Student Spotlight: Nicole Kutz

Posted on August 20th, 2010 in Small Business | No Comments »

Meet our second student of the month:  Nicole Kutz!  Nicole is a very talented and driven Art Studies major in her senior year at Arizona State University.  After creating exceptional work for us at OrangeSlyce, we realized that this gem of an artist should be our next Student Spotlight.  We asked Nicole a few questions about freelancing, her career goals, and of course, OrangeSlyce.  Here’s how the interview went:

OS:  So what got you interested in Art Studies?

NK:  Ever since I was a little kid, I loved to draw and paint.  My school work was always covered in doodles!  I hope to write and illustrate books eventually, so I wanted to be able to learn the basics about a wide variety of mediums that I could use to achieve this goal.

OS: That sounds really fun!  So what compelled you to join OrangeSlyce?

NK: Actually, a friend emailed me the link to the specific job (drawing illustrations for the OrangeSlyce website) because he thought it looked like something I would be interested in.  The more I learned about it, the more appealing the concept was.

OS: And what appealed to you about OrangeSlyce?

NK:  I liked that, as a student, I have job information without making any initial commitments.  Also, since it’s marketed to students, I know my crazy school schedule will be taken into account from the beginning.

OS: Well said!  So then have you found any other jobs through OrangeSlyce?

NK: I have done a little bit of checking since I started work for OrangeSlyce.  I am currently employed with an engineering company, so I’m not exactly needing any more work at the time.

OS: Do you have any advice for freelancing students?

NK: Being unsure and not knowing all the answers is okay, but being impolite is not!  As long as questions are respectful and you truly apply yourself to learning as much as you can as fast as you can, I have found that people are willing to work with you and help you.

OS: Good advice.  So just to mix it up here, what would be your dream job?

NK: My dream job would be to do writing/freelance writing in between traveling around taking photographs for magazines and books.  Hey we can always dream…..

OS: Of course we can!  So to build on that, do you have a motto or work philosophy?

NK:  My parent’s always taught me to do my best, strive for excellence and work hard and honestly.  It may sound cliche, but it really pays off, especially as I get older and my actions have a larger influence on my reputation and future.

OS:  Thank you Nicole for taking the time to answer our questions.

NK:  Thank you so much for the opportunity!

Eight Things To Do Before Graduation

Posted on July 27th, 2010 in Students | No Comments »

As I approach my last semester of college (just filed for graduation two days ago) I find myself super excited but also thinking “There are so many things that I want to do before I graduate!”  Here are my recommendations.  Sadly, some of the things on the list I didn’t get a chance to do, but hopefully you’ll learn from my regrets and complete this whole list.

1.)   Study abroad: Ah, my biggest regret.  Sadly I never got to do this but I seriously recommend it!  The chance to live and go to school abroad may never come up again, so take advantage of a student visa and pack your bags!

2.)   Get an internship: This is Orange Slyce, of course I recommend that!  But seriously, if only one is required for your major do another one.  They can only help you in the future.

3.)   Buy computer software: This one’s a little bit random but for the design student, essential!  Take advantage of your student discount and buy all of your favorite design and other computer products.

4.)   Get a mentor: Is there a professor that you really enjoyed learning from?  Talk to him or her.  This is a great way to network and also learn more about your field.

5.)   Take a random class: Do you secretly love theater?  Or maybe you want to learn the basics of criminal justice?  Whatever your guilty pleasure, take a class on it.

6.)  Use the gym: Being a student comes with lots of benefits but one of the best is the great fitness center.  Start working out now while its free with your tuition.

7.)   Craft a Killer Resume: Go to the career center and have one of their experts help you out.  It’s totally free and you walk away with a great resume ready to send out into the job market.

8.)   Go to a Career Fair: This is a great way to find potential employers and also build your networking skills in a familiar and unpretentious environment.

What do you think?  Is anything missing?  Leave me a comment! :-)