Category: Uncategorized

Posted on

How to get the most out of your internship

How many entry level positions have you been interested in that have a minimum requirement of 2-3 years of experience? 
Job hunting can be disappointing when searching on the internet and you find a website describing your ideal job position, but you don’t meet the experience requirement. Although an internship may not be your dream post-graduation position, it will help you gain experience and become qualified to land the job you’ve been dreaming of!
A good internship can result in a job offer, references, and if nothing else, a great learning experience. 
Here are some tips on ways to get the most out of your internship experience:
Dress to impress
As sad as it is, people judge others by their appearance and first impressions. If you dress professional you are going to feel professional and have more confidence from the start of the day to its end. Dress for the position you want.
TgcTeam2
Be on time (maybe even fashionably early)
Like I said, first impressions are crucial. Every employee should be timely and organized. When it comes to the office environment, be the first one to arrive and the last one to leave. Spending a good amount of time invested in work will show your superiors that you care and just how serious you are about your job.


Meet anyone and everyone
No matter what their job title is, almost everyone you meet at your internship will know someone and something you don’t. Use those connections to your advantage. Build up your list of professional references.
Network. Network. Network.


Ask for feedback
Every so often ask your boss how they think you’re performing.
What are you excelling at? 
What areas do you have room for improvement?
Set your personal goals for the internship and figure out your superiors goals for you. The feedback will help you grow, once you put it to good use!


Keep in touch with old bosses
Be sure to keep in touch with old bosses and fellow interns. Networking is everything in today’s age, and keeping up with these connections is bound to help in your future job endeavors. 
Because resumes alone aren’t going to get you the job, and hiring managers care about what your past employers have to say about you, introductions and recommendations from past bosses are important. 
The input from your past bosses may be what makes or breaks your chance of getting the job. Introductions and recommendations from past bosses can be a huge help in landing job interviews.


Handwritten thank you letters
This sounds like a small task, but it can separate you from the other employees. Writing a personalized thank you letter to your boss at the end of your internship will help show your sincere gratitude and help you STAND OUT and be remembered by your employers. 


Check out these Huffington Post  and Elite Daily articles for more fun tips!

Posted on

Wearable Technology: 2014’s Best Accessory

For a short period of time, wearable technology seemed like a futuristic idea. But with so many products making their way into the scene, wearable technology has become the norm in our society. From tech watches, such as the Galaxy Gear watch and the Apple Watch, to fitness and health devices like the Nike fuelband and Fitbit, these products have found a place in our everyday lives and in a fashionable manner.

Apple announced the launch of its latest technology, the Apple Watch, said to release in early 2015. This product is not the first of its kind, but it looks to have some competitive features; one in particular being its stylish design. The Apple Watch comes in array of different designs and colors to personalize it to whatever style you like. There is a sports version, a stainless steel version, and if you are going for a real classy look, there is even an 18-karat gold version. Sure the device can text, play music, track your fitness records, and a plethora of other impressive features, but is it the fashion statement that will attract most of its buyers?

Photo credit: https://www.apple.com/watch/design/
Photo credit: https://www.apple.com/watch/design/

This mixture of wearable technology and fashion looks to be an ongoing trend among tech companies. Several other companies have announced collaborations with famous fashion designers as a way to give their products a fashion-forward edge. Fitbit has partnered with Tory Burch to create trendy bracelets and necklaces to turn you health-tracking device into a stylish accessory.

Photo credit: http://www.fitbit.com/
Photo credit: http://www.fitbit.com/

Google Glass is another company taking on its own spin of wearable and trend-setting technology. What first started as a bulky pair of glasses with a small computer screen bulging from the side, has now taken a more sleek approach to its product. Google Glass has partnered with fashion designer Diane Von Furstenberg to create trendy glasses that look more like everyday wear while still maintaining the same technological features as the first model. The new frames and colors offered give Google Glass a slightly more wearable look, don’t you think?

Photo credit: https://www.google.com/glass/start/
Photo credit: https://www.google.com/glass/start/

That trend of fashion and technology may be just starting, but I think it is only the beginning of its success. Similar to fashion, technology has evolved into our everyday lives and has quickly become a part of us. As consumers and early adopters, we take pride in personalizing our tech devices to give them a more unique feel that fits our personality. Just as we all spend so much time shopping for that perfect outfit that must’ve been “made for us”, it doesn’t seem too far off that we will be deciding which wearable technology design best fits our personal style.

Posted on

Beyond Wonderful

 

 

 

http://www.beyondwonderland.com
http://www.beyondwonderland.com

 

Music has always been one of my passions. Listening to music in my room, singing along in the car and attending concerts will always be my favorites.

Attending a music festival, however, could NEVER compete with simply listening to a song on the radio.

I have attended my fair share of concerts in the past, including artists: John Mayer, OneRepublic, Coldplay, Rihanna, U2…well, you get the picture- I love music!

