Showing posts with label graduates. Show all posts
Showing posts with label graduates. Show all posts
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Book For College Graduates Looking For Jobs
(Can't see the above video? Here is the link: http://youtu.be/jIv3sLK2uzg)
College seniors are getting ready to launch into the workforce, but many have never been taught how to make, grow and keep the business relationships that will ensure a long-term and successful career.
"Some Assembly Required: A Networking Guide for Graduates" (by Anne Brown and Thom Singer, New Year Publishing 2010) is now available on Kindle.
If you are about to graduate, or know someone who is just entering their work life.... this is a great book to help anyone realize the power of business relationships.
Looking for a graduation gift? This book will make a wonderful gift for any grad!
Available at Amazon.com and other book retailers online and in the real world.
Have A Great Day.
thom singer
Tuesday, April 05, 2011
Some Assembly Required: A Networking Guide for Graduates - Now Available on Kindle and other Digital Formats
College seniors are getting ready to launch into the workforce, but many are never taught how to make, grow and keep the business relationships that will ensure a long-term and successful career.
"Some Assembly Required: A Networking Guide for Graduates" (by Anne Brown and Thom Singer, New Year Publishing 2010) is now available on Kindle.
If you are about to graduate, or know someone who is just entering their work life.... this is a great book to help anyone realize the power of business relationships.
Looking for a graduation gift? This book will make a wonderful gift for any grad!
Available at Amazon.com and other book retailers online and in the real world.
Have A Great Day.
thom singer
"Some Assembly Required: A Networking Guide for Graduates" (by Anne Brown and Thom Singer, New Year Publishing 2010) is now available on Kindle.
If you are about to graduate, or know someone who is just entering their work life.... this is a great book to help anyone realize the power of business relationships.
Looking for a graduation gift? This book will make a wonderful gift for any grad!
Available at Amazon.com and other book retailers online and in the real world.
Have A Great Day.
thom singer
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Networking And The College Student - Sophomore Year Experience (SYE)
When it comes to networking and college students there is a lot of attention placed on seniors and freshmen.
Obviously seniors are looking for jobs.... and thus the focus on networking makes sense. Career centers work hard to try to teach soon-to-be graduates about how to position themselves for getting that first job.
Freshmen are a centerpiece of the development money invested by universities because they are new to the school and studies show that those that create solid friendships in the first semester are more likely to remain enrolled. There are entire programs built around "First Year Experience" (also known as FYE) to help these students transition into their college life.
But the "Sophomore Year Experience" (SYE) can be pivotal in creating the habits that lead these young adults toward establishing long-term and mutually beneficial relationships. Showing up to as a freshman can mean living in a dorm, having many scheduled activities and people around all the time. Friends all live together on the same floor, but the next year can mean putting in extra effort to keep friendships active.
At any age it is easy for people to drift apart from each other, but sophomore year can be the first experience living in an apartment, commuting to campus, and more than a year removed from high school friends. Facebook contacts without ongoing dialogue is not a network, and sophomores can find themselves slipping through the cracks. Social media can be helpful, but often is more of a facade to the real friendships that people need to succeed.
When I speak to college students I find it can be the sophomores who need to most help with relationships. By their junior year their friendships are often solid, and it is harder to change the habits created in cultivating connections. Life-long bonds are common for those who attend college together, but some people need help in learning how to creating meaningful connections.
More colleges and universities are realizing the importance of teaching their students to network. Recruiting brochures tout the power of the alumni network, but few are ever taught how to capitalize on the opportunities presented by being a college student. Too many students get lost in the crowd.
I spoke recently to a "Young Professionals Organization" and found these career-minded twenty-somethings actively taking notes and asking questions. Many had an "Ah-Ha" look on their faces as I explained how networking really worked. Misconceptions stripped away, the group was excited to attend future networking events, instead of grimacing at the thought. One women queried why "networking skills" were never taught at her college. She was mad that her expensive education left out this powerful part of her success toolbox.
I had a group of residence hall directors tell me that it is the sophomore year that can mean the most in the success of many students, and that smart schools are going beyond their "First Year Experience" investments and embracing the educational programs for the "Second Year Experience". Makes sense to me!
When sophomores are engaged in cultivating friendships they are making contacts that can bring opportunities to them throughout their lives. The sooner one begins establishing habits of making people a priority, the sooner they will reap the benefits that come from having a strong network.
Waiting until senior year can be too late!
