Finance and business professionals are faced with the challenge of navigating increasingly large volumes of data to make the most informed decisions possible.

Bloomberg, a financial technology company, plays an important role in connecting the world’s decision-makers to accurate information about the financial markets. Through innovative tools such as the Bloomberg Terminal, the company provides access to financial data, news, and insights that help clients turn knowledge into action.

Bloomberg’s Data team is responsible for the end-to-end intake and delivery of data behind the company’s products and services. The team processes billions of pieces of financial information daily and plays an integral role in ensuring the breadth, depth, and quality of financial data for which Bloomberg is known.

In this article, we’ll learn more about the Data department and its ever-evolving role at Bloomberg and within the financial technology industry. Additionally, we interviewed James Hook, the Global Head of Data, about the latest industry trends, his career trajectory, and the traits and skills needed to succeed in Data roles today.

Bloomberg’s Data Department

At Bloomberg, data analysts combine both financial market knowledge and technical expertise to collect, analyze, and supply the most relevant content to clients operating across industries and asset classes. At its core, the team is primarily responsible for: 1) acquiring, modeling, and enriching proprietary and third-party data so that it can be used by clients, 2) providing support to client data queries, and 3) innovating workflow efficiencies that enhance the company’s systems, products, and processes.

Data management is an emerging area that comprises many academic disciplines, including data modeling, artificial intelligence, data science, and data quality management. Individuals who focus on data at Bloomberg are given training and client exposure to better understand how data fits into the financial markets. As the data industry evolves, ample opportunities to expand one’s skill set and experience emerge across various domains.

The rapid evolution of the industry also requires Bloomberg’s data team to adapt to the latest trends and practices to help clients solve their current business problems. The team proactively stewards data that addresses future client needs.

The Career Trajectory of James Hook

During his 18-year tenure at Bloomberg, James Hook has embodied what it means to be an effective team member and leader. At Bloomberg, James has demonstrated an ability to work across different disciplines, first as a software engineer and later as a Team Leader of the Structured Products team, where he developed both technical and financial market expertise to deliver valuable client solutions.

That experience led him to the Data Technologies Engineering team, where he managed the talented individuals who built the systems that onboard the data that drive Bloomberg’s applications and enterprise systems. Now, as the head of the Data division, he focuses on combining domain expertise with innovative data management techniques to increase the overall value of Bloomberg’s data products.

Through his intellectual curiosity, collaborative spirit, and diligence, James has grown his career at Bloomberg. While his path is unique, it speaks to the career possibilities available in Bloomberg’s Data Division. 

Global Opportunities in Data

During our interview, James Hook described what Bloomberg – and the data industry in general – looks for in candidates, and the qualities it takes to succeed and make an impact as an employee.

Successful Bloomberg data professionals can come from a variety of academic backgrounds and share two common traits – first, an aptitude to delve into specific data and financial domains, and second, an appetite for innovation and experimentation.

In addition to developing subject matter expertise and technical skills, data analysts collaborate with a range of stakeholders around the globe, from Engineering to Sales, on product development.

While most of Bloomberg’s employees work in major cities around the world, many data analysts work in Princeton, NJ, a suburban community about an hour from New York City. The Princeton location offers a research campus-like culture and boasts open, outdoor spaces that facilitate unique collaboration opportunities among the departments working there. This location also allows the team to build relationships with local universities and foster a continuous learning environment where new and bold ideas are developed, tested, and brought to life.

With a diverse data team based around the globe in Princeton, New York City, and more than half working in Latin America, Europe, and Asia, James is focused on nurturing a culture of collaboration and inclusivity throughout the department and the broader organization as a whole. 

The Bloomberg Way

Bloomberg runs on data. Thus, developing strong data management skills is critical for Bloomberg’s continued and sustained growth as a company. Positioned at the intersection of technology, finance, and data management, employees have a lot of range to explore their passions and pursue different projects throughout their careers with the firm.

Not only is the culture and environment of Bloomberg special, but also the company’s philanthropic mission makes a real impact on the world and is incredibly motivating.

If you’re interested in learning more about open roles at Bloomberg and taking a step further into the world of data and analytics, check out their current job listings. As the world of data grows, so do the opportunities, so don’t hesitate to make your move!

The post Data and Financial Technology: What it’s Like to Work at Bloomberg appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

Whether you’re an undergraduate student seeking your first internship or a graduate adjusting to your first full-time role, we understand navigating professional opportunities can be intimidating.

Fortunately, associates from Capital One are here to help you with the early stages of your career. From making the most of available resources to stepping out of your comfort zone, find out their tips to help launch your career at Capital One.

Take Advantage of Resources 

One of Capital One’s best qualities is that they want to see you succeed and give you the resources to help. They provide resources like interview-prep programs, resume reviews, one-on-one counseling sessions with recruiters, and workshops on a variety of career-development subjects.

Jesse Gvozdas, a Senior Recruiter at Capital One, spoke about what resources a candidate used to prepare for their application. 

We also got the chance to talk to, Olutoyin Asubiojo, the HBCU/HSI Partnerships Lead, who shared that recruiters are also available to help. 

Use the Network!

Capital One’s resources extend well beyond the application phase. Once associates join the enterprise, they’ll find a network of support among their colleagues.

We spoke to Judd Babbitt, a graduate of the University of Virginia, former intern, and current Cyber Security Development Program (CSDP) Associate, about how he realized that everyone around him during his internship was there to support him.

Judd went on to tell us about “skip-level meetings” where interns and associates have a designated recurring time to connect with their boss’s manager to discuss things from goals to current project statuses. These meetings showed Judd how much senior leaders are invested in the growth of his career and within the organization.

Follow the People, Not the Process

Judd was not alone in emphasizing the benefits of Capital One’s vast network of associates. Brittany Courtney, Vice President of Product Management, echoed how colleagues helped propel her to a leadership position within the company.

What Brittany is most passionate about is the idea that prospective candidates and entry-level associates should focus on what they want to learn and finding a mentor.

Get Comfortable with the Uncomfortable

Another piece of advice from Capital One associates is perhaps the boldest and most unexpected: Get comfortable with the uncomfortable. As calming as it might feel to feel at ease in a role and not be challenged, it is not the kind of environment where growth prospers. In order to grow professionally, you must expose yourself to new obstacles so that you can reach new milestones.

“You have to learn how to apply your superpowers in a world that is unfamiliar. Force yourself to reflect periodically and ask, ‘Am I too comfortable here? Where am I not being stretched?”

Brittany Courtney, Vice President of Product Management

The idea behind Brittany’s advice is to test yourself whenever possible. She said that Capital One is a place that encourages you to take risks. So never be afraid to shoot your shot and make attempts at greatness!

Take the Chance

Are you ready to take the leap and join Capital One? Start exploring full-time careers jobs and internships at Capital One today.

The post From Intern to Full-Time: How to Launch Your Career in Capital One’s Early Career Programs appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

What are you supposed to do when the career you’ve been working your whole life for is no longer an option? For Hastings Reeves, this was a very real circumstance when quarantine hit.

Having received his bachelor’s degree in music performance and his master’s in vocal pedagogy, Hastings had all intentions of becoming an opera singer. However, with performance venues and theaters shuddered due to the pandemic, that was no longer a possibility. Additionally, Hastings had a three-year-old daughter to take care of which made this a situation where he needed a certain kind of job. But first, he needed the know-how.

When Hastings came across Springboard, a virtual learning platform that offers comprehensive, mentor-led boot camps in software engineering, data science, UI/UX design, cybersecurity, tech sales, and more, he knew that it was his ticket to a thriving career.

Today, Hastings works as a Business Intelligence Analyst at a company that suits him perfectly. Recently, we got to chat with Hastings regarding his experience at Springboard and how it helped him get to where he is today.

The Circumstances

When Hastings came to terms with the career transition he needed to make, he knew what he wanted to do but not necessarily where to do it.

With a natural affinity for math, Hastings was drawn to coding and knew he wanted to do something with data and numbers. Additionally, Hastings needed something that would allow him to take care of his daughter when needed.

