Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Good semester!

Well everyone we made it. We are down to the last week of classes. I hope all of you enjoyed the blogging experience. I was pretty skeptical of the idea when we first started but I ended up really enjoying getting to know all of you. I really like hearing other peoples ideas and goals. You are all interesting people and I hope everything goes well for all of you and I hope you have a great IDS college experience. Have fun and good luck everyone thank you for sharing all that you did!

Peter

Sunday, April 18, 2010

The end of the semester!

FINALLY!! It’s almost the end of the semester!! Did you think it would ever get here?!?!

You know, growing up I never really knew exactly what I wanted to when “I grew up,” and honestly, I still don’t. Sometimes that scares me because there are days where I am so unhappy with my current job, yet I’m not sure what I should look for in trying to find a new job. I thought I wanted to be a teacher, but after graduating with an A.A. in Elementary Education, I decided that was NOT for me at all. Fortunately, with the Interdisciplinary Studies, I have learned a lot more about myself, personally and professionally. My areas of study, Sociology, Education and Public Affairs, have allowed me to explore so many different areas that I have been able to explore myself. I thoroughly enjoy combining these programs and have found they work together very well.

Currently I work for a FL state park and I used to LOVE my job, back when I planned events, did programs for kids, worked with and recruited volunteers and did a lot of “office/public relations” type of stuff. Then, my job description changed and I became more of a maintenance worker, leaving the stuff I really liked behind. Without realizing it, my “old” job fell right into my IDS program areas—I was able to give programs (education), work with the community and plan programs (public affairs) and get into the minds of others in trying to find what makes them tick, convince them to volunteer or give me resources for the park (sociology).

Over the past year, my career goals have altered quite a bit. I have decided that I want to find a job that fits me best, something in the field of public relations and/or marketing, especially within a non-profit. I have also decided that I may apply for the Masters program, Non-profit Management. I am truly looking forward to graduating this May with my IDS B.S. degree, allowing more doors of opportunity to open.

If there’s one piece of advice I can give you, it would be to make sure your program areas are something you really enjoy and not just because it seems easy or convenient. You’ll do best if you love what you’re doing, whether it be academic, professional or personal.

I have to laugh some—it’s amazing how our goals and desires in life can change dramatically over the course of a few years! Have you experienced changing goals and paths? Or have you always known what you wanted to do?

Do you currently work? Does your IDS program fit into your current professional life? Give some examples.

I look forward to hearing your responses, and being the end of the semester, if you have any questions, comments or stories you would like to share or there’s something we didn’t cover, please feel free to bring it up.

I hope this has been an enjoyable and helpful experience for you, as it has been for me.

:o)

Kadie


Hello Mentees =)

Sad Day...the semester has come to an end and our lovely conversations are drawing close to closing. It has been a wonderful semester getting to know each of you. I hope that you have gathered some insights from us as I know we certainly have learned from each of you.

I just wanted to encourage each of yall to never give up on any goals. I don’t care if its 1 or 101 goals you have set for yourself...complete as many as you can. It’s never too late!!!

I know for me...I entered this program because I had changed my major what felt like 100 times. I was frustrated and just simply wanted out of UCF. I now have most all my prerequisites out of the way for either an Education degree or a degree in Health Sciences. I also have a fine little minor in Psychology. I have learned over time that my major isn't so terrible after all. It’s not a solidified certificate, but it is beneficial for me to go get more education and work using either of these passions I have. Don't give up on any goals or passions you may have. God has given you the aspirations you have and I believe you should use them to the fullest capability =)

If you have any questions or if you want to discuss anything further...please feel free =) I know I’m not going anywhere =)

I’d love to know also...along with Kadie...if you are using the education you are receiving in this IDS program?

Looking forward to hearing from each of you =)

~Rebe

Sunday, April 11, 2010

Personal Career Philosophy

Hello Mentees. I hope everyone is hangin in there. We are down to our last couple weeks so stay strong! Today I will be talking to you about my personal philosophy concerning my professional life and a couple other related topics.
My thoughts regarding my career and future goals are not very well defined. My fist goal is to get a job, almost any job. I am not to picky I just want to enjoy it. I am not looking to make a lot of money right now, just enough to pay bills. I have never had a real job so I want a fun college type job. After a year or so I hope to find another opportunity that is a little more professional and that pays a bit more or, what my ultimate goal is to start a business. So to sum up my personal philosophy I would say to start with something that is fun from then find a related opportunity that you can graduate to or let that position bring opportunities to you. I think if you are doing something that is fun a lucrative opportunity will come if you are ready and paying attention.
This idea is interdisciplinary because it is open to many types of opportunities. My education allows me to take a wide variety of opportunities which I am excited about. My career goals have changed so much in the past 4 years I can not even remember some of the ideas I have had. I think that is why I want to get a fun job and keep my eyes open for other better opportunities.

Now that I have told you my thoughts on career philosophy please let us know and make some posts about your feelings. I am sure many people have completely different thoughts on this and some of you will not relate to my thoughts at all. Some of you will have much more defined goals which is great. I believe my thoughts are the way they are because I have not truly figured out what I want to do yet. Tell us your career philosophy and goals and be as specific as you can. I look forward to hearing from you.

Peter

Sunday, April 4, 2010

Week 12 E-Portfolio Designing

Hello Mentees!
I hope you have had a wonderful week! I am looking forward to hearing your thoughts on this week's topic. This week we are looking into your e-portfolio specifics. Have you thought about the design of your e-portfolio in terms of whom and what you are trying to get out to those viewing it? I know for mine, it was a source of valuable resources. I still use it from time to time. I have my resume and other beneficial documents that enhance my areas of interdiciplinarity. Please share with us ways that you would like to use your e-portfolio. Also...if you have any questions as to the "who" you would like to address in your e-port and the "what, where, when, why, and how" to grab their attention, we would be thrilled to discuss it with you all =) For any questions on the uploading, we will make sure to answer those as well (via Ms. Spraker). We cannot wait to hear what you feel is going to be the most beneficial use of your e-portfolios as well as the audiences you are addressing. Hope you have fun!!!

Here are 6 little tips I found on how to "grab your reader's attention". I feel these can be beneficial for design and plan of e-ports as well =)

1.) Your readers must see their need for reading your article-
this is beneficial for making sure you upload all information you feel your reader will benefit most from reading.

2.) Give your article a sizzling title-
find something to catch the eye at first glance!

3.) Select a hot topic-
make sure your topics are relevant and informational with poise and professionalism.

4.) Use emotions as your ally-
allow the reader to truly know who you are and what you are about.

5.) Narrow your focus to provide relevant content in the limited space of an article-
make sure you keep your information focused...dont trail off into useless information =)

6.) End with a call to action-
make sure that by the end of the portfolio reading and searching your audience is satisfied with knowing you. allow them to know you are determined to achieve what is at hand.

Happy Designing =)
~Rebe