StudentenWerk Weblog

Movember: Don’t Do It Alone, Get Your Job Involved!

2018-11-09T12:34:30+01:00

Every November, men flock the streets proudly showing off their bad facial hair. From unruly unkempt beards to a barely visible peach fuzz. What started out as two mates simply wanting to bring moustaches back into fashion, became a global movement aimed at improving men’s health.

Participating in the movement is great, but it's even better if you get the people from your employment involved too! Not only does it raise awareness, but it also strengthens the bond between the team, raises moral and is simply great fun. Here are five ways you can get everyone at your job involved!

Get Everyone at Your Part Time Job to Grow a Mo
Growing a moustache is the easiest way to get involved in the movement. Why not get everyone at your job to grow one with you? You’ll feel less daft and it’ll make work more fun! You can have competitions like who can grow the best moustache or the longest one. Or, you can see which guy at your part time job last the longest without shaving. There are literally so many ways you can get the people at your job involved.

When I used to work part time as a pub bartender all the men would have a competition (even the customers) to see who could grow the best moustache and who could last the whole month without shaving. The guy with the best moustache received a pint on the house and whoever shaved before the month was up had to double their donation to the foundation. This friendly competition came with banter which made my part time job so much fun!

Make Your Move
Not everyone can grow a moustache, so “Make Your Move” is a great alternative to get everyone at work involved. Instead of growing a moustache, you have to run or walk 60kms by the end of the month. This is for the 60 men we lose to suicide every hour. Like Grow A Mo, this is something everyone at your job can do. You can also make it into a competition or a fundraising opportunity. Get your friends, family or even customers to sponsor you and then donate the proceedings to the Movember Foundation.

Do Some Fundraising at Your Part Time Job
Speaking of fundraising events, if your co-workers are total party-poopers that don't want to break a sweat this November, then another way to get the people at your job involved is to 'Host A MO-MENT.' No moustache growing or exhausting physical effort required! I asked everyone at my part time job what they liked to do and we all said clubbing. So, we held a party and had people buy tickets in order to attend. You can do the same! Ask everyone at work what they like and turn it into a fundraising event. You can also do gift matching where you double any donations made by either the customers or your co-workers.

Join the Movember Business Club
Another way to get your job involved is to have the business join the Movember Business Club. It's a club created by the Movember Foundation and over 60 businesses have already registered. Throughout November prizes will be given and businesses can take part in events held by the foundation. This takes some of the stress away from your job having to come up with activities and fundraising events.

Have Everyone at Your Part Time Job Shave Down
The end of Movember is just as important as the start. If you got people at your part time job to grow a moustache then it would be amazing if you shaved them off together too. It’s a great way of celebrating all that you have achieved the past month!

There are zero excuses as to why you can’t get the people from your employment involved! Do one of the things suggested above or create your own. We would love to hear how you helped this Movember in the comment section below!

6 Ways to Make Your CV Stand Out

2018-10-25T16:38:19+02:00

Today’s job market is very competitive that good grades aren’t the only thing employers care about. That’s why you need to have a CV that sets you apart from the hundreds of other candidates and has the extra bit of oomph. Below are a few ways you can make your CV different from all the rest.

Internships

It goes without saying that an internship is a great way to make your CV stand out. Luckily for you, StudentJob has plenty. An internship is a huge benefit for many reasons. Having work experience relevant to the job you want is an amazing advantage. That's why all students should do an internship. They give you experience working in a professional environment and teach you new skills. That is why employers like seeing them on CVs. Internships are also a good way of seeing whether the job/industry you want to work for is right for you.

Some internships can last a week and others last up to a year, so there is sure to be one that suits you!

Volunteering

Volunteering is another great way to give your CV a little more pizazz. It shows the employer that you are self-motivated since you didn’t have money motivating you to get the job done. And, that you have interests outside of school.

A lot of jobs nowadays ask for previous experience too. If you don’t have it, then applying for a job is equal to climbing Mount Everest without the right tools. That’s why volunteering is a great way to work around this! And it will make your CV look better compared to someone who only has good grades. So, volunteering at a charity shop or fundraising for an event will give you experience and evidence to back up the skills you list on your CV.

Extracurricular Activity

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, grades are no longer the only thing employers look at. Employers would rather have a student with relevant work experience and average grades, than a student with high grades and no experience. Why? Although the student has lower grades, they have the skills needed to do the job and won't need as much training. That's why during your time in education you should do something on the side.

