Friday, August 20, 2010

Juggling Work and School

Hey Everybody- I hope this post finds you well.

The other day, I had an interesting conversation with a friend of mine about whether or not it was a good idea to work at the same time you're in school.  It made me think about what the benefits were versus the cons of juggling a job, and internship, and a full course load.

After three years of juggling two jobs and a full courseload, I'm still kinda uncertain about how I can do all that.  I mean, obviously, I've been doing it already, but every semester is different.  I'm taking the very last classes I need to graduate, and I want to do really well in them.  But at the same time, I need some moolah. 

Plus, I know that it'd be virtually impossible to get a job in my field of study I can actually support myself with.  That means, I need to pick up an internship at the same time.  So for me, all signs point toward the juggling game. 

But, if I had the option to not work, I think I would choose very carefully.  I would probably try to reserve my fall semester for straight-up course work that I know I wouldn't be able to do at the same time as a job.  Then, I would probably reserve my spring semester for coursework that I still need, but maybe isn't as challenging, and try to get a semester-long internship that's related to my major. 

The results of the juggling game can be extremely beneficial.  For starters, you'll be able to multi-task effortlessly after a while, and that's a skill that can help you get almost any kind of job.  Also, after graduation, you'll be more likely to be able to get a real job within your industry if you've already got some legitimate training from an internship experience.

In the end, I think juggling is worth it because- do you really want to graduate with no job experience and have to start from scratch?

Have a good weekend, and good luck with the first week of classes!
Seghel

Friday, August 6, 2010

Budget Woes

Hi Everyone, I hope this blog post finds you well.  I just wanted to give  you all some advice about budgeting.

I'm estimating that a lot of you guys reading this blog are on an all-out job hunt.  While you're job hunting, you may or may not be broke.  Even if you aren't, I would definitely suggest learning how to make a budget.  A simple way to start is by writing down everything you purchase every day and how much you spend.  I guarantee that you will automatically start spending less almost immediately because you'll be super aware of where your dinero is going.  The next thing you can do is to start lumping together the stuff you spend money on into various categories: rent, groceries, entertainment, bills, etc.  This way, you might be able to start pinpointing in which categories you could probably be spending less money in, like entertainment.  You don't have to use this written budgeting system forever- but at least do it for a couple of months until you figure out how to manage your money better by spending less on stuff you don't need. 

Now, once you actually get a job, don't think you can kibash the budget.  A budget exists not only for the reason of keeping you alive with enough money for food and rent, but also so that you can start to save a little.  You might think you don't need to start saving until later, but think again.  Graduation isn't that far away, and unsubsidized loans start accumulating interest faster than you can say "Whoo hooo, I'm finished!"  Plus, if you have ANY loans, you're going to be obligated to begin paying them off within 6 months of your graduation.  (Lucky for you, the Career Services Center offers a one year grace period of free services after you graduate.)  So just because you have money in your pocket, try your best to avoid spending it like you won the jackpot.

But...even though you're on a budget, don't forget to splurge once in a while.  Treating yourself to a massage or a fancy dinner once in a while won't ruin your budget (if you splurge in moderation). 

And just fyi- I got a lot of this budgeting information from Suze Orman's Young, Fabulous, and Broke.  It's a great book and well worth the 20 bucks.  Plus, Bank of America online has a free budgeting sheet, which I think is available to anyone, even if you don't have an account with them.

Good luck!
Seghel
Rosie
rosie

Rosie is an outgoing Junior Psychology major who has worked in the office since her Freshman year. She wears multiple hats including president of her sorority Lambda Theta Nu Sorority, Inc. and Vice President of Internal Affairs for Greek Council. As a very involved student leader she is a great resource for all things USF
Nathan
rosie

Nathan hails from the tropical state of Hawaii. When he is not in his business suit for his business classes, he is just "chilling" and bringing the Aloha Spirit to the office. He has worked for the Career Services Center for three years and has extensive experience with other internships including his most upcoming internship with Bank of Hawaii in summer 2012