Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Lack of experience is often the biggest obstacle college graduates must overcome when entering the job market. Prospective employers can sound like a broken record, saying over and over, "You don't have enough experience"--followed by the devastating "We'll call you" (especially last year, when only 19.7 percent of graduates had a job lined up after graduating). So how do you get your foot in the door--how do you gain experience if you don't have any already?

Many new grads already have what recruiters are looking for. They just need to recognize it and package it properly in their resumes and cover letters. To begin with, think of experience you gained before you entered "the real world" that could apply. Consider including all the things you did during college, even those you wouldn't have considered job experience at the time.


"Off-the-job" training
Bill Warner, director of sales and recruiting at the pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca, oversees all the hiring of interns and recent graduates for sales and operations positions there. He says one of the best resume/cover letters he's seen recently came from a woman who described how her position as rush chair at her sorority had given her the leadership and project-management skills she needed to work at AstraZeneca. She told of the unique challenges of dealing with rush rules that were changed that year, as well as how she managed the process, calculated how many new members to bring in, and got all the other parts of the job done as well.

Warner, impressed, offered her a job even though she had never worked in pharmaceutical sales. "They do have experience, but they struggle with the bridge from what they've done in college, how to link it to the position they're interested in," he says.


Build bridges
To identify that bridge, look at the skills you displayed and tasks you pulled off in your college exploits. One applicant hurt his chances by failing to emphasize being editor in chief of his university's newspaper, Warner says. That activity involved numerous duties employers consider valuable experience, such as managing a staff, working with outside vendors, and balancing the newspaper and schoolwork.

When you interview with potential employers and the issue of experience comes up, be prepared with an answer that doesn't dwell on past jobs (or lack thereof)."Don't stress your work experience as much as your skill set," says Tarek Pertew, cofounder and director of marketing at the career website MyWorkster.

Educate yourself
When college experiences and your skill set aren't enough, try brushing up on a job's specific requirements, Pertew says. If you repeatedly hear that you lack a specific technical skill for the jobs you want, take classes to gain that competency. Add those classes to your resume as you continue your job search. "It shows that you have ambition," she says.


Volunteering pays
Another way to gain technical competence is by volunteering your professional skills in the service of a nonprofit. The monetary perks might not be there, but the equally important networking perks will be. For instance, if you're looking for a position in public relations or marketing, volunteer to help an organization in those areas. You'll expand your circle of networking contacts, gain valuable experience, and learn the trade. Ask the professionals you work with if they know of any opportunities in your field or anyone you should meet, and try to add to your skill set while you're at it.

Volunteering anywhere improves your resume, but if you can work with a nonprofit that has connections to a company you want to work for, that's even better. It shows you've done your homework about the firm, and it's a way to network your way to employees already there.


Consider temp work
Also, apply for temp work at staffing agencies that place people in your intended field. That way, you can gain experience and meet professionals to further add to your networking circle, and a temp job can sometimes lead to full-time work.

"Temp agencies are still hiring, because companies are still waiting to see how things will unfold in the third and fourth quarters," says Joanie Ruge, senior vice president of Adecco Group North America, a human resources services firm. "They may have openings for which they can't bring someone on full time. Temp workers give companies flexibility as they wait to see supply and demand. As the market turns, they'll look at the temps first when they're ready to hire permanently."


Always be networking
Meanwhile, join your industry's professional association, and attend its monthly meetings and conferences. Also, join a committee in the association, and take a leadership position, since that way you can meet some of your field's most active professionals. That's another good way to network with people who know of job openings. Don't be intimidated because you're younger than them all. They'll be impressed with your eagerness to break in to the field. "It shows you've got initiative and leadership abilities," says Joe Ruffolo, a career coach at 360jobinterview.com.

In short, networking is the most effective way to find a job in this economy, particularly if you don't have much professional experience. Whether you're volunteering, temping, or attending a summer barbecue, have a 30-second elevator pitch ready to share with people who ask what you'd like to be doing professionally. That's a brief explanation of what you'd like your next job to look like and what you've done in the past, whether it's school, internships, or full-time work.


