One word of warning: some readers found some of CollegeCandy’s ads and content to be NSFW – thought we’d let you know beforehand to avoid any surprises!

If I can speak for most undergrads, we dread graduation day more than the apocalypse itself. It means leaving college and entering the real world, where it won’t be acceptable to sleep until noon on a Wednesday or blow off all your responsibilities to watch an entire season of The Office in bed.

Although the whole “graduating” thing sucks in theory, there’s always a lot of excitement surrounding the commencement speaker (or controversy, if you remember the whole Obama at Notre Dame debacle). A good speaker can trick you into thinking this isn’t the worst day of your life, and inspire you to look ahead to the future and all the possibilities that lay ahead. (If they’re a huge success, why can’t you be!?) And a bad speaker will allow you a good 45-minute power nap.

So who will be inspired come graduation day and who will be snoozing in their caps and gowns? Here is a list of some serious commencement speaker heavy hitters and the lucky seniors who get to listen to ‘em:

1. University of Michigan – BARACK OBAMA!
Imagine how proud you’d be of your college experience when the freakin’ PRESIDENT of the United States comes to speak at your graduation ceremony!? Everyone knows the man’s got charisma and can work a crowd, and the class of 2010 will definitely remember this for the rest of their lives!

2. NYU – Alec Baldwin
Three words: hot. older. man. Everyone and their mother (literally) will be drooling over him, and if they can pay attention to what he has to say at the same time, I’m sure it will be both hilarious (hello, did you not see him on the Oscars last night?) and inspirational. This funny guy is the perfect choice for a commencement speaker. I knew I shoulda gone to NYU…

3. Vassar College – Lisa Kudrow
Could you get a cooler commencement speaker than Phoebe from Friends? I think not. The Emmy winner actually graduated from Vassar in 1985 with a Biology degree and will return to deliver the 2010 commencement address. I’m sure she’ll be delivering inspirational advice in between cracking jokes, and will have the audience doubled over in laughter. I just hope she whips out a guitar and performs a little “Smelly Cat.”

Read the rest at CollegeCandy!

This is the last installment of our series on getting the internship of your dreams! If you’ve missed out on the other steps, read up on how to clean up your internet identity, how to prepare an incredible resume and cover letter, where to find fashion-related internships, and our interview tips, then come back to this post.

In this installment, we’re going to give you fashionable options to wear on interviews and to the workplace. These tips will focus on jobs and internships in fashion. Although many internships and jobs have more strict dress codes that require more conservative outfits, working in the fashion world means expressing your style and reflecting trends each and every day. A simple pantsuit doesn’t always cut it!

If you are looking for more typical interview and job outfit choices, read How To Dress for a Job Interview, Must-Haves for Interviews and Work and Outfits for Under $100: Business Casual on a Budget. For fashion-related jobs, however, read on!

Working in fashion presents a tricky dressing situation – although there are many funky trends to wear, you must always keep in mind that you are still in a work environment, so it is important to keep everything appropriate and looking put-together. Need help? Check out these outfits for inspiration!

Outfit 1: Trendy in Trousers

Trousers – Topshop, Tank Top – Old Navy, Necklace – Forever21, Blazer – Forever21, Shoes – Forever21

High-waisted trousers with a blazer are an instant way to be trendy yet still have a structured, put-together look. This outfit includes several trends, such as button detailing on the trousers, a tribal necklace, and a menswear-inspired blazer. The bright red shoes add a pop of color, which is perfect for spring. There is a lot of detail to this outfit, from the slitted shoes to the buttons on the trousers, which is important when dressing for a job or interview in fashion. Remember: your colleagues are fashionistas too! They’re going to be checking out your outfit!

Outfit 2: Neutral Tribes

Tights – Modcloth, Dress – Net-a-Porter, Bag – Piperlime, Jacket – Maruione, Booties – Forever21, Earrings – Asos

This outfit is a great interview outfit for spring. It includes a few trends like neutral colors and tribal prints, which shows that you are up to date on the latest looks. However, it is not overly done since each piece, with the exception of the bag and shoes, is also a basic.

Although the dress may seem a little too revealing for work, with tights, booties and a leather jacket, it is instantly transformed into a stylish interview outfit. You can even throw a sweater on as well for extra layering. Since this outfit is extremely trend-oriented, it should be worn in a more casual work place. For example, I interned over the summer at a marketing firm in NYC and the dress code included jeans, leggings and sundresses. This would have been the perfect outfit to wear!

Outfit 3: Pretty in Tweed

Linen Blazer – Forever21, Body Suit – Forever21, Necklace – White House Black Market, Tweed Pants – Forever21, Shoes – Dorothy Perkins

Glamour.com called tweed one of Spring 2010’s most wearable trends, and this trend is the perfect one to bring into the office. Combined with a form fitting body suit and an oversized light pink blazer, you immediately look professional while incorporating trends from this season. The Mary Jane-style shoes add a girly effect to the outfit, while the statement necklace makes everything pop without being too daring or overwhelming.

