One of the big trends for women this year is the tuxedo. And yes, I said for women. Just think Janelle Monae rocking on stage with her signature big bow-tie. While wearing a tuxedo is over the top for both men and women on a day-to-day basis (and tuxedo shirts are just unacceptable… sorry, dudes) a dressed down interpretation is with the tie-neck blouse.

The tie-neck blouse is strictly for the ladies. While the pay tribute to tuxedo styles, they are much more feminine, which is one of the reasons I love me a big ole bow on the front. It’s not a new trend, meaning if you buy a tie-neck blouse you love now, you could potentially wear it forever. Just ask your mom, I’m betting she rocked this style back in the 70s.

While the position or size of the bow alters the appearance of the tie-neck blouse, I opted to showcase three looks with similar ties (including a faux tie-neck blouse). As these shirts are not super bold on their own, I wanted to show how you can incorporate more than one trend into your looks.

Outfit 1: With coloured skinnies

On their own coloured skinnies are a big statement. Pairing them with more subtle pieces says, “look at me, I’m confident,” without screaming “attention deprived.” A nice classic denim coat over a tie neck blouse is perfect for fall. When wearing something as loud as bright purple pants, I think it’s important to tone them down, though it doesn’t mean your other pieces have to be boring. A big bow at the neck adds extra oomph to a bold look.

Shirt – Old Navy / Coat – Old Navy / Pants – Forever 21 / Flats – Old Navy 

Outfit 2: With flares

You don’t necessarily have to buy a shirt with a tie build in to rock this style. Scarves of the right width and material can easily transform your basic white oxford shirt, with a pop of colour. For a 70s vibe, it’s fun to add a pair of the super popular flares to your look. Though you could easily wear flats with this look, I personally really like flares with a pair of solid pumps. Not to mention I’m drooling over Christian Siriano’s Payless Collection. Anyone want to ship it to Canada? Bueller?

Shirt – AE / Tie Scarf – TopShop / Heels – Payless / Jeans – Karmaloop 

Outfit 3: With a pencil skirt

I also like a tie-neck blouse when it’s dressed up. Though the other two looks pair it with denim, if you’re looking for something office appropriate, try it with a pencil skirt and mary-janes. Tucked in for a sleek look, and you’ll be climbing the corporate ladder (or maybe just looking hot while fetching your boss coffee) in no time.

Blouse – Lulus.com / Purse – Payless / Skirt – Gap / Heels – Target

[Life after college is hard. Like really hard. But it's not so hard that you should curl up in a ball and watch E! marathons all day long. Not only are we covering the experience from a first-hand perspective, but we're now covering it from a how-to-survive-it perspective. Every week, we're going to bringing the best advice to getting through your first post-grad year. Because sometimes, your grandmother's "just go to law school" advice just doesn't cut it.]

I know how the scenario goes. They put that college diploma in your hand on graduation day, you walk across the stage with your head held high and you think, “This is it. I made it.” Fast-forward to two months later, you’re sweating bullets selling ice cream cones at the town pool’s snack bar. And they said you needed a degree for this?

It’s true. Sometimes the path to achieving your dreams is filled with potholes and pit stops. One of the hardest lessons they don’t teach you in school is how not to lose hope when the going gets…questionable. Surely you know you can’t just wake up and become a best-selling author/award-winning scientist/brilliant businesswoman. These things take work, of course, but they also take time. And a lot of that interim time is spent taking care of the here-and-now. You know- the bills that don’t pay themselves, the post-grad internships and part-time jobs that are often necessary (albeit frustrating), the living with Mom and Dad (again).

Anyone will tell you, the road to becoming J.K. Rowling or Marie Curie or Martha Stewart isn’t an expressway. (Repeat that to yourself every time your successful future feels too far away.) You’ve got a lot of dues to pay before you can reach the top. So what if you’re biding your time babysitting for spare cash? Who cares if you got roped into an internship that isn’t quite in the field you’d like to work?