Naturally, the Data Science boot camp with its advanced curriculum and flexible hours was a perfect fit.

The Curriculum & Coaching

Powered by some of the leading schools of thought and professionals across the industry, the curriculum and coaching at Springboard rivals that which you might find at universities. 

During his time with Springboard, Hastings learned how to build machine-learning models, explored new and complex coding techniques, and began to gain skills that are being employed at some of the highest levels of the data science industry today. As Hastings said, “pivoting from standing in front of a panel and singing arias to a career in data science is not an easy transition.” 

Luckily, the curriculum at Springboard was backed up by incredible coaching to help make that transition possible. In our conversation, Hastings reflected back on the relationship he had with his mentor, AJ Sanchez.

The Contract

One of the biggest draws at Springboard is their job guarantee. After Hastings completed his boot camp and earned his Data Science Fellow accreditation, he was paired with a career coach who helped him locate a job.

Hastings met with his career coach bi-weekly after graduation all the way up to the point where he signed a contract. While Hastings got several offers, he chose to wait for the one he really wanted. One that paid well, allowed him to work remote, and enabled him to grow within the company.

Eventually, after 18 months of hard work doing something he had never done before, Hastings finally got an offer he liked from a company called Velocity Global. It was a day that will stay with him forever.

Quarantine wasn’t kind to anyone but when it came to Hastings’ situation, things were certainly dire. Luckily, Springboard offered the lifeboat he needed to learn a new trade and find a new career path. This January, Hastings will be celebrating the one-year anniversary for the business analyst role he found through Springboard. 

If you’ve been waiting to break into an industry, make 2023 the year you do it. Start browsing all of Springboard’s boot camps today and start building your career toward success.

The post From Opera Singer to Analyst: Find Your Dream Job with Springboard appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

As you make your way through college, one very important question you might ask yourself is if a minor is worth undertaking. While not everyone graduates with a minor, it’s a great way to add some versatility to your resume and gain some knowledge that will help you build your career.

When you’re going about this decision, the first thing you have to consider is what your interests are.

You Gotta Love It

No matter what you do in college, whether it’s your studies, extracurriculars, social life, relationships, or otherwise, you have to love what you’re doing. Parents and societal pressures can oftentimes cloud these thoughts but at the end of the day, you should be making decisions for yourself.

So make the choice that truly feeds your soul. Maybe you’re a Finance major who has always wanted to explore theater. Do it. Don’t pursue a minor just because you think it has to align with your major or for some fabricated reason. Choose a minor because it fascinates you and satisfies your thirst for knowledge.

College is a time to explore curiosities and interests of all varieties. And although it may be hard at times, you have to follow your heart in order to fill your head.

Workload

The next thing you have to consider when deciding whether or not a minor is worth it is if you can handle the workload. While passion can fuel productivity, there is only so much you can bare during your college years.

Don’t feel rushed to choose a minor in your freshman year or even your sophomore or junior year. If you have to stick around for another year or two to finish up your courses, don’t feel like you’ve failed!

If you end up leaving school knowing you got what you wanted to out of it, who cares how long it takes you? Of course, it’s important to consider tuition costs but what’s more important is getting everything you need out of your time spent at university.

If you are able to weigh these two factors against each other, workload and passion, you should have an easier time deciding whether or not a minor is worth it.

Always feel free to use your school resources and consult your advisor. And as always, you can rely on the career tips and professional advice that we put out on our blog weekly!

The post Is Getting a Minor in College Worth It? appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

When it comes to digital marketing, few things are as important as the tools digital marketers rely on to get their jobs done. These include everything from social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram to analytics tools like Google Analytics. Allowing marketers to create, test and measure the performance of their campaigns, digital marketing tools ensure that marketers can launch and test campaigns quickly and effectively.

Here are the five common digital marketing tools.

1. Social media platforms

A common part of any integrated marketing strategy, social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat are a great way for marketers to engage with their audiences and generate buzz around their brand. In addition to the standard features these platforms offer, there are also some features that are designed specifically for marketing. These include Facebook Ads Manager, which allows marketers to run ads and track ad performance. As an added bonus, social media management tools like Buffer and Hootsuite also integrate well with these platforms, making it easy to schedule social posts and measure engagement.

2. Design tools

Another key part of digital marketing is design and this is especially common when it comes to creating ads and content like social media posts and blog posts. Because digital marketing is such a design heavy field, doing it effectively wouldn’t be possible without design tools like Canva and Photoshop, programs that allow those without extensive graphic design skills to add dynamic images to their content.

3. Analytics tools

Another set of helpful tools for digital marketers are analytics tools. These include everything from Google Analytics (designed to track stats for web traffic to a particular site) to social media analytics tools like Facebook Insights and Twitter Analytics which provide metrics related to engagement and help marketers optimize their campaigns. For measuring stats on the backend of a site (particularly related to conversions, sales and user demographics), there are also tools like Periscope that track user data, site searches and conversion metrics.

4. Content marketing tools

For marketers who are more focused on content marketing, tools like CoSchedule and Hubspot are a big help when it comes to content creation and curation. They can help marketers identify content opportunities and craft engaging blog and social media posts that will resonate with their audience. And since Buffer also offers the ability to see what fans are talking about on social media, that content is almost guaranteed to be impactful and to generate attention for a specific event or news story.

5. Email marketing tools

The final set of tools in a digital marketer’s toolbox are email marketing marketing tools. These help marketers create email campaigns that amplify their content and encourage their users to become more engaged with their brand — taking additional steps like signing up for events and buying products. Common email marketing tools include email marketing platforms like MailChimp, Iterable, and Hunter which allow marketers to build email lists and automate their email campaigns. These platforms also provide analytics for every email campaign, making testing and optimization quick and easy.

Working in digital marketing involves a unique blend of passion, strategy and media savvy. In order to maximize the impact of your various campaigns, it helps to have the best tools at your disposal.

Next, get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as Career Opportunities for Marketing Majors and find answers to common interview questions such as What Other Companies Are You Interviewing With?

The post Top 5 Tools for Digital Marketing appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

As a full-time college student who also works part-time, I can find it hard to schedule and organize my day. I have found it even harder to prioritize now that all my classes have gone online. After trying various methods of trying to organize my different tasks and responsibilities, I have found time blocking to be the most efficient form of time management.  

What is Time Blocking? 

Time blocking is a time management method where you “block off” your day. Each block is allocated to completing a certain task or group of tasks. Unlike a running to-do list where you mark off things as they are finished, time blocking allows you to dedicate a certain amount of time to work on each task.  

Fun fact: Elon Musk uses this method to help him run his two major companies! 

Why Time Blocking is Beneficial 

It is a simple way to add structure to your life. It also is an effective way for you to take control of your day. Time blocking can be especially helpful for those who: 

• Have long-term projects/assignments 
• Struggle with various interruptions throughout the day  
• Juggle many responsibilities or projects at once 
• Find yourself in reactive mode; responding to emails, messages, texts, etc. 

Blocking your Time 

Now it’s time for you to sit down with your favorite paper planner or electric planning app. I personally like the Day Designer planners, since there is a schedule on every page for each day. I also find it handy to have an electric planner, in case you’re on the go, Google Calendar is great since it syncs on all your devices.  

Prioritize your commitments  

Go through and add in any prior commitments, such as meetings, appointments, and hard deadlines. Next, go through and determine which tasks are higher on your list. Allocate them to your most productive time of day, whether that being morning or afternoon.  

Set your daily schedule

Now go through and block out the rest of your day. You can be as specific as adding your morning and night routine, or lenient to where you just add academic or work obligations.

Fill out the rest of the day

While filling out your schedule, be sure to add buffer time between your blocks. It can be hard to have a strict cut off time, so make sure you allow extra time in between blocks. Also factor in things such as travel time if you need to drive to an appointment. Once you are done, your schedule should look something like this: 

Insert to-do list within your time blocks 

Once you have blocked out your day, you can then go in and add a specific to-do list within the blocks. Todolist is a great tool that connects with your Google Calendar and lets you add individual to-do lists in each of your blocks! 

