Stomping Your New Stomping Grounds

Washington D.C. is a National Treasure of things to see and do, many of which are free or nearly free. Now that you’ve gotten settled into your internship, you’ll have plenty of time to see all of it. Here’s a quick list of inexpensive and free things to do that don’t require a 2/3 majority.

Go There and Back Again…and Again…

Freedom Isn’t Free

But seeing all of the monuments and memorials that represent it sure are. DC is filled with no less than 160 memorials and monuments that honor the people and events that helped shape our great nation. The most famous ones are the DC War Memorial on the National Mall, the Lincoln Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Theodore Roosevelt Island and the Washington Monument. There are also statues and plaques spread out all over town, which is why there is a wide variety of sightseeing tours available due to their popularity in the nation’s capital. Be sure to check our Getting Around DC page for a complete listing of other museums and transportation options for getting there.

 The Great Outdoors in the Middle of Town

If you’re the outdoors type, the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal is the place for you. It offers a variety of activity from hiking and horseback riding to boating and kayaking, making it very difficult to avoid yet another Smithsonian pun. While you’re here you should check out the Billy Goat Trail for a challenging hike; the Towpath which is used for biking (mostly just the first 20 miles); and Great Falls Tavern which offers mule drawn canal boat rides. There is a $3 entrance fee to the park if on foot and $5 if in a vehicle. One side note to think about, though: DC averages 39 inches of rainfall a year, which is more than even Seattle. So, whatever it is you end up doing, check the forecast.

The Smithsonian of Nightlife

The historic neighborhood of Georgetown is known as one of DC’s best spots for dining and nightlife. You’ll find everything from upscale shopping to great collegiate gathering places (also known as bars) that line the quaint cobblestone streets. Some of the best places to go here are 1789 Restaurant, located on a quiet street resembling a country inn; Cabanas, a Latin bar and restaurant located on the waterfront; and Blues Alley, a jazz supper club located in the heart of Georgetown. The neighborhood is also home to Georgetown University which, ironically, is surrounded by very expensive homes that encourage students to continue studying real hard.

The World’s Most Famous Address

Public tours of the White House are limited to groups of 10 or more and have to be booked a month in advance through a member of Congress. Therefore, the threat of a filibuster is high. Thankfully, there’s a much better way to see the White House. Just head across the street to Lafayette Park. From here you can take great pictures, hang out, chill, have a picnic, etc. White House Garden Tours are also available where visitors can see the Jacqueline Kennedy Garden, Rose Garden, Children’s Garden and South Lawn. However these are not open year round so be sure to check their availability. Also, be sure to visit the White House Visitor Center where you’ll be able to learn many aspects about the White House and its history.

As you can probably tell, Washington is a city with something for everyone. You may never get to see all of it, but that’s the beauty of it. Be sure to treat yourself to some of what DC has to offer. Doing so will not only help you get a better sense of your home and neighbors, but will also help you understand why Washington, DC, in and of itself, is considered a national treasure.  Make the most of your opportunity by experiencing as much as you possibly can. And make sure you sign up for our Newsletter for more updates on Things To Do.

WISH Newsletter: Things to Do

European Month of Culture May1-30
This month long program highlights the diverse cultures of the 27 European Union Member States + Croatia (joining the EU July 2013).

Shortcut to Europe: European Union Embassies’ Open House. May 11: 10am to 4pm.
Admission is free, no reservations required, and complimentary shuttle service is provided. The European Union Delegation to the U.S. and the embassies of the EU Member States invite visitors to experience the authentic music, dance, food, film, and art of 28 distinctive nations along with a rare behind-the-scenes look into the European Union embassies. Complimentary shuttle buses transport visitors along the embassy routes.

Washington Nationals vs. Chicago Cubs May 12:
Get your tickets here!

DC Bike to Work Day  May 17:
Join thousands of Washington, DC area commuters by bicycling to work as a fun and healthy way to get to work. Bike and Roll Washington DC will offer complimentary rentals for the day for Bike to Work Day participants. Reservations are required. Early pick-up is available from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, May 17th. Day of pick-up begins at 7 a.m.

DC Dragon Boat Festival May 18-19
Thompson’s Boathouse Center, 2900 Virginia Avenue, NW, Washington DC. The event features dragon boat races on the Potomac River, cultural performances and hands-on activities.

Rolling Thunder Motorcycle Rally May 26
Departure from the Pentagon at 12 p.m. Speaker Program and Musical Tribute 1:30 p.m. at the Reflecting Pool across from The Lincoln Memorial. Thousands of motorcycles ride through Washington in an annual demonstration seeking to improve veteran benefits and resolve POW/MIA issues.

