Saving Money on Textbooks

It's that time of the year again where college freshmen are getting ready to start what hopes to be a great journey. As most of you know, college isn't cheap so saving money where you can is very important. A major area area where money can be saved is in the cost of textbooks. Based on my experience, buying a new set of textbooks every year is just a complete waste. The content of a new book isn't any better than a used book. "But I don't like reading pages that have been highlighted and written over!". I don't either and not all used books are in that bad of a shape where you can't read the text. I always tried to buy used books when I can and only buying new when I couldn't find a used book at the book store. I regret not taking advantage of online textbook retailers as there are a lot of options out there now.

If you're looking to save some money, I've provided a useful link below I found via Lifehacker.

The Complete Guide to Saving Money on Textbooks [Lifehacker]

Extended Hiatus

I can not believe how long it has been since my last post here and I apologize to those looking for new content and updates. I have been facing my own career crisis of sorts and have began dabbling in other hobbies to keep me sane. After a long hiatus from this site, I will try to throw some TLC this way and get some new content up.

In order for me to get focused I'd like to see what the readers want me to write about here. Please leave some ideas in the comments and I'll gladly take a stab at them.

In the mean time I wanted to provide a link to another great career site a friend started that I feel has some great content and input:

Awesome and Unemployed

What the Class of 2009 Can Expect

As the Class of 2009 approaches graduation, they are probably entering one of the toughest job market in years as unemployment reaches towards 8% and companies reduce their recruiting to levels not seen in 6 years. Though companies are still hiring college graduates, they are being extra particular by screening out resumes that have less than a 3.0 GPA and no work experience.

There are still some industries that are doing well in a slow market such as Healthcare, Information Technology, and Education. Though most companies are cutting back on their R&D and Engineering departments, engineering degrees are still considered a stable career choice in the long haul.

The key to surviving a tough job market is too stay flexible and network as much as you can. The odds of finding a job through traditional means such as career fairs and online postings will be difficult. The best way is networking and this is more important than ever this year. Don't feel ashamed to ask your parents, family members, professors and anyone else when looking for a job.

For more information, I have provided a link below:

What College Graduates Can Expect Out Of The Job Market

Volunteering Abroad

As the U.S. job market worsens, brand new graduates may find themselves without a job and start looking for things to take up their time.  Many will attempt to find a part time position which is a great alternative.  But a new trend for young graduates is to volunteer abroad for programs such as Peace Corps and Teach for America.  There is a high demand in many developing countries for volunteers, providing life long experiences that will benefit you throughout your life.  This is a great opportunity to be productive, help others, and learn more about yourself while the job market is down.  Volunteering abroad also makes you stand out from other job candidates and is a great interview conversation starter.  Additionally, volunteering helps cover any gaps in your resume. 

Following along President Obama's message of service, "I say this to you as someone who couldn't be standing here today if not for the service of others, and who wouldn't be standing here if not for the purpose that service gave my own life."  

www.peacecorps.gov

www.teachforamerica.org

www.unitedplanet.org

Red Sprouts Update

It's been quite some time since we have last posted here and part of that is due in part to a busy work schedule. Though I have not yet been personally affected by the recession, I have had friends and coworkers who have lost their jobs this year. It is difficult to stay positive in such dire economic times but we will do our best here to provide career advice that will best prepare students who will be facing a difficult job market.

The Job Market Is Slowing, What Do I Do?

As a follow up to a posting of a news article that addresses the impact of a high unemployment rate on students, is a a guide on how to best approach this situation.

Still in School?

If you're not planning to graduate for a couple years you're probably in the best position and don't have much to worry about at this point.  The market will turn around eventually, so just sit tight and get your learn on!  If you want to be proactive, stay on top of the news and see what industries are making a come back so that you can position yourself accordingly when you graduate.  I don't believe companies will cut back on their recruiting efforts for internship positions as companies still need to train the future even if the economy is slowing.  

Plan on Graduating?

For those of you who are planning on graduating soon or have already graduated, don't panic!  Yes times are tough but they will get better.  Job hunting in a bad market is difficult as the competition for even entry level positions will be very high so you will need to put in the extra effort to stand out.  If you are truly determined in finding the right job for your future career, you will need to be very flexible and willing to relocate.  Many companies provide relocation packages and help get you on your feet.  Focusing your job searching in one particular location is very limiting and will lead to a job search dead end very quickly.  Set the right expectation when you're looking for your first job.  Jobs pertaining to your career may be hard to come by so don't set the bar so high or you will be easily frustrated with your first job.  Remember, you're still young and will have opportunities to rise as the job market gets healthier.  If possible, I would suggest going back to graduate school to continue your education so that you can enter a work force with an advanced degree and give some time for the job market to gain strength again.  

Whatever you do, don't panic!  The job market will turn around; it will just take some time.  

