8 Tips to Survive Your First Day at Your Summer Internship

Look at you! You’ve worked hard this past semester, planned a great internship for the summer, and now you’re preparing for that glorious day when you can waltz into the office and make that internship ‘ya bish’. While we commend you on your hard work, you’ve got a long summer in front of you.

Here’s how to make the best out of that first day:

1. Figure out how to get to the office. You can’t just Google the location and think you’ll be fine. Figure out what floor it’s on, what doors you can access, if there will be free or paid parking.  It’s always good to run this route once before you actually start the internship. You want to arrive stress-free and on time for your first day!
2. If you’re nervous, always remember that you were hired for a reason! It’s definitely daunting walking into an office that already functions as a well-oiled machine. It’s even more daunting doing it all by yourself and you’re bound to feel like you don’t fit it. Well, don’t you worry your pretty little head about that. Your supervisor hired you because they believe that you’re capable of getting the job done and think you’re a great fit culturally. The company wanted YOU out of all the other candidates. Now, isn’t that a great feeling?
3. It’s okay to not know everything. Please, DON’T act like you know it all. Let’s be real here, if you knew everything, you wouldn’t need this internship in the first place. It’s perfectly fine to hop off of your high horse and shovel some shit for a while. Your supervisor will respect you much more.
4. Ask a lot of questions. You’re going to be given A LOT of information at once. Just take a deep breath, and try to cram as much information in your head at once. If you miss something- it’s fine to ask for clarification on an assignment. The whole point of the internship is to gain as much real world knowledge as possible, and if I recall correctly- there are no stupid questions. 
5. When you’re done with a task, ask for another. Become the office busy bee! Let your supervisor know when you are completed with a task as soon as you’re done. You don’t need to emphatically announce that you are done with a task (this comes off as childish), but instead ask your supervisor if they have any recommendations for what you can work on next. This will show them that you are efficient, capable of taking on harder projects that require more responsibility, and also passionate about your position.
6. Develop a professional relationship with your supervisor. Regardless of whether you and your supervisor are BFFs or not, you’re going to need your supervisor to write a good letter of recommendation that speaks to your professional skills. If you’re lucky, you’ll get along with your supervisor. If you’re unlucky, they won’t even remember you’re name, much less care about your feelings. It’s all good though, you didn’t get this internship to make friends, you did it to learn something and make professional relationships. If you’re convinced that your supervisor hates you, remember that the best you can do is to finish all your work on time with a smile.
7. Don’t bitch about your internship with the other interns. I can’t stress this enough. If you’re having a bad day, keep it in. Don’t tell the other interns how awful everything is going. You’re going to come off as ungrateful and unworthy of the position (not to mention, that gossip travels fast within a company). Complaining about your job to the people that you’re actually working with makes you a less viable resource to work with and it also shows weakness. Save the drama for your momma. Seriously, call your mommy if you feel like complaining- she probably has really good advice on how to deal with work related issues.
8. Always view everything as a learning opportunity. This is very cliché, but very true. All internships are learning opportunities, and you are bound to mess up once or twice during your time at a company. However, if you view all of your setbacks as a learning opportunity, you can grow from them and you won’t be doomed to repeat them.

To recap: B-R-E-A-T-H-E. You already got the internship (which is half the battle).

We know that starting a new internship is both nerve racking and exciting, but with these tips, you should be all set to go for your first day! If this isn’t your first rodeo, share some tips with those who have never done one before! Leave a comment with your advice below.

Brand Ambassador Spotlight- Zara

It’s that time again! Our Brand Ambassador spotlight is now shining down on our newest member of our team- Zara. She’s the BA from BU!

Her enthusiasm is unparalleled and frankly all of us in the office are impressed. We think her communications major and business administration minor really allow her to be one of the most productive Brand Ambassadors we have.  She’s a dedicated, goal-oriented student and we’re so thankful to be working with her at Boston University.

Zara is constantly busy with school, but she says she doesn’t worry about balancing time between school and her position at Flashnotes. “What people might not realize is that a lot of the time Flashnotes is interchangeable with school. Even if you might be making notes to sell on Flashnotes, your making notes for classes nonetheless.”

But there are a number of options out there when you want to pick up a part time job, so we asked Zara why she decided to use Flashnotes out of all the other options. She says, “It was really the interpersonal relationship that Flashnotes tries to build that made me feel immersed into the family and more motivated to further our brand name”.

We hope she enjoys a much deserved summer break; we can’t wait to start another semester with Zara! Welcome to the family!

A Summary of Finals Week in Tweets

If you’re like us and addicted to social media, you have probably seen all of the tweets and Facebook status updates about finals. Twitter has become a nationwide pity party. There are literally hundreds of pictures of people complaining about finals. Some of them were desperate, some of them were hilarious, but all of them seem to come to one consensus- finals suck.

