Manage Your Online Reputation

Do you have a Facebook page that you would be proud to have your mother look at?

How would you feel about a prospective employer or college recruiter seeing it?

Like it or not, ethical or not, everything that you put out on the internet is considered "public domain".  It is there for anyone to find, and if you don't manage the content, you have no control over how people may use it in selecting you for the job or school your want or not.

Employers and university recruiters, especially in the United States, ARE looking!

WHAT ARE SOME WAYS TO MANAGE YOUR ONLINE REPUTATION?

1.  Create a LinkedIn profile- it doesn't have to be complete at this point, but it is a good place to be found in a search.  LinkedIn is a professional networking site, not one where you will have any compromising pictures or comments.

2.  Create an alias for social networks such as Facebook where people may be tagging you in pictures, or where you want to have some "freedom" to put information that you don't necessarily want a potential employer to find.

3.  Untag any pictures or posts that you would consider controversial or that don't show you at your best.  That includes those photos you took with your friends with your tongue sticking out, giving someone the "bird" or partying.   If you don't have the authority to untag, contact the person who does and appeal to them to do it for you.

4.  Start a blog on information that you want to be known for - are you an aspiring photographer?  Post pictures, make sure that your name shows up with them. 

5.  Answer questions on such sites as Yahoo Groups where you can be found for what you know and how you deal with people.

You may also want to click to read this article that has some other good information on how you can track your reputation, and how you can mitigate the damage done by others who either have the same name, or who refuse to remove information that you would rather not be seen.

Karen Girard, CCDP, CEIP
Career and Employment Interview Coach
www.careerplanningforstudents.com
www.karengirard.ca

1 Tip Guaranteed to Improve Work Habits

How can you maintain flow in writing a paper, or do your best work, when you are always answering the next text, or instant message on Facebook Chat?

Check out the 60/40/20 rule!!

Electronic items have become natural extensions of Gen Ys and Zs  (and many older gens too) .   I am not saying they have to disappear completely, but I would like to share a coaching tip that was shared with me, that  I use myself, and with clients… it seems to be a perfect fit for improving study habits too!

You will need a timer and a list of things you have to do, and we will break the schedule into 2 hour work blocks:

Take your list and break it down into:

1.  Things that do not depend on anyone or anything else (preferably something that can be done without the internet, so have your research in advance).

2.  Things that require input from others (email, phone conversations, forums, research, etc.)

Turn off your phone, your internet, anything that can create an electronic interruption. 

The next hour will be committed to your items from list number 1 – ONLY those things that need only you and your undivided attention.  Set your timer for 50 minutes, and get started.  If you come across something that will require the internet, or connection with someone else, write it down to add to list 2 but don`t do it right now.  Stick to the plan. 

When the timer goes off, reset it for 10 minutes – that is your 10 minute warning – when it goes off next, stop what you are doing!  Stretch, go to the washroom, and get ready for the next stage.

Set your timer for 40 minutes – Now you may do the things that you MUST get done that need the internet or the phone.  Read and answer important emails, look things up on the internet that you found you needed for your items from list 1.  Don`t check Facebook, Twitter, joke emails, and make sure your Skype is turned to unavailable and chat boxes are shut down.

When your timer goes off, it is break time!  Set your timer, turn on your cell, answer your texts, check your facebook, and don`t forget to get a bite to eat, and maybe some fresh air.   Your reward is 20 minutes to connect and being able to scratch things off your to-do list.  Doesn't it feel good?

Give it a try, even for just one rotation, and see if you don`t get more done in under 2 hours than you usually do in over 4 hours.


Most of us have trouble regulating “socializing” while studying or working.  We are used to being on-call - constantly checking email  and text messages, with the cell phone permanently attached to our ear or hip.  We want to know what all our “friends” are up to on Facebook, and whenever that IM Chat box pops up with “hey” we feel the need to reply even though the chats are about nothing.

We’ve grown accustomed to instant gratification-  immediate replies.  In fact, we are so “plugged in” that when we should be concentrating on things needing undivided attention to do our best work,  we are usually receiving constant external input and interruptions.  People - some of that input can wait!
 
It is amazing how much you can accomplish with a plan, a little discipline – unplug!

Karen Girard, CCDP, CEIP
www.careerplanningforstudents.com
www.karengirard.ca

Girls in Science Conference - Edmonton

I have had a couple of people interested in any science, engineering and technology events for girls in Edmonton.  What a perfect time to ask!

On November 27, the University of Alberta is hosting the SET (Science, Engineering and Technology Conference) - the full-day (with lunch included) is open to all Grade 10 - 12 high school girls in Alberta who are interested in learning more about careers in science, engineering and technology.

REGISTRATION DEADLINE IS NOVEMBER 15 and last year's conference sold out.

Register early to avoid disappointment!

Karen Girard, CCDP, CEIP
www.careerplanningforstudents.com
www.karengirard.ca

Experience A Day in the Life of a Medical Student

University of Calgary, Thursday, November 25  8:30 - 4:30

Ever wonder what A Day in the Life of a Medical Student looks like?  Now's your chance to find out.  University of Calgary is inviting high school and undergraduate students to see what being a medical student is like, and to ask questions about the program and admissions process.