Outfit 4: Chambray Prep

Button-up – Evanity, Scarf – Topshop, Skirt – Alloy, Shoes – Kays

This outfit is also perfect for a less conservative, fashion-forward work place. It incorporates the nude and chambray trends seen on runways for spring 2010, as well as ever-popular leopard print, which always adds fierceness to an outfit. The button-up shirt keeps this outfit basic and conservative without looking matronly. I’d tuck in the shirt for a more polished look. This outfit could not be more perfect for working on a spring day in NYC or LA!

Tips For Dressing For an Interview (Not Just in Fashion)

- Dress for the job you want, not the job you’re interviewing for or already have. This is a life rule in my opinion. Dressing up makes you feel good, which therefore motivates you to be the best you can be. Plus, from the outside, it looks like you are taking control of your destiny and would be a fitting candidate for a higher position than you already have.

- Don’t go overboard with makeup, hair and perfume. Don’t use an interview to experiment with a new look, scent or ‘do. Stick to what works for you already.

- Keep your things wrinkle free! Ironing always works, but there are also great products out there right now (such as Downy’s wrinkle release spray, which my friends and I swear by) that only require a quick spraying, smoothing and a few minutes to dry.

- Make sure your shoes aren’t scuffed and your clothes are stain free. These are basic things to remember, but sometimes, in the anxiety before an interview, you can be a little frazzled! Try on and lay out your outfit the night before, and make sure to inspect yourself from all angles to make sure you look the best you can!

- Take out any piercings that may be a little too much. If you are interviewing somewhere where piercings are acceptable, then keep them in and show your true style! However, many work places may be turned off by piercings and tattoos, so use your judgment and go more conservative when in doubt.

What do you think?

Would you wear any of these outfits to an interview for a fashion-related job? If you don’t want to work in fashion, can you find inspiration in these outfits to help spice up your more conservative work-wardrobe? Do you have any more interview attire tips? Let us know in a comment!

Thank you all for reading this series! I’ve gotten such fabulous feedback from you guys and I know that it is internship application season, so I hope these tips have helped you all out! Good luck on finding and landing the internship of your dreams!

We are reaching the week in the semester that is marked on every college students’ calendar. Whether the seven days in the planner reads “PUNTA CANA” in big letters or are filled by a volunteer service trip,  Spring Break has finally arrived.

But while some are checking their luggage and loading on the sunscreen, more than half of college students will actually be sticking around for break. Maybe it’s the struggling economy, perhaps it’s a pair of hostile and nervous parents; whatever the reason and no matter your longitude and latitude, Spring Break is an annual week that should be soaked up by all. Yes, even in your teeny, tiny dorm room.

1) Take time off:
OK, so maybe your surroundings are missing a few palm trees and a couple thousand college students running wild but the point of Spring Break is to do just that: break. Close the text books, put away the planner and relax for the week. You will certainly need the relaxation after the midterms you have just endured and to plow you through the upcoming weeks leading up to finals.

2) Be the biggest loser:
Though you might feel like the big loser for not buying a boarding pass and a new bikini, I don’t mean it literally. Make like the contestants on The Biggest Loser and use the week to get on track with fitness. Maybe studying has veered you off the path towards that summer bod. Well then, use the week to get outdoors, pump iron at the gym (which will be nice and empty for a change!) and get back on track. Delight in the idea of saving yourself from all the calories that would love to take a vacation on your body, in the form of several margaritas and a plate full of nachos by the pool, and do yourself some good.

3) Become a college connoisseur:
The beauty of Spring Break is the fact that colleges break at all different times. See this week as an opportunity to visit friends from other schools. Take to the pull-out couch of some of your closest buds at other schools and appreciate the seven days you have to bridge the distance that school can put between some friendships.

4) Finish your sentences (without any slurring):
Spring break is a great excuse to tie up loose ends. Throughout the semester we rack up a long to-do list but don’t always find ample time to tackle it. Take the week to finish what you started – that book you got halfway through, your closet that you meant to clean out, a list of friends you have meant to catch up with.

Wanna see the rest of the list? Read it at CollegeCandy!

I can’t believe my semester is almost halfway over and Spring Break is just a week away. (It definitely feels like winter break just happened.) My favorite part of Spring Break is being able to put my life on hold and run away to somewhere warm, beautiful, and relaxing, where things like homework and exams don’t exist and all I have to worry about is where we’re going out to that night.

Tragically, I am not going to such a tropical paradise this year (I’ll be in Shanghai instead, which is equally exciting but definitely not as warm). Nevertheless, in an effort to live vicariously through all you girls who will be going on tropical Spring Break vacations, I’ve made the following essential packing list.

