You may have spent the last couple of summers (or semesters) working very hard to build a resume of experience. Unfortunately, as a lot of companies continue to cut back on costs job seeking is particularly challenging for recent graduates. This trend will likely continue over the next several years.

If you have completed an internship with a company (and you’ve made a good impression), the company’s hiring managers may look upon your candidacy for a permanent position more favorably than others, taking the stress out of navigating through the current job market. Being proactive (planning to take the leap!) is one of the most important steps toward converting an internship into a full-time gig. Here are some additional tips from CareerRookie.com:

• Treat your internship like an extended job interview… because it is. Arrive on time, beat (or at the very least meet) deadlines and consistently deliver strong work.
• Seek out challenges. Employers want employees who show initiative and a desire to learn and develop. The majority of employers (59%) are more likely to permanently hire a college intern who asks for more responsibilities.

If you’ve already completed your internship, send a thank-you note to each individual you worked with at the company. Acknowledge what you learned from them and how they directly contributed to your success. Then seek out opportunities to reconnect, especially with the human resource and hiring managers. This can be as simple as sending a request to meet for lunch, or attending industry related events or networking groups where the hiring managers will have a presence.

Even if you’re not a graduating senior, use your internship as a springboard to launch your career and push for a part-time position until graduation. You never know! Hiring managers at the company (and their peers) have already had the opportunity to observe your strengths as an intern. At Student Advantage, three (3) of the last five (5) new hires were formerly interns or temps in our office.

Checkout more job seeking tips like these, plus some graduation deals for EVERYONE at Student Advantage today.

Regularly volunteering as a college student sounds great right? It does, until you realize how many other responsibilities you have. There are midterms, jobs, problem sets, readings, friends, finals and other activities already keeping you pretty busy. Volunteering gets pushed to the sidelines. It happens to the best of us… But, I bet you have ONE morning or ONE afternoon to spare for volunteering, especially if someone already found a service opportunity for you. That’s where Day of Service comes in.

Day of Service is a school sponsored program that allows students to volunteer for just one day. Generally, colleges connect large groups of students with different organizations throughout the community for the day. Many colleges actually organize their Day of Service on Martin Luther King Jr. Day to celebrate his memory and legacy.

The Boston University Day of Service was last Saturday. At BU this day is organized by the Alumni Association and the Community Service Center and it’s HUGE. There are volunteer sites throughout Boston and THE WORLD (including Paris, Shanghai, Sydney, Madrid, London and many major US cities). Last Saturday, I worked with The Food Project in Boston, planting and cultivating vegetables to help hunger relief and sustainability projects.

Youth working in one of the urban gardens (courtesy of The Food Project)

Some other schools with day of service programs:

• American University ~ February
• Carnegie Mellon ~ February
• Georgetown University ~ September
• Georgia Perimeter College ~ February
• Marquette University ~ early April
• Southern Connecticut State University ~ September
• Suffolk University ~ early April
• Trinity College “Do It Day” ~ Fall Semester
• UMASS Amherst “Service Month” ~ April
• University of Colorado ~ April 24, 2010
• University of Missouri-Kansas City ~ September
• University of San Diego ~ February
• University of Vermont ~ February

Participating in Day of Service is a great way to give back to your community without making a huge commitment. It’s a fantastic experience, and although it may be too late to participate this year, I hope you’ll consider volunteering with your school in the future.

“Hanesbrands has quietly become a leader in energy management and aspires to be an international apparel industry leader in overall environmental responsibility and stewardship. This effort is more than a commitment; it is a major business strategy for our success…” – CEO Statement on Environmental Responsibility

From energy-efficient factories to environmentally responsible packaging, Hanesbrands tries to find little ways to make a difference every day:

• EPA ENERGY STAR® 2010 Partner of the Year!
• Since 2007, reduced the energy used to make products by 11%.
• Nearly 30% of energy comes from clean, renewable resources.
• Reduced water use per product by nearly 18% since 2007.

Enough about what they do, right? What about what you wear? Here’s some ways that Hanebrands seeks to reduce the environmental impact of raw materials including their new “Future Generations” commercial:

• EcoSmart® polyester fiber is made from recycled bottles.
• EcoSmart® cotton yarn is made directly from textile waste.
• Aggressive reduction in plastic and paper for product packaging.

DID YOU KNOW… that you can save money and energy by washing your clothes in cold water? Get more green tips from Hanes!

What to make a difference by shopping Hanebrands? Check out how Cardholders can get 10% OFF at Champion.com and Hanes.com today!

At the age of 18 you can fly, rent a hotel and go on vacation by yourself. Unless you are traveling to a major city, however, it’s not as easy to get around once you’ve actually arrived at your destination. Fortunately, you are allowed to rent a car at the age of 21. Though it may be more expensive, you’ll be able to enjoy the major sites and get to where you need to be with little hassle.

Why are the rules more strict? According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, drivers under the age of 25 get into more traffic accidents than older drivers. There is more risk for the companies to rent to younger drivers, so they charge more to cover that risk.

