Thursday, February 17, 2011

Interview Tips for Students


What to Expect in a Typical On-Campus Interview


  • Interviews are usually 30 minutes in length – arrive 10 minutes early so the interview can begin promptly.
  • The interviewer will usually spend a few minutes at the beginning introducing himself/herself and giving some information about the company and job openings – it is fine for you to take notes.
  • The interviewer will ask questions based on the student's resume – he/she will want to hear specific examples of behaviors from past experiences, not hypothetical or vague answers.
  • Time will be left at the end for your questions – be sure to have specific questions about the job openings or location, etc.
  • If you want to highlight or point out something you've accomplished that didn't come out in the interview, mention it to the interviewer at the end if there is time.
  • Ask for the interviewer's business card if he/she hasn't already given you one.



How to Prepare Ahead of Time

  • Confirm the date, time, and location for your interview with Career Services or via their online information.
  • Review the company's website and any literature you've obtained – know the latest "news" about the company.
  • Talk to any students on campus that has interned/co-oped with the company (Career Services or the co-op office can tell you).
  • Generate quality questions to ask about the company based on what you've read and heard – don't just ask questions for the sake of asking them – make them count.
  • Review your resume again to make sure everything is accurate and that you're prepared to answer any questions pertaining to it.
  • If for any reason you must cancel or withdraw from an interview, contact the company and/or Career Services promptly – don't be a "no-show".
  • If the company needs an employment application or other forms filled out before the interview, do this as soon as you receive them and submit them by the deadline.
  • Find out whether you need to bring your transcripts to the interview (Career Services should be able to tell you).
  • Even though the interviewer already has your resume, bring an extra copy to the interview just in case he/she needs another one.



 
Follow-up

  • Email or write a "thank-you" note to the interviewer – email is perfectly acceptable.
  • Provide the interviewer with updated contact information if it's changed since you last communicated with him/her.
  • If you are receiving other offers/have deadlines and need to hear back from the company, contact the interviewer to get an updated status and explain your timeframe.
  • If you think of any questions that you forgot to ask during the interview, don't hesitate to email them to the interviewer!

Monday, February 14, 2011

10 College Students Money Management Tips

New semester was started; students should equip themselves with comprehensive money management skills. Even it is just starting out to learn, these skills are essentials for all of them
Let’s reviews the 10 money management tips for students.
Number 1
Keep track of your daily / monthly spending
Use a notebook, or use any financial software. Good money spending records will prevent you from getting overdrawn at the bank thus encourage you to over spend beyond your budget. This habit also allows you to specify your monthly spending patterns.
Number 2
Estimate and plan for budget
This can be done at the beginning of the month, estimate how much money we have and plan ahead of the future spending. Remember: you do not need to spend out everything you have.
Number 3
Keep your purchasing receipt
You’ll need to be able to compare them at the end of the month. Details of goods that you purchased such as discounted item and others.
Number 4
Make up saving habit first
If you decide you must have that gadgets that you ever wanted such as PlayStation 2, try to save enough money for it and pay the full amount in cash when you buy it later.
Number 5
Avoid non-academic debt
Sometimes it might seem like a good idea to use your parents credit card to purchase the latest gadgets, but it is not appropriate to do so. Focus on developing good money skills with good cash flows only we can manage the credit card debt later.
Number 6
Buy used textbooks
Used text book will have good value price. After the courses had been completed, you can still sell out the book to other students for some cash back as well.
Number 7
Avoid joining big spenders group
Hanging out with friends who have good spending habit, they can lead you to spend more effectively on daily requirements.
Number 8
Join campus activities
Attend and join school activities such as fund-raising event to encourage yourself for learning and managing finance particulars.
Number 9
Do you really need the stuff?
Before you buy anything, please ask yourself do you really need it. It is advisable to list down the stuffs that you wish to buy on a paper. Only buy the extra stuff if you have extra budget left for it.
Number 10
Practice good habits
Some college students love to have beer and cigarettes although the prices are expensive. They are harmful to body and mind also. Choose healthy lifestyle while maintaining the good financial status that you have now.

