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Caroline

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With graduation coming up in just a couple of short months, job interviews can't be far behind for college seniors. Or maybe you're interviewing already?

I know for me, the last semester of college was consumed with lots of worry about landing a job after graduation. And my worst fears were actually realized — it took me much longer than I'd planned to land a job in my field.

I don't say this to scare you! Hopefully you can learn a little bit from my experience. I wasn't really ready for my job interviews.  Why? A few reasons. Some of the jobs weren't a good fit. I was nervous, not being myself in many of the interviews.

But also, some of the interview questions really threw me.

At one interview, they actually asked me who my favorite comedian was. Huh? I panicked and gave the name of the first comedian that came to my mind — definitely not my favorite. I cringed inside when I saw the interviewers give each other a sidelong glance that said, "Uhh, this woman is not going to fit in here."

Light bulb moment: They wanted to know something about my personality that the standard interview questions weren't going to tell them. Needless to say, I didn't get the job.

So how can you be ready for those curveball questions? I came across an article a couple months ago that listed some "creative" interview questions for employers to ask potential applicants. Check them out  and try to work through the answers you might give. It's a great exercise to get you thinking about what a potential employer might want to know about you, and how to best present yourself.

Have you been through any job interviews yet? Tell us about your experiences.

Barbara

Editor's note: Today we're excited to introduce Asha Richardson, a guest blogger from Youth Media International.  Asha's a Bay Area  native and freshman at Mills College. She has been reporting at Youth Radio/Youth Media International for two years, and her work has been featured on NPR , American Public Media, PRX , and the Huffington Post. On campus she is an Economics major and the historian for the Black Women's Collective. In her spare time she enjoys photography, writing poetry and having adventures with her friends.

When I started at Mills College  this year, managing my own money didn't seem so hard. I got a free rug from a friend, picked out a table from the re-use depot on campus, and bought a used refrigerator for half the price of a new one.

But as I began to make friends, we wanted to go out and have fun — and fun adds up quickly. We would go out for frozen yogurt, but end up shopping and going to a restaurant for a dinner, and I'd be out $40 by the end of the night.

Some of my friends were broke before the second month was over. I wasn't much better off. When I checked my statement online and realized I only had $19 in my checking account, I knew I was in trouble.

Now that I don't have to ask for permission each time I want to buy something, it's easy to lose track of where my money's going. Temptation is everywhere: from shiny new textbooks to a pair of Steve Madden  heels I need for the party next weekend!

I have found a few ways to save: I put a certain amount of money aside that I can blow and put the rest away, and I make sure I have a strict list of what I need when I go shopping. That's helpful, but the temptation to spend can be so hard to resist! What else could I do to manage my money?

Well, what better way to get you to stop spending than getting your friends to help? I mean, in real life, I ask my friends if an outfit is cute. So why not use Facebook to get their opinion on how much they think it should cost?

With that in mind, a few of us at Youth Media International  got together to figure something out. We decided early on to create an app that helps young people resist temptation. After many meetings with Context Optional , the developer we partnered with to build the app, we came up with "Stop Me From Spending!" 

Caroline

I don't have many regrets about my college career, but honestly, if I could take a do-over on a couple things, I would.

So, what would I do if I could jump in my time machine and head back to good old 1989? I would make a point to truly get to know some professors, my advisor, my boss and any other professionals in my field. They're called mentors, folks — and they're good for much more than just job references. The ones you really click with can help guide you through the bumpy years as you get started with your career.

And believe me, the first few years out of college can be rough. You might feel lost, disillusioned, or just plain disappointed with your job specifically or where your career is headed generally. Your mentors can help you through those times — they've been there and are in a great position to encourage you or help redirect you.

For example, I've talked before about how lost I was in my first job search post-college. Looking back, if I'd only known a pro in my field to ask for advice, I might have made some smarter choices.

By contrast, a couple friends I know really did make great connections with mentors during college. They seemed to come out of school much more focused and inspired than I was. I was frankly a little jealous when I heard about the great advice, encouragement and insight about themselves that they'd gotten from these mentors.