Why not play a team sport? It shows that you have determination, are reliable and able to work in a team. Or, you can do something music/drama related which shows that you are confident and able to collaborate with other people. As long as you can justify how the activity has shaped you as a worker then no activity is a bad activity.

Learn a Language

I know you're tired of hearing people say this, but knowing a second language (or more) will set your CV apart from all the others. It is especially good if you want to apply for a job based abroad or to a company with international links. Also, it shows that you have the determination and other transferable skills such as problem-solving.

Freelance

Freelancing is a great way to showcase your skills to employers. You can sign up to freelancing websites and immediately find work in anything that you are skilled in. It shows employers that you are great at time management and responsible as you are setting your own working hours and rules.

Get a Part-Time Job

The last one, and the most obvious one is to get a part-time job. Many students go through the education system without having a job. So, although simple, having a part-time job shows employers that you can commit to having a job and have previous experience.

The Stages of Finding your Ideal Placement

2018-08-14T13:37:42+02:00

With university fast approaching for some, it is now the chance to apply for placements and internships. The thoughts rushing through student’s heads are along the lines of “AHHHHHHH!” Of course, this is natural. The process of finding an internship is never going to be an easy one - let's be honest here. Therefore, this article will break down the key stages on how to maximise your chances of securing your dream job.

THE QUEST

First of all, it is important to find the right internship place, you obviously do not want to be hired and then find out that this internship is actually nothing for you. Therefore make a list of requirements before you start searching.

What industry of work interests you most? Would you like to work for a large scale company or a start-up? What role would you like to focus on?
Are you looking for something local, or are you wishing to leave the UK and experience the international culture?

What are your personal learning goals?

To sum it up - find a company that suits your own work style and interests!

If you have answered these questions, you can search for internships that meet your personal preferences. Websites

Websites such as StudentJob IE and StudentJob UK are great places to start your placement search, other fantastic portals can also be found on your University Portal. Additionally, your employment tutor at the university will also become your best friend. Be sure to visit them frequently to keep them updated on any vacancy postings, and to ensure your application form is perfect.

Living in the digital age means the likes of Facebook and LinkedIn are being optimised so companies can advertise their vacancies online. It is important to create a professional looking profile, especially on LinkedIn. So make sure you go on an un-tagging spree and dazzle your future bosses with your almost normal profile...

Finally, if you stumble across a company who are not advertising placements then fear not. It is time to display your courage! Companies value proactive behaviour highly, especially in the workplace. So write an enthusiastic email highlighting your interests in working for the company, and who knows - you might be lucky...

THE APPLICATION PROCEDURE

Now that you have found the perfect placement, it is time to apply, but how do you do that? It starts with the preparation of a good CV. If you need help creating an effective CV that is bound to impress recruiters, check out this piece that will help you endlessly!

In addition to your resume, it is important to have a strong Cover Letter. Make sure your letter is a maximum of one page and that it stands out. Remember, recruiters may have hundreds of applications to read through - so it needs to impress in order to be successful. Personalise your Cover Letter and research the company to demonstrate your enthusiasm! For more information on how to create a high-quality Cover Letter, be sure to read this handy document!.

OK, so you know have an A-Grade CV and Cover Letter...and congratulations you have moved onto the next stage! Depending on the size of the company, after screening your application you will be invited to an interview, or if there is a high volume of applicants you will be asked to undertake psychometric tests. To prepare for these glorious tests, there are many helpful resources at your university, so be sure to check it out!

THE INTERVIEW

I cannot stress this enough - preparing for interviews is crucial. It is a nerve-wracking experience for everyone, however, with the right preparation you can minimise the stress and before you know it, will become a free-flowing experience where you can actually have a conversation with the interviewer. Want to smash the interview out of the ballpark? StudentJob’s interview tips will help you no end!

So you have tackled the quest for finding your desired placement, you have fought through all the applications and you have successfully landed yourself that interview to display your high calibre of skill! Start your search early and see the benefits that preparing has to offer. From everyone here at StudentJob - we wish you all the best with your placement search

How to drag yourself out of bed in the morning!

2018-08-14T10:57:21+02:00

Every morning we are faced with our nightmare - it forms the shape of a phone and plays what can only be described as noise that ascends into chaos before being frantically beaten to a pulp until there is silence. Yes, I am talking about the alarm. Whether it is at six o'clock or at ten o'clock, it still remains a misery every time to turn those blankets away from you. And that snooze function is also pretty dangerous. We can not make this moment much more fun, but there are a number of tips here so that you can get out of bed a little easier.

