By Mariya Miteva, Washington and Lee University

Most of us have been through that moment when we really need to “nail” that perfect job or internship. However, there is a popular mistake we commit – we underestimate our chances and immediately and gratefully accept the first offer we receive, happy to “have at least found one.”

No! Next time before you dedicate yourself to a company, no matter what reputation it might have and how attractive it might sound on paper, ask questions! Don’t just say yes but be interested in as many details as you can. It could save you a lot of disappointment.

Here are some sample questions to ask before you say “I do”:

1.    What exactly will my daily responsibilities be?

Yes, it might be the “company of your dreams” you are being interviewed for, but if you end up copying datain an endless Excel file or answering the phone (Yes, it happens!), what is the point?

2.    Where will my everyday workspace be?

The environment you work in can be crucial for your work experience. You might be able to survive the summer heat without AC, but if you are attacked regularly by the office pet fleas (Yes, this happens as well…in big international companies!), do something about it. 

3.    Where do you usually have lunch? What is the best way to get to work?

Casual questions of this sort probably seem unnecessary but they can reveal useful information about the office collective.  If they tell you that they eat together at this place nearby or sometimes catch rides with each other, you are certainly about to enter a friendly team. Otherwise, there might be something there you don’t want to get involved in, especially for along-term job.

To conclude, my summer internship experience this summer (you probably figured out by now it was far frompositive) taught me one important lesson: Be picky! Yes, it is all based on a summer internship outside the U.S., but I believe the lesson is universal.

Learn more about Honor Roll at www.honorrollonline.com 

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By Katie Kelly, Recent Graduate of Union College

            Graduation:  One word; so simple, yet so complicated. Commencement was the end of college, and the beginning of something so much scarier and unknown, the cliché “real world.”  Well, in this real world, I would need to find a “real, big girl job,” right? 

            I had been planning on moving to a different state, so I filled out application after application. Google-d, Yahoo-ed, I even Asked Jeeves a few times. I typed in criteria after criteria, and I can assure you that every job that was listed in the city I was moving to, I applied for it. But why wasn’t I getting any call-backs? I was about to graduate from a prestigious private college, (not to mention spending over $180,000 on my education), and I’m a smart young woman, so why wouldn’t every employer jump at the chance to hire me?

            Well, after having a few panic attacks and meltdowns, I had asked the advice of a few friends who had been through the employment process, and one of them told me that it was obvious I was “job fishing”. I was using the same resume, and just sending it off to all the companies I could think of. I ended up landing a few interviews and getting a job offer; but soon after, I realized I wasn’t really sure what I wanted to do. I just accepted the first job offer, but would I really be happy?

            I decided not to move, and to slow down the process. I looked over my resume- really looked it over. And I thought about what I wanted to do. I made lists, talked with people close to me, and I revised, edited, revised, edited, revised…. And finally I was happy with my resume. I started sending it off to companies again, but this time with a more focused attempt. I didn’t just want a job, I wanted the job. I wasn’t expecting to find a dream job making hundreds of thousands of dollars…but I wanted to be happy. I love to travel, I love to work with people, and I knew that I wanted a corporate position and the ability to move up. Maybe I had a dream of being that glamorous corporate woman.

           A week before commencement, I received a call from a local bank. I went in unsure of what they had to offer me. I had the interview and was told that if they were interested in a second meeting, they would contact me. Not really expecting a call back, seven days later, I found myself listening to a voicemail from that very bank. I went in for the second interview, unsure of what they would have to say. After meeting with some“big-whigs” I was offered a position on the spot- two days after graduation. My position is fairly high profile. I travel all the time, and I love it.  I’m not that glamorous corporate woman yet, but I can assure you I’m well on my way.

           So what’s the moral of the story? Don’t get nervous! Use the resources you haveall around you—professors, friends, family, especially the internet. The Web is an invaluable resource to the job search: Honor Roll Online, provided a lot of resources and helped me make connections.   Most importantly, apply for everything under the sun, but when it comes down to choosing a first job, do something that makes you happy. Work hard. Working hard and happiness go hand-in-hand.  Graduation may seem scary, but somehow everything will fall into place.

I could have told you what kind of a suit to wear, how to give a world-class handshake, or how to be business savvy. But what the job search really comes down to is looking for something that will make you feel fulfilled and set you upon the career path you want. Then again, you might end up finding something completely outside the realm of your college major. Eitherway- it’s an overwhelming process; but I can promise you, once you get that first “big girl” (or boy,) paycheck, you will realize it was all worth it.

One place to start... HonorRollOnline.com.  