Jim Carrey used to be a janitor. Chris Rock bussed tables at Red Lobster. Jennifer Aniston got cursed out on the reg as a telemarketer. Rachael Ray worked behind a freakin’ Macy’s candy counter.

Clearly, it’s not what you’re doing, but what you’re taking away from it. Think discipline, responsibility, work ethics and amazingly hilarious stories about the fat kid who belly flopped onto his little brother. Much like Rome, character isn’t built in a day. When you’re up on stage accepting your first award years from now, you’ll be glad you’ve got a substantial library of jokes to reference about the good ol’ days.

[Life after college is hard. Like really hard. But it's not so hard that you should curl up in a ball and watch E! marathons all day long. Not only are we covering the experience from a first-hand perspective, but we're now covering it from a how-to-survive-it perspective. Every week, we're going to bringing the best advice to getting through your first post-grad year. Because sometimes, your grandmother's "just go to law school" advice just doesn't cut it.]

If I were to say “post-grad internship,” would you shudder in disgust or tackle me with five different copies of your resume and a cover letter proofread by Katie Couric?

Much like cilantro, the notion of working for a small stipend (or…gasp!…for free) tends to separate people into two groups. You’ve got those who wholeheartedly support it, and those who can’t run away fast enough. And, unlike happy hour at Dos Margaritas, there’s rarely tequila around the office to help you chase away the taste of shame that comes with being a post-grad intern.

Despite how it may sound, I actually do in fact think internships are a worthwhile endeavor, even after graduation. But you’ve got to be smart about where you accept a spot, if you can financially afford to do so, and all that jazz. So before you tell me I’m crazy for suggesting you throw away your first summer out of college working for peanuts…or before you jump into an internship that might not be right for you…see how things measure up for you in my handy dandy pro-con list:

Pros of a Post- Grad Internship

-Seeing if “what you want to do” is really what you want to do. Priceless.

-Networking. Sure, it’s an overused idea, but it really can make a difference in the end. You never know who’s got a cousin that works for Obama’s niece dog walker and could maybe get you an interview with the guy who delivers the newspapers to the White House.

-Flexibility. Because it’s not a job, per se, you can still actively look for work while interning and not feel guilty if you have to take a day off for an interview.

-Keeping your resume active. There’s nothing worse than a blank space after graduation. Soon enough an interviewer is going to be asking what you did during that missing chunk. Answering with, “Uhh…I worked at the local florist and sat by the pool in my free time,” isn’t going to wow anyone’s socks off. (Though, to all you haters out there, it is admirable to find a paid part-time job.)

-References. The currency of the professional world. The more people you come across early on in your career (ahem: via internships) who like you, the more people you’ll have to go to bat for you when the time comes that someone’s looking over your resume for a “real job.”

-Openings. Just because a company isn’t hiring a full-time person right now, doesn’t mean they won’t be looking in the near future. And who better to hire than the person who’s already working there, trained and ready to go? Case in point: me! I did a post-grad internship right here at CollegeCandy and guess what? I just got hired as their new content editor!

Cons of a Post-Grad Internship

-The money. The most obvious of drawbacks…that is, unless you’re part of the lucky 3% of interns who get some crazy large stipend. Realistically, you’ll be working for minimum wage or your transportation costs (if that much). Not exactly luxurious.

-There’s a chance you’ll be getting coffee for people the same age as you. And as much as you’ll want to give them the finger and tell them to take their condescending stares elsewhere, you’ll have to go with the flow.

-40-Year-Old Intern Syndrome. You may not believe me now, but there comes a point in all post-grad internships when you question your life path a little bit, even if you’re helping out at your dream company working with inspiring individuals. Trust me. When your college friends start to land “adult” jobs (ie: the ones that pay a salary) and move out of their parents’ homes, you’ll end up drinking too much one night and find yourself in front of your bathroom mirror looking for wrinkles, wondering when your turn will come for an actual career. It ain’t pretty, especially when you notice the Cheetos dust around your mouth, but it’s the truth.