How about you.... at what point in college did you make and cement the most important contacts from your college years?
Have A Great Day.
thom singer
"Some Assembly Required: A Networking Guide for Graduates" is available at Amazon.com
Obviously seniors are looking for jobs.... and thus the focus on networking makes sense. Career centers work hard to try to teach soon-to-be graduates about how to position themselves for getting that first job.
Freshmen are a centerpiece of the development money invested by universities because they are new to the school and studies show that those that create solid friendships in the first semester are more likely to remain enrolled. There are entire programs built around "First Year Experience" (also known as FYE) to help these students transition into their college life.
But the "Sophomore Year Experience" (SYE) can be pivotal in creating the habits that lead these young adults toward establishing long-term and mutually beneficial relationships. Showing up to as a freshman can mean living in a dorm, having many scheduled activities and people around all the time. Friends all live together on the same floor, but the next year can mean putting in extra effort to keep friendships active.
At any age it is easy for people to drift apart from each other, but sophomore year can be the first experience living in an apartment, commuting to campus, and more than a year removed from high school friends. Facebook contacts without ongoing dialogue is not a network, and sophomores can find themselves slipping through the cracks. Social media can be helpful, but often is more of a facade to the real friendships that people need to succeed.
When I speak to college students I find it can be the sophomores who need to most help with relationships. By their junior year their friendships are often solid, and it is harder to change the habits created in cultivating connections. Life-long bonds are common for those who attend college together, but some people need help in learning how to creating meaningful connections.
More colleges and universities are realizing the importance of teaching their students to network. Recruiting brochures tout the power of the alumni network, but few are ever taught how to capitalize on the opportunities presented by being a college student. Too many students get lost in the crowd.
I spoke recently to a "Young Professionals Organization" and found these career-minded twenty-somethings actively taking notes and asking questions. Many had an "Ah-Ha" look on their faces as I explained how networking really worked. Misconceptions stripped away, the group was excited to attend future networking events, instead of grimacing at the thought. One women queried why "networking skills" were never taught at her college. She was mad that her expensive education left out this powerful part of her success toolbox.
I had a group of residence hall directors tell me that it is the sophomore year that can mean the most in the success of many students, and that smart schools are going beyond their "First Year Experience" investments and embracing the educational programs for the "Second Year Experience". Makes sense to me!
When sophomores are engaged in cultivating friendships they are making contacts that can bring opportunities to them throughout their lives. The sooner one begins establishing habits of making people a priority, the sooner they will reap the benefits that come from having a strong network.
Waiting until senior year can be too late!
How about you.... at what point in college did you make and cement the most important contacts from your college years?
Have A Great Day.
thom singer
"Some Assembly Required: A Networking Guide for Graduates" is available at Amazon.com
Friday, July 23, 2010
Recent College Graduates Looking For A Job - The Answers To Employment and Career Success Are Closer Than You Think!
The power of business relationships and networking are not a mystery. If you are in college or a recent graduate you should read "Some Assembly Required: A Networking Guide for Graduates" (New Year Publishing, 2010).
Establishing the foundation for a lifetime of mutually beneficial relationships with other professionals who seek to help each other succeed is key to your career. This book by Anne Brown and myself will make it all easier.
Do not wake up one day at 40 years old and say "Oh Shoot, I should have done this 20 years ago".
Available NOW at Amazon.com
Have A Great Day
thom
PS - Do you like this video? Are you an author looking to create something similar to promote your book?
Contact Paul Durban at Blazonfire. I went to high school with Paul over twenty years ago. This is proof that this networking stuff works, as when you keep in touch, the right people with the right skills show up when you need them!
Establishing the foundation for a lifetime of mutually beneficial relationships with other professionals who seek to help each other succeed is key to your career. This book by Anne Brown and myself will make it all easier.
Do not wake up one day at 40 years old and say "Oh Shoot, I should have done this 20 years ago".
Available NOW at Amazon.com
Have A Great Day
thom
PS - Do you like this video? Are you an author looking to create something similar to promote your book?
Contact Paul Durban at Blazonfire. I went to high school with Paul over twenty years ago. This is proof that this networking stuff works, as when you keep in touch, the right people with the right skills show up when you need them!
Sunday, June 13, 2010
College Graduates Still Searching For Jobs
Many colleges and universities have finished for the semester and launched their new grads into the "real world". Alas, far too many college graduates are still searching for jobs, and many are doing this without a clue on the best ways to make connections that can lead them to getting the best start for their career.