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

College Student Health Tips

Your college life will be more rewarding if you learn to work in healthy habits into your routine. Here are some basic student health tips to help you feel your best
College is bad for your health! Students feel way too busy to eat right, exercise, and get enough sleep. On top of that, universities are jam packed with germs galore.
So how do you stay healthy on a college campus? You're busy, so if you're not the perfect model of good health, don't beat yourself up! The trick is to incorporate small, healthful habits into your campus life. By doing so, you'll feel better both physically and emotionally and will be better able to navigate the stressful college experience.
Here are some basic suggestions for how you can stay healthy in college.
  1. Get enough sleep. When it comes to balancing busy schedules, students tend to put sleep low on their list of priorities. Don't do this. Some people can function on three or four hours of sleep per night, but most people cannot. Without sleep, you're not going to be able to concentrate well enough to get the most out of your classes. If you can't always get a good night sleep, work regular naps into your schedule.
  2. Sleep on a regular schedule. This can be hard for a college student. You may find yourself getting up early three days a week for your morning class and sleeping in until noon on the weekends. As much as possible, though, try to stick to a regular sleeping pattern. Also, try to go to sleep relatively early.
  3. Eat sensibly. College students often gain weight due to late night eating and overindulgence of junk food. Here are some tips on how to avoid the Freshman Fifteen, and some college dining hall health tips.
  4. Eat breakfast. Skipping breakfast contributes to weight gain. It also will make it hard for you to concentrate in class. You don't have to eat a big breakfast; a bowl of cereal or a cup of yogurt will make you a happier and healthier human being.
  5. Eat enough. Many students have problems with eating disorders, which can be deadly. If you have serious issues with food, seek help at the campus counseling center immediately. Here is some information about college students and eating disorders.
  6. Drink water. Most people do not get nearly enough water. Resist the lure of soda machines and the unlimited soda at the dining hall and get into the habit of drinking water. Get a water bottle and carry it around with you.
  7. Work in walking. You're on a college campus, so take full advantage of walking opportunities! Even if you have a car, make walking your main form of transportation on campus. There's no better way to work exercise into a busy schedule, except for maybe #9.
  8. Get a bicycle. If you go to school somewhere with a decent climate, travel around campus on a bike. Just remember: get a bike helmet and protective gear too, and ride with caution. Most college students ride bikes responsibly, but there's always a few that make drivers question the future of the species.
  9. Spend time at the student recreational center. A big chunk of your student fees is going to the gym, so take advantage of it! Find an activity that you like, or take a class. You don't need to spend hours and hours working out to feel the benefits. Just remember: don't use the gym as a form of procrastination!
  10. Get regular checkups. Your parents probably took care of this for you, but now it's up to you make sure you see a doctor regularly. You're probably entitled to an annual exam at the student health center. Ladies, you're probably entitled to an annual gynecological exam, which you need to start doing now, especially if you're sexually active.
  11. Learn to relax. This can be a difficult goal for a college student, but do your best. Learn to put things in perspective. If you get a C on that test you're freaking out about, nothing catastrophic will happen. If your school has a stress management course or exercise courses such as yoga, sign up.
  12. Get mental counseling if you need it. Take advantage of the counseling services on campus. College students frequently suffer from anxiety, depression, eating disorders, addiction, and homesickness, and student counseling services are usually well equipped to help with these issues.
Remember, do the best you can! Take the effort to be as healthy as you can, and you'll enjoy your college experience all the more.

Friday, January 28, 2011

How to Choose a College Roommate

Tips for Choosing the Right Roommate to Live With


Finding a college roommate can be an overwhelming experience. Knowing what qualities to look for in a good roommate can make the college roommate experience more enjoyable
Living with roommates can be one of life's toughest experiences, especially if those roommates are complete strangers. Whether or not roommates get along with one another can set the tone for the rest of the year, for better or for worse. This is why selecting a college roommate can't be done at random if you want pleasant results. You must carefully consider what type of person you can see yourself living with and choose wisely (This is something that they unfortunately didn't cover in the college housing checklist). Here are some tips to help you find the right college roommate.

