to start primping for the night, go to your closet and get excited about all the opportunities and never let it be a source of stress.

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