And there you have it. The pro-con list that could launch a thousand resumes and internship applications into inboxes everywhere. Or not. Wherever you come down on the fence, recognize it’s a personal choice. What works for me might not work for you or your best friend from second grade whose dad hooked her up with a job at The View. More important than comparing your career path to those around you is knowing (or trying to know…just a teensy bit) where you want to go and what you want to do. So tackle that, then we’ll talk.

You’ve doubtlessly heard it by now. From parents, from professors, from older friends and siblings who’ve “been there.” It’s a sobering phrase that likely enters your mind right after you envision a post-grad summer of margaritas and beach hair.

Not so fast with those grand plans, girlfriend. As everyone knows, looking for a job is a full-time job.

But does it have to be? Absolutely, if you commit yourself to a crazy weekly plan like this one from the media gurus at Cynopsis. Waking up at 7:30 to do cardio and work on your flexibility? Talking to strangers for an hour every Monday, Wednesday and Friday? Videotaping mock interviews on Tuesdays and Fridays? No TV, even during lunch!?

Sounds more like a prison sentence than a realistic way to find a job. And while I know there’s a chorus of you out there saying, “But Alex, this is hardcore for a reason. It probably works!” (and you’re right, you’re right), I do have to counter by asking you the following: What about those of us with part-time jobs and internships? Rent doesn’t pay itself and that resume won’t build credentials on its own. It’s great to get serious about finding a job, but it’s also important to factor in living your life while you do that.

That being said, here’s what I like to call the Real Girl’s Game Plan:

You don’t need to start from scratch every day. Find five job sites to check regularly. Pick ones that update their postings frequently and have them saved along your Internet toolbar or in your favorites folder. (Some sites, like indeed.com even offer daily or weekly emails filled with job postings in your desired industry.) Go in knowing what search criteria to use on each site. That way, when you find an hour each day to devote to the cause, you’re making it as easy on yourself as possible. Then, once a week, instead of checking your regular sites, branch out and conduct broader searches across more outlets to make sure you’re not missing anything.

Sign up for email blasts. I agree with Cynopsis when they say you should keep current on happenings in your industry. But instead of wasting time blindly Googling for headlines, invest a few hours on the front-end finding and signing up for industry newsletters. Once you’ve found a handful and entered your email address, that stuff’ll come right to you every morning. Then it’s just a matter of grabbing a cup of coffee, sitting down with your laptop and actually reading through it all. (Hint: it’s only a smart tactic if you don’t start marking those pesky emails as spam.)

Need some ideas to get you started? If you’re into fashion, often times designers and stylists offer their own daily emails. Rachel Zoe’s got one, and NY Magazine’s The Cut is a fab inbox addition. Maybe advertising’s more your specialty. Ad Age’s blast has got everything you need to go head to head with industry pros. And for all your business, global, artistic and miscellaneous needs, The New York Times offers customized emails. Just tell them what you want to hear about, and they’ll make sure you’re in the loop.

Talk to friends. Facebook is called a social network for a reason. When you go on, pay attention to where people are working. Even if you haven’t talked to the person since freshman orientation, they’re still a contact. Everyone knows times are tough, and it’s completely reasonable to send a friendly message asking so-and-so if their company has any opening is X field. It’s even more helpful if you’ve already taken a peek and have a position in mind that you want to inquire about. Most people are more than willing to share email addresses and phone numbers if you’re polite and sincere (some even get bonuses if they recruit a new hire). And don’t forget to say thank you!!

Keep a copy of your resume in your car. Or in your weekly planner. Or in your handbag. Or even freakin’ crumpled in your back pocket. The point is, always be ready to sell yourself. Want to hear a true story? The summer after I graduated, I happened to have a few spare resumes in my glove compartment. I honestly don’t remember why, but most likely I came out of a stressful interview and just didn’t feel like looking at the things, so I stuffed them away.

