Month: November 2017

The 5th Anniversary of the Start Here, Go Far Boutique

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Professional women's business attire at the Start Here, Go Far Boutique
For the last 5 years, students have had the opportunity to receive clothing for free through the generous donations of others in the community at the Start Here, Go Far Boutique. The model is simple: community members and students who have clothing and accessories such as belts, ties, scarves, jewelry, and handbags that they don’t need or use can donate to the Boutique, and students in need of that attire for interviews, jobs, or just everyday life can get what they need for free from the Boutique. The Boutique is a resource available to all students, no questions asked.

History

The idea for the Start Here, Go Far Boutique began when several students expressed concern because they didn’t feel well dressed when attending the Ulster Community College Foundation’s Scholarship Luncheon. With financial support from Darlene Pfeiffer, a Foundation board member and scholarship benefactor, the Boutique was established through Ulster’s Reaching Independence though Supportive Education (RISE) program.

In the beginning, the Boutique was supposed to assist graduates who needed business attire for job interviews, but after Hurricane Irene, the focus expanded to include basic clothing items as well when many students lost their possessions. The boutique is currently being managed by student aides and Meg Sheeley, the Interim Coordinator of Campus Life.

Where Can I Find It?

 The Start Here, Go Far Boutique is located in VAN 154 across the hall from the Food Pantry.
 
FALL 2017 Hours:
Tuesdays 11:00 a.m.- 1:00 p.m.
Wednesdays 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

 

Hours will be updated and advertised for the Spring Semester. To make a donation, contact Meg Sheeley at sheeleym@sunyulster.edu.

Several rolled up, professional ties for men at the Start Here, Go Far Boutique.

4 Ways to Find An Internship.

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Woman writing in notebook and looking at laptop

As the winter recess approaches you may find yourself thinking that this is the perfect time to consider getting involved with an internship. Here at SUNY Ulster you can earn college credit while participating in the Student Internship Program. To get involved in the Student Internship Program you must have at least a 2.0 GPA and 30 college credits completed, or by permission of the fieldwork coordinator. For further information, contact Linda Farina, Office of Fieldwork and Internships, farinal@sunyulster.edu

You can also check out our Internships page Here:  http://www.sunyulster.edu/student_handbook/internships.php

An internship is not only a beneficial addition to your resume but can also be a fulfilling personal experience as well. Gaining knowledge, building your skills profile, and expanding your network field are all crucial elements in creating the best opportunities for yourself as you continue your success after SUNY Ulster.  

*Important Tip* When reaching out to potential internships put together a resume and a short pitch/ cover letter can help you to appear direct, and respond to your potential internship. Be prepared to have to communicate with people as to why you are deserving of this opportunity.

3 Additional Ways to Find An Internship.

Talk to People You Know.

When it comes to looking for an internship you may find yourself thinking “Where do I even start?”  The answer may be right in front of you in your sphere of influence. Start by asking your professors if they are aware of any opportunities that are available.

Another way to reach out to people you already know is sharing with your friends on social media (Like Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin) that you are looking for this new venture. You may be surprised by what leads and resources your friends and family have to offer.

Online Websites.

Online job sites like Indeed.com, Monster.com, https://regionalhelpwanted.com are not only for looking jobs! With the websites listed above, you can either use the “Internship” tag or search “Internships” in the website’s search engine. Here all active opportunities are filtered and listed as specific, or unspecific as you would like!

Create Opportunities For Yourself.

Make a list of 5 to 15+ potential places that you can see yourself working in your local area. Research the best contact information for all of these places- and do what is known as a “Cold Contact”. Be professional and friendly while letting them your objective, when you can start, and all the important information they need to know when considering you as a potential intern.

You are capable of manifesting your own opportunities that could in turn into an employment position for you.

Mentor Moment with Instructor Angela Kunz.

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Angela Kunz surrounded by a fashion class

     On a warm and sunny autumn afternoon, I had a candid conversation with Fashion Design Adjunct Instructor Angela Kunz (or Mrs. K as she prefers to be called by students) on SUNY Ulster’s beautiful campus. We discussed what advice she has for students entering the field of fashion merchandising, design, and the evolving work force as a whole.

Follow SUNY Ulsters Fashion Department on Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/SUNYUlsterFashionDesign/
Follow SUNY Ulster Fashion Club on  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FDCSUNYUlster/

“What led you to a career in fashion instruction?”

“After studying fashion at Pratt Institute in Lower Manhattan I began working in the fashion industry in the 1990’s.”

