Now, don’t get me wrong, I don’t think you should stress yourself to the point where you’re spending all of your time working on these things–you will have senior year to enjoy and continue your studies. It is, however, important to start at least thinking about these things earlier, so that at least when it comes time for you to get into action on your applications you won’t be thinking about these things for the first time a week before the application is due.

Here are some general guidelines as summer approaches and tips for how to tackle each part of your application:

TESTING- Check to see if you’ll have the required standardized test results for your college by the time you apply. Some schools only require the SAT or ACT. However, sometimes the school requires extra testing, such as SAT II tests in different subject areas. Be sure that you check each college’s admission website to see if you meet the requirements. Use your resources wisely!
INTERVIEWS- Again, some schools require these, and some don’t. Check to make sure. If they do, remember to come prepared. Bring a folder with you with any materials that they may require and perhaps a resume if you have one. Dress nicely! Finally, be confident in yourself! No matter which school you end up going to, you will have things to offer the school–be yourself!
ESSAYS- This was my favorite part of the application process. Depending on the school you apply to, you might have to only write one long essay or several short ones. Try to keep within the word limit. Usually if you’re over you could probably say what you want to say much more succinctly in less words. If you’re under the limit by a lot, you’re probably not putting enough information into it.
RECOMMENDATIONS- Start to think about the teachers you’ve established good relationships with and who know your academic abilities as well as leadership abilities and how you work in non-academic settings. Ask with plenty of time in advance and remember to thank them afterwards! If you don’t have anyone you would automatically think of to write you a recommendation letter, it’s not too late to get to know one of your teachers better.
SCHOLARSHIPS- Even though college might seem far away during the summer, now is the perfect time to search for scholarships. Use websites such as http://www.scholarships.com/. You probably want to use your summer time to apply to these instead of waiting until the school year when you’ll have other work to do.
Continue to do well in school! Grades still count, especially first semester grades!
As always, if you have further questions, be sure to leave a comment or email me. I’d be happy to answer any questions.

A great thing happened at Harvard University in mid April: the 15th Annual Harvard Latino Law, Policy and Business Conference. Every year Latino leaders from the private, public and non-profit sectors congregate to discuss issues that matter to the Latino community.  This year’s theme was “The Rising Latino:  Latinos in the United States and Latin America on the World Stage.”

Ernesto Cordero Arroyo, former Minister of Finance and Social Development in México, kicked off the event.  Arroyo provided a colorful overview of Latin America’s rise in the world of economic development and how far we’ve come.  With democracy now more prevalent on this side of the Americas, countries such as Perú and México are burgeoning with economic opportunity. The world is taking notice.  

Evelyn Barahona, Lili Gil Valleta, Ana Cervantes. Photo credit: Evelyn Barahona

Speakers for the weekend included Lili Gil Valleta, an award-winning business strategist at Johnson & Johnson and the Honorable Alberto González former U.S. Attorney General. Gonzalez focused on Latinos in Public Service and the importance of how our values as Latinos clearly mirror those of America: strong work ethic, the importance of ‘familia’ and taking pride in one’s work.  He delivered an honest assessment of the times we are living as it relates to Latinos today and how through education and hard work, we can overcome barriers with success. 

former Attorney General Alberton González. Photo credit: Evelyn Barahona

Mark Hugo López, from Pew Hispanic, shared demographic facts as they relate to upcoming presidential election: over 22 million Latinos are eligible to vote and how political analysts are noting that our vote will matter. 

Another speaker that moved us all with her story on Latino leadership was Major General Angela Salinas. Major General Salinas is one of the highest-ranking women in the military, and the highest-ranking Latina who has commanded at every rank throughout the Marines Corp. Her story and those of other Latinos who have shown through the military was one of pride and a prime example of leadership in all its essence.

As the event ended, we were energized to think of technology and our perception of it through the lens of founder and CEO of Micro Tech, Tony Jiménez.  Before becoming the technology CEO dynamo he is today, Jimenez explored many career options before discovering his love of technology through trial and error. He emphasized the need for Latinos to embrace technology as a career choice. Our economy has become a digital economy and when seeking employment it is advantageous to become acquainted with key careers in cloud computing, social media analytics and digital signage because that is where the future is at. 

The final talk was delivered by David Puente, producer for the Anderson Cooper 360 show; and CNN en Español Anchor-Fernando Del Rincón.  Both discussed the importance to get the Latino story out in the media.  Puente emphasized the need to be responsible when doing social media. 

