Maintaining Your Brand.

 In keeping with this out-with-the-old, in-with-the-new time of year,  Planet College offers this.

"Brand" is the common term now for most every product or service available in this consumer economy. Companies work earnestly to maintain, protect and improve their computer's, automobile's or soft drink's, i.e. their "Brand's" image, (the commonly held public perception of the product or service the brand represents.) Corporations are careful, vigilant and even jealous of how their brand or more exactly brand's image is used.  This vigilance is eminently practical. They likely have spent millions establishing and maintaining this image and will spend just as much to protect it.

You too are a brand and your image also deserves care.  Electronic communication, available now for years to students on Planet College, invites the distribution of images of you.  You have likely responded to this opportunity with images of your student life.  With a major part of college life at least supposedly dedicated to partying and other such pursuits it is not surprising that evidence of this behavior has found its way on to the internet. While useful for connection with other revelers some students, especially those approaching graduation  - and by that Planet College means getting serious about looking for work beyond valet parking for tips-  have found this evidence to be inhibiting to their job search.  Employment screeners, the workers who initially review applications and resumes, are often younger, newer members of the hiring staff and not too far past college themselves. So, they know all the same sites you do.  Their excuse for searching these cites maybe expediency, it may be security but for whatever reason, if your favorite social media page features a photo of you painted to look like that gekko with the annoying accent that sells insurance inhaling six beer bongs at the same time, - well - they may think twice before calling you in for an interview.

Planet College is aware that there are some enterprising individuals who offer to 'scrub' your internet history of such images and references. Well, OK, there's that. It certainly is worthwhile considering especially if you are approaching graduation. Alternatively, it is certainly possible, that you, in one of your increasingly frequent sober moments might accomplish the same thing yourself.

So, there you go, out-with-the-old, in-with-the-new,  give it some thought.  

Hey, Could You Watch My Stuff?

You're probably out of Finals by now and maybe even off campus for a while. If  not and you are still in Finals this is a Planet College reminder about "your stuff".  During finals students basically occupy the library24/7.  Sleeping bags, microwaves and tiny tvs clutter some of the areas usually reserved for students actually studying.  College librarians, tolerant and patient people that they are, usually over look this behavior during finals week despite the neatly lettered signs which clearly prohibit 'squatting".

If you have been or are a finals week squatter you have no doubt asked some other student or had another student ask you, "Hey would you watch my stuff?"  This while they or you run to the rest room for the break that consuming buckets of coffee demands.

Here's the warning.  It is about your stuff.  College campuses attract large amounts of people, usually young but not always  students.  Some of these non-students, aware that students are friendly and tolerant,  congregate on campuses for the opportunities that a large group of tolerant young people present. They are not on campus to learn. They are on campus to steal.

So when you find that rest room run is irresistible and you are tempted to ask anyone with a back pack, "Hey, could you watch my stuff?" make sure you actually know them.  Rest room runs at 3 a.m. are not the best opportunity for clear thinking -BUT- that is just when students are vulnerable and career thieves know this.  Even if they've been hanging around for a while, if you really don't know them ask someone you know to watch your stuff. Or at least grab the most valuable stuff you have, i.e. keys, room and car, phone and wallet or what ever with bank cards and cash. These easily transportable objects or the most likely to be stolen in your absence. 

Good luck on finals from Planet College.

Loan Review

This time of year Planet College usually presents a short reminder about student finances. You can read a couple here and here.

Here's this year's.

In case, you forgot, the money you get, if you get money for school, is mostly comprised of loans. Loans have to be re-paid.  The lender wants the money back.  Just that simple.  Loans must be re-paid.

Just recently Bloomberg, a financial reporting publication, featured a story about a congressional representative from Wisconsin and his proposal concerning student loan re-payment. You can read the story here.

This story is indicative of several factors which have a direct bearing on any typical student's future. First the proposal is from a congressman, a duly elected representative.  This means his proposal, should it make its way through the various committees and votes and procedures necessary to become a law will have just that.  The force of law.

 Secondly,  this law could possibly directly affect your paycheck. Not exactly your ability to earn but your actual paycheck, the means by which you receive what you've earned. All experienced working students on Planet College know, the only thing that really, really counts is what is in your paycheck.

This representative has proposed a direct withholding system for student loan payback.  You've experienced withholding since you've been earning paychecks.

The pros and cons, ins and outs, rights and wrongs and such of this proposal Planet College has not opinion about.  But Planet College does care about accurate information being available to students who can then make informed decisions.

So, when you have time, read the story, think it over and then, possibly, take an action. What ever you decide, it is important because it is your money.

Just sayin' .

The Turkey Trap

It is almost time for a welcome break from Planet College. It is also time to remind students of the looming danger called The Turkey Trap.

Polly's story explains it well.

Polly heard the pilot announce 'Please fasten your seat belt as we approach for a landing.” and awoke from her reverie.  It had been a restful Thanksgiving break. She had arrived home Tuesday evening after an eventful freshman semester. She visited with her family, ate too much turkey and went on a snooze cruise. Saw friends, got caught up and now, as her return flight approached the airport,the cabin lights came on and another light went on in Polly's head. It was accompanied by an announcement that said, ”Oh my God, I've got a paper due for my ten o'clock class and I haven't even started it!"

Polly had fallen for The Turkey Trap.  Since colleges started giving students breaks students mistakenly had assigned these times to get “caught up.”  “Oh, I'll just do it over break” is a common mis-conception students have applied to work due later in the term.   Don't fall for it.  You will not do anything over break. Don't fall for The Turkey Trap.  When you get an assignment start on it right away. Finish it in as timely a fashion as possible. Over break pig out, kick back, visit your sister. Bounce your new little niece on your knee and just generally forget about school. Period.  That's what breaks are for.  Don't fall for the Turkey Trap. If you haven't even started the paper before break, you won't do it over break.

It Is Your Time, Use It Well.

While most of the other students rushed for the exits after the morning calculus class James was enrolled in, James usually waited in his seat. The exit doors always took a few minutes to clear out and there was really nothing to be gained by James pressing through with all of the other bodies. While waiting James noticed something. The board at the front of the lecture hall was covered with the day's work. James realized that having nothing to do and no place to be for two hours until his next class, he could just as easily start the assigned homework. And he did.  Since that time James has developed the habit of completing the calculus assignments right after the calculus class. What better time? The assignment is on the board and the work is in full view and his text is right there too. This practice has allowed James to free up time elsewhere, time he might have spent later on his calculus assignments.

