Tag Archives: Life Connections

The Art of the PERM

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While this blog post mostly goes out to current first-years-going-on-sophoromes, I invite any who’ve participated in pre-registration before or need a few extra tips to comment below with questions or advice of your own!

This past week, most of the student population of the 5Cs participated in pre-registration, a long standing tradition which gives us the opportunity to plan out the rest of our four-year plans in detail, manufacturing stress levels that rival those of hall draw. I know that when I was a freshmen, I had little comprehension as to the severity of pre-registration and it’s effects on my academic psyche. It wasn’t until the second semester of my sophomore year when I was required to learn how “pre-reg” operates, and how to use it to get what you need.

As a science major, I was inevitably signing up for second semester Organic Chemistry. *shudder*  That semester, there were at least four different sections of the class and I knew that get into one of them. However, there was a bit of a scheduling conflict with one, and only one, of the sections and, wouldn’t you know it, it happened to be the only section available when my pre-reg time began. I quickly found the information of the professor to contact and emailed him right away. It wasn’t until two or three days later that I heard anything. He claimed to be swamped in something called PERM requests, a tool that I would eventually come to love and revere, and that I would have to submit my concerns and conflicts through the academic portal if I wanted my issue addressed. I was devastated. I’d felt like I had wasted so much time and that there was no way that I would be able to get into any section at that point and that I wouldn’t finish my major requirements and that I wouldn’t graduate… As you can probably guess, long story short, I calmed down, filled out the necessary request, and when the next semester came I was sitting in appropriate OChem class.

Now while this process isn’t always smooth, please be assured that the pre-registration system is a god-send and is set up specifically for the benefit of the students. The two biggest tips to making the system work for you is proper planning and an effective use of PERMs. As many of you may already know, before any of us are allowed to pre-register, all of the scheduled classes for the upcoming semester are displayed on the academic portal. My advice is to take this time to clearly and thoughtfully plan out as many alternate schedules as you feel is necessary. If you’re an underclass student, create back-up schedules in case particular classes fill up. If you need to fulfill major or graduation requirements, find alternate classes that fulfill similar prerequisites. If you want to try lots of different classes, develop schedules that include various disciplines so you won’t get bogged down in a single subject. The other point I’d like to make is to actively utilize PERM requests. For those who are unaware, PERM requests serve as messages to professors as an intent to enroll in a particular class and ask the permission of a professor to allow you into their class. Whether it’s because the class is already full or you don’t meet certain requirements, PERMs become the singular facet through which to communicate with professors. It is through PERM requests that you can actively make a case for your place in a class, which demonstrates initiative and motivation (even when it comes to the smaller issues like selecting your classes). PERMs make a first impression and get your foot in the (classroom) door, setting positive impressions on first-time professors.

I know that I sound like a broken record, calling on students to be proactive and to have a part in shaping their own education, but pre-registration is no different. It is an amazing opportunity to start considering the direction and progression of your academic career. It is a tool that you can actively control and manipulate for your own scholastic gain, something for which I will always advocate.

Networking in College

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I’ve heard talks about how to network with recruiters and working professionals during networking events, interviews, and job fairs. Shaking hands with a firm grasp? Making eye contact? Asking for business cards? That’s all important. But this blog post is about the power of networking with your peers.

Last summer, a few entering first-years organized a Southern California beach social for everyone to meet and get to know each other before the school year started. (Side note: one of the organizers of the event later became one of my roommates!) After hanging out at the beach, a few girls and I decided to go to the 626 Night Market, so we all carpooled. During the car ride, I was talking to a girl I had met that afternoon about our interests, one of which included wanting to go to law school. She mentioned that her father was a partner at a law firm that he started with a few other people. A few days later, I asked the girl if I could send her father my resume for him to look in case he was interested in hiring an unpaid intern. She agreed, but I never got a response. Fortunately, the following weekend, the Scripps Association of Families hosted an event for incoming students. The girl I had spoken to the previous weekend was there, and she introduced me to her father. We spoke for a bit about what he did at his firm and what work I would be doing if I were hired, and he ended up giving me business card and asking me to call him the following day. When I did, he offered me a paid position and I agreed to start working the next morning. I worked at this firm for five weeks and had an exceptional experience.

