Hello there!
It's been about a month since I stopped by...and not so much has happened between then and now.
The semester is coming to an end...two presentations and one exam to go, and Spring 2010 will be over. It has been a tough semester/Q1 not because of my course load, but because of the job/internship search.
I'm sure I've said this before, but I'll say it again...It is TOUGH out there. I cannot count how many applications, resumes and cover letters I filled and sent out. I went on about 8-9 interviews, got a temp gig as a marketing intern with a software company downtown...this gig ends next month, and still yet no call backs from anyone for the summer. Being jobless and bored was not part of my plan.
The part that disappoints me the most is the lack of courtesy by these companies in sending out an e-mail to say sorry but we decided to go with someone else. Rejection hurts but total silence is just frustrating. I understand they get applications in the hundreds, but after sending an email saying you are amongst the finalists being considered, I think its only fair to let a candidate know what your final decision is...good or bad. *sigh*
Well, I guess life isn't fair so these things happen but it doesn't make it right. Been scouring the web, and craigslist to find any last minute summer openings but nothing that seems to appear interesting or challenging to me. As Senior, I want a position where I can learn something that is helpful to me and my advertising career. I dnt want to graduate from college, get into the real world be like deer in head-lights. I want a challenging experience.
I registered to take one summer class, at least something to keep me busy just incase nothing works out. But I remain positive,(or at least I try to) and continue to look and hope that what's mine will come my way. I'm a Nigerian and a New Yorker and if there's one thing we don't do...we do not QUIT. Wake up everyday and keep going, keep pursuing that dream and make it a reality.
Hope you all have a wonderful Mother's day weekend.
Thank you to all the wonderful Mother's out there!
Talk to you soon,
Ms. Yvonne.
Friday, May 7, 2010
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Overload!
Hello Reader,
How's your week coming along? Hope great! It's only Tuesday and mine is as hectic as can be. I have three major quizzes and a Bio exam on Thursday so imagine all the reading I have to do. Yeah...a lot of reading, and this does not include my regular everyday reading. My regular everyday reading involves doing blog-rounds, scanning the dailies to keep up with the ever changing world, and then my advertising industry journals. Talk about major information overload!
It gets exhausting sometimes trying to keep up with it all, and I wonder how do other people do it? How do you do it? How do you cope with all the information that is constantly being thrown at you? I understand that it is humanly impossible to read it all, and you've got to prioritize but then its almost as if each one is just as important, and you don't want to miss out, and then be in the uninformed category.
Every where I look, people are consuming information in one form or another. Constantly glued to the Berry's, Iphones, TV screens, Internet, chatting with colleagues, strangers on the bus...all the while being bombarded with news, details, stories and happenings both past and present. It is the age of information overload...and I'm just curious as to how you handle it? What do you read? What's important to you and what isn't (in regards to information)?
I can't be the only one feeling slightly overwhelmed with it all...so share your story.
PS: Got a Marketing Internship position at a company downtown. Start in a week, and I'm excited to hit the ground running. Though, I'm not exactly 100% sure what and what I'm going to be handling, I'll get my full break-down on my start day. Still hoping for summer position at Young & Rubicam, or DraftFCB since my main area of interest is account management. Will keep you posted.
Have a great week ahead, and continue to be the BEST you can be.
Adios,
Ms. Yvonne!
How's your week coming along? Hope great! It's only Tuesday and mine is as hectic as can be. I have three major quizzes and a Bio exam on Thursday so imagine all the reading I have to do. Yeah...a lot of reading, and this does not include my regular everyday reading. My regular everyday reading involves doing blog-rounds, scanning the dailies to keep up with the ever changing world, and then my advertising industry journals. Talk about major information overload!
It gets exhausting sometimes trying to keep up with it all, and I wonder how do other people do it? How do you do it? How do you cope with all the information that is constantly being thrown at you? I understand that it is humanly impossible to read it all, and you've got to prioritize but then its almost as if each one is just as important, and you don't want to miss out, and then be in the uninformed category.
Every where I look, people are consuming information in one form or another. Constantly glued to the Berry's, Iphones, TV screens, Internet, chatting with colleagues, strangers on the bus...all the while being bombarded with news, details, stories and happenings both past and present. It is the age of information overload...and I'm just curious as to how you handle it? What do you read? What's important to you and what isn't (in regards to information)?
I can't be the only one feeling slightly overwhelmed with it all...so share your story.
PS: Got a Marketing Internship position at a company downtown. Start in a week, and I'm excited to hit the ground running. Though, I'm not exactly 100% sure what and what I'm going to be handling, I'll get my full break-down on my start day. Still hoping for summer position at Young & Rubicam, or DraftFCB since my main area of interest is account management. Will keep you posted.
Have a great week ahead, and continue to be the BEST you can be.
Adios,
Ms. Yvonne!
Friday, March 12, 2010
Good or Bad, Make the Call.