This isn’t new information. Anyone who has ever taken a college final knows the excruciating pain and suffering that taking a final can produce: hours of time spent studying, lack of sleep, and mostly just sheer frustration. (High schoolers- you have no idea how hard finals are until you are in college- so let’s leave this conversation to the big kids).

In honor of finals week, we’ve compiled a list of our favorite finals week tweets to share with you. Whether you are finished with finals, still have finals to do, or not even in school anymore, I hope you can enjoy the beauty in other people’s finals week breakdowns.

 

“I can’t make myself study for more than 10 minutes at a time before I just get really angry at life”- unknown

“ugh…”- everyone, everywhere

“Walking around the library waking kids up with a bullhorn and screaming ‘OH MY GOD, YOU SLEPT THROUGH YOUR FINAL!!!!’ #finalsweek “- @NotBrooksKeel

“Finals week: the struggle is real”- unknown

“You’re not doing finals week right if you don’t wear the clothes you slept in to take your test”- @bigtuckkk

“Going to the library during finals week is like going to the gym during spring break #desperate” -@jessiepauley

“I can never forget the good times I had in college. They keep sending me my loan bills to remind me.” – @CollegeTownLife

“Opening textbooks during finals that still have that brand new book smell. #TFM” -@totalfratmove

“Oh finals week. When college students replace shots of liquor with shots of espresso.“- @_DrunkBlonde

“The only true wisdom is knowing you know nothing #finalsweek” – @HeatherMerphy

 

I hope this has brought somewhat of a smile to your face (or at least you did that little breathing out of the nose thing that is supposed to be a laugh). In any case, we hope this made you realize that although finals can suck sometimes, they bring all college students together (even if it is to laugh at each others misery).

Have a hilarious finals week quote from your own newsfeed? Share it here!

Make the Most Out of Finals

It’s that time of the year- finals! To some, merely mentioning the word will send them into a panic attack. Others actually look forward to finals season. What kind of crazy human being would EVER look forwards to finals? I’m glad you asked.

Flashnotes users do! Finals time is the best time to gather up all those notes and flashcards and make a profit off of them. Want to spend your summer sipping lemonade and vodka by the pool? How about handcrafting a good ‘ol fashioned 30 foot long slip ‘n slide? Whatever you decide to do, you can pay for your extravagant college lifestyle by selling your notes!

Whether you’ve already finished finals or you still have 6 more to go, we can help you.

If you’ve already finished finals: Go out and enjoy that summer sun! Taste the sweet freedom because it won’t last long. I know you probably don’t want to think about this right now, but even though you may be finished with this semester, there’s no better time to start preparing for next semester.

If you’ve already signed up for classes next semester, check out the materials available on Flashnotes to get a good idea of what you’ve gotten yourself into next semester. Give yourself a little time to soak up the sunshine and enjoy a much-needed break from school, but just don’t forget that the earlier you can start preparing for next semester, the smoother it will go.

 

If you still have to take finals: Now is the best time to really put some effort into those flashcards and study guides (not that we didn’t have faith in your studying ability before- we know you’re always on your best behavior). However, now is your time to shine. Finals season is the perfect time to sell those comprehensive study materials.

The key to a successful Flashnotes experience is marketing your material. You can make the best study guide in the entire world, but how will anyone know it’s the best if they haven’t seen it? We’ve seen that the best way to market your notes is through Blackboard or Moodle (whichever system your school supports). Shoot your classmates a quick email, and you’ll be on your way to earning summer fun money and making friends.

The end of finals doesn’t necessarily mean the end of Flashnotes. We’ll be here all summer long to answer any questions you can come up with (even the ridiculous ones). Happy Studying!

6 Ways to Make an Epic Exit From Your Final

I’ve finished a lot of finals in my lifetime, but you don’t need me to tell you how relieving it is to strut out that door knowing that you are home free. The first thing you want to do is yell at the top of your lungs. But what will you say that will make the biggest impact? Should you yell or just run away and never look back?

I feel your pain. The only problem with actually finishing your finals is that you can’t figure out how to make the perfect exit. What are you going to do?! I’m glad you asked.

1. Bring cheerleaders and/or the school mascot to escort you out of the final. Make sure they chant your name as loud as possible and there is confetti thrown on your professor’s desk. There’s nothing better than being publicly recognized for your accomplishments. Even if you don’t feel like you aced the test- your cheerleaders don’t care. They just want to cheer you on anyways!
2. “I’m The Boss! I’m The Boss! I’m The Boss! I’m… The… Boss!”- Raging Bull
3. Set your phone ringtone to your favorite super hero’s theme song. As soon as you’re finished with your final, abruptly stand up and yell, “I must go, my people need me!” as you bolt out the door.
4. Bring a boom box to your final if you can find one. If not, any ‘ol speakers will work. Play an epic exit song as you turn in your final. Here are our top songs: “We Are the Champions”, “Started at the Bottom” and “School’s Out”. Make sure that whatever song you chose is both relatable and energizing. (No sense in playing a classic love song is there?)
5. Memorize the words to “A Whole New World” from Aladdin and choreograph a simple ballroom dance with your buddy from class. Wait until both of you have finished your final and then start singing as soon as you both stand up to turn it in. Slam your final on the professor’s desk and have “Aladdin” carry you out the door to start your whole new life together.
6. There’s nothing more effective than yelling “I’M DONE” and laughing manically at the poor people next to you still viciously trying to scribble out answers to questions that they don’t know. Not saying that I’ve done this, but I’ve heard it’s fun.