The day runs from 8:30 am - 4:30 pm on November 25.  In the morning, the students will attend small group sessions led by current medical students, and in the afternoon they will attend one of the lectures.  The day will end with a Q&A session where students will have the chance to ask questions about the application process.

The cost of the day is $10 and lunch will be provided.  Students wishing to register, or requiring further information can email ditlmed@ucalgary.ca

Want to get this type information by email?  Request to be added to the email newsletter at info@careerplanningforstudents.com

Karen Girard, CCDP, CEIP, Career Coach
www.karengirard.ca
www.careerplanningforstudents.com

SPEAK OUT ALBERTA STUDENTS CONFERENCE

SPEAK OUT ALBERTA CONFERENCE - Apr 15 - 17

Alberta students, do you want to have a say in your education system? Are you looking for leadership activities or hours to build up your resume and scholarship applications?

You may want to consider attending the Speak Out Conference April 15 - 17, 2011 in Edmonton

Join 200 students from across the province to share your perspectives in person with decision makers committed to hearing your voice.

This event is F*R*E*E for students ages 14 - 19.  Transportation,  meals and accommodation will be provided for each student and their chaperone (every student must be chaperoned regardless of age).  Ground transportation will be provided from major hubs around the province to Edmonton.

Click here   for information and the online application

The application deadline is Feb 28, 2011

If you have questions,  call 780-427-9026 or email
speakout@gov.ab.ca

Study Abroad Opportunities

Many students go to university with the hopes of doing one or two semesters abroad.

Please Note: This blog provides information only, not recommendations. I have no personal experience with any of these, and make no recommendation regarding any aspect of any of the programs. 

For any study abroad, please check with your institution to make sure that credits would be transferable to your program.  A letter of permission is typically required for that, so you need to do your research in advance. 


SOME UK STUDY ABROAD OPPORTUNITIES
Ever thought about going to the UK?  Here are some options from EuroLearn, who now offer exchange degree programs for North American students at five top-ranked universities:

Kingston University

University of Strathclyde

University of Stirling

Swansea University

Queen Mary, University of London

The EuroLearn degree abroad application center, hosted at
www.DegreesOverseas.com,  is the central point of contact for all U.S. and Canadian students interested in degree programs in the U.K. and provides comprehensive information on all partner universities, courses, fees, housing and more.


Study/Internship Combination Available in Beijing

The Minzu University semester/year abroad program is an excellent one for those interested in immersing themselves in Mandarin language, Chinese Studies, and Ethnic Studies.

The program offers the opportunity to participate in a part-time internship. The internships are academically supervised and credit-awarded internships and are available in a variety of fields such as business, media, Non-Government Organizations, Law, and Information Technology.

Students complete 180 hours of work over the course of the semester.
Even better, AsiaLearn says they will be awarding $1,500 to ALL students who participate in the Fall 2011 pioneering semester at Minzu University in Beijing  http://www.asialearn.org/universities/minzu_university


Many thanks to University of Victoria's International and Exchange Student Services for sharing this information.  Sign up on their website to get all different study abroad program information by email.


For further details one the ones above, please see the following websites:
www.eurolearn.org

www.asialearn.org

Visit my Career Planning website

Karen Girard, CCDP, CEIP
Career Coach
www.careerplanningforstudents.com

TYPICAL UNIVERSITY APPLICATION PROCESS

CHOOSE  1 or 2 institutions or programs

Do you have a Plan B?

CHECK Institution Admissions Website for application criteria

- Courses/Grades needed?

- Additional criteria?

APPLY for Admission

  Have Student Number and Credit Card available

    RECORD login information and ID info provided

SELF REPORT courses and grades on the Application Form

APPLY for Residence and Scholarships

CHECK EMAIL ADDRESSES AND ONLINE APPLICATION

for institution acknowledgments and requests for additional

or missing information

If institution provides email address, CHECK IT REGULARLY

LOGIN TO ONLINE APPLICATION REGULARLY

to check application status

ACCEPTED?

Acceptance is CONDITIONAL

on meeting requirements on final transcript

 YES                                                                                                                                                    NO

Pay Registration Deposit by Deadline to hold your spot OR Reject position so that they can offer your spot to another student

SEE GUIDANCE OR CAREER CENTER (Get some help from someone who knows options)  Apply for Plan B? Upgrade to meet requirements? Apply for different program or open studies?

CHECK DATES AND MEET additional admission criteria (ie portfolio, essay, audition, supplementary application)

 

MEET ACADEMIC CRITERIA  (final grades matter!)

APPLY ONLINE to have official transcripts sent directly to institutions (if necessary)

CONTACT INSTITUTION ADVISOR AND REGISTER FOR COURSES

Attend Institution Registration Sessions if offered 

PAY FEES BY DEADLINE

Keep Checking online and email addresses for further info