Getting Ready for Scholarship Season - Organization matters!

The first post in the “Getting Ready for Scholarship Season” series was generic in nature; intended to get you motivated and ready for the detailed information to come. This post is about being organized!

Get organized. If you start off organized, you are less likely to miss important application deadlines or forget to ask for a letter of recommendation. Put each application's materials in a separate file folder – whether it’s a physical folder or a computer folder, or both. Create a checklist listing all the required materials, as well as the following:

• Scholarship name and description; phone number if available


• Date application must be received by scholarship committee


• Date you requested the application


• Date you received the application


• Date application and supporting materials were mailed


• Date you called the Scholarship Agency to verify they received your application package

Keep a copy of your entire application materials, so you can resend it in case it is lost in the mail. Keep a master checklist of all the scholarships to which you are applying, so you can check off the completion of each application. You will also find it helpful to refer to old applications when applying for other scholarships!

Do not miss deadlines. If you miss a deadline, your application is disqualified, regardless of your excuse. Scholarship sponsors never provide extensions. So when you receive the application materials, take note of the deadline and whether it is a postmark or receipt deadline. If the deadline is based on the date your application is received by the sponsor, be sure to mail the application at least one week before the deadline date. If possible, set your own personal deadline at least two weeks prior to that date, so that your application materials are ready well in advance of the official deadline. You might consider including a self-addressed stamped postcard with your application so the sponsor can drop it in the mail to let you know that your application has been received and whether you are missing any supporting materials. You could also send the application by certified mail, return receipt requested.

Organize the application materials. If an application consists of several loose pages, label each page with your name, and possibly also a purpose and page number. This will help prevent parts of your application from getting lost or out of order. If not specified, send your application materials in a large manila envelope, to prevent unnecessary folding of your papers. Make sure you have sufficient postage.

Remember - believe in yourself and in your chances to win scholarships. Hard work and time spent on the scholarship process will pay off eventually. Keep your chin up and think about how great the reward will be if you can win even one of the scholarships you're trying for!

Next post: Resumes, References, and Transcripts!

Get Ready - It's Scholarship Season!

Now is the time to get ready for finding, applying for, and winning scholarships! This process can be time consuming and takes dedication and motivation. But being organized and prepared will help you. In the next set of posts, you will find tips and advice that will also help you. The following information was taken from Scholarship Experts, and is generic in nature; it is intended to get you motivated and ready for the detailed information to come!

Be proactive
No one is going to track you down to give you a scholarship; you must do the legwork yourself. So when you find awards with eligibility criteria that you can meet, contact the provider and request a scholarship application packet. Whether you have to request the application via email, phone or by sending in a self-addressed stamped envelope, DO IT. There's just no other way to get the ball rolling than to take the initiative and be assertive in requesting information.

Be timely
Most scholarship providers set deadlines, and you must adhere to them. Make sure you submit all required all materials well before the deadline. If the scholarship deadline is approaching and you have not yet received the application packet that you requested earlier, follow up with the provider and request the application packet again. You do not want to miss a deadline, as few scholarship providers will consider late applications.

Be organized
Good organizational skills can pay off: literally!

• Keep your scholarship applications ordered by deadline date.


• Give yourself plenty of time to complete and send them in well before the due date.


• Keep letters of recommendation and transcripts on hand so you don't have to obtain new ones every time they are required for an application.


• Make copies of your completed scholarship applications before sending them in, and file them in folders labeled with the deadline date and the mailing address and phone number of the scholarship provider.


• Call before the deadline to see if your application was received in good order. If it got lost in the mail (glitches happen), you still have an extra copy you can send in.

Be persistent
The scholarship search process doesn't happen overnight. You must be diligent about looking for new scholarships to apply for. Plan to spend several hours each month reviewing the programs with deadlines approaching, preparing application packets, and getting your applications in the mail on time. Then the cycle should begin again:

• Find scholarships that you're eligible for


• Obtain application information


• Apply in an organized, timely manner.

Be positive
Finally, believe in yourself and in your chances to win scholarships. Hard work and time spent on the scholarship process will pay off eventually. Keep your chin up and think about how great the reward will be if you can win even one of the scholarships you're trying for! After all, your education depends on it!

