The Daily Roundup: Resolutions, Hot Pockets and Tweeting Diplomats

By Mindy on December 30, 2008

Welcome to the Daily Roundup. Each day at the ThinkTalk Blog we will post some links that we find informative, interesting, or just plain funny. The goal is to let you know what else is going on out there, and ultimately help you with the development of your career.

This time of year always leaves my head spinning. The holidays have a way of sneaking up on me* and then flying by before I can get my bearings. I still haven’t finished my Christmas shopping and lo and behold, it's New Year's Eve tomorrow.

I can't believe it's been a year since I made my last New Year's resolutions. I do know I didn't keep any. Actually, I can’t even remember what they were—not a great sign. So this year my resolution is to keep it simple and build a few good habits. Like, I’ll take a few minutes to finish reading the newspaper in the morning. And maybe I’ll stop eating raman noodles and hot pockets for every meal… maybe.

If you're not too great at New Year’s resolutions either, check out Zenhabits for some ideas and inspiration. You still have a day to think of a few little things you'd like to change this year.

Thought of something? Good. Now it’s time to get linky:

Lindsey Pollack Advises: At ABC News on Campus. She has a list of things you can do in 2009 to help your budding career. I especially liked point #10. We know that everyone is fluent in ”textisms" but it can't hurt to keep e-mails professional.

TechCrunch.com Reports: The best (and worst) places to work. CareerBuiler made it into the top twenty best places despite its recent layoffs, and I was happy to see Whole Foods come in at #6 (great store). Not surprising; United Airlines and Circuit City ranked in the worst category.

Examiner.com Gives: Advice on finding a job or internship abroad. Companies definitely value international experience in entry-level employees. If I could work anywhere I'd go to Australia, and some of these opportunities looked interesting.

MediaBistro.com Reveals: Twitter is apparently the new cool way to reach your publics. The Israeli Consulate held a question and answer session today to talk about the conflict with Gaza. If you aren’t familiar with Twitter, it might be a good time to check it out.

One Day, One Job Lists: Its end of the year recap of all the companies it has featured. This might be a good place to get some inspiration for your job hunt.

Well, I’m out of links. So that’ll do, pig, that’ll do. Check back for more career news tomorrow and a rockin’ New Year’s Eve.

*Yes, I plead guilty to using a cat video in my blog post. Please don’t judge me based on this one example of my (perhaps) cliché taste in YouTube videos. It was funny.

The Daily Roundup: Guest Updates, Contests, and Hedge Funds

By Nellie on December 29, 2008

Hey ThinkTalkers, do you remember when director Danny Boyle said on our show something along the lines of how it would be interesting to see a star bridge the cultural gap between Asia’s film industry and the dominant Western film culture? Well, guess what? Danny’s very own film, Slumdog Millionaire is noted in AFI's one of the eight Moments of Significance in film, TV and the Web in 2008. According to USAToday, the American Film Institute said that Slumdog is a “moment to the possibilities of cross-cultural storytelling.”

But hold up, we're not through yet! ThinkTalk would also like to congratulate former Director's Cut guest Darren Aronofsky for his film, The Wrestler, as one of the ten AFI official selection movies of year. Talk about a comeback not only for Mickey Rourke but also for Darren since his 2006 drama/sci-fi/romance film The Fountain.

So you ask, "how the hell does this all tie-in with a career for me?” Here it is, Spike Lee won it, Pixar's John Lasseter won it and now YOU can win it…its called The 2009 Student Academy Awards. Here's what the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences says about the competition:

The purpose of the Student Academy Awards competition is to support and encourage filmmakers with no previous professional experience who are enrolled in degree-granting programs and accredited colleges and universities as full-time students.

So what are you waiting for, rookies? There are four categories you can compete in: Animation, Documentary, Narrative and Alternative. Make sure your film was completed after April 1, 2008 and before April 1, 2009. You could be cutting it close if this is the first time you’ve heard of this competition but now you know and at ThinkTalk we’ll always try our best to be those extra eyes and ears for any career-enhancing opportunities for you. So if it isn’t this year then get ready for next year and best of luck!

