Putting my Mohawk education to the test

At Mohawk for the advertising program, we probably average at least 1 or 2 presentations a week. Big or small, doesn’t matter - you’re in front of the class sharing your opinion someway and somehow, very often. I used to HATE that in high school because I don’t like speaking in front of a crowd but after a lot of practice I’ve got used to it. I probably got used to it towards the end of first year too - so don’t worry, this isn’t a long process. I didn’t think public speaking was that important for someone in Advertising until I had to use it in a real work situation just this month.

August 3 I went on my very first plane ride alone. It was probably one of the shortest flights of my life too. From Windsor to Toronto, it’s about a 4 hour drive, but on plane it’s around an hour. I think both - there & back - were less than an hour. Seriously, all I remember is getting on, taking off, and landing within two minutes (not literally of course).

So for my all expense paid first ever business trip I was to meet at a cute bakery cafe where the conference room was located. I prepped on the flight, and actually soaked in some PR information that the two other business men sitting in front of me were discussing. I guess I got lucky there. When I arrived I met my boss and fellow coworker for the first time and then immediately introduced to two other people who will be brainstorming with us for the day. The thing I was nervous about the most was being called upon randomly to share my thoughts, mainly because I haven’t done that since Mohawk in April and I really didn’t know what I was getting myself into. Of course, when I sit down we start discussing the client we’re here for today and was told to say the first thing that comes to your mind about them when the football is thrown at you…TWICE! I might have froze for a few seconds but I finally answered.

The majority of the day was spent brainstorming in groups and implementing new media strategies for the client in the future. My group worked on ways to have the client more open to social media - specifically Twitter and we ended up coming up with some really creative ideas and explanations. At the end, of course, intern Lu Ann was called upon to present her group’s idea. I don’t recall much of my presentation but I remember not being nervous and not losing my train of thought ever. I think the fact that I’m a major twitter junkie I was able to present our ideas and make it all convincing. It actually amazed me how many people, not in my generation, don’t understand twitter. Even when I went away to Arizona this summer, I had to explain it to my aunt’s yoga students (who are probably between the ages of 50 and 80) what a “tweet” meant. Maybe the media portrays it weird because there are over 12 million “beliebers” following Justin Bieber and who really cares about targeting their business towards the youngins. Don’t get me wrong though, I didn’t understand the point of Twitter when I first got it either. I just started using it at the start of this year when I got it back in the beginning of 2009.

Moral of this blog, is to never be afraid to try new things with work! In the beginning it felt so weird waiting at an airport with a bunch of business men while I was there with my iPod and notes, but in the end I waited at the Toronto airport for my flight home just like one of them. I’m proud I went because I learned a lot more information about the client I’ve been working on all Summer and it was definitely great to finally meet my boss and coworker in person. You never know what will come out of it because I most definitely didn’t think I would be heading there and getting offered a full-time job once I’m done school! I guess I shall thank Mohawk for prepping me so well!

TWO more easy ways for extra cash

Another post on the wonderful topic of some cash flow. Before I was letting you all in on how to get some free money pretty easily - sorry these next two ways to get some extra cash won’t necessarily be “free” but fortunately, Mohawk College has made it pretty easy for you to do.

You remember all those textbooks you had from last year (maybe even the year before) that you hardly ever used and were annoyed with the fact that they were expensive? Chances are you don’t need them this year (but do check with your professor just in case) so why not sell them to a new student in your program to use! Every year the Mohawk Students’ Association has a used text book sale for students to sell their books, and this year the format has changed. To keep up with technology, there is now a online book sale where you can post your books, search for used textbooks for a great deal and even post wanted ads if you can’t find what you’re looking for. You can log in or create a free account to get started here.

So, you sold all your books and you’re still living off of water and Kraft mac and cheese, what can you do now? Well, if your schedule this semester is pretty light then I suggest taking a few hours a week to get a part time job. Great to fill up your resume AND your bank account. This Tuesday coming up, MSA is holding a one day job fair for all Mohawk College students and the odds of getting a job are pretty high! This fall semester they are looking to fill over eighty part-time positions on campus in either The Grill, The Lunch Box, Brewed Awakenings, Heath Lounge, The Arnie or the Campus Den. Bring your resume between 11AM and 1PM and good luck.

Have an awesome weekend! I know I will…click here for a hint why