Score one for James.

Observations like this and the resulting behaviors only come from practice. Showing up daily and using your time to the best of your ability.  You have probably had or have periods during your class day when it seem you had "Nothing to do."  A closer look may show this time can be used effectively for projects, assignments or reviewing current work.

Being aware is the first step toward working effectively on Planet College.  If you have not graduated yet you can figure that there is always something you can do, another step on the road to graduation.

Planet College Author Profile Link

The Publication of the author, William H. Morris, of this blog, Planet College is available here http://gradwor ks.umi.com/14/26/1426259.html

Always Ask; How Am I Doing?

By just about now your term has taken on a familiar shape. Just about the same cycle since you've been in college.  Class, work, friends, work, class again and occasional sleep.  This regular cycle has an advantage. It is familiar and does not demand too much in the way of choice on a daily basis. that is not big significant choices.  This cycle also has an often un-noticed disadvantage,  a disadvantage which may be hidden in plain sight.

 With in this daily weekly grind your progress toward you goal, graduation and a degree, may not be clear.   Even if right now you probably have a pretty good feel for how you are doing this term it could be wise to find out for sure.  If you don't know or you aren't sure there is a simple way to find out. Ask. Just ask. Ask your instructor.

Every term presents a class at least somewhat more challenging to average students than they had anticipated. What is yours?  Which ever course it is this is the instructor you need to speak with about your standing. It is not too difficult to track her down. She may even have office hours. But, obviously, she can be available just before or just after your regular class meeting.

 However you find her when you do keep your approach simple. Especially if you have not yet spoken with her. Just say, "Hello." and ask if she has time to speak about the course. If she says,"Yes." introduce yourself and, if it seems appropriate, the section or course you are enrolled in.  Once you've established this simply say, "I'd like to know how I'm doing so far." What you are seeking in particular are all your assignments up to date.  She may have this knowledge at hand or she may have to look.  What ever she replies listen carefully. If she says, "OK." Then you are okay and that is a relief.  If you are lacking some work due, take careful note and tell her thanks.

Then get to work getting caught up.

Planet College advises this in person contact rather than e-mail or even voice mail because it is important for you to establish with this instructor your personal interest in not just your progress, but also her and her course.  Talking with her directly will put a face with your name and also establish with her that you are a sincere student.  This can only work to your advantage come grading time.

It Is Never Too Early To Plan Ahead.

Student progress on Planet College inevitably opens up opportunities and even horizons previously undreamed of my average students.  Passing a difficult class, and remember a C is a passing grade, doing unexpectedly well on a project for class or even being asked for help by classmate are incidents which can give your student self-image a little boost.  At times the boost offers a bump up to new horizons as noted.  If you have had the experience of improving your status as a student you may now be thinking in terms of additional educational opportunities.

Like grad school.

If you have lately begun entertaining the notion that you may want to attend grad school right now is a good time to get started planning.  Even if you have not firmly made up your mind anticipation can be useful now.  Grad school admissions depending on the school and the subject often require lengthy preparation.  Think of you college admission process but magnified.  You will no doubt need your transcript, letters of recommendation and personal statement at least.  You will also have to choose which school or schools you will be applying to.

Right now slogging through the day to day of just trying to graduate or even just trying to get to upper division or just trying to qualify for my major makes grad school seem like a mission to Mars.

And in academic terms grad school may be nearly that remote.

Still, Planet College advises students who have had even the vaguest notion of attending grad school to take some time soon and do a little investigating. It is never too early to Plan Ahead on Planet College.

Tweet Me Nice

The blinding speed of instantaneous communication offers Planet College students remarkable  opportunities to stay in touch. Texting, twittering, however you do it, are hugely useful and, in fact, indispensable in daily student life.  But like everything there can be a down side.  That is when the conversation gets a little,raw, or rugged or rude.  Sometimes a student will text something which later, maybe even sooner, they will regret.

Well, yeah. So. Wadda ya gonna do?  Say your sorry as soon as you see you have majorly oopsied and texted something your really should not have, recognize and acknowledge it. That is about all you can do. Most everyone makes mistakes. If you've been rude thinking maybe you were funny or had the right to say this or that when you really didn't, prompt recognition of your error is the best tactic to employ to repair anything that may need to be repaired.

A real friend will 'get it' and probably just let it pass.  Real friends are like that. Anyone who hangs on to your temporary lapse is probably someone you wouldn't want to have to much to do with anyway.

So acknowledge your error and move on.  Next time you'll be more careful.

Your Information Is A Commodity

Planet College cautions care in every aspect of your student life. Care with your health, care with your grades, care with your friends and care with your finances. The previous post talks about your credit files. They contain information about your finances, credit history, and Planet College has briefly explained how you can stay current with your files.

This post is about your personal information.  There is a lot of it. Your age, your height, your weight, your address, your e-mail, your school status, marital status and so forth. Most of this is generally available to almost anyone and some companies use this information to 'market', that is to try to sell you stuff.  These efforts are legitimate and can afford a student worthwhile opportunities, those choices being up to you, the student.

This information is gathered by companies and frequently sold to other companies. Thus this information is a commodity.  It is sold by companies which operate for a profit. Again, this activity is long established and provided these companies operate within existing regulations and guidelines, the have the right to function as they do.

There is a category of information which is personal and should be carefully guarded. That information is your Social Security number, your Driver's license number and your credit card and bank account numbers. These are very, very valuable and should be carefully guarded by you.  At times it is necessary to provide this information, to your school for one thing.  To law enforcement, they will invariably ask for your driver's license number, for another.  Your bank or financial institution may request such information for purposes of identification.  These institutions are just about the common extent of places who need this information.

With one exception, employers, not potential employers, not POTENTIAL employers, NOT POTENTIAL employers, no, no, no, NOT POTENTIAL EMPLOYERS.  Only after you have been officially hired should you provide essential personal information to an employer.