Personal Branding: Bringing it all together – tools to aggregate information

If you’ve been following my other posts regarding creating a professional online presence and your own personal brand through social networking, you probably have a number of accounts and profiles. You don’t want to spend all of your time checking and posting information to all of your different social networking sites separately, so I’ll share with you several interesting and fun (and did I mention free?) web or desktop tools that will make your online life easier!
In a previous post I gave you information on how to find scholarships using Twitter (http://bit.ly/1XmOb ). You should also search the Web, using different search engines, including the new Bing (http://www.bing.com/ ); you will come across sites that have frequently updated information. Instead of bookmarking the site and checking it regularly, it’s a good idea to set up RSS feeds. They can keep you up to date with the latest news, sports results, weather, music, or what your friends are doing (Twitter or blogs, for example), by bringing the information to you. If you need more information about what RSS feeds are, and how to set them up using a feed reader or news aggregator, here’s a helpful YouTube video to get you started:

RSS in Plain English: http://bit.ly/oAtri

Twitter can be an important part of your social media life. You might have more than one profile or account, with many people and organizations that you follow and watch, a frequent need to do searches of topics (scholarships!), and of course, your own microblogging activities. Twitter itself is pretty limited, but there are free desktop applications you can download and use. There are two worth checking out:

TweetDeck lets you manage all of your Twitter accounts, stay in contact with Facebook and more. I have Facebook in one column, my personal Twitter account in another, my IntStudentCon Twitter account in yet another. There is a refresh button, but the updates come in automatically. You also have the option of having alerts pop up (much like messenger). You can check on the local trends – what your friends are talking about – and see your favorites (much like bookmarks or favorites). It’s easy to Tweet to multiple accounts, and it will sync with your iPhone if you have one. (http://tweetdeck.com/beta/ )

Seesmic is very similar to TweetDeck, and is undergoing new updates regularly, so by the time you read this blog and try it out, it will have even more capabilities. Seesmic makes it easy to reply to Facebook and Twitter, sharing text, links, photos and videos all in one screen. (http://seesmic.com/ )

Here’s a current favorite Web site that I’m using to keep track of information of all kinds – PageFlakes (http://www.pageflakes.com/ ). As soon as you set up your account, there is a default tab (page) that brings in default information such as the local weather, national news, video options, music options, and so on. You can create more tabs/pages for different content. On my second tab I have my RSS feeds to the blogs I follow, along with Facebook and my Twitter accounts. On the third tab I have specific Google searches as RSS feeds (you can search for “Scholarships for International Students” and use it as an RSS feed). I always keep my browser open, with the PageFlakes site available 24/hours a day for instant access to all the information I need.

There are so many other Web and desktop tools and applications available – find something that works for you! And if you find or use something that you really like – please share the information by leaving a comment below. (Thanks!)

Very shortly the prime time for applying for scholarships for next spring and next year will be here! My next series of posts will get you ready, and hopefully very competitive – so “RSS” this blog site! ; )

Personal Branding: LinkedIn

LinkedIn is a more professional social networking site that is career-focused and enables users to exchange knowledge, ideas, and opportunities with trusted contacts. LinkedIn users invite people they know and trust to become "linked in" to them. (Similar to being friends on Facebook.) They are then called “Connections”. Choose connections wisely. You'll also want to choose your network carefully; only add people you actually know – and who know you well enough to give you glowing recommendations. A recruiter may choose to contact one of your connections to ask about you; make sure that person is someone you know and trust, such as family, friends, former teachers, colleagues, and employers. Here’s a short video description of LinkedIn: http://bit.ly/aEzVz

A major feature of LinkedIn is its groups, allowing anyone to start a group based on an association or industry topic. For example, there are tens of thousands of academic and corporate groups that enable alumni and employees to stay in touch. LinkedIn members request an invitation to the group and can receive postings by other members via e-mail. It is through these groups that you can find jobs and internships, and make new connections. Watch for future blog posts about how to use LinkedIn to find internships and jobs.

Here’s how to get started:

Go to http://linkedin.com/ and create a free account.

