RWC Columns

Since 1998, Real World Careers Inc. founder, Erika Welz Prafder has written a weekly, career advice column of 500-750 words for The New York Post. She self-syndicates the column to newspapers, magazines and on-line media outlets around the country. Over 200 topics are currently available, and new topics are added regularly.

If you would be interested in licensing a particular column or columns, please contact us at 516.295.5373, or drop an e-mail to erika@realworldcareers.com.

Upon request, Erika can also custom publish content for your periodical or web site.

You're welcome to read a few sample columns (below) or view a partial archive of Erika's columns by title only. All columns by Erika Welz Prafder, Copyright © 1998-2001.

Sample Columns
It's Internship Hunting Season. Are You Ready?

"Working it at the Job Fair"

Networking: Turn Dread into Getting Ahead

Starting Salaries: A Reality Check on Expectations

9-5 Manners Matter, Top Ten Office Etiquette Tips

First Job/Wrong Job Syndrome

It's Internship Hunting Season. Are You Ready?

Times have changed. The search for talented employees is fierce. For many employers, good grades and the right college major aren't enough. Today's top companies seek employees who are ambitious and who have paid their dues in the working world ...even for entry-level positions. To create a win-win work situation, both students and employers should carefully research and plan the experience.

About eighty-one percent of all college seniors nationwide participated in atleast one internship before graduation in 1999, according to Mark Oldman, co-author of "America's Top Internships," (Random House, Inc, $21.00) "The Internship Bible," (Random House, Inc, $25.00) and co-founder of Vault.com, an online, industry-targeted career community. "And that number will grow higher in 2000," he said. "The days of internship experience being a luxury are gone. A recent college graduate will be at a competitive disadvantage without it," he added.

Organizations are increasingly looking to their own interns to find permanent workers. "Employers are viewing their internship programs as cost-effective bullpens to test out potential employees, before offering them a job," said Mr. Oldman. "On average, the recruiting department of a Fortune 500 corporation will save $6,000 per candidate when they hire from within their own intern talent pool, rather than an outside candidate," he said. Some companies are notorious for offering their interns full-time jobs upon graduation from college. Hewlett Packard, BMG and Hallmark offer such permanent spots about 60 to 70 percent of the time, according to Mr. Oldman.

For students, internships offer a window seat to every aspect of their chosen career field. As temporary observers within a hierarchical setting, it's a time to be a professional sponge, soaking up as much knowledge as possible. However, college students should have a realistic outlook about their potential tasks. Some industry segments, such as public relations, entail plenty of phone work and faxing. Such "busy work" should be discussed up front. On the other hand, an interactive advertising agency may field copywriting or design-layout tasks to a young talent, while Internet access providers may delegate web site programming to a competent computer techie.

Superstar interns are typically adept at following through, they possess a good attitude and a willingness to go above and beyond their basic duties, according to Warren Wartell, associate director of the faculty student association at SUNY Stonybrook on Long Island. (631-632-9306) Ms. Wartell's department arranges experiential learning opportunities for students on campus and teaches techniques and exercises to ease their school-to-work transition. "You don't start off being the chief," said Mr. Wartell. "You start as an Indian," he said. "You need to build up the confidence to take on more responsibility," he said. "A certain percentage of your time should be spent on building soft skills such as negotiating, writing and listening," he added.

The demand for top interns is on the up and up, particulalry within the Internet industry. "Students are flocking to dot-com companies," said Mr. Oldman. "They want to ride and take part of the digital gold rush," he said. Both the media and entertainment industries are additional intern magnets, according to Mr. Oldman. And, the need for interns with non-technical backgrounds is growing almost as urgently as for those with computer science degrees, according to Mr. Wartell. "You don't have to be a techie to be involved with organizations in the new economy" he said. "You learn most of what you need to know on the job anyway. You do need to understand the product and nature of the market you're in," he said.

For aspiring entrepreneurs, the growing numbers of start-up companies, especially in New York's "Silicon Alley," are providing exciting opportunities for interns too. "Creativity and an ability to think out of the box are critical skills for such environments. "It's not for everyone," said Mr. Wartell. "You can't have someone telling you what do every minute," he said. "You must be resourceful in order to get your job done," he said.

Internship programs differ in structure among firms. Some companies assign a mentor to each intern, who serves as an informal advisor. The value of such input to a young talent, in addition to the potential for lasting contacts and references, cannot be underestimated.