Arlington National Cemetery, May 27^th
Flags-In. Soldiers from the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) will be joined by service members from the U.S. Marine Corps Ceremonial and Guard Company, U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guard, U.S. Air Force Honor Guard and the U.S. Coast Guard Ceremonial Honor Guard in placing more than 250,000 grave decorating flags at Arlington National Cemetery. The flags will remain through Memorial Day. A wreath-laying ceremony and concert will be held at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in honor of Memorial Day at 11AM

President Lincoln’s Cottage May 27^th
Take a free guided tour of the USSAH National Cemetery (predecessor of Arlington National Cemetery) at10:45 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. A wreath laying ceremony will also take place at the Soldiers’ Home at 10 a.m. Tours of the Cottage will be available from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at the regular price of $15 for adults and $5 for children. Visitors are encouraged to bring a picnic lunch. Advanced reservations for Cottage Tours are strongly recommended.

Alexandria Memorial Day Jazz Festival May 25 1-7PM
Waterfront Park, 1 Prince Street Alexandria, VA. The annual event features big band, swing, and contemporary jazz music. Picnics are allowed and food and beverages will also be for sale. In case of inclement weather, the festival will be relocated to the Lee Center’s Kauffman Auditorium, 1108 Jefferson St. Admission is free.

Sunday, May 26: During the evening, you can attend a free concert by the National Symphony Orchestra on the West Lawn of the Capitol.

National Memorial Day Parade May 27
Watch the National Memorial Day Parade on Constitution Avenue. Special wreath-laying ceremonies take place during the day at various memorials, including Vietnam Veterans Memorial, World War II Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery

Getting Your First Apartment

Making the change to living in your OWN first apartment can be daunting, intimidating, liberating and fulfilling all at the same time. (And sometimes in that order.) But there are things you can do that will help bring up those feelings of liberation and fulfillment a bit more. After all, you just graduated and landed a good job, so now you have to get the place to match it! Here are some helpful tips in guiding you to the perfect apartment as a recent grad.

1. Decide What It Is You’re Looking For

“That looks like a great place to have a raging pool party!” should probably not be the deciding factor in getting a place or not. (Although that’s a GREAT perk.) Here’s an idea of what SHOULD be the factors: affordability and convenience. Bill Pratt, president of Pratt Financial Group and author of numerous books on personal finance, said “There are always apartments in college towns with fewer amenities that cost a lot less.” He’s speaking to affordability. It doesn’t mean you have to search for the American Gothic of housing, it just means skipping out an any unnecessary amenities. Living close to your place of employment also cuts down on expenses and adds convenience. All you need right now are the bare essentials. Worry about being on MTV Cribs later.

2. Early Bird Gets the Worm

And by worm, we mean lease. Mario DiMercurio, a recent graduate from Michigan State and former intern for Sony, said, “I found my first apartment by looking on a bulletin board in the middle of campus months before I graduated.  I also had made frequent visits to the surrounding neighborhood looking at various places for rent and comparing prices before that”. There may be tons of recent graduates vying for the same handful of apartments in an area, so starting early gives you and advantage. Plus, it’s just good to get to know where you might be living. When you meet your potential landlord and his name is Norman Bates, that might be something to think about.

There are some things you just shouldn’t do during a job interview.

Some are obvious, some not so much. Last week, we talked a little bit about personal branding and ways to make yourself stand out in a line of applicants. This week we’re going to talk about ways to make sure you don’t stand out for the wrong reasons. There are a ton of websites and blogs out there dedicated to giving job hunters the interview tips they need to impress during this crucial stage. Everything from how to dress, what to say and when to show up is usually covered. However, what is often overlooked (and in many ways far more important) is to know precisely what NOT to do when you get your shot to prove that you’re the right person for the job. Here’s a list of definite “dont’s”.

1. Don’t be late

This needs no explanation. DO be 15 minutes early. You’ll have time to chill before the interview, and watch the goings on in the waiting room.

2. Don’t Look Like You’ve Been Out All Night

Or that you have just traveled the Oregon Trail to get there. Both can give bad impressions of being a party animal or being disorganized. Here’s something to think about: according to Kim Zoller at Image Dynamics, 55% of another person’s perception of you is based on how you look. Look neat and clean, and they will think your work is neat and clean too. All you need to bring in is your portfolio or folder with extra copies of your resume and a pad and paper. That’s it. If you have an umbrella or overcoat or one bag with you, ask if it’s okay to store it. Leave the beverages or snacks behind (think spills, it happens), and do not be chewing gum. DO show your personal style, but do it without the stains and wrinkles.

