Just Graduated? Stay in School!

Photo by Amanda Brody

By Amanda Brody, Erin Furman and Karmin Jones

You’re down to your last semester of college and you can finally take a deep breath because you can say goodbye to ten page papers, all-nighters, and exams, whew! After graduation which path do you decide: work, graduate school or a little of both? Across the country, more and more students are looking at graduate school as a place to go after receiving their undergraduate degree. Some go right away, while others choose to spend a year or two in their field before choosing a specialty.

Due to the failing economy, many students are actually looking into graduate school as a favorable option, instead of going straight into the workplace. According to a survey by Kaplan, their test prep courses for business, law and graduate school exams have seen a 45 percent increase from last year. Worldwide the GMAT, the exam required by most business graduate programs has seen an 11.6 percent jump this year.

Now many business schools and other graduate programs are re-configuring the number of students they will accept because their application numbers have dramatically increased. According to the Kaplan survey, many business schools report that they are considering expanding the number of seats by up to 25 percent as early as Fall 2009.

But for some, the economy is exactly why they are choosing to get a job now and put off graduate school for a couple of years. Danielle Sereno, a senior marketing major plans to go for her MBA within the next two years. She says, “ I don’t have the money now to go directly to grad school because I still have to pay off all my loans from undergrad.”

And some employers actually pay for part or all of your graduate degree.

Others like Lauren Keough, a senior mathematics and education major, plans to enter a graduate program immediately following graduation. “I’m going to grad school because I am completely happy doing what I’m doing right now,” says Keough. “I know for some majors, it’s better to work for a year and then consider a graduate degree. However, I think with math it’s hard to take a year off and get back into the swing of things.”

Leah Engel, a current Hofstra graduate student also made the jump straight to grad school. Engel who received a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from George Washington University in 2008 decided to get a Psy D. in School-Community Psychology at Hofstra.

“The decision to go to grad school was not so much a decision for me, but rather a necessity,” says Engel. “I got my B.A. in psychology, but you can’t actually do anything in the field with only a B.A.”

But taking a year or two off for some majors can be crucial when deciding upon a specialty in a given field. Kelly Goldberg, an anthropology major, says she would like to explore a variety of fields before choosing one branch of anthropology to study more closely. “I want to be able to change my mind before it’s too late if I decide that’s not what I want to do,” says Goldberg, who is considering teaching middle school, as well as entering the fields of archaeology or cultural diversity, among other things.

“As an undergraduate, you get a sampling of different fields,” says Goldberg. In a master’s or doctorate degree in anthropology, candidates must choose a specific topic or a specific region in the world to study. Goldberg says, “right now I am just interested in too many fields to choose just one.”

Some students choose to go to specialty graduate schools, such as law or medical school, because it is something they have always dreamed of. Peter Napoli, a senior business major just finished taking his LSATs and is now looking into a law degree from either Hofstra, St. John’s University or Pennsylvania State University. He says he wants to go to law school because, “ I love to argue, I enjoy doing research, it pays well and I can do almost anything I want in business with a law degree.”

Whether you choose to study business, medicine, liberal arts or law keep in mind that graduate school is very different from college as an undergraduate. In graduate school you are not taking electives, or general studies classes, instead you are taking classes strictly focused on your major. You also don’t have to worry about exams because you are doing more research and learning through applied methods as opposed to theoretical ones. Usually the typical graduate school student focuses their time and energy, working on their thesis.

Also graduate school usually takes less than four years depending on whether or not you go full time or part time or if you are going for a master’s degree versus a doctorate.

So whichever path you choose, consider graduate school.

Pros of Graduate School

-Higher salary after graduation

-Applied learning

-Certain Jobs will pay for it

-No more midterms or final exams

-Teachers treat you as equals

Cons of Graduate School

- At least two more years of school

- It’s more expensive

- Writing a 100 page thesis

- A lot more writing in general

- Later start in life as opposed to peers.

What to Do When the Bills are Due

Photo by Meghan McCloskey

By Meghan McCloskey

Graduation from college presents many exciting possibilities and opportunities for a student. This is the transitional time from being a college student to becoming a member of the working world. However, not all aspects of moving on from college are exciting. The prospect of paying off student loans is often a stressful element of a student’s life after graduation.

Most students enrolled in college at least part time apply for a loan to help them meet the ever-increasing costs of higher education. A large percentage of these students apply for the Federal Stafford Loan. This type of loan is the most popular government-based loan for college students. It is disbursed over two periods of each school year, building up over the four years that a student will attend a university.

After graduating, students have a period of time, known as the “grace period,” before they must begin to repay the loan. For most loans, the period is six months long. Once the grace period is over, the loan must be paid off in about ten years. Monthly payments are based on the amount of debt and the length of the repayment period.

Unfortunately, many students run into problems when it comes time to repay their loans. Often, the cost of loan payments is overwhelming due to the loan total and the added interest rate. In addition, many students have acquired additional debt through alternative loans that were used to cover the costs that were not met with the Stafford Loan.

If a loan payment is neglected, a student could default on their loan. Defaulting has severe consequences. It is very important that the loan is paid properly and on time. The current default rate for students is 5.2 per cent. This is a relatively low percentage according to the Department of Education and Federal Student Aid. However, punishment for the students in this percentile can result in added interest to the loan, damaged credit, deduction from a paycheck, and ineligibility for future student aid.

There are options for students who cannot make payments right away. In this case, a deferment can be requested and approved by the loan provider. A deferment is a temporary suspension of a loan payment for certain situations. Deferments are not for everybody; in order to receive one, the student must be re-enrolled in school, unemployed, or going through a tough time economically. It is usually difficult to be approved for a deferment. Furthermore, loans that are unsubsidized still collect interest over a deferment period.

A student struggling to pay their loan can also seek forbearance on a loan. Forbearance is a temporary reduction of payments for a set period of time. The student must be going through financial difficulty in order to receive this.

Not all aspects of life for a newly graduated student are appealing. Paying off student loans becomes a part of life and must be dealt with shortly after graduation. Taking care of a student loan after graduating is one of the first signs that a student has crossed the threshold into the real world. It is one of the first tests of responsibility, but certainly not be last.