Although the word "intern" has sometimes been viewed as someone low on the corporate totem pole, internships are typically paid (except when a student is to receive academic credit for the experience). Depending on a student's skills and related experience, a company can pay a student a salary or a lump weekly stipend commensurate with his or her abilities. In tight competition for today's most promising talent, "Employers realize they need to sweeten the deal for interns," said Mr. Oldman. "It's not uncommon for a student to receive $500 - $600 a week," he said. Companies are even covering housing costs, travel expenses and such perks as brown bag luncheons with executives and outings to sporting events. While there are students willing to work for next-to-nothing, a company should consider adding incentives like flexible hours, networking opportunities and performance bonuses..

The time frame for landing internships today has widened. A majority of firms now offer such opportunities year round. And, recruitment methods for top internships vary. Aside from college career centers, which are often short-staffed departments, today's savviest students are taking advantage of additional resources such as job fairs, classified ads, internship listings on targeted job boards such as NYNMA.org, Internships.com and Wetfeet.com and books such as "Internship Success," by Marianne Ehrlich Greene. (Career Horizons, $12.95)

SIDE BAR

Whatever the criteria, most successful internship programs do share the common goal of providing a unique and rewarding experience for all parties involved. Here are a few guidelines:

10 Tips For A Successful Internship Program:

Be sure you're assigned a mentor, or someone on staff who can periodically check on how you are progressing and adapting.
Introduce yourself around your firm. Don't be intimidated by your status. An official "greeting" will include you as part of the team.
Have your responsibilities clearly communicated to you. Ask questions to best define the tasks at hand.
Familiarize yourself with company rules and policies. The staff may feel right at home, but you are new to their protocols.
Expose yourself to other departments of interest. You should seek a well-rounded learning experience. Organize appointments with staff ahead of time to ensure their availability.
Schedule regular "checking-in" conversations with your mentor. Such feedback sessions help track progress, problems and open up issues for discussion.
Sit in during general meetings of company-wide concern. Such gatherings demonstrate the importance of brainstorming, voicing opinions, and settling differences.
Accompany a co-worker to an industry networking event. Contact-building is an important professional skill to develop early in your career.
Complete a "final project." You should leave the experience with something to show for it.
Ask colleagues and supervisors to serve as references for your job search. Be sure to ask for a letter of recommendation for your file!

"Working it at the Job Fair"

Why do some people sweat at the thought of attending a job fair, while others get revved up? It depends on how you perceive the experience. If you view the event as a limited time, to 'shop' yourself within a competitive, crowded atmosphere, than, it can indeed seem overwhelming. But, if your objectives are clear, you're well prepared, and you use the occasion to further your career goals, your time may be well worth the investment.

Today's job expo's are becoming more industry-based and specific to the level of candidates they seek to attract. So, it pays to be selective about which ones you attend. The Internet is a speedy, wide-reaching resource for searching out career fairs. Most of the web's major employment sites including CareerMosaic.com, Monster.com and HotJobs.com regularly list nationwide career events, spanning a variety of professional categories. Although such online events exclude the personal, meet-and-greet characteristic, they can save you time, especially if you're very focused on the type of position and company you're seeking.

However, if you're just starting out in the workforce, job fairs are goldmines for expanding your contacts, and testing a variety of corporate waters before diving in.

Preparation is key to maximizing your time at any job fair. A confident attitude scores points, so practicing your self-introduction may be helpful. Your greeting should include your name and a tag line, which gives employers a reason to remember you. A bit of humor never hurts. Speak clearly, look people in the eye, and make sure your handshake is firm. A limp grasp may give off a weak impression.

Bring enough resumes (at least thirty) and as you distribute them to hiring personnel, make sure they reciprocate with their business cards. A job fair isn't just a resume drop, it is an information exchange. If name tags are distributed, wear one. You can address a recruiter by name, which is preferable. Dress in appropriate business attire and wear comfortable shoes. You won't be at your peak if your high heels are causing blisters.

Research the backgrounds of 'hot firms' you're most interested in meeting with ahead of time. You'll converse more intelligently, demonstrate your interest and impress hiring managers. Be prepared to highlight some of your special skills sets. This is not the time to talk salary. It's your time to size up a company and find out if it's your cultural fit," she said.

