Spring is almost here!

Last weekend I planted an herb garden (in a flower box of course, as living in Washington does not provide much in the way of back yards) and I noticed yesterday that the herbs were starting to emerge. That can only mean one thing! Spring is in the air. I noticed today when I was taking a walk that there are flowers popping up everywhere and people are out playing in the parks with their children and dogs. It was beautiful outside today.

Spring always means one thing, school is almost out for the summer! That means there is also a new batch of recent graduates with dreams of changing the world. And to these people I have a few words of advice. Now, everything I am going to tell you isn't scientific. And it hasn't been proven. And, I could be totally wrong. It's just what I've learned in the past year.

• If 10 months from now you are still working an unpaid internship and waiting tables to pay rent, you're not alone. According to an article in the Chicago Tribune last November, entry-level hiring has dropped about 8%.
• Don't be afraid to take an internship, even after you have your B.A. or B.S. Most people I graduated with in May were still working an internship until last fall- some still are. But it gives you invaluable experience, and will make you more marketable in the long run.
• If you are graduating and really weren't sure if Grad school is right for you, don't go just yet. Wait until you know exactly what you want to do. Sometimes you need work experience to know you are (or in some cases are not) getting into the right field.
• Learn how to make bread. It is relaxing and kneading the dough will help relieve stress. This is one of my favorite Web sites for finding bread recipes.
• And, lastly, if you think of something you want to do. Like for instance work on an organic farm in Hawaii for one year- DO IT. You will regret it if you don't.

So, have a great spring, and enjoy graduating!

Preparing for your Future

Today when I visited Experience's Homepage, I read a testimonial from a girl named Charity at Sacred Heart University that was:

"I applied and was accepted for a one year internship program in London, England. I found out about this opportunity through an email that Experience sent out and am very excited about the opportunity."

Then I started reminising about my study abroad experience. It was the best decision I have ever made. EVER. The study abroad progam I did was in Geneva, Switzerland and through Kent State University. However, I was amazed to find out that only on fifth of the students participating in the program were from Kent State. There were students from Boston College, University of Illinois, Mary Washington University, Tufts and many others. So when looking for a study abroad program or internship program don't just look as far as your school. The opportunities are endless.

I know a lot of people say they can't study abraod because they want to graduate on time. That is a legitimate concern, but there are hundreds of internship and study abroad opportunities that just last the summer months or are for a few weeks over winter break.

There are many different ways to go about studying/interning abroad. And I do understand that it isn't for everyone. But at least check it out. Go to experience.com and check it out!

Healthcare Government

So today I was compiling a list of health reform opinion and thought leaders in the executive branch of the Federal Government, and I was shocked at the number of people who work in healthcare related fields of the government.

These days, all we are hearing about is the economy. But, surprisingly, or maybe not so surprisingly, healthcare and health reform keeps popping up in every stimulus conversation and economy mention.

In the President’s FY10 budget, he allots $630 billion over 10 years to go toward Health care reform. You know what that translates, right? Jobs. Public health professionals are needed to work on preventative health, the Health and Human Services Department, and even public policy organizations. Yet, sadly, only 20% of the nation’s almost 500,000 public health professionals have the proper training and education they need to do their jobs efficiently. People with a Masters Degree of Public Health are in high demand right now! Not just in Washington, but also in your home town.

Health professionals working in the government doesn’t jut stop with the Department of Health and Human Services.

• The Department of Defense that offers healthcare to the military;
• The Department of Veterans Affairs deals with veterans and their health needs;
• The Department of Transportation deals with preventative measures to keep Americans safe on our sidewalks and roads and all sorts of other infrastructure;
• The United States Environmental Protection Agency also works to keep Americans safe from chemicals;
• United States Congress has at least one healthcare legislative assistant in every single Member of Congress’ office; and,
• There are many, many others that could be added to the list!

My point is, health professionals are needed in every arm of the government. When you check out Experience’s job board next, just take a look at all the jobs that deal with healthcare. I bet you will be amazed!