Why You Should Get Involved in College Activities

There’s more to school than classes and homework. Most colleges and universities offer a variety of activities for students join. Whether it’s intramural sports, college debate, study groups or students council, it could pay to become more involved outside the classroom. Today we’re going to take a look at some of the top reasons to start participating in more extracurricular activities. Some schools offer hundreds of opportunities, so there’s no excuse not to look for something that fits your interests.

Benefit 1: Developing your skills

All of us are gifted at something. Whether you’re joining a group that helps you develop your existing skills or one where you’re learning something new, the experiences you gain while participating could help you in your future. At the very least, you could learn to become a more effective communicator by getting to know people you wouldn’t normally have a chance to interact with.

Benefit 2: Networking

We’ve all heard the term, “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.” While this old adage might not be entirely accurate (it helps to know something), it is partially true. If you’ve already spent time in the working world, you’ve probably seen this sentiment in action. How many of your boss’s friends have been hired on with your company? How many times might you have benefited from preferential treatment at work because you were friendly with your supervisor? People have a tendency to trust and enjoy working with people they already know, which is why it can be beneficial to meet as many of them as you can while you’re still in school. Joining groups or participating in your school’s activities is a great way to build your professional and social networks.

Benefit 3: Relaxing
    
You might think joining a new group or deciding to participate in activities will only add more stress to your life and stretch out your already busy schedule; however, if you decide to join an activity or group you’re actually interested in, you might enjoy it. College activities can help you take a break from studying and homework. Think about it. When you need a break from a writing term paper or can’t stand the thought of reading another page in your textbook, wouldn’t it help to hang out with a bunch of people you know and work toward a common goal? It might just help you hit the reset button and get even more out of your studies when you return.

Sources:
http://www.helium.com/items/1894424-why-you-should-get-involved-in-college-events
http://www.usnews.com/education/blogs/twice-the-college-advice/2011/09/13/5-reasons-for-getting-involved-in-college-and-how-to-go-about-it

The History Behind Administrative Professionals Week and How to Celebrate

Administrative professionals are crucial to the everyday operations in a variety of industries. They’re often the unsung heroes of the office, carrying out challenging tasks and providing administrative support that allows the rest of us to focus on our jobs.

In honor of their efforts, the International Association of Administrative Professionals has created a week, aptly named Administrative Professionals Week, for the rest of us to recognize all the hard work they do.

History behind the week

This celebratory occasion has been around for longer than you probably think. It dates all the way back to 1952 when the National Secretaries Association (now the International Association of Administrative Professionals) created National Secretaries Week with the help of public relations executive, Harry Klemfuss, and a group of product manufactures. After successfully campaigning for national recognition from the government, then U.S. Secretary of Commerce Charles Sawyer designated the first week of recognition to take place from June 1 to 7 of 1952. Today the occasion is typically celebrated in late April. The dates for this year’s week of recognition are April 21-27.       

How to celebrate

Do you have an office assistant, secretary or administrative professional who you feel does an exemplary job? Tell them about it. Next time you head over to the front desk or see your personal assistant, thank them for the great job they do every day. If you want to get a little more creative, you could try buying them a business-related gift, such as personalized business cards, an engraved name plate for their desk, a gift certificate to reward their hard work or maybe even a half day or extra day off. Who wouldn’t enjoy that?

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Sources:

http://www.iaap-hq.org/events/apw/faq

http://www.iaap-hq.org/events/apw

The Best Mobile Apps for Your Job Search

Wondering how to job hunt more effectively? Try using the latest job search apps. Searching for a job is a stressful process. Between filling out applications, writing cover letters, landing interviews, making the right impression during those interviews and the simple uncertainty of not knowing where you’re going to work next, it can all be a little overwhelming. To help you on your hunt, we’ve listed a few of the best job search apps we could find.

1) Job Search by Indeed.com

Fitting that one of the best job search apps is actually called Job Search, isn’t it? In addition to having an incredibly practical name, this app pulls from the same databases as Indeed’s main site, which offers thousands of listings from job boards and company websites. It also allows you to save or email your favorite job postings and remembers your recent searches to help make your next visit more efficient. Oh, it’s also free and currently available on both iTunes and Google Play.

2) Jibber Jobber

Staying organized during your job hunt can be almost as challenging as landing a job. This little app makes it easier. Jibber Jobber helps you keep track of everything: where you’ve applied, who the contact person was, the status of your application (when you wrote your cover letter, when you interviewed, when you sent your thank you letter, etc.). It also allows you to keep track of networking relationships and associates them with companies you’ve targeted as desirable places to work. It’s pretty handy to say the least.  

3) SnapDat

This app combines the old school and the new, and is especially effective for entrepreneurs, freelancers and business owners. SnapDat lets you create and send digital business cards from your iPhone to a new contact’s email. This free app makes putting your card in peoples’ hands easier than ever before. 

4) Jobs by Career Builder

This app works the same way Career Builder’s website does, allowing you to find and apply for jobs online, right from your phone. It’s simple, easy to use and perfect for people on the move. Jobs by Career Builder is currently available on iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch and through Google Play.

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 Sources:

 http://mashable.com/2012/08/31/job-search-apps/

http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-505125_162-47540504/9-best-mobile-apps-for-finding-a-job/