"The Third Metric"

As a young female getting ready to start my career, I am fascinated by "The Third Metric" conference hosted by Arianna Huffington and Mika Brzezinski that happened earlier this month.

Have you read anything about it? Arianna and Mika brought together a group of female leaders to discuss the challenges women still face in the business world. I didn't even know it happened until I stumbled across the event coverage on the Huffington Post website. After reading about it and watching some of the video feed from the event - it quickly became one of my biggest dreams to attend the (hopeful) second annual!

Mika Brzezinski
Photo Credit: World Affairs Council
of Philadelphia (linked)

You might have seen Mika's book, Know Your Value, in my Recommended Reading along the sidebar. She brings attention to something most women (and men) just naturally overlook: Women are still not recognized or compensated for all of their contributions.

This Third Metric conference was based on the same idea. Women have come so far, yet there are still many double standards that challenge us everyday. The inspirational women that took part in the Third Metric conference started the conversation: The idea is to change women's mindsets on what defines success and make the changes that we can control to feel fulfilled and empowered. 

So this is my shout out to the Third Metric. I wanted to write a special post about it because I feel so strongly on the subject. The Third Metric encompasses many thoughts that inspired this blog. My goal is to be a confident young female professional.. but that doesn't make it easy! However, it can only get better with a number of powerful female leaders speaking out and encouraging the conversation.

As we reflect on the progress women have made in the last 100, 50, even 20 years.. I think it's safe to say there is even more to come in the next 20 years! And I am excited to be a part of it. So that's my girl power post for the day :)

PTT: What to Do When You Lose the .edu

Professional Tip Tuesday

Choosing a new email address for the young professional. 

The dreaded day has come. My university email address is set to expire and I need to get an account of my own. So long to my very first 'professional' email address.

I should note my university address was preceded by the very first email address that I ever had. My mom set me up with QteAnna@aol.com in 3rd grade and I should have retired it many years ago. You can see why I became attached to my firstname-lastname.edu, classy, semi-grownup email.

Anyway now that I am saying goodbye to my university email, QteAnna won't cut it. So for this Professional Tip Tuesday I am including some of the major tips for picking a new email as a young professional.

Why keep the personal email professional?
It may seem obvious but these are just some good things to keep in mind. Even though you will have a work email, you will still want your private email to be professional enough to reach out to your network. Also if you decide to job search and reach out to future employers you may want to provide them with a permanent, personal email! Keep this email address on all your personal documents - personal business cards, resumes, etc.

The big things to think about when choosing a new email address..

1) Choose your preferred email domain - There are plenty of free websites to use that will host your email account. It seems one of the most popular is gmail. I went with that - but you can search for whatever best suits you.


2) Keep the email username simple! - Don't keep people wondering who the incoming email could be from.

• Use as much of your name as possible: i.e. Mary-Smith@gmail.com or mary.smith@gmail.com
• You may have to get creative with common names. Just try for a name people will recognize right away and that makes sense. 

Finally, the last tip with creating a new email address - update your network with your new contact information! 

• Give everyone you keep in touch with adequate warning that your email address is changing. Another good ideas is to try and set it up so that your old email address automatically forwards to your new one. 

So that's it for this Professional Tip Tuesday! Did anyone else have an embarrassing first email address like QteAnna? Comment below! 

My 2 Cents on Banking

One of the most overwhelming tasks for me as I prepare for my move is choosing a new bank. How do you know which bank and what type of account is best? Especially in this transition from college to the real world. On a good day my college account had about $30 max. Hopefully I will have a little more to my name with a big girl paycheck. But what does that mean for banking?

This is way over my head. The minute I begin reading what a bank has to offer, I somehow end up with a new tab open to Facebook scanning the latest updates on there instead. But I found some good resources that have really helped me through this tough time.

Banking isn't my thing.

The most common piece of advice I have found is.. think about how you bank! 
Thinking about your personal banking style helps you figure out which features would be most beneficial for you. For example, as much as I try and avoid ATM fees - I have been known to opt for convenience. So it could be a good idea for me to look for a bank that charges less fees or has ATM's all over.

This article on Smart Money (linked here) helps you think through some of your typical banking habits.

Another big thing to consider when looking into banks - do you want a local bank or a nationwide bank? This will be dependent on your specific needs. Below you will see some general thoughts on local vs. national banks.

• Local Banks - more personal banking, easier to talk through charges or issues with your account, close to home
• National Banks - ATM's all over, more user friendly online banking, might be able to process transactions throughout the day (even as late as 8 p.m. for some banks!)