Learn more about Honor Roll at www.honorrollonline.com 

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By Janell Essad, Senoir at Albion College

For my spring semester of my junior year at Albion, I decided to study abroad in the heart of European diplomacy, Brussels, Belgium.  I was able to secure a Stagiaire (French for internship) within the European Parliament and had the amazing opportunity to attend classes at Vesailus College with students from all over the world. All this was established through Educational Programmes Aboard, or as the participants of the organization call it, the EPA.

My spring semester turned out to be one of the best semesters of my life! I met lots of great people along the way, made great friendships, and most importantly, learned valuable life lessons. I thoroughly enjoyed learning about Belgian culture and traditions, and how the European Parliamentcomes together to solve problems, create solutions, and finally, implement laws. I truly encourage anyone interested in foreign relations, international law or just a sense of adventure, to study aboard. You won’t regret one minute of it! 

Learn more about Honor Roll at www.honorrollonline.com 

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By Long Le, Student at Gettysburg College

Different jobs require different skills, as well as offering different incentives.

4 common incentives are:

·  Workenvironment

·  Self-improvement opportunities

·  Salary

·  Promotion potential

Students usually expect different degrees of each incentive, depending on his or her career goals. For example, those who seek monetary security may weigh salary as more important than promotion potential; whereas those who are pursuing a career in the science field may place a greater value on their working environment. I personally expect the most from self-improvement opportunities and working environment.

It’s true that salary can be very helpful in enhancing one’s overall quality of life. It can even be something people are proud of. However, in the long run, experience is what will make you valuable in the eyes of potential employers; therefore I wouldn’t pay too much attention to my first job’s salary.  For the first few years of my career, it’s very likely that I will switch jobs a couple times before settling down. This may mean missing out on promotion opportunities along the way. The important thing is that I’m constantly honing my skill set to increase my potential within the company I do decide to settle down with.

Self-improvement always promises me a better future both financially and in the way that I will be able to enjoy life. In the long term, it will be the factor that brings a high salary.

Even though a one-page job listing too often doesn’t cover all the qualities of my ideal job, if I’m sure to focus on self-improvement in an environment that I find conducive to my goal, I know that I’m on the right path.

Learn more about Honor Roll at www.honorrollonline.com 

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Bryne's Eye View by Laurie Byrne, President of Honor Roll Online

Wow, what a curve ball you’ve been thrown. No one could have dreamed of what has just happened in the stock market, much less what’s happening in business, government, financial institutions and economies around the globe.  These are uncertain times; rivaled only by a period in the 1900’s your parents have heard about and your grandparents may have survived. I refuse to use the word, but suffice it to say that we are all stocking-up on soup and overcoats.

What is unfair to you is that you have grown-up in a time of unprecedented prosperity in our country, and you have participated in an educational system that did not alert you to a sudden downturn in the economy or prepare you for a dramatic decline in the U.S job market.  What do you do now?

Here are some tips for finding a job during tough economic times:

1. Look for companies who are in an industry that has a good or great chance of survival. Take the time to study the industries which have survived and even thrived during tough economic times. Some industries are borne out of frivolity, some out of necessity. Pick the latter. We have fundamental needs; food, healthcare, basic shelter. Long-term sucessful businesses in these industries are more likely to have an extended, steady record of growth. Industries which cater to “wants”, trends or recreation will suffer first
2. When big business tightens its’ belt, all those who depend on them for support will suffer. Even if you think your position at a non-profit organization will not be affected, it may rely on donations from businesses or the generosity of others in order to function. When this money is not available, these doors may close. If you have secured a position, keep a close watch on the financials to make sure it is sound and prepare for alternatives.

3. Go after the job you want with respectful fervor! Networking your way to a job was the number one way to land it when your parents’ generation graduated from college. You, on the other hand, may have prepared yourself to “get recruited”. Those days may be coming to an end for the foreseeable future. Target a company, find people who work at that company and ask for their help or a recommendation. Attend presentations, informational sessions, company-sponsored product demonstrations or charity events. You may wish to ask your parents to introduce you to their friends who may have connections. These experienced professionals most likely are at a high level and could be very influential in getting your name and resume to the right person and even getting you the interview.

4. The first thing some companies will do when facing a turbulent economy or an uncertain future is to implement a “hiring freeze”. This is a temporary “freeze” or suspension placed on filling all open or planned positions for a period of time.  This is what is happening (or about to happen) at many companies over the next few months. Bad news, but what you should know is that most every company will have a number of critical positions they must fill in order to keep business going and are reluctant to “freeze”. The first of these is sales, as sales are the life-blood of most every business. If you have never thought of sales, it might be a good time to start. Many industries have a sales force that serves their customers as more of a consultant and product expert. Do not think of sales as cold-calls, door-to-door, beating the pavement. Sales can be a consultative, educational, fulfilling and lucrative career. It’s all dependent upon the product, the company, the training, the industry and you.
5. Most companies who may be under a hiring “freeze” but wish to stay active in the hiring market will continue to recruit for interns; these positions fall into the job category of “temporary”- a very important distinction. Temporary employees do not receive healthcare, pension or life insurance benefits, which add significant cost to the company, so they will continue to hire for these positions to fulfill their workload. Offer to take a paid internship with the understanding that when the freeze is lifted, your superior performance will be rewarded with an offer and upgrade to a full-time position. 