So how do you go about getting a mentor? Well, I don't know exactly, but it's not going to happen without some work from your end. You've got to have the right mentality — that a mentor can be crucial to your success, and you have to be proactive to develop a relationship with a good mentor.

If I was doing things all over again, here would be my game plan:

• Look into an official mentoring program. See if your department offers an official way to connect with a mentor in your field.
• Slow down and stick around. Instead of bolting out the door after class, stick around and chat with your professor about an assignment. Because profs are sometimes mobbed by students after class, you may want to drop by during his or her office hours instead.
• Join an organization related to your field. Then participate. Go to meetings or other functions and try to meet other professionals. Ask them about their career, tell what your plan is, or admit that you're always seeking advice from pros. Most people are happy to share their experience. At minimum, you'll probably get some good insight. Keep going back and you may really get to know someone who'll make a good mentor.
• Get an internship. We've said it before, and I'll say it again. Internships are a fantastic way to meet professionals and find out if you're on the right track career-wise. In an internship setting, you've got the best opportunity to make the real connections with people that leads to a mentoring relationship.

Do you have a mentor? Tell us how you got connected with them!

Barbara

Student LoanDown readers, all good things must come to an end. Unfortunately, that includes your winter break, which means you're back on campus.

As you get back in the swing of things at school, we're wondering how you spent the majority of your winter break.

Take our poll!

Barbara

The New Year means fresh starts, and, for students, a fresh semester. As you look toward the semester ahead, think about ways to make the most of it, particularly when it comes to your classes — after all, you are paying for them!

Here are a few ideas for those of you resolving to get more out of your classes in the new semester:

Be present. Seems like a no-brainer, but go to your classes. It can be tempting to blow off classes from time to time in favor of other activities, but you're really setting yourself back when you do. Being prepared for and active in class is the smart way to learn the material.

Resolve to take it a step further and sit toward the front of the room and participate in class discussions. Being an active learner  will help your knowledge retention and show your dedication.

Be known. If you can get to know your professor better  (and in turn they'll know you), jump at the chance. Not only will it benefit you in the short-term if you have questions about the class material, but you could develop some long-term connections that can help you when it comes time for internships and jobs after graduation.

Resolve to take it a step further and focus on knowing more of your professors. Stop by during their office hours with questions or just to chat about the material. That's why they have them!

Be focused. If you want to do well be serious about studying.  Going to class and knowing your professors are only part of your success. The bulk will come from how you remember the material. Go to review sessions, read through your notes after class, highlight important pieces in your textbook, or make flash cards.

Resolve to take it a step further and find the study method that really works for you — in a group or on your own, studying with flashcards or reviewing your notes — and commit to positive study habits.

What tips do you have to get the most out of your classes?

Barbara

Another semester bites the dust, folks! After all the hard work you’ve put into classes and activities on campus you get a few weeks to relax. Feel free to press snooze as many times as you like. Heck, don’t even set an alarm!

But if you’re looking to blend your relaxation with a bit of productivity, here are a couple ideas to occupy your time until next semester begins:

• Review your financial aid and have a conversation with parents about how it’s working out for you. Remember the time to file your renewal FAFSA  is just around the corner.
• Take time to see old friends. While you may have a different circle of friends in college it’s important to catch up with your high school friends.
• Price out the books you’ll need for next semester. You know they can be spendy, so see if you can find a better deal online or asking friends who’ve taken the same class if they’d sell you their book.
• Make a little extra money to take back to school with you. Whether you pick up some hours at your old high school job or do odd jobs for your family you know every little bit will help once you’re back on campus.
• Start working on your internship search. The winter break is a great time to get a head start on your plans for the summer. Update that resume and build a list of possible internship opportunities.
• Take a moment to look back on your spending this semester. Can you make any changes to your budget (or start one) that would help you better manage your money?
• Spend time doing the things you can’t find time for in college – read a book for fun, update your scrapbook, go on some long runs – whatever hobby that gets bypassed for time spent with notes and textbooks during school.

What else do you have planned for your winter break?