Choosing Friends as Roommates


It probably sounds great to be able to live with friends as opposed to complete strangers, but this isn't always the case. Friends don't always make the best roommates, and just because you're friends doesn't mean that you're compatible as roommates. In fact, many friendships have been ruined over the course of rooming together. If you do decide to live with friends, make sure that they are the type of person that you can see yourself living with. That is, you need to have similar lifestyle behaviors in order for it to work out well.

Things to Consider in a Roommate


In order to find the perfect roommate match there are a number of things to consider in a roommate, including:
  • Sleeping habits - Are they an early riser or night owl?
  • Study habits - Are they dedicated to their studies or more of a slacker?
  • smoking habits - Are they hardcore smoker?
By asking these questions it will make it easier to find a roommate that is compatible with your lifestyle. Compatibility and similarity is the key to living happily with roommates

Qualities to Look For in a Roommate


In order to find a roommate that is least likely to turn into a living nightmare, look for the qualities of a good roommate. These are:
  • Reliability - A reliable roommate won't let you down on things like rent and utilities and will be more likely to come through on favors.
  • Good communication skills - Good communication between roommates is extremely important and is the foundation of a good roommate relationship. Roommates need to be able to communicate with one another when problems arise in order to work them out before they get out of hand.
  • Trustworthy - You need to be able to trust that your roommate is that type of person that will respect you, your space and your belongings. You shouldn't have to worry about leaving your roommate alone in the student apartment with all your things.
  • Friendly - Your roommate doesn't have to be your best friend, but they should be easy to get along with and you should enjoy his or her company.
  • Considerate - This is another big characteristic to look for in a roommate. You need find a roommate with common sense and decency. Someone that helps clean the house, won't blast their music during late hours and generally respects your needs.

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

How to Focus on Studying

Studying for any exam and test can be difficult and stressful; many people find it hard to focus on the task in hand. However, there are some short, simple steps that you can follow to help you focus when studying.
Find a suitable studying environment. Your bedroom or classroom isn't always the best possible place. Find a nice, quiet place with a large, comfortable chair, like your sitting room. (preferably without a TV!)
Collect revision materials, such as pens, highlighters, rulers etc.
Collect suitable revision snacks. No energy drinks or coffee, because sooner or later, you will crash out. Cereal bars, fruit, and water are good, because they are simple and effective at releasing carbohydrates. However, don't use food as a reward.
Find a study partnerPick someone who is sensible and focused like you are on the same task. Don't always pick your best friend, as you may ruin both your concentrations. Having a study partner is a great idea, as you can bounce ideas off each other, and see things form a different perspective as yourself

Take short breaks. After 45 mins of studying, take a 10 minute break and do something different.

Don't panic! When you panic, you make mistakes, so keep calm throughout. If you successfully planned your revision, you will have no need to panic when the exam looms.

Minimize computer use. Especially the internet. You learn better when you write things out yourself.

Get Motivated! If you do your revision well and prepare for the exam, you will do fine. Get to a point with your revision so you can enjoy the exam when it happens.

  
Have a dedicated, distraction free study room. It helps if you have a plain room without a tv or computer and nother distractions so that your mind is totally focuse
 Set yourself a timetable for different subjects and times slots for each ones e.g. math 6.30, English 7.30,etc. 

       WARNINGS

 
·         Don't leave your revision to the last minute. Plan in advance. Just remember, the earlier you start, the less stress you will feel.
·         You can listen to music while studying, but don't if it will make you more confuse!










Tips for Making Good New Year's Resolutions

Arabic: Kul 'aam u antum salimoun
Brazilian: Boas Festas e Feliz Ano Novo means "Good Parties and Happy New Year"
Chinese: Chu Shen Tan
Czechoslavakia: Scastny Novy Rok
Dutch: Gullukkig Niuw Jaar
Finnish: Onnellista Uutta Vuotta
French: Bonne Annee
German: Prosit Neujahr
Greek: Eftecheezmaenos o Kaenooryos hronos
Hebrew: L'Shannah Tovah Tikatevu
Hindi: Niya Saa Moobaarak
Irish (Gaelic): Bliain nua fe mhaise dhuit
Italian: Buon Capodanno
Khmer: Sua Sdei tfnam tmei
Laotian: Sabai dee pee mai
Polish: Szczesliwego Nowego Roku
Portuguese: Feliz Ano Novo
Russian: S Novim Godom
Serbo-Croatian: Scecna nova godina
Spanish: Feliz Ano Neuvo or Prospero Ano Nuevo
Turkish: Yeni Yiliniz Kutlu Olsun
Vietnamese: Cung-Chuc Tan-Xuan