Revise as needed 

Obviously not everything goes as planned, so as things come up, revise your schedule. Also, at the end of the week, take some time and reflect on how your blocking for the week went. Did you find it productive? Did you allocate enough time for all tasks to be done? This is a draft that can constantly be adjusted to your needs.  

About the author: Makahla Stout is a junior at Virginia Tech where she is studying Fashion Merchandising and Design. 

In partnership with InternQueen. Check out internqueen.com for more tips & advice!

The post What Is Time Blocking and Why You Should Be Doing it? appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

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The holidays are busy—and we’re not just talking about the actual event planning, gift giving, final exams, and traveling that goes into the season. For businesses, the holidays are a time of year-end reports, financial statements, and 20__ planning.

But if you want to get ahead in the job search, you have to be willing to work when others can’t manage to juggle their schedules.

Here are four reasons that applying for a job or internship during the holidays is actually one of the best times to do it.

1. Less Competition

Because people think that no one is working (or hiring) when the holiday season is in full swing, they’re less likely to apply. So, it makes sense that if you’re getting busy while they’re staying still, you’re more likely to get your application reviewed in the meantime. Plenty of work happens between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve, trust us. Some companies may go on a holiday hiring freeze. But, hey, you only need one job offer that you like, right?

2. Holiday Networking

Family friends, relatives, and neighbors all make excellent resources for networking. Holiday parties are the perfect opportunity to connect with people in an industry you’re interested in. Benefit from 18+ years of being a child in their eyes and let them know that you’re ready to take on a serious internship or your first full-time role. Connections can get you in the door—and the rest is up to you.

3. Getting Sorted For The New Year (And New Semester)

What better way to enjoy your senior spring (or just the first few weeks of the new year) than knowing that your not-so-distant future is all set? Yes, the job search can take time, but getting your apps in while most job-seeking people are slacking might give you the perfect opportunity to get interviewed and hired FAST.

4. More Temporary And Internship Opportunities

The beginning and end of the year are particularly busy times for businesses. They’re either dealing with new business or settling old business. Either way, the need for temporary or internship-type roles arises quickly. That means now is the time to strike. If you impress the socks off your boss, you could be looking at your first full-time job offer in a couple months. Either way, it’s great for the resume and will tide you over to the next thing.

5. This Whole Job Search Thing Might Take A While

It might seem early to start looking for a job or internship that starts in May, June, July, or even later, but most companies don’t want to wait. Many of the most desirable companies to work for start their search for talent very early. And that means you have to start looking early, too.

There are ways to speed up the process, but it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

So, enjoy the festivities and celebrations. But remember, ’tis the season for more than just presents.

The post 4 Reasons Why The Holidays Are The Perfect Time To Apply For Internships (Or Your First Full-Time Job) appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

If you’re on the hunt for a full-time job, you might’ve heard of employee resource groups (ERGs) or affinity groups (AGs). They’re organizations within companies that connect people of all seniority levels together based on interests or traits so that they can build a network, discuss common issues, and—most importantly—help drive the company’s culture forward.

And while these groups can help a company make great strides toward building a more diverse and inclusive culture, they can also help the people in them advance their careers.

Take Justin, for example. At TEKsystems—a national leader in technical recruiting—he’s an Account Manager, a role into which he was promoted after quickly becoming a high performer, and one of the ways he accelerated his career growth was through TEKsystems’ unique employee resource group.

Here’s how these groups help changed Justin’s career—and the company around them.

Helping Connect The ‘NextGen’

ERGs and AGs like Pride@TEKsystems and Women@TEKsystems are known at the company for their ability to foster important conversations that help colleagues gain new perspectives and adopt more inclusive policy.

However, at TEKsystems, these groups also serve a more direct business purpose—and that’s where Justin comes in. Justin’s a part of the intergenerational resource group—NextGen@TEKsystems—that helps connect employees with leaders from other generations at the company.

“We’re bridging the gap and helping to inspire the next generation of leaders at the company, hence the name,” Justin explains.

And, as a key figure in the relatively new group, Justin was given the opportunity to take on more leadership responsibilities than most recent grads get to see in their first role. And what he did with that opportunity really helped him drive company goals forward.

Driving The Business—And The Culture—Forward

TEKsystems is in the business of technical recruiting, which means they help their clients— including hundreds of major corporations and innovative new companies in the United States—connect with the best talent for their niche and hard-to-fill roles. Networking with top talent is, therefore, an essential part of their strategy.

That’s why Justin and his colleagues in the NextGen employee resource group had an idea to expand the scope of their group’s activities outside the boundaries of the company. One of these events, for example, is a meetup for young professionals in the tech space with people on the TEKsystems team for a knowledge exchange.

Here both parties can exchange career guidance, discuss the state of the industry, and forge some of those same intergenerational connections that help drive the TEKsystems culture forward.

“With these meetups, we were able to integrate our marketplace strategy with our internal methods for forging connections,” Justin says. “We’ll do these for underrepresented groups, Java programmers, and all sorts of demographics. We found that we can all really help each other.”

Moving Up Takes Leadership Opportunities—And TEKsystems Is Offering Them

TEKsystems is known for its culture of quick, merit-based promotions. And one of the ways they prepare people—especially individuals without a ton of experience on their resumes—for these new roles is by constantly providing new challenges and opportunities to learn and demonstrate leadership skills.

“My director observed that I was able to bridge the generational gap and bring people together informally,” Justin explains. “And the leadership team wanted to formalize that so we could start helping people who weren’t as comfortable in those situations.”

That’s why he was offered a leadership role in the NextGen employee resource group—and his new role as an Account Manager.

Justin’s experience isn’t an entirely unique one either. Whether it’s through their one-on-one mentorship program for new Technical Recruiters or their culture-crafting ERGs, TEKsystems manages to find ways to help their employees advance while also moving the company forward.

But that sort of symbiotic relationship, Justin says, is how they do business.

Think you’ve got what it takes to contribute to the culture? Check out open opportunities at TEKsystems on WayUp!

The post My Company’s Affinity Group Helped Me Advance My Career appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

Setting new goals is an important way of tracking your progress. And when you’ve got a whole life and career ahead of you, making progress is an important thing.

However, that doesn’t mean new goals aren’t dangerous. Setting yourself up for failure with absurd, unattainable goals only leaves you feeling disappointed in yourself, even when you’ve made great strides.

At WayUp, our goal is for you to succeed without all the anxiety along the way. So here are 3 totally attainable professional, academic, and personal goals for 2019.

1. Improve (Or Maintain) Your Grades

“Improve” is the operative word here. You’re not going to suddenly jump up to a A student in French if you’ve always been a B-minus one. You might! But it’s important just to expect solid commitment and some forward progress from yourself.

GPA in college isn’t everything when it comes to finding a job. In fact, many great companies aren’t interested in your grades. However, improving your GPA can help you with some of the top companies that do filter out candidates with lower GPAs. However, not even top-tier companies expect you to have a 4.0, so don’t sweat it if you don’t.

Remember: Big changes comes by changing little things. Check out this guide of quick and easy tricks to improve your grades.

2. Get A Summer Internship (Or Your First Full-Time Job)

This goal can be pretty intimidating—and it’s likely already something on your radar. How could it not be?

But it doesn’t have to be stressful or seem unattainable. As internship and entry-level job experts, we can assure you: Getting an internship or an entry-level job doesn’t have to be hard.

Focus on improving your resume and sending more applications. Most importantly, don’t ever give up.

3. Regularly Schedule Time For Friends And Family

You won’t be fulfilled in life just by academic and professional success (although they certainly help). Make sure you stay in contact with the people who really matter: family and friends.

It might seem cold or calculating to “put time on your calendar” for the special people in your life. However, it can be very rewarding, even if you just say “see Emma every Thursday” or “call grandma every Sunday at 1 o’clock.”

