eagle landing issue 7: feb.15, 2013
DESCRIPTION
Eagle Landing is a bi-weekly newsletter for the Office of Career Services at Bridgewater College featuring job openings, internships, upcoming events and career advice.TRANSCRIPT
Issue 7: Feb. 15, 2013
Page 1
In this Issue: Upcoming OCS Events (pages 2-3)
Scholarship Opportunity! (page 3)
Project Opportunity! (page 4)
INTERNSHIPS! (page 4-6)
Summer Projects, Writing Awards, Summer Seminar (page 7)
Intern of the Week! (page 8)
“The Seven Habits of Highly Successful Networkers” (page 9)
Current Job Openings (pages 9-10)
Career Fair Listings (page 11)
“Basic Life Skills: Your First Financial Plan” (page 12)
OCS Contact Information (page 12)
Build-A-Résumé Workshops! If you are starting from scratch or have a
resume that needs some work, by the end of this workshop, you will have a great resume
ready to get you that job, internship, or entrance to grad school! A Do-It-Yourself workshop!
Must have “Resume Worksheet” filled out – contact Career Services for more info
and to reserve your spot!
Mon, Feb 18 4-6 pm Bowman 24 Wed, Feb 27 4-6 pm Bowman 24
Take advantage of our career planning and placement tools online! Bridgewater.edu/CareerServices
Page 2
Upcoming OCS Events:
Build-A-Résumé Workshops! (see page 1) Mon, Feb 18 4-6 pm Bowman 24 Wed, Feb 27 4-6 pm Bowman 24
Peace Corps 101: Learn How Two Years of Volunteering Will Change Your Life and Others Tue, Feb 19 11:00-1:00 pm KCC Lounge Information Session 3:00 pm Bowman 109
The Peace Corps is seeking dedicated people to fill thousands of
program assignments around the world. Applications for next winter’s assignment is Feb 28th. Come hear this important
information so that you are ready for your next great adventure!
Job Search Series - Part I: What Do I Have to Do to Find a Job Out There?! (see left) Tue, Feb 19 9:30 –10:20 am Bowman 103
Thu, Feb 21 3:00-4:00 pm Bowman 104
Creative Family Solutions on Campus Great Opportunities for Psychology, Social Work, Pre-Med, and Family and Consumer Sciences Wed, Feb 20 11:00 am–1:00 pm KCC Lobby
Information Session 3:00 pm Bowman 109 Creative Family Solutions is currently hiring for direct care positions.
The staff work one on one with individuals with Intellectual and/or Developmental Disabilities to increase their independence. Learn
more about this opportunity and about the field for now or for later
as you explore career and experiential opportunities!
Career & Service Day at EMU Wed, Feb 20 3:00–6:00 pm University Commons Indoor
Track
Join students from EMU, MBC, and BC for envisioning your journey on a day filled with opportunities to pursue your future career and
service path. Network with businesses, community organizations and human services to discover opportunities for jobs, internships,
community service, and volunteerism. A great event for gathering great information through networking.
Job Search Series - Part II: Networking – How is That Going to Get Me a Job? (see left) Tue, Feb 26 9:30-10:20 am Bowman 103
Thu, Feb 28 3:00-4:00 pm Bowman 104
Spring Job Search Series
Part I: What Do I Have to Do to Find a Job
Out There?! Tue, Feb 19, 9:30-10:20am
Bowman 103 Thurs, Feb 21, 3:00-400pm
Bowman 104
Monster.com does not a job search make. Are you serious about finding a job? Then you
need this workshop! Learn how expert job seekers find the
hidden job market and make the most of the resources available to them. Learn what employers look for and the ins and outs of
an effective job search.
Part II: Networking – How is That Going to
Get Me a Job? Tue, Feb 26, 9:30-10:20am
Bowman 103 Thurs, Feb 28, 3:00-4:00pm
Bowman 104
Networking is one of the best ways to find a job. Most college
students don’t do it, but it is easy once you know the ropes.