1. Swimsuit

1. DKNY, 2. VS Beach Sexy, 3. VS Very Sexy, 4. VS Very Sexy

5. VS Beach Sexy, 6. American Eagle, 7. VS Beach Sexy, 8. VS Very Sexy

What’s Spring Break without a swimsuit? When I went to Jamaica last year, I brought three sets because I knew I’d be wearing them every day and I didn’t want to get bored with just one. If you’re packing more than one swim suit, try to bring different styles — flirty, classic, or all-eyes-on-you.

This year, popular swimwear trends include neon colors, animal prints, and monokinis. Experiment with mixing and matching, and you can even try the mixed prints trend like the adorable pink polka-dotted/floral look above.

2. Cover-Up

T-Shirt – American Apparel, Romper – Forever 21, Boyfriend Shirt – Old Navy, Terry Shorts – aerie, Tank Top – American Apparel, Skirt – aerie

If you’re wearing your swimsuit all day, you’ll also need something to wear over it when you’re not near the water.

The easiest cover-up is just shorts and a tank top, which can be super cute and sexy, but don’t be afraid to experiment. A pretty white skirt goes a long way (especially with one of those colorful bikini tops); or try a sheer, oversized tee (shorts optional) for an effortless resort look. My personal favorite is a casual boyfriend shirt in linen, chambray (very popular this season), or sheer white — unbuttoned, and again, shorts optional.

3. Day Outfits

Dress – American Eagle, Crochet Top -  Forever 21, Woven Shirt – Forever 21, Striped Shirt – Topshop, Dress – aerie, Cropped Shirt – Topshop, Gray Shorts – American Eagle, Denim Shorts – American Eagle

If I could pick two words to describe the ideal Spring Break wardrobe, they would be casual and bright.

For your day look, you can’t go wrong with simple denim and colorful cotton. I personally like to pack mix-and-match pieces so I don’t have to lug a million pounds of clothes around. You’ll want to keep it simple and easy — Spring Break is all about relaxing, which you can’t do if you’re decked out in jewelry and too many layers.

4. Night Outfits

Pink Top – Forever 21, Floral Tunic – Forever 21, Embellished Tank – American Eagle, Yellow Tunic – Forever 21, Roses Tank – Forever 21, Embellished Dress – American Eagle, Denim Shorts – Abercrombie & Fitch, Satin Shorts – Forever 21

At most popular Spring Break destinations, you can probably wear your “day” looks at night without a problem, but you also have the flexibility to dress up a little, especially if you’re going to a nicer club.

The main difference is the texture and fabric — embellishments, satin, ruching, etc. will make your look more nighttime-appropriate. Darker colors are fine, but florals and simple brights also look great with black satin shorts or liquid leggings. Again, having mix-and-match pieces will give you the most options.

5. Other Stuff

Black Sunglasses – Monsoon, Flip Flops – Hollister, Navy Tote – Debenhams, Sandals – American Eagle, Lilac Tote – Old Navy, Heels – Forever 21, Pink Sunglasses – Miso

Aside from clothing, you’ll need some fab accessories for Spring Break as well. I recommend a day tote — anything colorful and inexpensive, because you don’t want sand getting all over your nice leather bag. You might want to bring a clutch for going out at night, but be careful with it because stuff gets lost pretty easily when you’re having fun.

For shoes, just stick to one pair for each occasion — beach flip flops, day sandals, and all-purpose black heels (comfort is a must!) for night.

Also, don’t forget to bring your favorite pair of classic sunglasses, and maybe a pair in a bright color just for fun. Finally, don’t forget your sunscreen! Sunburns are never cute.

More Spring Break Fashion

For even more tips and ideas for what to wear on spring break, plus plenty of affordable and cute clothes and accessories, make sure to check out our article on Spring Break Outfit Ideas!

What do you think?

What are your Spring Break plans? Do you have any packing essentials for beachy vacations? Do you pack light or heavy? Have you done any swim suit shopping this year or are you still waiting?

Personally, I had way too much fun looking through the hundreds of styles on Victoria’s Secret; the ones I posted were my favorite but they have tons more that are also super cute. I also randomly really love the Hollister flip flops — if you look on the product web page, it has a giant fabric bow on it. Way too cute. Which item from this post was your favorite?

However, I quickly realized that London Fashion Week would easily be able to satiate my appetite for incredible clothes and fashion inspiration. From the more well-known and critically acclaimed designers like Burberry Prorsum and Christopher Kane who certainly did not disappoint to fun finds that were new to me like Amanda Wakeley and PPQ, I found myself extremely impressed with the styles I saw coming up for F/W ‘10 here in London.

And while I am still torn between which city had a better set of shows (let us know your thoughts in the comments below!), there is one thing about London Fashion Week that I absolutely think should be brought over to New York: London Fashion Weekend.

