September 11, 2009

Networking -- Overcoming Facebook & Twitter

As chatter about networking continues due to the economy, keeping genuine contact with your network is vital. One of the greatest ways we encourage students to do that is to forward articles or blog postings to those contacts with a short note as to why s/he thinks the recipient will find it of interest or relevant to a previous conversation. This article discusses why the Twitter or Facebook broadcast isn't enough, and why individual forwarding of articles or posts helps increase your personal brand as a giver, not just a taker, within your network.

September 10, 2009

Multitasking - We're All Guilty

As I sit here writing this blawg entry, I have my iPod playing some JT (yes, career advisers listen to him too), my work email is pinging, I'm sipping my coffee, answering the phone, and I've been reading Twitter feeds. This Harvard Business Review article points out why multitasking decreases the quality of what you are producing. Makes an old fashioned "To Do" list an effective tool to help me prioritize and focus on work with singularity. And reinforces why I turn off my email when I am in meetings or working on projects with deadlines.

September 8, 2009

PICs Picks: Writing Competitions

The LCS employs law student Public Interest Coordinators (PICs) to help with various research and administrative projects in the office. On a regular basis, they provide insight and advice to their fellow students on various opportunities and resources. The first one of the school year is about writing competitions. For law students seeking ways to make their resumes stand out from the crowd, as well as displaying their creativity and entrepreneurial spirit, writing competitions can be the perfect answer. These contests cover a wide range of topics, and can be sponsored by DePaul, various bar organizations, or private foundations. The DePaul newsletter is an excellent source for information about these competitions, and many more can be found through simple Internet searching, especially various bar associate sites. No matter your area of interest, there is likely to be a contest that addresses it. Winning one of these contests can mean scholarships, possible publication, and a nice item for your resume. Employers will be impressed at your initiative in locating unique opportunities as well as the dedication you demonstrate in completing a writing project outside the confines of LARC.