1. Set your alarm clock 10 minutes earlier. Yes really. Setting the alarm a little earlier, means you can wake up in a far more natural state. As much as we love sleep, no one wants to be rushing around in the morning, looking for that one pesky soak with a toothbrush hanging out of your mouth. Of course, this requires discipline, but once you can survive the early morning starts, you can take on the whole world.

2. This is more relevant to those cold winter evenings. There is nothing worse than feeling the spine-tingling cold whilst you are still cocooned in your duvet. In some cases, I represent a cheese and ham toastie. Place a dressing gown or a blanket next to your bed, so when you leap from its warm grasp, you can gracefully place yourself in quite literally, your comfort blanket.

3. Put your phone just too far away to be able to access it. So the tendency is not so great to first check everything on your phone in bed for half an hour. You have to get out of bed to see something and once you're out, you might as well stay out.

4. Reward yourself with a nice breakfast. Food is always a good incentive to get up, so for those delicious pancakes you want your bed to come true!

5. Prepare and take with you the evening beforehand. Then in the morning, it does not feel like such a huge mountain of activities that you have to undertake. And you can stay just a little longer. Double advantage!

6. Leave the curtains ajar. When it becomes light in the morning, your body feels that you need to wake up. This means you wake up gradually instead of such an abrupt alarm clock.

Of course, it will sometimes go easier than the other, but we hope that with these tips you will have less trouble getting up. And think of it like that; you are not the only one who suffers from it! Sleep tight!

How to holiday at low prices this summer?

2018-07-30T10:27:42+02:00

Whether you are a student or an adult, summer holidays are a long-awaited time for everyone. However, in times of crisis, the budget is tighter which makes the departure that little bit more stressful. Read this article if you want to discover some tips that will allow you to have a price-efficient holiday this summer.

Go to a holiday club
If you want to go to a holiday club, it is possible to find stays of less than 300 euros for a period of one week. There is also the option of renting a caravan so that you can do a bit of camping.

For this, it takes around 200 euros for a week rental. The advantage of this option is that the timing of the reservation does not matter. It is always possible to rent a mobile home even if you book at the very last minute.

However, if you wish to compare the prices, just go to the professional sites to have the best guarantee on the quality-price ratio. To facilitate your efforts in the search for a destination at a reduced price, you can go to Tui Coupon Code which offers good plans for the holidays, while respecting the budget of your choice.

Minimize the price of your stay

The price of travelling in addition to the cost of a hotel room makes your holiday rather expensive. Home swapping is a practice that is being done more and which can greatly minimize your expenses.

If you have a house or an apartment, you can make an exchange with holidaymakers who wish to visit your area. The concept is simple: you exchange your apartment with the one of another person, resident in Ireland or abroad. In addition to being practical, this transaction is completely free. You will then avoid having to spend the colossal cost of most hotels during the summer season.

There are many exchange sites that combine Irish and foreign offers. Just register on one of them and contact the members you are interested in. One of the best websites is Home Exchange. You should always make sure that you’re safe when going to live in strangers’ homes. Just bear in mind the city, the district, and the country, etc. in which you will be staying.

You should know that the exchange of apartments also exists in "luxury version". The condition is that to live in a luxurious home, you must have a home of this type.

Combine summer job and vacation

The combination of vacation and seasonal work is much more suitable for a person travelling alone. A summer job during the holidays makes it possible to make the expenses that these last ones profitable.

The lifeguard job is attractive if you have a degree that allows you to practice it. Another alternative may be the bartending profession, which does not always require a particular qualification. This job allows you, in addition to enjoying your day, to have fun once your service is over.

Do not hesitate to inquire, as during the summer holidays, most places, catering, sales, etc. are looking to hire more staff. Here you can find offers for summer jobs in the city of your choice.

Even if the Irish holiday budget decreases from year to year, solutions exist to allow people on a limited budget to enjoy their summer months. And if swapping places with strangers does not inspire you, you can always opt for a rental or seasonal job.

Be that as it may, take the time to analyse all the offers likely to satisfy your desires and your finances. In addition, it is also common that at the end of the season, the price decreases considerably because agencies and hotels sell their offers before entering the low season.