London Fashion Weekend occurs the weekend after the actual runway shows in the gorgeous Somerset House (where the shows are held). London Fashion Weekend offers a runway show that highlights the trends for the season that is actually ahead–S/S ‘10–which is a nice reminder that we are not in a constant vacuum of fall/winter fashion!

LF Weekend also features plenty of up-and-coming designer talent in its massive discounted shopping area, which–as my wallet and I can say from experience–was absolutely amazing! They had stands of everything from fun printed clutches from “Paparazzi” that were sold 3 for £20 to more expensive but still affordable Gossip Girl-worthy jewel-tone dresses to adorable, impeccably knitted cardigans.

Of course, for those who love their brand names, there were larger-name stands as well with designers such as DKNY and Luella. Vivienne Westwood’s “Fashion for Relief” shirt for Haiti (as seen in her runway show) was also available for sale in the venue.

Besides the fashion show and stands, there were also stands to get your hair or nails done, massages, threading, and even free 15 minute style consultations from professional stylists. Every so often there would also be makeup demonstrations by Elizabeth Arden. Once you were done being pampered, you could kick back with some champagne or coffee in the bar and cafe.

The best part of the event? It is completely open to the public with affordable tickets. I was so surprised and excited when I learned about the event, as it seemed like nothing I had ever heard of in New York. While I have been to my share of sample sales and attended “Fashion’s Night Out” in NYC last semester, I feel like it is very difficult for us fashionistas without connections or ridiculous amounts of money to participate in fashion events most of the time. That’s why London Fashion Weekend is so great – it’s an opportunity for those of us interested in fashion who couldn’t attend the runway shows to get our own taste of fashion week.

The designers themselves of the smaller name brands mingled around in the crowd as well, so any shopper had the chance to meet not only other stylish shoppers, but actual designers as well! I was lucky enough to meet the designer behind St. Erasmus jewelry, who has designed pieces for our fashionable First Lady, Michelle Obama, as well as countless other big names. I was a huge fan of his work and definitely recommend checking it out for some super-inventive statement pieces.

Michelle Obama in a St. Erasmus necklace (image from st-erasmus.com)

Overall, I had a wonderful time at London Fashion Weekend and wanted to share the experience with all you in case you ever have the opportunity to go! It also reinforced my belief that as awesome as it is to own major label pieces, there are so many hidden treasures to be found in market-style shopping with smaller designer names. You never know what amazing gems you may find!

What do you think?

Would you be interested in seeing an event like this at your local fashion week? Does it sound like a good way to give the public access to the previously closed-off world of Fashion Week? Have you been to this event or an event like it? Let us know in the comments below!

For the next part in my series on getting the internship of your dreams, we’re going to talk about interviews.

In case you missed the other articles in this series, learn how to clean up your internet identity, how to put together a killer cover letter and resume, and finally, find out where to look for fashion-related internships!

Now that you’re caught up, I’m going to show you how to nail an interivew. Interviews are a crucial part of scoring an internship. Sure, you can sound incredible on a piece of paper and in your resume, but your appearance, attitude, and ability to answer questions face-to-face (or over the phone in many cases) can become the deciding factor in whether or not you get the internship of your dreams.

From the way you express yourself verbally to what you wear, we have tips on how to make yourself the #1 candidate after an interview.

Tips for In-Person Interviews

Do your homework.
If you want to work for the company, it makes sense for you to know a little about their history. You don’t need to remember dates or how many employees they have, but it’s always nice to know a company’s reputation. Even if you didn’t know the company before you got the interview, you can always find information on Google that will impress the potential employer you meet with.

First impressions are everything.
A first-round interview is your chance to blow the person interviewing you away. I know it’s nerve racking, so do something calming before you enter the interview room in order to keep cool, such as having a cup of tea with your breakfast or taking a few deep breaths. It’ll do wonders.

Answer some practice questions.
There’s no set list of questions that an employer will ask when they interview you, but there are some generic questions you may want to look over before you step into an interview. (Unless, of course, you’re interviewing with Google!) Answering these questions in the privacy of your own home or with a friend will help you build confidence as well as prepare you for some of the more basic questions you may have to answer at your interview.

Remember: always try to turn weaknesses into strengths. For instance, if your loved ones tease you for being compulsively clean, spin it and tell your employer you can’t help but be organized at all times!

Smile and be personable!
This is so important in my opinion. Smiling makes you seem excited about the opportunity, engaged, and likable. Also, remember the person’s name who is interviewing you, then repeat it later in the conversation (if you get an opportunity). Repeating someone’s name shows that you are paying attention, which immediately makes them feel like you are interested in them. Mention their name, whether it’s when you are thanking them for their time or just answering any other question.

You may also want to try and pick up on cues from the environment around you. If you see something specific in the room/office, such as several pictures of a pet, you may want to connect to the interviewer and mention your own pet! Once again, this shows your interest in the interviewer, which will be perceived as interest in the job/company and the people working for them.