• Create your profile. Your profile is very important, and can increase your visibility online and help build your personal/professional brand. Make sure your profile is complete and detailed – almost like an online resume that includes information such as education, skills, qualifications, employment information and experience, and recommendations.


• Add a picture. It’s always important to connect a face with your name. A headshot is recommended; but no larger than 80x80 pixels.
  Education. When adding information about your education, don’t forget to add your activities, associations, and any special honors or awards you’ve earned.


• Professional Summary. When filling out this section, be sure to select an industry (recruiters often use that field to search). If you change your major, or are looking for a job in a different industry later on, make sure you update this information. There is a ‘headline’ feature that will appear at the top of the page when your profile is viewed by others – so be sure to fill in this information.


• Keywords and skills. Be sure to include keywords and skills that will make it easier for your profile to be found in search results.


• Contact settings. Contact settings let your connections (and recruiters) know what you are available for. Even if you are not ready for a job yet, it’s beneficial to be flexible here – you never know what opportunities might come along.


• Links. If you have a web site, blog, or Twitter profile, add the links – it’s a good way to provide more information about you, and your interests. Beyond just linking to my blog sites, I have used the RSS feed to bring my blogs into my profile (this is a good idea of your blog is professional in nature, rather than personal – more information about blogging in a future blog!).


• Public Profile URL. Make your profile public. Customize your URL so it is easily recognizable as yours … such as http://www.linkedin.com/in/YourName.


• Make connections. Connect with other members and build your network – invite family, friends, former teachers and current professors, and employers (past and present). The more connections you have, the more opportunities you have. Just make sure you only connect with people you know – quality is more important than quantity here!


• Get Recommendations. Ask former and current employers, teachers, and professors for recommendations – as you would for a resume.


• Groups. Join groups that you are affiliated with (such as the school you are attending, or have graduated from); or groups that interest you – by topic, industry, or interest.

There is plenty of excellent information about LinkedIn on the Web – use a search engine or two and look up information that can help you create a professional LinkedIn profile, or how to use LinkedIn to find information, internships, or jobs.

Personal Branding: Twitter!

Twitter is a must for college students! – For personal branding, networking, opportunities, and limitless access to information. Recent headlines say that Twitter is transforming business and impacting life in general! So, what is Twitter? Twitter is a free social networking and micro-blogging service that lets you post short text messages on your profile – up to 140 characters. You can follow people or organizations in order to read their updates (or ‘Tweets’), and others can follow you to read your Tweets as well.

To begin, create your free profile at http://twitter.com/ using your name (try to be consistent with the same form of your name that you used to create other social profiles). Fill out your user profile completely, including adding a picture of yourself. Make sure your bio reflects and represents who you are. Before you start posting, think about how you want to brand (or represent) yourself.

Basic information to get you started:

First, you can only post 140 characters, but only use abbreviations when necessary. If you want to post a link to a web site, you might want to shorten the link by using a URL shrinking service such as tinyurl.com or bit.ly. You will see posts with “RT” – this is used when someone is re-tweeting something someone has already posted. The “@” sign is used to direct a message to a particular user. For more information on how to effectively use Twitter, check out the following videos on Youtube: Twitter in Plain English: http://bit.ly/13gm0r , Twitter Tutorial - Getting Started: http://bit.ly/nZqUjU  

Beyond keeping connected with family and friends, and creating a personal brand with Twitter, there are definitely other benefits and opportunities.

The current economic situation and poor job market are making it very important to get ahead of the competition through online networking, and using invaluable online tools such as Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and others. According to some professionals, social media tools will separate you from the pack. It is estimated that 78 per cent of companies now use social media or networking sites to both find and attract people to fill graduate jobs. Four out of five hiring managers Google search a candidate’s name before they decide to bring them in for an interview. Some feel the traditional job boards like Monster.com and Careerbuilder.com are outdated and may cease to exist in the future. Employers want graduates to research jobs and prepare for interviews more thoroughly than ever – and this is possible through Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and other online social tools.