Romance On the Road

Photo by Meghan Mccloskey

By Kaytee Lozier

For many college students, the pressure to find a significant other can be like finding a job after graduation: you want someone you like, someone you’ll succeed with, someone you’ll stick with for a long time and stay happy with. Even though you have all the time in the world to find it, you’d feel better if you just found it now.

But if you are lucky enough to find that special someone in college, what happens when choices of career, monetary issues, or leaving your partner back at school turns your rockin’ relationship into one of the dreaded long-distance variety? Of course, in this day and age it’s easier than ever to keep in touch. Do communication methods like text messaging, video chat, AIM and Facebook work to lessen the long distance blues? Or is there something about those things you can’t get from a distance- those loving glances, post-fight kisses, and intense pillow fights- that make a couple last the test of time? If your heart is set on making that long-distance relationship work, here are some tips:

1.Don’t smother your significant other. When you first start your long-distance relationship, you might want to talk to your guy/girl every chance you get, and they might be just as into it as you are, but circumstances may change as the relationship progresses. Certified relationship coach Toni Coleman says to watch out for signals that you might be going overboard, like if your partner answers your calls less often, keeps conversations short, or tells you that they are tired, busy or unable to talk as often. “Paying attention to what they don’t say will be as important as hearing what they do say,” Coleman said. “If one of the individuals wants more contact than they are getting, they should see if a comfortable compromise can be reached.” If you feel that you are the one being smothered, tell them. They might not know that they are being too clingy, or they might be feeling insecure about the relationship.

2.Be honest and open with your partner about everything. Lying to yourself or your significant other about something that is bothering you will only prolong the inevitable. Since you can’t get a physical sense of how you both are feeling, it is important to have open communication and to understand the frustrations your partner might be going through. “If the distance feels to much for one or both of the individuals, they need to address this as soon as possible,” Coleman said. “This should lead them to an honest discussion concerning their ability to handle the separation and loneliness that can come with it. Together they should explore options, and assess if they want the relationship enough to consider alternating the plan.” Your partner might want a more open relationship, and in that case you need to decide if you are willing to sacrifice what you want to make the relationship work.

3.Plan for the future. One of the most important things to have in a long distance relationship is a sense of when the distance gap will close again. It helps to have a grasp on when you will physically be together more permanently. “You have to keep asking yourself if the benefits you get from the relationship are worth the stress that the distance creates,” Penelope Trunk, Boston Globe columnist, said. “You also need to know there is an end in sight.” Try bringing up the future in one of your late night phone conversations. If he/she seems hesitant to discuss, it might be time to rethink things.

4.Make sure the effort to see each other in person is equal on both sides. If you are the only one who goes out of your way to visit your partner, it could mean you feel more seriously about the relationship. Ask your partner to come and see you. If he/she makes up excuses every time, it might be time to have one of those honest and open conversations recommended in tip number 2.

5.Use your instinct. If you find that you are having trouble trusting your partner, or you feel a sense of jealousy every time he or she brings up a person of the opposite sex’s name, then something needs to change regardless of whether your suspicions hold water. Before you go straight to the blame-game, recognize that it could all be in your head. Tell your partner how you feel and why, and together you can come up with a sensible solution.

While these tips are not necessarily fail-safe, they will certainly increase your capability of keeping a long-distance relationship healthy and happy. Every relationship is a two-way street full of miscommunications and disagreements, but you have to be prepared to work twice as hard at fixing these when you can’t just hold your significant other in your arms after a fight. If your college sweetheart makes you that happy, it might be worth the battle.

Survey Results:

1) What is the most difficult thing to deal with in a long-distance relationship?

a. Sexual frustration (21%)

b. Trusting your partner (26%)

c. Feeling detached from their life (46%)

d. Talking about the future (7%)

2) Would you feel less guilty flirting with people if you were in a long-distance relationship?

a. Yes (40%)

b. No )60%)

3) Do you think it is more difficult to trust your partner in a long-distance relationship if they are at college?

a. Yes (77%)

b. No (23%)

4) What is the most important thing to do to make a long-distance relationship work?

a. Be honest and open (53%)

b. Be in constant communication (20%)

c. Give your significant other their space (9%)

d. Visit each other as often as possible (18%)

5) Do you think phone/cyber sex with your partner is healthy in a long-distance relationship?

a. Yes (69%)

b. No (31%)

6) Do you think anyone can make a long-distance relationship work?

a. Yes (59%)

b. No (41%)

Interesting Gender Differences:

Only 12% of girls said that sexual frustration was the most difficult thing to deal with in a long-distance relationship, while 30% of guys did. Also, 62% of girls thought anyone could make a long-distance relationship work, while only 56% of guys did. 86% of guys think it’s difficult to trust your partner if they are at college still, while only 68% of girls thought that way.

Staying Healthy After College

Photo by Melissa Gerson

By Danielle Marra

“Keeping fit is not just a fad – it’s a way of life.” That’s L.A. Fitness’s motto and many agree. So now that you’re getting ready to graduate to a life without a fully paid gym membership and meal plan, what’s the smartest route? How can you afford to stay in shape, eat healthy and still pay off those college loans? Here are a few popular stores, gyms and ways to stay healthy after college.

Are you into the organic craze that’s taken so many grocery stores by storm? Wild By Nature, located in Oceanside, Huntington, East Setauket, and Hampton Bays, although not by any means cheap, provides customers with personalized conscientiousness through its large array of cuisine options. They pride themselves in having natural, organic foods and “pure, honest to goodness fresh food for your family.” Their grocery department allows customers to choose from foods with only pure, natural ingredients and, “no hydrogenated oils, no artificial preservatives or flavors added.”

Like most students fresh out of college, your wallet may be feeling a little empty. There are other healthy options that won’t break the bank. Trader Joe’s is a grocery store “and so much more,” according to their motto. Some of their locations near Hofstra include Hewlett, Merrick, Oceanside, and Plainview. They also claim they “cut out the middleman whenever possible and pass out savings on to you in the form of terrific everyday prices,” to keep costs low. Sounds like the perfect solution to any of your grocery needs, right? At Trader Joe’s they make the customers an irresistible guarantee: Don’t like what you bought? Just take it back. Because Trader Joe’s is privately owned, their business seems a bit more personal.