Seriously though, I want to congratulate you on finishing your finals. It takes a lot of hard work and dedication to actually finish a semester. Now go enjoy your summer! If you have an epic exit from one of your finals, I want to hear about it!

Our 6 Favorite Apps to Help You Study

You’re in college and your life moves a hundred miles an hour. When the heck are you going to find time to study, maintain a social life, and (dare we say it?) get some sleep. Well, we noticed that you’re always on the go, so why not study on the go, too? Whip out that smart phone of yours and instead of texting Johnny about 50 cent wing Wednesdays, how about you peruse some flash cards or get started on that paper?

We know what you’re thinking “Ugh, atomic buffalo wings are so much more important than looking at flashcards right now”. Well we have good news for you! You can spend as much time as you want at the local BBQ restaurant because if you don’t study now, you’ll be working there the rest of your life.

If you wish you could just press the “easy button” instead of studying, unfortunately, that button doesn’t exist. However, we can sure give you the resources to make it a little less painful (unless you like pain, which, if you’re eating atomic wings, you obviously do). These 6 apps for your smart phone will have you organized and studying in no time!

myHomework- This is the mother of all college organization. Not good at organizing? Let myHomework take care of that. Keep track of you class schedule, assignments, and major tests all in one place. It automatically color-codes everything based on due date. All you need to do is pay attention in class!

Evernote– If you are already mediocre at organizing, or just want a more user-friendly platform for organizing, Evernote if the app for you. All of your to-do lists, notes, and doodles are in one place. The best part? Evernote automatically syncs all of your devices. As long as you have a mobile device on you, you have organization in your pocket!

Flashcard Plus– Flashcards are probably the most popular way of studying for a test. If you walk into class before a big test, you’re bound to see students flipping madly through their decks and muttering to themselves. With F+, you won’t ever have to wonder where the missing flashcards have gone, and you don’t have to waste paper! This app is totally free, so you can start uploading and quizzing yourself right now!

Sleep Cycle– We could all use a better nights sleep. Sleep cycle monitors your sleeping patterns and wakes you up during your periods of lighter sleep, so you wake up less groggy. There’s nothing worse than stumbling out of bed and willing yourself to wake up even though every bone in your body wants to lie in bed.

Coffee Shop Finder- We all know what it feels like to have too much to do and not enough energy. Thankfully, Coffee Shop Finder can guide you to the nearest coffee shop in the world! Yes, that specialty drink that you’ve been craving is closer than you think!

Essay planner- Although this app isn’t free- it’s totally worth the $2.99. If you’re the master of procrastination, this app will help break you of that habit and have you well on your way to writing better. Contrary to popular belief, you can’t always just “wing it” the night before and get an outstanding grade. Writing is about practice and discipline. Why do you think you’ve been doing it your entire school career? Invest in your future, and become a better writer (or at least planner).

Although you should probably be studying instead of reading this, we appreciate your dedication to procrastination. Now, go download some apps and make good use of your time! See something we missed? Let us know, we’re always on the look-out for the next big thing.

The 6 Types of Study Buddies

Here’s the deal- we all hate to study, so finding a partner in crime sounds like the perfect option to doing it alone, right? Why not waste away both of your nights sharing in each other’s misery about how awful your professors are? Seems like a great Friday night to us.

We just have one word of advice: Make sure you choose the right study buddy, or your nights could take a serious turn for the worse. Here are the 6 types of study buddies. Choose wisely!