This can be very tricky because some job applications have a space for Social Security number. Any legitimate potential employer will either tell you not to fill that in or say,"Don't fill that in yet." While the regulations and customs vary from place to place and industry to industry mostly employers can not ask for this type of personal information.  If you are filling out an application in person a polite inquiry to the interviewing person i.e. "Am I supposed to fill this out?" will usually result in a negative reply.

That is in person.

On line it is a whole different deal. Since now you have probably filled out many many forms and applications on line you are probably used to providing a great deal of personal information on on line forms.  The purpose of this post is to strongly suggest that if you do not know the source of the application you are completing do not provide sensitive personal information. No matter how good the deal sounds, or the job, don't send these basics, SS number, driver's license number and even your student ID number or you personal bank account numbers or credit card numbers blindly. That is don't send them to some place you can't see or can't find.  Also if the only address you can locate is an e-mail address don't do it.

Your personal information is very very valuable, use care with it.

Credit Check

Building credit is one of the many, many steps to adult life which can loom prominently for a Student. However you are taking care of your finances or WHOMEVER is taking care of your finances it is important, very important for every student on Planet College to be aware that they are building a credit file. At least it is very likely that this is happening.

Two things come to mind which can be useful.

First, on your campus this term there may well be a student finance seminar. This is the type of gathering, often held in the student center and usually put on by a bank or other financial institution which presents essential finance information for students.  Often these types of meetings. if they are sponsored, will include a pitch for the Student Services of the sponsoring institution. Whether you choose to use these services or not frequently these presentations provide useful basic information and your finances, your money and quite possibly your credit.  Planet College recommends you look into any such gatherings on your campus this term. There should be no obligation and the information might help you manage your finances more effectively.

Secondly it might be time now for you to start checking the condition of your personal credit file. That is the record of your credit use which is usually maintained by at least one of three main credit bureaus, as they are known. These are Experian,  TransUnion and Equifax. These businesses provide a service to consumers, that is customers who buy things on credit, and to businesses such as banks, credit unions and retail stores. The service they provide is storing and cataloguing the record of credit and payments and making these records available to their client businesses.  There records are also available to consumers, the people whose files are being kept.  Various regulations govern the operation of these companies. One such set of regulations requires that they make available to each customer one free copy of the report they are maintaining on that customer per year.  Each company has a separate procedure for the consumer, you in this case, to obtain this annual free copy and their websites contain the directions for this procedure.

If you have not done this, that is gotten a copy of your credit report, a free copy, now is a good time to start. As explained these free reports are available annually and it is a very good idea for you to stay on top of each companies report. First of all you want to make sure the information they contain is accurate. This is essential and alone is a good reason to get your free copy from each bureau. Also you will likely wish to keep copies for yourself for a while. These records will provide an at-a-glance chart of you growing financial competence.

Your free credit report, very useful, look into it soon.

Planet College Note.  Planet College does not endorse any business, third party or website which offers to do this for you. i.e. Obtain Your Credit Reports Free! We'll Do It For You.  As you'll see when you search for 'free credit report' a number of such offers will come up.  Planet College has no information about the operation or character of such businesses .  They may be, at least on their own terms, legitimate, offering this service for 'busy' students or just 'busy' people in general. Yes, you are busy. And part of the busyness is taking care in every aspect of your real life, finances in particular, because they are essential and you will be dealing with finances for the rest of your life.  So, Planet College urges 'busy' you to add one more thing to your To Do list.  OK, three more things. Learn the procedures and get these reports on your own. (It's OK to ask a friend for help.)

Do You Want A Receipt? Yes. Always.

David is a graduate student in a writing program at a large state university in the largest city on the East Coast of the USA. A year ago he was looking for a place and found a Roommate Wanted sign at the laundromat near campus. Dave called the number, talked to "Len" the guy who was looking for the roommate and they agreed to meet.  Dave met Len at the place. It was small and the rent was kind of high but that is typical of the area which is  close to several major universities.  The place was close to campus and Len seemed friendly and easy going.  Dave noticed Len was a little older than the average student roommate type but Dave was only looking for a room not a party buddy.  Because of the location and because Dave needed a place quick he said yes. Len said he wanted Dave's share in cash and Dave agreed, paid up and moved in.

The term began and as it went on Dave was pretty well consumed with his program and his duties as a TA.  Len came and went at irregular hours often arriving back pretty wasted. Dave's conversations with Len were few but when they did talk Len described himself as the son of a couple prominent in entertainment on the West Coast.  When Dave mentioned his writing program  Len  promised to forward anything Dave came up with to "people in development on the coast."  Dave, while intrigued, shrugged off  the offer as a kind of after hours barroom boasting.

Dave continued to pay his share  in cash on the first of the month until one day in the middle of November an irate older woman showed up at the door.  She demanded to talk to Len.  Dave said he had not been home for a while but he could give him a message.  The woman then stated she was the owner, had not seen Dave in months and had not received any rent since September.   Dave explained he had paid his share in cash and had no idea that Len was not paying the rent as agreed.

The owner was not satisfied and demanded all of the back due rent. Dave had very little cash and as a result he had to vacate.  He moved in with friends, slept on their couch until he end of the term. Spring semester, with a little help from his folks, Dave moved back to campus.

Real basic lesson which cannot be emphasized enough here on Planet College.  Always, always, ALWAYS,  get a receipt. Always get a receipt. 

With a receipt Dave may have had a chance to remain in the place at least until the end of the month. With nothing Dave had no chance.

Once again, as always, Planet College emphasizes the value of a paper record of any significant transaction in which you engage.  This especially applies to rent. No matter what the circumstances, always, especially if you are paying cash, always get a receipt.

Just Look Around

During the bustle and hassle of the first week of classes it is easy to be overwhelmed by the flood of details necessary to get the term started.

Am I in the right room?

Do I really need this class?

Can I add that section that just opened and drop the one which interferes with my work schedule?

Do I need a parking permit?

Do I really need my car?

Lots of stuff to think about.  Lots of decisions to be made.  In the midst of all this Planet College has a suggestion.  Well it is more like a direction. It is this. Pick a class you are attending. This is particularly effective if it is a popular class or a class which is a necessary pre-req for some major.  During the first few meetings of the class take an opportunity to look around. It is likely that every seat is full. There may be students lining the walls or sitting on the floor, usually hoping to add. Look around completely, take a full view of the entire class and students and store it as a mental picture.  File that picture away.