Advice for Working Abroad

2018-06-25T10:06:51+02:00

Have you always dreamed of living a true adventure? Have you always wanted to travel the world and discover new cultures but you are stuck working? Here is some good news! You can do both at the same time! Working abroad is the experience of a lifetime you’ll discover new cultures, new people, and new ways of doing things. You will also become more self-confident and more self-reliant! To make this experience unforgettable here are a few tips you should take into account before you go for it.

Know the best destination for you

Deciding to change completely where you’re going to work can be a little frightening. What is the best place for you? It is important that you know what will suit you better for leaving conditions. For example, maybe you had an excellent time on holiday in Puerto Rico, it might not, however, be the perfect place for you to live. Therefore, doing a bit of research about the climate and culture differences will help you determine where you will feel more comfortable! If it is possible, go and see for yourself how is the atmosphere, what are the people like and get a feel for your future town before you make a move. Loving the place you live in makes your experience abroad so much easier!

Know where to look for your dream job

The best thing would be to look for your future job from back home! And in order to find the perfect match before you are gone you have multiple options;

Don’t hesitate to post on social media

Sometimes social media can help you find a position in a new country really fast! Maybe your girlfriend’s cousin knows someone in that country you are targeting. Maybe one of your mum’s friends has a son who is living in that same country. You never know and it can only bring positive outcomes! Even if people from your social media can’t directly help you they will for sure give you great tips from their previous experiences.

Check specialised websites

There are millions of expats across the world and therefore there hundreds of websites dedicated to them. Then there are many websites dedicated to helping those who want to leave! Not only will you find many job proposition made for expats but also will you benefit from the experience of the others. They will advise you, and gladly help you with any questions since they probably went through the same process as you. Most expats will gladly share their experience!

Look through the local job board

There is nothing better to find a job where you are going to work than to follow the path a native would follow. It will help you find a job faster and one that isn’t reserved for expats so that will help you discover the culture and the country on a wider scale. If you want to know what is the best job board per country you can check Jobboard Finder, which is a partner of StudentJob IE. It will help you find out which Jobboard is the most used per field so you can easily find the best proposition for you.

Get your papers in order

Before leaving your country for great adventures, you need to know all of your papers are in order. Once you will leave as an expat and you work in a different country everything will be more complicated. Therefore, when you decided that you wanted to leave, the first important step is to know you will not get in trouble in the middle of your stay because your ID has expired and you do not have any valid documents. So make sure your ID and or passport are valid, that you follow all the procedures to get a work permit, and, if applicable, a visa… Also make sure to bring with you, along with identity papers, degree certificates, references, resume, resources, police checks and everything you need for your visa: your actual visa, bank statements, anything that proves ties to your home country. There is nothing more frustrating than trying to prove who you actually are! Pro tip: upload a copy of all of your important documents to your computer (put them in your cloud, Google Drive) so that you can retrieve them a lot more easily.

Health insurance

Every country has its own system for health insurance and in some countries, the medical bill can be extraordinarily expensive (especially in the US for example). So before leaving make sure you are covered by your own social security or find out what you are entitled to. In some countries such as France, health insurance is an obligation. Know what procedure you should follow in order to abide by the law.

Taxes

When you are moving abroad you don’t immediately think of taxes but the tax system is, like health insurance, unique for each country. So before leaving you should make you sure you filled all the right papers. There is probably an international agreement between your home country and where you are going. Find it and follow the procedure to be sure you will only pay one set of taxes!

Armelle Jobboard Finder

Six tips for coping with the university to work transition

2018-06-14T10:45:11+02:00

Attending university is very much akin to living in a bubble for three to four years. The transition from an independent lifestyle at uni, in which you were largely in control of how you filled your time, into a strict 9 to 5 job routine can be a challenging one. Final students across the country will currently be gearing themselves up to make the leap at the moment and many will be feeling nervous, unsure on what to expect and unwilling to leave behind the freedom that comes with uni.

But the switch from student to staff member doesn’t have to be overwhelming and we are here to provide you with some tips that will make the entire transition as seamless as possible!

1. Accept that things will change

For most, leaving university will mean moving back home and starting a new job, which means that very early on after graduating, you will be required to adapt your daily routine. At university, you will have largely had control over how and when you completed your assignments, the same policy does not apply to the workplace. Adapting to a nine to five job can take time, as can getting used to living by your parents’ rules again. However, if you can accept that things are going to change from the get-go, the shock will be lessened, and you’ll find it easier to settle into your new routines.

2. Continue networking

You will have spent the best part of the past three years constantly meeting new people at university.

Life in the workplace is rarely the same. Many teams are relatively small these days and so after a few weeks, you’ll find that you’ve already met a majority of the people that you’re likely to bump into at work.