To my amazing friend who helped me get this job: Thank you.

Last week, my friends and I were getting ready to go to a party and one of my friends mentioned to me that she was looking for a job. I remembered that my uncle had asked me to work at his health clinic a few weeks earlier, but that I declined because I was too busy with schoolwork this semester. I proceeded to call him to set up a meeting with my friend during Spring Break. This morning, my friend told me that she was offered a position and starts training tomorrow.

Networking doesn’t always need to occur when you’re dressed in your most professional attire. This may sound frivolous, but you can be in a bikini or party dress and still network. It works, trust me.

Scripps at Huntington Beach, July 2013

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Sharks, Embarrassing Moments, and Networking…

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Networking is the most terrifying thing ever. (And I scuba dive 100 feet below sea level with sharks, which aren’t even the most dangerous part of that scenario. Needless to say, I know scary.) It is also awkward. (I’m also an expert in awkward. I fell on my face, for no apparent reason, on to concrete in front of the library the other day in front of at least 40 people. I wish that was the first time that happened. Again, trust me. I know awkward.) There have been quite a few times in my life when I have blatantly refused to do it. However, we’re more than halfway through March, and I still don’t have a job for the summer. So, I’m wishing I started this networking thing a little sooner.

Since I started to connect with friends and family to ask them about job opportunities, I’ve had two interviews. I would NEVER have had those interviews if it weren’t for networking. In fact, I’m not sure I would have gotten my internship at the St. Louis Zoo if it weren’t for networking. (And I was VERY reluctant to do it when I was applying two years ago.)

Now I’m older and wiser, and I’m lucky enough to have other older and wiser friends who want to help me find opportunities. As I said, it’s now March and I still don’t have an internship for the summer, so I’m very willing to accept, and even ask for, help now.

I’m starting to see the benefits too, even more than the getting-my-foot-in-the-door perk. I’ve been denied from four jobs so far because I “don’t have enough experience.” WELL OF COURSE I DON’T HAVE ENOUGH EXPERIENCE, I’M 21 AND I ONLY DECIDED I WANTED TO WORK IN THIS FIELD LAST AUGUST. This internship is supposed to be my opportunity to start getting experience! People say that, in college, you should explore all your interests and not pin yourself down immediately. Subsequently, you’re punished for doing so because you don’t have the requisite experience for any careers you finally decide to pursue…

The point of this rant is that networking has helped me sidestep that particular obstacle. Because of this connection, I’m no longer just a resume that lists everything from “Admissions Ambassador” to “Zookeeper.” Through networking, I become a person. Someone can vouch for my work ethic, my people skills, and my OCD-like organization. Then I get the interview and I can explain how being a Peer mentor, an Advocate, and a member of leadership for a dance company led me to where I am today. I can connect the dots for them and explain how, because of these experiences, I can contribute to their company. Without someone to point me out and say, “Hey, let’s give her a chance!” I’m just a list of mismatched experiences on a piece of paper.

So, as we get closer to May, I’m talking to anyone and everyone. I’m constantly making new connections on LinkedIn. I’m looking for a Scrippsie or 5C grad in every company I apply to, hoping at some point, someone will notice me and help give me a chance. I know if someone does decide to stick their neck out for me to help me land a position, I won’t let them down. I will work hard and do any menial intern tasks happily, because I know how much it took for me to get this opportunity, and I’m not going to let it go to waste. In the end, the awkward and terrifying conversations will be worth it. I’ll keep trying this networking-thing, and hopefully it will be less scary and uncomfortable if it means I get a job. Until then, I’ll keep diving with sharks and falling in front of strangers though, just to keep things in perspective.

Why Professionalism Matters

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Professionalism matters because how you present yourself is how people will treat you. I learned a hard lesson in professionalism a few months ago and have since learned that reputations are hard to salvage once you make a mistake. Below I’ve outlined some areas that I think help people maintain a professional reputation in the workplace.