Hello Reader,
It's been a while since I stopped by, and I do apologize for the indefinite absence. A lot has happened, and is happening. So as you all know this is the period for hunting; summer internship hunting I mean, and boy has it been tough! If you take a look at my sent folder in my e-mail, you'll think I was a stalker. I have lost count of how many internship openings and companies I have applied to in the past month.
Initially I was started of looking for advertising internship positions since my focus is account management, but when I realized that I kept seeing PR openings I had to keep an open mind and apply for those too. Afterall my major is advertising and PR. So far, I've had about four interviews out of which two promised to call the next week with their decision. Its been two weeks and neither companies have called.
Now, I don't have a problem with rejection. I do understand that the job market is pretty competitive and agressive right now, and I do understand that they may have found a more qualified candidate for the position. But for crying out loud, please have the courtesy to call or e-mail, and say thanks, but we went with someone else. This way, I too can cross the company off my list and focus on others and continue with my search. I am almost tempted to ask why they couldn't simply do this, but I dnt want to come off as an upset or disturbed applicant...so I'll let go, and move on.
Regardless, the hunt continues and I remain positive that in due time I'll get a call-back.
I'll do my best to keep you posted.
In the mean time have a great weekend, and pls DO NOT TEXT AND DRIVE!!!
Adios,
Yvonne.
It's been a while since I stopped by, and I do apologize for the indefinite absence. A lot has happened, and is happening. So as you all know this is the period for hunting; summer internship hunting I mean, and boy has it been tough! If you take a look at my sent folder in my e-mail, you'll think I was a stalker. I have lost count of how many internship openings and companies I have applied to in the past month.
Initially I was started of looking for advertising internship positions since my focus is account management, but when I realized that I kept seeing PR openings I had to keep an open mind and apply for those too. Afterall my major is advertising and PR. So far, I've had about four interviews out of which two promised to call the next week with their decision. Its been two weeks and neither companies have called.
Now, I don't have a problem with rejection. I do understand that the job market is pretty competitive and agressive right now, and I do understand that they may have found a more qualified candidate for the position. But for crying out loud, please have the courtesy to call or e-mail, and say thanks, but we went with someone else. This way, I too can cross the company off my list and focus on others and continue with my search. I am almost tempted to ask why they couldn't simply do this, but I dnt want to come off as an upset or disturbed applicant...so I'll let go, and move on.
Regardless, the hunt continues and I remain positive that in due time I'll get a call-back.
I'll do my best to keep you posted.
In the mean time have a great weekend, and pls DO NOT TEXT AND DRIVE!!!
Adios,
Yvonne.
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Ogilvy & Mather: My Dream Company
Hey there, its been a minute. I forgot to mention in my last post, that about two weeks ago, I had the honor of having a very special and well respected public figure sit in, on my PR writing class for a few minutes. Gen. Colin Powell himself, was in my class! He was visiting the campus, more specifically meeting with the fellowes of his program at The Colin Powell Center, at City College. He gave us a few pointers in regards to our class project (West Harlem Group Assistance), and was very approachable. Reminded us that he once walked the same halls, as a City College student back in the days. It was a great and memorable experience.
On Friday the 13th, myself and a few other colleagues, attended a Career Development Workshop held at The Chocolate Factory, which is the New York office of Ogilvy & Mather. The workshop was hosted by Ogilvy PR in conjunction with the LaGrant Foundation, and about 20-25 undergrads and grad. students from different schools participated. It was an eye opener into the world of PR and the different branches that make up PR. It also gave us insight into how Ogilvy PR functions. I have to admit though, that I was slightly disappointed that amongst all the speakers, there was no African-American, Hispanic, or minority amongst them. Mind you, during our tour of the building I did see a couple around, but it would have been nice to have a speaker that I could relate to.
That being said, Ogilvy & Mather has always been my dream company to work for, and that hasn't changed. It's a pretty tough company to get into, even just getting an interview is pretty tough due to the high volume of applications they receive. But, in this industry persistence is key, and I am not giving up. The HR team gave tips on dos and don't, when it comes to resumes, interview and follow-up, and they were pretty helpful. All in all, I'm glad I attended the workshop, and got to see around and go to the roof-top...the view is amazing!
Thanks to everyone who made it possible.
That's about it for now. Still internship searching, will keep you posted.
Have a great week ahead.
Ms.Yvonne.
On Friday the 13th, myself and a few other colleagues, attended a Career Development Workshop held at The Chocolate Factory, which is the New York office of Ogilvy & Mather. The workshop was hosted by Ogilvy PR in conjunction with the LaGrant Foundation, and about 20-25 undergrads and grad. students from different schools participated. It was an eye opener into the world of PR and the different branches that make up PR. It also gave us insight into how Ogilvy PR functions. I have to admit though, that I was slightly disappointed that amongst all the speakers, there was no African-American, Hispanic, or minority amongst them. Mind you, during our tour of the building I did see a couple around, but it would have been nice to have a speaker that I could relate to.