Hey check out these links for extra minutes of vital knowledge juice...

Cheezhead dishes: a list - published by Glassdoor - of 2008's Naughty and Nice CEOs. So glad to see Steve Jobs on the "Nice" list this year.

NY Times Reports: It's back to the basics for Yale University, along with some other New York area universities who are offering courses in hedge funds from real-world experienced pros.

Brazen Careerist's Nicole Crimaldi Advises: Students, recent grads or anyone in debt on the 10 Things To Know About Credit Cards.

The Daily Roundup: The Holiday Half-Day

By Zack on December 24, 2008

Welcome to the Daily Roundup. Each day at the ThinkTalk Blog we will post some links that we find informative, interesting, or just plain funny. The goal is to let you know what else is going on out there, and ultimately help you with the development of your career.

Christmas Eve. It is a ghost town at ThinkTalk HQ. Tumbleweeds just blew by my office. We’re going to call it a day week and head off to our homes, or families, or suffocatingly lonely apartments. Before we go, we would like to wish everyone who celebrates it a Merry Christmas. If that’s not your bag, then we hope you are enjoying your Chanukah. If you recognize Kwanza, all the best. If I left out your denominational holiday celebration, don’t feel bad . . . just know that we wish you all happiness this time of year.

The ThinkTalk Career Blog will be back next week . . . try to make it through. Before we get to the (very brief) links I thought I would share the joy with a clip from my favorite Christmas Movie:

On to your non-denominational Links . . .

McSweeney’s Brian Beatty Jokes: About the holidays at my house. Charlie Brown can kiss it,

University of Virginia Has: The real Curious Case of Benjamin Button, by my man, F, Scott Fitzgerald. Did you know The Great Gatsby is my favorite book? Of course you didn't. But it's true. I have a shirt and everything. Brad Pitt can kiss it. You can’t beat the original.

The Wall Street Journal Advises: How not to get into college. Wait, what? You’re already in college? Well, then, I guess just apply some of these methods to grad school. In this economy, you’ll need it.

Like I said: weak links today. Sorry. But who’s sitting at the computer today anyway. Oh, yeah, that’s right. I am. Well, we’re outta here. See you next week. Happy Holiday’s to all!

The Daily Roundup: I Find Tinsel Distracting

By Zack on December 23, 2008

Welcome to the Daily Roundup. Each day at the ThinkTalk Blog we will post some links that we find informative, interesting, or just plain funny. The goal is to let you know what else is going on out there, and ultimately help you with the development of your career.

You know what’s crazy? A madeup holiday gaining widespread acknowledgment and acceptance. That is just insane. Hilarious, but insane. And I love it.

What am I talking about? I’m talking about Festivus. Apparently (and I’m relying solely on Wikipedia here, because it’s tough to find credible sources for a fake holiday) Festivus was created by the father of a writer on Seinfeld, where it was brought to the attention of the general public via the episode “The Strike.”

Now, I’m not going to go into the what’s and how’s of Festivus. I am more interested in it’s widespread popular acceptance. In my neighborhood (a large neighborhood in THE NATION’S CAPITOL) there is an actual Festivus Pole erected to display one of the tenets of the holiday, “the airing of grievances.” You can purchase these poles on line. For some people this is a legitimate (albeit somewhat artificial) celebration. But what amazes me most is that Festivus was not a marketing ploy, or a contrived attempt to capitalize on a captive audience. It was a funny story by a writer that organically grew into a celebration and movement by a select number of people. That is America. A Festivus for the rest of us, to all.

And until you pin me, readers, the Links are not over . . .

The Monster Blog Aires: Some Grievances of her own. This post was the final straw in a number of Festivus related readings today. So, a big thanks to Christine at the The Monster Blog for sharing.

The Wall Street Journal Finds: Some sectors that will be hiring in the New Year. “What's more, some fields, such as bankruptcy law and crisis-management consulting, are thriving because of the downturn.” Wow, way to capitalize on the misery there. That should lift everybody’s spirits. Maybe you could become an arsonist, light a few fires, and then head on down the Fire Department. I’m sure they’ll be hiring. (All kidding aside, the article has some good info on growth industries – like engineering. Also, don’t start any fires. That was a joke.)