Want to reconnect with an old friend, but not sure how? Check out this New York Times article on rekindling old friendships.

And Don’t Forget To Be Proud Of Yourself

More so than anything, your mental and physical health are extremely important. Be proud of yourself for what you can accomplish (and have already). And don’t forget to take plenty of opportunities to relax on your journey to greatness.

Want to get a head start on your internship search? Check out more career tips and search for jobs on WayUp.

The post 3 Professional, Personal, And Academic Goals For The New Semester appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

Getting your grades up: a classic New Year’s resolution. It’s also an excellent way to improve your chances of getting your dream job, impressing your parents, and just feeling more confident in yourself.

The problem is that most of the traditional methods for doing so are—to put it delicately—super boring.

So, we’ve put together some of the best tips and tricks from certified college over-achievers around the WayUp office. They’re guaranteed to raise your grades without draining your entire social life.

1. “Schedule classes that you’ll actually go to.”

This answer might seem a little on the nose, but it can really trip people up. Not going to class leaves you in a terrible position. You’re not able to learn from the professor. You’re always playing catch-up. And you can never quite have the same confidence when you do decide to go in. Plus, at the end of the semester, when it comes time to grade grub and ask for leniency, you’ll be in a bad position if you haven’t seen the professor since the third class.

If you can’t avoid having a class at a time when you’ll be tempted to skip it (e.g. 8am on Monday or 4pm on Friday), then make sure you’re truly prepared to go.

2. “Learn while you’re in class—not later from a textbook or PowerPoint.”

Taking notes is essential, but learning the content of those notes in the moment is even more important. Make sure your note-taking method is one that lends itself to really paying attention while you’re in class. That way, if you don’t understand something, you can tackle it right then and there by asking a question.

Asking questions is also a way to show professors that you’re truly engaged in the material. Basically, stay off social media or Amazon, and really invest yourself in that moment.

This is so key because it saves so much of your time. If you learn it first, in class, then you won’t have to spend so much time studying before exams, or trying to decipher your homework assignments with a 400-page textbook.

3. “Keep a running deck of flashcards (or Quizlet terms).”

One of the most stressful parts of studying is the preparation. It’s hard enough to learn 300 terms before next week’s exam; it’s twice as hard to put all of those terms into a Quizlet form or a deck of flashcards while you’re trying to really learn.

If something comes up that you think is important or that your teacher specifically notes will be on the exam, add it to your flashcards or list. This can also be useful for powerful quotes and key info for essays.

Studying will take way less time, and you’ll be much quicker about it when it comes time for quizzes, assignments, and exams.

4. “Hold onto your homework. Those questions are always on the exams.”

This could not be more true. Even if your professors have a policy against reusing questions from homework on exams, they’ll still be in a similar format.

Homework is usually made by the teachers and professors, even if the questions aren’t. This means they’ve already made it clear they think this kind of question is important. Don’t waste this opportunity to get a look inside their mind.

Saving homework and using the questions as practice for the exam can really set you up for success—and save time you’d spend hunting down practice problems on the internet.

5. “If you’re going to study in a group,  make sure you have something to add (and vice versa).”

This is where all those saved homework, flashcards, and quality notes will really come in handy. Studying in a group shouldn’t mean messing around or hanging out. If you use your time effectively, then there will be plenty of time to chill afterward.

When you study in a group, make a Google doc and assign roles before your group meets. Make sure everyone knows what they’re bringing. If there’s work to be done, then divide it up. This will make sure everyone keeps their cool, masters at least one thing, and that no one is holding everyone back with super basic questions.

Inch by Inch…

The common thread between these tactics? Share the responsibilities. As the saying goes, “Inch by inch, life’s a cinch. Yard by yard, life is hard.”

In this case—if we’re maintaining the metaphor—these are inches compared to football fields worth of work. Build your flashcards over the course of a semester. Take quality notes. Learn while you’re in the classroom, and don’t forget to actually show up.

Surprisingly, you’ll find most of the stress and difficulty of your classes will fade away by just keeping up with these simple steps.

The post Tried-And-True Tricks For Improving Your Grades In Spring Semester (That Won’t Take Up All Your Time) appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

Setting New Year’s resolutions can sometimes feel like a trap. Eating only salads, giving up Starbucks, going to bed before eleven o’clock: These are pipe dreams for many of us. However, there are some things that you can knock out not only in the first week of the New Year, but in the first day.

Here are just a few of the fastest, easiest New Year’s resolutions for college students and recent grads:

1. Revamp Your Resume (30 Minutes)

This is a task you could theoretically spend hours and hours on, but the reality of the situation is: It’s more about the content than the style. If you’ve gotten advice from a manager or a career counselor before on your resume, then you’re probably just going to need a tuneup. Put your latest accomplishments and extracurriculars on it, update the dates, and then get ready to put into application systems.

2. Update Your Online Profiles (30 Minutes)

This should be very quick. Use a nice, recent photo. If you don’t have one, put on a nice top and get someone to take a picture of you (Portrait Mode, please!) in front a neutral background. Think you sitting in front a blank wall—but smiling like you’re about to accept an award!

These are frequently checked by recruiters, so just make sure they are up to date. If you don’t have any yet, start here.

3. Ask For References/Recommendation Letters (20 minutes)

This is really the easiest one on the list, because mostly everyone you ask (nicely) will say yes. Think of your favorite professors, TAs, managers, and even family friends if you’re desperate. If you’ve ever had a debate team coach, camp supervisor, or any other responsible adult who believes in you, then you’re all set.

For people with whom you’ve got a closer relationship, send them a text or even give them a call. For professors and managers whom you’ve got a more businesslike acquaintance with, send them a brief, friendly email.

Let them know you’re starting the year off right by applying to jobs or internships and you’d love it if you could list them as a reference. Say it’s because you admire them as a professional/person/whatever and you really value their opinion.

Don’t overthink this ask. It’s very simple and shouldn’t be more than three brief paragraphs.

Example text/email:

SUBJECT LINE: Hi from [Your Name]
Hi, Professor Blankfield:

Hope your holidays went well. I’m hoping to start off my New Year right by kicking off the job/internship search.

I’m contacting you because I really admire you, enjoyed working with/studying under you, and hope that you enjoyed it, too.

Would you mind if I listed you as a reference on my job/internship application? I would really appreciate it.

[Here’s where you can ask for their contact info, if you don’t already have it.]

If you’d prefer to speak to me before moving forward with this or need anything else on my end, please let me know. Thanks so much for your time and consideration.

All the best,

[Your Name]

That’s just one example, but if you want to copy it word for word, then go ahead!

4. Start The Job Search (30 Minutes)

Luckily, while you’re waiting for those references and recommendation letters to start rolling in, there are plenty of jobs and internships that do NOT require them. Find a bunch of those jobs and start making a list of jobs you want to apply to.

If you see ones along the way that do require them, still make note of them and wait for the recommendations to come in before sending in your applications. If they have a deadline that ends very soon, then try using a family friend or closer adult acquaintance whom you’re comfortable asking to move faster on a letter.

Part of looking for a job is to decide what you really want. If you don’t do this, then your job search can be painfully aimless. If you need help figuring out what you really want, check this out.

5. Apply To (At Least) One Job/Internship (20 Minutes)

This might seem like the Herculean task at the end of a long road—but it’s really not.

The truth is, no matter how badly you want a job or an internship, most applications are just a small leap of faith that you have to just take. Small adjustments to your cover letter, resume, and online profiles can help, but they are just that: small.

Once you’ve prepared a resume, online profile, and gotten some references in order, then just do it.

Write a brief cover letter and apply to the job. It’s as simple as that—and it’s a huge step in the right direction.

Just Don’t Stop Applying

At this point, you’re probably wondering, “Can I really check off everything on this list in a single morning?” The answer is: Absolutely, yes. If you find yourself spending more than an hour on any of these, you’re taking too much time and need to make decisions faster.

Altogether, the actual work of this stuff should only take 2 hours and change. That leaves the other hour or so of the morning for some other stuff.