Card Rental Requirements

To rent a car, everyone needs a valid driver’s license and insurance. You can purchase insurance through an agency just for the rental and some major credit cards will cover this for you. The car rental company can also check your driving history to make sure you’re a safe driver. Besides that, all you will need is a credit card.

Renting a Luxury Vehicle

Many car rental companies will not allow younger drivers to rent expensive luxury cars with the higher probability of accidents. Fortunately, you can still rent very nice, non-luxury, cars.

Car Rental Laws by State

In New York and Michigan, the rules are less strict. At the age of 18 you can rent a car! The fees are typically much higher, but if you split them with your friends or get a discount, you’ll still be able to travel on a budget.

Renting a Car on a Budget

Car rental companies typically charge high fees to young travelers. These fees can add up quickly, but fortunately Student Advantage offers discounts with three national car rental companies: Dollar Rent a Car, National Car Rental and Alamo Rent a Car. With a Student Advantage^® Discount Card, college students can save up to 25% on can rentals and enjoy traveling on a budget!

Chris McCann Goes Incognito to Work Alongside Numerous Employees from 1-800-FLOWERS Retail Shops and Fannie May

As 1-800-FLOWERS.COM® gears up for another busy Mother’s Day season, Chris McCann, president of the world’s largest florist and online gift shop, appeared in the season finale of “Undercover Boss,” the hit reality TV series on CBS. On April 11, viewers got an inside look as McCann left his corporate office to go undercover and work side-by-side with his employees to gain a unique perspective on how things work at the frontline, to witness firsthand the effects his decisions have throughout the company and acknowledge unsung heroes who go above and beyond for the gift retailer.

“I am so grateful for CBS providing me with this exceptional opportunity,” said Chris McCann, President of 1-800-FLOWERS.COM.  “The opportunity to experience our company at all levels makes me a stronger leader and enables 1-800-FLOWERS.COM to continue to be the best in the business.  Also, the show reaffirmed my appreciation for all our employees and their hard work – they are invaluable to us in our mission to help deliver smiles everyday.“

“Undercover Boss” follows high-level chief executives as they enter anonymously into the frontline positions of their companies. Each week documents a different executive’s undercover mission, where they have the opportunity to examine the forefront of their company. While working alongside their employees, the executives get an up-close and personal look at both the good and the bad, while discovering the unsung heroes who make their company run.

Episode aired Sunday, April 11 at 9/8c on CBS!

Also, check out Michael Rubin, founder and CEO of GSI Commerce (partnered with DicksSportingGoods.com, SportsAuthority.com and many other sporting goods brands), in his latest appearance on the show…

To see more clips, visit the the Undercover Boss Youtube Channel.

Recent disasters in Haiti, Chile and elsewhere around the world have shown that the entire world can rally together to help others during a time of desperation (regardless of the economy, unemployment or any other personal setbacks we’ve all experienced in the last few years). Individuals and groups have donated money, sent supplies and volunteered around the globe even while facing their own financial crisis.

Many companies have also supported causes by donating resources and portions of profits to disaster relief funds.

Rugby Ralph Lauren, along with printing “To Haiti with Love” t-shirts that benefited the Clinton-Bush Haiti fund, is currently hosting the Give in Style event from now until April 12th , offering a 25% savings on all purchases (some items excluded). Ten percent (10%) of their total sales will benefit the United Way Disaster Relief Fund to support recovery efforts in Haiti and Chile.

So, if you feel like you haven’t done your part, here is your opportunity to help out… save money and look good doing it! Check out the sale at Rugby.com or at any US Ralph Lauren and Rugby store locations.

Spring is finally arriving and brings some fun fashion trends your everyone! Here are some of this seasons hottest styles and easy ways to incorporate them in your wardrobe without spending a fortune!

Neutral Tones:
Looking for a clean look this spring? Add some neutral colors to your current collection. They will play off existing prints or bright colors you probably already own. For men a sleek modern look is always great to layer. For women, grabbing a sweater that has some versatility like rolling up the sleeves can be like adding more than one look to your collection.

Metallics:
A great way to add some pop to your fashion this season! Add some metallic. A little trim on a shirt adds a trendy accent. Another easy way to add a punch of metallic, make your shoes shine!

Feathers:
There is something extra fun about adding feathers to your outfit. Accessorize, add them to your hair and be creative for a subtle look. Want something more “over the top”? Step it up by incorporating feathers into your actual garment. (Even a play on fabric can give the appearance of feathers.) Popular feather placements this season: skirts, around the neckline and shoulders. Think you can pull off the Brandon Flowers look?

Leisure suits:
We first saw the leisure suit in fashion during the 1970s. It’s back and with an updated twist! Check out this seasons shirt-like jacket and matching trousers. What better way for guys to go from day to night?!