Editor's note: The Student LoanDown team is taking a little winter break as well. We will be back after the New Year. Happy Holidays!

Caroline

As a graduate student, you have the opportunity to borrow significantly more funds per year to cover your expenses than you did as an undergraduate student. Are you finding that you need to borrow the full amount of federal aid offered to cover your expenses?

I ask because my step-daughter is a grad school student, but has a scholarship  so she doesn’t need to borrow nearly the full amount of aid offered to her. She is also able to work  a significant amount , which helps make up for the fact that she no longer has two roommates to share living expenses.

What has your grad school experience been like? Are you borrowing the full amount offered you in student loans?

Are your expenses significantly higher than when you were an undergrad? How are you managing it?

Tell us about your situation.

Staci

Student LoanDown readers, you’ve been back at school for a few months now. So far, what’s the most stressful thing about college?

Moms and dads, what are you hearing from your kids?

Any ideas to share on how you manage your college stress level? Tell us about them!

Barbara

With the semester in full swing, students may be looking for a little something extra to add to their schedule. What better way than joining a club or organization on campus?

Not sold on the idea of becoming a joiner? Think about these big two benefits to joining club or organization on your campus:

1. Beefing up your resume — Let's face it, potential employers like to see that you were involved on campus. Whether you're applying for an internship or that first job out of college, being able to list some extra involvement may bump your resume to the top of the pile. There are plenty of groups on campus tailored to your future career. For this journalism major, that meant writing for the student newspaper and joining the campus chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists.  Both of those gave me a leg up at internship time.
2. Expanding your social circle — Some groups might not be something you join to advance your professional interests, but rather your personal development. Things like community service groups, Greek life, or recreational clubs could introduce you to folks with the same interests. Joining a club is a great way to meet new people on campus and expand your network.

When you're looking into options, remember not to overextend yourself. While joining organizations on campus have their benefits, they will take up a chunk of your time. Don't let them interfere with your college studies. After all, that's why you're there.

So while you may be very passionate about numerous groups try to choose your involvement wisely. To narrow down your options, ask yourself questions like:

How much time will it require?
What are the benefits to my personal and professional development?
Does it work with my class schedule?

If you don't find something that interests you, consider starting your own club!

What clubs and organizations are you interested in? If you've already found an extra curricular activity, tell us about it!

Caroline

Remember your senior year of high school, when all anyone could ask you was "Where are you going to college?"

Well, now that you're in college, the questions keep on coming, but this time you get it from every new person you meet (which is a lot your freshman year): "What's your major?"

If you're undeclared, that gets to be a pretty short conversation. And eventually you do have to settle on a major. So how are making the major decision? Here are some ideas to get you started:

1. Take some career aptitude tests. Check with your academic advisor to see if he or she can recommend some good tests. You can find a number of these tests online, but beware — they may be commercially linked, so it's probably best to get some advice before diving in.
2. Ask the people who know you best. I majored in journalism on the recommendation of my brother. I loved to write, so I don't know why journalism hadn't occurred to me. I guess at the time, I wasn't thinking about my talents as much as I was thinking about what I "should" major in to get a good job.  Entertain the ideas of those who see you from the outside looking in. They shouldn't make your decision, of course, but they may have some good insight for you.
3. Explore potential jobs. Check out potential jobs as a way to explore different majors. Do some volunteer work, get an internship, do some job-shadowing — and always ask people what they majored in. You're likely to find some surprises along the way — and you might get some career-path ideas.
4. Do some research. Thumb through your school's course catalog, check around online, browse some career-books, read articles and reports about fast-growing career fields  and list anything that catches your eye. It's a good way to gauge your interests, and remind yourself what's out there.
5. Know what you're getting into. As you're making your decision, definitely follow your heart and your talents, but be realistic and know what you're getting into.  Think not just about the major but about the career path you plan to follow. Consider what jobs in the field will pay and compare it to what you're paying (and borrowing) for school. Be sure that reality plays some part in your decision and that you're keeping the future in mind.

Have you decided on a major? How did you make your decision?