How to Beat Entry-level Boredom

CareerRookie Magazine is a publication that is primarily aimed at students. I really enjoy exploring and reading the magazine because it provides information about various topics in the career arena. As I was recently reading the magazine, I ran across an article that explains ways to combat the boredom that may occur when working on an entry-level job. Most college students will enter the workforce via an entry-level job or internship that requires low levels of responsibility and may certainly come across as boring work. The article mentions that “one of the most common complaints we hear from young professionals is that they are bored out of their minds”. Considering that most entry-level positions are composed of lowly tasks, I could certainly see how this statement could be true.  The article also discusses that much of the “entry-level boredom” could be a result of students being so enthused about finally pursuing a career and graduating from college that when they touch down at their entry-level desk, in an entry-level setting, with typical entry-level pay, they are more than slightly disappointed. A typical complaint stated in the article heard from young professionals is, “I expect work to be fairly boring, it’s work. But it really chafes my bum to think about all the things I could be doing instead of sitting here, praying that something will need to be typed”.  As unfortunate as this statement may sound, many entry-level employees are feeling acrimony. Here are some tips for battling boredom:

1.       Write down a list of things that you would like to get done before you leave work and put it in a place that you would see it, such as on your computer monitor.

2.       Be honest with your supervisor and ask for more work.

3.       Set up a meeting with a co-worker or supervisor about a project that the organization is working on and express your interest. Let them know that you are interested in becoming more involved.

SShayla Frinks

Career Educator

Don't Be THAT Guy at a Business Meal

I don’t know about you, but one thing that really scared me was the thought of having a business lunch or dinner with an employer.  I was always that person who would spill things, drop crumbs on the table and dig right into my dish.

Photo Credit: Tumblr

I will say one thing; working at Career Services this year has taught me a lot about dining etiquette and helped me understand why it is so important to everyone.  We have things like the Dining for Success event which is a way to practice and learn proper ways to eat tricky foods, presentations and so much more. 

Here is a video that quickly summarizes do’s and don’ts of dining:

Knowing dining etiquette is important.  According to “The Top Ten Etiquette Tips For The Business Dinner or Interview” by Hank Coleman, “Many of today’s business meetings, sales meetings, and job interviews take place over the dinner table. Sometimes these meetings are at a restaurant, and other times they are in a corporate dining hall. But, when the big deal or job is on the line that is not the time to realize you do not know which fork to eat your salad with.”

 

Here are some quick important tips you should remember:

·         Don’t start eating until you host or hostess has done so

·         Do not cut large sizes of food and try to shove it in your mouth, cut small bite size pieces instead

·         Place your napkin on your lap before you begin eating

·         Start on the outside and work your way in when using your silverware

 

You have all the resources you need for great dining etiquette. So make sure you drop by Career Services so you aren’t that guy at your business dinner.

Photo Credit: Jim Naughten/Getty Images

Ashley Salim

Career Educator

From PowerPoint to Prezi

Many students grew up learning the tips and tricks to all the Microsoft Office programs including PowerPoint.  I remember learning it as early as 5^th grade and now it’s almost ingrained into me.  I sometimes think I could close my eyes and still have the ability to create a PowerPoint presentation.

Last summer my eyes were opened when I started my new job here at Career Services.  Could it be, there was a new, potentially better presentation tool out there?

It seems like every one has seen the same presentation over and over…and over.  With “Prezi, a free and easy to use presentation tool that enables you to create visually engaging and unique presentations with little technical knowledge, this is no longer the case,”(forbes.com).  It’s easy to create these twisting, turning and eye catching presentations for your class or business presentations. 

Have you tried it yet? If not, I suggest you check it out.  It’s a free tool, there is free training and once you learn it is free fun!

Ashley Salim

Career Educator

http://www.forbes.com/sites/work-in-progress/2011/03/23/stand-out-from-competitors-with-prezi-presentations/