Congratulations new graduate: Karen Herrera-González!

Karen's determination carried her through her college years despite having the added responsibility of being a mom.  She completed a five-year program and graduated with a dual degree!

Graduation date: June 3, 2011
School:  University of Massachusetts Boston  Degree:  Bachelor of Arts and  Masters of Arts 

Major:  Social Psychology;  Applied Psychology.

Career aspirations: I would like to find a job where I can help the youth develop who they are academically, socially, and personally.  Many students that I've worked with in the past have no idea why they want to do after high school or or why they should go to college.  I would like to be an adviser or a mentor to high schools students or college students.  In the future, I would like to establish my own program that focuses on teen mothers and helping them succeed in college.

Current job: I am the financial manager for the Institute for Learning and Teaching (ILT) at University of Massachusetts Boston. My main responsibility is to communicate with all the programs that work with middle and high school Latino student under the ILT regarding their grants and administration of the programs.

Tips to get an internship or job:  Network! Network! Network! In order to land your dream job/internship, you have to get out of your comfort zone and sell yourself.  No one is going to notice you unless you put yourself out there.  Let your voice, talent, and abilities be heard!

Anything else you would like to share: Never give up! Many times life will throw obstacles in our path to test our abilities...what we're capable of.  Giving up is very easy but it is not rewarding in the end.  Instead, fight those obstacles because in the end it will feel great when you can finally say "Lo hice! I did it!"

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A slow job market: glass half full or half empty?

Recent reports have confirmed what has been obvious to every internship and job seeker for a while:  The job market has, once again, slowed down.  Potential employers are being incredibly cautious about hiring which creates a feeling of despair and frustration among those looking for work.  

Although you might not like the sobering news, it is important to take a proactive approach and to stay focused on job hunting.    Here are a few tips to get you started:

1. Do a thorough reality check.  Take a hard look at the key resources you have on hand:  money, contacts and opportunities.  Job hunting is an enterprise in itself.  It requires resources and a nimble strategy in order to work.  Do you have any source of immediate income?  If so, how are you spending it?  How long can you go on?  Do you have a budget?  If not, put one together.  It will help you keep track of where your money is going.  Also, take the time to review your list of friends, acquaintances and other sources of job referrals.  Select 12 people from that group whom you think could become your eyes and ears and help you find job leads.

2. Seek temporary employment of any form.  This is an option that many try to avoid waiting for the "real" job to come to the rescue.  By considering temporary work as an option, you accomplish two things:  1) you force yourself to stay motivated and engaged in the process; and 2) you create opportunities to explore roles that you might not have considered otherwise.  Another perk is that you will have a steady flow of cash and possibly gain new skills.

3. Manage negativity in a constructive way.  It would be very easy to mope and complain about the bad economy.  If you choose to do so, my question to you is:  how is that helping you find a job?  If you need to vent your frustration, do so in private and for a limited time. You can have scheduled whining sessions, if you like.  Letting the anxiety out is important and will help you regain focus.  Once you are done venting, get back on the job hunting saddle and keep moving forward.

Even in the most challenging times, one can rise above it all and manage uncertainty in a positive way.  By staying focused and engaged in your job search, you will remain psychologically strong and radiate confidence.   A confident, optimist candidate will certainly stand out from all others.  That could be you!

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