I met a recent college graduate in an airport two weeks ago who had been out of school for nearly a month and had no leads on finding a job. She was discouraged, as she has assumed that a degree from a highly respected university would have been the ticket to employment. Her parents were pressuring her to move home, and she was mad at her school (and the whole world) for leaving her stranded with no job and no idea how to really find real work in a timely manner.
She kept complaining about the economy, but when I asked her if any of her five closest friends had scored good entry level jobs, she admitted that all of those in her inner-circle did have work. Some were not in their field of choice, but none were waiting tables or working in retail.
I pointed out that the rough economy was taking its toll, but if her buddies found jobs, then it is not impossible. I asked how her friends had made the connections that lead them to their found employers, and she had no idea. She had never really asked them about if they had interned, had family connections, networked, etc.... It seemed like magic to her these fellow graduates had found a secret map to getting work.
I gave her my card and a copy of my book "Some Assembly Required: A Networking Guide for Graduates" (written with co-author Anne Brown... who also is the author of "Grad to Great"... and encouraged her to look at Anne's website as it is full of useful resources for the recent graduate). I also pointed her to several job search gurus, Including Tim Tyrell-Smith of "Tim's Strategy Blog" and Jason Alba of "JibberJobber.com" (I wrote their URL's on a piece of paper and asked her to let me know if their advice was helpful to her).
I told her that Anne, Tim and Jason were the best resources to help her get her mind around the job search, and that I would happily introduce her to any one of them if she felt they could be a useful connection.
I never heard from her again. She did not have business cards, so I had no way of reaching out to her to see if she has made any progress in finding a job. I do not know if she read the book, or visited any of the talent-rich websites I encouraged her to visit.
I have been thinking about this soon-to-be young professional and the countless others like her who are looking for jobs after graduating from college. With every week that goes by throughout the summer, I assume they become more discouraged. All that work to earn the degree, and yet they have no prospects for finding a job. I want them all to succeed in finding jobs that inspire them to make amazing contributions to our society.
Here are six suggestions for college grads looking for work:
1. Do not get discouraged. This is not the first time in history that people have graduated into rough job markets. Eventually there will be opportunities in your chosen field, and those who keep the faith will find the chance to launch a wonderful career.
2. Be open to multiple options. Apply for jobs in other related industries and when you find a job work very hard to be the best employee you can. Your reputation is being created every day and people are watching you. If you try hard, and do your best, someone will notice and lead you to other opportunities down the road.
3. Consider relocation. Different cities will provide unique opportunities. If you are looking in one city you are limiting your chances of finding an employer that will provide you with ample chances to learn and grow. Do not be scared of starting over, I moved to Austin (from California) when I was 25 years old, and it was the best thing that ever happened to my life and career.
4. Ask your friends how they found their jobs. Knowing techniques used by others can be a road map to finding work. You should also inquire if there are other openings at their companies. Your friends want to help you, but if you do not ask them for assistance, they may not even know you want the help.
5. Network like your life depends on it... because it does! All opportunities come from people, so you must invest time in growing relationships with those who can connect you with the job you desire. Do not be shy or think that because you are young you have nothing to offer others.
6. Make looking for a job a full time job. Read the Some Assembly Required books, and any articles and blogs you can find on the subject of networking and job search. Talk to people in your industry of choice every day. Attend networking events. From 8:00 AM until 6:00 PM do not participate in too many activities that are not job search related (I am not saying you cannot go to the gym at 10 AM,.... just don't spend your whole day at the mall or movies). You will be working long hours once you find a job, you might as well get used to the routine!
Good luck and hang in there!
Have A Great Day.
thom
I met a recent college graduate in an airport two weeks ago who had been out of school for nearly a month and had no leads on finding a job. She was discouraged, as she has assumed that a degree from a highly respected university would have been the ticket to employment. Her parents were pressuring her to move home, and she was mad at her school (and the whole world) for leaving her stranded with no job and no idea how to really find real work in a timely manner.
She kept complaining about the economy, but when I asked her if any of her five closest friends had scored good entry level jobs, she admitted that all of those in her inner-circle did have work. Some were not in their field of choice, but none were waiting tables or working in retail.
I pointed out that the rough economy was taking its toll, but if her buddies found jobs, then it is not impossible. I asked how her friends had made the connections that lead them to their found employers, and she had no idea. She had never really asked them about if they had interned, had family connections, networked, etc.... It seemed like magic to her these fellow graduates had found a secret map to getting work.