Job Marketing Looking Grimmer

I am not a big fan of continuously posting negative news but I feel that not posting the realty of the times is a disservice to my readers.  CNN recently posted on article with some job hiring statistical data worth noting:

• Employers said they planned to hire just 1.3% more graduates in 2009, a large drop from the 6% projection
  
• National unemployment is expected to be as high as 7% in Spring 2009, a rate not since met since 1993
  
• A sociology major applied to 60 positions only hearing back from 4 and settled for a part time position at a law firm
  
• Consider jobs outside the traditional role; Business majors should apply for finance-related positions in health care

Yes it looks bleak but this gives many a reason to try different career paths before settling while the job market stabilize.  I have provided a link the to the article below.

Grim Prospect For New Grads [via CNN Money]

Living Frugally - Having Trouble Making Rent?

Yes the economy is bad and for those not having to deal with an over priced mortgage, they may find themselves finding it harder to pay the rent every month.  I found an article at one of my favorite blogs that offered up an interesting way to drum up some extra funds.  Throw a Rent Party!  That's right, get some good music, drinks, food, and sell tickets at the door and you got yourself a rent party.  This was a novel idea back in the 1920's and 1930's but hey that's when we were in our last Great Depression right?

How to Raise Rent One Glass at a Time [via Lifehacker]

More Than Just the Salary

For those new grads, or soon to be new grads, there is more to the job offer than just the salary.  Here are the other things worth considering:

Vacation/Sick Time

At a minimum, companies will ofer 2 weeks of paid vacation that needs to accured.  There has been a recent trend in certain industries such as biotech who are providing a starting 3 weeks of vacation.  The amount of sick time a company gives is also variable ranging anywhere from 4 to 10 days and can be either be combined with vacation time or treated seperately.  

Medical Insurance

It is important for any young new graduate to get medical insurance and if a company is offering you a job without one, which is now a rare occurence, I would walk away.  The details of medical insurance can get confusing so we won't get into the details but make sure you are covered for medical, dental, and optical.  

Retirement/401 K

Many companies provide retirement benefits for their employees and some even provide matching where for every dollar the employee invests, the company will put in a certain amount.  This matching can range anywhere from 1% to 100% up to a certain amout of your salary.  

Holidays

We all like time off during the year and like sick time, the amount of holidays is variable for every company.  It can be as few at 7 and can be as many as 14 depending on the company operations.  Companies also offer floater holidays where you can take certain days off during the year up to your choosing.  

Telecommuting/Flex Schedule

In order to keep employess happy, companies are allowing employees to work at home and have more flexible schedules.  An example of a flexible schedule is the 9-80 where you work 9 hours a day Monday through Thursday and you get every other Friday off.  

Weekly Internship Posting

Summer Internship

ABC - Hollywood, CA

Paid TV Research Internship

Sony Picture - Westwood, CA

Environmental Regulatory Internship

Bayer - Baytown, TX

Technical Support Internship

IBM - Austin, TX

Audit Internship

RSM McGladery - Dallas, TX

Student Blogger Roundup

Another week of great posts from Student Bloggers:

I always felt that anyone can improve their essay writing during the course of their life.

How to Write Better Essays [via Student Charade]

Hoping to figure out what you spend your money on?  Here are some good tips!

College Money Tip #1: Where it All Begins [via Poorer Than You]

Sometimes the dorm just doesn't cut it.

Our Deluxe Apartment in the Sky [via Stringless Kite]

Racking up too many minutes on your cell phone?  Here are some great tips on making calls and while saving money.

Cut the Cost of Calling Home [via The Student Finance Blog]

Have you always wondered what you would do after graduation?

Things I might do... Later [via I Write With Pictures]

Beyond the GPA

Applying for a job, internship, or graduate school is very similar too applying for college where your GPA is very important but it won't get you all the way either.  As job pools get more competitive, it will be more important than ever to diversify yourself as much as possible.  

Volunteering

Someone that is willing to put in their own free time to better the lives of another is a valued characteristic by any recruiter.  This is a great oppurtunity to give something back to the community while padding your resume.  

Clubs

Being active in any club on campus allows you too socialize, destress, and network with others.  The best part of clubs though is the leadership potential that it offers if you get involved at that level.  Being a leader of club shows management potential and some well rounded characteristics compared to a GPA score.  

Tutoring

If you can teach it, then you've really learned it.  The best way to gauge someone's understanding of academic material is the ability to teach others.  Many campuses provided tutoring oppurtunties to students who have exeled in certain classes and sometime even pay on an hourly basis.  

VOTE!

Red Sprouts is taking a day off today for the most important day of the year. I encourage each and every one of my readers who are registered to get out and VOTE!

Cooking at Home

Many college students waste money on a weekly basis eating out and not getting the nutrition they need to maintain their physical and mental well being. Let's face it, there is no healthier or economical way to eat other than at home assuming that you're not eating Ramen on a daily basis. This is a good article on how to get started eating at home more often. It may seem that eating at home is time consuming which it can be but with proper planning it does not have to be.

