Choose Self-Care

Waking up in the morning starts with random thoughts of important to-do list items to get completed for the day. All goes well until your feet hit the ground. A flood of thoughts saturate your mind when you realize that you still have your toothbrush in your hand as you grab the last bit of toilet tissue. Once again, your spouse has left you stranded on the throne. You may as well add this to your list of to-do “purchase more toilet tissue.” Why and how does your day become consumed with other people’s to-do items? You remember when it happened … when you stopped journaling, when you stopped paying attention to your happiness in the simple things … it is time to reclaim your time, your sense of self, and your to-do list!

I became fascinated with “Self-Care” when I overheard my spouse chatting on the phone about how much she had to do, when in fact … her list of to-do lists was my to-do list. I realized I missed doing special things for myself. I started down a rabbit hole of information and found some pretty useful items. To be clear, as stated by Lawler (2021), “Self-care means taking care of yourself so that you can be healthy, you can be well, you can do your job, you can help and care for others, and you can do all the things you need to and want to accomplish in a day.” Self-care does not mean to be selfish or acting selfishly, a huge difference. We all need to do some level of self-care.

How do we start to self-care for ourselves? We can start by not feeling like we have to do everything for everyone all the time. We can establish healthy boundaries and ensure that we communicate how and why overstepping our boundaries is inappropriate when people overstep those boundaries. We can express our needs and wants effectively with proactive discussions about complex topics. But what I found to be the most helpful way to start self-care is to wake up with an attitude of gratitude and continue checking in with myself throughout the day.

Self-care may be a new term for you but rest assured that this practice has been around for years. I am encouraging you to choose self-care for a better way of living and interacting with all in your life. I have included some resources for you to utilize for your self-care journey. Remember, we can only live one day, one moment, and one minute at a time; make sure to live it the way you choose to.

Be well,
Jenice

References:

Hardy, J. (2017). Self Care Project. Retrieved from https://www.blurtitout.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/The-Self-Care-Project-worksheets.pdf

Lawler, M., Phillips, Q., Revelant, J., Millard, E., Landau, M. D., & Russell, T. (2021). What Is Self-Care and Why Is It Critical for Your Health?: Everyday Health. Retrieved from https://www.everydayhealth.com/self-care/

Self Care Challenge. (n.d.). Retrieved 2021, from https://static1.squarespace.com/static/575cf8c120c647c0a0062afa/t/5a1f4308e4966bb1ff15b754/1511998216344/self care workbook.pdf

Paving it Forward – Pep Talks

There was no doubt that 2020 was a rough year, to say the least. So, instead … I wanted to say the “most.” I wrote Pep Talks the Series to help those new to the workforce, looking for a change or just need a “Pep Talk.”

Pep Talks is an introduction to a new way of interviewing and obtaining a job in today’s competitive market. Pep Talks is all about giving the reader an advantage over their competitors when working toward the goal of gaining more knowledge and understanding. This new job market is all-out unconventional ways of obtaining knowledge while learning employment tactics that work. Pep Talks explains how the new Job market knowledge and understanding how to better improve the chances of being “individually recognized” as a professional are vital. Pep Talks assists with building job confidence and self-­‐‑esteem along with providing detailed examples for the reader to use for interviews. Pep Talks is designed to assist the reader in planning, executing, and managing their own career and potential growth in their field of choice.


Each section has interactive “fill in the blank” areas for guiding the reader with critical thinking examples to assist with brainstorming and “Confidence Boosters” provide the reader with constant motivation for obtaining their “dream career.” Pep Talks serves the newly looking or the job seeker looking to change career paths. Pep Talks provides methods that assist with the career search and provide motivation for future endeavors.

If you would like a eCopy of my book, you can have a copy. That simple. I believe this is my small way of helping those who need a “Pep Talk” at any stage of professionalism you may be at. Here is the truth … you CAN do it. I have had several people, co-workers, peers, and family members give me a much-needed “Pep Talk” and now I want to pave it forward and give YOU, yes YOU – a “Pep Talk” too…because everyone needs a “Pep Talk” sometimes.