What it is, how to do it, and how to get results.
Watch for Part III: Creating your LinkedIn Account in March!
Page 3
Annual K-12 Education Job and Interviewing Fair at JMU Thu, Feb 28 10 am-Noon Interviews: Noon-4 pm Festival Ballroom
Limited to JMU, BC, EMU, MBC, and SU students and alumni. Fully or soon-to-be certified candidates for K-12 positions in Teaching, Counseling, or Speech Language Pathology (SLP). Math, science, and foreign
language majors are highly encouraged to attend. Registration is onsite the day of the event only. No
fee. Dress professionally, research employers of interest, and bring copies of your resume.
WomenForHire.com Online Career Fair Thu, Feb 28
Women For Hire’s first FREE Nationwide Online Career Fair in 2013. Log on from 1-4pm EST to put your resume directly in front of recruiters from a wide range of top corporations, non-profits and government
agencies hiring across the United States. Register: http://womenforhire.com/newsroom/nationwide-1/.
Educators’ Expo Annual Job & Interview Fair 2013- UVA Fri, Mar 1 9 am – Noon Newcomb Hall Ballroom Foyer, UVA One-Day event with Candidate Interviews in the afternoon. This annual education job and interview fair
is open to all candidates/students (including those with no affiliation with UVA) interested in k-12 positions in Teaching, Counseling, Speech Language Pathology (SLP) or Administration: Free admission
and no advance registration. All majors & degrees sought (not just certified candidates); and math, science & Spanish majors highly encouraged to attend. Candidate Interviews: 12 noon - 5 p.m.
For more details and a complete list of events, visit bridgewater.edu/career-services/events.
Scholarship Opportunity!
Page 4
Green Spring Gardens Internships Available Internships in Horticulture, Native Plants, Rock Garden, White Gardens, Farmers Market Marketing, Children’s Education, and Historic Resources. Contact OCS for details. Deadline March 1.
Blue Ridge Area Food Bank Internships Participate in the Summer Food Services Program to observe the effective administration of this federally-funded initiative. Excellent communication skills required. Positions available in Verona and Lynchburg. 25 hours/week, May-August. Visit OCS for a full job description & application!
Full-time Summer Marketing Internship Royall & Company, a leader in recruitment marketing, accepting applications for annual summer internship program. Potential for a career after graduation! Deadline March 25. LINK.
UVA Summer Internships! Multiple positions available for undergrads / recent grads. Go to https://jobs.virginia.edu and look under the “University Staff” category for Summer Internship Program. Deadline March 1.
Business Internship You’ve Got It Made, LLC is a local promotional products business looking for an (unpaid) intern. Flexible scheduling. Please contact OCS for details before sending resume to Jennifer Cottrell ([email protected]).
Virginia Association of Broadcasting Internships! VAB offers paid summer internships to juniors/seniors in computer science, business, electronic media, engineering, graphic design, mass communications (advertising, journalism, marketing, public relations). Contact OCS for application!
Summer Student Associate (Interns) – Biosciences SRI’s Center for Advanced Drug Research has 12-week internships available in biochemistry, molecular and cellular biology, and parasitology. Visit the WEBSITE for details!
Summer Missionary Interns at Community Crossing Unique leadership program with included scholarship for participants. Community Crossing is a faith-based ministry in McDowell County, WV. Summer program focuses on youth groups and provides service projects, spiritual challenges, and team building opportunities. Deadline March 15. Visit the WEBSITE for details or OCS for an application!
Project
Opportunity and
Resume Booster! “Make a Difference…By using
your skills to educate the community”
Making an Educational Video
to bring awareness of
Synthetic Drugs:
In April 2013, the Office on
Youth will be hosting a
Synthetic Drug Conference in
Weyers Cave, VA. During the
Conference the video will be
shown to the attendees of
individuals who have been
affected by Synthetic
Drugs. Synthetic Drugs include
Spice, K2, Bath Salts, Smiles,
etc.. We would like this video
to be eye catching, educational,
and memorable! The video will
show interviews with
Professionals, Law
Enforcement, Users, Family
Members of Users, etc… This
project needs to be completed
by March 2013.
