SWP

by Admin

Take the “Realimystic Challenge-NJ”

by Admin

Holiday Networking Event

by Admin

A Day in The Life of an SWP Intern

Hi, my name is Shubhangi Tyagi and I am going to be a marketing student as at Drexel University this fall. My interests include researching new things, playing the piano, dancing and photography. As a wonderful opportunity to test out the profession, Student Working Professionals has helped me gain a hands-on experience in marketing. My usual day starts off at 9:00 am and meeting with my mentor, Shannon. She gives me a summary of the day before I head to the intern room and meet the rest of the team. They share insight on their current projects and how I can contribute. Then, I log into my computer and start my work for the day. So far, some programs I’m now learning include Salesforce, Constant Contact and InDesign.

The days vary so we are not always bound to computer. We sometimes attend staff meetings that provide us with interesting tips for the real world ahead. Before leaving for the day, once again, I meet with Shannon about the work I have completed and any unfinished tasks. When she gives the okay, I head back home, relax and gear up for the day ahead.

by Admin

10 Ways to get Ready for Your First Internship

Are you ready for your very first internship? Do you think you are prepared? If not, don’t worry, I have the best tips for you so that you are more than prepared for your first day! Your boss will be so impressed that you may even get a promotion on the first day! Okay, well maybe not THAT extreme, but you get the idea!

1. Learn Your Industry

DO YOUR RESEARCH! You MUST read about your company! This is the number one thing that you anything else you think is relevant to know about the company. Understanding the company’s mission and office hierarchy are crucial aspects of any job, and they will make your life SO much easier, I promise you that! Try to remember what you can, or maybe even take some notes.

2. Set Goals

You want to set some personal goals that you want to achieve during your internship and ask your supervisor for things to do. You want to start thinking of these goals on your first day, that way by the end of your internship you can see if you have achieved these goals. If you find that your work is done, ask for new projects, don’t just sit around doing nothing, the more you do, the better you look! Setting goals is very important for interns because it ensures you that you can gain the skills employers are looking for when looking for a full time job

3. Ask Questions!!!

Don’t be afraid to ask questions! You are a newbie! You are not going to know everything! I promise you the boss would rather you ask him/her questions, rather than doing something wrong! You will not get scolded for asking too many questions. I know it can be intimidating to ask a question to the boss or even a co-worker, but they are here to help you, not belittle you.

4. Be Professional

Always keep a professional image and ALWAYS, ( and I mean this), ALWAYS AVOID GOSSIP! You don’t ever want to be know as the “girl who gossips.” Keep a positive and professional image when you are in the office, at all times!

5. Meet New People

You may only work directly with a supervisor and a few other interns, but that depends on the internship. Just because you are only working with those people, don’t ever let that stop you from meeting other people in the office. Don’t just stay quiet at your desk all day long, get up and introduce yourself to lots of people in the office. Learn their names and roles, and form relationships with them.

6. Know the Dress Code!

I know you always want to “dress to impress”, but sometimes you have to make sure you know what the dress code is before you walk into the internship. Sometimes the business could be more casual and laid back, and others could be very professionally dressed. I know all you ladies want to wear those cute red pumps and that cute black dress, but sometimes, depending on the business, it could be too much. All you have to do is either ask you boss what to wear, or research!

7. Bring a Notebook

On your first day you usually are just getting the run down of the place and how they operate. Your boss will most likely be explaining the ins and outs of your work place and what you will be doing for the rest of your time at the office. You always want to write down everything you can! You cannot always remember everything, (believe me, I tried, doesn’t work) you will most likely forget the first thing you heard for that day. Just come prepared with a notebook and a pen and stay organized!

8. Be Enthusiastic!

I know you are nervous because it’s your first day at a new place, but you must stay positive and show interest! Show your motivation by asking to be included in meetings or asking people to show you how things are done. No one likes a Debbie Downer! (Not even Debbie)

9. Be on Time! (or Even Early!!)

One thing you never want to do on your first day at an internship is be late! That is a BIG no no! Try to be early! Early is on time, and on time is late. That is my motto. Being early looks like you are eager to be there and are ready to get started!

10. Be Yourself

If there is one person to be in life, it is yourself. No one wants to see you act like a different person. Always be yourself and everyone will like you just the way you are.

by Admin

Financial Literacy: More than just part of a school’s curriculum

New Jersey is just one of many states that recognizes the value of teaching financial literacy and the need to do so at a younger age. This is evident in the most recent mandate for all middle schools to incorporate the subject into their annual curriculum starting this fall.