You can earmark this extra hour for a couple of things: your natural human tendency to triple-check stuff related to job applications, your need to snack, the very high likelihood you need to look at yourself in the mirror and say, “I got this,” between every one of these steps.

Whether it’s January 1st or the 21st night of September when you’re reading this, it’s never too late to start on some self-improving goals. (In fact, if you’re that late, just think of yourself as starting early on your 2020 goals. Silver linings!)

The post 5 New Year’s Resolutions You Can Finish In A Single Morning appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

Second semester seniors have a reputation for being, well, checked out…

But beneath the veneer of a totally chill, wizened college veteran, there’s the feeling of impending doom that comes from the total life-altering change that is graduation. It can be pretty crippling not knowing what’s coming next.

And no one wants to be dragged down by anxiety while everyone else is out forming life-long memories. So, we’ve put together the perfect pre-Senior Spring checklist to beat the anxiety before it starts.

1. Make Sure You’re All Set For Graduation

This can be a pretty big headache, and chances are you’ve already worked this out before heading into your last semester, but it never hurts to double check. Set an appointment with your advisor and go over the list of graduation requirements. You don’t wanna be waiting at graduation wondering if they’re going to call your name (even if it would make an otherwise dry event pretty captivating).

With this off your to-do list early, you can focus on the important stuff like school, fun, and—oh, yes—applying for full-time jobs.

2. Start Applying For Jobs (Like, Right Now)

It might seem weird to apply in December or January for a job that might not start until the summer, but we can promise you that it’s standard practice. Plus, think about how good you’ll feel having a full-time job lined up for after graduation.

We have also heard from reliable sources that WayUp is a good place to start…

3. Make Sure You Have Enough Money

Senior spring can be expensive. Between the “Welcome Back” parties, the “We Made It” parties, the “Goodbye” parties, and the “We Really Made It” parties, there’s always a new cost around the corner. Make sure your bank account is ready for it.

Either curb your winter break spending and put some in savings or get to work on increasing your balance the old-fashioned way.

One way to insure your wallet can survive the coming storm: Get a side hustle (they also rock for your resume).

4. Make An Exit Plan (If You Can)

Moving out can be a hassle. Moving out while graduating, going to grad parties, traveling, or doing whatever else comes along with the big finish for you can be a HUGE hassle. So, make a plan now.

While your parents are probably already on it, make sure you align with them on the logistics. You might need a van or a truck. Just clear this stuff out of the way so you can make all of the celebration plans you deserve.

Now’s the time to seize the day, team. Run through this checklist. Keep applying to jobs. And don’t forget to actually enjoy your last semester.

The post Beat Graduation Anxiety Before It Starts With This Pre-Senior Spring Checklist appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

Winter break can be long. According to a straw poll of folks at the WayUp office, breaks can last anywhere from a measly two weeks (Seriously, UPenn?) to a luxurious six (Bless you, NYU. #VioletPride).

For most people, let’s say, it falls somewhere in the middle. That means you’ve got a month to yourself. And no one’s saying you have to go crazy with work during it. It’s your free time and you totally earned it.

But, at the same time, there really isn’t a world in which you need every hour of a month entirely dedicated to chilling. Plus, in a way, preventing future stress is sort of like relaxing (but, like, in the future tense).

So, with that being said, here are four things to keep on your winter break checklist that are sure to lead to happier, more fulfilling (but still entirely relaxing) winter break.

1. Stay Healthy (And Happy)

That sedentary lifestyle can kick in a little too hard over winter break. It’s cold. There’s nothing on the agenda. Plus, you stayed up really late last night. That’s a recipe for a couch/bed-locked disaster day.

We’re not saying you have to be the guy from P90x or anything, but getting some exercise can really help with your mood and general energy.

We know you don’t have your school’s gym to go to, but see if you can borrow your dad’s YMCA card or a friend’s sports club membership on their off day. A treadmill, a weight room, and an indoor pool all offer much warmer venues for exercise than the great outdoors. Plus, there are tons of workouts you can do at home, no equipment required.

2. Apply For Internships (Or—Yikes—Your First Full-Time Job)

For the first time in a long time, you’ve got time. Use it wisely.

It might be hard to comprehend, but recruitment for many of the summer’s best internship programs (and even entry-level job openings) has already begun. We get it, you were too busy doing school and life and everything else first semester to think about applying for your dream summer position. That’s why now is the time to strike.

Here are a few tips to get yourself into fighting shape for application season (crafting a perfect resume, updating your online profiles, writing quality cover letters, and finding the right jobs to apply to).

3. Read A Single Book (For Fun)

There’s so much to watch. And—we really believe this—there’s no shame in TV or movies. They’re art, too. But scientists (and every English teacher you’ve ever had) will tell you that there is legitimately something different about what reading does for your brain. It makes you more empathetic. It makes your brain work better. Plus, it also makes you more interesting to talk to.

Space it out over however long you decide. Do it before you go to bed or while you eat breakfast. Just get it done. If you pick a classic (or even a modern classic), then chances are you will not regret it.

4. Make Some Money And Beef Up Your Resume

This one’s for the real go-getters. You know how much a semester’s worth of fun costs. You also know how much time a “part-time” job can actually take up—especially a campus-based job. Plus, there’s always your actual school work.

So, winter break might be the perfect time to stock up on some funds AND beef up your resume for all the summer internships (or full-time jobs) you’re going to apply to in a not-so-distant future.

But getting that bread doesn’t have to mean donning the mask of delivery driver for your local sandwich spot, either. There are plenty of ways that college students can make money without putting their entire life on hold. Here’s a quick list of awesome side hustles that will beef up your wallet (and your resume).

If you manage to nail these steps, you’ll be headed back to school in fighting shape. Let the winter chill-but-not-too-chill begin!

The post The WayUp Guide To A Perfectly Productive (And Fun) Winter Break appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

Jordan is a recent graduate of Howard University. He’s also a full-time employee at L’Oréal, having been hired for their highly-selective Marketing Associate Program: an exclusive group of recent graduates who participate in a training-intensive, high-impact rotational program that establishes them as industry experts and puts them on the fast-track for marketing success.

The unique thing about Jordan’s career journey, though, is that he didn’t need to be part of the internship recruitment process.

Here’s how Jordan landed an amazing post-grad job offer with one of the world’s largest consumer goods companies.

The Brandstorm Competition

Jordan’s story starts with a business case competition…sort of.

“In 2016, I was an ELC (Executive Leadership Council) Scholar. It’s an organization that educates mid-level managers of color and helps create a network of mid-level and c-suite executives within Fortune 500 companies,” Jordan explains. “Every year they give a scholarship to students who attend HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges & Universities). I went to Howard University,” Jordan says.

“They also have companies who give scholarships—and I won a scholarship through the Coca-Cola Foundation. A part of that scholarship is a scholars orientation where they bring you to New York for a week to tour some of the top ten companies of the entire ELC program. L’Oréal was one of them,” he says.

When he toured L’Oréal, Jordan was really impressed with their office and the different types of products they worked on. But there was something he didn’t see on his tour that he really wanted to know more about.

“I remember asking, ‘What is L’Oréal doing for men and men’s grooming?’ And then someone on the L’Oréal team told me, ‘I’m glad you asked that. We actually have Brandstorm coming up. Brandstorm is a case competition and this year’s theme is Disrupting Men’s Grooming.’ And so I was like, ‘Maybe we can take advantage of this!’”

After that, Jordan and some of his friends from Howard came up with a product, a business plan, and a pitch presentation. Their product, Noir, was a set of black soap and cocoa butter products tailored to the multicultural community, specifically at college-aged men. (Part of their proposal was to do a soft launch at HBCUs to get feedback from a diverse group.)

“We submitted our idea and we were chosen to compete in the USA Finals here in New York. And we were competing against seven other teams for a chance to compete in the International Finals, and we ended up winning the USA Finals. We went to France in the summer of 2017 to pitch our idea against 45 teams from around the world to the executives of L’Oréal,” he says.