If interested, please contact Amber Ham as soon as
possible at [email protected]
Did you know that you can find internship opportunities through www.usajobs.gov? Search for “internships” or check out the
Pathways program!
Page 5
More Internship Opportunities!
NASA Announces STEM Summer Internship Program: Summer NIFS internship application open until March 15, 2013. Go to https://intern.nasa.gov/ for a full listing of opportunities!
Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation Intern Program: Offering academic and experiential internship to students interested in gaining practical museum experience and who have a strong interest in history, education, or a museum career. For more information, please contact the OCS! Deadline for summer internships is April 15
th.
Summer Intern Housing in NYC: The Fashion Institute of Technology offers summer housing to students interning in NYC. Loft style apartments with AC, full kitchen, private bath, wireless internet, cable, fitness center, laundry, 24-hr security; easy walking distance to NYC subways, buses, and trains. For promo rates/discounts, contact OCS!
Congressman’s Office Internships: Congressman J. Randy Forbes offering unpaid spring/summer internships in his Chesterfield District office. Get an inside view of how a congressional office functions on a day-to-day basis. Send resume, writing sample, cover letter: Joan Fallon, senior constituent services representative, 9401 Courthouse Road, #201, Chesterfield, VA 23832. Fallon can be reached at [email protected] or 804-318-1363.
Street Team Interns: The Richmond Kickers (professional soccer team) are seeking a select number of Street Team interns for the 2013 USL PRO season. Serve as ambassadors and represent the organization at community/media appearances throughout Richmond. Deadline Feb 20.
I.T. Internship: Liventus Corporation. Requires knowledge of HTML, JQuery, VB, C#, MS SQL Server, T-SQL, ASP.NET, and other related server technologies used to implement .NET applications. Experience in UI design, Commerce Server, Content Management Systems a plus. Located in Northbrook, IL (housing provided). Apply: http://www.liventus.com/careers/onlineapplication.aspx?JID=7.
Frontier Culture Museum Internships: The Frontier Culture Museum is currently accepting applications for unpaid internships throughout the year. Our museum is able to offer a wide range of internship opportunities throughout the museum. For a listing of possible internship areas or application information, contact the OCS!
Des Moines University’s Health Professions Advanced Summer Scholars Program (Health P.A.S.S.) is a great way for promising college sophomores and juniors to prepare for and enhance their chances of getting into medical school and other health professions programs. The program is June 10-28, 2013. Application deadline March 1.
Friends of the National Zoo (FONZ) Residential Camp: Nonprofit dedicated to supporting the education, research, animal care, and sustainability mission of the Smithsonian’s National Zoological Park. Location: Smithsonian’s Conservation Biology Institute, Front Royal, VA. http://nationalzoo.si.edu/Education/Camps/NightCamp/.
Department of Biochemistry and Cellular and Molecular Biology – Sensing and Signaling Research Experience (REU): The BCMB Department at UT-Knoxville will once again offer a special REU program for undergraduates interested in hands-on scientific research experience. Program May 29-August 7. Application deadline Feb. 28.
Camp Horizons Summer Camp Staff: Positions currently available: Creative Arts, Horseback, Outdoors, Sports, Aquatics/Lifeguard, Support Staff, Internships. Visit www.camphorizonsva.com for details.
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Even More Internship Opportunities!
Intern in Britain! BUNAC’s Intern in Britain program allows students and recent graduates to undertake an internship in the UK for up to six months to gain valuable career experience and add international flair to their resume. www.bunac.org/usa/interninbritain.
Marketing and Event Planning Internship: Blue Ridge Christian School. Ideal candidate will have excellent writing skills, display creativity in project management, be proficient in Microsoft Word/Publisher, and be a committed Christian. Contact Mary Beth Anderson, Events and Volunteer Coordinator: 828-2233, [email protected]
Prison Fellowship Internship: The world’s largest outreach to prisoners, ex-prisoners, and their families and The Colson Center, which equips Christians to live out their faith in the culture. For a list of currently available positions and other information, contact OCS! Visit www.prisonfellowship.org/internships for more info.
