Amazing Internships: Stories and Tips From Fellow Buffs

Written By Lauren Lind 

Interning is an important start to guide you in the field you want to go into. This Summer, Senior Ashley Hickey, had a pretty amazing opportunity interning for the U.S. State Department  in Nouakchott, Mauritania. Ashely is majoring in international affairs and getting a minor in business. She is also has an emphasis in French and is almost fluent in Spanish. Here is an exclusive look into her experience interning in Africa.

She had the rare opportunity to work alongside esteemed diplomats in a fascinating and unique country. During her time at the U.S. Embassy  she had the pleasure of regularly meeting with the American ambassador, as well as a number of prominent politicians from the host country, Mauritania. She was assigned to the political and economic office, where she says she was warmly welcomed and found immense support in her two supervisors. She worked on “cables”, or brief reports intended for State Department use, relating mostly to political and human rights issues in Mauritania. She was also charged with writing an extended report covering the relationship between the United States and Mauritania from several analytical perspectives.

Overall, she was surprised both by the breadth of her responsibilities and by the level of trust imparted to her by the embassy, as it is uncommon for interns in most other organizations to have access to the information and people that she did. She never felt that she was made to do “busywork”, and most of what she did do was of actual consequence and use to the embassy’s mission.

In addition to maintaining a high degree of professionalism during the work day, she had to be mindful of her role as a diplomat even (or, perhaps especially) while out at social engagements after hours. This is important for all interns to remember no matter which company they are interning for. Another tip that she said is extremely important was practicing engaging in everyday diplomacy.

She only has positive things to say about her time with the State Department, and would recommend that any student with a sincere interest in international affairs or foreign policy apply for this “overseas intern” position. Be proactive, make connections, and chase your dreams.... it may lead you across the world!

(Contributors: Ashley Hickey)

Forbes’ Best Cities to Work in 2013

Written By Lauren Lind 

For those who have already graduated or will this upcoming year, Forbes has gathered a list of the Top 10 best Cities to work in. If you want to stay in Colorado, you are lucky because Denver made the list coming in at number nine. The rankings were based on short, medium and long-term employment performance, and take into account both growth and momentum — whether growth is slowing or accelerating. They say that right now their list is comprised of metro areas that are adding higher-wage jobs thanks to America’s two big boom sectors: technology and energy. Listed below are their winning cities. To see their post click here.

1.San Francisco-San Mateo-Redwood City, CA Metropolitan Division
2. Nashville-Davidson-Murfreesboro-Franklin, TN
3. Salt Lake City, UT
4. Fort Worth-Arlington, TX Metropolitan Division
5. Houston-Sugar Land-Baytown, TX
6. Dallas-Plano-Irving, TX Metropolitan Division
7. San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
8. Charlotte-Gastonia-Rock Hill, NC-SC
9. Denver-Aurora-Broomfield, CO
10. Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX

What makes these cities so great? The percentage job growth in all of these cities have been gradually gone up since 2008. Don’t worry if you’re not specifically in the technology or energy industries. Nashville was number two on the list and according to Forbes, “reflects the power of economic diversity coupled with ample cultural amenities, pro-business policies and a mild climate. Nashville’s 3.8% expansion in employment last year, and 7% growth since 2008, has been propelled by business services, education and health. There’s also been a recent recovery in manufacturing, up over 9% last year, as well as retail and wholesale trade.”

Cities that were seen as some of the worst places to find jobs in 2013 include Newark-Union, N.J., Saint Louis, MO-IL, Cleveland-Elyria- Mentor, Ohio, and Providence-Fall River-Warwick RI-MA.  A major reason they were seen as not good was due to the fact that they are long suffering industrial cities. Check out job opportunities in the top cities and join the increasing employment rate in the US.

Contributors: Joel Kotkin and Mike Shires with Forbes

How You Can Help Flood Victims

Written by Lauren Lind 

This past weekend our community was directly affected by the flash floods and flooding that occurred. With more than 1000 unaccounted for and 4 deaths, our hearts are heavy. 400 students on East Campus were evacuated from their dorms and apartments and 40 buildings on campus have water damage.

Imagine everything you own being gone in a matter of minutes. Not only Boulder, but also people across Colorado have been negatively affected by this disaster. Let’s come together and help those who are in need of assistance at this time. Talk to your place of employment and see if you can gather any donations to help.

Here is a list of places you can work with and donate to, to assist flood victims:

American Red Cross

1-800-RED CROSS

www.redcross.org/donate/

The American Red Cross is working closely with local emergency management, the Colorado National Guard and local community partners to support shelters and evacuation centers in numerous locations for residents affected by flash flooding.

