Oh, why hello there! Remember me? You know, the creator of this blog (the one who pops in and out intermittently without any notice?). Ah, yes.

Well, I’ve hit quite the milestones since my last post. I survived finals, passed Microeconomics, graduated college, moved out of my college apartment and into a house, signed up for my own insurance and my own garbage collecting service, passed out when I saw how much I owe on my student loans, and woke up poolside – burnt with five finished novels by my side.

In the (short) amount of time I have between school and work, I’ve been doing some thinking (and researching, which includes reading numerous twenty-something blogs), and I’ve decided to mix it up a little in the Stephanie Perrett blogosphere.

Yes, I love the idea of a twenty-something professional blog. It’s already scary being the newbie in the office (or just trying to get INTO the office), and with this economy who doesn’t need a little help navigating the professional waters? However, there are some GREAT professional blogs out there already on the subject, and a lot of times it’s a little hard for me to come up with new, interesting, creative and worthwhile information. I can’t reinvent the wheel here – I’m just one person!

That being said, I’m going to try to add a little pizzazz into the business mix – pop culture, design, quotes, daily musings, rants (because who doesn’t like a rant here and there as proof that they’re not the only one who can’t stand it when people don’t use their blinkers?) and the like. After all, I’m not JUST a young professional, and I know other twenty-somethings out there have interests beyond interviews, paychecks and figuring out the difference between a 401K and an IRA.

I’d love to hear your thoughts – especially in the coming weeks as I begin to incorporate said pizazz. And who knows? I may even include a post about the difference between a 401K and an IRA. Until then, stay tuned…

Happy Earth Day!

Earth Day is celebrated in the United States today, April 22, to increase appreciation of the environment and inspire Americans to practice eco-friendly efforts to create a healthy, sustainable world.

Today, it seems like everyone is “going green,” but are you really doing everything you can to help protect the planet? It’s easy to feel overwhelmed with the amount of products, ideas, initiatives, programs and routines out there to help you “go green.” But it really is simple to introduce “green” efforts into your daily life.

The best advice I can give you is to start simple. By introducing a few “green” practices into your routine, you will minimize feelings of being overwhelmed and increase your likelihood of performing “green” initiatives for an extended period of time.

Why not try to introduce “green” efforts into your office? After all, American’s spend a good portion of their lives at work. The following are seven easy ways to “go green” at work.

1.  Carpool. I bet you’ve heard it numerous times. But how many times have you actually carpooled with coworkers, a friend or a significant other? Carpooling not only saves you money and reduces air pollution and traffic. It ensures you’ll never have a lonely commute and may give you that extra time you need to catch up on work or sleep. If you live in Georgia, check out The Clean Air Campaign for more information about carpooling to work!

2.  Use eco-friendly office supplies. Encourage your company to use only 100% post-consumer, acid free recycled printer paper. You can find reams at most large office supply stores like Staples. Also, only purchase notebooks, agendas, stationary, calendars, etc. if they are made from recycled paper. Check out cute and eco-friendly products like these notebooks found at Ecojot.com.

3.  Recycle. Set up numerous recycling bins around the office – and not just for paper. Recycle aluminum, plastic and glass items, as well.

4.  Only print when you have to. Make edits on the computer instead of printing out numerous drafts. Give your colleagues that 100-page proposal on a disk instead of handing out hard copies.

5.  Only use paper when you have to. Keep your “To-Do” list in a word document instead of using numerous pieces of paper. Download a sticky notes application onto your computer rather than using “real” sticky notes.

6.  Bring your own reusable utensils from home. Never use paper products when eating or drinking at work. Keep a set of dishes at work: a plate, coffee cup, water cup, utensils, etc. to reduce waste. Encourage co-workers to do the same. When you bring your lunch from home, bring it in a lunchbox instead of a paper bag. A quick Google search of “cute lunch boxes” lead to me find adorable Lunch Kits made by a company called Kids Konserve. They’re geared towards kids, but I think they’re great fun for adults, too!

