Tag Archives: blogs

Why Google Reader is My Only Friend

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(This post is a series for Social Media Week at BSU, Today’s theme is Technology)

I have a blogging problem…it might not show with the scare updates on this blog, (minus this week) but I do. With 3 different word press accounts that I have to log into daily, my blogging organization was forced to get a little better.

I’ve always been a big fan of google, and all of their add ons (I am in a full-blown love affair with Gmail and google docs…don’t you dare try to talk me down from my high.) So when I discovered google reader, because having all of the blogs I read bookmarked wasn’t cutting it, I kind of jizzed in my pants.

For those of you still living in the stone age and using Internet Explorer, Google reader is an amazing tool that allows you to read all of the blogs you follow in one place. ONE PLACE. You don’t even have to click between tabs if you aren’t into that sort of thing, you can read all of the new updates in one stream. I love it so much I just might marry it.

So, with that. I read a lot of blogs. Reading takes up a lot of my time. Lately my time has been like this : 25% school, 50% blogging, 20%reading other blogs (on google reader), 5% hanging out with friends.  I spend more time reading blogs than I do with my friends…I can sense of worry in your eyes.

But do not fret! that 5% of my time is pure quality time, although sometimes I do end up going on my computer just to see if anyone else has updated their blog. I do not have a problem! Well maybe, a little.

It’s only because google reader has become my friend that tells me all of the information I need to know, without me having to wait or go anywhere to hear it. AND it never tells me in a brag-ey way that makes me feel like an idiot. It just tells me, and provides pretty pictures.

It even gives me tabs up top that let me visit my other friends Gmail and Google Docs. It knows that even though it is my favorite I need to spend time with my other friends too.

Because of this craze with instant technology, people have become impatient not to mention unable to focus (please note I not only have iTunes open, a chat on Aim, 3 chats on Facebook and a tab for twitter open while writing this). Things, such a google reader, make checking your email/twitter/anything on the computer a longer process because you get sucked into reading the rest of the blog updates from that day. And, because most blogs update at least 20 times a day (probably way more) you have a lot of catching up to do.

So I spend a lot of quality time with my google reader (and Sara Bareilles of course.) Throughout this year we have come to terms with each other, and although I was a little wary at first I have come to love my new friend. And to be thankful for the organization it has given to my writing infused mess of a life.

5 Ways to Score an Amazing Internship

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So you’re in your senior year, taking a look back at the all the late nights studying, long weekends ‘networking’, and countless part time jobs. And a couple of road trips to the Cape sprinkled on top for panache.

But now, looking ahead, youhave no idea what to do! Everyone your age has experience already and all you’ve got is working at McDonald’s for two months during the summer. Well I have good news and bad news.

Good News: There is always time to get an internship! Lots of workplaces take college grads as interns for the summer after they graduate, plus they are more likely to hire you full time come the fall!

Bad News: There are college seniors who have already had three internships and are applying for the same jobs as you. And sometimes, well most of the time, the experience on their resume will outshine your class work and other fluff you’ve put in to make it a page.

But have no fear! I’m here to help you find an award winning internship (or at least one to get by with) for the Spring. And who knows, maybe a potential job for after graduation!

1. There are a lot of websites out there to guide you in the right direction, one of my favorites is internshipratings.com. The website breaks the internships first by state, then major city and of course category. They have two rating systems, one involving questions on what type of work the internship involved and the other dealing with how the internship related to their school work. Also, they have a breakdown of what the internship can help with i.e., networking, salary compensation, fair hours etc. This website is best for the independent go get-er.

2. Career services, located on the ground floor of the Rondileau Campus Center, offers a wealth of knowledge for the unknowing.  Not only will they edit your resume and give helpful suggestions, but if you are a senior you can schedule an appointment for Senior Recruiting. During Senior Recruiting they will let you in on all of the amazing events they host throughout the semester (found on their webpage) as well as talk to you about your future plans and how to make them happen!

3. Monster.com is an amazing resource for people looking for a job! It not only offers you a place to supply potential employers your resume, but it is all completely free! After signing up and uploading your resume, which has been critique by career services, you can begin searching through thousands of jobs in your industry as well as location. Although it may seem confusing at first, if you take a deep breath and just look around your first time on the site you’ll find your second visit is easy. By the third time you’ll have mastered it and be submitting you resume by the hundreds! And for people unsure of this- over the summer I was contacted by FMglobal‘s HR department who had found my resume on Monster and wanted to bring me in to interview for an editorial internship at headquarters! So remember not only are you able to submit your resume Employers are able to find you based on the qualities that they are looking for.

4. Create your own blog! A blog is an amazing way to put yourself out there. Not only can you share your own ideas about what is happening in your industry, but you can alsocreate a name for yourself and showcase your writing ability. Another important tactic with blogs, is to add potential employer’s blogs to your google reader account, this way you can keep tabs on what is happening in your industry and be able to bring them up in your interview.

5. Up your Twitter game! Not only should you have a Twitter account, but you should also be tweeting..DAILY!  Twitter is an important tool for college students, it not only gives them insight into the “real world”, in an easy to digest 140 characters, but it also shares current world events. My favorite part about twitter are hash tag chats. This is when a group of people get together and use the same hash-tag (#hashtag < that’s what you would put if you were in achat talking about hash tags) to chat about something going on. You can usually jump into any chat, and can find them by following some industry leaders. Use these chats to network with the people you want to work for!

Hopefully this helps you on your way to finding your next, or first, internship!

Good Luck!

Have you had an Internship yet, Do you have other tips to finding one? How do you go about finding Internships/Jobs?

This is a cross post with the RCC blog. (go check it out and read some amazing posts!