Last weekend I got the opportunity to attend an electric dance music festival, Beyond Wonderland, in the Bay Area. Yes, it was beyond wonderful.

For those unfamiliar with electronic music, I got to see some of the big names in the EDM world. It is a two-day event. You arrive early in the day and go from stage to stage listening to music until just a little before midnight. But this year wasn’t my first EDM- rodeo, as I also attended Beyond Wonderland 2013.

Last year I saw Avicii, Calvin Harris and David Guetta. I’m forever convinced that David Guetta pointed and winked at me during his show.

Anyway, I came up with a list of things that every person needs to do before attending an EDM festival. And if you’re a college student on a budget, have no worries because there’s something on the list for you too.

 

  1. Read the rules of the venue – Prior to the event, a list will be published of items that are and aren’t allowed. Make sure you read them. Be surprised at what you’re allowed to bring!

 

  1. Bring a water bottle – After reading the rules you will find out that you ARE allowed to bring your own water bottle. Bring it- you will not regret it!

 

  1. Hydrate – A lot of venues that hold a two-day events will have water bottle filling stations. Fill up and drink water, lots of it!

 

  1. Bring earplugs – Even though taking in the music is possibly the best thing in the world, standing close to the speakers can make your ears hurt. Earplugs are inexpensive and you’ll be happy you wore them the next day!

 

  1. Bring money… but not too much – Bring enough money so you can buy a snack if you need it. But be aware that it’s easy to lose!

 

  1. Get crafty – The event encourages people to dress in creative and fun ways! Go on Pinterest and invent a cute outfit. You’ll be happy you did.

 

  1. Take as many pictures as possible – With an experience this cool, you will want to look back on as many pictures as you can. Take the time to ask a stranger to take a picture of you and your friends. You may even make a friend!

 

  1. Be safe – Since there are so many attendees, it is important to have a meeting spot with your friends in case someone gets lost.
  2. Plan a safe ride home– Like I said before, bringing money is important. Cabs are circling the venue ready to pick people up. They can be expensive!
  3. Have a blast– Although experiences like these can take careful planning, enjoy every second of it. There will be few events as memorable as Beyond Wonderland!

 

Posted on

5 Reasons Employers Want Candidates Who Studied Abroad

10511161_10204147412035712_8899017813503305096_n

How Studying Abroad Prepares You For Your Career

Studying abroad is one of the most exciting and challenging adventures you can experience in college. The lessons and skills you take away from and experience like this will be ones  you continue to apply to your academic and career life. Employers love to see students who have studied abroad. It is great to have on your resume and sets you apart from most other applicants of the applicants. So how do the lessons you learn abroad translate to the real world?

1.   Independence

The choice to go abroad is one that you make yourself; no one can do it for you. So when you make the decision to go, you know it is an adventure you are going to tackle on your own. You don’t have your parents to help you figure out your connecting flights or the train schedule. While abroad you also have the opportunity to travel by yourself. It is a great opportunity to become more independent and self-reliant. This is a trait that employers like to see.

2.   Flexibility

Anyone who has traveled knows nothing goes as planned, and the only thing you can really plan on is that something will go wrong. So while abroad you have to be flexible and have the ability to adapt to adversity. This is a great characteristic to have in the workplace as well. Because everything doesn’t go as planned all the time, the ability to be flexible is a trait that is pertinent and valued.

3.   Communication

Traveling is a journey where you have the opportunity to meet all kinds of different people. You encounter such a diverse group of people that you can learn so much from. You also learn how to effectively communicate with people who speak a different language, have different values and have overall different communication norms.

4.   Planning

Traveling abroad gives you the chance to be spontaneous, but it also strengthens your planning skills as well. Whether it’s a day trip or a weekend trip, a lot goes into the planning. You also become much better at tracking your expenses and budgeting for worthwhile expenses.

5.   Risk taking

Life is all about taking risks, and that is hard for a lot of people. Traveling is an experience that you can really see the benefits of taking risks.

http://www.buzzfeed.com/hillarylevine/11-lessons-you-learn-studying-abroad#1rhxyiq

http://mashable.com/2013/01/16/apps-for-studying-abroad/

Posted on

Happy Holidays!

Thank you so much for reading our blog this past semester!

TGC will be closed until the end of January, but we hope you’ll continue enjoying our blog when the spring semester starts. We’ll be back with a new team and lots of great new posts.

See you in 2013!

 

Posted on

Fun in the Sun

By Shelby Hudak, Assistant Account Executive
 

There is something about warm weather that brings out the best in everyone. Chico goes from temperature lows to temperature highs in a matter of days. Springtime is here and summer is just around the corner. We can finally put our pea coats and UGG boots in the back of our closets and bring forward the flip-flops and tank tops.

My all time favorite summer activities are boating and wakeboarding, whether it be at Folsom Lake in my hometown or Lake Oroville, which is just about a 30-minute drive from Chico. Boating is such a relaxing yet exhilarating activity. Hanging on to a rope attached to a boat while my feet are strapped into a wakeboard is one of the best feelings.