Then, sometime during the term, this is particularly effective around mid-term, look around the classroom. Take the same view.  How many students are still attending?  There is a good chance there will be no students leaning against the wall or sitting on the floor, unless they are too hung over to find a seat.  There will probably be some empty desks.  Take that mental picture as well.

At the end of the term, ideally during the final, take one last look around the room.  How many students are still attending?  Compare this total with your first mental picture and your memory from the mid-term.   The students who are still at the course for the final are the students who have the best chance of finishing college and obtaining a degree.

That is it.  That is really or essentially almost all there is to it.  The students who are no longer attending?  Well, where are they? Not in class and they won't be at graduation either.

You will because you have stuck with it.  The basic secret of success on Planet College. Just keep showing up.

The Flyer Said "Two Guys Want To Start A Band."

Planet College has regularly advocated the use of Flyers on campus. Here is a post from a while back about this subject . That post is still helpful because flyers are still useful.  On a large metropolitan campus a flyer appeared this week which said, "Two Guys Want To Start A Band".  It gave the details of the interest of the two players involved.  It also included the influenceswhich have directed their playing in the past. And it gave contact information for the two guys who want to start the band.  Planet College once again emphasizes the effectiveness of flyers. Most campuses are dotted with bulletin boards and posting places.  These are from the time when paper was the sole means of communication. That times have changed significantly is illustrated by how few flyers  are now
posted on such boards.  Everybody's  electronic and that is that.  And that can be to your advantage because your flyer, for a new roommate, to sell a book, or to repair iphones now has far less competition.  Want results? Get 'em out there.  Give it a try.

Write Your Own Program. Interdisciplinary Studies

Filling in a schedule for Fall can be challenge especially if you have not yet found a major.   Planet College offers often a variety of choices.  Students who enter as undeclared find that selecting a major can become difficult as the terms parade on.  For some particularly inventive students Interdisciplinary Studies may provide a solution to the 'undeclared' dilemma .

Interdisciplinary Studies combine subjects for two and sometimes even more programs.  With this as an option interdisciplinary studies students have the opportunity to essentially write their own program.

Provided your campus offers and Interdisciplinary program the process is involving but rewarding. Usually the co-operation of two separate programs are required. This involves surveying the courses from both departments and selecting the classes which will fulfill the requirements you have set for your program.

Before any of this first determine whether you campus offers such a program. If it does find out the details from the designated office. If this is not The Registration office then learn which office does handle this program. Once you do find the supervision office follow through, which usually means signatures, is crucial.

The extra work an Interdisciplinary Studies program requires can definitely pay off at graduation and beyond.  Constructing your own college program and graduating according to your own requirements is a significant achievement which you will value long after you have left school.

Skateboarding Scholarships For "Girls"

The upcoming term inevitably brings thoughts of school expenses for most students.  Everything about college has a price.  Experienced students have an advantage over new students in procuring payment methods and the means to fund the payments.  That advantage is based in experience. Simply, if you've been around for a while you know how to get things done and how to get things paid for.

But even experienced students on Planet College may not have found and used every resource available for paying fees, costs, tuition etc.  So here's a thought.

If you are new you have not yet experienced the frustration of searching for the "Millions For College" allegedly available.  Planet College veterans know that usually a few quick clicks show these sites either charge a fee for a list you can get from your school's financial aid office for free or lead to a site which was last updated in 2005.

Now, new or returning, sharpening your search terms can help.

 For example, female college athletic programs are commonly referred to as  "women's" programs just as male programs are called "men's".   Having worked diligently to progress in their lives, female college  fund seekers may not realize that occasionally scholarships are designated for 'girls'.

Girls have long been as active in athletic programs as boys.  Golf, skateboarding, archery, lacrosse, surfing to name a few have programs and competitions for 'girls' as well as boys.  And at times organizations sponsoring such programs offer scholarships for college students who they continue to refer to as 'boys' and 'girls'.

Most such organizations have minimal requirements for qualifications for their scholarships.  Usually a student, whether entering or continuing, needs no more than a 2.5 GPA.  Additionally, the organization requires an essay, probably not more than a thousand words, describing how the student has benefited from their participation in the activity.

Often, too, groups offering scholarships request a letter of recommendation.  If you don't have one yet previous instructors, high school teachers, choir directors, and even your old soccer coach might be a source.  Remember, these awards are not based on scholastic merit, they are based in your experience as a participant in the sponsoring program.

Assemble the required elements, prepare your application, check and re-check the deadlines and requirements and submit your application.  Follow up is often influential in these types of programs so until you hear definitely send an e-mail once in a while or, better yet, get a contact phone number and call " just to show you are still interested."

Hopefully in the not too distant future you will get a notice of award.  Usually,  these types of awards are between $750.00 and $1000.00.   Not exactly MegaMillions but still, money.

So.  Whether new or returning 'girls', 'boys', 'men' or 'women', remember, a little diligence may pay off this term and in the future.

Click The Vote

A few semesters back Planet College discussed the vote, specifically your vote, and college students.
You can read that discussion here . That post is about students registering and then voting. Not unexpectedly much has changed in the campus environment and political climate since that post.  Some students, recognizing that practically everything school related and otherwise can be accomplished on line, now wonder why they can't register to vote on-line.  Well, now, or soon, you may be able to register to vote the same way you've been doing everything else.  The ability of a student to register to vote on line has for the past while been receiving the support of several individuals and organizations.  These people and groups have substantial respect for the power of students to affect the future by change in the present. A search for registering to vote on line can
yield useful results.  Start looking soon. A national election is pending in a few months.  There are also numerous local election which feature candidates and issues that can benefit from your participation. Look into this when you get time.  It is your future.

On The Job Training.

