Dream Careers

Hello Dreamers!

Today we are gonna share a very useful article found on PR.com on how to enrich your own wardrobe with professional clothes that might help you land a job right out of college.

Many college graduates have collected a closet full of flip flops and t-shirts. After graduation they need to build a professional wardrobe to land their first job. This can be a challenge with limited money and the prospect of an extended job search. Here are some tips to help them create a professional, polished wardrobe on a budget.

In today’s competitive marketplace it is important to look as polished and professional as possible. Potential employers want to know that a new employee will be a positive extension of their brand. For recent college graduates, building a professional wardrobe can be extremely challenging after spending four years accumulating a closet full of sweat shirts, jeans and flip flops. Here are some tips to creating a professional, polished image on a budget for recent college grads.

“Most college graduates think about a professional wardrobe once they begin to interview,” says Tonya Evans, President of Style Strategist Inc., a Miami Based image consulting firm. “Their look is ultra-casual and their closets reflect that.”

A graduate of the London Image Institute, Evans specializes in working with entrepreneurs and business professionals to help them create an image that will improve their presence. Founded in 2008, the company also provides training programs that address workplace image guides based on various corporate culture dress requirements.

Students realize that life after graduation will require a more professional look but they have budget concerns and are not sure how to build a working wardrobe from scratch. Evans says that by using the concept of capsule dressing they can create a budget concept wardrobe that is both polished and flexible.

“Capsule dressing allows you to purchase a few key pieces and mix-and-match them to create several different looks,” says Evans.

Here are Style Strategist Inc.’s keys to creating a polished professional wardrobe on a budget:

1. Begin with a black suit. This applies to both men and women. This can be used for interviewing, worn without the jacket for casual Fridays; and dressed up for cocktail networking events.

2. Purchase shirts in a variety of colors. This is a great way to expand the life of your suit by creating new looks. You can wear different shirt and tie combinations and if you get a position in a less formal work environment you can remove the jacket to create an updated look. Women can mix it up with button down shirts and blouses to extend the suits life as well.

3. Go accessories crazy. Accessories are the most effective way to extend your wardrobe and your BUDGET. For the guys this means ties, belts, shoes, watches even computer bags. Another way that men can add visual interest is to wear different types of tie-knots which can really change the look of a suit. For women, there are tons of options including belts, handbags, shoes, scarves, necklaces and bracelets. The more accessories you have the more different looks you can create.

4. Stick with neutral colors. As you build your wardrobe with separates it will be easier to pair neutrals with both your existing pieces and newly purchased items.

Tips for a winning professional look: (sidebar)
1. Wear a suit. Whether you are interviewing for a more creative role or a more conservative environment, a suit is always appropriate. You can always dress down after you get the job.

2. Don’t forget grooming. Nails should be nicely done. No super bright nail polishes that can be very distracting; facial hair should be well groomed; and your purse or computer bag should be well-organized.

3. The devil is in the details. Don’t forget the details like shining your shoes and organizing your computer or handbag so that you don’t look disheveled. Make sure that your clothes don’t have any missing buttons, tears or stains.

Evans adds, “Your image is really the message you send to the world every time you enter a room – from the moment you step into that building for that interview. It’s a personal billboard that communicates who you are and what others can expect from you. It conveys professionalism, credibility and work style.”

Hello Dreamers!

Today our “Internship Tips” section features one of our NYC alumni Jenna Wilson. She is a young professional working in NYC, who also runs a blog (http://realworlddreaming.tumblr.com) dedicated to internship/job search tips. Today she is gonna share with us a few tips that can come in handy when sustaining an interview.

Let’s hear her out!

- Emanuele 

Something I’ve been told by the people giving me career advice is always remember to interview the company interviewing you. I never used to think this was necessary because I always went into interviews with the mentality of “I need to make them like me because I need this internship/job.” I never thought to sit down with them and ask the questions I needed answers for to make sure the company would be a good fit for me, too. Some really good questions to ask are:

Is there any room to move up in the company? (You want to make sure there’s room to grow so you can improve your career.)

What would be my exact job description? (This is important to know because if they don’t have a good idea of what they want you to do, you’re at risk of possibly losing your job in the future.)

Is this a good learning environment where I can improve my skills? (You’re new to the work world and need an environment where there are people higher than you and can take the time to teach you the ropes without holding your hand.)

There are many other questions you can ask to tailor to your interview and the specific company. Interviewing the company is essential because in the end it’s all up to you to get the most out of your career. Why waste your time with internships/jobs that aren’t going to go anywhere and be valuable for your resume?

-Jenna

Apply Online Today! https://apply.summerinternships.com/college-program/request-application/

Hello Dreamers!

Who’s excited for their summer internship? By now all (or almost all) of you should have your internships lined-up. This is the time to build your professional network and acquire new skills for post-grad success.