Another great thing about summertime approaching is that many towns, including Chico, have weekly markets. These markets include numerous vendors selling various items such as produce, art and handmade jewelry. Chico has the Thursday Night Market which helps bring the community together.

When I think of summer, one of the first things that comes to mind is barbecue. In the summer the days stay lighter for longer; It will still be light until at least around 8 p.m. This makes for great outdoor get-togethers with family and friends where people have fire pits and barbecue.

Camping is a popular family vacation in the summer. Students have around a two to three month break from school for summer, and many parents take their vacation time during the summer. This equals a recipe for family vacations.

I love warm weather and all the fun activities that warm weather brings. Summer is my favorite season and time of year.

Posted on

My Favorite Time of Day

By Adam Prieto,
Photographer/Videographer
  

As the season shifts and the spring weather is in the air, I usually have to wait for my favorite time of the day. Once 7 p.m. hits you can usually find me out and about in my own little world. The sun has about another hour left in its day until it proceeds to its slow diminishing act. This is the time of the day that I’m usually waiting for. The lighting is low and warm, and the deep shadows create abstract objects. Everything in sight is slightly more beautiful. One of my most favorite things about photography is how easy you can get up and just go.  I pop in my headphones and captivate my ear canals with soft, relaxing music. All of a sudden, things in front of me become still. External noises are eliminated and I’m in a therapeutic sense of meditation. 
  

 

The most fascinating thing about going out and just shooting is you never know what that thing is going to be that draws you in. You just let it happen. It seems odd, but it’s almost like letting your self be seduced a little bit every day. This is the real joy of it. To go out and be part of the world you’re in. To see it, to keep your eyes open, to really relate and react to what you’re seeing. I don’t think, “is this in the moment enough or beautiful enough?” I’m just reacting, reacting to the moment. Life is a series of moments, and photography allows me to capture and share them – to capture a little piece of the universe and sustain it one picture at a time.  It is now 7:35 p.m. 


“For the world is movement, and you cannot be stationary in your attitude toward something that is moving. Sometimes you light upon the picture in seconds; it may also require hours or days. But there is no standard plan, no pattern from which to work. You must be on the alert with the brain, the eye; and have a suppleness of body.” – Henri Cartier-Bresson.

Posted on

Truth-Room Sessions & Frenemies

By Christina Rafael, Photographer/Videographer

In elementary school she ditched you at recess. In junior high she stole your boyfriend. And in high school she blamed you when the teacher caught her cheating. As an adult, well, she’s the friend that you’ve been in a silent fight with for the last three months.
Back in easier times one could choose to just find new friends, move on and better yourself. In the adult world, one where you must network constantly, you’ll need better tactics.
So what do you do when a fight that has been simmering blows up in your face? Well, ladies, you handle your words like a PR professional.
When journalism Professor Morris Brown taught “Introduction to Public Relations,” he gave a simple list of question to answer when introduced to a PR crisis.
What is the problem?
Why is there a problem?
What are the probable causes of the problem?
How serious is the problem?
Who is affected by the problem?
What has been done to solve the problem?
This situation analysis is useful when identifying issues, figuring out if they’re worth fighting over and assessing how you’ve done so far. When dealing with women, it’s best to choose your battles and often admit wrong doing for problems not worth an escalation.
If there is a problem which you’ve personally caused, it’s best to own up to said problem by following a basic to-do list from gigaom.com:
Confess. State what you did. Own up to it. Be clear and candid. Give enough details.
Apologize. Say, “I apologize” — not just, “I’m sorry” — for whatever it is you did.
Rectify. How will you make the current situation better? What are the short-term and reactive measures?
Prevention/Reformation.
What are the long-term and preemptive steps that will assure this doesn’t happen again — ever?
Seek forgiveness. This is important. Don’t forget to ask for forgiveness from those impacted.
If a situation is not your fault yet becomes thrust upon you, it’s best to tread lightly but stand your ground. Remember that every word can be like stepping in a minefield; you never know what will cause an explosion.
It’s best to approach the offender in a neutral space, like a coffee shop, where things have less ability to reach epic proportions. Once you are able to sit down, have what the industry calls a “truth-room session” with the friend.
During a traditional truth-room session, a consultant tells a client something that’s probably true, but not flattering. In a frenemy truth-room session, you’ll need to lay all cards on the table and confront with as little assumptions as possible.
Although these tips help solve most arguments, there comes a time when a friendship has run its course and you must cut ties with the friend. As a PR professional, cutting ties and rebranding is part of the industry and sometimes the best solution after a crisis has been addressed.
Dealing with your frenemy as a PR professional is the best way to keep arguments as classy as possible, leave little backlash to you and the best way to take the high road.
Below are some helpful articles about handling professional or personal crisis management situations.