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Take these simple steps to make 2015 your best year ever.

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How to Land the Perfect Marketing Internship

One of the best ways for dedicated marketing students to get ahead of the job search pack upon graduation is to arm themselves with real-world experiences along with their education. Marketing internships are available in multiple countries with companies both big and small.

If you are a student looking to find the right marketing internship, follow these tips:

Target an Area of Focus

Marketing is a broad umbrella term, which includes advertising, communications, Internet and social media marketing, branding, product management, and more. By designating an area of interest within marketing, you can hone in on select internships. This will catch the eye of potential employers, who will appreciate your zeal for a certain area of expertise.

Identify an Industry of Choice

Working in the world of high tech is very different from working in the non-profit sector. Many verticals prefer professionals who have specific industry knowledge and experience. It is helpful to determine what types of businesses are of interest to you. From healthcare to retail and more, the possibilities are virtually endless.

Market Yourself

As a would-be marketer, it is vital that you market yourself well. At a minimum, this means an exceptionally strong cover letter and resume. Any professional social media profiles should also stand out.

As for any personal social media accounts, they should not contain materials that may be offensive to potential employers. Even if an account is private, there is no way to fully assure that something will not pop up somewhere in the online world. Make sure you have nothing to hide.

Consider Using an Agency

There are many placement agencies that do a tremendous job at matching potential applicants with hiring companies. Binder is one such agency that offers internships domestically and in multiple foreign countries. Working with such an agency can provide visibility to many more opportunities that you may not have been able to find on your own.

The most important tip of all is to get out there. Showing initiative to find and engage in marketing internships will be just as valuable—if not more so—than any classroom education on its own.

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Want a Life Changing Experience? Study Abroad!

Employers are increasingly placing a high value on international experiences. By gaining this international exposure, you become more competitive than others. One way to do so is by going abroad is not only fun, but it is also very valuable.

Here’s why:

You’ll learn to be independent.

If you go to university in the same city where you grow up, you are probably still living with your parents. It’s always nice to have someone taking care of you, but that doesn’t help you grow much. Going on exchange abroad could be a chance for you to live independently. From finding a place to stay to cooking your own meal, you are forced to learn to handle various situations and problems on your own. You pretty much don’t have anyone to rely on once you arrive in a foreign country. You get a fresh start. You might not know anyone and maybe you only know a bit about the country, but there’s so much for you to explore and to experience on your own. You build your own network, you live your own lifestyle, you get your own freedom, and most importantly, you learn more about yourself.

Making lifelong friends and networking

Going on exchange gives you a chance to meet students from all over the world. People you meet on exchange are generally open and friendly, because they’re there for the same reason as you - to have fun and to meet people. Hey! Even if you don’t become super best friends, it’s always great to know a few people here and there. Who knows, maybe they’ll be able to help you out one day when you’re in need.

Explore the world

I was very fortunate to have a chance to travel around China during my exchange study. Not only was it eye opening, but it was also very memorable. You create tighter bonds with your travel companions and you get to see different cultures and a different world. Since you get a pretty relaxing course load while on exchange, you have more time to really embrace the city and live the life you really want. You get to see what’s outside of your bubble. The world is large and there are so many things for you to see and experience. Go travel, eat the weirdest food you’ll never find anywhere else, learn about the history and culture, and educate yourself. This is definitely the best way to experience a different culture and to learn about the life that’s different from yours.

Mastering the local language

It’s always useful to learn new a language or to improve on it. If you already know the language, why not find a way to showcase your skill and to test yourself? While abroad in China, it is expected that no one speaks a word of English, so I had to use my very broken Mandarin to get by. I picked up faster and learned more slangs by speaking with local students than I did from watching Chinese drama. I can now proudly say that I can scold people in a very local Chinese way using their slangs.

Money management skill

Let’s admit it. If you don’t have the money to go on exchange, the above mentioned are most likely not going to happen. You need a budget and ways to finance your life abroad. You learn to save money and learn to find the best deals. If you want to travel across the country, you need a thorough plan to help you achieve your goal within your budget. Money management is important before and during your exchange. This skill is definitely useful at all stages of your life. 

You wouldn’t want to miss out on this opportunity, would you?

If you already missed your chance of going abroad but still want to gain international experience, don't forget that Binder is always here to help you find the perfect internship for you, may it be in your local or internationally.

