Internqueen.com

This blog is written by Silvia M. our Campus Ambassador at Ithaca College. She is studying Integrated Marketing Communications and will graduate May 2013. She hopes to ultimately work for a Public Relations firm specifically involved with entertainment or fashion. Currently interning at the Downtown Ithaca Alliance a non-profit focused on promoting events to the Ithaca area.

Going away for the spring!? Well, I am! Studying abroad is an incredible opportunity college’s offer, and an experience of a lifetime from what I’ve heard (and trust me I’ve heard a lot). When going away there are so many things you have to take care of before you can grab your passport and board the plane. My most recent responsibility is finding a replacement campus ambassador. As I need someone to spread the Intern Queen love in Ithaca while I’m in Rome doing so.  I’ve created a 3 step program to decide who will hold down the fort, while I’m discovering Roma!

1. Meeting all the candidates.
2. Asking them to write a blog, and seeing if it’s InternQueen potential.
3. Figuring out logistics, what year are they? Will they be here in the fall?, etc.

I think when meeting the candidates it’s important to see what they know about internqueen.com, how they’ve benefited from the site, and what will make them a great member of the internqueen team. I look forward to this process and I’m so excited to so many people took interest.

This a blog by Danielle G., our Campus Ambassador from the University of Connecticut. Danielle is a Communications major with a concentration in Sociology. She will graduate in May.

As the months become colder we start switching out our flip flops for our Uggs and our light fleece jackets for our puffy winter ones. We find ourselves worrying about wind burn instead of sun burn and cannot leave the house with out a hat instead of sunglasses. Yes Mr. Winter is here and with that every intern needs to begin to think of the new essentials they will need while interning this winter.

1. Hand Crème/Sanitizer

An intern should always carry portable hand sanitizer because of all the places and people we come into contact with on a daily basis. Riding the subway, grabbing lunch, touching door handles and computers, and just shaking hands is a great way to catch the nasty winter viruses, which could hinder your holidays and your interning work ethic. Since it is winter though try switching to a hand sanitizer that doubles as a lotion too. With less humidity in the air your skin becomes very dry lacking its usual moisture. No one wants to shake a crocodile hand so lotion them up and your hand will thank you.

1. Portable Tissues

Even if you aren’t sick, going from the freezing temperatures outside to the warm buildings can cause your noise to run. You do not want to be the sniffling intern in a meeting or greet someone with a drippy nose. By carrying the little packs of tissues you will be able to compose yourself and your noise before even hitting the elevator. Bonus: These are also great if you find the wind makes your eyes tear. You wont have to worry about if your mascara is running because you could fix it with a tissue.

1. Touch Screen Gloves

Finally our prayers have been answered. They now make affordable gloves with a different material on the fingertips that touch screens media devices are compatible with. This means that you no longer have to take off your gloves to answer your touch screen phones or change a song on your touch screen MP3 players. What’s even better is I found these gloves at Walmart in all different colors for just $3! These gloves are the greatest invention yet. They are definitely something every intern needs and can afford.

Winter can be a fun and exciting time. Even though the weather changes and it gets darker quicker, we seem to spend more time with our family and friends, curl up with the latest seasonal drinks (Gingerbread Latte anyone?) and take in all the holiday cheer. It is also a great time to try a Wintership! If you do, hopefully my 3 tips above will help you brave the weather. Happy Interning!

This blog is written by Coly, our campus ambassador from Pace University.

I’ve been interning in the beautiful city of Manhattan since June, and in that time I have seen some unforgettable things.  I’ve made friends with strangers, been almost hit by a cab, and been caught in the rain.  But through these experiences I’ve learned some invaluable tips on how to survive when commuting in the city.