Fast forward to Labor Day weekend. I was at the beach with some friends and a massive hurricane was rolling in. Everyone in town was out watching the waves crash over the boardwalk and there were camera crews from all the big networks pulled up along the road to cover the impending storm. Suddenly my mind went to my stash of resumes.

I have a journalism degree! I want to work for you, CNN! Or you, NBC! Or even you, Fox!!

Faster than my friends could ask what the hell I was doing, I ran back to my car and fished out the stack of resumes. I cross my heart when I tell you I stuck one under the windshield wipers of each news van there.

Guess what? Someone responded. Not everyone, not even half of them. But one did. And one is all it takes.

Moral of the story: hang out near natural disasters and recognize that job opportunities exist everywhere. Be ready when they come along.

So…big day is almost here.

You ready for the real world?

What are your plans?

If you’re cringing at the very thought of these questions then there’s only one possible explanation: You too are a college senior. You too are caught between college and real life, trying to enjoy the time you have left at college while also trying to make plans for what comes next. You too are frustrated and upset, and unsure. But most importantly you too are badgered daily, no hourly, about all those post college plans. They want to know everything and they want to know it now. But you don’t even know the answers yourself so how can you answer their questions?

Well, lucky for you, I’ve compiled a list of answers for all those pesky questions you’re constantly being bombarded with. They may not be truthful and they may get you a few strange looks but they’ll definitely shut them up.

1. Do you have a job lined up yet?

Currently I’m mulling over a few different offers. MTV wants me on their new reality TV show. But I’m also really tempted by my acceptance to Harvard Law. Then again can Boston compare to that loft they promised me in Manhattan if I went to work for Donald Trump? Eh, maybe I’ll just finally accept Ryan Reynolds’ proposal and spend a few months honeymooning with him. What do you think I should do?

2. Whatshisname is going where? That’s all the way across the country. How are you two going to stay together?

Phone sex. Lots of it. All the same. At work. On the train. At night. In fact we have an appointment right now. We’re practicing. If you’ll excuse me.

3. Isn’t that going to be terrible, moving back in with your parents?

Yes, but in exchange for a lack of privacy I get free room and board. Free meals. Someone to help me do my laundry and a place to crash while I figure out exactly what I want to do with my life. If you can think of a better alternative please do let me know.

4. You’ve got a job? That’s great? How’d you manage that?

Slept my way to the top.

5. What are your plans?

I’ve sent in my application to live at the Playboy mansion. If that doesn’t work out I’ll just have to marry rich, which means I’ll be spending this summer googling how to be the best damn gold digging whore out there, you?

6. Can I have your futon? You don’t need it anymore, right?

Sure, you can have it. Just as long as you don’t mind me coming along with it. Because I’ve decided I’m just not ready to leave yet. I just didn’t know how to make it work if I stayed. But if you’re taking my futon that’s perfect. I’ll just crash at your place. With my futon.

7. So…are you going to miss college?

No. Not at all. Not in the least. Why would I miss the place I’ve called home for the past four years? Why would I miss the place I’ve made some of the greatest memories of my life? Why would it even matter to me at all?

8. Ready for the big day?

Am I ready for the big day? I hadn’t really thought about it? Cap and gown? Check. Graduating? Check. Ability to walk in a straight line without falling or laughing? Hmm. Maybe I should practice that. Or at least not drink that bottle of Jack before the ceremony…

9. Do you think you’ll stay in touch with your friends?

Nah. Somehow I don’t think Facebook, e-mail or Skype are going to cut it. So I’m not even going to bother trying. We’ll say goodbye at graduation and then that will be that. Cut the cord, you know?

10. You got a job that’s great? What’s your starting salary?

Millions. I mean megamillions. I work one year and I’ll never have to work again. One week and my college loans will forever be paid off. It’s great. I won’t give you an actual number though. It will blow your mind.