Red Cross volunteers are staffing shelters or evacuation centers at numerous locations throughout the state, providing a safe place for people to evacuate as well as blankets, cots, food and comfort. ColoradoRedCross.org

The Salvation Army

You can donate money at http://www.imsalvationarmy.org or call 1-800-SAL-ARMY (1-800-725-2769) and designate “Colorado Floods.”

The Salvation Army is NOT accepting in-kind items at this time.

Help Colorado Now

HelpColoradoNow.org is a partnership between the Colorado Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHSEM) and Colorado Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (COVOAD). This initiative brings together government agencies and non-profit organizations so they may better assist communities affected by disasters.  www.HelpColoradoNow.org

Colorado Office of Emergency Management

To get ongoing updates about the floods throughout Colorado, go to coemergency.com

Foothills United Way – Foothills Flood Relief Fund

Foothills United Way has established the ‘Foothills Flood Relief Fund’ in response to the impact of the severe flooding across Boulder and Broomfield counties. The funds raised through this effort will be used toward health and human services for those affected by the flooding in Boulder and Broomfield counties. unitedwayfoothills.org

United Way of Larimer County

The United Way of Larimer County has created a Relief and Recovery Assistance Guide to connect Colorado residents affected by the Larimer County Floods with disaster assistance and information. Updates and verification are continuously being made to the guide.

Bonfils Blood Center

Bonfils Blood Center asks all eligible Coloradans to roll up their sleeves to save lives as it becomes safe to do so. Due to the widespread adverse weather conditions our area has seen this week, blood drives have been cancelled, the Boulder Community Donor Center was temporarily closed and as a result the blood supply has been significantly impacted. All blood types are currently needed. Call 303.366.2000 or visit www.bonfils.org.

Larimer Humane Society

If you are in a flooding area and need assistance with your animals.

http://www.larimerhumane.org/ 970-226-3647, #7 (Animal Protection and Control)

Longmont Humane Society

Currently taking in evacuated dogs and cats.

Please call first to assure space is available – 303-772-1232 ext. 221

They’re also accepting donations to help feed and care for the animals.

https://www.longmonthumane.org/?q=flood-evacuation-information

Contributors: CBS Denver

Becoming an Entrepreneur

Written by Lauren Lind

Have you ever imagined working for yourself, doing exactly what you have dreamed of doing? So much of the time we think we are limited in our career options. Becoming an entrepreneur is an option that many college students and people in general forget about. Here are some tips for the college student who has aspirations of being their own boss. 

1. Instead of joining clubs to join a club, start your own club or be a leader in a club that you are passionate about. 
2. Make a list of any ideas for business that you have. 
3. Narrow the list by finding out as much as possible about every business idea that you have. Then pick your focus. 
4. Shadow leaders who you admire who are in the industry you are interested in. Pick their brains and obtain as much advice as you can from them. 
5. Start a blog about anything you are interested in. 
6. Obtain a technical skill set. These skills are very important for any start up. 
7. Read Inspired & Unstoppable, Wildly Succeed in Your Life’s Work! by Tama Kieves and How to Win friends & influence people by Dale Carnegie. Also, read books that interest you and apply those books to real life.

These are just some tips for students while they are still in college to use when seeking to become an entrepreneur. I went to The Unjob Fair in Denver this summer and had the opportunity to listen to many guest speakers, including Tama Kieves, talk about the importance of small business, entrepreneurialism, and making your dreams reality. I observed that there were a lot of people there who have various creative visions for their own businesses and are ready to quit their jobs that they can’t stand. A quote that stood out to me from the conference was, “If you’re this successful at doing work you don’t love, what could you do with work you do love?” Before the fair, I had never once thought about starting my own company. The thought of making my life’s work something I am passionate about doesn’t sound too shabby. 

Contributors: greenhornconnect.com and bizjournals.com

Foods for Focus

Written by Lauren Lind

Do you ever find your mind wandering or feel that you are unable to focus at work? Well here is a great solution...eating! There are foods that can actually help you to be alert and focused so that you can get your tasks completed. 

Make sure you have a protein packed breakfast. Eggs will keep you going and are better than having a bowl of sugary cereal or a pastry. The easy-to-grab sugary foods will help get you out the door but will have you crashing within the next hour. Sources of B6 and B12 help your memory, focus, and overall brain function. An easy way to get these vitamins in is to pack a bag of popcorn. Other foods that have good B vitamins in them are whole grain foods including brown rice, meat, molasses, vegemite and marmite. 