As an international student, it will be useful for you to follow schools, organizations, and companies that post information regarding studying abroad, scholarships, internships, jobs, travel and volunteer information and opportunities. You can also ask the people you follow for help or advice. Check out this video at Youtube “How to Find and Follow People on Twitter: http://bit.ly/LulNp ; here’s a link to help you find people or organizations to follow: http://twitter.com/#!/who_to_follow/;

And maybe the best thing about Twitter is that it’s fun! You’ll find different ways to use Twitter - connecting with people who share the same interests and ideas can create a special community for you; connecting with people who have different interests and ideas can open your world!

The next post: How to build your personal brand using LinkedIn. (Very professional, huge benefits!)

Personal Branding: Getting started with Facebook

In my previous post, I wrote about the importance of creating a personal brand; in today’s post we get started! Currently one of the top websites, Facebook is one of the first places to start your personal branding campaign. Everyone should have a Facebook strategy and it should be based on your overall life goals. (But certainly balance the professional with the personal - your profile should reflect who you are!)

Most of you may already have a Facebook profile, but make sure you look good when a college or company recruiter looks up your profile – and they will. The Federal Trade Commission (in the U.S.) has decided that companies and universities that research how you spend your personal time and what your passions and hobbies are do not violate your privacy.  In other words, the Internet is fair game.

 Depending on who you are, where you are in your career, what you’re passionate about and an expert in, you’ll want to brand yourself differently. Here’s a quick list of ways to promote YOU on Facebook:

1. Use your real name in all of your online profiles; be consistent in your branding (and be yourself).
2. Add important information about you, focusing on the education and work section. In the contact information field, be sure to list your blog if you have one, any websites you might have and links to your profiles on other social networks. (More information about other networks in my next blog!)
3. Put your picture on your profile – they are a positive addition to your online presence. It’s always better if you can associate the name with a face. In fact, post albums of pictures! (Just be thoughtful about the pictures you post.)
4. You might consider turning tagging settings off for both photos and videos; some pictures you just might not want everyone to find easily.
5. Keep the applications and widgets to a minimum; only those that will represent who you are in a positive light.
6. Join and actively participate in Groups that interest you; or start your own!
7. Regularly update your status – making it a reflection of who you are and what you do.
8. Write informational notes.
9. Share useful links.
10. Comment on your friends’ walls, pictures, videos, notes, and posted items
11. Check -- and frequently recheck -- your privacy settings on social-media accounts like Facebook and Twitter.You may set your entire account to private or grant certain individuals permission to view sections of your profile. You can also make your entire profile public for everyone to see, which could be beneficial to you if you’re looking to become more visible, and have your name come up in searches.
12. Make every effort to find out what's out there about you. Anything that may be taken out of context should be taken down.


Next blog post … How to build your personal brand on Twitter (FUN!!)

The Importance of a Professional Web Presence (Personal Branding)

Creating an online presence or identity on the Web is not really a choice anymore, but has almost become a necessity in today's world. Also referred to as personal branding, it is important for anyone who is applying for college or scholarships, searching for internships or jobs, or building their career. More and more, employers, colleges, and recruiters research prospective candidates online to get more information about them before an interview is scheduled or an offer is extended. This can work against you if your current profile isn’t as professional as it should be (read my blog “Social Networks – how they can impact your scholarship, internship, or job opportunity” http://tinyurl.com/o58uw9); or it can work for you.

Personal branding is the way you market or project yourself to the world; it is how other people perceive you, and how they might choose to interact with you. A brand is an opportunity for you to differentiate, or stand out from everyone else; building a strong and professional personal brand can create possibilities and opportunities for success in your life (personal as well as professional). Your personal brand is very dynamic – it changes and evolves, as you do. To build and maintain your brand, there are Web 2.0 tools (social media and social networking) to help you.

Although sometimes used interchangeably, there are differentiating characteristics of social media and social networks. Social media is a means of connecting with digital information; examples would include wikis, blogs, microblogs (Twitter), social bookmarking (Delicious), social news sites (Digg), and social networks (Facebook, LinkedIn). Social networking is also connecting with information, but more importantly, connecting with people for the purpose of social interaction. Bottom line - both are important in helping you create your personal brand.

Creating your personal brand will take time and effort. In my next post, we’ll get started!  Future posts: Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and blogging.