I gave her my card and a copy of my book "Some Assembly Required: A Networking Guide for Graduates" (written with co-author Anne Brown... who also is the author of "Grad to Great"... and encouraged her to look at Anne's website as it is full of useful resources for the recent graduate). I also pointed her to several job search gurus, Including Tim Tyrell-Smith of "Tim's Strategy Blog" and Jason Alba of "JibberJobber.com" (I wrote their URL's on a piece of paper and asked her to let me know if their advice was helpful to her).
I told her that Anne, Tim and Jason were the best resources to help her get her mind around the job search, and that I would happily introduce her to any one of them if she felt they could be a useful connection.
I never heard from her again. She did not have business cards, so I had no way of reaching out to her to see if she has made any progress in finding a job. I do not know if she read the book, or visited any of the talent-rich websites I encouraged her to visit.
I have been thinking about this soon-to-be young professional and the countless others like her who are looking for jobs after graduating from college. With every week that goes by throughout the summer, I assume they become more discouraged. All that work to earn the degree, and yet they have no prospects for finding a job. I want them all to succeed in finding jobs that inspire them to make amazing contributions to our society.
Here are six suggestions for college grads looking for work:
1. Do not get discouraged. This is not the first time in history that people have graduated into rough job markets. Eventually there will be opportunities in your chosen field, and those who keep the faith will find the chance to launch a wonderful career.
2. Be open to multiple options. Apply for jobs in other related industries and when you find a job work very hard to be the best employee you can. Your reputation is being created every day and people are watching you. If you try hard, and do your best, someone will notice and lead you to other opportunities down the road.
3. Consider relocation. Different cities will provide unique opportunities. If you are looking in one city you are limiting your chances of finding an employer that will provide you with ample chances to learn and grow. Do not be scared of starting over, I moved to Austin (from California) when I was 25 years old, and it was the best thing that ever happened to my life and career.
4. Ask your friends how they found their jobs. Knowing techniques used by others can be a road map to finding work. You should also inquire if there are other openings at their companies. Your friends want to help you, but if you do not ask them for assistance, they may not even know you want the help.
5. Network like your life depends on it... because it does! All opportunities come from people, so you must invest time in growing relationships with those who can connect you with the job you desire. Do not be shy or think that because you are young you have nothing to offer others.
6. Make looking for a job a full time job. Read the Some Assembly Required books, and any articles and blogs you can find on the subject of networking and job search. Talk to people in your industry of choice every day. Attend networking events. From 8:00 AM until 6:00 PM do not participate in too many activities that are not job search related (I am not saying you cannot go to the gym at 10 AM,.... just don't spend your whole day at the mall or movies). You will be working long hours once you find a job, you might as well get used to the routine!
Good luck and hang in there!
Have A Great Day.
thom
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Chicago Book Launch Party for "Some Assembly Required: A Networking Guide for Graduates"
This week was the official launch of my newest book, "Some Assembly Required: A Networking Guide for Graduates". The book is the fourth in the series, and is focused on the importance of networking to recent graduates.
Those who are beginning their careers have two important reasons to network:
1. Finding their first job.
2. Establishing a foundation of mutually beneficial connections that will lead to a lifetime of opportunities.
How you present yourself, serve others, and show your unique attributes will have an impact on a lifetime career. Starting early brings greater results.
The Book Launch Party was held in Chicago (home of my co-author, Anne Brown) at The Skybox on Sheffield, which overlooks Wrigley Field. It was a fantastic party, and a great sign that the book will be a huge success.
If you are in need of great graduation gifts, order your copies today on Amazon.com.
Have A Great Day
thom
Saturday, May 08, 2010
Anne Brown and "Some Assembly Required: A Networking Guide for Graduates"
Anne Brown, co-author of the new book "Some Assembly Required: A Networking Guide for Graduates", was recently interviewed on Phoenix television about the importance of networking for recent graduates who are looking for a job (or just want to position themselves for more opportunity in the future).
If you know someone who is graduating this year, "Some Assembly Required" makes a great gift that can help them launch on a career path that includes cultivating the power of business relationships.
Available on Amazon.com
Anne is also the author of "Grad to Great".
If you know someone who is graduating this year, "Some Assembly Required" makes a great gift that can help them launch on a career path that includes cultivating the power of business relationships.
Available on Amazon.com
Anne is also the author of "Grad to Great".
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