Of course, if none of that works, breaking down into sobs should do the trick. Trust me, works like a freaking charm. And sometimes you’ll even get pity presents!

A few weeks ago CollegeCandy was invited to attend a media networking event at a local college, and thinking ourselves the experts in all thing media, we obviously attended. While I met a ton of awesome, charming, smart students who I would love to hire one day, I also met a lot of students who clearly didn’t even take the time to Google “how to behave at a networking event.” Because, big insider industry tip, it’s not all about printing out your resume and handing it out.

Want a few tips on impressing people at a networking event?

Here goes:

Be yourself. I met a million students all on their best professional behavior and after the 16th super-professional-I-went-to-a-how-to-network-seminar speech, I started losing track of who was who. So if you’re funny, be funny. If you’re smart, be smart. And if you’re melancholy, recite me a sad poem. That way, when you send me a follow-up email, you can reference something, anything really, and I’ll remember you.  I work for a college blog, not for an investment bank; I can handle a few crossing-the-line jokes and pop-culture references.

Be polite. I can’t believe I even have to say this, but I was shocked at some of the rude behavior. I get it, you’re here to get a job or an internship. I know that. I was in your shoes not too long ago. But that doesn’t mean you can walk up to me and say “what can you do for me?” What can I do for you? I’m a struggling blog editor living in NYC, I’m lucky if my fly is zipped every morning. Why not tell me what YOU can do for ME. We had 100 intern applicants for four spots this year. I assure you, we don’t NEED you. We need talented interns…who will come into work every day, produce awesome content, and, ideally, tell me when my fly is down.

Do your research. Find out who is coming before you show up. Take the time to research companies that you’re interested in. Nothing was more exciting for me than a student approaching me and saying, “I love that article you did on global penis size today.” And nothing disappointed me more than, “I’m looking for a full time job in online media when I graduate. So are you guys like a candy blog that, like, blogs about popular candy in college?” All you need is ONE fact to blow someone away. And it doesn’t hurt if that one fact is mixed in with a compliment.

Work on a good closing line. It’s okay if you’re not interested in my company. I’m not interested in a lot of companies either. But that doesn’t mean you should say “it’s not for me” and just walk off. All you have to say is thank you for your time. Why go through these fake gestures? Because, news flash, the spiel I just gave you on how I got into new media, I also gave 56 other students. I like talking about my job, but after the 1000th time, my throat gets a little hoarse and I get a little sick of saying the same thing. It’s just polite to let me down gently. And also, fun fact, I know people who work outside of CollegeCandy, and maybe, if you’re nice to me, I’ll give you the hook-up.

Follow up. I met so many people who gave me their resumes, told me we sounded like an awesome company, and then never emailed me. Like, guys, I have a busy job. Do you think these CollegeCandy Facebook statuses write themselves? I want to help you, I really do. A lot of people helped me get to where I am. But I can’t do that when it takes a lot of extra effort on my part. If I gave you my email, then by all means email me. Assuming you’re not asking me to send $100,000 in unmarked bills to a Nigerian bank, I will write back.

Whether you’re graduating this spring or you’re hunting for a summer internship, you’re probably stressed about acing your interviews. To help alleviate some of that stress, we reached out to the experts from Excelle and asked them for their tips on making a great first impression. Check back every Thursday for more helpful career tips and articles!

You may look good on paper or in your suit, but if you’re looking to nail your big interview, looks aren’t everything. How you sound is often more important. But many job seekers let careless speech habits sink their chances of landing that plum job.

The Bottom Line: You don’t have to study elocution to speak well. Simply slow down, take time to pronounce all the syllables, and leave slang at home.

Companies want job candidates who are well-spoken and articulate, and recruiters won’t represent a job candidate if they don’t match the client’s profile. According to Lori Zelman, vice president of human resources at Strategic Workforce Solutions in New York City, “The people most highly sought after are the ones who are succinct in the explanation of their work experience.”