Sometimes you just have to take any job. If there's a position you can get as a manager at the Gap or as an executive assistant, go for it. The trick will be to successfully market the skills you learned on that job when you meet a hiring manager for the job you really want.

Monday, June 28, 2010

Top 10 Jobs You can Do from Home

If you live in an isolated area, or can't commute to a typical nine-to-five job for other reasons, you don't have to sacrifice a successful career. The following ten jobs offer freelance and work-at-home options that allow you--with the right career training--to succeed from a home office.


1. Management analyst (average salary in 2009: $84,650) An expert in a given industry or business area may earn a living advising other companies as a management analyst (or management consultant). These consultants work on a project basis and may work from a home office or commute to client sites. Management analysts often have a bachelor's degree and extensive experience in a particular field.


2. Web developer (average salary in 2009: $70,930) Web developers can create Web sites and Internet applications from any computer with the appropriate software, so they often perform project-based client work from home. Most Web developers have a bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field, but an associate's degree or certificate can also be sufficient.


3. Technical writer (average salary in 2009: $65,610) Technical writers are communication specialists who translate technical subject matter into common, easy-to-follow language. They often write how-to guides, instruction manuals, and medical brochures. Many technical writers work from home offices, and they often hold a bachelor's degree in English, journalism, or another communications field.


4. Public relations specialist (average salary in 2009: $59,370) Public relations specialists help companies and organizations build a positive relationship with the public--they write press releases, address media inquiries, and communicate with interest groups. A bachelor's degree in public relations, communications, journalism, or a related field is required for entry-level public relations positions.


5. Interior designer (average salary in 2009: $51,990) Interior designers combine principles of art, architecture, and spatial planning to design building interiors that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Many interior designers are self employed and work from home offices on a project basis. Before working on their own, interior designers generally earn an associate's degree or bachelor's degree in interior design and complete a design internship.


6. Graphic designer (average salary in 2009: $47,820) Graphic designers use computer design applications to create advertisements, brochures, logos, and other communications materials for clients. A bachelor's degree in graphic design is the most common way to become a graphic designer, although associate's degree and certificate programs are also available.


7. Caterer (average salary in 2009: $44,240 [includes all chefs and head cooks])As an alternative to busy restaurant life, some chefs become caterers and prepare food for special events. Caterers need well-equipped kitchens and efficient staff to prepare food for large parties, but they can often run the business and planning side of catering from a home office. Many successful caterers have prior restaurant experience and an associate's degree in culinary arts.


8. Mental health counselor (average salary in 2009: $41,710) Mental health counselors use therapeutic techniques to treat patients suffering from depression, anxiety, stress, addiction, and other mental health disorders. Some self-employed mental health counselors hold counseling sessions in their home. To become a mental health counselor, you must earn a master's degree in mental health or clinical counseling and become licensed by your state.


9. Massage therapist (average salary in 2009: $39,780) Massage therapists help clients reduce stress, relax overworked muscles, and recover from injury using a variety of massage techniques. Many massage therapists are self-employed and can schedule appointments to fit their lifestyle. Most states require massage therapists to become licensed by completing an accredited massage therapy program.


10. Customer service representative (average salary in 2009: $32,410) According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, a growing number of companies are hiring customer service representatives who telecommute and answer customers' calls from home. Not all customer service jobs require postsecondary education, but some companies prefer to hire people with a bachelor's degree in communications, business administration, or a related field.


Career training for a home-based careerWhatever your current job or education level, you can work towards a rewarding, home-based career with the proper career training and degree. Online degree programs are especially convenient for working students, so you can continue your education and reach your professional goals.
Jessica Hanley is a writer pursuing a graduate degree in creative writing. Her previous experience includes marketing for the Penguin Young Readers Group and teaching writing to students of all ages. Jessica received a BA in English from Stanford University.
Source: All salary data was reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Friday, June 25, 2010

5 Easy Ways to Keep Your Brain Sharp

Everyone is forgetful, but as we age, we start to feel like our brains are slowing down a bit—and that can be the most frustrating thing in the world. Luckily, research shows there is a lot you can do to avoid those “senior moments." Whether it's relaxation or adding certain foods to your diet, read on for some techniques worth trying.