Make eye contact.
It’s very important to focus on the person you’re interviewing with. You don’t want your eyes wandering while in the midst of conversation; it comes off as rude and makes you seem disinterested.

Bring samples of your work.
If you are applying for an internship in design, photography, writing, graphic design, etc., you should definitely have samples of all of your work readily available to show the interviewer.

Tips for Telephone Interviews

Photo Credit

If you live in a different state than where the internship you’re applying is, you may have no choice but to do a phone interview. Sometimes, phone interviews are easier for people to do since it doesn’t require a special outfit and there’s no one staring directly at you to make you nervous or feel pressured.

It’s also possible to have a “cheat sheet” during a phone interview, which can take the pressure off. You can have a list of notes out while you’re on the phone so you can remember things you definitely want to mention.

When you’re doing a phone interview, make sure you are prepared:

• Be in a silent room by yourself. Do not use this time to chew gum, food, smoke, or drink.
• Make sure you are using a phone with a good connection. If you have a phone that is actually connected to a phone line, that’s probably your best bet, but cell phones are fine – just make sure you’re in an area with good reception.
• Keep your resume nearby so that you can refer back to it if necessary.
• Keep a pen and paper with you in order to take notes about the position. Your potential employer may mention details about the job that were not listed in the ad for it, and you will definitely need this information, especially if you are asked back for a second interview or asked to take the job.
• Consider dressing up for your phone interview as you would an in-person interview. It can actually make you sound more professional over the phone.
• Smile during a phone interview, too! You want to sound happy and excited about the possibility of working for this company, and smiling will help you portray that even on a phone interview.

General Interview Tips

Here are some more basic tips to help you ace your interview and land the internship.

• Always say thank you at the end of the interview and shake the interviewer’s hand.
• You should always follow up with a thank you note or e-mail. Make sure you take the interviewer’s business card on your way out so that you have their direct contact information.
• Look and feel put-together. Don’t wear your most uncomfortable shoes or skirt in order to look nice. You want to wear something that you would probably wear to work, so think about this: would you want to be running for coffee or sitting at a desk all day long in the outfit you put on? Plus, if you’re uncomfortable, you may not be able to hide it.
• Tip: If you aren’t comfortable wearing heels, wear a pair of ballet flats or flip flops, then carry the heels in your bag. Before you go into the interview, swap the comfy shoes for the heels!

What’s next?

Next week, I will show you what to wear to an interview for an internship in the fashion industry. Since so many of you want to work in fashion, but maybe aren’t sure what to wear for that all-important interview, I’ll help you out with some sample outfits and tips. Make sure to check back next Tuesday!

What do you think?

Do you have any tips that have helped you during interviews? Did you learn anything new? Do you have an interview coming up where you can apply these skills? Let us know in a comment!

One word of warning: some readers found some of CollegeCandy’s ads and content to be NSFW – thought we’d let you know beforehand to avoid any surprises!

On a typical weekend, if you’re at a bad party, you can call it a night, call Safe-rides, and make it back to your dorm in one piece. Then again, if you’re at a good party, you can live it up, sleep until noon the next day, and then relax your hangover away until it’s time to get back to the daily grind.

On Spring Break, however, once you get off the plane at your final destination, you’re in it for the long haul. Though you anticipate your vacay being the highlight of the semester, it can be grueling to go all day, every day, and, being far from home, there’s a lot that can go wrong. Nothing is suckier than getting sick in a foreign place, fighting with your tripmates, or getting into a sticky situation in an unfamiliar place. Make sure you make it back to school in one piece this spring by taking a few simple precautions.

1. Do your research.

Get some maps, or travel guides with tips, before you leave. Ask people you trust if they can recommend a good hotel. Try to brush up on the local rules or laws of the place you’re headed. The last thing you want to do is get lost, check into a lodging that is reminiscent of hostel, or get in trouble for something you didn’t even think was wrong.

2. Pack wisely.

Flip flops might be a necessity, but what about when you take a day trip that requires walking around all day to take in the sights? Pack a comfortable pair of shoes just in case that long night of clubbing wore out your feet. And even if you think you’re going somewhere tropical and plan to be in a bathing suit all day, it can’t hurt to throw a sweater in your suitcase for when the temperature drops after dark.

3. Give yourself a budget.

Say, “I’m going to spend X dollars a day,” or, “I have this much to spend all week. I should plan to spend 20% on food, 10% on travel, 30% on shopping and excursions, and 20% on nightlife.” Note that these percentages don’t make up 100%. You’ll want some emergency cash in case of a day of indulgence, or to make sure you have enough left to get home at the end of the week. Even if you don’t stick to your budget, you’ll be a lot closer than if you just went on a free-spirited spending spree.