Here are six common language mistakes and how to keep them from sabotaging your interview or meetings with clients.

1. Non-Words

Filler words such as “um,” “ah,” “you know,” “OK” or “like” tell the interviewer you’re not prepared and make you sound like a Valley Girl (or Boy). A better strategy is to think before you speak, taking pauses and breaths when you lose your train of thought. Everybody utters an occasional “um,” but don’t let it start every sentence.

2. Up-Talk

A singsong or rising inflection at the end of every sentence creates a tentative impression and makes it sound as though you’re asking a question instead of making a definitive statement. You need to speak with conviction when selling yourself in an meeting. Bring your intonation down when ending a sentence to avoid talking up.

3. Grammatical Errors

The interviewer may question your education when you use incorrect grammar or slang. Expressions such as “ain’t” “she don’t,” “me and my friend” and “so I goes to him” aren’t appropriate. Be sure you speak in complete sentences and that tenses agree. The interview is not the venue for regional expressions or informality.

4. Sloppy Speech

This is a guest post from our friends at Excelle. Excelle is the premier online community for female professionals in the United States. Empower yourself with high-quality content relating to workplace issues and career advancement. Forge connections and network with other working women in our interactive forums. Join our community of intelligent, highly-motivated career women here: excelle.monster.com.

Question?! Answer. Ask TuffyLuv@CollegeCandy.com

Dear Tuffy Luv,

I recently graduated from college and moved back home because I got a job offer. Around the time college was ending, I was casually seeing this new guy. We currently live about three hours away from each other and are in very different situations; I have moved back in with my parents and have a serious job, whereas he still lives with roommates and works hard but parties a lot harder.

The status of our relationship is very unclear. At first, I just wanted things to be casual…a sort of “I’ll see ya when I see ya and we’ll do it” type of deal. But now we talk every day and he’ll say things like “I miss you,” which are not very casual activities. Every time I try to pull out of the situation he insists that “I’m his girl” and we should just see where it goes. I know where it’s going….nowhere!! We live too far and I’m afraid that his party boy ways are just too much for me to handle. I’m constantly worrying that he’s going to find another girl and is just keeping me on the back burner.

How do I tell him that he needs to commit or let me go? He says we don’t know each other well enough to commit but doesn’t want to let me go because he insists we’re building a new relationship. Am I just being played for a fool?

— Not So Casual

Dear Not So Casual,

You say: “I know where it’s going….nowhere!!” I love you for this.

Girl, you know exactly what’s going on. I am absolutely sure that you are just writing to me for confirmation. And I’m gonna give it to you:

Boy doesn’t know what he wants. Well, he does. But he won’t admit it.

What he wants is to have a comfortable but not serious relationship with you, all the while having the freedom of hooking up with whoever he wants. He really does like you, but he’s not sure if he loves you, and he wants to keep you around in case he decides, after sowing his wild oats and shoop, that he does. This is not an unusual guy thing. I mean, it’s basically The Male Dream. And, hey, it’s totally fine if that’s what you want too.

But it’s clearly not what you want. You guys are branching off into different paths. You’re starting your career, and you’re ready to start your adult life. He wants…to still be in college. I don’t think telling him you want him to commit or get off the pot is going to work out. He’s just gonna keep telling you what he’s already told you.

And that’s because, well, he’s actually being quite honest with you. He IS building a new relationship with you–just not the kind you want. He DOES like you a whole lot–just not enough to give up his partying.

My advice to you is to tell this guy you like him but you’re not interested in a long-distance casual relationship. (And I’m with you, girl–what the floop is the point of the agony of an LDR if it’s not even likely to work out?! Not fun AND not sustainable–and therefore, not cool.)

He’ll probably be really bummed out and try to keep convincing you to “just see where it goes.” But, like you said: “I know where it’s going….nowhere!!” (SERIOUSLY. I love this. Totally why I chose this question. It should be SOOOOO many people’s mantra.)

