So you’re over 18, being a technical adult doesn’t automatically give you adult experiences and adult reactions. It’s always nice to have someone with insight and advice you can turn to. Parents are great sources, but they’re not exactly unbiased when it comes to your talents, potential and future.
Mentors. It sounds lame and cheesy but they are truly a gift. They don’t always have to in your chosen field but they do have to be someone who understands you and you can be open with. Someone with life and work experience; honest and interesting; credible and fun. They can be your co-worker; friends of your parents; neighbors who you used to baby-sit for.
I am lucky enough to have two mentors, in addition to my parents, who I really look up to. (Susan, Ramona) Not only do they do exemplify the qualities that I hope to have one day but they are hardworking, life loving and real. They give me ideas and make me think. THANK YOU!
Friday, February 23, 2007
Friday, February 16, 2007
If I could escape:
OK, so there are more things to life outside of getting a job, keeping a job and looking for a new job. One very important thing that everyone should experience is LIVING ALONE. I had my reservations about living by myself. Could I afford a nice place and still be able to save some money? Will I be able to make meals? Am I going to keep my apartment from going into chaos? Will I be lonely?
I love living by myself! Alone doesn’t have to mean lonely. I’m only alone when I want to be. It’s the most liberating feeling in the world to know that you are solely responsible for yourself. I’ve learned the importance of friends and finding things that I’m interested in. I’ve learned a lot about my habits and what I will and will not put up with, even from myself.
This doesn’t have to be something you do right after graduating but it’s definitely something you should experience.
I love living by myself! Alone doesn’t have to mean lonely. I’m only alone when I want to be. It’s the most liberating feeling in the world to know that you are solely responsible for yourself. I’ve learned the importance of friends and finding things that I’m interested in. I’ve learned a lot about my habits and what I will and will not put up with, even from myself.
This doesn’t have to be something you do right after graduating but it’s definitely something you should experience.
Friday, February 9, 2007
What can make a world of difference:
So you’ve all heard about the same-old-same-old that can make one company desirable vs. the next. Things like opportunity for growth, the amount of your offer, and location. There are some things that you may not even think about until you’re chained to your desk.
Here are some things to consider:
401K: sounds ridiculous right? You just entered the job field and already thinking about retiring. First thing, see if the company has a 401K set up. Most do unless it’s a very small company. Second thing, see if the company does any kind of matching. For every dollar you put into your 401K some companies will make a matching donation. Third thing, see how long you would have to work before you’re vested. (If you’re fully vested in 4 years, that means that after 4 years of working there the amount your employer matches to your 401K will be fully yours to take even if you leave the company.)
Hours: most people just assume that a normal day is 9 to 5 and that every once in a while you’ll have to put in a 10 hour day to finish a pending project. Not true. Make sure you ask who would be your immediate supervisor what time they get to work and when they leave. Your workday should mirror that. If you’re on salary, therefore not eligible for overtime pay, you may end up feeling overworked and way under compensated.
Reimbursements: some companies will reimburse you for additional education should you want to get a masters. Also some companies will also reimburse you for your gym membership or a computer purchase.
Non-compete agreements: most companies will make you sign one before your offer is finalized. Make sure you read this thoroughly. Look for language regarding how long after you leave a company before you can work for a competitor. Generally it’s in the range of 6 to 12 months. Perhaps more if you were in an information sensitive industry.
Teammates: these are the people that you will have to sit in proximity with. What are these people like? Do they talk loudly? Are they fun to hang out with? What is the rest of the department and company like? If you like an enthusiastic environment you may not want to work in a department where everyone just keeps to himself or herself. If you’re moving to a new area, you’re probably going to have to make new friends. The workplace is an easy way to meet new people. Will there be anyone who you can see yourself hanging out with?
Here are some things to consider:
401K: sounds ridiculous right? You just entered the job field and already thinking about retiring. First thing, see if the company has a 401K set up. Most do unless it’s a very small company. Second thing, see if the company does any kind of matching. For every dollar you put into your 401K some companies will make a matching donation. Third thing, see how long you would have to work before you’re vested. (If you’re fully vested in 4 years, that means that after 4 years of working there the amount your employer matches to your 401K will be fully yours to take even if you leave the company.)
Hours: most people just assume that a normal day is 9 to 5 and that every once in a while you’ll have to put in a 10 hour day to finish a pending project. Not true. Make sure you ask who would be your immediate supervisor what time they get to work and when they leave. Your workday should mirror that. If you’re on salary, therefore not eligible for overtime pay, you may end up feeling overworked and way under compensated.
Reimbursements: some companies will reimburse you for additional education should you want to get a masters. Also some companies will also reimburse you for your gym membership or a computer purchase.
Non-compete agreements: most companies will make you sign one before your offer is finalized. Make sure you read this thoroughly. Look for language regarding how long after you leave a company before you can work for a competitor. Generally it’s in the range of 6 to 12 months. Perhaps more if you were in an information sensitive industry.
Teammates: these are the people that you will have to sit in proximity with. What are these people like? Do they talk loudly? Are they fun to hang out with? What is the rest of the department and company like? If you like an enthusiastic environment you may not want to work in a department where everyone just keeps to himself or herself. If you’re moving to a new area, you’re probably going to have to make new friends. The workplace is an easy way to meet new people. Will there be anyone who you can see yourself hanging out with?
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