**To learn more on local banks vs. national banks click here for an article on www.bankrate.com.

I hit gold with findabetterbank.com - it allows you to compare banks in your area.
Just type in your zip code and it walks you through your needs, wants, and don't cares in a future bank. After you go through some simple questions, it provides you with a list of banks. It tells you how closely they match what you are looking for and gives you more information on the different types of accounts they offer.

Bankrate.com allows you to compare banks as well but I didn't try that website. Both FindaBetterBank and BankRate also have articles that are helpful in understanding the confusing stuff. One more awesome resource: I found sites like checkingoption.com that compares the big banks out there. And once you have it narrowed down, type "Bank X vs. Bank Y" into the search bar and see what comes up for one last check!

So what advice do you have for finding a new bank as a recent grad? Any features you think are especially important for personal accounts? Comment below!

PTT: Questions YOU Should Ask in an Interview

Professional Tip Tuesday

Questions YOU should be prepared to ask in a job interview.

Any time I hangout with a group of recent grads, the inevitable question always comes up: What are your plans for next year? Some have a job lined up. But many are still searching.

I thought this would be an appropriate Professional Tip Tuesday, as many people are in the interview process right now! But no matter which position you are in, it's good to be thinking about good interviewing techniques that will keep you sharp.

I was reminded of just how important it can be to have good questions prepared for the interviewer after reading a recent LinkedIn blog posted by Dave K. This small, but important part of an interview is something I wish I would have thought about more as I was interviewing for a full time job.

Especially in a competitive job market, having some solid questions prepared can help you stand out from other candidates. When the interviewer asks what questions you have, the right questions will help you make a lasting impression!

Since "What questions do you have?" is almost always an part of an interview, it's important you take advantage of it. Definitely have questions prepared! This is as much a window into your skills and abilities as any of the other questions they ask during your interview.

That doesn't mean just any question...

• Interviewee question DON'T's: Dave K. points out the obvious - do not ask silly questions that you could have (should have!) researched before the interview. You also do not want to ask questions that make the employer question your work ethic. 
• i.e. What does your company do? How many sick days do your employees receive? 

He also calls out the question, "What does this position entail?". I think I asked a variation of that question in several interviews.. whoops! BUT, not to fear. Dave K. includes 9 fantastic questions that can help you nail the interview. 

The questions you ask the interviewer should show your interest in the company, your initiative, and what makes you a fit for their company and their success. Throughout the interview you want to be flattering the company.. this is your last chance to get in a few final flattering words! 

Below are the first three questions Dave K. suggests on his post. To see the full article and the rest of the questions he lists, click here. 

1) "Who would make the ideal candidate for this position?" - Gives you an idea of how your qualifications can help you in the position. 

2) "How will the work I'll be doing contribute to the organization's mission?" - Sets up the expectations and how you can excel in the position.

3) "What were the best things about the person that held this position before?" - Gives you a few things you can do immediately to impress your employer. 

Hope this Professional Tip Tuesday was helpful! What are your go-to questions you ask in an interview? Comment below!

Happy Father's Day!

Happy Father's Day to all the dad's out there!

I know I wouldn't be the young lady I am today without my dear papa. His charm and personality, kind spirit, and beautiful soul has been an incredible inspiration throughout my life. I couldn't have asked for a more supportive dad.

My dad knows everyone. He's lived all across America and has friends in pretty much every state. Every person that meets him, loves him. He is a fantastic guy and will do anything for anyone. ...As his daughter, this is a good and a bad thing - sometimes I am don't want help or advice but I get it anyway :)

Anyway, if I can have that kind of impact on half the people I meet as my dad does, I will be doing something right. 

So here's wishing the happiest of Father's Day's to you, Dad! 

PTT: The Fab 4 for Networking

Professional Tip Tuesday

Networking - the four essential archetypes for the ideal office network. 

I loved the article posted last week on Fast Company - The  4 People You Need for an Awesome Network - and I wanted to share it for this week's Professional Tip Tuesday. If you have ever worked in an office setting, you have probably met a few of the characters described in the post. In fact, I'm sure you have found these people within any experience you might have had. That solid network in your organization can prove to be beneficial throughout your career (**hint, hint: keep in touch!). 

At this point, we have all heard it.. networking is key for any professional. I am here to tell you, it's true. In the business world today, where so many jobs are people based it is crucial that you rely on your network to accomplish your career goals.

The last two years of college, I actively searched for internships and jobs. I was also an intern in the campus career center. With all of that I met A LOT of business people. I was under the impression it was important to connect to all of them. LinkedIn makes that all to easy. I probably sent out a few too many LinkedIn invitations (but that's for a later PTT post).