If you have your heart set on a particular firm, inquire about the types of career possibilities that exist company-wide. There may be a lot more than meets the eye. After the fair, your follow-up etiquette can sustain a recruiter's interest in you. Write a note to those hiring representatives who spoke at length with you. It distinguishes you from other candidates and reiterates your serious interest in their companies.

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Networking: Turn Dread into Getting Ahead

Is tonight your laundry night? Have to baby sit your neighbor's sick cat? Coming down with the flu? If you've run out of excuses for blowing off another networking event, it's time to face the crowd. Building a solid career safety net is a vital professional skill today. With the right attitude, a sense of purpose, and some courage, you're better positioned to reap the rewards.

The first step towards savvy schmoozing comes from identifying the roadblocks that intimidate you, according to Susan RoAne, author of "How to Work a Room." (Warner Books, $11.99) "Such feelings stem from an unwillingness to risk rejection," she says. " People feel it's better to be safe than sorry." Our mothers had a hand in creating additional mental barriers, says Ms. RoAne. "We were taught not to talk to strangers, to wait to be properly introduced, and that good things come to those who wait," says the author. But such protective warnings prevent us from developing effective communication skills, and consequently, we miss out on business, career and social opportunities.

Don't believe you need to engage in hob-nobbing or card swapping? Networking is pervasive for almost every age group, at each professional level, and spills over into many aspects of everyday life. Think about it. At your healthclub, on the golf course, or at the supermarket, you must always be ready to 'work it,' wherever you go these days.

Social connections formed in college are a young person's first 'real world' networking encounter. Joining the student chapters of professional associations, contacting alumni, and rushing for sorority or fraternity membership are all variations of networking.

For entry-level job seekers, curiosity and genuine interest goes a long way with people you meet at an event, says Ms. RoAne. "If you approach someone in a well mannered, attentive way, most people will take time with a young person. It's how you ask," she says. You should also remember to follow-up with those who've lent their time. "When you've received the benefit of wisdom, advice or support from anyone, acknowledge it. Sending a thank you note on paper in your own writing, says volumes," says Ms. RoAne.

For career-shifters, access to groups of people is helpful when trying to learn more about a new field. If you're interested in entering the legal field, for example, showing up to a related trade association's cocktail hour may lead to an informational interview with a reputable attorney. Your current skills will apply well in another area. Concentrate on promoting your functional, as well as adaptive skills.

Entrepreneurs can't afford to miss out on networking events either, says Ms. RoAne. "Especially for the home-based business owner, there is no water cooler. You need to create it," she says. "To expand your business, you need to be engaging, making eye contact with people." As for 'virtual,' or Internet-based business owners, "The modem can't replace a smile," says Ms. RoAne. "Many business deals still go down in a bar."

To take the fright out of working a room, remedies include:

Know why you're there: What's the event's purpose, who its sponsors and attendees will be.
Do your homework: Read a recent issue of the group's newsletter, or visit their web site.
Polish your small talk: Such dialogue is meant to relax people, not to impress them. Skim the daily paper's business or lifestyle section or prepare a joke, and your confidence level's sure to rise.
Consider the personal and professional pay-offs: Build up your Rolodex, gain clients, enhance your self-confidence, have a good time!
Practice a self-introduction: Your name, who/what you represent, what your commonality is with those at the event.
Carry a healthy supply of business cards: You don't want to run out just before an important introduction. Always replenish your wallet after an event.
Easy on the handshake: You want someone to remember you, not sue you for broken bones. A firm single-handed grasp will do.
Sharpen listening skills: One-way conversations are a no-no. Balance the give and take in your talk.
Avoid insincere, con-artists: Their sarcasm, disrespect, distasteful humor, and monopolizing of someone's time are indications of such personality types. Politely remove yourself from their presence.

Starting Salaries: A Reality Check on Expectations

With graduation parties fading to memory and diplomas in hand, the Class of 2000 soon heads out to the real world. The bright side: Job offers will be plentiful this year and starting salaries have increased across the board. The flip side: Career-savvy seniors must still do their homework to maximize potential job offers.

This may be the best year of this decade for new hires. Graduates can credit the rich economy and lowest unemployment rate in years for the recruitment trend.

Technology and engineering recruits still tip the wage scale, with information systems grads averaging offers of $37,237, and mechanical engineering majors ranking in bids of $40, 117 from some firms.