That being said, Ogilvy & Mather has always been my dream company to work for, and that hasn't changed. It's a pretty tough company to get into, even just getting an interview is pretty tough due to the high volume of applications they receive. But, in this industry persistence is key, and I am not giving up. The HR team gave tips on dos and don't, when it comes to resumes, interview and follow-up, and they were pretty helpful. All in all, I'm glad I attended the workshop, and got to see around and go to the roof-top...the view is amazing!
Thanks to everyone who made it possible.
That's about it for now. Still internship searching, will keep you posted.
Have a great week ahead.
Ms.Yvonne.
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Goal: To Stand Out
This spring semester has been hectic! From mid-terms, to group projects, individual projects, internship search, networking events, my part-time job and so on, it has been mad busy. But hey, if it wasn't then it won't be college and it won't be Ad & PR right?
If I were to describe the focal point of this semester so far, I'd say its all about BRANDING. Creating a personal brand for ourselves as individuals soon to venture into the world of Ad & PR. Finding ways to set us apart from the competition, and from every other person out there. As part of our branding process, we were required by our Prof. to create our own business cards.
Business cards are little reminders we of ourselves that we leave with people to remind them of who we are, what we do, and where we can be found or reached. And due to the fact that people received loads of business cards, you want a card that stands out from the pack rather than blends in. So, while creating my business card on VistaPrint.com I initially opted for a layout with a white background and light-purple flowers on the side. But then I did a little research (googled) to see what kind of business cards stood out to people, and what made certain cards more memorable than others.
My search brought me to a blog titled "Hello My Name Is Blog", in which the owner (Scott) talks about ways in which you business card can stand out. Few of the points he mentioned are:
- Using bold colors as opposed to the generic white background.
- Adding a picture to help people remember who you are, and place a face to the name
- Being creative with the design
- Using a vertical arrangement instead of the traditional horizontal layout
- Going for quality, rather than really cheap and
- Simple is always classy; having an over-crowded business card defeats the purpose.
Will let you see my card when it arrives. In the mean-time, I'm on an internship hunt...desperately searching for a Spring 2010 opening at any New York, advertising agency or PR Firm. In this industry, an internship is a great way to get your foot in, and I hope to do just that.
Wish me luck!!!
Talk to you soon,
Ms. Yvonne.
If I were to describe the focal point of this semester so far, I'd say its all about BRANDING. Creating a personal brand for ourselves as individuals soon to venture into the world of Ad & PR. Finding ways to set us apart from the competition, and from every other person out there. As part of our branding process, we were required by our Prof. to create our own business cards.
Business cards are little reminders we of ourselves that we leave with people to remind them of who we are, what we do, and where we can be found or reached. And due to the fact that people received loads of business cards, you want a card that stands out from the pack rather than blends in. So, while creating my business card on VistaPrint.com I initially opted for a layout with a white background and light-purple flowers on the side. But then I did a little research (googled) to see what kind of business cards stood out to people, and what made certain cards more memorable than others.
My search brought me to a blog titled "Hello My Name Is Blog", in which the owner (Scott) talks about ways in which you business card can stand out. Few of the points he mentioned are:
- Using bold colors as opposed to the generic white background.
- Adding a picture to help people remember who you are, and place a face to the name
- Being creative with the design
- Using a vertical arrangement instead of the traditional horizontal layout
- Going for quality, rather than really cheap and
- Simple is always classy; having an over-crowded business card defeats the purpose.
Will let you see my card when it arrives. In the mean-time, I'm on an internship hunt...desperately searching for a Spring 2010 opening at any New York, advertising agency or PR Firm. In this industry, an internship is a great way to get your foot in, and I hope to do just that.
Wish me luck!!!
Talk to you soon,
Ms. Yvonne.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Who am I?
Hello Reader,
Welcome to my blog! The name's Yvonne, and I'm a Senior at the City College of New York, located on 137th and Amsterdam. I'm an Advertising and PR major, and the birth of this blog, is as a result of my PR Writing class. My Prof. encouraged us to open blogs to chronicle our journey into the world of Communications (in my case, Advertising), share our personal experiences as we juggle school, part-time jobs, search for internships, and search for full-time jobs when we finally graduate.
So, I look forward to sharing this experience with you, and hope you'll be back to read.
Enjoy the rest of your week.
Ms. Yvonne.
Welcome to my blog! The name's Yvonne, and I'm a Senior at the City College of New York, located on 137th and Amsterdam. I'm an Advertising and PR major, and the birth of this blog, is as a result of my PR Writing class. My Prof. encouraged us to open blogs to chronicle our journey into the world of Communications (in my case, Advertising), share our personal experiences as we juggle school, part-time jobs, search for internships, and search for full-time jobs when we finally graduate.
So, I look forward to sharing this experience with you, and hope you'll be back to read.
Enjoy the rest of your week.
Ms. Yvonne.
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