You're working.  Maybe two employers. Maybe more.  Since you've been working you've had training probably of some sort at every place you've worked.  Training is essential to most positions, in particular, "entry level" as they are called. Sometimes this training is careful and extensive. Other training can be perfunctory: " Read this sheet. Sign it. You're trained." Following the training you started your shifts and then the real training, the On The Job training began.  Showing up on time, working with other employees, getting along with management and getting along with customers, these are the real experiences which add up to On The Job Training.  This set of behaviours which by now you have accumulated is the basis of your eventual career.  Education, what you are experience in school, is critical for your eventual success in your chosen career.  But, training, the kind you have been providing for your self since your first job, instills in you the set of daily skills necessary to sustain your self in what ever work you choose.  While your current employment probably does not pay all that well and is also not your last position don't discount the training you have provided for your self in this job.  By showing up regularly and functioning effectively you have built for yourself a solid foundation of behaviors which will move you to and through your career. Keep up the good work.

E-mail then FAX or How come they haven't called?

If you have sent out a hundred and fifty resumes since your graduation and have recieved nothing in return then you have some strategic behavior to employ.

Just recently with graduates flooding the market place employers have recieved an exceptional amount of applications.  Whether they asked for them or not they are now busy sorting through this flood and eventually will reply to most of the applicants.

Waiting is annoying and frustrating.  So here's a Planet College tip.  Since most job applications are now accomplished on line it is likely that you sent your resume and cover letter attached to the company through your e-mail account.  Your information contained your e-mail, phone number, address and other contact information and right now there you sit, or lie, waiting.  Frustrated.

Try this.

Go back through your applications list and find the most desirable employers to which you applied. There may be two or three or as many as ten. You probably saw if you responded to a job announcement they requested  that you mail, e-mail or FAX your letter and resume.  Here is your opportunity. Apply again only this time use FAX.  Mail is slow and e-mail is indistinct but a FAX must be recognized and handeled. If you have done any time in office work you know the procedure. Some one has to tear off and sort through the incoming FAXes and then distribute them to the intended reciepient, just like basic inter-office mail.

Thus, your FAX follow up must be handeled by someone at the business at which you are applying.  This is an opportunity to, once again, put your name in front of someone at the company where you wish to be hired.  Also consider that the FAX cover sheet is an opportunity to place a concise message of interest along with the resume.  So write in large letters on the FAX cover something to the point like, " LET'S TALK, I THINK I CAN HELP."

This kind of attention getting, a little beyond standard applicants, communicates to the company your continuing enthusiasm and interest.

So, no calls, no call back, send 'em a FAX. Give it a try. And good luck from Planet College.

Moving Out? Get Pictures

When you are finishing up your time in the close-to-campus-rental you have been occupying for the previous term there is one wise practice to employ with your final move.

That practice is get pictures, photographs of the interior of your rental.  The purpose of these photos is to establish the condition of the dwelling you are exiting. You may need these photos to prove the condition of your soon-to-be-former residence in order to obtain a full refund of your deposit.  Some rental companies, owners or managers are fairly perfunctory about the exiting process for their tenants, drop the key off and the deposit is mailed.  Others, in fact, many require a 'walk-through'.  That is, a representative of the owner comes to your unit and they walk through for a final inspection often with a list against which to check the condition of the property.

Which ever way it is done, it is always wise to have taken your own set of photos of the rental you are vacating.  You may choose to do this during the final 'walk through' or any time, near when you vacate, that  is convinent.  Digital cameras usually provide a date and time stamp on each photo. These photos can be invaluable if there is some 'contention' about the actual condition of the property upon the tenants vacating.  The kind of 'contention' which can be particularly aggravating is the kind that affects the amount of the actual deposit refunded to the former tenants.

Should your former landlord choose to with hold some or even all of your deposit money due to alleged 'damages' your photographs can materially help your claim to a full refund.

So, Planet College tip: Before you move, get pictures.

Moving In? Get It In Writing

If you are moving off campus or intend to live off campus next term here is a Planet College basic advisory.

Daily living in a rental is much different than daily living in a dorm room, residence hall or Greek house.  This difference may not be evident within the general spirit of camaraderie that pervades an initial move off campus. Much friction can be avoided through the simple act of sorting out and writing down who is supposed to do what.

Figure out among you and your room mates who is responsible for what and write that down. That is it.  Write down a simple list of the basics, share of rent and utilities, chores and other maintenance responsibilities and who or which roommate is responsible for what and when that responsibility occurs. 

If you are moving in with just one room mate this can be fairly simple.  If you are assembling a group or small crowd then defining responsibilities becomes very necessary.

The reason for this is simple. The 'carefree' aspects of college life create an atmosphere of tolerance and good natured acceptance for a wide variety of people and their behaviors, which is fine as far as it goes.  Carrying it over into a daily living situation can result in misunderstandings and lead to damaging disagreements. 

Human memory is faulty.  The purpose of writing down the 'house list' and posting it where everyone can see it is to solidify the basic ground rules of your housing situation.  A falling out among friends over who's turn it was to pay the cable bill is a high price to pay and entirely avoidable.

It may seem anal but get it in writing.  And enjoy your new place!

Internships Update

Planet College has had an Internship Overview posted here for some time.

Planet College has since that post observed that the term "Internship" has become more common and more loosely applied.  Lately it has come to mean unpaid labor.  Work for free. No money. Nada.

This practice, offering 'internships' which are simply a means for a business to get free labor is wrong.  College Students eager for experience in their chosen field and now hungry for any position which could lead to paying work might respond to such an 'internship' offer. Therefore Planet College reminds all students seeking 'internships' that it is wrong, and possibly illegal, to solicit and hire workers and not pay them, no matter what the term for this non-paying work is.

Legitimate 'internships' have very specific guidelines.  Most colleges that sponsor, along with some local businesses or industries, internships for students have theses guidelines available for students to examine.

Where it can get tricky is, many companies, particularly small firms, expect that the intern will happily accomplish additional duties, tasks or chores along with the work of the internship. Refilling the copier, making a coffee run, cleaning up the break room, stuff like that. For the most part such chores are legitimate.  It is an opportunity for the intern to demonstrate their willingness to fit in, help out and get along and gain some exposure in their chosen industry.

The tricky part now has become that many companies offer nothing much more than grunt work, little actual industry experience, and, because it is an " internship", just don't pay.

