Sunday, September 30, 2007

Resume Tips

According to the following article, http://www.careerjournal.com/jobhunting/resumes/20070821-needleman.html, the appearance of a resume is nearly as important as its content.

Employers often see a large number of resumes. Because they must sift through piles of documents, the design must catch their attention. The article, "Pretty in Ink: Making the Resume Look as Appealing as the Content," features several occasions when an applicant got the job in part because of the appearance of his resume.

I agree with the article. The design of a resume demonstrates an applicant's creativity and attention to detail. In my chosen profession, architecture, the graphic design of the document is more important than it is in other fields. Creativity is one of the most critical skills an architecture applicant must market.

Sunday, September 23, 2007

Interview Tips: Body Language

I found this article interesting: http://www.careerjournal.com/jobhunting/interviewing/20021205-raudsepp.html

I know that body language plays an important role in how people judge one another during any situation. Interviews are no different. However, I'm already sufficiently nervous going into an interview. Concerns about body language add to the growing list of things to remember.

According to the article, a response carries 55% of its strength through body language. Over half of what a person tells during an interview is through the way he carries himself. That's a little mind-blowing. That an interviewer could judge me based on whether I flip through a magazine or notes before the meeting overwhelms me. Everything from eye contact to sitting down at the beginning gives people reasons to dismiss me or welcome me into their company. It seems that the less confidence a potential employee is, the more negative body movements he will have. I guess the only way to solve this problem is to fully prepare for an interview and maintain confidence in my skills.

Sunday, September 16, 2007

In 10 Years...

It's hard to say where I'd like my life to be in ten years. The future is exciting because it's unknown and nearly uncontrollable. However, dreams and goals serve as important guides.

I hope to earn by B.A. in Architecture with a minor in Fine Arts this May. I plan to take time away from school for 2-3 years so that I can gain work experience and earn IDP (internship) credits. After a few years in the workforce, I plan to enter a graduate program and earn my masters in either architecture or some related design field. My goal to earn my education within ten years is a challenging one.

In ten years time, I also hope to see my son succeeding in both his academic and extracurricular endeavors. Perhaps, I'll have a few more children, too!

I'm hesitant to have detailed goals, though. I'd really rather let events run their course. As long as I'm happy and my family is healthy and happy, I really think that in ten years, I'll be OK.



Sunday, September 9, 2007

Web 2.0

The title of the video, Web 2.0, reflects the rapidly changing structure of the internet. The online culture of today is vastly different than it was during the onset of the world wide web. People connect with each other immediately. Those with little computer knowledge no longer must overcome obstacles in writing code to share their thoughts and opinions. The computer translates our writing and images into a language that can be trasmitted across the globe.

Entering the workforce presents challenges to all potential employees. The new web, however, allows people to post resumes immediately and to search for jobs in whichever location they choose to live. This fast-access internet, however, increases the competition for each job opening because more applicants discover available positions in their given fields. People already in the workforce must adjust to the new version of the internet. They may take advantage of the immediate connection to coworkers, potential employees, etc., that they now have.

Individuals, regardless of whether they are members of the workforce, must rethink the way they live in response to Web 2.0. The ability to filter information becomes more important. Personal connections may weaken. Awareness to fraud and fiction must increase.

Tuesday, September 4, 2007

Hey! My name is Megan and I'm a 21-year-old senior at Clemson University. I'm from Augusta, Georgia and chose to attend Clemson for its School of Architecture. I love art and architecture. I completed an internship this summer at an architecture firm in Greenville, SC. Spending my days in front of a computer, at a construction site, or in a meeting was typical, but I loved it. Drawing is one of my favorite pastimes. In fact, I'd rather sketch a scene than take a picture of it. I read a lot. And I watch a lot of college football (Go Vols, Tigers, and Buckeyes). Fall is, by far, my favorite time of the year. There's nothing better than the football, the weather, and my birthday!

Things to know if I'm your team member:
I'm incredibly (almost obsessively?) organized, and I tend to take the leadership role in a group. However, I am a good listener and get along well with nearly everybody. I think graphics are important, and would love to help out with the visual component of the group's project.

Test

This is my first post.