While health and knowledge of where your food is coming from is a major factor in being sure you’re eating properly and healthily, college graduates may be mindful of their wallets instead of their bodies. Susan Karp, M. Ed., R.D., says that one way for students living on their own after college to save some cash is to cook their own meals. Although, there are no specific statistics regarding weight fluctuation post-graduation, Karp says that grads who live with their parents are more likely to maintain weight rather than gain it, because it is being prepared for them.

Some of the biggest dietary mistakes made by grads living on their own are; not cooking for yourself, avoiding good fats, and not eating enough fruits, vegetables, and calcium-rich foods. The foods grads do not to eat enough of – vegetables, fruits, and calcium-rich foods – also are the most essential to this age group. Karp says that perhaps one reason these food groups are so neglected is sheer cost. Vegetables are more expensive to buy and often times the convenience of fast food overpowers one’s concern for nutrition.

“Many people don’t realize that their bones are still growing,” Karp says, and that they can keep growing through age 30. Because of this, grads tend not to realize how vital calcium-rich foods are to their daily diets. Karp says cheese, for example, is good for you. Although it is high in fat, it is an excellent source of calcium. Therefore, in small portions, cheese is good choice for your daily diet.

“Fats are needed in the diet,” says Karp, “as long as they are the right kinds of fats.” The wrong kind of fat is saturated fats, which is the main dietary cause of high blood pressure and high cholesterol, according to the American Heart Association. Foods with a high level of this type of fat include chicken skin; however, chicken itself does not fall into this category. Foods containing good fats are avocados, olive oil, and cheese in small portions. A big part of keeping a healthy diet has to do with portions. Too much cheese is bad for your body. Even though it is a good source of calcium, it does have a high fat content.

So now that you have some options and new food ideas, what about exercise? Karp says that people who are looking to bulk up should not see any major change in their diets. “It’s all in strength training,” she says. “Although, people working out should have a higher protein intake, which they can achieve in foods alone.”

Karp says that vitamins can be helpful as long as you do not take more than the regimented amount per day. You should not take multiple vitamins or supplements. In general Karp advises, “get your nutrition from foods first.” She says vitamins should almost be like a safety-net and instead primarily look to fulfill our nutritional needs with food.

So, what about energy drinks? Recently the high-calorie drinks have become increasingly popular. “I cannot think of a single valid reason for anyone to ever drink a Red Bull,” Karp says, “it only adds unnecessary calories to the waist line.” Although she states that drinks like Gatorade are beneficial to athletes, less active people don’t need them at all.

While water is always the most highly recommended drink, as it is healthy and revitalizes the body in more ways than one, Karp suggests another healthy alternative to energy drinks. “Make your own soda with seltzer and a juice of choice,” she says, “or even just cut down juice with water.”

While keeping active is one of the most important elements of staying in shape, gym memberships can be expensive. Three major gyms on Long Island are World Gym, Gold’s Gym, and New York Sports Club. While all three provide each member with services specialized around their specific needs via the personal training program, their prices vary. For those commitment-phobic grads looking for a new workout spot after Hofstra’s recreational center stops allowing you in for free, you should explore your options.

New York Sports Club allows you the option of trying a short-term membership and seeing if it is the best match for you. For two weeks $20 may seem like a lot of money, but you have the opportunity to take full advantage of what could be a very generous offer. If you regularly workout, you can go to the gym up to six or seven times in those two weeks and really get your money’s worth.

Or maybe you’re done testing the waters, and you just want to sign up and be ready to go for your weekly workout routine without the fuss. While most gyms allow you to sign up for your membership online, Gold’s Gym removes the $100 enrollment fee if you do. Instead, you pay a $20 administrative fee and membership for a full year, which costs $50. Overall it’s not a bad tradeoff, and you’re still saving $80 simply by joining online.

World Gym, on the other hand, offers a bit more choice. New members can choose to either pay $30 for an entire year’s membership, or pay month-by-month. The downside to this option is that if you have trouble committing and are paying monthly membership fees, World Gym costs $30 a month unless you buy their yearly membership for the same cost. They also include “extras” in their membership packages such as tanning. With the monthly plan, tanning costs $12 a month, and is free with the yearly plan.

Now that you’re looking at the end of your college career, you have choices, especially when it comes to staying healthy. Hopefully you’ll be able to choose your job and your home but now you have some convenient options when it comes to diet and exercise.

Karp says, “it’s all a matter of time, preparation, and cost.” Be sure to take the time to examine all your options and find the smartest choice for your lifestyle and hopefully it’ll save you some green.

Professionally Seeking Justice: Activism as a Career

Photo by Erin Furman

By Erin Furman

An activist can perform many roles. It is the doctor volunteering at a free clinic in an impoverished neighborhood on the weekend; the lawyer working pro-bono to bring down a major corporation for polluting the water in a small town. It is the working mother participating in walks to raise money for breast cancer research; the group of students organizing a “Relay for Life” at their high school.

A common thread among these individuals is that they perform the work for free. Through volunteering, they are able to contribute to the cause of their choice.

For those seeking to develop a career out of activism, finding a job is not as difficult as it may seem. Outside of law and medicine, fields which require very specific degrees and seven or more years of schooling, possible areas students may enter are social work, government and international positions, environmental, and community organizing.

Adrienne Esposito, the Executive Director of the Citizen’s Campaign for the Environment, says of the life of an activist, “It’s a choice.” It may not always be glamorous, but your role is to ultimately protect the public and hold the government accountable for its actions.

Esposito co-founded the CCE in 1985, and since, it has grown to six offices located throughout New York and Connecticut. Its focus is on the environment and public health as it relates to environmental issues. According to Esposito, the CCE has tackled issues such as energy planning, water protection, recycling and air quality, among others.

After graduating college, Esposito joined the world of non-profit work via canvassing. As a canvasser, she traveled door-to-door to try to educate the public about environmental issues. Canvassing and interning are the two most common ways through which most people begin their careers in activism.

According to Esposito, the role of a canvasser is to distribute information, petition, fund-raise, and get the public involved in an issue. Working in full-time, paid positions, canvassers are able to work on campaigns directly with the people. They can also create a network of contacts with professionals in the fields with which they are interested. This can lead to other job opportunities.