As a means to combine work experience with college  credit internships are thoroughly worthwhile.  The key is, for most students, that the internship provides them with credit just like a regular course.  This course credit has to have been arranged between the business and the college and  usually the department as well. Art departments have a list of internships and sponsoring businesses, Business Departments same deal and so on. Thus it is likely that  your major department  retains a list of local businesses which offer internships. If you are looking for an internship check with them soon.

If you have not yet accepted an internship but are considering responding to the many Internship Available offers, first be wise. Find out if the company has an actual legitimate Internship agreement with your college and very importantly your department.  If you can verify this arrangement then, go ahead and apply.  If not, carefully consider what this might mean for you. Your  work, no pay and no college credit. What is that worth to you?  Really?

If you have accepted such an offer and are now working, take some time to, as we are emphasizing, find out if your internship is recognized and credited by your school.  If yes, well, then, clearly, continue.

If not you have some serious thinking to do.  As Planet College emphasizes you are an educated person and your work is worth something. Providing free labor which benefits a business and returns nothing to you is inadvisable.  If you find yourself in this situation carefully consider accomplishing a courteous exit from the situation as soon as possible.

You deserve to be paid for your work.

Really, You Do Have Mail.

 Because electronic communication has been the standard on Planet College for the entire experience of most students, few consider that they may, at times, get and more importantly need mail, the paper kind from the Post Office.  Yet, they and you still do get mail and it is helpful to pay attention to the mail as Elaine learned last year.

A year ago, Elaine and her three roommates went out to celebrate, two of them would be graduating and partying was called for.  When they returned to their rented apartment they cranked up the stereo and the celebration continued.  Around 2:30 a.m. there was a sharp rapping on the front door.  Elaine answered and found herself talking to two large local policemen.  Some one had called about the noise and the officers were taking a report. They asked Elaine's name and a few other questions then told Elaine to keep the noise down and left.

The school year ended and Elaine and her three roommates moved on with their separate lives.

Last August after Elaine had returned to campus for her last semester she drove downtown to pick up some cleaning.  Figuring she'd only be a second she parked and ran into the cleaners without putting any money in the meter.  When she came out of the store there was a patrol car parked behind her car and a police officer was writing a ticket.  Elaine was, of course, dismayed and told the officer, " I was only here for a second."  The officer asked to see her driver's license, took it from Elaine, and went to the patrol car.  She, the officer, returned in a few minutes and said, ' You know, you have a warrant."
Elaine was stunned. The officer finished writing the parking meter ticket, handed it to Elaine and said, "You better get that taken care of."

At the first opportunity Elaine went to the court house, produced her ID and asked about any tickets she might have that she did not know about.  The clerk returned with a print out and said, " Excessive Noise and you never showed up, so, there's a warrant."

After discussing the situation with the clerk Elaine learned that the officers who responded to her former apartment had filed an excessive noise citation and the court mailed it to that address.  Since Elaine never got any mail there anyway she had not bothered to place a forwarding address with the local post office, didn't even think of it.  Now,  Elaine had a pretty hefty fine to pay,  totally due to her ignorance.

The essential facts are not everyone and especially not every institution uses e-mail or text.  Some institutions particularly courts and other state and local entities still use the United States Post Office to mail forms, notices and other official and potentially important documents.  If you are still getting all that stuff at your mom's but are no longer living there it is really smart to check your mail box and also determine what mail box, physical mail box, may be receiving your mail.

Put that on your to do list before leaving campus.

Off to work, diploma in hand

This is graduation season and a lot, a whole lot, of brand new graduates will be marching off to work, degrees posted, commencement completed and diplomas in hand.  About that brand new position with the high salary and all the cool perks that come with a degree?  Well for most graduates, not right now. In fact, if you are a graduate this term you probably are marching off to the same job or jobs you've had for a while. At least until one of the scores of resumes you have sent out pays off with an offer.  Mean while the experience of one graduate from a couple of years back might help illuminate your path.

Karl graduated a couple of years ago with a Degree in Marketing.  This is his story.

After I graduated I continued working at the same places I had been working.  I had to. I sent out resumes like every body else, even got a few interviews, but nothing solid.  I learned that an educational travel company I had worked for briefly had openings in their main office which is in my home town.  I had led  a tour group for them a couple of years before. My folks are from Eastern Europe and I'm pretty good with languages so it was a fit and I got to tour Europe for free for three weeks.

I knew it was 'customer service' but it was full time and I figured it might be a chance to use my Marketing Degree.  I moved back home and started work.  All the new hires started in what is actually a boiler room. Wall to wall desks. The company is large and they advertised their tours heavily in student newspapers and on the web.  We were supposed to take the incoming calls and sell up.  The callers were responding to the low prices advertised for the tours but these were just bait.  Our job was to sign them up for more features and longer tours.  There was a lot of pressure to perform with big signs at the front of the room about who was making the team go and who wasn't. There was a bar located on the ground floor of the office building where everybody went after work and on Friday's there was a 'sales meeting' in that bar at three pm.  This was mostly about getting wasted and hooking up for the weekend. At first it was fun, a lot like college really. But after a few months it was clear nobody from customer service was moving up. Whenever there was an opening the company brought in someone from another office who was already a manger.  The us vs. them culture of workers vs. management was particularly toxic and finally discouraging.  I tried pointing this out at the regular 'sales meetings' but no body from management wanted to hear it. Worse the pay was really bad. The company commonly charged the salary which was low anyway against any commissions I might have earned and I ended up earning less than if I had just been an hourly employee bagging groceries at some supermarket or something.  After nearly six months I could see I was going no where. I was still at my folks who were OK about it but I really couldn't stand it.  I thought I would have been out of there sooner.  Finally through another part of the company I learned about teaching positions in other countries.  I thought, "Why not? At least I'll be out of here." So I got all set up and now I'm in Shanghai.

It's kinda cool being in a completely different culture right now. I know a lot of other graduates have done this.  I've been here a while and I'm picking up some Chinese.  I'm not gonna start right now about the actual teaching position.  Same company, so, what would you expect?  Bu,t at least I'm out of my folks' house.  That's what happened after I finally graduated.