Work New Zealand and Work Australia: Participants between 18 - 35 years old can live and work 'Down Under' for up to 12 months. Explore the outback, dive the Great Barrier Reef and enjoy the vibrant life of the big cities. BUNAC has offices in Auckland, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth and Melbourne to assist students with finding jobs, accommodation, banking, tax, and even their social calendar! www.bunac.org/worknewzealand.
Under the Radar Internship: Nationally-distributed indie music magazine seeking superb written and verbal skills, a love for journalism and the publishing industry, and a die-hard indie music fan. Must be able to work 1-3 days/week for 5-6 hours. Please send resume to [email protected]. In the email, please state why you want to intern here, a list of your favorite bands and why you are qualified. See OCS for more details! German Chancellor Fellowship: The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation's German Chancellor Fellowship allows you to conduct an independent project at a host institution for one year. The project should involve original exploration of a topic, or research in your respective field of interest. Through your experience in Germany, you will acquire greater knowledge of your fields, gain new international experience, and strengthen your intercultural competence - all essential qualities for future professional leaders. www.humboldt-foundation.de.
Blue Ridge Area Food Bank: Two summer internship opportunities available to students, one in Verona and one in Lynchburg. 25 hours per week from mid-May through August with a flexible schedule. $2000 stipend plus gas mileage. To apply, send a resume and cover letter to [email protected]. See OCS for details!
Upcoming Job Fairs!
Career Exploration Day! Thu, Apr 11, 9:30–11:45 am, Nininger Gym, Bridgewater College. Hurricane Sandi foiled us in the Fall, but we’re back! Network with over 50 BC alumni and seasoned professionals who are eager to share their knowledge and experience about how they transitioned from college graduate to professional. A great time to practice your professional communication skills, find internships and seek great advice. Play the Networking Game for a chance to win great prizes!!!
Annual K-12 Education Job and Interviewing Fair at JMU: Thu, Feb 28 10 am-Noon; Interviews: Noon-4 pm Festival Ballroom. K-12 positions in Teaching, Counseling, or Speech Language Pathology (SLP). Math, science, and foreign language majors highly encouraged to attend. Registration onsite the day of the event. No fee. Dress professionally, research employers of interest, and bring resumes.
Page 7
Summer Projects, Writing and Film Awards and a Summer Seminar Opportunity!
Excellent Opportunity for Project, Internship, and Volunteer work! giv2giv.org is a startup-stage investment/donation nonprofit platform that enables collective, social donations to charities. Open-source project seeking web design ideas to make the platform look as awesome as it is. Please contact Michael Blinn at [email protected] to find out more.
Aikman Opportunity Award For Young Christian Writers Patrick Henry College, Guildford Media, and reporter/writer David Aikman announced this award to identify, encourage, and support a new generation of Christian nonfiction testimony writers who can inspire both Christians and general readers with true stories of how God has worked transformatively in the lives of individuals and communities.
NOT A TYPICAL WRITING CONTEST! Most writing contests award prizes for already completed manuscripts. The Aikman Opportunity Award is different. It promises a top prize to the writer who can compose the most compelling and best-reported book proposal of the testimony
story he/she wants to write. The prize will provide a solid financial base for the writer as the manuscript is being assembled. To read about the contest guidelines, visit http://aikmanaward.com/about/how-to/index.html. For general information see www.aikmanward.com.
Making summer plans? Applying for an IHS summer seminar can get you more than just an amazing summer experience—a free book and a free trip might also be on the horizon if you hit these deadlines:
Submit seminar application by March 1 for the chance to receive a free book of your choice (book selection).