Bizwomen Speculates: On the future of the Small Business Administration.

The agency’s funding and staff have been dramatically cut in the past 8 years, but the good news is President-Elect Barack Obama has stated he plans to increase both. In terms of respect, Olympia Snowe (R-ME) of the Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee has urged Obama to elevate the SBA to the Cabinet-level status it had during the Clinton administration.

That will do it for the links today. Like I said, it’s a slow week. Tomorrow will be our last post for the week, and expect another slow one next week as well. Though we will be here and be posting. For now, we wish you all a Merry/Happy/Joyous/Whatever Festivus!

Revive Your Mind with Intellectual Devotional Author David S Kidder

By Zack on December 23, 2008

Each morning, before I eat, before I shower, before I check my email, I take 5 minutes for mental exercise. On a good day I consume an enormous amount of information; my RSS feeders are jam-packed (that’s right. Plural. I have two – a personal and a professional), I scour the websites of the Post and Times, research guests, ideas and links for the blog, and at the end of the day, sit down with a challenging book. Therefore, I think it is important to get the brain functioning before I begin this informational intake.

I have found that the best way to prepare myself is to start the day with a little light reading to stimulate the brain and get the gears moving. Last Christmas while searching for gifts, I stumbled across The Intellectual Devotional: Revive Your Mind, Complete Your Education, and Roam Confidently with the Cultured Class. Interesting, I thought. After all, I am all about roaming confidently.

The book features 365 lessons (one per day) from seven different fields of knowledge. I wasn’t sure if this would be something I would return to daily, or one of the number of fads I get all excited about initially, only to lose interest quickly (like exercise). But I found the book captivating. The topics are simple and usually feature a concept, event, or person I had at least vague familiarity with beforehand. For instance, today's entry - Tuesdays feature Literature - gave a brief description of the 19th century Romantic Movement. I was familiar with this topic, but it was refreshing to read a short, focused description without dwelling on the academic repercussions of the movement . . . as one would in a literature, art or history course. Now, as the year winds down, and I am running out of lessons, I am hopeful there will be future Devotionals to help me start my day off. Oh, but there is.. . .

Anyway, I think the Intellectual Devotional is a great way to start your day and get your mind working. It makes a great Holiday gift, and as a New York Times bestseller, turned out to be a great entrepreneurial idea as well.

The success of the book and the release of the new Modern Culture Edition, were two great excuses to have co-author David Kidder on The Blank Page. David is an entrepreneur by nature, with a wide range of success – mainly in online advertising. David discusses the idea for this project, his transition to the print world, and the benefits of working for yourself. My favorite bite came when I asked David to pass along information for aspiring entrepreneurs.

I think that people don’t realize the opportunity cost of not doing what your calling is. When you do something that you are passionate about, when you do something that creates a lot of cultural value, the economics will come. And so my unsolicited advice is don’t underrate your skills, your talents and your contributions. I think you should follow it.

To see the high quality version of the complete interview, visit Daivd Kidder’s show page. Or, watch his YouTube AdviceByte below.

The Daily Roundup: Livin the Dream

By Zack on December 22, 2008

Welcome to the Daily Roundup. Each day at the ThinkTalk Blog we will post some links that we find informative, interesting, or just plain funny. The goal is to let you know what else is going on out there, and ultimately help you with the development of your career.

We expect the next few weeks to be fairly laid back at ThinkTalk Career Blog. With most schools out of session and everyone traveling for the Holiday break, we expect links to be at a minimum. And since we are finished filming shows for the semester, we won't have any new guests until late January (except for tomorrow, when we will roll out the final guests of the semester).

We certainly will still be posting, though. And as always, we would love to hear your feedback. We recommend you take this break from your hectic class schedule to set aside your plan. What are your goals for the next semester, year, future? What are your interests? What, if you had a choice, would be that Dream Job? Let us know! We want to hear what path's and careers student's are interested in so that we can help you fulfill those goals and dreams.

