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