Are you a better speaker than writer? Have some production skills you’d like to put to work? You have two weeks to enter the summer seminar video contest (submissions due February 15th)! The winner will receive a travel voucher to cover the trip to and from the seminar!
o Dig into the details: www.TheIHS.org/summer-seminars-video-contest
Now accepting applications for Fall 2013! We are on our nationwide search for bright, talented students seeking an internship opportunity of a lifetime as a Disney College Program participant at the Walt Disney World Resort or Disneyland Resort.
How to apply: Explore disneycollegeprogram.com to learn more about this unique program. Click “Apply Now”
and follow the instructions to submit an application. Project Yellow Light is offering an online film competition and scholarship to fulltime, undergraduate college students and high school seniors. It is a national competition, partnering with the Advertising Council, Mazda, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and NOYS.
The participants are asked to create short videos, 30 or 60 seconds in length, that ask their peers to be careful when they first begin driving. In particular, not to text and drive. Our mission is to prevent car crashes – the number one killer of teens and young adults in the U.S. And we are turning the message over to the youth themselves to make the change.
Full competition information can be found at www.projectyellowlight.com.
Page 8
Intern of the Week! View highlights from some of our Interterm Internships in the most recent
edition of Veritas (available in the online version soon!)
Meet Michelle Caron, a Family and Consumer Sciences major and Social Work minor who interned this Interterm at Harrisonburg Rockingham Social Services in the Foster Care department. Caron, who hopes to someday become a foster parent herself, was able to follow social workers to court appointments, home visits with children in foster care, and supervised visits with biological parents.
Next up is Samantha Guida, a Biology major interning at The Potter League for Animals, a shelter located in Middletown, Rhode Island. At the left she is pictured holding Toby, an English Creme Golden Retriever.
Andrew Levin, a Communications major who spent his Interterm at news station WHSV Channel 3 in Harrisonburg, was extremely enthusiastic about his experience. Here he is pictured reporting on the news as part of his journalism “Resume Reel.”
Alexandra “Zanny” Ludtke, who majors in Health and Exercise Science, split her internship between two physical therapy practices: Advantage Physical Therapy in Weyers Cave, and Purcellville Orthopedic Physical Therapy.
Sociology major Taylor Moss performed his internship at CSC Leasing Company, making a unique use of his major in a seemingly unrelated work environment.
The next student, who was featured last fall for her internship at Copper Ridge Animal Hospital, is Jessie Owens, Biology major, who this Interterm chose to explore the wildlife side of animal care with the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries. In the photo at the left, Jessie cradles a sedated black bear.
To read past interviews, visit our new “Interns in the News” highlight online: www.bridgewater.edu/career-
services/internships/interns-in-the-news
Page 9
Job Opportunities! Weekend Sports Anchor / Sports Reporter: WHSV-TV now
accepting resumes for full-time position to shoot, edit, produce, and report/anchor. Send resume and reel to Kay Norred, News Director ([email protected]). For details visit OCS!
Human Resources Assistant: BEAM BROS. Trucking Inc. is seeking a
full time HR assistant with excellent communication skills. Proficiency in Word and Excel required. Non-Driver Application available at www.beambros.com. Attach resume & salary requirements.
Part-Time English Teacher: The Ameson Foundation’s Year in China
Program seeks English teachers to serve as ambassadors of their country. Visit www.ameson.org/ayc and apply by March 31.
Dorm Staff (Part-Time): The VA Department for Aging & Rehabilitative
Services seeks part-time dorm staff for their office in Fishersville. LINK
PERT Transition Resource Specialist / Field (Central): VA
Departmetn for Aging & Rehabilitative Services has a full time opening at their Fishersville office. Click HERE for info.
Software Engineer, College-Hire: Metron Aviation is looking to
expand its ranks to support the growing need of Air Traffic Management (ATM) research, product development and mission analysis. LINK
Software Engineer, Commercial Products & Services: Looking for
software developers. Experience in Java a plus. Visit WEBSITE for details.