For communications majors, add the word "Cyber" or "Interactive" to your entry-level title and your salary may get an upward jolt. A public relations major entering today's job market at $25,000. But combine those Internet-surfing skills, a grasp of the new medium's power with traditional PR tactics and you can up your base a notch.

Got a head for business? Investment banking pros penetrate today's workforce at $30,668, if focused on corporate finance. Like working with numbers? Private accountants are seeing entry offers of $31, 617.

While skies are sunny ahead for those starting out, three words can affect your price tag: Location, location, location. Want to take a bite out of The Big Apple? Comfortability here doesn't come cheap. With rent, transportation and food for starters, the cost of living may nibble at your pay-check after taxes. For those prepared to work and play hard, smart saving and budgeting is the key to any great city. One rule of thumb is to reserve at least two month's salary, which acts as a 'safety nest' in case you lose your job or relocate.

Assessing the 'whole package' a job offers is a must when planting professional roots. Great savings occur when an employer picks up the tab on health insurance, matches your 401k contribution and provides tuition reimbursement.

The art of negotiating is new for those fresh out of school. But even for your first salary, you've got some control at the bargaining table. Decide what really matters to you and aim high. Have you discussed vacation, sick days, bonuses and salary reviews? When an offer is made, the company is ready to make an investment in you. You can think over the offer, accept it or decline. Don't get stuck being picky and avoid taking just 'anything' for the sake of it. The first door you get your foot into is rarely your dream job.

Seniors remember: paying your dues is a part of climbing any corporate ladder. We each get our start somewhere. Your first job isn't a life sentence. Don't fear a wrong choice. Experience is the name of the game for new grads. If you focus solely on the money, you'll miss the big picture.

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9-5 Manners Matter, Top Ten Office Etiquette Tips

The workplace, like any environment, has its own unspoken rules and invisible rites of passage. For first-time jobbers, the transition into corporate culture could be very unsettling and it takes confidence, professionalism and a dose of patience to get through the initiation.

To guide you through, here are some insightful tips, which were expanded on by Leslie B. Praeger, co-editor of Inside HRNY, the monthly newsletter of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM).

Cruise or lose. Being prompt for work and meetings is critical for new employees. Tardiness, long lunches and prolonged bathroom breaks acts don't fly well with co-workers who not only may be depending on your attendance but may be monitoring you as well.

'Casual Friday' is on Friday. Dress codes aren't always postedand are unique to every office. Your style should reflect the industry you're in. Casual attire is all right for artsy, creative atmospheres, while corporate settings warrant 'the power suit.' Nose rings and green hair cut it if you're Dennis Rodman's personal assistant, not Bill Gates.'

Don't be a Slob on the Job. "When you're just starting out, you'll most likely be cube mates with someone else," said Ms. Praeger. Be conscious about sharing space. Neatness counts. Be sure to keep files and papers tidy.

Ask 'stupid' questions. You won't get praised for mistakes, but we've all made our share. Better to be safe than sorry. "If you think you've heard an instruction wrong, ask for clarification," said Ms. Praeger. "Confirm due-dates for projects and prioritize."

Practice Electronics Etiquette. Before printing out that 20-pager, be aware of other staffers gearing up to use the machine. Be gentle with office equipment and know how to perform a quick-fix in an emergency. When sending a long fax, be sure your recipient doesn't mind hanging around to claim it on their end.

MYOB. (Mind Your Own Business.) Gaining acceptance is especially important if you're new on board, but gossiping can be hazardous to your professional reputation. "It's touchy," said Ms. Praeger. "You don't know who's chummy with who in the beginning. Just watch and observe." If asked to 'dish' with colleagues, Ms. Praeger advises using diplomacy and tact. "Just kind of shake your head and listen, but don't literally say things about people," she says. However, if others are talking about you, "use damage control," said Ms. Praeger. Confront the culprit one on one.

No Room for Show-Offs. It's healthy to have an anxious, eager appetite to move up the company ladder. But when you're low on the seniority list, your prime role is to listen to your boss and soak up as much experience as possible. Learn the politics and chain of command at your firm and never go over your boss' head.

Beware of Gate Keepers. Be particularly courteous and polite to the office secretary or executive assistant. This staff member can be very helpful to you. He or she usually holds the key to the Big Boss. No Clock-Watching. Two hours 'till quitting time and you've already rapped up your workload? Clock-watching will only strain your brain. Turn end-of-the-day drag into productive time management. Put things in their proper place and get a jump-start on tomorrow's workload by jotting tasks down in your planner.