Students who wish to pursue activism as a career need to be focused, determined and willing to learn. “The amount I learned working here in my first year [with the CCE] was twice as much as I learned in my four years of college,” said Esposito. At the same time, it is important to note that financially, activism is not a well-endowed field. “If you want to make a lot of money and live a cushy lifestyle, this is not for you,” said Esposito. It is hard work that involves long hours and a meager pay, but for those who are passionate about what they do, money is generally not a deterrent to keep them from doing what they love.

To find out about job and internship opportunities relating to activist work, the web is a good resource to check out. Most non-profit organizations have websites and are willing to work with student interns. One site to check out is Idealist.org, as it has links to tens of thousands of organizations in 165 countries, including several on Long Island. It also has an in-depth non-profit career center with hundreds of internship and job listings.

Ultimately, activism is a rewarding field, as it gives people the opportunity to fight for what they believe in. Just remember: “This is not a cakewalk,” says Esposito. “You have to work hard and love what you do.”

Dress Yourself Into a New Job

Photo by Kaitlyn Piccoli

By Tanya Wayne

It’s Monday and the day of the big interview for your dream job. You want to give off a professional vibe. So, what is the one thing that will make you seem more professional and get you that position you’re interviewing for? Dressing appropriately.

You always want to make a good first impression. While you should never judge a book by its cover, when it comes to an employer, the one thing that makes or breaks it is how you appear. “The second you meet them you want to send a loud and clear message that you’re a serious candidate,” says Fred Burke, the executive director of Hofstra’s Career Center.

Although first impressions may not always be right, they are vital to your interview. “Keep in mind that most likely this is the first time you are meeting your

interviewer,” says Melissa Burke, the College Relations Manager for Macy’s East and who also ran the Career Center’s “Dress for Success” program. She is in charge of holding the fashion shows that show students what to wear at a career fair, in the interview and at the actual job.

“For a job interview it is safe to keep it professional and simple,” advises Melissa Burke. “You don’t want your interviewer to be distracted by your outfit. You want to make a positive impression.”

The new Director of Communications at Hofstra Law School, Sun Min, was hired by many companies before coming to campus. She worked for ABC’s “20/20,” CBS’s “48 Hours,” and as a TV reporter and anchor for WSIL TV in Illinois. Employers hired Min for all these positions because she dresses the way she wants to be represented. “How you look on an interview is important. They don’t know you or what you bring to the table right away, says Min. I’ve always worn pants suits. I’ve never had a problem getting a job wearing pants suits. I feel like they portrayed me the way I wanted to be portrayed: serious, respectful, conscientious.”

Yes, suits are always the way to go when trying to figure out what to wear. What you wear is going to talk to the interviewer before you do, and a suit will only say positive things.

“I’m always impressed when people walk in a suit,” says Halima Nooradeen, a recruiter for two years at Career Blazers, an employment agency in Manhattan.

Dominick Kortkamp, a senior partner for the Long Island branch of New York Life Insurance, echoed the same sentiment, “Business attire always. Suits for men and skirts or professional pants for women.” Kortkamp tries to find employees for the company’s financial services business.

What you wear may be a deciding factor if you get the position or not, even if you have all the credentials and experience.

“I can definitely say that we are looking for a professional appearance,” replies Melissa Burke, when asked about how she expects someone to come dressed for an interview at her place of employment. “There are times I have seen some interesting outfits and I have definitely had to ask myself the question ‘am I really seeing this right now?’ If we want you to be an executive of our company, we want to see that you can dress the part.”

Of course, Melissa Burke has her opinion on what to wear for a job interview.

“For women, I would recommend a conservative suit in pants or a skirt of appropriate length, paired with a solid color colored button-up shirt or camisole,” says Melissa Burke. She recommends that men wear a “conservative suit, long-sleeved, a button-up shirt, a complimenting tie and a professional shoe with dark socks.”

Students may also want to invest in an iron and ironing board. Both Nooradeen and Fred Burke mentioned that having the clothes nicely pressed is another way to look good on a job interview.

“The job market is getting competitive. The student that takes the time to look crisp will have the best chance at getting the job,” says Fred Burke. He also advised to make sure that the clothes fit properly, nothing too tight or too big, as well as having all pants hemmed if they are too long.

“You don’t want to look like you’re wearing your mother’s clothing,” says Min, “It’s important to get it tailored to your body.”

Melissa Burke advises men to do the same with their interview clothing. “Guys, it is important to get your measurements for a suit and shirt. Most retailers that sell men’s suits offer fittings; don’t be afraid to ask.”

Girls should also make sure their skirts or dresses go to their knees. Nothing shorter and nothing longer for that matter is appropriate.

When deciding what to wear, remember that solid prints and dark colors are always best. “I’ve never hired anyone who has worn bright neon colors or bright pumps,” says Noradeen.

Speaking of shoes, girls, make sure you can walk in the heels before wearing them to the interview. “You want to look confident and it is hard to do so if you are wobbling in high heels. Keep the heel moderate,” said Melissa Burke.

You also don’t want your facial expression to read “I’m in pain.” This can also take points away from your interview process, as it can be misinterpreted. You want to look focused on the interview.

When dressing for an interview, remember to have only one spray of your favorite perfume or cologne on. You want the interviewer to focus on you, and too much of it can be very distracting. Jewelry should also be kept and a minimum for guys and girls. “Men should make sure all earrings are removed,” said Kortkamp.

Kortkamp also advises that when going in for the interview, anyone with tattoos should cover them up with clothing.

“Always best to be more conservative,” says Fred Burke. When it comes to tattoos, he also recommends covering them up for the interview.

While it may be a better idea to invest in one good suit, you don’t have to break the bank to look amazing and get a position. Employers know that college students usually don’t have a lot of money.

“Just make an effort to look nice,” said Nooradeen. “It doesn’t have to be an expensive outfit.”

Makeup for a girl can be just as essential as what she wears on a job interview. If you use a lot of makeup, it may give the wrong idea to your potential employer. For those who normally do not use makeup or are afraid to try it, a little bit never hurt anyone. When done properly, it can make you look better and give you a boost of confidence.