Before you go or B4UGO

 Last school year Konner planned a trip for Summer to Europe. Being a typical that is basically poverty stricken student Konner researched several student travel companies looking for the cheapest rates. She, along with two friends, found a company which seemed to fit their plans. All in one pricing, principal capital cities and sites in the countries visited and a connection from her home city to the departure airport in New York City. Most of all it was affordable, three weeks touring Europe, and off Konner and her friends went.

This is her report.

1. Have your trip completely planned.  This is only for those who do not go with tour groups.  The reason; When in Europe phones are sometimes VERY difficult to use and also very difficult when you do not speak the native tongue. Improvising a change in plans using local phones can be nearly impossible. So, have your trip completely planned.

2. Bring a debit/credit card!  NOT cash and NOT Travelers checks!  There are ATM's EVERYWHERE.  The only place my group had a little difficulty finding an ATM was in Rome, but it was near by and we found it with some help from the locals. With credit cards be careful.  I was charged $5 per cash advance which for me amounted to $40 in extra spending. Also tell your bank that you will be traveling and tell them where. This will allow your card to function during your travels. (Call your bank's customer service for details.)

3. Get a pouch that goes around your neck and under your shirt.  Pick pockets are everywhere and this lets you keep your valuables   (i.e. Passport, Credit/Debit card) safe. I found it VERY helpful. 

4. Your smart phone or what ever you use may not work on foreign networks.  So, if you want to call home a good phone card is invaluable. I used an MCI phone card which worked everywhere except for the Italian payphones, which don't work unless you buy a card for them in Italy, but if you find an older payphone MCI worked great.  I have also heard that you can rent cellphones for European uses, but I do not know the cost or what it entails.  But always remember you aren't going to have time or want to call home all that much.

THE CONCLUSION
In spite of all the bad things about the student travel company I went with, I got to go to a different continent and because they gave you time on your own to go look through the city and experience the culture I saw a lot. I would NEVER go with this travel company.  But, if I had the choice to go with them or not at all, I would definitely go with them again.  The rewards of going to Europe, even if the conditions are poor, outweigh everything.  So go, but if you can, be careful which student travel company you go with. I am still waiting for refunds on the things our group missed. 

The Planet College sum up.  Saving money is typically a priority for nearly all students. It is possible to have fun, learn something and save money but that takes a kind of dilligence most students don't expect to expend.  Thus, the only way to learn is through experience. But as Konner said, if you get the opportunity to travel, Go.  Just prepare to expect the unexpected. Have a fun Summer. 

So, Like, Dude, Can't We Take Care Of This Over The Phone?

Nick is a junior Poly Sci major with an interest in making as much money as possible as soon as possible. Recently, on a referral from the campus career center, Nick got a temporary part-time position doing what ever for a small electronics start up near campus.  The company sells re-built cell phones, batteries and related products over the internet through two company sites and one e-bay store. One of Nick's tasks was to place a Help Wanted Ad for a webmaster for the company's growing on-line business. Nick was also required to interview the applicants briefly over the phone and scheduled those who preliminarily qualified for an in-person interview with the Operations Manager.

Nick did as directed and when the telephone responses started coming in he began placing some of the callers into the interviewing schedule slots.  Not all callers qualified but one who did surprised Nick with his response when asked when he would be available to come in for an interview.  The caller's response was,  " So, like,  dude, can't we take care of this over the phone?"  Nick explained that the next step to be considered for the position was an in person interview and the caller declined.  Nick completed that task and his other tasks for his brief time at that company and has since moved on to any and every other means he can find to make some cash when not studying.  Nick left with one significant lesson, 90% of any job is showing up.  He like all earnest and ambitious students had heard that same phrase which is attributed to several different prominent and successful people but he had never actually seen it demonstrated.  The requirement for the interview ( and we're not even talking about the actual job yet)  For The Interview was to 'show up.'  Even now with skype and ichat and the numerous tools for nearly in person interviews, employers really like to get an actual personal experience of whom they might be hiring.  It just figures.  Ever 'met' somebody over the phone or in a chat room. Then met them in person. Quite different, right? Well. Employers, same thing.  They want to see whom it is they could be paying to work.  That is it. Always the same basic rule, school, class, work, first rule; Show Up.

Land Lords, Leases and Party Larry

Eric and three other students had looked forward to moving off campus since freshman year. Last August, before the fall term, all four of them found a house near school. The rent was high, typical of homes near campus, but with all four of them working now they figured they could do it. The term started and along with work and class there were occasional partys.

Why not? No RAs, no campus security, and plenty of friends always willing to celebrate. One in particular, known around campus as Party Larry, was always in attendance. Party Larry, while not often seen in any classroom, was always seen at every near by party.   Life, class, work and parties went on until the middle of February.

That week end Eric went home and his housemates too had other plans. Up showed Party Larry and his party-hearty crew who, finding no one to admit them, simply kicked in the front door and partied on, leaving the expected residue of a major rager.

When  the paying residents returned they found they had a security challenge, no front door. In the state where these students reside the property owner is responsible for repairs to a residence. Eric thus called the landlady and explained what happened.

Not surprisingly, she was totally unsympathetic and said they were responsible for the repairs.
Being resourceful students they repaired the door and then Eric called his dad for advice. Eric's dad called an attorney friend and learned that yes, the landlady was responsible for repairs to the property. It is legal in that state to with hold rent for the cost of any repairs in this case replacing the door.

But.

There were other consideration.

Eric and his crew had signed a years lease. Each was working and some had plans for summer school. They had expected to reside in their place at least through August.  Friction with the property owner does not lead to enjoyable living. So. What to do?  Move out?  Break the lease. Well.  There is the matter of the security deposit and possibly a negative entry on the lease holders credit report.  And. Move to where? Moving like everything else costs money.

Plenty of real world stuff to think about.

The residents decided first, no more partying except among a few, very few, close friends. Also, never leave the house completely unattended. From now on some roomate had to be home.  Finally, they will withhold the cost of repairs from the last rent payment. The landlady will then, no doubt, freak out  but it being by then summer they will be able to make the necessary adjustments. No sense getting into a dispute with the property owner with finals coming.

All pretty wise and useful real world decisions. There are learning opportunities everywhere, every day on Planet College.

Is the tassle worth the hassle?