USAJobs has several jobs available in the sciences: Biological Science Laboratory Science Technician LINK Senior Sustainable Agricultural Systems Advisor LINK Secretary (OA) LINK Senior Agricultural Biotechnology Advisor LINK National Program Leader (Food Science and Technology) LINK
College Services Specialist: College Central Network is seeking
qualified candidates with a variety of backgrounds to fill support positions within their organization. Contact OCS for more information!
Purchasing Assistant: Great opportunity for a new business graduate!
Work closely with a Purchasing Agent on an assigned commodity team to source product for both contract specific and stocking requirements. Visit www.tssi-ops.com/careers.
Safety and Occupational Health Manager: The US Department of Labor has a full-time health administration position in either Delaware, Maryland or Pennsylvania. Visit USAJobs for more details!
The Seven Habits of
Highly Successful
Networkers Lydia Ramsey -- Savvy people understand that networking is vital for success in life, where
"whom you know" is often more important than "what
you know." (College Central Network)
Think about it. Every time you
meet someone, you are
networking. Every time you send
an e-mail, you are networking.
Every time you engage someone
in conversation, you are
networking. Some people do it
with deliberation and others
wander aimlessly through the
process. The most successful
business people are the ones who
do it with purpose. The result of
intentional networking is greater
profits and increased business.
1) Knowing what networking is
2) Developing a networking strategy
3) Finding the right venue
4) Preparing for and working events
5) Mastering the art of conversation
6) Following up and following
through
7) Practicing exceptional business
etiquette skills from start to finish
To learn how to develop and
maintain these networking habits,
read the full article HERE
Page 10
More Job Opportunities
Dining Room and Culinary Positions: Free Room and Board! The Eseeola Lodge at Linville Golf Club in Linville, NC (www.eseeola.com ) is currently hiring for our 2013 season. May-October employment is required to be eligible for employment. Very competitive pay. Free housing and meals for our full time staff. Eseeola is a great place to learn, make friends, and save money. For an application and further info please email [email protected].
Summer Staff Openings at Camp Pine Lake: Searching for committed Christians with a willingness to accept the teachings of the Church of the Brethren to live with campers and share leadership responsibilities during summer camp activities in Iowa. For details and application, please contact the OCS. http://www.camppinelake.com/
WRIC TV: TV station based out of Richmond has the following current openings: Media Coordinator, Clerical/Receptionist, Digital Account Executive – Outside Sales, and Account Executive. See OCS for details!
Junior Clinical Systems Analyst: RMH Healthcare seeks a Junior Clinical Systems Analyst to assist in supporting project teams with advanced clinical initiatives. Will provide in person support during go-live/post-live of software implementations. Part-time temporary position until mid-May. For more info, CLICK HERE or visit RMHOnline.com
After School Program: The Hunter McGuire Lower School is looking for someone with experience working with elementary age children to substitute in its afterschool program – Dragons Den. Qualified individuals will be polite, attentive, self-motivated and act as positive role models. Position begins mid-March and runs for 6-8 weeks. Mon-Fri, 3-5:30, $10/hr. www.stuarthallschool.org. Contact OCS for application instructions.
East Coast Regional Trade manager: SGS North America seeks a Regional Trade Manager to be based out of Norfolk, VA or Savannah, GA. For complete info, visit: http://www.maxoutreach.com/job.aspx?1445446
Math Tutor: A tutor is needed for a 4th
grader and a 6th
grader in Math and extra support. If you are interested, please contact Andrea Jones at 540-213-7375 or [email protected].
Human Resources Generalist: Fisher Auto Parts is accepting resumes for a part-time Human Resources Generalist (up to 28 hours per week). The position would be located in Staunton, VA. Applicants can email their resume to Andrea Hull, Human Resources/Benefits Administrator: [email protected].
General Engineer: U.S. Department of Labor – Mine Safety and Health Administration. Located in Triadelphia, WV. See website for details: https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/336885200.
Post-Graduate Opportunity: Teach in China for 10 months!