1. Chill Out
The brain remembers better when it’s relaxed, say researchers at the California Institute of Technology, so take a few minutes each day to breathe deeply or meditate. "The positive of meditation is you have focused concentration and relaxation taking place at the same time," says Elizabeth Edgerly, PhD, spokesperson for the Alzheimer's Association. "Researchers believe those things are good because they're developing new connections for your brain cells."


2. Focus on the Future
People who regularly made plans and looked forward to upcoming events had a 50 percent reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease, according to a recent study. But don’t worry if your calendar isn’t overflowing with life-changing events. Something as simple as setting a goal to have a weekly coffee date with a friend (and keeping it) will do. "Psychologically it keeps us motivated," Dr. Edgerly says. "There's evidence that people who have a purpose in life or who are working on long-or short-term goals appear to do better." In other words, keep your brain looking forward.


3. Go for a Walk
Mildly elevated glucose levels (even if you don’t have diabetes) can harm the area of the brain that helps you form memories, say Columbia University researchers. Experts agree that physical activity can help get blood glucose down to normal levels. In fact, the strongest evidence is regarding the effect of physical activity on the brain. Dr. Edgerly says, "When you exercise, you release chemicals that are good for your brain. It's like a mini fountain of youth in your brain, and the only way you can get it is exercise." In other words, when you take care of your heart, you take care of your brain.


4. Snack on Berries
Blueberries have compounds called anthocyanins that help communication between brain cells and appear to improve memory, says Robert Krikorian, PhD, professor of psychiatry and behavioral neuroscience at the University of Cincinnati. In general, Dr. Edgerly says the darker the fruit or vegetable, the better. She adds, "It's a healthy, well-rounded diet, especially one that mimics a Mediterranean diet, and that's fish, lots of fruits and vegetables, and red wine, everyone likes the red wine part."


5. Learn Something New
Take a Spanish class online, join a knitting club, or learn to play poker. A UC Irvine study found that mental stimulation limits the debilitating effects of aging on memory and the mind. But the best thing for your brain, Dr. Edgerly insists, is when you combine learning something new with physical activity. "It should be something like dancing, or coaching a sport. Or go learn golf with your girlfriends. That sort of thing is even better for your brain than, say, a crossword puzzle.”

Thursday, June 24, 2010

Guys = Perverts ???

Reading Xia Xue's blog about Sporean guys made me wonder if is it true that most guys are pervert? Gosh. Guys are so SCARY and UNPREDICTABLE. Some guys posted their girlfriends naked pic while they are asleep, and some secretly took videos while they were having SEX! OMG!~
What's wrong with the guys nowadays?? SEX is something private between a couple and MUST be kept in private and never be told to others or show to others!

You should never tell anyone bout your girlfriend's cheesepie or whatever the term is! It's RUDE to show and tell everything about your intimate moments with your girlfriends! And also you're invading girls' privacy. Telling others how much you enjoyed SEX makes you think you're GOOD at it and you're world's best?? Fuck off lar!

The world never welcome perverts like you all. Please respect girls. WE GIRLS ARE BORN NOT TO PLEASE YOUR SEXUAL DESIRES. WE ARE NOT YOUR SEXUAL OBJECTS !!! STOP POSTING YOUR WIVES AND GIRLFRIENDS NAKED PICTURES AND VIDEOS LAR..DUH~!!!

Anyway, GIRLS, please DOUBLE , TRIPLE or ....CONSIDER before giving your virginity to GUYS~!! They can act good in front of you but you'll never know what they are thinking. Sorry la if you're a guy reading this and you are pissed to read this post.