The economy today is forcing you to become flexible and open-minded about the roles you take. Resourcefulness will be rewarded both now and in the future. Today, it takes more than brains and talent; it takes perseverance, tenacity and energy to land a job with a great future.

Learn more about Honor Roll at www.honorrollonline.com 

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During my first summer position in college, a visiting speaker gave us the following advice: Try to spend a summer each in academia, government, and industry (before, presumably,settling down into a job).  While he was saying this to a group of aspiring engineers, it seemed reasonably good advice for almost any field.

Not all my friends followed this pattern.  I know several who returned to the same positions, gaining proficiency and building a solid network of contacts in the process.  I was already experiencing my summer of academia, and had spent the previous summer in a civilian posting on a military base. So I was excited and hopeful going into my final undergraduate summer, my “industry” year.

Unfortunately, as the saying goes, nobody told the industry.  I sent out dozens of applications, searched through job boards, and used up all the contacts at my school’s career center, and could not find a job.  There were companies looking for college students as laborers and waitresses, but they seemed to be thankless tasks that would create an awkward gap within my work history.  This was a dilemma, as I’d already signed a lease for my summer housing, and needed to come up with rent money somewhere, but I committed myself to finding something worthwhile. 

I turned to volunteer work.  I participated in paid research studies conducted at local universities, and became involved in behind the scenes work at HRO.  I volunteered at a medical conference and worked at a day camp run by a local museum. I now have offers for paying work after graduation.

It wasn’t the summer I planned (or one I had budgeted for).  It was terrifying to go into it without a plan, but it was also tremendously freeing.  I was able to exercise, explore, serve the community, cook, read, and address the bigger questions as to what I really wanted to be doing with my life. I’ve had my summer metaphorically hitchhiking across Europe, and it’s left me feeling satisfied, cultured, and ready to return to the structure and responsibility of senior year.

Learn more about Honor Roll at www.honorrollonline.com 

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Byrne' Eye View

Chicago,IL, June 17th, 2008 -

In a tough economy, you might expect college students to be pessimistic as they prepare to enter a tightening job market. A new survey conducted by Honor Roll Online, America's premier career services provider for students at the country's top small universities and colleges, revealed some surprising results.

Students from over 77 leading universities were surveyed.  44% of students said they were positive about their prospects of finding a job once they graduate.  12% were very optimistic. While those results showed that most students are confident in their opportunities, there is still signs of  apprehension as 24% of the respondents see the current job situation as challenging and 26% whose outlook is onlyfair.

"Recent grads and current students see their parents' apprehension regarding the current economic climate but also the opportunity to take advantage of the entry level jobs becoming available as businesses attempt to adjust their workforce", said Laurie Byrne, President of Honor Roll.

When asked about what type of resources they will use to find a job, over 36% of students responded that online resources, like Honor Roll Online, will play an important role.  20% said they utilize school career service as a resource.  35% of respondents said friends, family and alumni will be key in finding a job.  Networking is still considered key in any employment search.

Other results of the survey included considerations for choosing a company that students want to work for with 29% responding that career advancement opportunities at the top of their list. Compensation/benefits (20%), immediate job responsibilities/title ((19%) and company reputation (12%) were key considerations.

Company size was also important with 59% of students preferring to work for a mid-size company versus 27% for a global company or 14% for small and entrepreneurial organizations.  The issue is awareness as not many students know the names of mid-size companies who would have positions and opportunities available to them. 

 "Now is an excellent time for companies without a national reputation or presence in the employment marketplace to take advantage of their financial strength and flexibility to attract students who are looking for solid career paths and other attributes related to long-tenured employment," noted Byrne.

About Honor Roll Online (HRO)  
Honor Roll has consolidated the student population of the top small colleges, universities and scholarship foundations in the United States to offer its corporate affiliates the ability to create and execute successful, cost-effective recruiting campaigns. By developing relationships with students that rival most career service centers on large campuses, HRO can provide corporate recruiters not only a direct communication pipeline to the most qualified and motivated candidates, but the tools to attract, identify,qualify, interview and hire them. Visit our website for more information. 


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