3. Don’t Be the Avatars of Perfection or Weakness

When you are asked, “What do you think is your greatest [strength/weakness],” don’t respond like this: “Everything I do has to be like that Picasso on the wall.” An employer won’t buy that answer. Conversely, don’t list a multitude of weaknesses. They send the wrong message of either being rehearsed, possibly difficult to work with, or not qualified for the job. Employers like a well-rounded and honest candidate. DO illustrate an honest mistake or weakness, but in a way that has taught you something valuable. For example, when Raul Vasquez, the Executive Vice President of Global e-commerce at Walmart was asked what his biggest mistake was in his career, he said it was “rushing a product out the door”, and that what he ultimately learned was “it pays to be patient and do things in a planned, rolled-out fashion.”

4. Don’t Compare Your Last Boss to Miranda Priestly

“My last boss was so horrible that I went skipping and singing down the hall on my out the door. What an idiot!” It’s a very small world and getting smaller every day. You don’t know who knows who. If your last job was very challenging, be honest about it but be respectful. DO say “My last job had various demands that made for a very challenging environment. I wore many hats but am thankful for the experience I gained,”, even if what you really did was throw your cell phone into a water fountain when it was all said and done.

5. Don’t Yell “SHOW ME THE MONEY!”

Terry Pile, Principle Consultant of Career Advisers said it best, “Your interest should be about the job and what your responsibilities will be. Asking about vacation, sick leave, 401K, salary and benefits should be avoided at all costs.” That can come after they offer you the job. However, sometimes there might be a case where an interviewer asks “How much are you looking to make?” If that happens, DO answer a question with a question. “Based on my qualifications, what did you have in mind?” It works more often than not.

6. Don’t Show Your Social Media Prowess

…while you’re in the interview. Turn off all your mobile devices. You don’t want to be in conversation when “Tonight I’m Lovin’ You” starts blaring from your phone. If there’s a situation where you have to have it on (like a family emergency), mention that right at the start. DO make sure the interviewer knows they have your undivided attention.

Avoiding these mistakes can go a long way in making the difference between getting hired or not. Your personal brand is on full display during an interview and you always want to represent yourself in the best light possible. A successful interview may not guarantee a job, but it will most certainly go a long way in answering the question of when you can expect that offer for your dream job. 

That’s the potentially multi-million dollar question.

And the answer to it lies in designing your own personal brand.

What is a personal brand?

Jeff  Bezos, the founder of Amazon, once said “Your brand is what people say about you when you’re not in the room.” That was how he defined personal branding. Quite simply, it’s how people perceive you. And it’s in that where you must first define who you are. And defining who you are helps potential employers remember you when they are thinking of who to hire from the pool of interviewees. It also helps them CARE about you.

Using what you’ve got

When Barbara Corcoran, the real estate mogul, first started out as a broker-at-large in NYC, she followed her mother’s advice, “Use What You’ve Got”. With a non-existent budget for wardrobe, she chose one, standout, expensive jacket, and wore it everywhere. That hot pink designer jacket became her trademark, and everyone knew her as the pink jacket broker. Not long after, she was known as “The Queen of Real Estate”. Barbara’s mom understood how the world works, and how to make the most of what you’ve got. How can you stand out?

Think about it

A big mistake that people make when branding themselves is not really giving it the thought it deserves. It’s whatever that thing is that you’re good at that needs to be marketed. If people have ever called you witty or quick, funny or smart, an expert on the laws of physics – those are all part of your brand which can make you a standout.

Explore deeply about the type of brand you want to present to the world and construct for yourself. Once you discover your core strength; once you know your career path and where you want your goals to ultimately take you, it’s then time to get into the fun part: creation.

She’s “Geeky Chic” and he’s “Preppy with a dash of suave”

Who are you? What is your “Virtual Voice”? You want both an online and offline presence that reflects the brand you are creating for yourself. This is how others will see you and remember you. Social media profiles (such as Twitter/Facebook/LinkedIn) will make up the bulk of your digital self, but creating a blog or website can also greatly enhance your reach and expand your network while selling your brand. If you want to be known as “The Geeky Chic girl” or “The guy who gets stuff done”, let your writing style and visuals support that persona.

You also want to highlight anything that makes you stand out in a line of applicants. Don’t just show qualifications and experience, but also show that your brand is not only strong but well-rounded and diverse. Talk a little bit about what you’ve done on campus, any clubs or organizations you’ve belonged to, and any volunteer work you’ve done in the community. Companies are constantly talking about schools they’ve built or environmental programs they’ve launched because it makes their brand look good. The same exact thing applies to you.

Be authentic

That’s not to say that you should have fluff on your resume or cover letter like, “During the semester I successfully scaled Mount Everest while helping NASA deflect an asteroid from Earth”, (though admittedly, that would be pretty cool), but you do want to show interests beyond your job qualifications. You never know if an employer is a dog lover like you.

The job market today is incredibly competitive and ever-shrinking. That is why it’s imperative to show potential employers your unique personal brand. Because at the end of the day it’s always important to remember that people will see you the way you see yourself. And that is one in a million.