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Take Your Fashion Internship Across the Pond

Rather than staying in the US for your fashion internship, you may want to seek out opportunities in London. Not only do international internships look great on a resume, London is a fashion hotspot. There’s also the fact that spending time overseas can be one of the most exciting times of your life. In order to quell any fears that you might have about traveling far away from home, here are some tips about how to find a fashion internship in London and the advantages of an international internship.

London Internships

London has been hailed as one of the most exciting cities in the entire world, and with good reason. Not only is the location great for fashion internships, it’s also noted for its business, financial, engineering, and manufacturing internships. One thing to keep in mind with interning in London is that you’ll want to find a paid internship position, if possible, since it can be rather expensive to live in the city. While you can always live outside of London, you’ll have to contend with the high cost of transportation. Not only does London have some fantastic opportunities for lovers of fashion, but you'll also find a vibrant nightlife, live music venues, pubs, and sporting events to take in when you aren’t working.   

Smart Search

You have to start as early as possible when searching for internships in the US, and the same applies for international internships. If you’re still in college and are trying to find an internship in London, see if there’s any way that you can earn credit for your internship. There are several internships in England that have partnerships with American institutions. Working with Binder is an excellent way to find just the right overseas internship you are looking for.

One thing to take note of when applying for internships in London is that you’ll want to refer to your resume as a curriculum vitae, or CV. While there isn’t very much to distinguish a CV from a regular resume, you’ll want to make sure that you start off with a personal statement rather than your education. Your personal statement should include an introduction and a few tidbits about why you’re an ideal candidate for the internship. 

The Interviewing Process

Since you’ll more than likely be conducting your interview over the phone or webcam, you’ll want to make sure that you’re well-prepared for either instance. Dress as you normally would for any interview, which includes the appropriate pants or dress even though you’ll only be seen from the waist up. You don’t want to have to stand up to get something and reveal your pajama bottoms. It’s also best that you wear neutral colors since they translate best over webcam.

One thing to make sure you do before your interview is to prepare your space. Ensure that there is excellent lighting and strong Internet connection, and make sure you don’t have any distractions such as pets or roommates around you.

Benefits of an International Internship

An international internship looks fantastic on a resume because it shows that you’re willing to step out of your comfort zone. You also get the chance to learn how to work under different circumstances than those you might expect working for an American company.

Even if there are several fashion internships to be found right here in America, you and your career might be better off with an internship in London.

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New York internships

Know Your Value as an Intern

The internship period can be a stressful one as you are forced to seriously consider your future and what you want out of life. While many New York internships lead to opportunities within the company and may even land you a paying job, it takes hard work, ambition and fresh ideas to really shine. Interns are often pushed beyond what they can bear as companies because they don’t realize the value of a fresh, new mind joining the ranks. As you prepare for and complete your internship, it’s important that you recognize your value and find the balance between working hard and being taken for granted.

  Youth, Enthusiasm and Energy

As a new intern, you’ve got a hunger for the job that many old-timers have lost over the years. Not only can an intern bring new ideas to the table, many can spark that flame within the older employees that brings a new excitement to the workplace.

In every industry, things are changing every single day. What was taught ten years ago may be totally obsolete in this day and age, and new interns and employees bring a long list of attributes that may not even have been considered ten years before. 

An excited intern can breathe life back in to a stale, tired department, bring new ideas to the table and share the benefits of new developments and technology in every industry.

Experience with Technology Comes Standard on Newer Models 

A decade ago, the worldwide web was barely taking off, and many consumers didn’t even have an email address.  In today’s world, technology use is second nature to those that are new to the job force.  Rather than trying to teach an old dog new tricks, interns are young puppies that are willing and eager to learn and share the information and skills they’ve developed. Can’t get old Joe to adjust to your new database system? Try bringing in the intern with fresh, new ideas for using technology and see how fast he turns.

New York Internships as a Trial Period

Internships provide employers and interns with a unique opportunity to have a test run or trial period to see how the combination works together. At the end of your internship, if you decide it wasn’t working out, it’s easy to go your separate ways and move on. If you love the job and the job loves you back, you may have been given a career opportunity you couldn’t have found any other way.

  Ignore the Little Things

It’s important that you’re willing to start at the bottom of the food chain and work your way up in order to gain respect from your employers and your colleagues, but there is a fine line between being willing to work and being taken advantage of. 

