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Nothing compares to strolling out of an interview in complete confidence. 

Only issue is, today I was completely confident that I did not get the internship I was interviewing for.

That may sound presumptuous and negative, but as Haley, Danica and I entered our group interview for a potential internship, we were greeted by employers expecting fluent Italian speakers. We awkwardly informed them that was not us, and like any three strategic communications students, talked up and spun our strengths to the best of our abilities.

Based on the lack of eye contact, sighs of disappointment and phrases like, “I am going to have to see” and “I think the decision is pretty clear,” we have a feeling our pitches didn’t quite cut it.

It’s actually entertaining that earlier in the day I thought my decision between wedges or flats would actually matter (wedges prevailed as always).

It’s obstacles like these that can make you doubt your capabilities in a different culture, language and country. While I wrote news releases on a weekly basis at St. Jude, the reality of the situation is, I’m not ready to do that in Italian.

However, it’s also obstacles like these that make you appreciate the things you can do, and teach you to celebrate the small victories. Here’s some of things that have become wildly exciting in the eternal city:

1. Running errands

About two weeks ago, I bought tape and I still haven’t gotten over it. The quest for Scotch-esque tape was a difficult one seeing as there aren’t places like Target & Walgreens/CVS that carry everything under the sun. Finding this specialized supply store was a win in itself, but to make it even better, my entire interaction at the store was completely in Italian. So rewarding.

2. Hosting

Considering shopping for our apartment is one of my biggest stress-releasers, you could say I’m a bit of a natural host (one of my many Mom qualities). This weekend was prime for hosting as I had two of my best friends visiting and was able to show them around Rome. Showcasing my favorite places and hole in the wall must-see’s made me feel like the love child of UrbanSpoon and Google Maps.

3. Street Interactions

Coming to Rome, I was very concerned about aggressive Italian men. Luckily, I have nothing negative to report back. Who doesn’t want to be greeted as “Bella” everyday by strangers and our to die for elder doorman, Bruno? Not complaining. Furthermore, I made someone laugh on the metro today with my Italian know-how rather than my lack thereof. Bliss.

4. Waking Up Before Rome

Unlike most Romans (or normal people), exercise is my one true love. So signing up for a half marathon in northern Italy sounded like heaven. Little did I realize, training in Villa Borghese early in the mornings would also offer me a snapshot of a different Rome. Workers clean the windows of vacant Via Del Corso high end stores, awaiting the stains of envious hands. The Spanish Steps are completely empty, the air is a cheerful calm and dog play-dates run the social scene. Swoon.

5. Becoming A Regular

Blame it on Cheers, Starbucks’ sharpie on holiday cups; whatever it is, everyone wants to go somewhere where people know their name. That’s why walking into Cafe Amore every morning and hearing, “Ciao, Sarah!” (Slight roll of the R included) is so life changing. Additionally, being recognized at yoga by the sweetest people is beginning to remind me of the sense of community I have at studios at home.

These little things add up and are able to outweigh the unfortunate instances like getting lost, being sick or feeling impatient. And while I worry about finding summer internships back in the US, I am now reassured remembering that I can in fact fluently speak, and even write news releases, in the expected language.

After the obvious cues of taking selfies on the metro or in front of the colosseum, butchering Italian phrases and walking around with one’s eyes glued to a map, there is a sure fire way of spotting a tourist.

They’re not Italian.

With my fingers crossed, I hope to be so integrated in Italian culture that I shame the “ugly-American” persona. Unfortunately, even with my new eurochic poncho, I still have one small thing working against me.

I’m not Italian.

Living in the US for my whole life, I never really thought about the variation in ancestry, races and personal styles that surround me. Here, people don’t describe their nationality with fractions and what sounds like a roll call at the UN. They’re Italian.

Discovering this cultural difference and appreciation for American diversity explains why I was so surprised and disgusted by headlines following the Superbowl.

I was unable to watch the Super Bowl, but I dedicated some quality should-be-studying-for-Italian time to catching up on the commercials, which I always look forward to. I love seeing how companies decide to present themselves as a brand and how they strive to forge a sustainable connection with people they have never and will never meet. I love seeing how advertisements can, in 40 seconds, mirror our cultural norms, values and stances on social issues.

So, when brands like Coke and Cheerios do just that, and receive such a degree of backlash, it’s appalling. I could go on a tangent about each advertisement’s strategies, but the point is the underlying message of diversity. The same diversity that I am admiring from a country that I can’t slip into the cracks of, based on German and English heritage. 