Obviously the current job market isn’t looking so hot for anyone right now.  Most of us don’t have a trust fund to fall back on, and the state of our economy makes attending grad school a distant dream for so many of us.  With the pressure to land an entry-level position armed only with perseverance, savvy, and Bachelor’s degree in hand, the importance of choosing the right college major is more crucial now than ever  before.

In a recent article, Newsweek names the nine majors that lead to the “best” jobs.  The list includes majors along the lines of finance and information systems – things that have always been regarded as boring safe and prestigious.  I have to say, though, that the value of a career can’t be summed up by the median starting salary.  Sure, some people are actually passionate about construction management (hey, we don’t judge) and if you are, then of course this is the perfect major for you.  But for those of us who prefer to pursue skills that are slightly less mainstream (or that won’t make you want to bludgeon yourself with a calculator during your third all-nighter in a week), I say “why not?”

Throughout college, I remember seeing my peers who chose to major in things like biology struggle to stay awake during their work days while my Communications major (obviously not the most conventional) allowed me to spend the days of my internship interviewing high profile celebs at a major magazine. Win!

With that being said, we say “suck it, high paying jobs!” and have compiled 5 majors that put you on the path to career awesomeness.

1. Floristry: Cuyamana College in California offers this program.  Essentially a combination of botany and art, this major exists within the Ornamental Horticulture department.  Students pursue their Associate of Science degree by learning everything from planting flowers to designing wedding arrangements.  (Side note: where can I find a program that teaches me to devour…err…create Edible Arrangements?  If someone can find me one, I’m THERE.)

2. Arts and Entertainment Management: Drexel University’s Westphal College of Media Arts and Design is just one of the places where you can find this exciting major.  At Drexel students can choose a specialized concentration.  Depending on this and an individual student’s skills and interests, graduates can go on to become agents, managers, artistic/creative directors, and more.

3. Viticulture and Enology: Think an Ivy League education and alcohol are mutually exclusive?  Then you obviously haven’t heard of Cornell’s program.  Viticulture and Enology is basically just a fancy term for the study of wine.  Students within this major take courses that promise to make them experts on all things related to vino. I have to warn you, though – if you’re caught slappin’ a bag of Franzia with your dorm mates, you might get booted from the program.

4. Cartooning: It’s not exactly a college major, but this program is seriously cool.  For students who can’t see themselves in a traditional university setting but would still like to develop their skills after high school, The Center For Cartoon Studies is a god send.  One and two year certificates are offered, as is a Master’s program.  An education is Cartooning teaches all the essentials of the craft: from storytelling to drawing.  This institution, located in Vermont, promises to create master cartoonists, qualified to work at a variety of major media sources.

5. Film and TV Costume Design: FIDM offers this course, which not only teaches the fundamentals of design, but also includes plenty of info on how to navigate the industry and deal with other professionals. Who knows?  If you’re a fashionista in the making, this may be the very thing that could turn you into the next Patricia Fields (the super successful costume designer for Sex And The City.)  I mean, how much fun would it be to dress Blair Waldorf week after week?  This is one program that could definitely lead to an exciting career.

Of course, if you really want to have a fun career, there’s always Michigan….

Another week has passed and we’re all one more week closer to graduating. This simple fact may send some of you into a depressed-chasing-shots-with-pints-of-ice-cream-alone-in-your-bedroom sorta funk. But put down the ladle, take a deep breath, concentrate on the hotness of Taylor Lautner and relax.  (Usually that helps me anyways…)

As we leave our colleges we’re generally expected to do one of the following steps after graduation: get a job, go to grad school, or travel the world to find ourselves.

Most of us will fall into the first category: the job. Just saying the word makes me shudder. The only thing scarier than a 9-5 job to a soon-to-be-grad is actually getting one.