Much success and happiness to you,

Jenice aka Dr. Jaye

For more information to get your eCopy, simply contact me at my official website: www.jenicearmstead.com

Getting to Know Yourself Better with MBTI Test

How often have you wondered why you respond to situations or events as you do? Have you tried to change your behaviors for the better? How successful have you been? The link may be in your intrinsic personality traits.

I have often implemented real-life assignments into my class lectures for students to grow both academically and personally. The Myers and Briggs Personality (MBTI) Test is a consistent tool that is used by several academics for student success. This is a fantastic way to get to know your students and for you to better gauge your behaviors and personality traits. There are plenty of ways to utilize this for everyday situations. I have used the MBTI Test as a for-credit assignment on several topics to include: accounting, business management, organizational behavior, human resources, financial management, and many others.

I often have found that peers enjoy completing the MBTI Test as a way of expressing their strengths. It has been used in leadership training across organizations looking for employees to gain a better understanding of their professional relationships for collaborations.  I find it to be incredibly insightful. Since you have all of this time on your hands, you may want to dive in and get to know yourself a little better.
Be well,
Jenice

Reference: Friedman. (n.d.). MBTI Personality Test. Retrieved 2020, from https://d3jc3ahdjad7x7.cloudfront.net/spokaLTFBEADL9JnMd7njgJd96nyp7YNgICG2tlJWifcI7GP.pdf

Establishing and Exercising Boundaries

Establishing Boundaries are Important for Everyone

Happy New Year, it is time to “Marie Kondo” a few things.  We all have a few things we need to clean up, throw out or condense.  The New Year means setting new goals, removing old goals and reflecting on accomplishments.  Let’s start off small, boundaries.  Don’t click off of the page just yet … boundaries are good.  They help us to conduct a self “check-in” and ensure things are as they should be for our mental health.  Establishing boundaries assist with stress management, self-value, and creativity.  Whether we want to admit it or not, boundaries are healthy. 

Boundaries do not have to be long and drawn out.  If you have never thought about boundaries, they are pretty simple to implement – be swift and simple, i.e. “I will not accept friend requests from people I do not know on social media.”  Simple and moderate.  It is necessary to be specific, “I will not accept a position for a lower salary than my asking baseline.” Super simple, yet specific.  Make sure your boundaries are also positive and represent your values, “If I am approached by a random person who has little respect for my person, I will choose to remove myself from the situation – I deserve to be respected at all times because I respect others.”  Consequences are a must if a boundary is crossed – give yourself permission to speak up and say something.  Address it, and make sure to state how and when the boundary was crossed.  Consistency and communication are keys to boundaries.  Communicate your boundaries clearly and ensure you are understood by the person(s) involved.  Ensure you inform the person(s) how their lack of respect for your boundaries have caused you to invoke consequences.  This assures there is no negotiations for your boundaries and your expectations are clear.  Make sure to be open if they would like to discuss their boundaries.  You may learn something about their character.  Remember, you have a right to establish and exercise your healthy, positive and affirmative boundaries.  Have a great year, and remember – you have a right to happiness, health, and wholeness.

Reflect and keep these simple boundary indicators as a reference to establish and exercise your own boundaries in your professional and personal endeavors.  Happy New Year.    

1. Be Moderate

2. Be specific

3. Be positive – Virtues-based

4. Have specific, relevant consequences

5. Make consequences educative

6. Be consistent

7. Communicate rules clearly

8. Be sure consequences are understood 

9. Make bottom line rules non-negotiable 1

10. Make expectations clear

Reference: Guidelines for Establishing Clear Boundaries. (2007). Retrieved from https://www.virtuesproject.com/Pdf/ClearBoundaries.pdf