Appalachians Abroad Teach in China program prepares and places around 50-60 participants each year to teach English in China. Participants in this program can spend an academic year (10 month teaching contract) in China which will give them the opportunity to use their language skills on a daily basis. They will teach approximately 16 to 20 hours per week in English and in exchange be provided free housing on campus, medical care, monthly salary range from $1,000 USD up to $2,400 USD, travel stipend for touring China, and a round-trip international airline ticket upon completion of teaching contract. Contact the OCS for more details and visit the WEBSITE!
Page 11
Federal Job Search Webinar
Need to get your federal job search into high gear? Here's a FREE idea!
Get inspired and motivated about your federal job search in the new year. Introducing our NEW webinar series on "7 Tips to a Federal Job," and they are absolutely FREE! Just click on the registration link below to sign up today. Sat, Feb 23, 2013 11:00 AM - 11:45 AM EST | Register now
Virtual Career Fair for People with Disabilities
Visit www.disability.careereco.net or contact OCS for more details!
Osteopathic Medicine Open House The West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine is hosting an Open House on Saturday, April 6, 2013 from 8:30am – 1:30pm. We invite all persons interested in becoming an Osteopathic Physician, who wish to learn more about WVSOM to attend this event.
Highlights · Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine demonstration · Network with faculty and current students · Tour of Campus · Admission Requirements
TO REGISTER: WWW.WVSOM.EDU
For more information on any of the opportunities described in this newsletter, please contact the
Office of Career Services at [email protected].
Page 12
Questions? Comments? We can help! Bridgewater College Office of Career Services
Flory Hall Room 10/11 (Lower Level) Call 540-828-5357 to set up an appointment.
Basic Life Skills: Your First Financial Plan
Your first few years of financial independence are crucial in setting yourself up for a successful future. Make these habits a must, and you'll be on your way!
Always pay yourself first. No matter how much money you make starting out, put some aside from each
paycheck. Consider setting up an automatic deposit from your checking to your savings account. The rule of thumb is to save at least ten percent of every paycheck. Adjust the amount, depending on what your personal goals are for the not-too-distant future.
Be accountable for your spending habits. Are you an impulse shopper? An emotional shopper? The need to
be aware of how you spend your money doesn't go away when you start making more. It may be hard to visualize how small changes can make a significant difference, but the little things do add up. Make tweaks to save, such as packing lunch instead of buying.
Establish an emergency fund. Your car might break down. You may get sick and have to miss work. You might
even lose your job. Having a safety net in place may mean the difference between being able to meet your rent or having to move back in with your parents. Keep from two- to six months-worth of living expenses tucked away (including rent, utilities, food, gas, etc.).
Set up a long-term investment account. Educate yourself as to what types of investment opportunities are right
for you. Investing may involve risk, depending on where you put your money. A savings account at a bank involves almost no risk; on the other hand, buying a hot stock is risky, but it also has the potential for the greatest return. Find an option that matches your comfort level. And, never commit to an investment that you do not completely understand.
Don't get caught in the "credit card trap." It's easy to get in the habit of using a card instead of cash and
spending more than you can afford. Only use the credit card if you can pay off the balance every month. If you cannot get by without charging, you are living beyond your means and need to make changes immediately.
Have an IRA ASAP. The Roth IRA (Individual Retirement Account) allows you to put a certain amount of earned
income away every year, with the benefit of being able to take the money out in the future, tax-free. You can also take your money out of a Roth IRA and use it for other things besides retirement, like buying your first home. You decide where you want to set it up -- whether it's a bank, credit union, brokerage firm, or through your insurance company. Be aware of any fees that may be involved.
Tina Pestalozzi is director of Global Protocol and Etiquette Services. She presents seminars on civility and business and social etiquette to corporate, government and educational organizations. This content was adapted from the new edition of Life Skills 101: A Practical Guide to Leaving Home and Living on Your Own, which is available from your favorite bookseller, or from www.TheLifeSkillsBook.com.
These and other great articles can be found at College Central Network for Bridgewater College!