But for now, to better be your Dream Weaver, we bring you Links . . .

On Hiring Has: An interesting take on the “Dream Job.” I can certainly sympathize with this. I routinely have dreams and nightmares about work. One recurring dream is that I cannot come up with interesting ideas for posts. Good thing that’s just a dream, right . . . Right?

Brazen Careerist Provides: The 7 things you need in real life that you do not learn in college. It really can be a shocking transition when you enter the work force. I would add that the ability to adapt quickly to the change from an academic to a results-based environment, along with negotiating the organizational chain-of-command are two other skills you do not learn in school that are unequivocally important to career survival.

Secrets of the Job Hunt Adds: 7 strategies for advancement once you score the big job. This is some good advice on the intangibles it takes to succeed from Mike Ramer, a proven job search consulting expert.

JibberJobber Criticizes: Lifehacker’s picks for “Five Best Online Job Search Sites.” I will agree; Monster, Career Builder, Yahoo’s Hotjobs, aren’t particularly inspired suggestions for the job hunt. “In my opinion, the list is a utter failure, providing nothing of the usual high-value content that Lifehackers are used to getting on that blog.” Ouch.

ReadWriteWeb’s Jobwire Reports: “Developers and designers still remained among the season's most in-demand people in tech while marketing and IT firms saw big increases in hires.” A very comprehensive and well done report takes a look at the Tech job market.

A number of companies appointed new CEOs last week and the steady flow of new Vice Presidents of one thing or another remained consistent, but we noted a substantial increase in the hiring for director level positions. These mid-level operators came in at a time when developer and designer hires slowed significantly, though the balance of hires between the two this Fall still leans towards the geeks and artists.

How To Submit Your Question To ThinkTalk.com

By on December 22, 2008

This blog was written by our ThinkTalk Tech-dork Tony. Tony is the post-production coordinator for ThinkTalk Networks (he edits the show and creates all the graphics). He is a native of Washington DC, born and raised, and attended Emerson College for his liberal arts degree in Video Production. His parents raised him with healthy helpings of video games, music and cartoons. If you have any questions, you can email Zack Sherwood, ThinkTalk host extraordinaire at zack@thinktalk.com.

So you want to submit a question to ThinkTalk eh? Well, it’s easy as 1, 2, 3, 14 (damn you Bono!)

Obviously your first step is to navigate your way to ThinkTalk.com and register to become a member of the ThinkTalk community. Do this by clicking the “Join Now!” button at the top of the page next to the login box. Once you have your new login and password go ahead and sign in.

At this point you will need to browse our upcoming guests section on the video tab at the bottom of our home page, and choose the guest you will be engaging with. If you navigate to the guests profile page you will be provided with links to their respected works, as well as articles they have also been featured in. This should provide you with enough background information to formulate a stimulating and engaging question.

Once you know what you want to ask all you have to do is record it. This is the hard part, because you are going to have to use your own equipment to record your question. However, the nice part is that ThinkTalk will accept any file format you give us, just as long as it is:

• < 3 minutes in length
• < 100mb in size
• Formatted NTSC (for international students only)

Formatting in NTSC simply means you are using a video camera or device that was purchased in the United States. Anywhere else in the world and your format follows the PAL system. This only applies to video recording equipment and not to image recording devices like digital cameras. Sounds kinda funny right? Get use to this inefficiency...the world enjoys not making any sense.

So, if you have a digital camera lying around that takes videos…or if you can manage to get video off your phone…or you just so happen to own a $20,000 film camera…I think you get the point. The fact is YOU have to record yourself asking the question and we will incorporate it into the show.

When you are ready to upload your question just navigate to the guest’s page who you are directing your question toward, and click “ask a question”. The following page will provide you with an area to upload your question. That’s it!

Once you are done we will review your question. If your question makes the cut then you can expect it to be featured in the show when it goes live on our website. I hope this helps you with any problems you might have incurred while submitting to Thinktalk. If you have any further technical questions about submitting a question drop Zack a line zack@thinktalk.com.