Dr. Jenice Armstead

She Leads Podcast Ft. Dr. Jenice Armstead

Hey Hey Hey … It’s Dr. Jaye,

I want to extend a huge thanks to Nicole Walker, Host of “She Leads” PodCast.  Recently I met Nicole at an academic event in my local area.  I was able to collaborate on her fantastic PodCast “She Leads” as one of her many insightful professional guests.  Nicole grabs her audiences attention with professional advice and insight to better prepare the listener for a wide range of business situations.  It was with honor to accept the professional invitation from Nicole to answer a series of wonderful professional and personal questions related to business success, failure, leadership, motivation, and many other questions.  Nicole is a vibrant young woman that is doing “Big Thangs” and I mean it.  Thank you again and make sure to listen and subscribe to Nicole Walk’s many social media platforms.

To listen to the entire interview, check out Nicole Walk, “She Leads” PodCast Ft. Dr. Jenice Armstead

All the best to you in all of your endeavors,

Dr. Jaye

She Leads ft Jenice Armstead.jpg

How to Answer Key Interview Questions: Future Plans

When you are interviewing you will be asked about your future and what your plans are. This is a tool that selecting officials use to see where you plan on “being” in a determined amount of time.

You may be asked: What are your long-term goals? What are your long-term career objectives? This is not an opportunity for you to “spill your guts” keep it professional and stay focused. Think about this question before you interview, you shouldn’t take more than 5 – 7 minutes. Talk about your professional goals and what educational aspirations you have. DON’T talk about your personal life or what personal projects you are working on.
Selecting officials want to know: How you plan to achieve your career goals? They don’t want details, this question is meant for them to see if you know how to lay out and achieve goals. This is also a tactic to see how well you focus on objectives and how you plan to achieve objectives. Again, keep it professional not personal – stay focused.

You may be asked: What do you see yourself doing in five years from now? What plans do you have for continuing your education? These questions help selecting officials to determine what kind of professional “drive” and motivation you actually have. It is my personal advice to answer all appropriate interview questions, keep in mind you can “respectfully” decline to answer any interview questions that you don’t feel comfortable answering. If you don’t plan on continuing your education or haven’t thought about what your goals are for the next five years, it’s okay – use your imagination and stay focused on the professional conversation.

Reference:  Armstead, J. (2013). Pep Talks: Answering Training Questions. Retrieved from https://www.amazon.com/Pep-Talks-Answering-Training-Questions/dp/1492834203/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1546981419&sr=8-5&keywords=jenice armstead pep talks

Practice Makes Perfect,
Dr. Jaye

 

Client Business Information Solutions

Smarter Not Harder, LLC
Dr. Jenice Armstead
Client Business Information & Solutions

Easiest way to market and advertise your goods/services

Use other Social Media outlets with Twitter to maximize your social presence
• Upload photos and dates of events
• Show Products
• Use # to advertise on other “hot topics”

Groupon Merchant Services – Free Advertising
https://merchants.groupon.com
https://www.groupon.com/merchant/resources

• Create a Groupon Campaign
• Submit/Approve Campaign (Cost, Point of Contact Info, etc.)
• Use bullets for Campaign keep potential client’s attention
• Receive payments easily
• Use your social security to number for sole proprietary businesses
• Use Groupon Merchant App to quickly redeem vouchers
• Groupon supplies itemized lists of payments

Create customized business cards and marketing materials (reasonable cost)

Create Business Plan – http://www.va.gov/osdbu/docs/vepbusinessplanoutline.pdf

• Use business plan template
• Outline services and fees
• Detail customized packages for clients
• Offer a “free” gift” or “discount” for referrers/returning clients

O*net – http://www.onetonline.org

• Outline Tasks, Duties, KSAs
• Create job descriptions for employees
• Knowledge
• Skills
• Abilities
• Work Activities
• Median Hourly/Salary
• Review Market and Advertising

Available for consultations

Dr. Jenice Armstead

Happy 6th Birthday to Lesbians Have to Eat, Too!