Learning To Eat More Meals at Home [via Get Rich Slowly]

Weekly Internship Posting

Finance Internship
Burger King Brands, Inc. - Miami, FL

Wildlife Management Internship and Naturalist Internship
Kellogg Biological Station - Augusta, MI

Fitness Internship
CHD Meridian Healthcare, LLC - USA

Finance Internship
Scottrade - Blaine, MN

Management Internship - Culinary
Walt Disney Parks and Resorts - Lake Buena Vista, FL

Student Blogger Roundup

Another great week of posts from Student Bloggers:

Need a guide for student cooking on a budget?
Student Cooking - The Guide [via The Student Finance Blog]

Don't ever cheat!
Cheater's Make me Sad [via Undead Journal]

You think your tuition is high? Check out this list.
Top 100 Colleges By Highest Total Cost [via Campus Grotto]

Why you should probably do more than just smoke pot!
Potheads Go Boom In the Night [via Tales From Your Favorite Resident Assistant]

Everyone should try something new.
I'm Tired of Going to Basement Parties [via Coffee_girl]

Networking 101

Everyone has heard this buzz phrase, "It's not what you know, its who you know" and it is a very true statement indeed. Your grades and major can only get you so far but networking with people can get you a step closer to the job and career you desire.

Why Network?

When you're finally in the work place you'll soon realize that you don't go walking around with your major and GPA tattooed on your forehead. Interacting with people at your company is an often over looked aspect of your job and it can either make or break your career. Same goes in college. The more people you get to know and get along with in the job industry the easier it will be to find a job. A recommendation from someone working in the company will go a long way.

Where do you Network?

As a college student, there are many opportunities to speak with professionals. Heck, most professionals come to you and actually are looking for the opportunity to talk to college students to get a sense of the next generation of their work force. Many academic student groups organize either career nights or an informational session where a professional comes in and talk about their careers. Look to your university's career services to put these events together as well. Career fairs are also a great place to speak with recruiters and if you start early, you'll get to know them real well by the time you're actually looking for an internship or a job.

How do you Network?

So you've finally gotten the chance to walk up to someone and start networking but you're thinking, what do I say without looking stupid? First and foremost, don't forget to introduce yourself. It's a simple way of getting the conversation going. Find out more about their job and talk about some the class projects you've worked on or what would interest you in a career. What you're going for is finding the right chemistry and hoping that they sense it too. If they offer you a business card and opens up the opportunity to email him or her in the future for career advice then you're in the prefect position to develop a relationship.

Granted not all networking situations work out and don't expect to get business cards from everyone you meet but stay determined and network as much as possible. You'll gain good experience learning to interact with people out of college and hopefully a leg up on everyone else.

Interviewing with a Low GPA

Getting an interview spot with a low GPA is no easy task but getting through the interviews requires a bit more preparation. Not only do you have to prepare for the typical interview questions, you have to prepare yourself for this:

We've noticed you have a low GPA, would you like to explain it?

No Excuses

There is no real good excuse to have a low GPA, so don't think that pitching an excuse will do you any good. Death in the family? Should have talked to an academic advisor to hold your grades and drop out of school if needed as not to damage your GPA. What can work is honesty. If its due to bad study skills or unexpected standards of a college curriculum then you should be open and up front about it.

Weakness into Strength

Now that you and your recruiter have realized you have some not so great qualities on your resume, its time to turn a weakness into a strength. Think of this as an opportunity to explain how you've improved since hitting your low point in college and how it will help you become a professional in the future. If you've improved your study skills and have accelerated in certain key classes important in your major, make sure to point that out. You want the recruiter to feel comfortable that you've learned your lesson and are working to get your GPA back up. What a recruiter doesn't want to see is someone who is failing and hasn't made the choice to change and continue to fail.

Prove It

A recruiter can not deny your improvement if you bring them some solid proof such as a college transcript. Some recruiters will ask for this up front but only concentrate on the overall GPA. Be sure to bring a copy and really point out that you are improving in core classes and that your low GPA does not handicap you in any way. If you really want to wow the recruiter, you can always request a letter of recommendation from a professor in your major to vouch your academic improvement and your success as a professional.

Getting to Sleep Faster

Getting rest is an important part of being productive the next day but sometimes when you're up late and know you have to get to sleep soon for an early morning exam you realize that trying to get to sleep early is easily said than done. Here are some tips to getting to sleep quickly.

Tips For Getting to Sleep Faster & Sleep Better [via To-Done]

Weekly Internship Posting

Internship
HEICO Aerospace Corporation - Hollywood, FL

Internship
United Health Group - Duluth, GA

Financial Services Internship
UBS - Newport Beach, CA

Internship
CBS Corporation - New York, NY

Internet Advertising Internship
LogicalSolutions.net - Rochester, NY