Those attending the conference were from all over the country and were excited to be part of a conversation that recognized that the rise in Latinos was a rise in the power of Latinos in the U.S.

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Latino leadership 2.0

The Latino identity: it’s complicated

Here are only some of the pros of being a college student:

• Student discounts
• Access to numerous on-campus resources
• Free gym membership
• Car insurance discounts for having good grades
• Opportunity to intern for college credit
• Free entrance into museums
• Elective classes to learn about anything your heart desires
• Not having to pay back student loans until you graduate
• Access to countless student organizations
• The American Opportunity Tax Credit 
• The list goes on…

It is refreshing to learn that only 21% of survey respondents used the term American when referring to their identity.  We could argue back and forth about the composition of those who answered the survey.  Or, even better, focus on the 21% who see themselves as Americans.  Were they born in the U.S.? How old are they? Why American and not Hispanic-American? So many questions for such a controversial topic.

The question that I would like to address is:  Why is this study relevant to us, Latino/Hispanics/Americans/etc., who are increasingly becoming a significant part of the United States workforce?  A potential answer:  This study reveals a disconnect between how we see ourselves and how others (e.g. future employers, colleagues, clients) see us.

The desperation to capitalize on the one trillion opportunity presented by the Latino market or to develop effective recruitment and retention strategies catered to Latinos seems almost comical.  How could anyone try to place the experiences, perceptions and values of people from 20+ countries under one label? Employers who tend to focus on our “Latinoness” often neglect to see other valuable skills we can bring to the organization.

Potential employers who are looking to attract top Latino talent better realize that the Latino identity is highly sophisticated.  Engagement strategies that might work with some candidates might not work with others waiting in the lobby.

As far as I am concerned, it is up to us, the Latino professional, to help future employers understand the complexity of being Latino.  Many recruiters try to build rapport by attempting to speak Spanish (not every Latino does), by casually mentioning Hispanic related themes, places or activities.  How do we help them?  By not getting offended and acknowledging their efforts.  After indulging them for 30 seconds and briefly making a comment, quickly move the conversation to the job vacancy and your qualifications.

Do not do what I did when I was a junior professional in the financial industry.  Somehow in conversation it came out that I was born in Perú (Notice how I phrased it. I prefer this way of identification than, “I am peruvian.”) The interviewer started to make every reference to Perú she could come up with, from Pisco sour to Machu Picchu to the Nazca Lines.  I was completely turned off and it showed on my face. Needless to say, I did not get the job.

Although it is illegal to ask someone about their background during an job interview, our brains are trained to make split-second assumptions and decisions about our environment and others. The more aware we become about the complexity of the Latino identity, the sooner we can start to embrace it for what it is:  a moving target.

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Latino leadership 2.0

Where are the Latino role models?

Clutter. A cluttered work space is an obstacle to creativity and clear thinking. A cluttered mind invites confusion and will rob you from achieving your goals. Declare your independence from clutter by setting aside time to organize your living space. Consider decluttering your mind by taking breaks from online job searching and moving around. Whether it’s a walk around the block or a 30-minute jog, being in motion will help you get unstuck.

Complacency. Stagnation–whether physical or mental– may give you the illusion of a safe place. It is not. I call it the “whatever syndrome.” Settling for whatever signals that you are giving up on finding the job you want.  The whatever mindset will guarantee a whatever attitude during a phone or in-person interview.  And guess what?   That will be the beginning of a vicious cycle that will take you nowhere.

Contempt.  Actually, I stand corrected.  Complacency will lead you to contempt.  People who are contemptuous are generally unhappy. They feel insecure about themselves so they try to regain some control and feel better by looking down on others with an air of superiority. These feelings have no lasting positive effects.   I understand that it is important to project a confident image as a job seeker, but not at the expense of others or yourself.  Try practicing appreciation–even for the smallest things– instead.