Happy sixth birthday to my very first published book “Lesbians Have to Eat, Too!” Six years ago today, I self-published my very first book – cookbook to be exact. Not only was this a huge accomplishment, but it was the edification of my ability to grow myself as a brand and share my ideas with the entire world. Many people don’t know how “Lesbians Have to Eat, Too!” came about as the concept for my first book. Being that I have sporadically shared the story with people that have asked me about the title and the stories of the recipes – you would learn I did not know how to cook. Which is what made this accomplishment all the more rewarding. For those of you that have not read my first book, “Lesbians Have to Eat, Too!” it is all about how I self taught myself how to cook. In “Lesbians Have to Eat, Too!” I wanted to be super transparent. Mission accomplished! “Lesbians Have to Eat, Too!” was birthed with the idea of sharing amusingly and comical stories about myself, my life and ultimately my family. The feedback over the years from those who have read the”Lesbians Have to Eat, Too!” has been enlightening and exciting. Many people have said that they purchased “Lesbians Have to Eat, Too!” for coffee table conversations, for their significant others, for those who need the basics on how to cook simple and healthy meals and overall for the pure fact that the title made them explode with laughter. Truth be told, the book took me three years to actually write, it was born of sticky notes and recipes gone bad. I want to thank my wonderful supportive wife who ate every meal whether it looked bad, tasted bad or even smelled bad. Through all of it, I realized it was ultimately necessary that I publish not just a cookbook, but a cookbook where I was intrinsically embedded in each individual page.  Thank you all for all of your love and support.  You are very much appreciated.

Happy sixth birthday to my very first edification of self transparency, “Lesbians Have to Eat, Too!”

Lesbians Have to Eat, Too! By: Dr. Jenice Armstead Professor & Author

Lesbians Have to Eat, Too! By:            Dr. Jenice Armstead

Dr. Jenice Armstead
Professor & Author
United States Navy Veteran

Amazon Purchase Information Click Here: Lesbians Have to Eat, Too!

Press Release: Pep Talks Answering the Hard Questions

Pep Talks: Answering the Hard Questions

Pep Talks: Answering the Hard Questions

The final book of Jenice Armstead’s first business series is finally here. Pep Talks: Answering the Hard Questions is the final book of a 5 part book interactive business series. This final book of the series addresses the “Hard Questions” interviewees may be asked during an interview.

The Pep Talks book series clarifies difficult interview questions as the reader focuses on their goals. This business series gets the reader moving in the right direction, and saves the reader time and efforts, with helping the reader narrow down what areas they may need assistance with the most. The series addresses all types of difficult interview questions that may be asked of the reader during an interview or during a conversation being had by an interviewer.

The Pep Talks book series are designed to assist the reader in planning, executing, and managing career goals and potential growth in the field of choice. Each section has interactive “fill in the blank” area for guiding the reader with critical thinking examples to assist with brainstorming and “Confidence Boosting Affirmations” providing the reader with constant motivation for obtaining the “dream career.”

The Pep Talks Book Series can serve the newly looking or the long-term job seeker with methods that will assist with the career search and provide motivation for future endeavors.

For information go to Pep Talks Book Series

Monday Morning Mindset

Thoughts become things, if you don’t believe this just look outside your front or back door. That building across the street, the car you drive, the bus you ride or the clothes and shoes you wear were all once someone’s idea. Thoughts are all ideas of the mind, which have the ability to become “things.” It has been said that the average human being has up to 5,000 single thoughts each and everyday. Keeping in mind that 5,000 of those thoughts become up to 500 ideas and of those 500 ideas only 20 – 50 have the tendency to become actual things with using provoked action. Those 20 – 50 things could be up to 1 or 2 published, created, invented or researched physical or tangible objects. Thoughts are important for various reasons.

A thought is the creative and intuitive way for your brain to understand the environment for which it is viewing. There are various ways for the brain to view one single event, item or person. There are truly hundreds of thousands of ways for something to be viewed, interpreted or communicated. The whole idea of a thought is to provoke action. It is mindful to have “Think Sessions” with yourself. “Think Sessions” are a great way to build thought control. Since your thoughts have the ability to become things, it is wise to remember that those “things” may or may not be in favor of what you want to create in your life. Choose your thoughts wisely, or they will choose you.