But, networking is the best way to progress in most careers, so it is not something that you want to stop doing. Make the most of your spare time by connecting with people who are currently working in the field that you would like to end up in. A quick search online will show up a list of networking events close to you, and, failing that, LinkedIn is always at your disposal.

3. Your first job does not have to be perfect

Long gone are the days of spending your entire working career with one company. Nowadays that is the exception, rather than the rule.

So, while you should be over the moon that you have bagged yourself a job following graduation, don’t put added pressure on yourself by convincing yourself that your first job needs to be perfect. Instead, remind yourself that you’ve got years ahead of you to find your dream job and that, in the meantime, this one will help you to build industry connections, sort out your finances and give you real-life work experience.

4. Keep in contact with your university friends

It may seem counterproductive to keep a tie to your university while trying to move forwards but keeping in contact with friends you made while studying can really help with the transition. They will know exactly what you’re going through and so, maintaining regular contact with them can help you to feel less alone and scared as you deal with the change in your lifestyle.

5. Continue learning

Having a degree on your CV does not mean that there is no value in continuing your education. A masters is not the way forward for everyone but there are now a number of online and evening courses available in a wide array of topics. Whether you want to scrub up your current skills or learn an entirely new skill, there is bound to be a course out there that will interest you.

Completing an additional course will help to ease the transition away from full-time education, at the same time as adding to your CV and giving you a way to impress your current and future employers.

6. Understand that it will take time

Graduating is a big a lifestyle change as starting university is, so you need to accept that it will take you time to adjust to your new way of living. Putting too much pressure on yourself can only make the transition harder so, instead, simply accept that it can take a little while to adjust to all of the changes but know that you will get there in time.

Shannon Clark writes for Inspiring Interns, which specialises in sourcing candidates for internships and graduate jobs. You can find more of her writing at www.shannonlclark.com and www.sweetserendipityblog.co.uk.

5 tips on relocating for a job

2018-05-22T17:25:23+02:00

Have you just signed a contract to work at a place which is different than your current geographical location?

First off, congratulations on your new position! A new life can begin, fresh from scratch, full of infinite possibilities… butterflies in your tummy are proof that you’re on the right track in life and exciting times are ahead.

In 2018, some people purposely look for remote jobs and some relocate to a new city or country because of a new job, which is equally thrilling and it presents you with the unique opportunity to create a new home from home, to establish a new base.

Below are some tips to make your transition as smooth as butter.

Prepare beforehand for a potential culture shock as much as you can

Whether you’re relocating to Bali or to a nearby town a couple of hours away, don’t ever underestimate the importance of preparing for change. By doing so, you’ll greatly reduce your chances of experiencing ‘grand disillusionment’ and eventually resorting to wanting to go back to where you came from. Which would be a pity since you’ve already made so many sacrifices to make it this far…

However, the more prepared you are, the more successful your relocation experience.

If you are able to visit your new destination before moving at all, do so and while you’re at it, getting your bearings is a good idea as well. Knowing the location of the closest grocery store or dry cleaners will matter one day a lot.

Also, if you need to find a permanent place right away, make sure you actually go and see the place for yourself. Remember – more preparation equals less disappointment. Don’t leave anything to chance.

Still, most relocationees opt for finding temporary housing before committing to a lease.

You don’t have to pack every single possession you own

Because you’ll buy new stuff at a new place anyway and your moving day will feel much lighter to boot.

So don’t be afraid to downsize your belongings (although we must admit this might sound scary to people with hoarding habits) and your wardrobe is a good place to start – set aside the pieces that you don’t wear and give them to people who actually need them (local charities and virtually anyone who appreciates wearing hand-me-downs).

By the way, sorting out which clothes to take and which not to take is like a great metaphor of life – it’ll help you sort your life out, too. If you’re a person who loves change, this editing process can be an enjoyable part of your relocation adventure.

Business Insider advises that when you've finished sorting through everything, you should box all items up and label them unless you want to undergo unpacking hell.

Oh and self-storage! Be sure to make use of self-storage services if you don't have a permanent place in your new city yet. Dragging stuff around the urban jungle can be incredibly tiresome.

Know your rights on compensation

Getting your finances organized is the first thing your mind should be preoccupied with after signing on the dotted line and it’s critical to have an estimation of how much your overall relocation will cost.