I'm just a girl fighting for girls' right.

p/s: make sure to ask the slutty terms to test if ur boyfriend is a pervert and the contributor to those sex forums.

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Lady Antebellum - Need You Now Lyrics

Picture perfect memories scattered all around the floor
Reachin' for the phone 'cause I can't fight it anymore
And I wonder if I ever cross your mind
For me it happens all the time

It's a quarter after one, I'm all alone and I need you now
Said I wouldn't call but I lost all control and I need you now
And I don't know how I can do without
I just need you now

Another shot of whiskey can't stop looking at the door
Wishing you'd come sweeping in the way you did before
And I wonder if I ever cross your mind
For me it happens all the time

It's a quarter after one, I'm a little drunk and I need you now
Said I wouldn't call but I lost all control and I need you now
And I don't know how I can do without
I just need you now

woah woaaah..

Guess I'd rather hurt than feel nothin' at all..

It's a quarter after one I'm all alone and I need you now
And I said I wouldn't call but I'm a little drunk and I need you now
And I don't know how I can do without
I just need you now

I just need you now (wait)

Ooo, baby, I need you now

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Next Aim

I said before that I wanted to change. That was a few months back. Though change was never an easy things for a stubborn people like me, I managed to change my old bad habit which supposed to be the most hardest to change, which is my nail-biting habit. I knew that it was unhygienic. But it's hard to control especially when I'm nervous. I tend to bite them unconsciously when I was nervous. But then, this year, January 2010, I managed to change the habit. It was tough at first but then, I finally managed to keep my finger nails long :)

But now, I wanted to change myself to be better. But to achieve what I wanted, I have to disclose all my feelings to myself and never reveal them to the public. It's going to be the toughest of all since I tend to tell out what I'm feeling in Facebook or MSN. But now, everything I have to kept to myself. Though I'm sad, I couldn't reveal anymore in order to achieve my aim.

Anyway, fortunately I have a new private blog which no ones know :)

Sunday, June 20, 2010

Is trying hard...

I am trying hard to.....CHANGE...

I need a CHANGE...

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And right now, I felt like singing this : BECAUSE YOU LOVE ME (Celine Dion)

Simply because...uhm...nothing to do with any feelings. I have feelings for no one. Just felt like singing because I wanted to. That's all.

Friday, June 18, 2010

UPU results


This were what I got from UPU...They offered me the same course which is also offered bu NUS...Well, I guess I might as well go to NUS better ...:)
Simply because I like the 3 years bond...Don't have to worry bout no jobs after graduation...
Oh oh oh...If UPU offers me my first, which is Pharmacy ...then I will give up on NUS..But too bad...They don't really give me my first choice which is really what I wanted ....

They offered me Science which can be considered as my 2nd choice ( though it was my 4th choice in the UPU form, but since I don't want teaching, so, I considered it as my 2nd)
Anyway...I'm trying to change to be better...Studying in NUS needs a lots of self-motivation and determination plus positive attitudes and mindset...I am learning to be a good girl (try not to be so evil d lar...)
Lol.

Thursday, June 17, 2010

Unexpected~

Haha! Never expected that it will be so formal.

Uncle Dan yesterday brought with him an agreement for me and him to sign. Though I was shocked at that moment, I understand that it was a loan. So, it should go the way it goes. But I felt it was kinda funny! HAHA~!!!! :P

I felt as if I was like an actress in some kinda drama which is signing for some kinda agreement. Lol. Uncle Dan was laughing too. I don't know why I finds it funny. At least I've experienced once in signing a contract. Uncle Dan kept reminding me to read carefully before I sign the agreement. Should I not happy with the conditions, he will try to discuss with me together and change it. But the conditions in the agreement is fine with me:)

All along I know Uncle Dan loves me. :)
And I love him too:)

And before he goes, he gave me S$ 500...I never thought that he will give me money some more. It was not something I expected. How good if he was my dad. He's truly a patient and caring person. He lets me finish what I have to say first before he says out his opinion and so on. He is concern bout me. He was hoping that I will get a scholarship. But I disappointed him because all my scholarship applications rejected me. :(

I'm sorry Uncle Dan...:(
You are always a great uncle I ever had. Love you lots!!:)

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

I miss u all...