After living in New York City and achieving what she thought was her ‘dream’- the success of celebrities and the members of popular television shows wearing her designs, Mrs. K felt herself dealing more with the business side of the industry and less with the creativity side that she loved. “I began feeling completely drained and unfulfilled – that’s when I moved up to the Hudson Valley and began to ask myself “How can I keep fashion in my life without being directly involved in it?””

A few years after moving to and working in the Hudson Valley an adjunct position in the Marist College Fashion Department opened up and as Mrs. K put it  “-it was a manifestation of working adjacent to the fashion industry and with students!”

“Would you change anything about how you got to where you are?”

Mrs. K quickly responded “No!-everything happened in a perfect transition right where I wanted to live and work-It’s all about finding the balance.”  

 “What would be your top advice to someone thinking of entering the fashion industry?”

  “Be willing to fail, and do not settle! Look at your options and find a way to keep your truest dreams alive, and always aspire to reach your full potential.”  

 “4 words you would use to describe a leader in your field?”

 Mrs. K paused and after a moment she said “Innovative, passionate, and simultaneously endlessly motivated about the field, and finally someone who is dedicated.”   

Mentor Moments highlights the mentors that help to make our college great!
Have a mentor you want to feature? Email Terriann at (smitht36@my.sunyulster.edu)

12 Tips for Organizing Your College Life

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Focused woman doing homework in the library

With finals approaching, there’s no better time than the present to get organized. Whether you’re new to college or a returning student, here are some great tips to help you succeed. Try them and find what works best for you!

  1. Be motivated. When the going gets tough, it’s easy to lose track of why you’re putting so much time and effort into college. Keep a list of long-term goals to help you stay focused on what’s important. Tack it up somewhere where you will see it every day.To do list written on paper with blue pen
  2. Keep a planner and/or a planner app. During the school year, using a planner to track classes, assignments, work, and social plans is extremely important. Planners are cheap and are available almost everywhere you can find calendars. If you’re more digitally inclined, there are many free apps and websites you can use that are a Google search away. 
  3. Save all your syllabi and keep them available. If your professor gives you a guide to what your entire semester is going to look like, don’t lose it. You can mark your syllabus with everything you need to remember. Gather all your syllabi together and enter important dates into your planner or calendar app.
  4. Set a schedule and stick to it. Keep to-do lists updated every day. Try to keep the same wake-up and bedtimes every day of the week, even on the weekends and holidays, when there are no classes. This will help you stay on schedule consistently. Also, try to figure out what time of the day you are most productive, and optimize that time for productivity.
  5. Be prepared for the day, before the day happens. When you’re ready for the day even before you wake up, the day tends to run much smoother. You’re less likely to forget important items you need for the day. Having your backpack stocked ahead of time with everything you need is a big time saver. stuffed-pack
  6. Tidy your living and work spaces. Think of the time you spend looking for something in the morning while getting ready to leave the house for the day. Having a clean desk is an excellent start. At the end of each day, get rid of clutter and put things where they belong. This simple nightly routine makes getting ready in the morning much less stressful.
  7. Develop good note organization habits.  Use a color code system, and give each class a color. Match all your binders and notebooks for that class to their color, so that they are easier to find and grab when you are on the go.  Keep separate binders, folders, and/or notebooks for each of your classes. apps-for-keeping-organized-in-college
  8. Set work sessions and use a timer. This step will keep you from wandering into other tasks not coursework related.
  9. Study and hang out in different areas. Work at a desk or in a library, and reserve your room or bed for hanging out and sleeping. Try not to study on the couch in front of the TV, as it’s easy to get distracted by your newest favorite Netflix show.College Study Area SUNY Ulster
  10. Spend time away from the screens in your life. Disconnect from the internet for a few hours a day. Unplugging is a healthy way to curb stress and keep yourself from wasting time. Consider limiting your social media use or cut the habit out altogether, as a quick scroll through your Instagram feed can quickly turn into a hour-long browse.
  11. Remember college is only one piece of your life. If possible, try the 8/8/8 method for balancing your life. It’s a way to divide your time to be responsible and still relax. Try to sleep for eight hours a day, spend eight working, and eight hours for the rest of your life – time with friends, eating, etc.
  12. Go easy on yourself. No one is perfect, and it can be incredibly difficult to stay on top of all your responsibilities. Do your best, but remember, everyone make mistakes. SUNY Ulster has lots of support services to help. And always remember the goal – graduation!