The Daily Roundup: The Price is Wrong, Drew

By Zack on December 19, 2008

Welcome to the Daily Roundup. Each day at the ThinkTalk Blog we will post some links that we find informative, interesting, or just plain funny. The goal is to let you know what else is going on out there, and ultimately help you with the development of your career.

By now you’ve probably heard about Terry, a contestant on The Price is Right who placed a perfect bid on his Showcase Showdown. This hadn’t happened in 30 plus years. You would expect some excitement from host, Drew Carey. Let’s go to the videotape:

Wow. That’s an enthusiastic reaction there Drew. Now, there is some speculation of the “anonymous source” kind that this gentleman cheated, using an elaborate plot of memorizing previous prize prices and help from the audience. Allegedly production was shut down while Drew and the powers decided how to handle the unprecedented situation.

Cheating or no, the show decided to award the gentleman his prizes, continue filming, end the show, and air the show. If the cheating is indeed the reason for Drew’s sulky behaviour, I get it. Your show was swindled and you were unhappy. But then why air the show? If you are going to air the show, it is your responsibility as host to act the part out. Show some enthusiasm for this odd occurance, regardless of how much of a scam it was. (And let’s be honest here; unless Terry had prior knowledge of the merch that he would be bidding on, it is still an amazing feat to memorize and process the prices for those good as they are revealed to him. Unless he knew ahead of time. Then that’s just lame.) But Drew, as an actor and a comedian you owe it to the fans to not come off like a whiny baby. Sheesh, he looks like he is going to throw his mic down and storm off set in a tantrum. So, all this being said I can only come to one conclusion.

Drew Carey, I offer you an unenthusiastic congratulations, you are this week’s JobFAIL.

I think you’ve had enough. No? Now you’ve had enough, Links . . .

The Brazen Careerist Features: A post by blogger Jarred Taylor, outlining how he scored a gig at Google. A great read on making a mark by blogging and creating a (positive) online identity.

Eye on Sports Media Profiles: The role and day-to-day functions of a technical director. In a guest post, the author, Robert Child, gives some excellent insight into this pressure filled, no-room-for-mistakes, profession. A good read for those looking to move into the technical side of television – be it sports or entertainment. (via Deadspin.

Bizwomen Found: A ray of sunshine on a cloudy day. “A national economic crisis has impacted entire industries. But the Women’s Business Council Southwest says most women business enterprises in the region will end 2008 with significantly more revenue than they earned in 2007.” It’s about time we saw some positive production during a crummy economic year.

Jobacle Offers: Advice on Hallway Etiquette. “You pass Susie in the hall, greet her with the typical pleasantries, and move on your way. Not more than 5 minutes later on the way to the copier, you see her again. What do you do?” I don’t know? Run? Hide? Play Dead ? I hope you all had an excellent week. We'll see you back hear next week for an abbreviated Holiday Edition of the Daily Roundup on the ThinkTalk Career Blog. Happy Holidays!

The Daily Roundup: Some Holly Jolly Career Cheer

By Mindy on December 18, 2008

Welcome to the Daily Roundup. Each day at the ThinkTalk Blog we will post some links that we find informative, interesting, or just plain funny. The goal is to let you know what else is going on out there, and ultimately help you with the development of your career.

Maybe I should feel guilty, but I’ve been avoiding business news for the past few days because I don’t think I can take anymore doom and gloom about the recession. Sure the economy isn’t… well, it isn’t quite what is used to be. But hey, everybody has off days, right?

We know that the economic situation, and therefore the employment situation, is serious. But with headlines being what they are, I thought we could all use some career cheer.

With that in mind, here’s a few ha-ha job moments to brighten up your holidays: . . .

Allthetopbananas.com Ponders: What if Santa had to job hunt? This video makes you think it's not so easy for him, either.

Job Profiles Finds: Some jobs you probably haven’t applied for yet. If your job hunt is feeling rather uninspired, see if any of these weird jobs pique your interest.