The job hunt can be intimidating, frustrating, and downright difficult. In today’s market, jobs are hard to come by and a degree from a top university no longer guarantees that you’ll instantly land your dream job or that you’ll even be the best candidate for it. But there are steps we can all take and advice we can all use that will better prepare us for the job hunt and make it seem a lot less intimidating.

Will you be getting this job hunt advice and tips from yours truly? No. Why not? Because I don’t have a job and things could get real awkward if you found out you were following the advice of a fellow unemployed senior. (Hint to all prospective employers: Hire me. Do it. I dare you!)

So instead, I’ve compiled a list of great resources about everything and anything the job hunt entails from people who’ve actually had real jobs and are professionals at more things than beer pong. Summarized with advice and points from powerhouse President of Hearst Magazines, Cathie Black, here are a list of tips and advice about resumes, cover letters, networking, interviewing and more! You’ll definitely want to bookmark this post for later!

Networking
1. Calling cards. Get them. Just because you don’t have a title to put on a business card doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have one. These are vital for any and all networking opportunities.
2. Be aggressive. Introduce yourself to any potential contacts. Gaining contacts in your industries no matter how high or how low will help you in the long run. When you meet someone and have a conversation, make sure to give them your card and follow up with an email saying how much you enjoyed meeting them.

LOTUS&ASH Calling cards: This exquisite, intimate paper company by paper genius Ashling Loh-Doyle makes the best calling cards and stationery around. Her fine and warm touches can transform the personality of every client into the most classic yet eccentric paper products, whether that be greeting cards, calling cards, or stationery.

Cover Letter
1. Don’t forget the cover letter. Without one, it just says you’re lazy. Don’t know how to put one together? Take a gander at this handy guide or visit your school’s career development center. It’s there for a reason, people!
2. The best cover letters express three things: why you’re good at what you do, how you’ll help the company, and your enthusiasm for the job.
3. Close your cover letter by saying you’ll call them and then actually call them.

Resume
1. Keep it simple. One page, simple font, no crazy graphics, and keep it focused, including just the information that will show an employer your relevant skills and qualities.
2. Spell check. Spell check. Spell check.
3. Tailor your resume to the job you’re applying for. This is key! Have several versions of your resume, tailored to different types of job that will match your skills with the different employer’s needs.
4. Don’t exaggerate – and never lie. This could lead to disaster, especially in today’s world when we’re all Google-able.

Never written a resume? Try these resources on for size:
The Resume Handbook: This is the ultimate resume how-to guide stacked with tips, advice, and formats.
Career Perfect: These people make a business out of knowing how to get people jobs.

Landing and Preparing for an Interview
1. Be persistent. Show initiative and be aggressive. Don’t hound potential employers with tons of calls, but it is okay to call them and ask if the company is in its hiring process or whether there’s anything you can do to help move it along.
2. Do research on the company and the person interviewing you. Interviewers want to know that you want this job, not just any job. Show your interest by learning about the company so you can both ask and answer questions. Think about your ideals, what you want out of this job, and why you are simply the best for this position.
3. Explain all of your weaknesses as strengths. For example, when asked what your weakness is, say something like “I sometimes overwork myself” or “I spend too much time trying to perfect my work.”
4. Look great. Dress appropriately for the job you’re applying for. Even if most people dress casually in your industry (this is the case in advertising, marketing and journalism), dress up. Ladies, no cleavage. Look presentable and respectable.
5. Bring resume, cover letter, list of references, paper and pen.
6. Make sure you ask questions. Most employers at the end of the interview will ask if you have any questions. Have some things prepared. This is not the time to ask how much money you’ll be making but it is the time to ask questions about the company as a whole, where you will fit into the organization, and what all of your duties will be.
7. Be yourself. Actually though, be yourself. Be the best version of yourself. Obviously your behavior will be more refined as you’re in an interview, but still be yourself.
8. Follow up by sending a thank you note or letter. On nice stationery!

Want to brush up on those interview questions so you’re not blindsided? Here are a few of the more common things you’ll be asked in interviews.