4. Don’t rely on cell phones.

You don’t know where you’ll hit a dead zone, or a high-frequency area that won’t let your calls through. Plus, chances are, once you leave for the day, you’re gone. So what happens if your phone dies? Or if you thought your phone would work overseas, and it suddenly doesn’t. If you and your friends are splitting up into groups, establish a set time and meeting spot, just to make sure you don’t miss each other. Meet up a couple times a day to reevaluate the plan, or say you’ll all get dinner at six and then decide the night’s course of action.

Read the rest at CollegeCandy!

In my last “Study Abroad Style Diary” post, a lot of you asked to hear more about my life studying abroad besides what I have noticed about style. And I am more than happy to share! Having now been here for about a month and a half, I thought I would look back and tell you guys the top five things I have learned while here in relation to your questions about life abroad.

5. You will be homesick.

Though this is kind of a depressing start to the article, it is an essential point that many people ignore when they talk about their experiences abroad.

Yes, you will be homesick.

It doesn’t matter if you were already used to being away from home when you went off to college each semester; the whole being-on-another-continent thing will make you more homesick than expected. The time difference from Europe to the US will be tough and your homesickness will be triggered by strange things.

That said, it does not have to be debilitating! Get Skype and have your family and friends download it as well, start a blog and see if some of your friends would start them as well, create Facebook threads with some close friends, and send postcards back and forth.

The best homesickness remedy I’ve found is to keep busy and try to make your new location a new “home.” Volunteering, interning, working, or even just exploring are great ways to join the new community you are in.

While I still find myself pining for New York every now and then (watching NYFW footage drove me crazy!), it does get easier each and every day to be so far from home, especially when I am having this much fun. At the end of the day, though, I always remember that I’m only here for one semester and it is going to fly by, so I try to make the most of each day.

4. You can’t put a price on all experiences.

Studying abroad is definitely pricier than a regular semester at college, especially with exchange rates being what they are right now. And while it’s very important to be conscious of your spending, you cannot let your finances drive you crazy!

As long as you are smart about your spending (especially concerning things like clothes shopping and other “pleasure” purchases), you should not let your money control your life. I am all for bargain hunting, but I have some friends who literally refuse to leave their rooms for fear of spending too much money!

Though it is tough, there are plenty of ways to explore your new surroundings and even go out at night and spend little to no money! You just have to be creative and do your research. Also, if you plan on traveling, the earlier you book your flights/trains and hostels/hotels, the cheaper they will be, so plan ahead to get the best rates. Studying abroad is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so take advantage of as many opportunities as you can while still being smart about your splurges.

If you do want to indulge in a bit of shopping, I suggest visiting local weekend markets. London has quite a few of these, as do New York and Paris. I have also heard that they are quite common in most other busier cities around Europe and the US. In addition, street fairs are great for finding one-of-a-kind vintage clothes, handmade jewelry, and even fresh food!

The picture below is from a recent visit I took to Cambridge, where I found an outdoor market that not only had these adorable stands to satisfy my clothing cravings, but a huge candy stand to satisfy my sweet tooth, too!

3. Foreign people are still just people.

There is definitely some mystique associated with meeting “foreigners” for American students, especially foreign guys! I can’t even tell you the number of times my friends from back home have asked me if I’ve found my “Hugh Grant” or “David Beckham” since I got here.

And though I am an absolute advocate for meeting locals, it’s important to remember that just because they may have a different accent, they are still just people. It is still dangerous to leave a bar with a guy you just met (even if his accent is cuter than Robert Pattinson’s), and while I have been fortunate to only meet very kind people so far, there will still always be people who are rude or mean to you. These rules do not change, regardless of what country you are visiting.

It is always an interesting experience to meet people from new backgrounds and can often be a lot of fun, but be sure to have realistic expectations about the people you meet. No, they probably do not know the cast of “Harry Potter,” but they may know some really great restaurants and shopping spots!

2. Make new friends.

This advice may seem obvious, but you would be surprised how many people come abroad in a tight-knit group and only stay with those people. Of course, there is nothing wrong with coming abroad with your best friends, but just because you came with friends does not mean you shouldn’t try to meet more!

Personally, I came abroad knowing very few people. It was really tough leaving all of my good friends behind, especially when I first arrived and saw how many groups of close friends had come abroad together. Those first few days I was scared that I was not going to be able to find a “place” for myself here and regretted not waiting to go abroad with all of my friends from back home.

However, the second I stopped being scared of approaching groups, I started meeting some truly amazing people that I am now lucky enough to call my friends. I have been fortunate enough to make friends not only from my school, but also from other schools that happen to be living in my residence hall. My best advice for meeting people is just to put yourself out there–go to as many events as possible, visit popular local hangouts like cafes, and sit next to people in your classes.

I have found the vast majority of people I have introduced myself to–both local and other study abroad-ers–to be extremely receptive to meeting new people, so it’s definitely worth saying “hello” and getting out of your comfort zone.