Secrets of the Job Hunt Laughs At: The (sometimes) ridiculous interview process. A lot of us could probably relate to this poor soul. Note: if you ever dreamed of interning with the ThinkTalk staff (of course you have) our interviews aren’t nearly this bad (although we do enjoy a good game of go fish).

Job Mob Asks: How would you describe your job? These people must have had a rough day at work. The job description for student was enough to make this post a winner.

CareerBuilder Delivers: A survey which asked hiring managers how job seekers are vying for their attention. One in ten managers reported that job seekers are finding more creative (and funny) tactics to grab their attention. I wish I had thought of some of these myself. The breakfast idea is money. There's also a list of the 10 Worst and Weirdest Work Stories of 2008. See, your job (or lack of one) is bound to be better than this.

The Daily Show Reports: On the ups and downs of “awesome” video resumes (last year’s job hunting trend?). Now this does not mean we are endorsing video resumes as a great way to find a job. But Demetri Martin is a funny man.

DamnIneedAjob.com Wonders: Would you wear your resume on your sleeve? This guy did, and then hung out at office buildings hoping to land an interview. If you’re inspired, you can order your very own fashionable resume.

YouTube Strikes Back: So this has nothing to do with anything. Unless your career goals involve becoming a yogi master. In which case, laugh away.

Career Enhancing Competitions...or just pure fun!

By Nellie on December 18, 2008

Winter break has finally arrived. It's time to enjoy the season, but those of us with potential cabin fever and a need for some green should definitely check out some of these online competitions going on until their respective January deadlines.

Want to be a part of a bigger New Year’s resolution for yourself and others? The World Economic Forum is hosting "The Davos Debates" on Youtube and they are inviting YOU to be a part of their discussions in Davos, Switzerland…all expenses paid. All you have to do is submit the most engaging video in one or more of the four topics: Economy, Ethics, Environment, or Politics. The deadline for video submission is January 20, 2009.

Want a career with the World Economic Forum? Click here to browse openings. World Economic Forum Careers FAQ page

Whether you're in debt or not, let's face it...a little cash is always welcome in our pockets. MtvU is throwing down a $10,000 gauntlet called "The Challenge" to individuals or groups of five between the ages of 18-28. So for all you college students with a love for gaming and a passion for a solution here's what they're proposing:

Get rid of your debt by taking the Indebted Digital Challenge. Come up with a creative, original idea for a video game that addresses the nation’s fiscal crisis and you or your team could receive $10,000 if your concept is chosen as the winner. You will also be credited in the final game and may have the opportunity to work with mtvU to make your idea a reality.

Hurry, the application deadline is January 7, 2009 and winner(s) will be chosen January 23, 2009.

Just recently the Pulitzer Center partnered with YouTube for a competition called "Project: Report, Telling the Untold Stories". Deadline was Dec 16th, which was a bummer for time but there is hope. This is not so much a competition since there is a rolling deadline but for any journalists, writers, photographers, producers or filmmakers there is a way to save on production costs. While perusing the Pulitzer Center's site I came across their "Travel Grants" page. Depending on your project and a detailed budget plan you can receive grants up to $20,000. Who knows, your work could be discovered and lead you down the career path of your passion.

Last but not least grab an iPhone and pucker up, no, I’m not talking about making out under a mistletoe and taking a video of it (sounds challenging and fun). I’m talking about Smule’s “This Contest Blows.” They’re giving away $1000 each to 10 lucky iPhone Ocarina wonders. Legend has it that for just 99 cents you can download this phenomenal application, learn a new instrument and listen to other ocarinas being played worldwide. But hurry deadline is 11:59 pm PST on January 10, 2009. Good luck and hope you win some cash for next semester’s toll!

Like the applications from Smule? Wonder what majors could come up with so much fun? Read more about Smule's founders Dr. Ge Wang and Jeff Smith here.

Read more about Dr. Ge Wang's bio on Standford University's site.

Thanks for reading and best of luck. Oh yes, and keep us posted if you get into the finalists or better yet win the contest or grants.