by Admin10 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 AdminFinancial 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 AdminFinancial Literacy: Saving money starts with year-round planning
April 15th may have come and gone but personal finances extends far beyond tax season. All too often individuals see it as a time to avoid “money talk” yet planning ahead can help with both short term and long term goals. Here are some areas you should continuously consider:
- Follow realistic savings and budgeting strategies uniquely designed to your resources and goals
- Bolster financial strengths while mitigating weaknesses through proper planning
- Keep an eye on future financial milestones (i.e. new home, college funding, retirement planning, etc.)
- Incorporate flexibility when budgeting to account for the unexpected
- Continuously monitor and adjust budgets and savings strategies regularly
These are just some of the ways you can create greater peace of mind and the good news is you don’t have to do it alone. CPAs, including our team at RS&Co., is here to help with internal checks throughout the year.
by AdminCharitable Giving
The give and take of social preneurship.
As for many nonprofits, there was much apprehension about the impact of last year’s tax law changes. Would businesses and individuals shy away from supporting programs and associations?
SWP is pleased to say 2018 was a great year and there are so many to thank starting with our clients, associates, family, friends and staff. Here’s just a short list of happenings:
- SWP Day of Action
- Boys and Girls Club of Gloucester County
- VOADV at the Eleanor Corbett House
- Center for Family Services’ Together Youth Shelter
- SWP Stars Re-Sale Shop and DAI Scanning Services
- Annual Coat Drive
- Inaugural Holiday Networking Party
All the while more than two dozen interns gained real world job and life skills in all areas of business.
Thanks you again to all of you!
by AdminYear-End Business Tax Report Card — Did you make the grade?
Many businesses take a breath after March 15th when 4th quarter taxes and 1st quarter estimates are no longer weighing heavily. However despite what may seem like a reprieve, it is also a good time for reflection and planning ahead for next month, quarter and even year. Considerations might include…
- Implementing a retirement plan
- Utilizing tax-free fringe benefits
- Evaluating business entity type
- Strengthening business banking relations
- Establishing a line of credit
These are just some of the areas companies can assess in order to optimize their business planning. Other internal checks including a year-over-year review of 1st quarter. How do profits compare? Are there any dramatic changes expected in revenue or expenses?Should credit cards be used for payments to improve cash flow?
All these questions and more center around one core premise – it’s never too early to start planning – and a member of the RSCO team is available to help.
by AdminPartnering 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 AdminSWP: 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 AdminAnnual 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 AdminHoliday 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.
by AdminRetirement Contribution Limits on the Rise
Not often do we think of the words “good news” when it comes to the IRS. But for those committed to putting money aside for retirement, the IRS is preparing a gift for 2019. On November 1st, they announced cost of living adjustments and changes to pension plan dollar limitations that impact those taking advantage of retirement-related benefits.
It has been five (5) years since we have last seen a change in annual contribution limits to an IRA. This will increase from $5,500. to$6,000. There will also be an increase for employees who participate in 401(k), 403(b), most 457 plans, and the federal government’s Thrift Savings Plan, which will rise from $18,500. to $19,000.
In a year when the new tax code went into effect, these are just some of the highlights and changes as we look ahead to 2019. For how such changes will impact you, please contact us at (856) 273-1282.