1. Remember, it is “study” abroad.

It’s easy to forget about the “school” aspect when you’re in a new and exciting place with new friends and limitless possibilities to explore. But at the end of the day, you are here for class! I ended up incredibly flustered last week trying to write a 3,000 word essay that had just “crept” up on me while I was busy enjoying London.

Studying can also be different in a new location, so make sure to observe the different teaching styles and understand what is expected of you. A couple CF readers have asked me what it’s like to be studying at a university abroad. NYU happens to have a campus in London, so, technically, it has not been too different for me since I am still at “NYU.” My professors are from British universities, though, and I have noticed a difference in their teaching styles from what I am used to. My classes here are much more lecture-based and extremely large amounts of readings are due for each class, which is slightly different from the discussion-based courses I am used to in NY.

I think the best way to stay focused while abroad is to get yourself a planner and use an online calendar to keep yourself on track. Back home, I had a planner that I wrote my day-to-day lists of activities and homework on, but it was actually not enough to just have that here. Besides that planner, I now also have a calendar that has all of my field trips and assignments marked off on it for the duration I am here. This is extremely helpful, as when I go to book trips, I can look ahead and see which weekends I am free.

What do you think?

Was it helpful to read my experiences, aside from my regular style observations? Do these tips fit into your study abroad experiences? Do you have any additional helpful hints for study abroad survival? Let us know in the comments!

This is the third part in our series on getting the internship of your dreams. If you missed the first two articles, learn how to clean up your internet identity and how to create a killer cover letter and resume, then come back and read this article.

If you have been following this series, in this post, I’ll show you where to find internships listed on the internet (mostly fashion-related), and other great ways to get your resume out to anyone who can help you find an internship.

Where is the first place I should look for an internship?

There are so many great places to find internship listings. But the first place to look is within your “network.” By network, I don’t mean all of your Facebook friends; I mean your friends and family. Reach out to anyone and everyone who could help you find an internship. Have a friend who has a friend who works for a magazine? Ask her if she could get in touch with her friend and maybe even introduce you two! Recently, I threw out the fact that I was looking for a fashion internship to my group of friends at lunch, and immediately, each girl racked her brain for anyone she knew who could help me.

Send your resume to your family members and close friends. That doesn’t mean you should send a mass e-mail to all of your contacts in your Gmail address book; carefully pick out certain people you can trust to forward your resume to anyone they think could help you. If you have a family member or close friend (i.e. this won’t be the first time you’re getting in touch with them since you last saw them six months ago) with a lot of connections, shoot them a nice e-mail that says something to the effect of:

“I’m searching for a [industry]-related internship for Summer 2010, and since you are always making new friends, would it be possible for you to maybe forward my attached resume to anyone you know in the [industry]-world?”

If you know someone with a connection, but haven’t been in contact with them recently… call them. Catch up with them. Don’t just send an e-mail that says, “Hey, how are you, help me out!” If you want someone to forward your resume, they are doing you a favor. So, be nice, grateful and courteous, and don’t demand anything. Let them know how appreciative you are if they do decide to help you. Maybe even consider sending them a card for their effort.

I sent my resume around to my friends and family, now what?

There are so many great resources to use on the internet to find an internship. Here are the sites I’ve used and loved the most:

• Ed2010: This is by far the best site to find fashion-related and general magazine internship listings. Everyone I know who is involved in the fashion world has recommended this site to me. There are postings for everything from large publications like Seventeen magazine to smaller online publications. They aren’t just fashion publications either! I’ve seen postings for food blogs and music publications as well. There are no catches: the employer’s contact info is directly on each posting, and Ed is just there to direct you to them.
• Free Fashion Internships: As a girl who is intensely interested in a career in fashion, Free Fashion Internships is heaven. There are internships with major designers (such as Zac Posen, Elie Tahari, and Jean Paul Gaultier), indie designers, and upcoming designers in every department from PR, to design, to styling, to print and fabric. And, the best part: many major designers and PR firms list positions they need filled for fashion week (aka, you get to help with fashion week for anywhere ranging from a few days to a few weeks). Plus, like Ed2010, there are no catches: each employer’s contact info is listed and you just have to copy and paste an e-mail address to send your resume and cover letter out.
• WWD Careers: This is basically a search engine for jobs/internships in the fashion world hosted by Women’s Wear Daily. It allows you to search by location and/or keyword to find the internship of your dreams. They also feature a long list of categories to help you sort through the listings.
• Condé Nast Internships: If you don’t know what Condé Nast is (and I highly doubt it), let’s put it this way: their brand list includes Vogue, Glamour, Teen Vogue, Vanity Fair and GQ. Impressed? I thought so. If you click the link I’ve given you, you’re led to a rundown on how to apply for a job at any of these prestigious magazines. Many of Condé Nast’s publications are featured as employers on Ed2010, but if you want to search their site directly for job openings, use their search tool.
• NY Fashion Internships: This blog gives listings for fashion internships in the NYC area (great if you live in the area or want to pursue a career in New York). Modeling agencies, magazines and designers are all featured on this great blog. There’s no catch to this site either. Each listing features an e-mail address that you can use to contact the employer directly with your resume and cover letter.
• Intern Queen: This site has internship listings in almost every area of the entertainment industry, from fashion to marketing. The only catch is that there is no direct contact info for the employers listed, and you must sign up for OneCubicle.com in order to send out all of your applications for free.