Even though Jordan and his team received great feedback in Paris, they didn’t end up winning the top spot.

“We didn’t win top 3, but we didn’t have hard feelings! We loved the teams we competed against, and it was a great, healthy competition,” Jordan adds. “It was also a week in Paris in the middle of summer. What’s better than that?” (As anyone who has ever been to Paris knows, the answer is: absolutely nothing.)

But his results were still strong enough—and his presentation good enough—to merit a different kind of prize.

How Jordan Got The Job Offer

“Just being in Paris at the competition put the teams on the radar for employment at L’Oréal, no matter where you were coming from,” Jordan explains. “We learned a lot about how the company worked. We talked about the innovation, some of the artificial intelligence L’Oréal was trying to incorporate into their products. From there we learned about the Marketing Associate Program.”

After a few conversational interviews about Jordan’s interests and career aspirations, L’Oréal extended Jordan an offer to join the program after he graduated the following spring—an offer he enthusiastically accepted. With the Brandstorm competition behind him and plenty of new ideas for the company buzzing in his head after seeing a world’s worth of innovative pitches, Jordan had plenty to talk about.

“It really did help that I was in the competition. When I had my two rounds of interviews, I was really able to speak to that,” Jordan says.

From Competitor To Future Leader

Even though Jordan was a perfect fit for L’Oréal (and vice versa), it wasn’t something he ever really imagined for himself.

“I can’t say this is where I ever imagined myself, but when you break it down in terms of business—I have a business degree from Howard—this is an international company that operates in more than 150 countries,” Jordan says. “There are engineering and STEM jobs at L’Oréal, too. That’s something that’s really important. Everyone has a place here, and that’s something that not everyone realizes. A lot of people just think makeup and hair [when they think of L’Oréal], but there really is a lot more going on.”

As Jordan tells it, the intersection of tapping into a multicultural market, international business, and entrepreneurship aligned perfectly with his interests.

“What they’re preparing us for is to be leaders within the organization, and that’s something I can definitely see,” Jordan says.

Jordan’s story isn’t an uncommon one for L’Oréal. Every year, they host their Brandstorm competition to hear from the newest generation of rising college talent and to let entrepreneurs show them what’s next.

By the way, this year’s Brandstorm competition is looking for new competitors right now through January 2019. So, gather your team, start brainstorming, and prepare to give the pitch of a lifetime. It might just land you your dream job.

Want to see more fun facts, videos, and amazing job and internship opportunities? Learn more about L’Oréal on WayUp now!

The post How I Got A Full-Time Job Offer — And Skipped The Recruitment Process appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

Searching for your summer internship or first job after college is obviously a nerve-racking experience—but it shouldn’t be.

With more digital platforms, online guides, and amazing companies hiring than ever before, it’s so easy to find your dream role at your dream company. Whether it’s your first job or an internship that you’re looking for, both can be amazing opportunities that pave the way for rewarding, life-long careers.

However, all of the possible benefits put a lot of pressure on the search process. Here are three tips for keeping calm during the job search process.

1. You Can Prepare More Than Ever Before

There’s not a type of job interview in the world that someone hasn’t already done—and they probably wrote a blog post about it. Even interviews for specific companies have reviews written for them on Glassdoor and similar sites. We’ve assembled guides on most types of interviews.

Even if you’re worried about the stuff that comes before interviewing, we’ve got you covered. We’ve got guides on resumes (even on how to make job-specific resumes). Don’t worry about stuff like cover letters, cold emailing, and networking events, either.

With all these resources online and (hopefully) better education standards than ever before, you have the ability to be fully prepared for any type of interview.

2. You Can (And Definitely Should) Apply To More Than Just A Few Jobs

It might not seem like it while you’re spending every day looking for just one of them, but there are so many jobs out there. Most recruiting experts will say that—even for top-tier, experienced talent—a healthy ratio of applications to interviews is to 10:1. In some places, that number is as high as 27 applications to get one job interview.

So, ask yourself, have you sent out 10 job applications yet? That’s just for one interview. You should really be thinking about sending out about 40-50 applications over the course of a few weeks.

One of the biggest mistakes people make in the job application process is that they simply don’t submit enough applications. Some people are tinkering perfectionists who just can’t seem to finish something to their standards. Others are just ignorant to the reality of the situation. But this isn’t bad news.

There are thousands of jobs out there. The goal is to find the right one for you. Don’t spend all your time obsessing over minor details for the three jobs you’ve decided you do really want. Take that passion you have for those jobs and find other ones just like them. You’re much better off finding your dream title and role and then applying to it at multiple companies you think are a great fit.

3. Businesses Are Looking For More Than Just Experience

If you’re a college student or recent grad, chances are you don’t have a ton of professional experience. That’s okay. In fact, for some companies, it’s actually what they’re looking for.

Entry-level jobs are called “entry-level” for a reason. They’re for people hoping to find their way into an industry or career path. They’re not for industry veterans or insiders—or even people with 3-5 years of experience. Entry-level jobs are for recent grads.

Some college students even worry that they will be blocked out from internships because of a lack of other internship experience. There are plenty of ways to get a job or internship when you don’t have experience. For example, highlighting skills on your resume gained from school projects, extracurricular activities, or volunteering.

More than anything, businesses want people who have done their research on the industry, have a demonstrated interest in their potential job, and have the curiosity and intelligence to learn. Show them these qualities, and it’s not all about who had the flashiest internship her junior year.

The Best Tip

Research the companies, make sure your resume and cover letter are set, and apply. However, the real trick is doing all this in about an hour (of actual focused work time). Don’t spend too much time worrying or even researching (you can save the bulk of your research for once you get the interview).

Have we squashed your fears yet? Need more career advice? Check out amazing companies and all-star advice on the WayUp blog.

The post BOO! Job Hunting Shouldn’t Be Scary: 3 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Fear The Job Search Process appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

Resumes are your first—and sometimes only—chance to show companies and recruiters what you have to offer. That’s why it’s so important that you put what companies are really looking for on your resume. However, different jobs look for different styles of resume, keywords, skills, numbers, and even formats. That’s why having a resume that’s tailored to the position (a job-specific resume) can be essential for landing that interview.

At the same time, nobody wants to make a new resume for every single application they send. But when should you make a job-specific resume? What kinds of jobs need specific resumes? We’ve answered these questions and more with our definitive guide on how and when to make a job-specific resume.

When To Make A Unique, Job-Specific Resume

Not sure what or when to put something new on your resume? Been staring at your computer for hours? Don’t worry. We’ve got the answer.

Making a unique resume for a certain type of job should always be done if one or more of the following three things are true:

• The job requires specific hard skills like programming, professional software, or legal knowledge.
• The job is largely measured by certain qualities like sales numbers, revenue, or growth.
• Your resume isn’t currently geared toward that job.

If any of these things are true, then it’s time to cook up a new resume. We’ll explain why with a few more concrete examples of this.

The Numbers-Heavy Resume

In sales, the thing that stands out to hiring managers more than anything is numbers.

Organized 50+ cold-calling marathons, Led team of 8 in a door-to-door fundraising campaign, and Generated $5,000 in revenue through sales of enterprise product—all leverage data points to showcase not only the content of your experience, but also the scale at which you worked.

Your performance is measured by numbers, especially dollar figures, in career tracks like account management, sales, and the like. That’s why having them on your resume for business development type roles is so important.

(Check out our complete guide on How To Make A Sales Resume.)

The Skills-Centric Resume

Similarly, jobs like Software Engineer and Business Intelligence Analyst are all about specific skills. That’s why you shouldn’t just list something like “Programming” or “Backend Programming” on your resume. Instead, you should have skills like PHP, SQL, Python, and Java and a list of projects that include links to Github or other online repositories of your code.

Projects and specific languages or disciplines are what matter in skill-centric jobs. Projects you’ve done are excellent ways of actually demonstrating this.

The Graphics-Heavy, Creative Resume

In many jobs, aesthetics matter. If you’re applying to be a designer, editor, or someone who works with visual content in any way, you should consider creating a more aesthetically pleasing resume.

