March 16, 2015

Making the Most of Your Thesis: From Classroom to the 'Real World' (Guest Post)

March 16, 2015/ Katie Dwyer

Korrin Bishop launched her post-graduate life from the network and experience gained through writing an undergraduate thesis. She shares her thesis writing advice, as well as her perspective on leveraging research into 'real world' publication and opportunities.

This is a fabulous post for all those out there who have a thesis looming on the horizon and are wondering how to make it happen an if it really matters. Here's how to do it, and why it's worth the work.

February 21, 2014

How On-Campus Jobs Transformed My Student Experience

February 21, 2014/ Katie Dwyer

I would encourage all college students to think broadly about their job options at college. Consider what interesting things you might witness on the catering team for your university events company. Think boldly about how your skills might apply in various departments on campus—research, IT, writing, organizing, networking, etc. Be careful, of course, to maintain your focus on your academic goals. But get out there and find out just how broad your opportunities are.

February 05, 2014

Inventing an Internship: My Journalism Case-study

February 05, 2014/ Katie Dwyer

A while ago, I wrote a post titled “Inventing an Internship,” in which I discussed the process and benefits of creating a personalized and self-driven internship. The basic message: if you put yourself out there and take the initiative, you can find people willing to take advantage of your energy and developing skills in exchange for your professional development while building your resume and network.

This post is a personal story of how this worked for me in working with photojournalist Paul Jeffrey

January 10, 2014

Networking-My Belfast Case Study

January 10, 2014/ Katie Dwyer

Networking is generally touted as a sure-fire method for getting a job. But the exact process to kick-start this mythical solution is often murky at best. The easiest way to take advantage of a network is to already be part of a well-developed and dynamic community of people who serve as your advocates and mentors, and who help smooth your path to new connections.

You don’t have a community until you already have a network. This is not helpful if you are just getting started.

January 03, 2014

Networking: An Introduction

January 03, 2014/ Katie Dwyer

Networking is about connecting with the people around you on a professional basis. It’s about linking the skills and interests you have with the interests and needs of the people around you. It’s about making connections, and being honest and proactive about what you want to do with your time, and how this can overlap with the goals of those around you.