7.  Reduce energy use. Turn off all lights, monitors, computers, printers, copiers, etc. when they are not in use. Use the stairs instead of the elevator (you’ll get some exercise, too!).

Do you have any other suggestions for “going green” at work? I’d love to hear them!

When it comes to the job search, how do you set yourself apart?

College students and professionals alike know the importance of keeping an updated, polished resume on hand and utilizing all opportunities to network during the job hunt. However, what many college students may not understand is the importance of the business, or networking, card.

Think about it. What is your ultimate goal when searching/interviewing for a job? To get hired! You are essentially marketing yourself – your skill set and strengths – to potential employers in the hope that they will hire you.

However, recruiters, HR personnel, hiring managers and employees in general are continuously meeting new people and reading slews of resumes. I guarantee it’s the individuals that make a point to positively (yet professionally) stand out from the crowd that are the ones who are offered the job. Therefore, if you think of your job hunt as a marketing campaign, you will set yourself apart from other potential candidates and successfully “sell” yourself to a company.

One of the best ways to achieve this is through the business card, also known as a networking card.  A business card, if designed effectively, not only provides essential contact information to potential employers in professional and personal settings, it also gives you a unique opportunity to brand yourself and potentially showcase your graphics skills (if you chose to design the card yourself).

In a nutshell, the benefits of a business (networking) card include:

• Setting yourself apart from the crowd
• Never missing out on a chance to network
• Portraying professionalism
• Showcasing knowledge and dedication of the professional world
• Displaying creativity

“Alright, you sold me. I want a business card. How do I get one?”

It is both easy and affordable to make your own card at home. Business card templates are available at most office supply stores and give you step-by-step instructions for creating the template in Microsoft Word and printing your cards.
This is also a great way to go if you wish to put a creative touch on your card.

If you would rather order business cards, I suggest checking out VistaPrint, MooCards, or SmilePrint. (*Note: Thanks to @smileprint you can use the code  TWTBC52 to get 50% off at checkout at www.smileprint.com)

If you are a PRSSA@UGA member, you can contact Dr. Jones for PRSSA business cards for a small fee.

“How do I choose the look of my card?”

Business cards do not have to be boring! My advice is to be creative, yet professional. Use a design and color scheme that represents your personality, but ensure the card is readable.

Also, don’t just put something on the front of the card. When you are handed something, what is the first thing you do? Most people flip it over, so putting something on the back of your business card also allows you to stand out.

“What information should I put on my business card?”

Of course, you should put your name, e-mail, Web site and LinkedIn profile link (if applicable).

I would omit your mailing address for a few reasons. As a college student, you will most likely be moving around a lot. Also, it is rare these days that an employer will contact you via snail mail.

Additional information to think about adding: School, major, expertise, job goal, and your unique selling point.

Examples – From Moo Cards, VistaPrint and SmilePrint (In order)

Springtime being right around the corner involves a lot more than warmer weather. For many college students it means beginning the interview process for internships or jobs and even entering the corporate world for the first time. In addition to brushing up on interview skills, filling out applications and editing resumes and cover letters, purchasing business attire is at the top of every college student’s to-do list.

Yet, prior to what some twenty-somethings may initially think about a corporate wardrobe, business attire does not have to be boring, drab or even black and white.

In fact, the spring is a great time to begin assembling a business savvy wardrobe because of the wide array of colors and suit styles available.

While experimenting with fun styles, fabrics and colors, you should keep a few basic rules in mind:

• Business attire should remain conservative  – especially during the interview process.
• Always keep your business attire dressy and professional – even on “Casual Friday.”
• Keep colors and patterns to a minimum. For example, if you choose to wear a patterned skirt, match it with a solid, less bold top.
• Always keep the amount of accessories you wear to a minimum (this includes taking out any extra piercings you may have in your nose, lip, etc.).
• If in doubt, ask. It never hurts to ask what the dress code is.
• Don’t hesitate to get alterations if necessary.
• Don’t hurt the bank, but don’t be scared to spend a few extra bucks for some higher quality staples, such as a nice black pencil skirt.
• Have fun! You’re going to be wearing these clothes, so make sure you love them and feel comfortable in them!