1) Attire  

This differs within industries. In my opinion, you should dress according to how others around you are dressing. If no one except the boss wears business formal attire, then wearing business casual will help you blend in. However, I’d always suggest dressing more professionally than casually if you’re unsure of what to wear. On the first day of an internship, I was unsure of how to dress so I decided to skip the blazer and wear an electric blue blouse with a skirt and heels. That afternoon, all the interns were introduced the Attorney General of California and given the opportunity to join her in group photos. There was nothing I could do to hide my very obvious blue blouse. At another internship, I was extremely overdressed on my first day, but I never regretted it.

2) Conduct in the workplace

Having a solid understanding of how you’re perceived in the workplace really makes a difference when it comes to improving interpersonal relationships. If you’re known as the person that watches the clock at 5 PM every day, other people may think you’re not as dedicated to the job. Similarly, if you’re known to take extra long lunches or work less hard when the boss isn’t in, your co-workers won’t take you as seriously as you’d like.

3) Conduct outside of the workplace

This may apply more to interactions with co-workers or peers similar in age to you. It goes without saying that you should never “fraternize” (I think this word is so great) with your superiors, but I think some people often forget that this also applies to the friends you make at work. I personally believe that relationships formed in the workplace should strictly remain in the workplace. It is definitely not worth jeopardizing your job or even your happiness at work to have to deal with someone on a daily basis that you had a bad experience with. I do know (trust me, I really do) that this can be hard to maintain, but this pays off in the long run when people respect you. Respect takes months, or even years, to gain, and one small misstep can damage your reputation tremendously.

I hope this information helps! If you’ve ever read any of my posts, or if this is your first one, please tell me what you think! Is this advice helpful? Do you totally disagree? (Because that’s totally fine too.) I hope you have a great spring break!

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Application Time Part II: Procrastination

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So, you know that post Emma wrote back in November about how it’s application time? This is Part II. Because yes, I did turn one application in that week and then proceeded to procrastinate on the rest of them. I told myself that I had exams to study for and papers to write. (And to be honest, Netflix to watch…) I told myself they’d get done over winter break. Yet as soon as winter break came around I had to spend time with family and friends and read the books that I’ve been meaning to read! (Annnnd watch some Netflix…)

But now it’s February and I’m running out of excuses. So I’m going to procrastinate by writing a blog post to help YOU to stop procrastinating, and maybe I’ll get inspired as well.

We’re going to make a toolkit! (Using several tips I learned at the Time Management Workshop hosted by CP&R as part of the Emerging Professionals Program.)

What you need:

Motivation!

  • Think about what you’re applying for and why! If it’s something you’re passionate about, that might make you excited to start your search for the perfect job or fill out the applications that will secure it.
  • If the prospect of the job itself doesn’t motivate you, try rewarding yourself after. If you filled out two applications, then you can spend a half hour on Facebook. After you hit “submit,” you definitely deserve a night of Netflix.

Information!

  • Google is every college student’s best friend. Google information about the field you’re looking to go into. You can find prominent companies or positions in that field. You can also find general descriptions of your ideal job so you know what you’re working towards!
  • If that seems like it requires a little too much effort or you’re not sure where to start, make an appointment at CP&R! My first appointment helped me so much. I learned how to look for jobs on ClaremontConnect, find Scrippsie Alums through Life Connections, and how to make my resume look like I’ve actually done something. (#undergradlife)

Application! (Had to keep with the –ation theme.)
Now you just have to do it and this is where the time management comes in, but thanks to the workshop I have a few quick fixes for that!

  • Do applications stay at the bottom of your to-do list in lieu of this week’s reading? (And this week’s episode of Sherlock?)
    • Try using the site “Remember the Milk” or download the app “Remember the Milk”. (It’s free!) You can (and should!) set due dates for each task, and the app will send you notifications or emails about what tasks you need to complete today. This way you can’t keep all your applications at the bottom!
  • Do you not know your schedule well enough to know when you could have you “Remember the Milk” tasks be due?
    • Try taking a closer look at what you’re doing each day with either of the worksheets attached below. If scrolling through Tumblr takes the 5pm-7pm slot three nights a week, maybe one or two of those slots could go to applications!


  • Do you automatically type “facebook.com” every time you open a new window in your browser and get stuck scrolling through your newsfeed instead of opening the application you intended to turn in?

Now stop reading the blog and START APPLYING!!! Right now. 

No. Don’t open Facebook in a new tab.