“The professional, successful woman almost always has tasteful, slightly elegant makeup,” said Piera Canu, a makeup artist who has been all over the world doing makeup for celebrities and royalty. “Here, of course, you need to have a very clean, neat and professional look. I would say never too much makeup, but also never no makeup,” said Canu,

Sally Duvall is a self taught makeup artist who was an assistant to the late

Kevyn Aucoin. While working with Aucoin, she did makeup for celebrities like Heidi Klum, Britney Spears, and Sarah Jessica Parker. For a job interview, Duvall recommends “tinted moisturizer, concealer, a pink or peach blush, mascara and a tinted lip balm.” The bottom line is “done but not overly done,” said Duvall. “A ton of makeup can make you look high maintenance.”

“Less is always more. You don’t want to look overdone,” said Anabelle LaGuardia, a 1992 Hofstra graduate and makeup artist with 10 years of experience. LaGuardia has done makeup for Victoria Secret models and Deborah Norville from Inside Edition. She has also appeared on makeover segments for talk shows like Montel Williams. “For an interview, makeup should be soft, clean and understated. No glitter, shimmer or bright colors. If you walk in too made-up the interviewer will be distracted and not listen fully to what you are saying, or take you seriously for that matter.”

Richard Calcasola, who has been in the beauty industry for 40 years and is the founder of Maximus Spa and Salon on Long Island, believes that if you are going for a job interview somewhere conservative your makeup “should be a little bit understated.” “If you’re applying for a job at a high-end fashion boutique, your makeup can be a little more edgier,” said Calcasola. “You want to fit in the culture you’re hoping to get the job at.”

When it comes to doing makeup for a date, it all depends where you are going. When going on a daytime date, your makeup should be almost the same as going on an interview. “For that, you would keep the makeup in more of the neutral, softer, warm tones,” said LaGuardia.

Then again, most dates are in the evening, with the romantic dinner and a movie scenario. This is the time you can feel free to experiment with color and have a little more fun with your makeup. “Makeup for a date should be an extension of who you are, you’re personality,” said Calcasola. LaGuardia recommends that when working with color to focus on the eyes because they are “what people look at.” “Some of the looks going right now are the smoky blues, charcoals, and plums,” said LaGuardia. “Always remember that when playing up the eyes, go for a neutral colored lip.”

“I think anything can work in moderation, but definitely lay off the heavy or dark

Lipstick. No guy is going to want to kiss a heavily made up lip; it’s not really sexy,” said Duvall. “Have fun with it and experiment. And learn to do a great smoky eye. It’s every woman’s secret weapon.”

All in all, makeup can help you. Do not be afraid to go to any cosmetic counter in a mall and ask a makeup artist for help if you need it. “Good makeup highlights your best features and covers up your little imperfections and flaws,” said Canu. “You do want to make a good impression, don’t you?”

Taking the Plunge

Photo by Meghan Mccloskey

By Amanda Brody

Throw off your cap and gown and grab your diploma, it’s time to enter the real world; getting a job like everyone else. And if you’re lucky, you already have one secured before graduation but unfortunately for most college grads it’s not that easy.

Students should not wait until the last minute to begin their job search. Jobs do not magically appear and take a lot of hard work and dedication to get them, especially in today’s trying economy. According to Danielle Dellilo, recruiting coordinator at Hofstra’s Career Center, students should start looking for jobs beginning in their junior year. There is no need to apply to jobs that far in advance but it is a good idea to have knowledge of the position and the salaries in your chosen industry.

When applying for jobs it is very important to read over the job description two or three times says Dellilo. Often, people don’t know what the job actually entails and this can be an embarrassing situation, which is easily avoidable by knowing the job description backwards and forwards.

Students should be confident when applying to jobs. “Hofstra students have a lot more to offer than students from other universities,” says Dellilo. Yet, students should not wait until the last minute to begin their job search.

Applying to jobs six to eight months prior to graduation is a good idea, says Suzanne Dagger, Director of Career Services at the Career Center. The timeframe for getting a job really depends on the individual and the industry, anywhere from a month to a year.

“Because the economy is unpredictable right now, students have to be open-minded,” says Dagger. Being creative in terms of where to look for jobs is crucial. For example, Dagger says, students in finance or accounting may look to the healthcare industry for employment, at least in the short-term.

“When students hear that the economy is bad,” says Dagger, “a certain percentage of students take on a defeatist attitude of ‘I’m not going to get a job, so I’m not going to try’.”

But what students really need to do is assess the skills they have and see what they can market to employers.

“You have to remember that your first job is not your last job,” says Dagger. It should serve as a stepping-stone for your career in the future.

But how do you get that first job? There is a lot of preparation involved; networking, resume writing, internships and of course figuring out what you really want to do.

Social Networks

Social networks can be your best friend or your fiercest enemy, depending on how you use them. Networks like Facebook and Linked-In can help you find a job but it can also hurt your chances of getting one.

Trish Rubin, author of “The New York Minute: Your Guide to Event Networking” and social networking expert, says, “what people need to realize is that it’s (getting your first job) a big step in terms of development. Right now it’s all about you, but it has to be all about your employer.”

The millennial generation, anyone born between 1980 and 2001 is considered to be more egocentric than generations in the past because of social networks and have a high-level of entitlement. But that sort of attitude needs to be checked at the door, especially when looking for your first job. According to Rubin, “ senior year is about being reflective about the change your going through and part of that change is becoming less egocentric.”

Cleaning-up your Facebook page is a good idea. Rubin says you should disassociate from people you don’t really know, look over all the associations you belong to and de-tag any pictures that would be considered inappropriate to an employer.

With social networks, “you don’t have the control you have with face-to-face communication,” says Rubin. Employers can be very suspicious of social networking sites because they are not as familiar with them as millennials.

Rubin says, “Enjoy it (Facebook), it’s a great resource but it’s like ‘drink with responsibility’.”

Linked-In is a social networking resource that can be useful for finding a job and staying in touch with your industry. Rubin encourages young professionals to use Linked-In but says, “don’t be intimidated by it because most people are established.” She says that students should set up a basic summary and join a few groups that are business related and start asking professionals in the industry for advice.

Resumes

Before you can even think about networking, you should have a concrete resume on hand. According to Dagger, what you really need to highlight on your resume are your transferable skills, which are writing, research, leadership, organization and communication. These are the types of skills that employers look for.

It is a good idea to include community service on your Resume. “Employers are looking for students who are involved with their communities,” says Dellilo.