1. Wear comfy shoes on your walk: Ladies- we know that you spent a slightly shameful amount on those black pumps you’ve been dying to wear to work but be warned; the city is not shoe-friendly.  While you may look like a intern-superstar in your high heels, it is never a good idea to wear them on your commute to work, whether it’s for 2 blocks or 20. There’s a few reasons for this, one being that your arches, toes and heels will really start to resent you.  It’s not going to improve your morning mood or your productivity at work if you’re limping around because you have blisters.  Also, the city sidewalks are a dangerous place, full of holes, garbage, and the nasty stuff that pets tend to leave behind.  Looking cute on your walk to work is not worth breaking a heel or soiling a pair of shoes.
2. Always be prepared for the weather:   Although it may look sunny in the morning when you’re leaving for work, a lot can change while you’re in the office or even when you get out of the subway.  Small fold-able umbrellas are not only cheap but they’re extremely convenient.  Also, do yourself a favor and check out www.weather.com before you leave your place, or you can easily download the weather.com app onto your smart phone.
3. Always check your subway seat before AND after you sit: It may look like someone accidentally left their newspaper on the seat, but don’t be fooled.  More often than not, under that newspaper is a big wet mess.  I know the subways are crowded and you’re often rushed into a seat, but always check the seat for water, trash or other stain-guaranteed substances.  Secondly, how much would you hate yourself for leaving your phone or i-Pod behind?  Always, always, always take one last look before you get off the train or bus and make sure nothing fell out of your pockets or bag.
4. Bring chargers: We all know the sad truth about technology; a dead phone= end of the world.  Yes, it’s a little sad that many people in our generation cannot survive without phone, i-Pod, or i-Pad, but its reality.  Being stranded in the city with no phone and no i-Pod can lead to some bad things happening.  For one, if you’re someone who is depending on your Google Maps App to get you to where you need to go, a dead phone could mean being lost for an hour.  Or if you’re running late, need to send an email or make a call, a dead battery is going to be a huge inconvenience.  To prevent a tragedy like this from happening, always make sure your phone or i-Pod is charged before leaving the house, and what the heck, bring an extra charger with you just in case.
5. Street Meat is OK:  When I first moved into the city, I was very skeptical about the mystifying idea of street meat (that being those street vendors with smoke billowing out of the top, and various meats being served on a kebob).  But I learned something very important: street meat is indescribably delicious.  If you’re in a bind for lunch and need something quick and cheap, street meat is by far your best option.
6. Arm yourself with Apps:  New York City is a technology driven world, and if you want to keep up you’re going to have to jump on the bandwagon.  Useful apps like New York City Subway 24-Hour Kick Map and Exit Strategy can help you navigate the sometimes tricky subway system.  The app CabSense will direct you to best, nearest corner to hail a cab from, SitorSquat will direct you to the nearest bathroom, and the Central Park app will help you get in, out and around Central Park.  You might want to think about asking Santa for an i-Phone this year for Christmas!
7. Be skeptical about “free” samples:  Who doesn’t love picking up a free sample off of a generous salesman?  But here’s the catch, they might not be a salesman; they might be a psychopath who is trying to lure you in, get information from you, and cause you harm.  Some free samples are legit (I happened to pick up a free energy drink sample from a Red Bull this morning) but be wary and use your best judgment.  If you have a bad feeling or a hint of skepticism, it’s best just to opt out of the free sample.
8. Use eye-contact with caution: Growing up we were all told it’s polite to use eye-contact and to not do so is rude.  However, walking on the streets to work or sitting on the subway may not be the exact time you should be making eye contact with people.  It’s a huge city with people from different countries and cultures, and not everyone shares the American philosophy that eye-contact is acceptable.  Eye contact with the wrong person can lead to a confrontation, uncomfortable conversation, or you might even incite rage out of a random lunatic.  So just be slightly hesitant about flashing those lashes at the wrong person.
9. If the cross-walk light is red, don’t go:  I know, I know, it is so tempting to walk quickly across the street after the light stops flashing and turn red.  But take advice from an almost cab-fatality, just wait till it turns green again.  You never know when a car will be turning onto the road or come speeding out of nowhere and almost take you out.  Not to mention that jogging across the street could lead to you tripping, dropping things, or (gasp!) spilling coffee on your outfit
10. Have business cards on you at all times: A walk or ride to work could lead to many unexpected things, even a networking opportunity.  As a college student and intern, networking is practically a full-time job.  It is so important to always have a business card on you that has your name, number and email, so that you can whip one out and impress a future employer or fellow intern.