Thoughts Become Things

Monday Morning Mindset – Happy Veterans Day

Veterans Day is more than a holiday celebrated for shopping sales, free meals and discounts.  Veterans Day is the day for all of us to honor those who have served both voluntarily and involuntarily for all to enjoy the freedoms of civil rights, equal rights and rights to come.  Veterans are the backbone of this country, being a veteran of the United States Navy is my honor.  I am honored to have served these United States of America.

Being a veteran has allowed many benefits that I other wise would not enjoy.  The military provided an education that my parents couldn’t afford to give me.  I earned my Associates in Science from Vincennes University, Associates in Art, Bachelors in Business Administration with a concentration in Computer Science, Masters in Business Administration with a concentration in Human Resources from Saint Leo University and currently earning my Doctorates in Business Administration.  All this education has been provided by the opportunities of being a veteran of the military.

What most people who know about all my educational path don’t know the challenges that took place while earning my education.  The many nights I was on “watch” while cramming for an English exam.  Military deployments to South Korea; Mombasa, Kenya; Rhoda, Spain; and Iraq where I was sleep derived and living off of Ready Made Meals (MREs) while scheduling exam retake dates to graduate on time.  The training operations in Camp Pendleton for mortar missile training while staying up until the early hours of the morning to ensure I had my math test submitted on time.

Today, as you see people in your coming and goings remember the ones who have given their lives for the rights you freely enjoy.  Don’t merely “thank a veteran” “appreciate a veteran.”  Appreciation is worth more than any thank you could ever say.

All the Best,

Yeoman Second Class (Seabee Combat Warfare Specialist) Armstead aka Jenice

Great Lakes, ILL.  aka  Great Mistakes

Jenice Armstead Boot Camp Photo

 

Monday Morning Mindset

Having and keeping peace in your life is all about active action toward deciding to remain constant in every situation. In a world full of turmoil, unemployment and despair “Peace” says that no matter what the situation is, you have a right to remain peaceful at all times. Peace isn’t about getting what you want when you want it. Peace is the ability to remain stable in the middle of a tragedy, uncomfortable situations or simply when you are having a bad day. Peace is one of the fruits of the Spirit. When you have peace, you can remain grounded in knowing that everything will work out and be okay in the long run. Take some time to remind yourself to remain peaceful. Set your calendar or a alarm clock to remind you to remain peaceful throughout the day. Then say aloud “I am at peace with myself, others and all situations.” Remember, thoughts become words, and words become deeds.

Peace

Jenice

Press Release: Pep Talks Vol 4: Answering Training Questions

I am so exited to announce my latest book: PEP TALKS Vol 4 – Answering Training Questions! The “Pep Talks” Book Series, are a compilation of advice, insight, examples, sample interview questions and professional advice.

The Pep Talks Book Series clarifies difficult interview questions as the reader focuses on their goals.  The Pep Talks Book Series gets the reader moving in the right direction, and saves the reader time and effort, along with helping the reader narrow down what areas are in need of professional enhancement.  The Pep Talks Book Series addresses all types of difficult interview questions that may be asked of the reader during an interview or during a conversation being had by an interviewee.

It is important for the reader to understand that an interview can seemly happen at any given time or place, so it is good practice to have some “pre-set” answers to some of these questions to provide a more fluid professional appearance.  Nervousness often happens during interviews or with conversations with people whom are unfamiliar.

The Pep Talks Book Series are designed to assist the reader in planning, executing, and managing career goals and potential growth in the field of choice.  Each section has interactive “fill in the blank” area for guiding the reader with critical thinking examples to assist with brainstorming and “Confidence Boosting Affirmations” providing the reader with constant motivation for obtaining the “dream career.”