Make sure you fully assess your savings situation and calculate if you have sufficient funds for “relocation musts” such as a deposit on a new room/apartment, a few months' worths of living expenses, etc.

Also, TalentEgg (hatching student & grad careers) suggests that there are many companies that will gladly provide financial support for an employee who is relocating just because of them. They may offer to cover transportation expenses, for example.

Therefore, know your options and, if possible, make the most of what’s being offered.

Don’t be sad about everything you’re leaving behind, be excited about everything new that’s about to enter your life

Embarking on a journey to an unfamiliar place can be a daunting task to undertake, but keep in mind that even your current life where you live now started somehow and even your future life in a new place might end someday (well, who knows where you’ll relocate next) and that change is a natural part of life and without it everything would be painfully boring and reeking of stagnation…

And let your soul be comforted by the fact that your old life is only a car/train ride or a plane flight away.

Once settled in, don’t be a hermit – buck up and join group activities!

If you're new in town and you don't know anyone, one of the best and fastest ways to fix this problem is to engage in so-called “extra-9-to-5 activities”.

Join a club or sign up for a class, try something you've always wanted to try and make new friends along the way. In case you’re relocating to a completely new country, expat communities like InterNations make it so much easier for expats to feel like at home away from home.

Sarah Dixon writes for Inspiring Interns, which specialises in finding candidates their perfect internship. To browse our graduate jobs, visit our website.

Tips For Beginning Freelance Work

2018-05-18T13:03:38+02:00

It can be difficult whilst at uni to begin thinking about the world of work. And similarly, it can be hard to make ends meet financially. Picking up some freelance work can be a way to kill two birds with one stone – you can begin to make connections within your chosen career field and make a bit of money on the side. Here are some tips on how to get into freelancing.

Begin With A Profile

Having a place online where you can link existing work and achievements is a really great way to build a portfolio online. This can then be used as a way of reaching out to potential clients and thus get more work.

Have Your Cover Letter Ready

It’s a good idea to have the bare bones of a cover letter written up, which can be edited to fit different positions or companies. This can save time, and therefore make you able to cast a wider net in terms of looking for clients. It’s important not to sell yourself short in your cover letter, but they’re better kept shorter, so make sure it’s densely packed with information and achievements.

Prepare For Initial Low Rates

In order to build up a portfolio, it can sometimes be necessary to accept a lower rate that you would like. This is why beginning freelancing whilst at uni is a good idea – you can build up your contacts without relying so heavily on your paycheck. However, after you’ve worked for a while, remember to keep cognisant of what counts as a reasonable fee.

Reach Out Often

A huge part of the initial freelancing game is reaching out to people. If you have a spare few minutes, fire off some emails. Look into companies you’re interested in freelancing for and try to connect on LinkedIn. See who commissions freelancers in your fields and follow them on Twitter. There will be work out there for you – it’s just a question of finding it.

Use What You Have

Think about any potential connections you have to the industry – no matter how tenuous. With freelance, a lot of work is assigned before it’s even advertised, so getting even the smallest of footholds is key.

Put Yourself Out There

As freelancing grows, there are a lot of websites built to link people with projects. You should aim to join as many as you can because getting your name out into the industry is seminal. People Per Hour, Upwork, Reed and Indeed are all good places to start out.

Annie Walton Doyle writes for Inspiring Interns, which specialises in finding candidates their perfect internship. To browse our graduate jobs London listings, visit our website.

How to Save Money as a Student

2018-05-15T12:11:13+02:00

Are you studying at college or university and looking to save money? Sometimes it does get really difficult as a student, with tuition fees, rent and shopping costs always on the rise. But there are ways of saving money which will put less pressure on you financially, and we would like to share them with you. So let's go through some tips that can be used to save money every day!

Make dinners from scratch

You might not think it but it is cheaper to make homemade dinners rather than buying frozen food and it’s much much healthier. You should invest in some plastic containers, so that you can take your homemade food to work or to university if you have to study in the library. Another option, if you share an apartment, could be to split the cost of buying food with your housemates. You might be buying too much yourself anyway and you shouldn’t waste your money.

Buy a bicycle

Instead of using public transportation, you could buy a bike. Let’s say you are currently spending €50 per month on a bus ticket, you could buy a bike for that price which you don’t have to pay again in the next month. You will also be able to keep fit and do your part to save the environment. Of course, the weather in Ireland isn’t exactly tropical. It rains a lot, so you should also buy some waterproof biking gear to wear over your normal clothes. I know it sounds like such a hassle, but again you’ll still save loads of money, as it’s just a one-off payment.