Remember, your commute to your internship is only half the work! This city is unpredictable so be sure to always give yourself enough time to get where you’re going, and arrive at your internship composed and ready to kick some butt!

This blog is written by Mike, a former Intern Queen intern from Penn State.

I didn’t originally know how to properly convey my feelings regarding my beloved Penn State; a school that means more to me than any non-Stater could possibly imagine; a school that has become my family in more ways than one; a school that has instilled tradition and pride in me. A school that is now cloaked with shame, the center of national attention and misunderstanding. I’ve heard the phrase, “If you don’t go here, you wouldn’t get it”, go around this past week and as harsh as it may sound, it holds true.

We are not clueless to the horrific acts that took place. We are not disrespectful tyrants. We are not heartless individuals. We are deeply saddened by this tragedy that our Dear State has found itself in the center of. We are shocked that people we once looked up to could possibly be involved. We are grieving for the victims and their families.

On Friday, November 11^th, I was part of the most powerful, emotional, and meaningful experience of my time here at Penn State. While holding a candle along with nearly 10,000 members of my Penn State family in honor of the victims, I realized in that moment what it meant to be a part of this school and what we truly stand for. One of the many inspiring speakers said, “In the real world, even heroes can fail.” And this is what happened. Our heroes let us down, and most importantly let the victims down. That night, we swayed together as one on the Old Main lawn singing our alma mater with one line being sang louder than any other: “May no act of ours bring shame.” We are hurting here in Happy Valley and I know of no eye that hasn’t cried blue and white tears during this trying time.

There is more to us than what is being portrayed by the media. There is more to us than those limited few who decided to be destructive. There is more to us than this scandal.

We Are….Penn State. And we are sorry.

This blog is written by Ariam, our campus ambassador from Stony Brook University.

Most associations/organizations hold career conferences for its members and the public. It’s a fun-filled day of meeting and networking with professionals in your desired field. Often the different committees within the conference anticipate this event and YOU shouldn’t miss out on the action.

Do Your Homework

The clock is ticking, and there’s one week left till the conference. What to do? Any recognized organization will begin promoting their conference months in advance. Do your research on who’s attending! Even if you’re completely stumped on panelists, check out who came the previous year. Create your own biographical sheet on these panelists—may want to include a picture to help you remember their face and look into their position at the company.

Pack the Essentials

• · Registration/confirmation e-mail—to check-in
• · Business cards—check out moo.com or vistaprint.com which offer great deals
• · 10 copies of your resume
• · 2 pens
• · Pad of paper
• · Purse of tote bag

Tip: Pack your essentials in a folder, so you don’t look like you’re pulling out of a hat all-day!

Look Simple, but Sharp

Just like any other event on-campus or professional setting, you want to dress appropriately and leave a lasting first impression to whomever you come in contact with. Looking sharp doesn’t equate sporting the most expensive pair of slacks or watch, but wearing attire that is suitable for your frame. DRESS COMFORTABLY as you’ll likely be standing on your feet for most of the event.

• · no heavy make-up
• · SHOES- flats or 3-inch heels (maximum); remember comfort is a MUST
• · Skirts should not be 3-inches above the knee
• · Try to match colors

Ladies: white button-up shirt or blouse with dark grey jacket and pencil skirt. Gentleman: Ideally black or dark brown shoes to accompany your suit will do.

Use Your Smartphone

Engage with the panel and other attendees throughout the conference by live-tweeting questions, comments, or answers that may surprised you using the appropriate hash tag! You never know—your tweet may end up in a post-coverage event.

Market Yourself

Think of this conference as a second-interview. You are already in the ballgame, so you must view your position as a student professional. Don’t fray the idea of bringing SAMPLES from your portfolio to show off your work.

Tip: If you’re looking to bring press releases or any other writing samples, make sure you include most recent work.

• Strike a friendly conversation with someone
• Take notes while they are speaking (if needed)
• Exchange business cards—it’s about who you know and WHO KNOWS YOU

FOLLOW UP WITHIN THE NEXT 2 DAYS. Send a friendly e-mail, tweet. But as always handwritten notes are most appreciated when done gracefully.