I don’t have anything to share with anyone who has an issue with interracial families, Americans who speak English as a second language, or any of the realistic dynamics displayed in these commercials. The chances of these bigots landing on a blog post that would inspire them to love everyone are slim to none. The chances of it being this one, even lower.

But what I can share, is a different perspective inspired from a different country. I can share my appreciation for numerous races being united by the title “American.” I can share my hope that ads like these will always be celebrated, and that people won’t hesitate to speak out against wrongful racism and ethnocentrism, even if it is just in one blog post.

I am the queen of taking on as much as I possibly can. A typical day for me in the US is jam-packed with productive activities, workouts, homework and seeing friends.

I remind my yoga students the value of being present, unplugging, and slowing down; yet I never fully take this on myself. Even though we have been here less than a week, I have found the pace of life in Rome to be easily the greatest difference between here and the US. Here’s why those Romans might be onto something-

1. Carpe Diem

Romans take their time to do everything. The internet is slower, everyone makes meals fresh rather than microwaving a frozen dinner and a repair man coming at 3 p.m. might mean 7 p.m.

However, this value of time is reflected in the beauty of the buildings, monuments and sculptures surrounding the city. You could spend hours in each must-see every week and still discover something new. Furthermore, you should.

This city was meant to be enjoyed and admired. The more present you are in every adventure and experience, the more there is to remember.

2. More Patience & Compassion

Normally, tentative start times would drive me up the wall. In the US, class starting at 10 a.m. means most students will be there by 9:45 a.m. Let’s just say that habit doesn’t translate.

However, professors not responding to emails instantaneously and stores being closed more frequently is a humbling reminder that people have lives outside of yours. Here, there is a point where work stops and life begins.

While waiting for friends at the metro, I discovered more room for understanding. Instead of thinking they’re late, I bet they overslept, that’s so like them, I found myself not even thinking of optimistic excuses for why they were late. Rather just admiring the city, enjoying a cappuccino and truly waiting patiently.

3. Real Conversations

In the US we are accustomed to fast food, hour-long sit down dinners, and wait staff politely hinting at the exit. Here, fast food is still made fresh, dinners last for many hours and the bill only comes upon request.

Throughout these “long” dinners, I have found the conversation never dulls and the question of what time is it? becomes irrelevant. Italians will stay for hours after eating, conversing on a level that goes past the superficial.

The other day when overwhelmed with the understandable need for a crepe, instead of getting it to-go, I stood at the counter and ate. This is very common in cafes, regardless of who you are with.

So as I stood by myself, iPhone out of sight, I realized how much more present I was. I began practicing my Italian with the barista. Holding up my knife and fork, I asked “Come si dice?” He taught me the new vocab and laughed as I attempted the Italian accent.

Taking the opportunity to slow down allows you to meet new people in places you would normally never look.

4. Routines Filled With Simple Pleasures

As Romans commute to work each morning, there is not the same chaos we associate with rush hour. These tentative start times allow them the luxury of going into their favorite cafe and sitting down for a cappuccino.

While that may sound expensive, the 90 cents I’ve spent at Cafe Amore each morning before class has created one of my favorite traditions. The owner, Fabio, greets us every morning and helps us learn Italian as he repeats the name of pastries and corrects my french pronunciation.

It’s the little things.

5. Because You Can

Maybe all the yoga gives me an advantage, but somehow my Type-A tendencies make me think if I can embrace this lifestyle, anyone can.

I’m sure you found that finding the time to Skype with a friend, enjoy a book or try something out of your comfort zone always seems impossible at first, but is always worth the effort. Making time for what you enjoy and what energizes you makes faulty wi-fi’s, late friends and unpredictable bus schedules much easier to cope with.

There will never be enough time or money for anything, unless we begin to see more value in experiences, memories and truly living in the moment.

Well, I survived my first day of doing as the Romans do- except I kind of skipped that whole fitting in part more than I intended.

Once we arrived at the airport in Rome, shuttles took each group of roommates in the program to their respective apartments. After unpacking a bit, I decided to go running while most of my roommates slept.

Getting lost is always part of the plan for running- whether it’s in my thoughts or exploring my surroundings aimlessly. However, in attempt to avoid the busy cobblestone streets that afternoon, I ran down many random alleys and onto isolated streets to find less chaos.

Normally, I run towards familiar landmarks and find my way back to my starting point. Yesterday this was not the case. Somehow I was always going farther from where I should be.