A graduation display at a local campus bookstore features a banner reading The Tassel Is Worth The Hassle. Which provokes a question in many students minds, students not quite ready for graduation in particular. Is the The Tassel worth The Hassle?

Seriously.

The only reply available now is "Who knows?"

You wont know until when? Your own graduation day? Your first hiring because you are eligible now that you have a degree? That long distant day when you have finally paid off your student loans?

Like completing the requirements for your degree the realization of the value of your hard work is incremental. It may take some time before you can finally say, Yes, it was definitely worth it.

Until then you have a choice to make that distant day come sooner. Just keep showing up, turning in assignments and generally plugging away. You're time is coming.

Another Kind of Travel Warning

Eric was a first year law student in need of some serious down time. When break came he and a couple of buds drove to another state.   The buds in this case were two joints.  In the state where Eric attends law school marijuana is not an offense, neither consumption nor possession.  In the state Eric traveled to marijuana is an offense.  Along the road in his destination state Eric was stopped by a State Trooper.  A quick search revealed Eric's joints.  During the conversation Eric appraised the State Trooper of his own personal rights and reminded the Trooper who his real employer was.  That is, Eric got lippy with the cop.  Bad idea.  As mentioned here elsewhere, The Law and It's Enforcers take themselves very seriously.  Eric was jailed and charged with felony possession, entirely possible under that state's laws. Eric's choices were few i. e. Plead guilty to a felony and pay a large fine  or plead not guilty and return for a trial after paying very large bail. Eric chose the first.  Now Eric is a law student with a felony record. Very difficult dilemma.

Couple of points, real obvious.  First, no matter where you travel, another state or another country, know the laws and don't violate them.  Second, simply, don't mouth off to cops, TSA agents, highway patrol officers, state troopers, border guards, gendarmes, security officials or any type of law enforcement personnel.  It won't help.  They have all the power.  When dealing with such officials a Planet College reminder;  Silence is Golden so whenever you are in a law enforcement type situation give 'em your name, show your ID, explain your presence and Shut UP!

Travel warnings.

Spring and then, of course, summer are looming on Planet College. With these new seasons travel, getaways, road trips, breaks and thus travel plans are arising. With the international political landscape changing, (ask a Poly Sci major) a little planning now might save a lot of trouble soon. The United States State Department posts on their site here advice for US travelers. A warning is posted for countries where no US consular or embassy is available to aid US citizens. This type of warning applies largely to countries where long term internal trouble is anticipated. Currently Syria is one such country. This site also posts advisories concerning countries where current conditions might be hazardous for a traveling US citizen. Currently Mexico, due to a long standing 'drug war' is such a place. If you are planning any type of foreign travel soon or in the near future it is wise to check this site. You don't want to spend a lot of money to end up some place it is totally uncool to be.

Pay attention, this is important.

Pay attention, this is important.

While you are somnolently (that means sleepily) cruising through another day on Planet College, you may, while sitting in one class or another hear your instructor say, "OK. Pay Attention. This is important." While the temptation is to let this become a part of the endless ebb of sights and sounds of another school day you could be well advised to actually do what she says. That is, Pay attention.

Here's why.

While it is generally a given that students need to pay attention in class, that is why they are there, it is also a given that they don't. Don't usually pay attention. With this in mind many instructors have learned to highlight important material, material they regard as important, with the introduction at the top of this post.

Your instructor in this course has spent many, many hours of her life preparing to teach this course. Really. So when she determines something is important she is going tell the class, "This is important." What this means is that this lesson, presentation, set of facts, formula, author or whatever she is referring to is going to be on the test. Yes. That is why she is calling the classes' attention to it. Instructors are like that. They like to point out stuff they think is important.

There. That was important.

Volunteer? Overseas?? Me???

Along with travel, volunteering is a traditional part of most student's experience on Planet College. Combining these two traditions has also for a while been integral to college students experience. The most widely known American institution which provides both of these aspects is the Peace Corps. This government program is not limited to students but does require a degree among other things to qualify. The United Nations also has a volunteer component but these too are only available to experienced professionals. What about students, professionals in training? For one example Geekcorp places volunteers internationally in positions requiring technological expertise.
When seeking overseas volunteer positions bear in mind you will be required to pay at least part of the expenses involved. Also volunteer positions usually require a time commitment, at least three months often more. Finally if you are seriously considering volunteering overseas you will no doubt need a valid, up to date passport and possibly such immunization as your destination country may require.

Other places, Other lives

Planet College has been dedicated to the expanding world of the student experience since its founding. Worldwide there are many, many students, probably like a gazillion, doing many, many, many different things. Studying many, many, many, many different subjects and developing each their own point of view.

One typical, but still distinctive and unique is here. An international student, a native of Malaysia, studying in London, traveling to Spain and studying among other things French. Typical or, well, typically untypical. The site, when we looked, detailed the delight students expressed when they found something for free and some in depth critical exploration of nail polish among many other reflections of this student's experience. The writer is not particularly impressed with herself and has a slight sense of detachment about her experiences. This is a point of view which is developed through experience on Planet College.

This site was found probably like you have found a lot of things on Planet College, just by browsing. You have probably learned a lot, a lot more than you have realized, just by being on Planet College and doing what you do. It might seem surprising but your daily thoughts, adventures, mis-adventures and experiences could be as interesting to a student, a student at a distance, as this student's experiences.

Traveling In Hostel Territory

"Travel broadens the mind" and education and travel have been intertwined since probably day one. Part of the student traveling tradition is hosteling. Hostels are economical lodgings usually located in major cities around the world and always near universities. The quarters are simple, clean and often dorm style so the whole set up is familiar to any one who has been on Planet College for a while. Right now, Winter, those hostels near skiing sites are probably pretty full. Those near summer associated recreation aren't. But if you are planning on traveling soon, either spring or summer, hosteling, if you haven't heard, can be a cool way to save money and enjoy the trip by meeting new people who, like yourself, are students.

In order to get reservations at some but not all hostels membership in an organization is usually required. These organizations and their membership requirements are all currently available on line. Searching 'hostel' will bring up quite a few.

Planet College brings this to your attention because now more than ever hanging on to your money is essential. Hostel traveling can help. So if you plan on travel soon look in to hosteling. And Bon Voyage from Planet College.