Eager Beavers and the 'Me Factor.' Entering the work force means understanding that you are part of a team. Individual efforts and accomplishments are done for the benefit of the group. Don't overdo things, or try to nab credit at every corner. Everyone pays their dues. Don't be a talker, be a doer. Ultimately, your hard work will be recognized.

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First Job/Wrong Job Syndrome

"Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Jones, you've had a baby Management Consultant!" If only we were born with job titles. Since we're not, we need to know the real rules which usually involve long, hard dues before we finally end up in a job that both satisfies and pays us well. For recent college grads, 'First Job/Wrong Job Syndrome' strikes many like a bad flu. How you treat the condition sets precedents for other tough decisions along your career path.

Recognize the signs. Taking two-hour lunches? Is your voice mailbox full of return calls from travel agents? You may be mismatched for your job. Depressive moods hit everyone, but if the Monday Blues last 'til Friday, chances are you're not just having an off day. Unexplained restlessness, feeling non-productive and caged in are more extreme symptoms some face.

It can strike anyone. Fresh out of college, many grads think their starting job is a defining, end-all, be-all career move, rather than as part of the professional development process. Young people don't realize the extent 'the bottom line' plays in many jobs. Your employer's concerned with what shows up on the balance sheet." New to the work force, your best bet is an environment that pays you a salary, but nurtures you.

Entering the family business? You too may become discontented if you've chosen this route due to pressure. Evaluate if this is really what you want and if it's not for you, the longer you remain, the harder it becomes to discover what you do want to do. You'll miss out on experiences that expose you to your options. Whatever you decide, your inner motivation should hit 7 on a 1-10 scale," she said.

A way out, or a cop-out? Two months on the job and you're ready to go back to grad school? Dig deeper to understand your yearning for higher learning. Will academia serve as a safety-zone from the "Real World?" Before ditching your day job, be sure your not just trying to delay the inevitable.

Man Overboard! If you're absolutely ready to jump ship, there are two approaches to the situation. If you need a secure salary, you'll need to line something up before leaving. Try not to take just any job if you can avoid it. Attend after-hours networking events to learn about openings at other firms. Use lunch breaks for informational interviews with professional contacts to learn about other industries. If you can afford to quit cold, use head-hunters who are expert job-matchers. Temping is another option and a great way to try out new fields and bring in some money while you research permanent positions.

Quitting is the easy way out. Handing in a pink slip may help you sleep better, but quitting should be a last resort. Future employers may view your decision as a weakness. Try and rule out sources of your frustration. Is it recognition you need? Or, is it time to take on new projects? If your company is experiencing a growth phase, there's obviously no time for hand-holding or back-patting from superiors.

Make an attitude adjustment. The benefits of remaining aboard your first job often outweigh the negatives. If your employer offers training programs, association memberships, and good contacts, these perks are yours for the taking. Build skills and explore other departments. It's also a good idea to start and finish a project. When you do move on, you'll have something to show for it. There's slack that comes with your first job-out-of-school. Be a trooper and accept it as a learning experience and don't burn any bridges as you go along.

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(Partial) Archive of Columns

Listed by title. All columns by Erika Welz Prafder, Copyright © 1998-2001.

9-5 Manners Matter: Top-Ten Office Etiquette Tips
Are You a Closet Entrepreneur?
Career Choices for the Millennium
Do You View Your Workplace as a Battleground?
Ducking the Downsize
Facing the Realities of Non-Stop Work
First Job/Wrong Job Syndrome
For 'Seasoned Citizens,' Work Fuels Mind, Body and Spirit
Love at Work: No Longer Forbidden Fruit
Mind Your Mentors: They Hold Keys to Your Success
Mom's The Word: Companies Are Finding It Pays to Keep Working Moms Happy
Neck on the Block? Look for a Headhunter
Negotiating Into and Out of a Job
New Year's Career Resolutions
Perfecting Your Exit-strategy Can Turn a Lay-off into an Opportunity
Personal Rediscoveries Gained From Re-entering the Workforce
Starting Salaries: A Reality Check on Expectations
Stretch Your Work-self and Volunteer
Temporarily Yours: Is This Modern Work-style for You?
The Workplace of the Future
When Work is a Family Affair
Wired for the Workplace

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