As I mentioned, I have yet to fit in. I could see and hear the bewilderment of the Romans as I passed them. People don’t really run here, and if they do it’s not on busy sidewalks and streets. It was like all residents were thinking, “Why is this American girl running and why is it happening here?”

After being lost for over an hour, I saw their point.

Our apartment is on Via Baccina and is near the Colosseum. That’s about all the information I had seeing as it was our first day there. I asked for directions from about 7 different people. The police meant well, but the directions in Italian didn’t quite translate. Speaking of, my improper pronunciation of our street name didn’t help.

Eventually, I found a map through a tourist kiosk. Don’t worry the irony of being finding my way around by getting lost running was not lost on them.

I realized storeowners must speak English to communicate with tourists, and started going to them for directions. They were the most helpful by far. One wonderful woman working at a bakery came outside with me to show me which direction to go. I plan on going back to the bakery to thank her and buy everything.

After two hours of being lost, I couldn’t have been happier to see Via Baccina and sprinted up the stairs to my apartment, so happy to be back. Three out of my four roommates were sleeping (clearly missed me), so I detailed my troubles to my roommate Emily.

Although stressful, this experience allowed me to see more parts of Rome than any other student sees on their first day, practice releasing my ego by asking for help, and develop a determination to learn the Italian language. In the US, someone would never walk into a store speaking Italian, and expect to be understood. So why should I expect Italian policeman to speak English? I hope learning Italian will allow me to become more integrated and confident in the Roman culture; or at the least, help me in my future running endeavors.

This morning, I decided to opt out of another running adventure for sunrise yoga in our living room. I haven’t gotten lost since, so clearly I’m making progress.

I think Miley’s VMA performance really captures one way to be memorable. However, this might not be the right route for everyone. Let’s hope not.

As sorority sisters and classmates prepare for December and spring graduations, I’m seeing applications for full-time jobs being used as a study break from finals. With all these applications and interviews, standing out in competitive markets proves essential. Now that you know what to wear for these scenarios, be memorable below the surface as well.

Follow-Up

It’s common for applicants to call an interviewer to check on the status of their application, but what about once you have heard back? If informed you did not receive a position, it’s common to respond nicely and forget about the position. Instead, respond thanking them for the consideration and ask for something to improve on.

Seeking this feedback proves your dedication to your professional life. Schedules and lives change constantly, it’s very possible for unexpected openings to occur in any field. You’ll stay top of mind through this simple correspondence. This also applies to seeking feedback after holding a job position or internship. 

Connect

LinkedIn may not seem very revolutionary to a social media obsessed generation, but it has more power than you realize. This is again a great way to follow-up with an interviewer, you’re not ready to be Facebook friends, but connecting on LinkedIn is appropriate.

Displaying your social media proficiency is just the cherry on top of this tip. This also presents opportunities to create a relationship you wouldn’t otherwise have. Add and/or message speakers that inspire you, people working in your field of interest and others you admire. LinkedIn provides a way to introduce yourself without being creepy. Perfect.

Say Thank You

As mentioned, social media is all the rage. This phenomenon adds value to the written word. After interviews, holding positions/internships and 1:1 meetings send a hand written thank you card. Getting anything in the mail, led alone hand written, is a change of pace.

Express gratitude and express it well.

In thank you notes, utilize specific details from the conversation/interview so the receiver of the note easily recalls who you are and what meeting you are referring to. If it sounds like anyone could have written it, it’s not even worth sending. Don’t just go through the motions, be genuine- then you’ll be memorable.

Why now?

I’m not a graduating senior, but my focus on my future makes internships and networking very important. I’m in a sorority house of over 100 other women working to prepare for professional careers. By being invested in the success of others, you pick a few things up along the way.

These scenarios and the benefits of these tips are all things I have witnessed with my sisters or in my own experience. Even if you’re happy in your current employment or focusing on being a student, using these tips to create quality professional relationships will be helpful in the future. Setting the framework for future success is always relevant.

The most important lessons aren’t always what you experience, but what you’re able to learn from others.

First the leaves changed,  then the trees were bare and now snow covers where these colorful leaves once lied. As Minnesotans, we are familiar with the change of seasons. However, we may not realize all the change this means for our professional wardrobes. As you prepare for winter, keep in mind these tips as you head into work or an interview.

1. Say No To Toes

It’s obvious to skip sandals in the winter seasons, but there’s a wider range of opportunities with high heels and flats. Closed toe shoes are preferable for colder months. However, for the workplace this should not include the popular styles of combat boots, cowboy boots or any form of sneaker. Peep-toe shoes (small opening) are also an option, but must be worn with nylons/tights. For dress pants, opt for knee highs.