Although it may stink up the kitchen, fish, has Omega 3 fatty acids that help get you focused immediately. Omega 3 fatty acids have been linked to decreasing the risks of dementia and strokes. A way to get in Omega 3 fatty acids for those who are vegetarians, is to eat avocados. 

Other green foods such as kale, spinach, Swiss chard, broccoli, and brussels sprouts contain B vitamins, folic acid, and vitamin K are good focus foods. They can also help prevent dementia and Alzheimer's Disease. 

One of my personal favorite easy snacks that help support focus are nuts. They are packed with antioxidants and protein that help you retain more information for a longer time. Blueberries are also loaded with antioxidants.  Some other benefits are that they help keep you focused for longer and boost your attention span. 

If you have a sweet tooth, an ounce or two of dark chocolate is a great option. It contains antioxidants and caffeine. Natural sugars that can give you a boost include fresh fruit, whole grain carbohydrates, and sugar-free fruit drinks. 

Eating is always a great solution in my opinion. However, it is important to eat good foods to help keep you focused an opposed to foods that will make you crash on your desk. 

Contributors: organizedwisdom.com  

What To Do When You’ve Finished All Your Boss’s Tasks

-Written by Lauren Lind

You are a great employee. You do what you are told and finish all the tasks that your boss has given you, now what? You don’t want your boss to catch you constantly checking and updating

your social media or looking up videos of Miley twerking at the VMAs, so here are some things that you can do to be productive and helpful without annoying your boss:

• When you feel that uncontrollable urge to check your social media, check your company’s social media platforms instead. Stay informed and up to date with your company’s news. Brainstorm new ideas and improvements for these networks. You have a unique perspective as a younger employee. You probably know more about social media than some of your co-workers (we practically live and breathe it!), so take advantage of something we spend too much of our time doing anyway. 

• If your place of employment has a newsletter, read it to help you stay involved with what goes on internally as well. (And again, never be afraid to make suggestions! Bosses love that initiative.)

• Think of any possible future tasks that can be done now that will help make your life easier even if they are minor, or ask others at the company if they need help with anything. Your boss (and your boss’s boss!) and other big players at the office will notice your capacity for more responsibility. 

• Organize your workspace and get rid of any clutter.

• Look over previous tasks you’ve completed and see if you can make them better. Let’s face it; you can probably make them better.

• Now that you have done all you can to stay productive ask your boss what else they have for you to complete. 

Your boss does not want to be constantly bothered, especially if they haven’t thought of any other tasks for you to do yet, so do your best to be proactive. Don’t worry about them thinking you’re not eager for more. There will come a time when they pile it on, and you’ll be grateful you took the time to do those other things when you had the chance.

Although it is tempting, avoid texting, tweeting, Facebooking, snapping, or pinning because you are not getting paid to enhance your social life. You’re getting paid to enhance your professionalism by proving yourself as a valuable addition to the workplace. Continue to be the star employee that you are by keeping yourself busy and finding ways to be helpful.

“There aren’t going to be any jobs available when I graduate”...WRONG

-Written by Lauren Lind

I don’t know how many times I’ve heard the statement from my peers that they won’t be able to find a job after graduation. The truth is, there are tons of opportunities and jobs available to those who put in the effort to find them. You may not get the high paying dream job that you were expecting immediately after graduation, but don’t give up just because a job isn’t perfect. In many cases, getting a job is about who you know as opposed to what you know, so it is important to network and utilize your school’s career center. You’d be surprised at how many students don’t even know that their school has a career center to assist them. 

I’m a senior, so believe me when I say that I understand the pressure and anxiety that comes along with the simple fact that after graduation there awaits a harsh reality. However, if you shift your perspective, you can take advantage of this prime time of your life and see that the world is your oyster. It is open for you to choose what exactly it is that you want to do. Take advantage of this time to realize that being proactive is the first step in being successful. Here is check list to start you off in the right direction and ease the worry of being unemployed after college. 

1. Be proactive by doing some soul searching. Decide what your top 3 priorities are after graduation.
2. Go into your Career Center and talk with a Career Counselor about your future plans.  
3. Start the job search now. 
4. Make connections and figure out how to network with the right people. 
5. Change your mind set from scarcity to knowing that your possibilities are infinite. 
6. Stay proactive and be relentless when it comes to getting a job after you graduate. 

On average people change jobs eleven times over the course of their lifetime, so realize that your first job out of college will most likely not be the only one you will ever have. Although the end of college is nearing, the beginning of the rest of your life is awaiting, so get a start somewhere and don’t stop yourself from succeeding by not trying.