Disqus - Latest Comments for BOBrock

Re: 10 Ways Job Search Stays the Same, Regardless of What Country You’re In

Brendan Brock — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 13:49:49 -0000

Great advice for interviews! I used the majority of these in my previous interview for my summer job and without some of these helpful tips I highly doubt I would have been prepared enough to pass the interview. A great little "refresher" before any interview.

Re: Susan Boyle: Recruiters…What Advice Would You Give?

Brendan Brock — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 14:24:15 -0000

I feel that the best thing that could be done for Susan Boyle's marketability is to do NOTHING! The reason why she is such a smash hit is because she looks like anyone else on the street. Her average joe look is what makes her such a sensation because people don't expect that voice from an appearance like hers. Once you give her a 'makeover' to increase her marketability you ruin what everybody fell in love with- the underdog. Everyone's first impression of Susan was a laughing joke and to be slapped in the face after hearing her voice is what people love to see happen. She has received so much publicity in the last few weeks and is now appearing on Oprah and Larry King, good for her. It's just sad that there are so many other people out there who aren't given the time of day to show off their amazing skills because of negative first impressions. I hope the Susan Boyle sensation is a wake up call for employers that you can't judge a book by its cover.

Re: Secret to Improving Workplace Morale: Sing-alongs

Brendan Brock — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 22:39:56 -0000

Funny article, and a great idea! I must say this is a great song...brings back some good memories

Re: How To Give (And Receive) An Attitude Adjustment

Brendan Brock — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 16:33:43 -0000

Today was a sunny day with no clouds. On days like these i enjoy spending time outside. Doing anything outside makes me happy. Today after I got out of class I decided to skateboard on the street for a bit. After that I played pass with my lacrosse stick for awhile. These are the days that I dream about in mid-February when we have 3 feet of snow. Since I've been so busy lately, I haven't been able to enjoy these early spring days...So for me, this was the first day of spring.

Re: Recent Grad Gets Dream Job in 2 Months…Here’s How

Brendan Brock — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 12:57:18 -0000

Great testimonial Mari. I hope that others take your advice and sign up for this great program. Careerealism University can definitely help the panicked senior but this tool should be utilized way before graduation week. The fact that Careerealism University DID help you find your dream job in just about a month is a testament to the program's success .

Re: 6 Things I Learned to Do Before Graduating

Brendan Brock — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 21:35:16 -0000

I had to post a second time because I reread the tips and chose my two favorites. I would have to agree that "getting involved" and "working/volunteering" are two of the best ways I have helped build a product (myself) that I can sell. I joined a fraternity freshman year...now hold on... I know people immediately think of meat heads and booze bags when they hear the word 'frat boy' but I took a different approach and used the opportunity to get involved. I joined the executive board, numerous intermural sports, completed more community service than all previous years combined, raised money for a philanthropy, and made 50 new friends. However, in today's world these aspects of Greek life seem to be buried below a stereotype resembling Animal House.

I have also taken time out of my busy college career to work for the school's printing business and also start an internship. Furthermore, I just recently sent in my application to study abroad in New Zealand for a semester of my senior year.

So it just goes to show that college is only as good as you make it. I have done nothing that the average student isn't capable of, but the only difference is that I actually followed through. These tips are great for any student that wants to make the most out of their college experience.

Re: Are You a Dishonest Employee? For Young Guys, Survey Says It’s More than a Little Likely

Brendan Brock — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 16:10:32 -0000

Mark, you're right that the article is 4 years old, and I took that into consideration when I referenced it. Since I wasn't using statistics, rather a quote from a woman who happens to be from Generation Y, I didn't think that 4 years would make a difference. Her opinion about the Gen Y workforce probably hasn't changed much considering she is part of that generation.

In regards to your question, I honestly don't know where the line should be drawn when appealing to the new batch of employees. I guess it depends on the amount of demand for their skills and that company's financial standing through this recession. That's a good question though. Tough to answer.

Re: Are You a Dishonest Employee? For Young Guys, Survey Says It’s More than a Little Likely

Brendan Brock — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 10:09:51 -0000

I have to disagree with you Ben when you say that "most young people don't seem to want to work very hard." I feel the issue isn't in Generation Y's work ethic but rather in their upbringing. Growing up with two Baby Boomers as parents, I have been nurtured and coddled since I was young but I have also been programmed with the most current technology. This makes Generation Y high-maintenance but also high-performance.