What’s next?

So, you’ve found the internships/jobs you want to apply for. You’ve written some sweet and to-the-point e-mails with your cover letter and resume attached securely. You’ve shaken as you pressed the “Send” button. Now what do you do?

Firstly, read through our tips for landing an internship.

Then, if you haven’t heard back from your employer in a few weeks, send a follow-up e-mail. Let them know how much you appreciate them looking over your resume. Let them know you just wanted to touch base. Sound sincere and sweet. Thank them.

Got back a reply that says something like, “Thanks for applying, but try again some other time”? I have, you probably have or will at some point in your life, and everyone around you probably has, too! Don’t pout and feel like you did something wrong. Instead, send a thank you e-mail. I know you’re bitter right now, but employers will often keep your resume on file in case another position that they feel could suit you becomes available. Plus, it looks extremely courteous of you to send a thank you e-mail, and people remember when you make them feel special.

Example? My friend turned down a job offer over the phone, then sent out this amazingly sweet e-mail to the contact he had at the company. In return? The potential employer let him and his co-op advisor (he goes to a school with a co-op job program) know that he had sent the nicest e-mail they had received and that they would love for him to interview again the following year. Basically, he made an incredible impression on them.

If you get asked to interview, then CELEBRATE! You are one step closer to the internship of your dreams! Congratulations! In my next post, I will be discussing interviews, from what to wear, to what questions to be prepared for.

What do you think?

Did you check out any of the sites listed above? Did you find them useful? Have you started to apply for specific internships? What type of internship do you want? Let us know in a comment!

Being a damsel in distress isn’t cute. Nobody wants to hang out with someone who can’t get anything done by themselves. Even Superman gets sick of dealing with Lois Lane’s problems day in and day out.

It’s time to man up, ladies, and empower yourselves to live life without the aid of Prince Charming. Not only does this make our lives a whole lot easier (hello, do you really want to wait around for someone to jump-start your car?), but sometimes it’s safer to take matters into our own hands (instead of asking some rando to do it for us).

Here’s a rundown of the 10 things every woman must know how to do. Watch, learn and take pride in the fact that you are in total control of your destiny.

1. Change a tire: Being your own mechanic isn’t necessarily a manly thing. Whipping out that wrench and jack can save yourself some time, money and can even keep you safer. Sure, when I was forced to fix a flat I looked ridiculous – kneeling on the side of I-295 in my skirt-suit and patent stilettos – but it took me 20 minutes, saved me some big-time embarrassment and allowed me to still be on time to my interview. Don’t forget those hand wipes though; grease could be an outfit-ender.

2. Make Dinner: I’m not trying to say you have to become Suzie Homemaker, but learning some basic cooking techniques can’t do anything but help you out in the long run. So buy some cookbooks and get learning! Being able to feed yourself, no matter how rudimentary it may seem, is certainly a skill that’s worth it to perfect.

3. Rock a pair of killer heels: Maybe its one of my personal pet peeves, but I cannot STAND to see those girls who insist on wearing Spice Girl era platform heels and can’t even walk into a party without looking trashy/twisting their ankle/sighing and taking them off. A hot pair of heels is a must-have for any college wardrobe, but they’re worthless if you don’t know how to walk in them. So here’s the deal: first, buy good heels. Not only will they last you, but they will make a difference on your feet. Secondly, watch this. (And if you live on a giant campus like me, bring flip flops or some roll-up flats for the walk home.)

4. Use a power-drill: I ran into a huge predicament at the beginning of this school year. New apartment + newly framed pictures + stubborn drywall = failure. I needed some major electronic help, and it happened to come in the way a rugby player armed with a power drill. I’m a stubborn person who never likes to admit I need help, so in my embarrassment, I watched and learned intently and vowed to be able to be a little more DIY in the future. Whether it’s fixing that wobbly chair in the kitchen or mounting a bulletin board above your desk, it’ll always come in handy.

5. Basic self-defense: Channel your inner ninja. I’m not saying you have to carry a concealed machete with you everywhere you go (because that would never fit in your clutch), but making sure that you’re ready in case something ever happens is the best thing you can do.  When it comes to your safety, you can never be too prepared.

Read the rest of the list at Collegecandy!