Subscribe to your campus gym

Are you a member of a gym that seems to be a bit too pricey? Then why not check out some deals of your campus gym? Chances are, if you’re just keeping fit and are only using machines, you might not necessarily need to go to a huge gym full of free weights and bodybuilders. Normally, campus gyms are substantially cheaper and just as good if you’re just keeping fit.

Quit Smoking and Binge Drinking

Have you ever woke up in the morning dreading having to look at your bank balance? Sure we’ve all been there a few times, but after the 55th time, maybe it’s time to rethink how you spend your weekends. The same with smoking. It’s bad for you and it costs a fortune.

Get a student card

If you get a student card then you can go to shops that offer student discounts, which will save you a ton of money. That includes the cost of food, clothes, gym, cinema, museums and much much more.

Don’t misuse your student loan

If you’re eligible for a student loan, don’t buy things that are unrelated to your personal growth, studies and other necessities. This means that you don’t need to pay back money for things you won’t even benefit from later on. Perhaps it would be better keeping your loans for when you go on exchange or do a work placement abroad.

Split costs with your housemates

If you’re living in a shared apartment with other students, you should consider splitting the costs of as many things as possible. You’re already splitting the rent with them, why not split even more costs? This could include getting rid of the internet service on your phone and getting wifi in the house. Likewise, you can also do it for Netflix and Sky.

We hope that this article will help you save money and if you have any ideas to share with other students then please be sure to leave a comment below.

If you are looking for a job or internship, register with StudentJob and get started with your applications!

5 Atypical Holiday Destinations

2018-05-07T17:14:42+02:00

The cities in this article may not be the most well-known cities in the world, but they definitely shouldn't be overlooked. As an Irish citizen, you may need a visa to travel to some of the countries on this list, which you can apply for online. The process is easy peasy.

Are you sick of going to the same kind of places on holiday every year? Why not go somewhere different? Let's check out the 5 atypical holiday destinations that you definitely need to visit.

1. Saint Petersburg, Russia

Language: Russian

Currency: Russian Ruble

Locals speak English: 50% chance

Visa required: Yes

Have you ever considered visiting Russia, but thought that it'd be quite an unusual or unsafe place to go on holiday. Well, forget all the negative stuff that you heard. It's an amazing city with a population of 5 million, with a rich expat community and plenty of stunning sites to see. You can find loads of pubs, jazz bars and nightclubs dotted throughout the city centre. Getting around the city is also very easy as the city is served by a large metro system that runs between 5.45 - 00.00, in addition to buses and trams. It is home to the most beautiful eastern orthodox churches in the world, including the Church of the Saviour on Blood (captured above).

2. Lapland, Finland

Languages: Finnish and Swedish

Currency: Euro

Locals speak English: Yes

Visa required: No

Lapland is a region in north Finland. It borders Norway and Sweden and is home to Santa Clause's Village. During midsummer, the sun doesn't set at all. It is such a vast area with lots of amazing lakes, forests and cottages. If you're planning to go with a group, you should definitely consider renting out a cottage. You will be able to go swimming in the lake, go for a sauna and enjoy long beautiful nights in the sun. You can also go on hiking trips in the many amazing national parks. If you think you'd like to visit in the winter, you can go skiing and snowboarding. But the most amazing thing to do in Lapland is Husky Mushing across the vast stretches of land. Of course, you will have to wait until winter to visit. It's worth it!

3. Budapest, Hungary

Language: Hungarian

Currency: Hungarian Forint

Locals speak English: Yes

Visa required: No

Budapest is often considered the most beautiful city in Europe. Its churches and cathedrals are jaw-droppingly stunning thanks to its historical heritage as part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. You can go to the Gellért Baths to relax in the spa, go swimming or go for a sauna. Another great place to spend your Saturday evening in Budapest is the Hungarian State Opera House, where you can enjoy the greatest opera and classical music in the world. The cost of visiting Budapest is also relatively cheap. You can stay in great hotels, go to nice bars and clubs that would normally cost a fortune in other EU countries.

4. Istanbul, Turkey

Language: Turkish

Currency: Turkish Lira

Locals speak English: Almost always

Visa required: No

You may know a lot of people who have visited Turkey, but most probably they have gone to the very touristy locations (e.g. Marmaris). Istanbul, however, truly is a transfixing location. Once called Constantinople, the heart of the East Roman Empire, you can find beautiful mosques which once were eastern orthodox churches. This city is the gateway to the Middle East from Europe, which is reflected in the culture, cuisine and architecture. Your money in Istanbul also goes a long way as the cost of hotels and food shopping is relatively low. If you're an EU/EEA citizen, you don't need a visa to visit Turkey.