But to my surprise, the author of this article wisely points out there are only four essential people for that close network. That's not to say you shouldn't make an effort to get to know your coworkers. It's good to stock your network with the people you frequently interact with on a daily basis at the office.

The key message is - The following four character types are crucial relationships for your network. They will make all the difference in your professional and career development.

1) The Social Butterfly - this person is the ultimate connector!

• If the Social Butterfly learns that you have an interest a new project, they will probably want to introduce you to their friend, the head of that project. 

2) The Mentor - This person is ready to take you under their wing.

• This person displays openness and always wants to help. Feel free to ask them questions and definitely go to them for advice. 

3) The Computer Guy - Insider knowledge on the office technology!

• In this technology driven business world, being in-the-know on the cool tech stuff in store for the office is a great advantage! Plus it's always good to have a computer savvy friend when something inevitably goes awry. 

4) The Newer-New-Person - This is your chance to be someone's 'person'!

• The fourth person for the network is the newest employee. We have all been there! Pay it forward with some nice words and key advice. Maybe even tell them about the 4 essentials for a good office network :) 

**(For the original and full descriptions, click here to see the article on Fast Company)


Have you known any of these people in offices or organizations you've been apart of? Any words of wisdom on how to get to know them? Comment below!

To The Friends That Make You Stronger

This past weekend I was able to make a trip back to my lovely college town. It was great to relax with good friends and enjoy a place that has become my home over the past four years. I really will miss Iowa City next year!

I went to dinner with my friends, Katherine (left) and Meg (right), on Thursday night after I got into town. The three of us met the summer after our sophomore year working for the orientation program at our university. It was a student leadership position that introduced me to some of the best people I will ever know. 

Top: Meg, Kat, and me rocking our orientation polos in one of our first pictures together, taken the summer of 2011.
Bottom: We did it! Graduation, May of 2013. 

It is pretty incredible to think about what makes up a friendship. The three of us graduated this year with degrees in completely different fields and are on very different paths. But we have this remarkable friendship that revolves around our common love for life. That sounds silly.. but Katherine and Meg are two of the most motivated individuals I know. We learn from each other's passions and become stronger because of it.

That's my mini-introduction for two of my closest friends - but I have no doubt they will come up in future posts. They were huge inspiration for starting this blog. Our coffee shop convos are usually centered on how to rock our careers and have fun while doing it. We talk a lot about 'girl power' and being strong, independent young women. So needless to say, I am so thankful for those two and cannot wait to see what we all accomplish in our careers! 

Dinner with them was the start to a fantastic couple of days. I also took some time this weekend to walk around the campus and visit some of my favorite spots.

Top Left: The Old Capitol - The University of Iowa campus; Top Right: Iowa City Farmer's Market;
Bottom Left: My favorite campus tree (nerdy, I know); Bottom Left: Soaking up the summer sun with Britt

It was beautiful weather in Iowa City on Saturday. My boyfriend, Britt, and I went to the Farmer's Market that morning. We enjoyed delicious peach pancakes with a side of people watching. The rest of the afternoon was spent on the grass in front of the Old Capitol. It is the best spot to spend a relaxing summer day.

All in all, it was a perfect Iowa City weekend.

I hope you all had a great weekend as well! 

-Anna

P.S. How do your significant friendships support your career paths? Comment below! 

Fake It Until You Make It!

Last year at this time, I had just finished the first full week of my summer internship. I was feeling pretty good. I had figured out the office email, gotten a start on my summer projects, and most importantly.. I had found the free coffee :)

But my confidence at work was a huge turn around from a week earlier. Gosh, was I nervous before my start date! I had worked so hard in my classes, but starting an internship felt like the real deal. For the first time I would actually be in the business world. This was testing everything I had been working towards.

My parents both own their own businesses, so I have had very little exposure to a typical office structure. I didn't think about that before. But in that moment, I was wondering if I was even capable of this whole professional thing. What if I wasn't? What would I do?

So the first day came, and I decided the best I could do was try. I can't say it was a positive feeling.. "I'll just give it a try". I really felt like it could have gone either way. I figured every other intern would know exactly how everything worked, while I envisioned making a fool of myself the minute I walked in the door.

I literally repeated in my mind "fake it until you make it" as I drove to the office on my first day. It seems silly but it made the most sense to me. I had already convinced myself that I was at a disadvantage for not having any idea of what I was getting myself into. But if I could just pretend and keep going.. maybe I would learn along the way.

