I knew it!

While I enjoy plenty of reality tv shows, I've always been wary of Jersey Shore. I'm not much of a partier and tend to find the drunken escapades of others to be a bit ridiculous, and not in a funny way. When I saw this article I couldn't help but laugh. I thought the funniest thing about it all was actually the first comment at the bottom. Take a look!

Newbie News

Today I read an article written just for me, a recent design grad, thanks TAXI!

While most of these tips seem fairly straightforward it is a good refresher. Understanding what employers value most makes it easier to predict what my new career will be like and helps me ensure I meet their needs.

Learn from Others

Acknowledge the experience of seniors and peers, and at all costs avoid being a know-it-all. Make a note of the tips and pointers that your peers give you. Remember that more experienced employees have made mistakes and can help you avoid them. Never feel ashamed to ask questions.

Remember Names

Make a point to learn and remember names. This will make a positive impression on your co-workers, will help you gain respect and will create a stronger bond with team mates.

Ask Questions

It may be hard at first but it is important to ask relevant parties questions. Asking questions creates a positive impression, it helps to show that you are an eager learner and enthusiastic worker.

Be a Team Player

While you may be used to calling all the shots, it is important to learn to be a team player and how to work effectively in groups. Learn to collaborate and acknowledge each other's work.

Keep Your Stuff Organized

The workload of new designers can be cumbersome, it is very important to keep everything organized and arranged. A great tip for working with layers is to name layers accordingly, this makes changes quick and simple.

Improve via Criticism

Realize that criticism helps to improve and enhance your skills. Hear out others opinions and analysis about you. Try to take positive aspects from their comments and improve.

Don't Make Enemies

Make your at work personality likeable and avoid making any enemies, this will lead to better performance appraisals. Keep on good terms with everyone regardless of their position.

Share Your Ideas

Express your ideas and opinions, if you believe you could make something even better, share. Keep in mind the fine line between making a point and arguing for arguments sake. Make positive comments that can eventually benefit you in performance appraisals.

With all this in mind, I'm excited to start working at my first full time position.

I Love That Song

Today I read an article called, "Listen Up: I Don't Know What I'm Talking About." Beginning with an antidote about a girl in an antique shop, it talked about how people often speak with conviction regarding things they know nothing about. The author's own personal experience dealt with music and instruments. While Maddux loves music and frequently writes about the subject, she cannot play any instruments. She admits to only half-heartedly trying to learn but also finds her lack of skill to be a redeeming quality. When Maddux listens to music she bypasses the notes and pays attention purely to the sounds. She differentiates what she likes, what she doesn't, what else it sounds like, and what she wishes it sounded like. All of this helps her form her opinion without getting caught up on the actual notes being played.

I relate to not being able to differentiate one note from another, but also take it one step further. When I listen to music I listen blindly, most of the time I don't know what the song is called or even who it is by. While I have learned the names of my favourites, I love the anonymity that comes with this ignorance. I'm not trapped by having to avoid bands that are "uncool" and can relay to friends what I'm liking by singing a few lines or looking it up on the internet.