Experiences that expose us and allow us to engage in the world other than our own are the best and most impactful kind of experiences. They build skills, such as adaptability, cross-cultural competence, understanding, open-mindedness, communication, and so much more. This past April, I found out that I was awarded to be a Fulbright ETA (English Teaching Assistantship) Finalist. I am excited to embark on my next international experience in Spain as an English teacher and run a girls’ leadership group this upcoming January.

This pandemic slump hit hard, but a college student with the drive to thrive can hit HARDER. I know that I am not alone in saying that this past year has interrupted plans or goals. In these hard times, roadblocks and sudden twists in our path may throw us off our balance. I am sharing the steps I have taken to make the most of my free time and enhance my professional presence during the lockdown. These tips are a culmination of advice from advisors, mentors, and professionals in my network that I turned to when I was feeling low. I hope they inspire you.

The uncertainty of a global pandemic has affected so many in so many ways. For me, the theme of these times has been adaptability. We all, individuals and businesses, adapt around guidelines and restrictions that juxtapose "Business as usual." …because a global pandemic is anything but that.

How can you adopt adaptability to your career? How can you shift your business now to sustain it for a post-COVID economic landscape? Being adaptable isn't just a business strength; it's one that can improve our everyday lives.

Tons of tables. Tons of employers. Tons of students vying for the same thing: a job opportunity. How do you make the most of a career fair? Here are some tips to confidently work the room like a pro, maximize your time, and ultimately, network to make meaningful connections and land that future job.

Well, THON happened. It’s been over a week since I not only stood up in the Bryce Jordan Center, but also sat down after being awake and on my feet for 46 hours. Those 46 hours are definitely some of the best and most memorable moments of my life. I stood beside some of my best friends, while also cheered on those who were on the floor as dancers, just soaking in every moment and realizing that the reason I was there was greater than myself—For The Kids.

I recently visited the Universal Sphere at the Comcast Center HQ in Philadelphia, PA and was inspired by its exploration of the power of ideas. Between that, and a lot of recent sit-downs I've been having with entrepreneurs, I'm curious about the motivation of creatives and entrepreneurial people. As a college student and soon-to-be-graduate, I'm specifically interested in examining the glamour of the idea of "starting something" met with the lack of acceptance or support for unconventional ideas from society. Let's talk about it.

Do you have a special #someone in your life? Are you looking for that perfect, personal, unique gift for him/her for Valentines Day? Look no further! 

This #whotowatchwednesday, I’m featuring my good friend, Dhillon Welsh. Dhillon and I go waaaaaay back, like Freshman year of college in the Business Learning Community, back, which means I ride for his new venture, DesignsbyDhillon. Let me tell you a little bit about why you should, too. 

So, your work BFF got the promotion* over you. The one that you "knew you were getting." Sh*t. After letting your feelings out, perhaps having one, two, or an entire bottle of Pinot Grigio to drown your sorrows, get back on your grind. Realize that everything happens for a reason. This opportunity was not meant for you. The "failure" only means that something else is coming, so be patient. And in the meantime, work to be 10x the employee your friend was when he or she got that promotion. Be so skilled and specialized in your work that your supervisors can't ignore you. Be the best on your team and your best version of yourself. Of course, that stems from passion.

He’s young, hungry (in more ways than one), and rapidly transforming the way food trucks do business. He’s Nick Nanakos, CEO & Founder of TruckBux. Screw your co-worker, Jane! This app just became your new lunchtime BFF. 

Nanakos’ revolutionary app, Truckbux, allows food truck fanatics everywhere to easily view truck hours, locations, ratings, cuisines, and photos. Even more convenient, the app enables users to discover nearby food trucks and order ahead for pickup and delivery. The BEST part? Your taste buds will never miss out due to not having cash. You can pay using Venmo, Apple Pay, or card at food trucks everywhere. 

Diversity is not a problem. It's not a bad word, nor a negative conversation. Our apprehension to engage in productive, respectful discussions, our failure to talk with one another -  that's where we fall short. In terms of diversity, it's not just a matter of the physical diversity of the individual. It's not merely about race or gender, as most assume. It's equally as important to consider the variance of skills, talents, and attributes of individuals within an organization to make the smartest teams, the most productive departments, the most "diverse" and inclusive companies. 

Brown Sugar Brown Butter Brownie. Okay, now you’ve stopped reading because that heading made you salivate and you’re already halfway to your nearest grocery store or Wawa to get some ice cream. Brown Sugar Brown Butter Brownie is just one example of the unique flavors coming to Philadelphia from entrepreneur Amy Wilson’s kitchen turned ice cream startup, Milk Jawn. We sat down to talk with Amy about her new business, background, and what inspired her to “just go for it” and make Milk Jawn a real jawn.

What experience are you enjoying that is influencing you to become more? Is it pushing you to think bigger? Inspiring you to cultivate and expand your professional and personal dreams? I took a significant pay hit in deciding to do what was best for me, but opened myself up to a WORLD of new opportunities, fresh perspectives, and an incredible network of diverse individuals. When you are young, and especially in school, THIS should be the focus, not how much you are earning hourly.

When she’s not in classes, find her presenting to over 600 employees at the Hershey Company’s National Sales Meeting, giving a TEDx talk at a local high school, running a Board meeting, or participating as a member of the inaugural #AExMECouncil with international clothing brand, American Eagle. A 21-year-old Music Industry major at Drexel University, Gabby Frost might seem like your typical college student, but what many don’t realize is that in addition to her schoolwork and somewhat ordinary college life, Gabby is a successful entrepreneur of her six year old non-profit, Buddy Project.

Recently, I was selected to give a TEDx talk at my university’s business school. They assigned two professional mentors to help me develop my talk and act as resources in creating my content, Raquel Arredondo and Caitlin Mahon A week after my talk, I can’t help but think about and reflect on all of the incredible mentors who have been and continue to be such a large part of my professional journey. It’s also made me think about why mentorship is so important in the business world and how I can be one to others. Here’s how to be a good mentor even if you don’t think you’re mentor material.

I understand interviewers and professors ask the “What is your five year plan?” question to get a general sense of what your future goals are and to encourage you to ask yourself what you want for your future. What’s not commonly emphasized is that it’s okay to not stick to that plan. Your 5 Year Plan should serve as your rough draft, not table of contents. Although I get the concept, I can’t get behind it.

HERE ARE MY FIVE REASONS WHY I BELIEVE THE FIVE YEAR PLAN IS COMPLETE B.S.!

We’ve all been there…the dreaded networking events that happen bimonthly or semi-annually that everyone pretends to love, but in reality hates. This article will expose some ways in which you can make yourself more comfortable when walking into the shark tank at your next event. Turn your anxiety into authority with these simple hacks to “work the room” and maximize your time. Here are this Blonde in Business’ 5 Tips to Better Networking.