If most of your time is spent on menial tasks that you feel are meant to demean you as an intern, speak to your direct supervisor to determine which parts of your job are most important, and how you can help the company to improve and grow.

How Binder Can Help

Here at Binder, we can match your profile with the best internships for your future.  We’ll ensure that you land in the right place for your career.

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Chapter 3: How to Showcase and Pitch Your Skills

Not everyone is capable of reciting the digits of pi to the 28th decimal. Some people have photographic memories, while others can touch their nose with their tongue. Everyone has a different set of skills and experiences they have accumulated over the years. Regardless, when and where you choose to show your skill is often half the battle. This is why the pitch is everything. It is safe to say that you do not want to show you are musically inclined during a movie, or how good you are at solving quadratic equations during a wedding reception. Pick your battles, and choose them well—because when it is time to get down to it, would you know how to pitch your skills?

Know Your Skills

At this point in your life, you should more or less know what your skills, strengths and accomplishments are. Do not be afraid to bring up these skills during conversations with friends, strangers, storeowners, family, clowns, etc. You are the product being sold. Be proud of what you have accomplished in life.

The Casual Conversation

You might have coded C++ as a hobby, or perhaps you were the leader of the debate team in high school. Casual conversations are the best time to sell yourself and your skills to your friends or a group of strangers. Remember, you are not trying to boast or toot your own horn; instead, choose moments where you can participate in a conversation while highlighting some of the skills you have picked up during your life journey. The skills you possess are in your toolbox - always be ready to take out the right tool for the right situation.

For example:

If you bump into a stranger who has a background in Marketing, maybe it is the right time to let that person know you organized and advertised events during your college days. How much were you able to raise? Who were your attendees?  

The mechanical engineer you just met might want to hear about the award you obtained during a science fair in a regional competition. What was the topic? How would you explain your overall experience?

The dentist you just met is interested in promoting his or her business. They would probably love to hear about the experience you’ve had with Google Adwords. Fortunately for them, you are knowledgeable in this domain.

The list goes on, but the point of these examples is to focus on creating your own opportunities. Any conversation has the potential of turning into a job interview, a future reference, or even a new learning experience.

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Good luck students! 

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NYC internships: Brighten Career Prospects in a Dreary Economy

Today, the economy struggles to recover from a devastating decade and new laws are put into place that affect hiring rates all over the country. As a result, more college graduates are left with what feels like a worthless piece of paper in their hands. With all the money and energy you put into getting your degree, shouldn’t it be easy to find a job? It can be if you’re prepared, ambitious and willing to work hard. 

  No longer can you expect to graduate, fall into the perfect job and then triple your salary in just a few short years. Nowadays, it takes hard work, experience and unique ideas to secure your future. How can you gain this experience and demonstrate your hard work if you’re never given the chance? We’ve got a few tips that will help you get ahead of your classmates in the search for jobs.

Develop a Plan, a Back-Up Plan and a Back-Up Back-Up Plan

We know it sounds silly, but you can never have enough routes to get you head. It’s great that you’re desperate for those NYC internships, but it’s important that you don’t put all your eggs in one basket.  Regardless of how good you know you are, the risk of failure is simply too high.

You may have dreamed of being a financial advisor since you were a child, but be prepared to branch out and diversify your career prospects if the need arises. Allow life to take you where it will, and look for opportunities to find what you want from your experiences.

Don’t Ignore Who You Know

It’s tough to break in to an industry where you don’t know anyone. Don’t be afraid to utilize your contacts and acquaintances in your quest for the perfect job. Use all your social networking tools to connect with those that can help you get ahead. Visit with alumni from your school and develop relationships that give you opportunities. In a competitive world, it’s often WHO you know more than WHAT you know that will get you ahead.

Instant Gratification is Fleeting

We know your big brother made six figures on his first day of work, but that doesn’t mean he has the most fulfilling career. Remember that instant gratification is fleeting, and hard work is often necessary for years or decades before it finally pays off. This doesn’t meant that you should stay at a dead end job for years hoping for a big pay-off, only that you should always have a bigger goal in mind than what you can get RIGHT NOW. Don’t be afraid to invest time and energy in a lower-paying job in order to meet your long-term goals. You won’t regret the investment once you get to where you want to be.

Intern, Experience and Learn 

NYC internships often lead right into paid positions, and give you the chance to show your skills and your knowledge to the higher-ups in every company. Work hard to land an internship with a company you long to work for, and develop relationships with those within the company.

