College Advice For my AP monkeys

College Life Welcome to freedom… and lack of discipline, time management, etc. ▫Once you realize you’re responsible for yourself, there will be an adjustment period for many of you. ▫Your parents can’t check your grades so it’s up to YOU to keep up with your work/keep your grades up. ▫Freshman year = ACADEMIC PROBATION

College Life Go to office hours! ▫This is the only way to get to know your professors on a personal level. Ask for help if needed or feedback on assignments. ▫Often times your classes will be crowded and it is rare that a professor will remember your name (unless you participate often) so see them during their office hours.

College Life Make use of the facilities! ▫You’re paying thousands of dollars to attend the campus so make use of the facilities. ▫Go to the library to study.  Often times there are study rooms available for reservation so you can create study groups and meet in these rooms for subject specific study sessions.

College Life Get involved! ▫Find your passion in college:  Join clubs  Join organizations  Volunteer for non-profit organizations  Sororities/Fraternities (Try and find one that would be beneficial for your career/major)

College Living DORM. ▫Seriously. Get into a new environment. ▫The experiences are worth the $; you meet new people and learn how to get along with others that come from very different backgrounds than yourself. ▫Again, don’t worry too much about the $. One year of dorming expenses is worth the experience of it.

College Living Don’t only hang out with the people you know from high school. ▫College is the time to expand your horizon. You won’t be able to do so if you don’t make new friends. ▫Does this mean you can’t hang out with your old friends? Of course not. Just don’t be close minded in making new ones.

College Finances Don’t worry too much about loans. ▫It’s worth taking out loans because the hope is your education will lead you to your career.  My loans were around $ a month when I got out of school. It goes down as you pay down your balance.  They are deferred until you graduate.  Compared to what I make, the $ truly is not a big deal.  Obviously, don’t go overboard on the loans; take what you need to live comfortably but not extravagantly.

#1 MOST IMPORTANT PIECE OF ADVICE Get a job/internship/work study/volunteer: ▫This is my #1 MOST IMPORTANT PIECE OF ADVICE because I cannot stress how much experience will help you in the real world. ▫The GPA is important, but experience is more important. ▫You can be the smartest person in the room but without experience, you’re seen as less capable of being a competent employee.

College Finances In addition, having a steady job means that you won’t have to take out as much $ in loans. ▫16-20 hours a week, at $10/hr = approx. $640- $800. ▫If you rent a room and share, it’s usually around $400. ▫You’ll have $ spending money if you have loans covering tuition, books, etc. ▫So that will be $ a week for food, etc.

College Life Buy books used whenever possible! ▫Your complaints about buying summer reading books will seem silly when you see the exorbitant prices of college textbooks. ▫Use half.com, the college bookstore’s used section, etc. ▫Try your best not to buy the books new unless there’s no other way; the $ adds up!

JOB INTERVIEW TIPS $$$

Resume/Cover Letter Having a strong resume and cover letter can make or break your chances for getting a job. Use powerful verbs to emphasize your abilities. A cover letter should be no longer than a page, explaining: ▫Who you are ▫Why you would be a good fit for the position ▫What previous experience you have that makes you a good fit

Good FYI’s Always end your letters with: ▫Please contact me should you have any further questions. Thank you for your consideration/time. It is greatly appreciated.

ALWAYS DRESS THE PART You should always over-dress rather than under- dress. DRESS FOR THE JOB YOU WANT. Be conservative.

Confidence is EVERYTHING. Smile. Not in a creepy way… but show that you’re personable and friendly. Have a strong, firm handshake but don’t break their hand. Know what your abilities are. Prepare for their questions by thinking about possible answers.

Do your research! DO RESEARCH ABOUT THE COMPANY. Have at least two questions prepared that shows you know the company + are interested in what they do. One of your questions can lead to a follow-up to your interview: ▫When may I expect to hear from you?

Your Qs What will be my opportunities for advancement? What are the goals for this department/organization/firm for the upcoming year? What new projects has this department/organization/firm undertaken recently? Do you have any questions or concerns about my qualifications that I might answer for you? When may I expect to hear from you?

Follow-up The day after your interview, or send a letter thanking them for the opportunity to interview with the company. After a week or two, it is acceptable (and recommended) to follow up with the company if you have not heard from them.

Most Common Interview Qs 1.Tell me about yourself. 2.Why do you want to work for us? 3.What do you know about our company so far? 4.How does this position fit in with the career path you have for yourself? 5.Tell me about some of your strengths. 6.Tell me about your weaknesses. 7.What has been your biggest achievement thus far? 8.Do you have any questions for me?

For Tomorrow Fill out what type of job you’re applying for. Prepare for your interview! Review commonly asked interview Qs. Dress appropriately. You will be graded on a 1-9 scale by your peers.