Other things that should be included on your resume:

• Internships
• Strong work experience
• Involvement in college activities
• Community service
• Greek Life
• Leadership roles
• Honors and accomplishments
• Foreign language proficiency

Does GPA matter? Many students are under the impression that GPA is not important to employers but that is not true. According to Dagger, GPA does matter, but varies in importance depending on the industry. What a GPA shows an employer is your work ethic. Listing a GPA on your resume of less than a 3.0 is not recommended unless specifically requested by the employer. Some positions even require a certain GPA. For example, Dellilo says, “ at NBC, I know they ask for a GPA of 3.0 or higher.”

Keeping your resume to one page is standard for people with little work experience, but Dellilo says, “nowadays everyone is more involved, keeping it to one page is hard, two pages is not a problem.”

According to Dagger, things that shouldn’t be included on your resume are activities from high school or jobs that you had for only a short period of time. It also doesn’t hurt to put projects or classes on your resume, if you don’t have a lot of work experience says Dagger as long as it pertains to your career.

Internships

Dagger says that internships are extremely important for every type of career. “You have to do an internship,” says Dagger.

Some majors at Hofstra require students to do an internship, but either way an internship is vital to your career. What internships give you are work experience in a working environment, things that you can’t learn in the classroom. The bottom line is that students who don’t have internships are at a disadvantage and the job market is extremely competitive right now.

Salaries and Benefits

According to the Career Center, the average starting salary for a college graduate with a Bachelor’s degree ranges from $30,000 to $55,000. Salaries also depend on the location of the job and is often higher in big cities. Some starting salaries are even lower than $30,000 in fields like communications and education majors who start off with teaching assistant positions. Accounting and finance majors can expect the highest starting salaries in the job market.

Even though starting salaries may be grim for some and promising for others, Dellilo says that starting salaries are going up every year. But with the way the economy is heading, salaries increasing this year doesn’t seem very promising.

“You should never look just at a salary when accepting a job,” says Dellilo.

Researching a company is very important, especially in terms of revenue because then you can determine whether or not this is a growing company. “Research the company to see where you fit in,” says Dellilo

Benefits are another thing to look for when accepting a job. “An organization that is offering a retirement plan like a 401K and health benefits are crucial,” says Dagger. Not only are you then thinking about your future, but being smart financially.

How to Get A Job

The Career Center offers many services that can help you get a job. Not only do they set up job fairs year round but also offer mock interviews, resume writing workshops, coaching videos and Pride Recruiting.

Pride Recruiting is an interview service that the Career Center offers through numerous employers in a variety of fields, who specifically want to recruit employees from Hofstra. The program general begins a few months before graduation. Students graduating in May, August and December 2009 are ideal candidates for the program and junior accounting and finance majors.

The Career Center also offers job postings like many websites do through the Pride-Career Management System, which can be accessed through the Hofstra Portal under the support tab. “Students are not utilizing these resources,” says Dagger. For most of the hundreds of job posting there are from zero to five applicants.

Alumni are also a great place to look for your first job. The Career Center keeps in touch with many Alumni who are looking specifically for Hofstra Grads to join their staff. Also it is a good idea to see what connections your Professors have. Many of them have former students and friends in the businesses you want to work in.

There is also the option of visiting a career firm or agency for your job search but that can end up costing you more than you can afford. And how can you afford a service like that if you don’t even have a job to begin with? The Career Center does the same things they do and it’s free, even after you graduate.

Also websites like CareerBuilder.com, College Recruiter.com and Monster.com offer job postings and places to publish your resume. Professional organizations and honor societies often offer places to do this as well.

So when you finally figure out what you’re going to do with your life, get ready, be prepared and take the plunge into the jobosphere.

* For more information on the Career Center, you can visit their website at http://www.hofstra.edu/StudentAffairs/StudentServices/Career/ or call to set up an appointment 516-463-6060

Top 10 Fastest Growing Jobs

According to the U.S. Department of Labor are the fastest growing jobs expected by 2016.

1. Network Systems and Data Communications
2. Personal and Home Care Aids
3. Home Health Aides
4. Computer Software Engineers and Applications
5. Veterinary technologists and technicians
6. Personal Financial Advisors
7. Makeup Artists for Theatrical and Performance
8. Medical Assistants
9. Veterinarians
10. Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors

The 15 Best States to Get A Job

According to CareerBuilder.com to best states to get a job are based on their low unemployment rate.

1. South Dakota
2. Idaho
3. Wyoming
4. Nebraska
5. Utah
6. Hawaii
7. North Dakota
8. Virginia
9. Montana
10. New Hampshire
11. New Mexico
12. Delaware
13. Maryland
14. Iowa
15. Vermont

Job Posting Websites

These websites are recommended by the Hofstra Career Center.

1. Artjob – http://www.artjob.com
2. Career Search – http://v2.careersearch.net/client/
3. Current Jobs for Graduates – http://www.graduatejobs.com
4. Spotlight on Careers – http://www.spotlightoncareers.org/
5. The International Educator – http://www.tieonline.com
6. There Communication Group ArtSearch – http://www.tcg.org/artsearch
7. Washington Information Services – http://www.h1visajobs.com

Graduates Smarten Up and Settle Down

Photo by Erin Furman

By Alison D’ Arrigo

Twenty years ago, you graduated college or got married, and then got a job and in time your own place. For post-graduates today, the options are a little more flexible. Increasingly, parents are playing greater financial roles to make that transition a little easier. According to DAME Magazine, half of this year’s graduates have moved back home and 44 percent of last year’s graduates are still there, while 34 percent of 18 to 34-year-olds receive cash from their parents, an average of $3,410 a year.

With the high price of rent in New York City, and the feeling that moving into the city after graduating from Hofstra is the only acceptable move, many graduates feel the social and fiscal pressure of making the transition. But graduates are finding that with a little creativity and some sacrifice, there are options that are more successful long term.

When Mike Amodio graduated with a bachelor’s in finance in December of 2007, he found himself in the same situation as many December graduates. After hiring employees from the previous May class, many companies had filled entry level positions. He was finally hired by MetLife, but the job was located in New Jersey instead of Manhattan. Amodio finally made the decision to move back home to Staten Island with his parents.