 Here at Binder, we can help match your personality and skills with the perfect NYC internships to propel your future to the next level.  Don’t be afraid to take a chance on your future.

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Chapter 2: Dress to Impress

You wake up in the morning, open your inbox, and there is an email from the Human Resources representative from the company you applied to last week. You call them and schedule an interview. You pat yourself on the back for getting the interview and do a little dance. The hard part is over, right?  In our previous article, “Sit Down and Shut the Door”, you may have learned about how to make the right first impression with your potential employer. However, have you ever thought about what you would wear?

When the morning of the interview arrives, and you throw on your latest kicks, with your light blue jeans and denim shirt. Your tattoos are exposed and blue hair is neatly trimmed to perfection. You remind yourself over and over again about the company’s history, mission and vision in case you are asked these components in your interview.

Fast forward to a few hours later where the interview went well, but something went amiss during your meeting. You receive a call a week later and the company informs you that you simply are not the right fit for them.  What went wrong?

Sure, it is 2014, and our perception of fashion has changed remarkably. Our tolerance has increased with regards to job apparel as well. However, there are still quite a few no-no's that still exist today when it comes to dressing for your job interviews. 

  On paper, most companies will tell you that they are hip, cool, and even go out for drinks every Friday after work. This is often the culture that the company explicitly promote, as opposed to the culture that exists.

 Here are some dressing tips that will help you remain semi-formal and not impact your interviewee's perception.

Bathe, and bathe well.  It might seem obvious but I have participated in a few interviews with individuals who had left an odoriferous scent afterwards.

Groom yourself! Although a full-beard is trendy, please keep it tame and trimmed.  An interviewer must believe that you are capable of taking care of yourself.

Conceal your tattoos and piercings – many companies are turned off by tattoos. In fact, in Japan tattoos are forbidden in public as they are associated with gangs. Eye, cheek, and lip piercings are also frowned upon.

Avoid ripped jeans - Dark blue jeans are acceptable for men to an extent. However, it is recommended to either wear suit pants or casual dress pants to your interviews.

Excessive make-up – There is nothing wrong with make-up, but remember that less is more!

Iron your clothes in order to make your look polished and clean.

This article in itself might seem like hypocrisy in 2014; however, presenting yourself well ensures that you have a better chance of getting a new job. Let your personality and job knowledge be the aspect of yourself that stands out.

Stay classy.

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Keeping In Touch – Creating A Social Network

Whether you’re the head of your fraternity or sorority or a guild leader in World of Warcraft, or just a regular Joe or Jane, it’s essential that you build social networks to keep in touch with your peers.

Sure, you can have or add a friend on Facebook, a colleague on LinkedIn, a phone number on What's App, etc. Yet, are you really interacting with these individuals aside from glancing over their new profile picture and wondering where they bought that new shirt?

Human beings are social by nature. There are days when you will stay home in bed and watch the latest rom-com on Netflix, and then lie about it the next day to your friends. That is perfectly fine and acceptable. However, it’s your duty as a member of the job market to either create a social network, or participate in one.

The value of being part of a collective is immeasurable, especially for job search. Having a group of individuals communicating about potential career opportunities and advice is beneficial for all parties who are actively seeking a job, internship, or shoulder to cry on.

Creating one of these networks is quite simple. Obtain phone numbers from classmates, Facebook contacts, and emails addresses - there are an abundance of networks out there, such as Binder. Log on and start your searching!

Use your network to share your thoughts, feelings, or even vent your frustrations. Maybe you had a tough job interview, have not had a job interview in quite some time, or are simply looking for some empathy. 

Remember the goal here is to:

A) Share information

B) Offer and receive support from your peers

C) Be a part of a community

The chief goal of creating a social network among classmates is information sharing.  The job market is competitive. Nevertheless, sharing information about job postings, job interviews, internships, etc. is mutually beneficial to anyone involved. 

Being proactive is 90% of the battle. Always hold your head up high and walk as if you have an army behind your back - it is very likely that your friends are right behind you or in the pocket where you keep your phone.

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When you get stuck in a rut of comparing yourselves to others, just remember that they got that way because of a unique set of challenges that were presented to them. Everyone has their struggles; it is how you get through them that makes you beautiful and unique. 

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See the best states for job growth in 2014.

