Politics and What College Graduates Shoud Care About

2008 proved a landmark election year for the 18 to 29 year-old demographic, with 51% of qualified Americans within this age range showing up at the polls.  Sixty-two percent of those with at least some college experience voiced their opinions on economic, social, and political issues, and four years later, it's looking like they may very well show up in the same (relative) droves. Because so many topics big and small directly dictate their lives, it behooves new and seasoned voters alike to familiarize themselves with today's most pressing debates. Start with the following and branch out from there for a broad view of everything currently at stake.

Jobs:
The New York Times refers to the current crop of college graduates as "The Limbo Generation" because they happen to enter into an economy pockmarked by high unemployment. Growing up, higher education was always touted as an essential gateway toward many (if not most) career paths, but reality proved otherwise when businesses just stopped hiring. A 2010 Center for Information & Research on Civil Learning & Engagement showed that voters between the ages of 18 and 29 considered improving the economy the most pressing political issue, with 59% reporting it as their primary concern.

Tuition and student loans:
College students continue demonstrating in the United States and Canada alike, angered largely over tuition hikes and favoring student loan reform. For obvious reason, of course! President Barack Obama, the Democratic incumbent in the 2012 election cycle, has already made some headway in making it easier for graduates to pay off the money they've taken out for their higher educations, but more legislation needs implementing to protect their interests. As it stands now, the laws restricting payments to paying out no more than 10% of disposable income will not go into effect until 2014.

For more detailed information visit ResumeBear

Lurk First (and 4 More Tips on Getting the Most our of LinkedIn Groups)

Interested in finding a new job, switching careers, attracting more clients or building a stronger professional network? LinkedIn Groups is the place to be.

Groups provides opportunities to meet and engage in discussions with members of your industry, your alumni community or other professional interest areas. Becoming active in LinkedIn Groups is like attending a professional conference every time you log on.

To join a group, start exploring the Group Search page, which has recently been updated to make it easier for you to find the most valuable places to network. Then click "Join" for any groups that sound appealing. Once you're accepted as a member, you'll be able to post and comment on discussions, review job postings, connect with your fellow members and more.

For more information see www.lindseypollak.com/blog

10 Secrets to Success

1. How You Think is Everything.  Always be positive. Think Success, not Failure.  Beware of a negative environment.
2. Decide upon Your True Dreams and Goals.  Write down your specific goals and develop a plan to reach them.
3. Take Action. Goals are nothing without action.
4. Never Stop Learning. Go back to school or read books.  Get training and acquire skills
5. Be Persistent and Work Hard. Success is a marathon, not a sprint.  Never give up.
6. Learn to Analyze Details. Get all the facts, all the input. Learn from your mistakes.
7. Focus Your Time and Money.  Don't let other people or things distract you.
8. Don't Be Afraid To Innovate.  Be different.  Followng hte herd is a sure way to mediocrity.
9. Dean and Communicate with People Effectively.  No person is an island.  Learn to understand and motivate others.
10. Be Honest and Dependable.  Take responsibility, otherwise numbers 1-9 won't matter.

More information at Pick The Brain