Organization of skills, work, extracurricular, and academic activities in a way that effectively communicates your story is, in fact, a skill within itself. You should be able to demonstrate the ability to graphically arrange information in a way that pleases the eye and informs the reader. That’s why designers and visual creatives ought to make resumes that reflect this type of skill.

Consider using color, multi-column formatting, and even a photo in this kind of resume.

Word of warning: If you are still applying to non-creative jobs or even creative jobs at massive companies, their application systems might fail to recognize your resume. Make sure to check whether or not their digital system will accept uniquely formatted files.

This guide should help you craft whatever kind of resume you might need.

For everything else career-related and spotlights on amazing companies, check out the WayUp blog.

The post How (And When) To Make A Job-Specific Resume appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

One of the biggest advantages you can give yourself in the competitive internship application process is time. There are very few things that cannot be accomplished if you provide yourself enough time. That’s why the best way to secure your spring 2019 internship is to start now.

Here at WayUp, we’ve put together the one-stop guide for securing that perfect spring 2019 internship. Doing something like that could help you 1) get the perfect summer internship, 2) get the perfect post-grad job, and 3) make you insanely rich and famous. Okay, maybe not #3. But it can definitely help you start an amazing career.

Follow these five steps and you’re off to the races.

1. Start Researching What You Really Want (Make A List!)

You’re not always going to know what you want. Even if you study something specific like Electrical Engineering, there are a ton of different disciplines within the field that you might want to explore. So, start doing your research: Read internship reviews, job descriptions, and see what top companies are really offering students. (Sometimes it’s easier to find a good internship if you pick a company you admire rather than a specific role!)

Make a list of skills you want to learn, hone, and get exposure to. Write down companies you admire. Think about people whose careers you want to emulate and reach out to them (or research them online if they’re celebrities/high-ranking executives), so that you can see how you might do the same thing.

This should help you make another list (the important one): Spring 2019 internships you actually want to apply to. Maybe even make a spreadsheet with all the due dates and requirements.

2. Prepare The Right Resume(s)

If you’re someone with an interest in both journalism and advertising, for example, you’re going to need more than one resume if you really want to stand out in both types of applications.

For journalism jobs, you’d want to focus on not just writing experience, but also research and reporting.

However, for advertising, you’d focus your resume on writing as it relates to other creative ventures, any sort of client or relationship skills you have, as well as any sort of business experience.

Optimizing your resume to fit the role is really important, because so many places—especially big, prestigious companies—sort applicants based on the presence of skills. To get a better idea of which skills they’re looking for. Check out job descriptions and online applications to see what they’re listing.

3. Beef Up Your Resume

If you don’t have “great skills,” then don’t worry. There’s still time to get them. Here’s how.

It’s the beginning of fall semester. Club fairs abound! Club leaders love to have new people join their orgs and each of these is an opportunity to demonstrate interest in a subject, commitment, social skills, and even leadership. Once you’re in a club, you can help them organize events (valuable skill), manage budgets (really valuable skill), and even lead teams or task forces (totally invaluable skill).

There’s also still time to get a Fall internship. Try using WayUp to find the perfect fit in your area. Even if companies aren’t formally hiring, you can still email someone on the team and send them your own proposal for an internship.

Volunteer experience is 1) always a good thing for the people you’re helping and 2) always looks good on your resume. It can also be a shorter-term commitment than a club membership or an internship. You could go on a week-long service trip or volunteer every other weekend.

4. Get All Your App Requirements Ready

Some apps are much harder than others. Long personal statements, recommendation letters, references, and more can take up your precious time and put you in danger of submitting an incomplete app or—even worse—entirely missing an app deadline. That’s why starting early is so important.

As for letters of recommendation, those can take serious time to write, especially if you want the person to do a good job. So, to be courteous (another amazing trait they can include in your recommendation), ask with at least two weeks notice, preferably longer. If you don’t have that kind of time, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t ask. You want to do a great job—not a good job—on this app. So, ask ahead.

As for personal statements, make them stand out. Everyone wants that perfect Spring 2019 internship, everyone’s passionate (at least on paper), and everyone wants to “make the world a better place.” Tell them how you plan to do this. Tell them WHY it matters to you. There’s so much you there—you just have to put it in the app. (But nothing too weird! It’s not literature; it’s business.)

5. Now Apply (As Early As Possible)

Once all your ducks are in a row, you can actually submit (ahead of time) your very first, perfect application to a spring 2019 internship. This will give them a chance to really savor and digest your application. Don’t worry, they’re not going to forget about you because you applied early. They LOVE when people get their apps in ahead of time, before the big deadline rush.

Want more Back To School hacks, amazing career tips, and everything else you need to succeed in the working world? Check out the WayUp Guide right now!

The post How To Get The Perfect Spring 2019 Internship (Hint: Start The Application Process Now) appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

Good karma is now officially a statistical fact. And you can thank a study conducted by the finance giant MassMutual for that.

We can now say with confidence (perhaps even a 95 percent confidence interval) that, yes, being a good person does have a financial benefit.

Start by crunching the numbers.

The MassMutual 2018 Financial Wellness and Community Involvement Study took a nationally representative sample of 10,000 US adults and asked them questions about their relationships with others, the benefits of those relationships, and their financial confidence.

These questions were asked to challenge the company’s “Live Mutual” philosophy. This revolves around the idea that depending on each other leads to happier, more secure, and fulfilling lives—whether that means trusting someone with a loan or helping your neighbor take in their groceries.

But when you’re a leader in a statistics and data-driven industry you don’t just scream your philosophy from the rooftops. You prove it. This meant putting the full force of one of the country’s leading financial institutions—and its statistics experts—behind a simple question: Does being a good person make you more successful?

And what did the American people have to say? MassMutual—which is the number one writer of whole life policies in the country—found that people involved in their communities, especially their own neighborhoods, were rewarded not only personally but also financially.

Good people make great neighbors.

Do you volunteer? Do you host events? Is your community limited to your group of friends? Or does it include your whole neighborhood? How confident are you in your financial well-being? These types of questions informed the results of a survey that ultimately found there is a strong association between people doing good deeds in their communities and their feeling of financial well-being.

Examples of these good deeds include anything from volunteering at a local food bank to helping a neighbor carry groceries.

Among other findings, MassMutual’s researchers identified differences among age groups in terms of not only the type of involvement they were more likely to perform but also the definitions they have of community.

Older people (73+) are more likely to donate money or time, according to the study. Gen Z and Millennials (anyone 36 or younger), on the other hand, were more likely to host and attend social events.

Why the differences? There’s still more work for MassMutual employees to do in order to better understand these disparate views. However, it may have to do with the different definitions of community, most of which listed geography and many of which included culture, values, and lifestyle.

They make even better employees (probably).

So, what gives?

Well, people who do good deeds and care about the well-being of others are more likely to: 1) Be positive about the future. 2) Have more faith in those around them to help them out in a tough situation.

This positivity affects everything from believing in their own ability to accomplish long-term goals to having more confidence about the stability of their job (both of which are major factors in someone’s financial outlook). Essentially, wholesome, trusting people can inspire similar traits in those around them—so they’re not as worried about their future.

The best news is, there’s plenty of goodness to go around. About half of all people who responded said that they were involved with their neighborhoods. The MassMutual team summarized it this way:

“Those who place a premium on community involvement have unexpected benefits, with approximately six in 10 being either comfortable or confident in their current and future financial well-being.”

How’s that for living mutual?

Want to start a career with an innovative company that does amazing things like this? MassMutual is hiring on WayUp, so check out their open positions and apply now!

The post Can Being A Good Person Make You More Successful? This Company Thinks So appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

We all want our resumes to stand out, but that can be easier said than done. There’s a lot of conflicting advice out there like whether or not you should use colors or fancy fonts and what sort of information you should include. So before you send in your resume, here are five small things you can do to stand out from the crowd.