But school classes are not enough. Financial literacy and “knowing the value of a dollar” starts at home. It should be part of everyday lives. Yet, talking to kids about money is not always an easy topic. The American Institute of CPAs offers some tips to help:

• Focus on values and the best ways to use money
• Make it a family affair, setting aside time for meetings to discuss budgets and spending
• Use visual aids including monthly bills and explore ways to lower costs
• Give kids a chance to earn then discuss ways to save for short term desires vs. long term goals

At SWP, we encourage families to instill the value of community service and social-preneurship as part of one’s overall financial wellness. We do it and think you should too. These are just some of the ways families can work together to improve the community as a whole.

by Admin

Partnering with Y.A.L.E. School and Someplace Special

Student Working Professionals is proud to partner with Y.A.L.E. School and Someplace Special!

Y.A.L.E. School believes that “every student deserves high quality, evidence-based instructional strategies designed to promote meaningful progress.” They are committed to teaching students who may struggle with a learning, emotional, or social disability inside and outside the classroom.

That’s where we come in!

As part of Y.A.L.E. School’s ‘Standard 9’ program, every Wednesday and Friday from 10:00 am to 1:30 pm, Someplace Special hosts eight students with special needs for a time of learning and growing. Student Working Professionals teaches workshops on topics such as ‘Professionalism’ to help contribute to their workforce readiness.

Nichole, a business management intern at Student Working Professionals, talked about what she does with the students:“We did different arts and crafts with them. One time we did charms.Right now we are training them on Digital Scanning. We are helping them get the hang of being in the office and teaching them about office manners.” She said that the students are “Pretty damn smart! They each have their own goals and personalities and really want to work hard.”

On Friday the 18th, the students gathered together with their mentors for their own Thanksgiving meal, hosted by Student Working Professionals. “Some [of the students] went up and gave their own speeches about how grateful they were for having us to teach them.”

When asked what her favorite part of working with the students was, Nicole said that she “Loves seeing their progress!”

by Admin

SWP: Stars Re-Sale Shop

Re-Sale has never been this easy… or felt SO RIGHT!

Do you have boxes in storage that have been sitting around for years? Does it feel wrong to just throw perfectly good items away? Would you love to see your items go to a great cause?Our Re-Sale Shop is here to help!

SWP: Stars provides job experience for teens and young adults with social and learning challenges. At SWP’s Stars Re-Sale Shop, your donated items will be researched, prepped for sale, and listed for online auction by our hardworking interns. This process provides our interns the opportunity to learn valuable career skills such as record keeping, research, basic photography, inventory management, price estimation, and working on various online platforms. Proceeds will support Student Working Professionals, a 501(c)(3) and its Stars program. Receipts for donated items are available for tax purposes. Sellable items include:

• Jewelry
• Collectibles
• Records
• Books
• Antiques
• Unique Items
• Clothing
• Toys
• Artwork

For more information, please contact Carrie Price at (856) 273-1272

by Admin

Annual Coat Drive – Making Winter A Little Warmer

For the 3rd year in a row, the interns at Student Working Professionals joined forces with the SWP Stars students from the YALE school to share some warmth during the cold winter season. This week’s deep freeze and drop in temperatures is a reminder that not everyone has even the essentials of a coat and gloves.

This is one of our biggest and most successful efforts throughout the year,” says Shannon, Director of Client Relations. “The team really bonds together and the response from donors is tremendous.”

So, in its last few days, there is still time to donate. SWP will be collecting new and/or gently used coats, scarves, gloves and hats through January 31st at either the Mount Laurel and Cherry Hill offices during normal business hours.

For more information, please contact Shannon at (856) 273-1272.

To learn more about SWP and how you can take part in building the stars of tomorrow, CLICK HERE.

by Admin

Holiday Networking Event

Join us for an evening of food, fun and festivities as we gear up for the holidays and show our support for all youth through SWP!

• Meet new people
• See old friends
• Hone your golf swing
• Win raffle prizes
• Live music

Date: Monday, December 10th
Time: 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Place: Topgolf, 104 Centerton Road, Mount Laurel, NJ 08054

All proceeds benefit Student Working Professionals.