All of above have different sounds but it’s have a same meaning. Here’s a list that's sure to be a tongue twister. See how Happy New Year is pronounced around the world. We’re approaching 2011 already. Oh, how time flies. And my biological clock is ticking rapidly. Humans will set their goal and their resolution for every New Year. That it is very easy to write on paper, but to do it a bit difficult. Everyone has their own determination, determination to change themselves to be better than the previous
10 Tips for Keeping New Year's Resolutions
1.       Be realistic
the surest way to fall short of your goal is to make your goal unattainable. For instance, resolving to never eat your favorite food again because it bothers your IBD could be a bad choice. Strive for a goal that is attainable, such as avoiding it more often than you do now.
2.       Plan ahead
Don't make your resolution on New Year's Eve. If you wait until the last minute, it will be based on your mindset that particular day. Instead, it should be planned well before December 31 arrives.
3.       Outline your plan
Decide how you will deal with the temptation to skip that exercise class or have one more cigarette. This could include calling on a friend for help, practicing positive thinking and self-talk, or reminding yourself how your bad habit affects your IBD.
4.       Make a "pro" and "con" list
It may help to see a list of items on paper to keep your motivation strong. Develop this list over time, and ask others to contribute to it. Keep your list with you and refer to it when you need help keeping your resolve.
5.       Talk about it
Don't keep your resolution a secret. Tell friends and family members who will be there to support your resolve to change yourself for the better or improve your health. The best case scenario is to find yourself a buddy who shares your New Year's resolution and motivate each other.
6.       Reward yourself
This doesn't mean that you can eat an entire box of chocolates if your resolution is to diet. Instead, celebrate your success by treating yourself to something that you enjoy that does not contradict your resolution. If you've been sticking to your promise to eat better, for example, perhaps your reward could be going to a movie with a friend.
7.       Track your progress
Keep track of each small success you make toward reaching your larger goal. Short-term goals are easier to keep, and small accomplishments will help keep you motivated. Instead of focusing on losing 20 kg, say, focus on losing that first 5. Keeping a
food diary or a symptom journal may help you stay on track.
8.       Don't beat yourself up
Obsessing over the occasional slip won't help you achieve your goal. Do the best you can each day, and take each day one at a time.
9.       Stick to it
Experts say it takes about 21 days for a new activity, such as exercising, to become a habit, and 6 months for it to become part of your personality. Your new healthful habits will become second-nature in no time.
10.   Keep trying
If your resolution has totally run out of steam by mid-February, don't despair. Start over again! There's no reason you can't make a "New Year's resolution" any time of year.


 Here are some suggestions for simple resolutions that may be useful for students

·         Whenever possible, get an extra hour of sleep every night.
·         Spend ten minutes every evening straightening up your room.
·         Read at least one book per semester just for fun (here's some suggestions).
·         Keep up better with the news.
·         Spend a little less time watching TV.
·         Spend a little less time on MySpace or Facebook.
·         Work in extra walking into your everyday routine.
·         Call your mom more often.
·         Help a friend with homework when needed.
·         Avoid drama as much as possible, and be kind to your friends.
·         Try to improve your attention span in class.
·         Attend class more often.

Everyone has their own resolutions. I did that too : ). Picture below shows my resolution for year 2011. I was writing my resolutions on the two pieces of paper attached to the front desk One for my determination and another for my reward for my determination to do it. It is a motivator for me to do the best.

Fast Facts About New Year's Resolutions
·         63% of people say they are keeping their resolutions after two months
·         67% of people make three or more resolutions
·         Top four resolutions:
1.    Increase exercise
2.    Be more conscientious about work or school
3.    Develop better eating habits
4.    Stop smoking, drinking, or using drugs (including caffeine)
·         People make more resolutions to start a new habit than to break an old one.