Fun twists on the basics:

Luxury Stretch Ruffle Pencil Skirt
Express, $59.50

Luxury Stretch High-Waist Ruffled Pencil Skirt
Express, $69.50

Suiting Sarong Suit
The Limited, $59.50

Other Fun Suit Skirt Options

Seamed Tulip Skirt
The Limited, $59.50

Puff Balls Tulip Skirt
Ann Taylor LOFT, $59

High Pencil Skirt in Tea Rose
J. Crew, $118

City Style Pencil Skirt in Warm White
New York & Company, $34.95

City Style Mirage Print Pencil Skirt in Sheltering Green
New York & Company, $34.95

Tulip Skirt in Gold
Banana Republic, $79

Pleated Tulip Skirt in Bronzer
Banana Republic, $69

I think we’ve all been there before.

There aren’t enough hours in the day to get everything done.
The house is a mess. The laundry- and homework – are piling up.
The dog needs a walk. Heck – YOU need a walk.
You haven’t shaved in days. Your eyebrows are trying to take over your face.
Don’t even get me started with the split ends, the empty fridge (well, except for that moldy milk and half-empty bottle of ketchup) and the (nonexistent) funds in your bank account.

I haven’t even graduated college yet, and I’m already feeling over-committed and grappling with the work/life-balancing act.

Have you ever looked at someone (you know exactly who I’m talking about) and wondered just how she (or he) does it? How do they always look put together, fit, well rested, well-fed and happy?!

I’m no expert on the subject, and while I am still working towards finding and implementing a successful solution to happiness myself, I have found a few beneficial tips and tricks that help. You may have to tape these to your mirror and read them every day, but hopefully they will be a beneficial addition to getting your life back on track. While this blog may seem to not have direction at times, it’s essentially about how to deal with the curve balls that every twenty-something is thrown. How do YOU deal?

Start small
Old habits die hard. As with anything, you can’t make any drastic life changes in the blink of an eye – or even over the course of one week. So make a list of attainable goals and focus on one or two at time. Slowly start adding one or two more goals every few weeks. It may even be beneficial to begin keeping a journal to track your progress.

Don’t compare yourself to ANYONE
Seriously. I know we all do it, but it is such a waste of time. It sounds cliché, but we are all different people with different ways of dealing with stress, time management and life in general. It’s okay to admire someone who seems to have it all, but don’t beat yourself up because you don’t deal with things the same way they do. Plus, you never know what’s happening with them behind closed doors. They may be having just as much (if not more) trouble with the balancing act than you are.

It’s okay to say “No”
In fact, in order to have a balanced life you’re going to have to say “no” more often than you would probably like. It’s all right, and even healthy, to put yourself before others. If you have a hard time with this, make a pro/con list and really make sure you have the time and energy to put 100% into the question at hand. If you can’t put 100% into something, then why do it at all?

Set aside “Me Time” (and stick to it)
Again, cliché. I KNOW you’ve heard this one. But again, how often do you practice this? Every night before I go to bed I lay in bed with a book or turn the T.V. on for an hour. Also, I attempt to make the weekends for relaxation and not playing catch-up. Maybe every Tuesday you could give yourself a mani/pedi, or spend your Sunday afternoons taking a walk in the park. Whatever it is, make sure that once a week you dedicate time to partake in an activity that is solely about YOU.

Get enough sleep
How many times have you heard this one? Probably more than you wanted to. But how many times have you taken it seriously? You MUST make time to get your 7-9 hours of sleep, or you will just not function as well as you could. It’s been scientifically proven. How do you expect to find balance and harmony in life if you can’t even keep your eyes open? Get more sleep! I promise you’ll feel better because of it!

Be flexible. Remain optimistic.
Life is full of curve balls. The exact minute you finally feel you have everything under control is the same minute everything will begin to feel like it’s falling apart around you. If you approach life with flexibility and optimism, you will be equipped with the necessities to get through anything. And you will get through it!