1. Use Industry Terms (Where Appropriate)

On a resume, vocabulary is every bit as important as good grammar. Using words and phrases that relate to the company and position will help you to stand out and sound knowledgeable about the position you’re after.

Let’s say you’re applying to an editorial role. Instead of saying you “created posts,” you could say that you “published articles” using your company’s “content management system.” It’s a minor difference that shows you have knowledge of how the industry works.

2. Keep the Format Professional

The format of your resume should be visually pleasing and easy to follow, but the design should not distract from the content. A resume is supposed to be about you and your accomplishments, not how pretty you can make a piece of paper. Keep the look simple, modern, and neat.

If you’re applying to positions in a more creative industry, your heading (where your name and contact information goes), as well as any subheadings, are great places to add a little pizzazz. This will help keep the resume organized and make it easy for potential employers to scan through the content. Just remember to keep the fonts and colors simple.

3. Be Positive and Career-Oriented

Your resume will reflect who you are as an employee, so you want to avoid negativity. To achieve this, don’t say (or infer) anything bad about your previous jobs or employers. You should also avoid including irrelevant hobbies.

4. Talk About Your Accomplishments

A lot of people restate job descriptions in their resume. They talk about the role and requirements of prior jobs, but they downplay their own accomplishments. These are the things that employers most want to see and it’s extremely important to include them and make them stand out.

One way to do this is to include numbers. Use statistics to reflect what you have done in the past and how you can benefit the company. For example, if you say that you“increased blog traffic by 475%,” it provides a quantifiable illustration of your worth.

5. Keep it Short and Sweet

Read our lips: Resumes shouldn’t be over a page—no excuses. Many CEOs and other executives are able to keep their resumes to one page even with decades of experience, and so should you. In fact, some employers won’t even read lengthy resumes. You want your resume on the top of the stack, not at the bottom of the rubbish bin.

One way to shorten is to eliminate irrelevant information: Get rid of skills or jobs that are outdated and don’t show why you’re perfect for that particular role. Tailor your resume to the specific job and company, which can help you eliminate things that they aren’t looking for. For example, if you’re applying for a business analyst position, you don’t need to list your fast food job from high school.

The post 5 Small Things That’ll Keep You from Being Another Resume in the Pile appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.

Whether you’re working on a group project at the last minute or you just totally dropped the ball on finishing a long research paper, it’s not uncommon to find yourself in the difficult situation where you’re forced to pull an all-nighter.

Want to make sure that your all-nighter is as productive as possible? Here’s your guide to getting everything done—and maybe even finishing with a little time before your 9 AM class to spare.

Step #1: Plan Your Night Beforehand

Pulling an all-nighter is intimidating, especially because you have so much to get done and so little time to do it. The great paradox, however, is that having the whole night ahead of you also means it’s easy to procrastinate.

How can you stay on track and not panic when you see the first morning light? Plan your night before you begin.

For instance, saying, “I need to write a 20-page research paper tonight” is incredibly intimidating. Instead, you’ll want to break it down into steps and how much time you can allot for each, like researching, outlining, writing, editing, citing, proofreading, and printing.

If the task at hand still feels overwhelming after breaking it down into smaller steps, you can use these easy questions to get yourself on track.

• What is the ultimate goal of this all-nighter? What do I absolutely need to get done, and by when?
• What are the basic five actions I need to complete to achieve that goal?
• Approximately how much time can I allot for each of these actions at the very most?
• Which action(s) can I shorten if I’m running out of time?
• What does my final product look like? Does it need to be constructed or printed? Have I allotted time to take care of these steps if need be?
• How will I stay focused? Will I log off of social media? Will I silence my phone?
• What snacks and drinks will I bring to power my all-nighter and ensure that eating/drinking won’t become a distraction?
• Where will I do my work?

It might seem like overkill, but when you think about every part of the process, you’re less likely to get flustered or distracted.

Step #2: Caffeinate Efficiently and Snack Up

At the first mention of the term “all-nighter,” you might be tempted to find the nearest Starbucks, order 12 shots of espresso, and start downing your drink. However, caffeinating for an all-nighter requires some next-level finesse so that you stay awake and alert but aren’t jittery and on the verge of crashing an hour later.

First, steer clear of caffeine during the day leading up to your all-nighter. When you constantly have caffeine, it decreases its effectiveness, meaning that you’ll need more and more of it to stay awake. Instead, avoid caffeine all day, and buy some in your favorite form (coffee, tea, energy drink, or otherwise) at night.

There’s also no need to start pounding the coffee right away, either; when you start feeling yourself getting sleepy or sluggish, take some sips. The trick is to treat this like this like an IV drip: As the old story goes, slow and steady wins the race.

Study snacks are tricky because you need to be careful: If you have too many carbs, you’ll get sleepy, but without enough fuel, you may not stay alert.

What kinds of snacks should you be using to fuel your body? Here are several protein-rich options to consider that aren’t too tricky to buy or make:

• Starbucks Protein Bistro Box
• Hummus and veggies
• Apple slices with peanut butter and granola
• Avocado toast
• Roasted cashews or pumpkin seeds (add your favorite spice for a kick)

The big struggle, however, is not letting your food turn into a distraction: Have all of your food ready beforehand, and portion how much you’ll eat before you begin. Otherwise, you’ll be running to your kitchen or late-night campus dining options more than you’d like to admit.

Step #3: Move Every Hour

Want to keep yourself from falling asleep in the wee hours of the night (er, morning)? Get up and move every 60 to 90 minutes. You don’t have to do a bootcamp workout or run five miles, but take three to five minutes to get up, stretch, do some quick yoga moves, and focus on your breathing.

Another potential trick to try: Standing desks are all the rage nowadays, so if you have the ability to stand up while you work, it’s worth a shot since it’ll keep your blood pumping.

Step #4: Get the Right Tunes

If you want to get psyched, create a playlist that’ll keep you motivated throughout your entire all-nighter; it really makes a difference.

Don’t have time to make your own playlist? Take some tips from the people at Starbucks who know how to make a great coffeehouse track, and use this expertly curated playlist for your late nights in the library (hint: this playlist is also collaborative, so you can add your favorite study tracks!):

Some people don’t like working with music (after all, it can be distracting if it’s too loud or just not the right song), so if you like working with some sounds in the background and can’t stand silence, there are definitely ways to get what you need.

One example? Try Coffitivity, an ambient noise generator that makes you feel like you’re in bustling cafes and busy spaces without actually having to be there. For example, use “University Undertones” for “scholarly” cafe background noise, or listen to “Morning Murmur” for the slow build of a morning at a coffeeshop.

Step #5: Find the Right Space

If you do work in your dorm room or apartment, chances are you’ll be tempted to curl up on your bed or comfy couch. Instead, look for a study space that you know will be open all night, that’s free from distractions (like noise and people), and that has any amenities you may need throughout the night (like a bathroom and a printer).

A couple of great study spaces include the library, any IT labs on campus, the student center, or even a random classroom on campus. Also, many college campuses allow students to reserve classrooms, so if that option is available on your campus, use it so that you can work alone in your own academic space.

While you should definitely avoid all-nighters when you can, these tips will keep you alive and alert as you power through. The good news? There’s a long nap with your name on it. You just have to make it to tomorrow.

Starbucks is dedicated to helping 25,000 employees graduate by 2025 by providing full tuition reimbursement for a bachelor’s degree via Arizona State University’s online program. You only have to work an average of 20 hours per week to access this exciting benefit as well as many others (free drinks, free food, health coverage, 401k, stock, and a free Premium Spotify account to name a few!). You can learn more about the Starbucks College Achievement Plan here.

Starbucks Barista-Approved Drink Combo: “My favorite drink that’s not on the menu is an undertoe (although I have heard it called other things). You pour cold breve (latte with half-and-half) with vanilla, and layer two shots of espresso over the top using a spoon. Layering the drink makes it easy to drink fast, and it’s perfect for a quick pick-me-up!”

The post The Ultimate Guide To Pulling An All-Nighter appeared first on Job and Internship Advice, Companies to Work for and More | WayUp Blog.