Fast forward to today: I imagine I will have the same feeling in 6 weeks when I start my first big girl job. Despite the fact that I have been in an office, this is a whole new ball game. I think it's normal. Doesn't everyone get the jitters? And with jitters, self-doubt is often quick to follow.

But whatever position you are going into.. they wanted YOU! They hired you. They saw your qualifications, you charmed them in the interview, and now they want you to succeed. That's easy to forget when the nervous feeling seems overwhelming. But it's true.

I think the most important lesson I learned is, you can't go wrong if you fake it until you make it, with a positive attitude and a desire to learn. There is no way to completely fail if you have that in your mind.

I made mistakes last summer. But they were just as much part of the experience as the projects I accomplished. The people around you are there to support you. And if nothing else.. the free coffee will keep you going! :)

What have you done to cure the jitters before the first day? Post your stories below!

PTT: Keeping in Touch

Professional Tip Tuesday

Keeping in touch with people in your network.

I thought this would be a good professional tip to start out with because this can be incredibly difficult! There are certain people that tend to have a natural knack for this sort of thing. Props to them - but it never seems as easy as they make it look. 

I think this is especially relevant as a recent grad. Even though you might be moving away or starting something new, those connections you made in college can be extremely important throughout your professional life!

Today I am just focusing on first steps for staying connected.

So today's tip... In the months following graduation, take a few minutes and write to any important contacts. 

1) Why are you writing? Figure out the main purpose of the message you intend to send out. 

• The first message is easy - your network is interested in what's up next for you! This also gives you the opportunity to update them on your changing contact information. 

**Figuring out why to write can be one of the hardest parts of staying connected. Some good opportunities to write include: new jobs, promotions, moving, or even just to tell them about a book or article they might enjoy! 

2) Who are you writing? Make a list of all the contacts you have had over the past few years. 

• This gives you the chance to make a solid list of anyone you plan to stay in touch with in the future. You might send a select few a more personal update, and the rest a more generic email blast (still consider making it somewhat personalized!). 

**This is a great time to go ahead and make a master document with all contacts. Maybe use an Excel spreadsheet and group them in a way that makes most sense. A good tip is to include a few columns that remind you when you last talked, what it concerned, and through what type of communication method. 

3) What to write? In addition to telling them what's next after graduation, what else do you include? 

• The message can be short and sweet. Ideally you want to make them feel connected to what you are doing next. Make them feel good! This could be as simple as thanking them for an opportunity that served as a stepping stone or complimenting a personal attribute that you admire (and how it has helped you in some way). 

4) How to write? Decide how you want to connect with them.

• LinkedIn or email could be the easiest way to send a quick update. BUT if you want to make it even more personal, consider sending a handwritten card. This is much more memorable and then you can include a business card or personal card with your email, phone number, address, etc. 

5) When to follow up? What should you expect after you have written?

• After you have written, you might receive a short message in return. But if you don't hear from them, do not get discouraged! The people you are networking with are probably busy professionals. They appreciate your update but may not get a chance to respond.
• Consider sending a very short reminder email the week before your old contact information is set to change. 
  i.e. "Hi Bill, I just wanted to send you a quick note to remind you that my contact information is officially changing next week. Below is my new email, phone number, and address. Looking forward to keeping in touch - hope all is well! Thanks, Anna"

**Reach out to your network when it is appropriate. For most general contacts, you might only talk to them 1-2 times a year. With closer contacts, it might be closer to 3-4 times a year. 

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Hope you found this Professional Tip Tuesday helpful! What techniques have you used to keep in touch? Comment below!

Real World Bound

Hey everyone!

I feel like I am in some sort of limbo right now - 22-years-old, crashing at my parents house for the summer, and patiently waiting for that official college degree to arrive in the mail. The month of July will include moving to a new city, my first big girl apartment, and the start of my career.

In one month, I am on my own. College was a great preview, but here it comes: the real world. 

When I realized it was 30 days and counting, I frantically googled everything from "Creating a post-grad budget" to "Moving tips for first apartment".  My mind was racing in a hundred different directions. But based on all the search results, I'm guessing I was not alone with my mini-panic attack. 

Here we are, a bunch of college graduates.. trying to get a grasp on what all we need to know in the months to come. I am quickly realizing it's the same as anything else in life. We will just be taking things one step at a time and learning as we go. 

With all of this in mind, you can look forward to many posts in the next few weeks focusing on relocation. There should be lots of good moving tricks, along with helpful tips for a new apartment and new city! 

If you have moved before, what tips do you have for making it go as smoothly as possible? Comment below with any ideas!

Happy Tuesday!

-Anna