The Pep Talks Book Series can serve the newly looking or the long-term job seeker with methods that will assist with the career search and provide motivation for future endeavors

I know how hard the job market is, and I started this series to give you the “Pep Talk” that you need to keep your focus on your dreams and career goals!

THANK YOU FOR YOUR LOVE and SUPPORT! For more information about the Pep Talks book series go to Amazon.com

Pep Talks Vol 4: Answering Training Questions

 

 

Monday Morning Mindset

In a world full of upset and disappointment, it is encouraging to see positive views of your perception of what the world could be. Having worked for several large corporations and small businesses, the realization has come to me that it isn’t what you do – but how you do it. When you realize how invaluable you are, you begin to see the most positive sides of everything.

The other week I had the honor of meeting a complete stranger during an interview for a business contract. In perfect hindsight it seemed that we had no common denominator with one another. But, it is always important to look past what you see. This young woman shared her hardships with me about her starting to “go natural” with her hair. She asked about my natural hair journey and advice on what she could do. I answered her questions, but it was also put on my heart to tell her about my personal and emotional depletion with my natural hair journey. I told her how I have received many adverse comments and snide remarks about my hair and how the comments often made me feel. I shared how it was one of the hardest things I had ever done, yet one of the most freeing things I had done for my Spirit. She started crying uncontrollably and I asked her if I could give her a hug. She agreed, and then we both sobbed together for a few minutes.

For a moment we shared the same pain, discord and upset about “going natural.” But, it was much more than that, we sobbed about not being accepted by society, low self-esteem and our overall feeling about how our “nappy” hair made us feel. She apologized, for being “silly” and crying. I told her that it wasn’t silly, and that sometimes you just need for someone else to simply understand your pain. She thanked me and I was honored to have shared that moment of human empathy with her.

There is freedom in sharing the truth, no matter how painful it may seem. If we took a little more time to share in each others pain, the healing for each one of us could infect the world with more love.

Jenice

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Monday Morning Mindset

Way too often workers are under appreciated, overworked and not compensated to the proper financial amount. Being a United States Navy Veteran, I can speak from a first person stance on all of the above being valid and true. But, many small businesses are facing the same hardships. With the economy in a yo-yo state and federal programs like SNAP and WIC being cut, one has to ask themselves: How am I going to survive this event? The answer is not simple, but one that has to be continuously answered and revamped depending on the events in your life.

If you are worried about what you are going to eat, how your are going to pay your rent or how you are going to put gas in your car which probably needs serious maintenance work – you are not alone. The key to getting some of the resolutions for these simple needs is communication with oneanother. Talk about it, talk about your needs and then see if you can be of assistances to someone else that may be in an even worst off situation than you. We need one another to survive; once that is rekindled the human race will begin the healing process of progress. Until then, the individual mindset will do nothing for us except to separate us from us.

Jenice

 

 

The Difference between an Administrative Furlough and a Shutdown Furlough

There are many misconceptions on what a furlough actually is and how a furlough works in reference to federal employees. There are two different types of possible furloughs. There are administrative furloughs and a government shutdown furlough. The long and short of the different is administrative furloughs are planned events and a government shutdown is an unplanned event.

Administrative furloughs can be by government agency that has scheduled reductions in force (RIFs) for budgeting reasons, not enough work for employees, a lawsuit or other foreseeable situation. It is up to the budgetary funding on which employees would remain receiving pay and those that would not. In most cases of administrative furloughs pay is reimbursable.

In the case of a federal government shutdown, government agencies, which have reserved funds for mandatory employees budgetary funds, would use this method in case of an unscheduled shutdown. This is technically namely called a “emergency” shutdown. “In a shutdown furlough, an affected agency would have to shut down any activities funded by annual appropriations that are not excepted by law.” In most cases, unless the federal agency has reserved funds for such an event, employees will be ordered to shutdown and not return to work until mandated to do so.