2. Test Your Textures

For men, winter provides a great opportunity to play around with dress pants. Consider corduroy trousers as an alternative. Darker shades of blue, grey or green give the trousers a more formal look. For women, consider exciting a staple cardigan for a tweed blazer. Velvet pencil skirts are work appropriate and look great in many different colors.

3. Tights vs. Leggings

If you walk on a college campus, you’ll find it’s no secret leggings are being worn as pants. However, I recently heard a debate on the radio of whether tights could be worn as pants. What? Never. To clarify, leggings are black (usually) spandex pants, that fit close to the body from the waist line to the ankle. Tights, or nylons, range from patterned to translucent to opaque and cover the feet. These can be black or many different colors.

Moral of the story, leggings should be used with tops that are a few inches shorter than a dress or skirt. A shirt that goes to one’s hips or the waistband of jeans should not be paired with leggings. Tights should only be used under skirts or dresses, never as bottoms or with tunics. For the workplace, the more opaque the tint and subtle the pattern, the better. If you would wear the dress by itself in a warmer month, opt for tights. If you would be missing a good part of your outfit, lug out the leggings.

4. Avoid The Cold Shoulder 

Throughout the colder seasons, it’s important to have shoulders covered. This may seem like common sense, but it gets a little fuzzy with the trends of lace, mesh and cutouts. Lace items are fantastic, but if the pattern makes the top or dress see through in the arrow red zone pictured here, skip it for the workplace. This also speaks to the cap sleeve- go for it; but realistically, you will probably end up needing a blazer or cardigan for warmth.

5. Ex the Spandex

Playing a little game of “Would I Wear This Out Partying?” while getting ready can go a long way. This seems to be a more common trend in college students, go figure. I often see peers dressing for professional settings in the same body-con skirts and dresses they wear out for a night at the bars. Why would a boss or interviewer want to see their staff in tight outfits fit for a party scene? This looks informal and out of place. When paired with hi-lo dress shirts or long cardigans, this can be less extreme. However, this walks a fine line that must be carefully executed.

These guidelines can sound restrictive or old fashioned, but don’t let wearing nylons with peep toe shoes get your style into a slump. Winter months tend to call for darker, neutral colors. So express yourself with patterned scarves or ties, statement jewelry and trendy shoes or boots. There is plenty of room to include your personal style while being work appropriate!

75 cities across the nation brought communities together on Saturday, November 23. However, to my knowledge, only one did so in 7 degree weather. Although many lacked feeling in hands, feet, and legs, the feeling of making an impact was shared throughout Target Field.

 Throughout my time as an intern at St. Jude, the Give thanks. Walk. started as an abstract idea and grew into something I had a sense of ownership with.

Although the planning has been in the works for quite some time, my position as an intern gave me the opportunity to recruit volunteers, sponsors and entertainment.

I was informed of the possibility of these roles in my interview in July, but experiencing the many dimensions that include each aspect proved eye opening. Here are some things I learned.

1. Find a personal connection– Having a hand in the Minneapolis, Milwaukee and Des Moines walks called for great attention to detail, in order to keep all of the contacts for volunteers straight. Whether I had family in the area, attended a similar club, or had heard of the organization, I found a way to relate to each contact. There were times I was tempted to mention we had the same first name- whatever it is, make yourself a real person not an email address.

2. It never hurts to ask– Whether this was for contributions from sponsor teams or for organizations to donate goods to the walk, you’ll only get a yes if you ask. Even though organizations are being kind by donating services, they are receiving press in return, so be confident expressing needs of the event. Additionally, I became more involved with the other area’s walks and took on unique responsibilities, because I asked where else I could be utilized. 

3. Over communicate- When it came to recruiting and organizing entertainment for the event, communication was key. Press releases, emails or phone calls can all be overlooked. It’s important to try different tactics and remember to follow up with contacts. Reminding confirmed entertainment of the date, time, location on a regular basis helps to avoid any last minute confusion. Reaching out to contacts with updates and fundraising goals is essential to stay top of mind and engage people in a way that makes them feel as vital to the event as they are.

Although I was freezing and lost feeling in far too many body parts, being part of such a great event made it all worth it. Conference calls with the Chicago and national office allowed me to experience the magnitude of 75 cities uniting together. Listening to the relationships bound by a similar cause and passion also allowed me to realize how lucky I was to be involved with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.