Tee Xin...who looks like a garfield...
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.
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Aggie...my sweet friend who is in a relationship with Mr Gan...(they made sweet couples though)
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.
.
Jennifer...the girl who looks cool from the outside but is actually a warm person. Just that she finds it hard to express her feelings at time, especially when she doesn't know that someone...
.
.
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Serena...the person where I will talk bout my my love life...But *weesh* there are some lovey-dovey secrets which I wanted to keep for myself..So,I couldnt tell her much at times..Especially when she knew that person too..But then, most of the time, all my secrets I will share with her...ahaha:P

Hm...I seriously miss you all...I still remember each time whenever i got the chance to go out with you all, I am always over-excited and Tee Xin will surely says " Lol...This Sherlyn ah...Always so high wan o..."

Ahaha...I LOVE YOU ALL LOTS!! MUACKSX...:)

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

The Meaning of my Name

You Are Responsible and Faithful
You are well rounded, with a complete perspective on life.You are solid and dependable. You are loyal, and people can count on you.At times, you can be a bit too serious. You tend to put too much pressure on yourself.You are very intuitive and wise. You understand the world better than most people.You also have a very active imagination. You often get carried away with your thoughts.You are prone to a little paranoia and jealousy. You sometimes go overboard in interpreting signals.You are deeply philosophical and thoughtful. You tend to analyze every aspect of your life.You are intuitive, brilliant, and quite introverted. You value your time alone.Often times, you are grumpy with other people. You don't appreciate them trying to interfere in your affairs.You are the total package - suave, sexy, smart, and strong.You have the whole world under your spell, and you can influence almost everyone you know.You don't always resist your urges to crush the weak. Just remember, they don't have as much going for them as you do.You are truly an original person. You have amazing ideas, and the power to carry them out.Success comes rather easily for you... especially in business and academia.Some people find you to be selfish and a bit overbearing. You're a strong person.You are friendly, charming, and warm. You get along with almost everyone.You work hard not to rock the boat. Your easy going attitude brings people together.At times, you can be a little flaky and irresponsible. But for the important things, you pull it together.You are wild, crazy, and a huge rebel. You're always up to something.You have a ton of energy, and most people can't handle you. You're very intense.You definitely are a handful, and you're likely to get in trouble. But your kind of trouble is a lot of fun.You are relaxed, chill, and very likely to go with the flow.You are light hearted and accepting. You don't get worked up easily.Well adjusted and incredibly happy, many people wonder what your secret to life is.You are a free spirit, and you resent anyone who tries to fence you in.You are unpredictable, adventurous, and always a little surprising.You may miss out by not settling down, but you're too busy having fun to care.

Cool Maths and Science site...

This website was found from a friend from ReCom's blog...Just for sharing...:))

http://www.rapidlearningcenter.com/chemistry/

Monday, June 14, 2010

DARK SECRET---Please don't haunt me!

It's not that I'm having top secrets or anything. I have a really dark secret which I do not want anyone to know. Not even a single human being because I don't want it to come back and haunt me. And I really wish to forget everything. How good if I can have a knock on the head and have a permanent memory loss so that I don't have to freak out each time I saw "it" and worries less.

But I saw "it" today. The moment I saw "it", I quickly back away and go somewhere else so that I wont bump into "it". I hate to see "it". I'm so afraid that time, hoping that there will be someone saving me from "it". I felt like suffocating. I tried to gasp for as much air as I can, but I found that it seems that I finds it so hard for breathing.

I tries to cool my mind. I was praying, reading some kinda mantra to cool myself down. Not to panic. My whole body becomes jelly. And I wish at that time I can go away. As far as possible from "it". I don't want "it" to catch or see me.

Please. Please. Go away from me. Leave me alone. Dont haunt me!