Utilitarian:
The utilitarian look is designed as simplistic, but still fashionable. This style tends to be loose fitting (but not baggy!) and single colored. Adding a jacket to your look is a great way add lines and a fresh take on this style. Both women and men can find some sleek jackets to accessorize.

Still looking for some seasonal styles that wont break the bank? Check out our Spring Fashion Discounts for EVERYone!

For a limited time only, EVERYone can take an additional 20% OFF already reduced women’s and men’s styles online, plus free shipping for all orders with a total of $100 or more. This discount even applies to some Online Exclusive styles! For more details visit armaniexchange.com.

This promotional offer cannot be combined with the Student Advantage^® discount. If you are a Cardholder, do not enter your Student Advantage Card number unless you want to access 10% OFF all items at armaniexchange.com.

Starting March 26, 2010, you can also take 20% OFF select styles in-store.

Calling all college students! You just got back from spring break and the last thing you want to do is fill out a boring census questionnaire, right? Besides, you live on campus, your parents live in a different state or county, you plan to move after college and you figure you’re counted on your parents questionnaire anyway…right?

Well, this year the U.S. Census Bureau is making a concerted effort to obtain a more accurate count of existing college students. Why? So your school can receive its share of political representation, government funding, tuition grants and loan programs, which directly affect you.

Census figures also help establish fair-market rents (for off-campus housing), ensure proper and fair-lending practices (for student loans) and influence decisions about where to locate new stores, restaurants, offices, health-care facilities and other businesses (near campus!). By filling out the census, you will also help your school’s local community get funding to support services like public transportation and recreational programs. Sounds good, right? So what are you waiting for? We decided to dispel a few myths and help get you motivated…

Census Myth #1

As a college student, I can be counted on my parent’s questionnaire.

The census counts people where they live and sleep throughout most of the year. Parents should not include college students on their forms. Residence halls, dorms, fraternities and sororities are considered “group quarters” by the census bureau. Many campuses will make arrangements to deliver individual questionnaires to students living in those facilities. Students who live in off-campus apartments and rooms will receive a census form in the mail.

Census Myth #2

As an international student, I should not fill out a U.S. Census questionnaire.

The census is a count of everyone living in the United States, regardless of immigration or citizenship status. Even though the state or county of your school might not be your voting residence, legal residence or permanent residence, all students living within the U.S. should be counted. However, U.S. students living and studying abroad on April 1 should not be counted.

Census Myth #3

Local taxes will go down if I don’t fill out the census.

Local taxes will not necessarily change if you don’t fill out your census form. However, government funding may be diverted to a different community.

So, get counted! Census information is private and confidential and cannot be used for any other purpose or shared with federal, state or local agencies. More information also is available from the Census Bureau’s by calling (800) 923-8282 or visiting http://2010.census.gov/.

It takes only a few minutes to comply! Most forms, the “short” forms, ask only seven questions. Besides, We Can’t Move Forward Until You Mail It Back.

As a college student I spent my first two years living on campus until I realized I could lower the amount of college loans I would have to pay back by living in an apartment. Living off campus can be a great saving option if you are prepared and have planned out the ways to save money. Here are some helpful tips to see if moving off campus is really for you.

Start Now…

Find Roommates- Let’s face it. You are not going to save money if you are living in a one-bedroom apartment all by yourself, so get out there and find some roommates. In my own experience the more people the more you will save. Its important to find trustworthy people that you can rely on so start by asking people you know.

No Fee- When you go though a realtor you want to be sure there are not going to be any fees. A NO FEE apartment is what you are looking for. This means that the landlord will be compensating the realtor for showing you the place, and you can move in without paying the realtor a fee. NOTE: Many students are not aware that you have to pay a security deposit, as well as first and last month rent just to take a place off the market and move in. This means you may have to pay up to three months rent before you even move into the apartment, (this varies by state) so start saving NOW!

Utilities Included- When searching for a place be sure to try and find one where the heat and hot water are included if you can. If not you should always ask to see the prior billing statements of the last year so you can factor it into your expenses ahead of time. Living somewhere where it gets really cold in the winter means your heating bill is going to skyrocket in the colder months, leaving you with a bill you were unprepared for and unable to pay. Having heat included in your monthly rent works to your advantage.

Let Friends and Family Know- In my experience tell EVERYONE! Friends and family are there to help! Everyone has furniture and household items lying around that they don’t use. Chances are if you bring up in conversation that you are excited to be moving out on your own they will try and find a way to help. Whether its offering you some extra pots and pans they have in their garage or letting you borrow the old couch they store in the basement, people love giving things away! The less you have to buy, the more you SAVE! If you need to pick up some items, check out some of these Student Advantage discounts.

After you move…

Buy in Bulk- This is a great way to save, especially if you have several roommates. Have everyone chip in a few bucks to buy bulk toilet paper, paper towels, and any other items you all go through constantly.

Learn How to Cook- Food is usually what makes or breaks your living off campus budget. Look for sales on food. Try not to eat out. There are many simple recipes online that are easy to follow.

So I hope this information helps and good luck out on your own!