“I chose to move back home for a few reasons,” Amodio said. “My commute to work was much shorter from Staten Island than Long Island. I needed to save money because I had to start paying back my school loans, and due to paying back school loans, I could not afford to live on my own.”

After living with friends for three years, off the parental radar, Amodio found himself in a strange transition. However, he quickly realized the perks of hot dinners, clean laundry, and most of all, no rent. Soon after, he invested in two properties in New Jersey. He’ll soon be transferring to MetLife in Manhattan and plans to move in with friends that are also working in what he calls “the real world.”

While it is most common for college graduates to find themselves moving back with mom and dad, some graduates have found that hitting the ground running is the best way to go. Gaby Astrauska found this out after interning in Los Angeles the summer of her junior year; she worked and saved up money the summer after graduating in 2005 and in June flew back to California to apartment hunt.

After packing the contents of her off-campus house and getting quotes from various moving companies, Gaby paid about $3,000 to move her life across country.

“It took about two weeks for everything to arrive. I had no job, just an empty apartment…getting adjusted to my new life was not easy,” she recalls.

But after a month Gaby landed a job at VH1, as an assistant, and after a year of hard work, long hours, and slim paychecks, she can now say that the move was one of the best things she’s ever done.

“I found myself homesick if I didn’t keep myself busy. I left all my friends and family…but in time it all comes together. I have been in L.A. for four years now and really do love it. I seem to make it back east four times a year and always have friends and family visiting me on the west coast. But New York will always be my home.”

With uncertain times ahead graduates are becoming more and more resourceful when it comes to shacking up. It just goes to show that with a little hard work, planning, and patience, life after college can be something to look forward to.

Photo by Erin Furman

Average Prices to Rent a One-Bedroom Apartment per Month in New York City

As reported by Manhattan Rental Market Report as of September 2008

The Bronx: $1,100 – $1,500

SoHo: $3,126 – $4,981

Lower East Side: $2,489 – $3,277

Tribeca: $4,323 -$4,390

Financial District $3,041 – $3,429

Battery Park: $3,225

Harlem: $1,100 – $1,500

Brooklyn: $975 – 3,600

New Rochelle: $1,568 – $2,750

Staten Island: $1,045 – $1,200

Upper West Side: $2,497 – $3,505

Upper East Side: $2,347 – $3,626

Midtown: $2,329 – $3,435

Murray Hill: $2,717 – $3,483

Chelsea: $2,974 – $4,089

Gramercy Park: $2,820 – $3,778

East Village: $2,879 – $3,754

Greenwich Village: $3,154 – $3,963

Hofstra Down the Road

Photo by Rashed Mian

By Rashed Mian

Another grueling semester at Hofstra is almost over. Seniors are looking forward to their final semester as undergraduates and freshman are ready to experience their first Spring. No doubt, the highest profile event on campus was Debate ’08, which, along with its counterpart Educate ’08, introduced the University to people across the world.

Melissa Connolly, Vice President of University Relations, stated, “The feedback we got was fantastic. What we did with Educate’ 08 was more then what anyone had done.” Connolly has been at the center of all things Hofstra since she became assistant vice president for University Relations in June 2003 and there is nobody better to give us a sneak peak of the future of this University.

With the events of the semester over, there is no better time to look at the future of the University than now. The publicity Hofstra received will undoubtedly lead to more applicants and an increase in the number of students. This wasn’t the first time Hofstra had an event like this. Hofstra has a history of hosting presidential conferences, which takes place five years after the President departs office. President Clinton was here in 2005 and George H.W. Bush was here for 3 days in 1997, walking around campus and speaking to students during his stay.  President George W. Bush will be invited in 2013. “That’s one of the things that was attractive [to the Commission on Presidential Debates],” said Connolly.

“You get tremendous visibility [from hosting a debate]. It’s the right kind [of visibility] that shows your students rise to the occasion in the best possible light. It’s the best kind of publicity.” With the great feedback that the University received from the Commission, it looks like Hofstra has a realistic opportunity to host another debate in 2012. “I think we put our best foot forward and that alone counts for a lot,” said Connolly.

One of the main things for students to get excited about is the future medical school, still appending accreditation. Once the University is granted approval, the school will open in 2011 and will temporarily be located at the facility that formerly belonged to the New York Jets. After 2011, it will still take time for the medical school to reach its full potential, but it will be another reason for more students to come to Hofstra.

“We are a relatively young University,” said Connolly. “We were a commuter school for a long time, built the residential program, now we’re about half students outside New York State and about half students inside [New York State.]” Connolly spoke about how when she was here in the 1980′s there were a few residential buildings and there were only a couple of thousand people on campus. Most of the students lived on Long Island and would go home on the weekends, so campus life was non-existent. Over the last six-to-seven years, that has changed; Connolly believes that it has made campus life outside of the classroom stronger. All the students that are around now should be thrilled that they can meet people from all walks of life, and that is an experience not every college is able to offer.

Melissa Connolly calls Hofstra a “University with tremendous movement,” and this allows the University to sponsor many events throughout the year. Connolly sees Hofstra themes for every year from now on. She believes that Educate ‘08 and Debate ‘08 will be the beginning of a tradition that will stay with Hofstra for the near future. These events “spur ideas,” said Connolly, but she doesn’t know what next year’s theme will be. Next year will be the first time President Bush will not be calling the White House home and she sees the theme to have something to do with politics, much like this semester. The one thing you don’t have to worry about is continuing the tradition of rhymes. The two themes this year went well together but you shouldn’t worry about relentless rhymes drilled into your brains when you walk from building to building with signs that blanket the university.

The theme for 2010 will be a little easier to come up with. That year will be the 75th anniversary of Hofstra and there is sure to be plenty of excitement around campus. No events have been scheduled yet and that could be a good thing for students. The university would like to get input from the students and that means you, freshman and sophomores. Your input will be key in celebrating an important year and if you take advantage of this opportunity there will be more events that would appeal to you more than some of the Educate ‘08 events this semester.

Although the turnout for the events was great, many students were complaining that there were too many people from the community and there wasn’t enough room for students. Connolly said, “I would’ve liked more students to be more actively involved.” The events on campus are open to the community outside of Hofstra and that includes many senior citizens. We have all seen them around campus and they might have showed more enthusiasm by just coming to the University than the students who actually live here. So this is your chance to give your input and that will hopefully increase the enthusiasm among students on campus.