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To do list

Three ways to stand out as a job seeker

• Keep up with current events.  For instance, did you know that this past week we celebrated the 100th anniversary of the Oreo cookie and Gabriel García Marquez’ 85th birthday?
• Weave facts into conversation. Casually drop information while networking.  The idea is to appear engaged and in the know of what is going on. Stay away from sounding like a trivia-pursuit expert.
• Match facts to audience.  Mention events that will mean something positive to those in the room.  The Oreo cookie example may not go well at a health-related event. When in doubt, play it safe.
• Take turns talking.  This might sound too basic to some but, unfortunately, it is a necessary reminder. How many times have you been at a networking event where one person is rattling off accomplishment after accomplishment trying to impress a potential employer or business partner?  Or how about the rapid-fire question and answer style, where one party interrogates the other?
• Aim to connect.  Contrary to popular networking advice, use small talk to see if there is chemistry between you and your new acquaintance.  What good will it do if you are trying to wow a prospective employer and she is not reciprocating? If you are really set on pursuing that company, find another person who might be more available.

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Career trends in 2012

Finding new friends while succeeding in school

To some people it may seem impossible to have a super-filled schedule while not spreading too thin, especially in college. However, it is possible to have a very busy schedule all while performing relatively well and still having time to relax. (Don’t get me wrong, if you want to get always perfect scores, you’ll have to compromise sleep, fun, or other things.)

It all comes down to prioritizing. Above most things, I am a student, and as such I value my academic performance very highly. However, like most people, I have other interests that define me. I am also a musician, a writer, a worker. (College students are poor!) More importantly, I am also a daughter, a sister, a friend, a citizen, a mentor, a roommate.

I like to think that my priorities– my own definition of myself– could be seen in what I do.

To do List For Today: 

• Study Chemistry (Practice problems)
• Read Physics and turn in problem set
• Finish multivar. calculus homework and study for Exam!!
• Listen to and write an evaluation of a radio show
• Do rocket equation problems
• Design Lego Robot
• Laundry
• Practice trumpet
• Grocery Shopping
• Exercising
• Cook dinner
• Apply for summer internships
• Apply for summer teaching assistant positions
• write a letter to my sisters
• write to several of my friends
• wrap another one of my friends’ gifts
• Schedule study sessions
• Schedule Volunteering
• Sleep.

Now, let’s be reasonable, here. There is no way I could ever do all of that in a day. But I might get a few things done here and there. I might not get anything done except the last item on the list in a given day because I simply am too tired (and sleepy) to do work, and instead add on to the list the next day. There are some things on the list that I do at least in some way every day (studying), while there are other things (exercising) that I could do a lot more of.

On a day that I want to get a lot of things done, I tell myself what the most important things to accomplish will be. As long as I get what the most important things to me are, I’m headed in the right direction.

Of course, if my schedule weren’t as busy as it is, I would have more time to study, and of course, it would be a lot easier to learn academic things. However, I wouldn’t be developing myself in other areas.

There are always compromises. I possibly could be just an amazing student–always doing the extra problems and the extra readings, but I would have to compromise being a friend, a musician, a volunteer, etc.

I always like to focus on the big picture. In the end, I guess my priority is to be a well-rounded, well-educated person. And in my opinion, it takes a lot more than focusing on being a good student to accomplish this.

In a nutshell, the four-year career is about following a career path based on current experience, newly found interests, and the need to explore new areas of engagement.  This approach reaches across industries and functions.  The key to successfully surf the waves of a four-year career is to have a certain set of skills desired by potential employers.  Supply and demand.  It’s as simple as that.

What does this trend mean to you, job seeker?

• Could make switching careers an easier process.
• Could fundamentally change your career plans long term.
• Could force you to acquire skills that are needed in across industries and functions (e.g. project management, managing across cultures)

A word of caution: The four-year career strategy is not for everyone.  It requires finding a fit between an organization that fosters this type of work and career dynamic and an individual comfortable with uncertainty and with an open, exploratory mind set.  Is this you?

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Three tools to stand out as a job seeker

The 21st century workplace

I am not a monster to my mother, nor am I ungrateful.  I’m simply…busy.  I find that I do not have the time to really maintain the open relationship that I used to have with her.  Or is it that I am not truly taking the time?  When I am home, which is rarely, I’m either on the phone having a conversation with someone else or texting.  I never put the phone down to sit and chat with her over coffee like we used to.  We’re drifting apart and if I had just a tad bit more spare time I think our relationship would be different.

What further worries me is that my career might take me to a different city or a different state and if we’re already distant communication-wise, how will things be when I’m physically distant?  As young adults getting ready to graduate and head out into the real world, our priorities change.  We find ourselves networking for our next job opportunity, juggling school projects, working, etc.  But we should never forget who is there for us unconditionally.

Has your relationship with your parents seen a transition during your college years? For the better or for the worse?