1. The Perfectionist- Everything must be perfect, organized, and methodical. This study buddy is on top of everything in class. Careful with this one though- everything seems perfect on the outside, but this study buddy is one pink highlighter explosion away from a major breakdown.
2. The Partier- This kid either comes to class high or drunk and doesn’t pay attention, or doesn’t come to class at all. You can pretty much assume that this kid comes to class purely to hone his doodling skills. This type of study buddy can surprise you though- his/her random alcohol induced life skills and marijuana fueled research can make this study buddy a great wild card.
3. The Silent Partner- You might not be quiet in a library, but this study buddy will remain silent until all is accomplished. Want to ask your study buddy a question about the possibilities of artificial intelligence recreation? How about how their weekend went? Expect the shortest answer possible with as little detail as possible.  Your study buddy came for two things: to be quiet and to finish studying.
4. The User- This type of study buddy may put up a great intellectual façade, but don’t be fooled. This person was not paying attention in class and they want to study with you so they can copy your notes and have you explain everything to them. You might find this annoying and time consuming, but look at the bright side- you’ll end up knowing the material well enough to teach it!
5. The “study” buddy- The hottie you’ve been undressing with your eyes all semester finally asked you to come over and study for finals. You’re stoked, but be warned-you won’t get much studying done with this person! Five minutes into your French vocabulary review in their apartment, and your lips are locked. A couple hours pass and you completely “forgot” to attend your next class. Oopsies! Now you need a study buddy for another class, too!
6. The Yin Yang Buddy- This person compliments you and your study style like Nutella and waffles. Both of you take great notes, try to follow along in class, and have fun studying (who knew this could be fun?!). You might have missed a class or two, but luckily for you, your study buddy filled you in. If you find this person- don’t ever let them go.

Choose your buddy wisely and your grades will thank you. Happy studying!

The War on Finals Begins

Finals season is almost here. Prepare yourselves. Seriously, taking finals is like going to war. There are many enemies in this battle: sleep, social events, laziness, procrastination, and sheer, unbridled lack of understanding. The enemies are near, and they are ready to take you down. Good thing you’re preparing now.

• Let’s face it- finals are like waging a personal war against sleep. This enemy is both physical and mental. There are too many finals to review for and not enough time. If you take a good look around and see students in the library using their laptop as a pillow, they’re in trouble and they have already lost the war against sleep. Here’s how to defeat your enemy: Drink 5 hr. energy and speed-read every book you’ve ever been assigned. We like to call this efficiency. It’s a GRE word.
• You’re young, you’re fun, and you’ve got the packed social calendar to prove it. Every soldier needs a good plan; a plan to party is not what we’re talking about. The temptation is so strong to just pack up your things and go have “just one beer” at the bar across the street. This is a booby trap filled with car bombs, Jaeger bombs, sake bombs and other unmentionable drinks that make you regret ever stepping foot into a bar. Here’s how to defeat your enemy: remember that during finals season, if it sounds too good/fun to be true, it probably is.
• Laziness and procrastination are pretty much the same thing here- and you can prevent them both. This is an enemy that lives within you- scary, huh? You can say that you sat down in front of your computer to do research for that 10-page paper due next Wednesday, but we know you’re lying. Laziness has won the battle this time. It will continue to win again and again if you don’t put an end to laziness right now. Here’s how to defeat your enemy: List every single possible excuse for not studying and write it on a piece of paper that’s not in your notebook. Now burn that piece of paper (as safely as possible- we don’t want a bonfire here). Look what you just did- you got rid of all your excuses to not study. Now GO STUDY.

• A lack of understanding is probably one of the hardest enemies to overcome in the war against finals season. For whatever reason, you decided to wait until it was almost too late to recover before realizing that you have no idea what’s going on in class. We don’t judge-we’re just here to help. Good thing you actually want to learn the information. Here’s how to defeat your enemy: Talk to your professor and let him/her know that you need a little help understanding some key concepts. If he/she has a heart (and you haven’t pissed them off), you best believe that some help is coming your way. If you have managed to get yourself into a class that has a soulless professor, Flashnotes does a wonderful job at connecting students that understand the material with the students that want to learn.

If you’re in college and you just want someone to baby you and tell you that everything will be alright- you’re barking up the wrong tree here. You’re an adult and you have to make everything right for yourself. We can provide you with resources to help you help yourself, but this is a personal battle between you and your studies. We wish you the best.

Brand Ambassador Spotlight: Brooks Leitner

Ladies and gentlemen, we have in our midst another superstar! Brooks Leitner hails from University of Maryland and has been busting his butt since the beginning of the semester.

This is Brooks’ first semester with us as a Brand Ambassador and we think he’s doing a great job! He started out with us as a Preferred Note Taker and when his first study guide went out to nearly 500 chemistry students, he earned enough money to pay for a spring break trip!

If you’re wondering what keeps him so motivated and organized during his busy semester, Brooks says, “Over 25 of the people I referred have used a promotional code, and I have seen that over half of them have made over $100 from their notes! It’s a great feeling to know that I was the liaison between such a great company and the money-earning potential of my peers”.

Out of all the jobs that a student could have in college, why did Brooks choose to work with Flashnotes?  He says that “being heavily involved in Flashnotes keeps me motivated to pay attention in class and take GOOD notes. The better my notes, the more others will be interested in them, and the better I do in my classes.”

We couldn’t have said it any better ourselves, Brooks. We’re glad to have you onboard!

If you want to spread the word and help others on your campus, check out Flashnotes!