Katy Patterson, a 23 yr old assistant account executive at Edelman Public Relations, says, "We are willing and not afraid to challenge the status quo. An environment where creativity and independent thinking are looked upon as a positive is appealing to people my age. We're very independent and tech savvy." http://www.usatoday.com/mon...

On another note, I feel that we are actually more suitable for the current job market than many Generation Xer's. Besides the fact that we can respond to a manager's email on our iPhone while researching online and typing up a TPS report, Generation Y is ready to adapt. Generation Y doesn't expect to stay in one job, especially right out of college, because we've seen the recent scandals in companies like Enron and are amidst a recession. With these events in mind, it's hard for a college grad to believe in "job security" and "employee loyalty". This is why career advice sites like Careerealism are so great for the young crowd. The information is straight and to the point-just the way we like it.

Re: Respect Authority? Not Me! (and it helps my career!)

Brendan Brock — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 17:10:54 -0000

First off I have to say that I am sitting in the exact same seat as you were. Coming into freshman year I had my heart set on being a physical therapist. Nothing could stop my motivation to be the best PT out there...until I realized this wasn't for me.Then I changed my major at the end of freshman year, thinking that Environmental Conservation was right up my ally....wrong again.. So by the second semester of sophomore year I had changed my major AGAIN to Wildlife Ecology.. Finally, after 3 years and 3 majors I think I might have a small idea about what I want to do. Like you, I'm now in a struggle to finish off all of my credits in a very limited amount of time. My advisor told me I would need a 5th year to complete school and I wasn't having any of that. So after a summer class and extra credits added next semester, it looks like I will graduate on time. Your advice to never submit and find inspiration within your challenges are great motivators.

One question though. You never actually mentioned if you completed the degree in 18 months. Are you still in progress?

Re: 6 Things I Learned to Do Before Graduating

Brendan Brock — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 12:30:19 -0000

Career Centers are definitely a good way to start building a career path, the only problem that I find with career centers is that they are so generic. I am a registered user of Careerealism and I find that it is much more truthful, personal, and easier to use than a career center.

As with Andrew's post, I would also like to know what you did right after you graduated and when you started Gradversity? Was your own career search during college the inspiration for the company?

Re: T.A.P. into CAREEREALISM (Get Free, Personalized Help from Career Experts)

Brendan Brock — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 11:01:50 -0000

Wow, the TAP project is a great idea. It' simple and so easy to use. I just added all of the career specialists that you recommended. I don't think there is an easier way on the internet to jump start your career. I hope others take the time to T.A.P into Careerealism's resources.

Re: Career In Progress: I Won’t Give Up My Dream!

Brendan Brock — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 16:38:56 -0000

This article is great because it reassures others that they aren't the only ones feeling the economic crisis right now. I have to agree with the other comments especially Andrew's when he says that Networking on Twitter and LinkedIn are two fast and easy ways to spread the word and promote yourself. I have also recently started using Twitter and I must agree that it is a very useful tool. Also check out search.twitter.com for a google-like search engine that picks up key words in other people's tweets. It's a great tool to help focus your scope.

Re: 3 Rules to Managing Up

Brendan Brock — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 16:27:39 -0000

Althought I can't say that I have ever tried "managing up" at the workplace, I know these rules follow closely in college. The student-teacher relationship is very similar to that of the manager-employee. I know that by developing a relationship with my teacher, I am able to communicate more effectively and gain a better understanding as to what he/she expects from me. Student-teacher relationships also apply to Rule #2. Many students will pass a class with A's or B's and never take the time to actually talk to the teacher. These students are missing out on the knowledge and experience that the teacher is more than willing to share. I feel a student who may not ace the class, but spends the extra time to meet and discuss with the teacher, is actually getting a richer education. This student surely has a better understanding as to what the teacher expects and it shows appreciation for the teacher's work and time.

Re: Career Do-Over: Interview with Serial Entrepreneur Guy Kawasaki

Brendan Brock — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 19:48:18 -0000

Reading this article reassured me that I don't have to feel pressured to "pick one job and stick with it" for the rest of my life. Sometimes college students get anxious when it comes to picking a career (I personally changed my major twice before finding my niche) and they feel that they will be stuck in a career that MUST parallel their degree. It's also refreshing that you acknowledge that success can come from more than just money, cars, and big houses. Although these amenities are nice, they certainly shouldn't be the sum of which defines you.