Either way, both furloughs have lasting effects on the Nations economy and the United States citizens as a whole. For more information on government furloughs go to www.opm.gov

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October Events

  • Fri
    04
    Oct
    2013

    Travelogues Event

    7pm - 9pm

    Tampa's Cafe Hey

    Wanna hear all about Jenice Armstead’s stories from her childhood of being a military brat? On Oct 4th, Jenice Armstead will be speaking during the Travelogue event.  This is a monthly travel storytelling series, with two new speakers sharing two unique places every first friday at downtown Tampa’s Cafe Hey. More information can be found at vesselcollective.com

    travelogue-postcard-front

Jenice Armstead Featured in Saint Leo University Newsletter

Thank you to Saint Leo University for the feature in the “Continuing Education Updates” newsletter.  I have to say, I was super surprised and excited  all at the same time.  Enjoy this quick article about my Saint Leo University experience.

Enjoy,

Jenice Armstead

 

Continuing Education Updates
(Issue #412, September 22, 2013)
Here is another reminder of why we do what we do.

Jenice Armstead ’04 ’06

Military Service: United States Navy (1997 – 2004) Yeoman Second Class (Seabee Combat Warfare Specialist) – SCWS

Alumni ’04 ’06, Key West, FL Education Center and MBA Online

“Saint Leo University opened up the doors of opportunity for the future. Saint Leo University welcomed a Navy veteran who had no idea who or what she wanted to be. Saint Leo University became my home away from home. The education which I was allowed and afforded to earned, opened and has given a plethora of opportunities. I have grown in my profession of business and human resources management in ways that would have never been possible without the education and experience gained while attending Saint Leo University. I have worked for the federal government and private companies. In my most recent accomplishments I have begun a teaching career with Saint Leo University, become a self-published author and human resources consultant. My life has surely improved and I have been an inspiration to those who want to improve their lives by pursing an education with Saint Leo University. I have been truly blessed with life, liberty and opportunity. I look forward to my professional future, as I know the foundation has been laid for success.”

For more information check out Saint Leo University

 

Professional & Career Affirmations

Professional affirmations assist with thinking and being positive in order to motivate and focus your attention on the best ideas for what you chose for your future.  Write these affirmations down and read the aloud to boost your confidence.  Here are a few affirmations I have used to assist in achieving success in my career and life goals.

I am professionally focused on progress

I am choosing to develop myself in my field

I am professionally admired in my field

I am moving in the direction best for me

I am able to work with anyone

I am skilled and talented in my profession

I am needed for my abilities and skills

I am outstanding in my field of human resources management

For more information check out my book 10 Tips for Applying for Government Jobs

Get Your Foot in the Door with Federal Internships

The federal government has become a “career-builder” and any federal government job opportunity can be looked at as a “leg up” on the competition.  The federal government sector, like many private sector businesses have started utilizing more internship programs as a means of “growing employees” into positions.  Simply put, government internships are all paid positions.  They may be part-time or full-time positions depending on the program.  The Student Temporary Employment Program (STEP) is a program to assist with helping current students gain work experience while still going to school.  The benefit to the internship program is the flexible and opportunity to make additional income for the student.  The agency keeps track of educational milestones of the employed student and graduation dates.  In many cases the STEP Intern will be offered a position based on their time-in-position, generally an entry position with the possibility of growth for the future.  Many executives received their “in” by utilizing internship programs such as the STEP program.

Another internship program is the Student Career Experience Program (SCEP) is a program focused on exposing the student to the career field, which the student is focused.  Normally, an entry position this program allows for students to learn from their peers and supervisors in their educational field they are currently studying.

With both programs there are eligibly and qualification requirements for a potential candidate selection.  Not all interns are offered a permanent position with the federal government agency, yet these programs are a method for potential permanent federal government employment and getting a “foot in the door.”

Basic STEP/SCEP Eligibly Requirements:

Current Student

Field of Choice

Copies of Transcripts

Agency Student Contract

Part-Time or Full-Time Academic Program Status

To read more about applying for federal positions check out my book:

10 Tips for Applying for Government Jobs

For more information on Federal Internship Programs:

http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/hiring-authorities/students-recent-graduates/