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Chapter 1: Sit Down and Shut the Door

It is your fourth year of school. Graduation is looming and you’ve been applying to internships and are about to begin job interviews to start your career. You might know all there is to know about your field, but do you know how to conduct yourself during a job interview? More importantly, do you know what a future employer is looking for in an ideal candidate? Are you ready to answer the tough questions for your dream job without mumbling, stumbling or bumbling?

Employers are searching for self-managed employees. They are looking for confident team players who don’t mind doing what it takes to get the job done. If you think that is you, you’re good to go, right? Well, first you have to get through the job interview. Chuck your skills out the door, because first you have to know what to expect for your first professional job interview.

Interviewing has become more competitive than ever, and that makes it harder for you and anyone else in your shoes. 

Here are few basics that you have to be aware of before your interviews:

A) Interviewers are not intentionally trying to find out your weaknesses or harass you. They simply need to separate the chaff from the wheat. Before you walk into the room, be prepared and know yourself.

B) Personality is always key. This consists of your habits, daily routines, attire, and personal conduct. Ironically, blending in with everyone else helps here.

C) Knowledge is important, but being humble is even more important. If this is your first professional job interview, do not try to re-invent the wheel.

D) Be prepared to talk about you. You’re being interviewed and the majority of focus in on you. Not the manager in the room, or the interviewer. You are in the hot seat. You have to be ready.

The interview process can be stressful, and you are likely to be nervous the first time.  The following articles will allow you to master the interview process and walk in prepared, confident and ready to go.

Good luck.

  We have prepared a series of articles focusing on career tips and personal development. Stay tuned for more to come! 

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Internships in Los Angeles

Land the Perfect Internship for Your Personality and Your Future

In a competitive job market, it is become increasingly important for graduates to get real-life, hands on experience before entering the business world.  It is tough to gain experience unless someone is willing to take a chance on you, and it is necessary to know the areas in which you shine. The most prominent internships in Los Angeles may not actually be the most beneficial for what you hope to accomplish, and following your peers may land you in a stale, unexciting job for years to come. Therefore, how can you determine which internships are best for your future goals?  Once you have found them, what should you do to ensure that you are at the top of every list you want to be on?  We have a few tips to help you land the program of your dreams.

The Black Hole of Cyberspace

The internet has been accessible to network and apply for jobs and internships.  Unfortunately, it is also easier for program directors to simply ignore candidates that do not make the effort to network strategically.  While sending a thousand resumes may seem like you are upping your odds, if they are not getting to the right place, your time is being wasted.

Utilize the relationships you have developed over the course of your education and career.  Hit up personal contacts that have a foot in the door in your industry.  Your record and your education may seem important, but it is really who you know that will get you ahead of the competition.

Do Not Ignore Your Passion 

Although you may not have connections in your chosen field, do not give up and move on to something else.  It may seem hopeless that you will land that coveted internship with the state legislature, but if your passion shines through, you will be a shoo-in.  It becomes obvious when you are truly interested in something, and when you are forcing it for the sake of a job.

Internships in Los Angeles and other big cities may eventually lead to paying jobs if your performance is up to par.  Avoid getting stuck at an internship that you find uninteresting when your future career may be on the line.  Take risks even as you set limits for what you can expect from yourself and your internship.

Do Your Homework

We know you shudder at the word, but homework and research are an important part of landing the right internships.  Consider the companies you would like to work for, and relentlessly pursue opportunities with them.  Study up on the internship and job opportunities portion of the website and do not be afraid to pound the pavement, literally or virtually.  Check back regularly for new opportunities, and don’t be afraid to let your enthusiasm shine. 

  Walk the Walk and Talk the Talk

Once you have secured an interview, prepare yourself for the big day.  Study up on your coveted position and determine how your future colleagues manage tasks on a day-to-day basis.  Do your best to fit in even as you allow your personality and all your unique characteristics to shine through. 

How We Can Help

Here at Binder, we have a long list of contacts and tools to help you find the perfect internships in Los Angeles and other cities throughout the world.  Allow us to help you secure your future. 

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You need a net worth of just $3,650 to be among the wealthiest half of the world’s citizens.

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10 maps and charts the explain the state of the world in 2015

Deepening income inequality and persistent jobless growth lead the top 10 trends of 2015, according to the World Economic Forum’s Outlook on the Global Agenda released Friday.

Growing political and environmental concerns, along with the lack of leadership and weakening of representative democracies, join the year’s survey of challenges facing the world in 2015.