Before You Go: Send Thank You Cards.

I’m so sad that this is my last post in our summer collab series! It was a ton of fun and I enjoyed sharing my knowledge with all of you, and I hope you enjoyed it as well. 

Now, this last post will feature something that is very important: writing thank you notes. In the digital age that we live in, most people send a quick email to show their thanks, but it is much more thoughtful when you take the time to actually hand write a note. 

Write a thank you note to your supervisor and anyone who you’ve shadowed. First you should buy a set of thank you cards that is sophisticated, but shows a little of your personality. Or if you are really talented, feel free to make your own. Next, start the note off by thanking the person for helping make your internship experience a great one. Then, mention something that the two of you talked about that really stuck with you. For example, if they gave you some good advice about your major, then mention that. Or if they taught you something, mention that. Just mention anything (that’s positive) that was memorable to you.

As far as handing them out, what I plan to do is give them to the receptionist on my last day, then have her hand them out the next day. This way it will be sort of a surprise to receive a thank you card from me. 

Good luck with the remaining time in your internship! If you have any questions regarding your summrt internships, feel free to leave a comment or tweet me at @tiatamjam using the hashtag #workandplay

Tia James is a student at the University of Missouri, studying Strategic Communications. She is passionate about helping others with branding, job search, and career development, which she received training on from her school’s Career Center. In her spare time, Tia loves watching movies and YouTube, and making crafts. One day she hopes to own her own agency that focuses on branding and advertising. For more advice, check out her blog at tiajames.wordpress.com

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10 Activities to Add to Your Summer Bucket List.

A few weeks ago I wrote about summer music festivals and how every year I want to attend one. Due to school, and most recently my post grad job search struggle, my funds always seem to be a little too low to go.

For us financially challenged folk, I've decided to compile a list of other fun activities we can complete this summer! Check it out below :)




If you have a summer bucket list, I'd love to know what's on yours! Tweet me at @breajallen and use the hashtag #WorkAndPlay 

Here's to trying new things this summer!

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Summer Fun: Music Festivals.

Summer has officially started and one event that always seems to scream "it's Summertime!!" is music festivals. For those who are wishing to attend one of these exciting festivals, social media never lets us down as we can always live vicariously through those who are able to attend (again, one of the reason why I love the internets).

Now there are many festivals taking place this summer, but I've narrowed them down to five that, I guess, are my personal favs. If you're favorite festival didn't make the list, please let me know. I'm definitely down to learn about new events! 

Check out my top five summer music festivals after the jump.

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Before You Go: Set Up an Informational Interview.

 On the first day of your internship, you were probably introduced to everyone in the office, but now you realize that you only talk to a small number of the same people everyday. Internships are about expanding your professional network, so before your internship ends take the time to get to know someone new and learn more about their position at the company and how they got there. While it would be nice to interview someone who is in a similar position you would like to be in, it really doesn't matter who it is, because you never know what connection someone may have, or you may discover a new career path.
 

When you've picked the person whom you would like to interview (you can interview more than one person), reintroduce yourself to them and tell them you would like to know more about them and what it is that they do. You can say something along the lines of:

            "Hello, I know that we were introduced on the first day, but since then I haven't had the opportunity to interact with you, so I would like to know if, one day, when you aren't busy I could talk with you to learn more about your position here at the company."

Notice that I didn't add "informational interview" because you don't want the person to feel like this is a formal interview and she or he will be grilled with questions because that is not what it is. This is more of having a conversation with someone, getting to know them, while having a few guiding questions in the back of your mind. Some questions to consider asking are: 

• How did you get started in this industry/ company?
• What are some of the biggest changes that you've noticed in the industry?
• What steps do you recommend I take in order to be successful in this industry? 
• What are some of the things you do on an everyday basis?
• What do you think is unique about your job?

Again, don't treat this like a format interview and have a list of questions that you are reading off of, but do keep those questions in mind, and, if you're like me then maybe bring a pen and paper to write down anything important.
 

At the end of the interview, remember to thank them for their time, and ask for their business card so that you can keep in touch. Also, pick up a thank you card and send a hand written note, trust me they will appreciate it more than an email.
 

If you've done an informational interview or have any questions. Share them with me on Twitter @tiatamjam and be sure to use the hashtag #workandplay 

Tia James is a student at the University of Missouri, studying Strategic Communications. She is passionate about helping others with branding, job search, and career development, which she received training on from her school’s Career Center. In her spare time, Tia loves watching movies and YouTube, and making crafts. One day she hopes to own her own agency that focuses on branding and advertising. For more advice, check out her blog at tiajames.wordpress.com

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