5. Isfahan, Iran

Language: Persian

Currency: Iranian Rial

Locals speak English: 70% chance

Visa required: Yes

Iranians are amazing people; the cuisine is to die for and the city of Isfahan is filled to the brim with amazing culture: architecture, mosques, museums and cultural sites. Iran has the oldest continuing civilization in the world. It has some of the oldest temples and palaces that date back centuries. The city of Isfahan itself is very affordable. Iran is the place to go if you are interested in history, culture, food and architecture.

Dress to Impress

2018-04-30T11:44:33+02:00

‘’I have an interview tomorrow. What should I wear?’’

Does this question sound familiar? Every time an interview approaches, we all face the same questions about what is and isn’t appropriate to wear. We want to look professional. More than that: we have the need to show that we can fit in the company we’re applying for. But why is that?

A survey of 2,000 managers has shown that at least 77% said they are less likely to make an

offer to a candidate who isn't dressed for the occasion. This means that the way you actually present yourself can determine whether or not you can be part of a company. Additionally, 22% of the managers surveyed even admitted rejecting applicants based on their interview appearance. Are you getting the point? Dress to impress! This should be your interview Motto!

We want to make sure you won’t miss any opportunities and that interviewers will remember you for your outstanding qualities.

Here’s how men should go about it!

A suit can never go wrong. Of course you need to do some research. Analyze the company you’re applying for. Try to see whether or not it’s formal. Even so, a suit is always a safe option. Nonetheless, if it’s super formal, don’t miss the tie and assure that its design is simple yet professional (no cartoons or funny-looking ties.)

No wrinkled shirts! This is one point you can’t miss. A wrinkled shirt shows that you’re careless and not really focused on getting everything to be sharp and thorough.

Wear clean and polished shoes. This will tell the interviewer that you’re careful about your appearance while also showing that you took the time to put everything together perfectly.

Mind your hair and jewellery! You want to show that you’re the best-suited person for the job, not that you’re the most fashionable employee they could ever have. Sometimes, keeping it simple is the right decision.

Women, be ready to shine!

A sharp suit or a dress of an appropriate length. These are the options that usually work best when women attend an interview. Both of them show that you were careful about what you should wear and will allow you to always look professional, whether the company is more/less formal.

Keep your makeup at a moderate level . Remember that this will be the first impression an interviewer is going to have of you. You want them to perceive you as a serious professional. Nothing like showcasing a face that’s natural and normal.

Simple nails and hair are always the best choices. Just like for men, making sure your hair is flawless can be essential, but there’s no need to exaggerate and go crazy with your hairstyle. As for your nails, the most important thing is that they’re clean. Hot tip: a neutral nail polish can get you an extra point.

Be careful with your jewellery and accessories! Women can spend hours thinking about both of these fashionable items. Even so, don’t fixate on them when going to an interview. Why? Because the person who’s going to talk to you will care more about your skills and behaviour than your accessories. Make sure that you keep it simple.

The 5 Key Rules to Dress to Impress

What you wear and how you wear it can determine the image you’ll show to others. In order to make sure that you’ll send the right sartorial message, these are the 5 rules that can help you ace any interview.

● Take time to think about what you should wear. Don’t overthink it: just make sure you have time to plan and decide what will work best for the company you’re applying for.

● Dress for any occasion. Some companies are more formal than others. Do your research and try to find out what type of company it is. However, remember that this is your first impression and that you want it to be perfect.

● Don’t overdress. Sometimes less is more. While you’re preparing the interview, try to think of something that would work best for that specific occasion.

● Give your best to be your best. Feeling good about what you wear gives you more confidence. Make sure you’re wearing an outfit that makes you feel good about yourself and I bet you’ll feel even more confident.

● Keep it simple. Looking nice, professional and simple is what you’re going for. Keep that in mind and you’ll be remembered for it.

Don’t worry! This seems a lot harder than it actually is. The first interviews can be trickier, but once you know what to dress for the first one, all others will seem much easier. We’re all human. We all face the same doubts. Just be confident, trust yourself, and I guarantee you’ll manage to get the job not because of what you wear but because of how you actually wear it.

By Nádia Vieira, Marketing Manager, Stelfox