In today’s economy, internship programs are the top recruiting method for companies. If you are trying to get your foot in the door, there is no longer an excuse for lacking relevant work experience. You need to see your internship as a 2-3-4 month long interview and you need to perform at your very best if you want to jump start your dream career.

Outstanding performance, acquiring new skills and developing strong relationships in an internship are quintessential to turn your internship into a full-time position or to develop that network that will play a crucial role in your future job search.

Here is a short list of the main points you should focus on:

1. Work hard – Do everything that is needed, even if it’s something tedious. Don’t ever think that your knowledge or education puts you above “little” jobs. You don’t want to look like the intern who turns his nose up to low-level projects. These “low-level” projects are sometimes a test from the employer to see how you handle different situations and interact with others on your team.

2. Do your best – As an intern you are not supposed to be an expert in your field but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t do everything and anything you can to do to excel. The quality of your works shape your boss’ and colleagues’ perception of you, therefore always be ready and strive for excellence.

3. Do extra work – Be proactive! Once you get your job done don’t twiddle your thumbs. Do something you think is needed, help a coworker or ask for more responsibilities. Always show your willingness to go above and beyond.

4. Pay attention – To all the details and don’t be afraid to ask questions. You can only make a good first impression once after all. Keep in mind that your boss and co-worker will play a crucial role in your employment or future job search.

5. Develop new skills – Take up challenges, do something you have never done before. The internet is an invaluable learning resource, so do research online and try and develop skills you don’t have yet or observe an expert doing his job and learn. These skills will enrich your professional portfolio making you more appealing for a future job.

6. Network, network, network – As Ryan Kahn would say, your network is your “net-worth”. Everyone you meet is a potential member of your network and even more so people you work with. The more colleagues know you and what your capable of the more support you will have once it’s time to turn your internship into a full-time job.

7. Seek feedback – Always try and assess your strengths and what you need to improve. Ask for feedback at the office. This shows your willingness to learn and enhance your skillset.

8. Be a good team player – Projects are team-oriented in today’s workplace. It’s essential to work harmoniously and coordinate with co-workers within a team. A good team player equals a good worker, and more importantly a future employee.

9. Keep in touch – Try and keep in touch with your boss and co-workers. Leave on good terms and ask for job openings every now and then, if you are still interested in working for the company.

Until next time dreamers,

-Emanuele

Apply Online Today! https://apply.summerinternships.com/college-program/request-application/

Hello Dreamers!

Today on our blog we are featuring a “double dreamer”: Jess Soyak! She is a LA 2011 alumnus and this summer she’s going to be a Dream Careers LA participant again!

Let’s hear her story, what made her summer so special and what made her want to come back!

-Emanuele

Profile

Name: Jess Soyak

Program: LA 2011

Industry: Music

Company: Warner Bros Records

Heading out to California was nerve racking of course! I’m from Connecticut and I’d never been to the west coast before so I was nervous yet excited! I booked my ticket to LA alone and ironically ended up sitting next to other Dreamers on the plane! When I arrived I checked in, moved in and then explored! Not long after there was our first dinner where we met our staff and other interns. The LA program had a little under 250 so there was quite a big crowd. I could tell on this first night this summer would be incredible. For my internship I worked at Warner Bros Records in the New Media department. It was an incredible experience. I made great connections and learned so much about the music business. Most of my daily work consisted of updating artist Twitters, Myspace’s, Facebooks, Ustreams and my biggest all summer project was standardizing/optomizing the artist YouTube channels!

I worked 9:30am-5:30pm Monday to Thursday and Fridays were the best because WBR put on shows for the staff. I saw so many incredible WBR artsits live on the patio, an added bonus was free lunch and a free open bar! After the concerts most people headed home and the interns would finish up whatever work we had. The people I worked for/with were incredible. WBR is like a family and if you’re interested in a Music internship definitely look into it! There were also so many good times non-intern related such as the nightlife!

I’ll just list some of my favorite memories… tattoos on Melrose, running into Brenda Song in Chanel, Hardfest, going to Kim Kardashians bachelorette party at TAO Las Vegas, meeting Common, walking on the Pretty Little Liars set, sushi dates with my friends, seeing the cast of Entourage at the Paris hotel in Las Vegas, dinner at the SLS, Brandy Melville shopping sprees, Diddy Reise cookie sandwiches, salsa dancing on the Santa Monica pier and so much more!! This past summer was hands down the best summer of my life. I pursued my dreams, expanded my resume, made great connections and had an incredible time all the while. I’d recommend to everyone to join the Dreamer family! I’m heading back to LA again with Dream Careers this summer and can’t wait!

- Jess

Apply Online Today! https://apply.summerinternships.com/college-program/request-application/