The one thing that usually doesn’t increase enthusiasm among students is the horrid word that eats into our parent’s pockets and brings about years of bills that seem to never end. Tuition is definitely a sore subject and while we are sometimes too young to think about it, it will one day affect many students in the future. With the collapse of an economy that seems to be declining as fast as cost of food it is important for students to understand what they will be facing. There are some students that don’t have to worry about it because their parents have saved up for years in advance for the opportunity for their kids to have a great education, but there are others who take out loans every semester.

“We know tuition increases are challenging for people…I don’t look forward to it. Are we going to think about the economy and how it affects people? Absolutely,” said Connolly.  According to Connolly the University did find some money to put aside for people in real hardship. In the last seven years, Hofstra has doubled the amount of scholarships that have been made available and has also doubled its fundraising. It’s too late for many seniors but for the first and second year students, you should look into scholarships that many students don’t know about.

We all wonder where our tuition money goes and much of it is put to good use and one important aspect is renovation of many classrooms across campus. All classrooms will eventually be renovated so there will be Internet ready computers or instructional technology to assist instructors. The next five-year plan includes academic areas having their own lounges so people in the same major can hang out.

Much like all businesses, the University is always looking towards the future. The future is important, not just for Hofstra, but to the students as well. So take advantage of what Hofstra offers and enjoy what the campus gives students, because one day you’ll be looking at nine to fives. Days after day and you’ll remember the times you took advantage of all that was in front of you.

Red Bull + Adderall = The Endless All-Nighter

Photo by Sara Haile

By Erin Furman

Coffee. Red bull. Caffeine pills. Ritalin. Adderall. College students across the country use these, other energy drinks and prescription medications to help them focus. For many, pulling all-nighters to finish papers or study for exams is just part of the college experience. What students take to help them survive the lack of sleep, however, should not be taken lightly.

Energy Drinks:

In general, most nutritionists say that people should not consume more than 300-400 milligrams of caffeine per day. Drinking one cup of coffee per day can have beneficial effects on one’s body, but any more than the recommended 400 milligrams can have very harmful effects.

Energyfiend.com cites one 8-ounce cup of brewed coffee as having 107.5 milligrams of caffeine, 8.3 ounces of Red Bull as having 80 milligrams of caffeine, and Monster, another popular energy drink, as having 80 milligrams of caffeine per 8-ounce serving.

A Starbucks fan? One Starbucks grande-sized coffee has a whopping 330 milligrams of caffeine, almost equal to an entire day’s worth of caffeine.

However, most students do not drink just one 8.3 ounce can of Red Bull or one cup of coffee while trying to stay awake hours past bedtime. The energy drink is now available in 12 and 16.9 ounce cans and it is easy to slurp down multiple large cans of caffeine-riddled beverages when writing research papers and cramming for finals.

What to keep in mind? One to three cups of coffee (or the equivalent number of ounces of an energy drink) per day is OK, as long as you are not drinking a lot of additional caffeine beverages like soda or tea. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and try to sleep as much as possible.

Prescription Pills:

A growing epidemic among college students is the habitual use of prescription pills to help them focus, whether it be, pulling several all-nighters in a row to finish a 20-page research paper or studying to pass exams. Drugs such as Ritalin and Adderall are often prescribed to children and young adults afflicted with Attention Deficit Disorder (A.D.D.). As those youngsters reach college age and realize they don’t necessarily need the drugs like they used to, they often turn to university-bound “black markets” to sell their medications in exchange for extra buck to spend on food and partying.

The harm in this trend is that it can interfere with the body’s natural sleep cycle and as with any drug, A.D.D. medications do not lack side effects. According to drugs.com, side effects of Adderall include headaches, insomnia, loss of appetite, and even hallucinations. It is important to only take prescription medication when it is prescribed by a doctor.

One Student’s Story:

Amber Smith* is a Hofstra senior who was working on a major research paper last spring with a male classmate when he offered her Adderall to help her focus. At 3 a.m. in Hammer lab, the pair had been working for several hours and needed an energy boost. Smith took the pill, and says it gave her the type of focus that “was kind of amazing,” although she says she “can’t in good conscience recommend it to other people.”

The one pill Smith took kept her up for 36 hours straight and she “wasn’t even tired.” It was not like drinking Red Bull where students often feel jittery for a few hours and then crash. When Smith did sleep, it was because she had finished her paper, and it was a normal bedtime hour. However, when the drug did wear off, she experienced disorientation. “It was creepy coming off of it,” says Smith. “I was dizzy and things were blurry, but it wasn’t like what you hear about when people take hard-core drugs.”

The withdrawal period was strange, “I didn’t like the experience of it wearing off,” says Smith.

Because Adderall is a drug prescribed to young adults affected by A.D.D., it is meant to help people focus and concentrate on what they’re doing. “If you don’t have that disorder [A.D.D.],” says Smith, “it’s giving you an advantage.”

Some also compare students’ use of Adderall to help them focus, to baseball players using steroids to enhance their performance. In both cases, using performance-enhancing drugs certainly give those an advantage compared to relying on their natural abilities, but of course one must remember they come with a consequence.

According to Smith, a friend of hers who attends Cornell University says he is “morally against it” because “he feels like it’s cheating.” Two students taking the same exam might earn different grades based on how well they are able to concentrate.

Safe Ways to Stay Awake:

The bottom line is, when it comes to pulling all-nighters it is imperative to find a safe way to keep focused and stay awake. According to an article titled “How To Conquer Those Dreaded All-Nighters” on collegebound.net, eating a lot of heavy carbohydrates will make you lethargic. Rather, eating smaller meals rich in protein, such as meats, cheeses, and eggs, will help keep your energy level up.

Fresh fruit is also a good study snack because the natural sugars help keep your mind stimulated. Many students will snack on grapes, sliced apples, and raisins while working on their research papers to stay both awake and satisfied.

The basic things to remember when working with a lack of sleep are to eat lots of protein, stay nutritious while snacking and keep consumption of caffeinated beverages to a minimum. Reaching for that third cup of coffee at four in the morning is fine, as long as it is your last cup for the night and not just another part of your daily ritual.

*Names changed for purposes of this article