How to "X-out" X-pensive Xmas Gifts

As seen in the Etownian.

Because of the commercialization of Christmas, department and discount stores have been seemingly displaying their holiday decorations and hot-ticket toys earlier every year. Toys and other anticipated popular gifts are often given high price tags which are reduced almost immediately following the holiday season. Due to the economic downturn in recent months, retailers are growing understandably uneasy about the coming holiday season – which some researchers predict will be the least lucrative for retailers since 1991. They are trying to counteract this by placing holiday items on the shelves even earlier than normal, a trend which has been ongoing for several years but is exacerbated during economic downturns such as the current one.

The great majority of retailers’ sales are seen during the period from the day after Thanksgiving (“Black Friday”) through the middle of January. Due to investment difficulties and job strife, many consumers have been forced to cut back on holiday spending and consequently are expected to frequent discount big-box retailers such as Wal-Mart and Costco this year. Traditional department stores, long the domain of holiday shopping, have been suffering in recent years due to a trend toward wholesale buying. Due to the fact that these goods are purchased in bulk directly from the manufacturer rather than through a wholesaler less expensively, they can be sold for lower prices, although some question the quality of such apparel and appliances.

Following Christmas Day, retailers begin offering clearances on the seasonal high-ticket toys, Christmas decorations, clothing, jewelry, and electronics. Gifts of a check, cash, or gift certificates can provide the opportunity for someone to obtain the gifts they desire at a lower cost to you. Most stores offer such sales to clear out merchandise, with the exception of discounters promoting consistently low prices who advertise that their items are “always on sale”. Coupons can also provide great savings at department and big-box stores during the holiday season, and they can be found in newspapers, coupon books, online, and on purchase receipts. While the congestion and hustle of Black Friday can be daunting, stores promote some of their biggest discounts on this day. It is wise to arrive early to find big-ticket items which may become sold out early on in the day, and to develop a list of what you are searching for prior to embarking on your shopping trip.

If your budget is constraining your discretionary income, do not feel pressured to buy expensive gifts for everyone on your list. Many people may actually feel inconvenienced by extra gift items, and would instead prefer a get-together such as a special dinner or holiday party. “Homemade coupons” can also be given to promise a favor, gift, or outing redeemable a later time if you do not have the ability to give these things at the present moment. Also, homemade gifts are practical and can be made from inexpensive materials in one’s own house. If you are not interested in going about the Christmas shopping routine at retail stores, which consumes time and gas, the websites of many large retailers allow you to order similar items at discounts from what you would find in-store. Also, shopping websites such as Amazon.com offer similar products, and the shipping-and-handling costs are often cheaper than the gas which you would expend driving to the store. Another convenient strategy is to shop year-round for gifts during other shopping trips to avoid having to make an extravagant outing specifically for the holidays.
With the right strategy, which involves shopping at the right stores at the right time, one can keep everyone on their holiday gift list satisfied for the next year. The most expensive gifts are not necessarily the ones which receive the most attention, as even personal artwork or stories can be a treasured present. Keep in mind the preferences of those for whom you are shopping, and try to find cost-efficient ways of giving them a gift to remember.

Wall Street's Out on Bail - But Not Quite For Free

Full-length SIFE Sense article from week of October 20

Across the country, the common citizen has been struck with uncertainty regarding a bailout bill which would provide financial capital to investment banks and mortgage originators who approved thousands of defaulted subprime loans. Although many were skeptical about providing money to those corporate officers and firms responsible, most felt that some government assistance was needed to abate further bankruptcies and protect embattled homeowners. On September 22, President Bush proposed a $700 billion “rescue plan” in the wake of Lehman Brothers’ and Merrill Lynch’s failings, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average declined below 9000 points for the first time since 2003 on October 9. However, due to apparent political maneuvering in the House, the bill failed there on September 27 by a vote of 228 to 205 (with one representative abstaining). The Senate came to a resolution on Wednesday, October 1, approving an immediate $250 billion rescue package by a 74-25 vote and an additional $100 billion for use by Bush at his discretion as well as an additional $350 billion on hold for future consideration, and the House followed on October 3 by approving the reworked package by a vote of 263 to 171.

The package was passed on several conditions, including the provision of stock warrants to the government from companies selling bad securities and the renegotiation of mortgages issued by these companies. In addition, in order to receive bailout money, corporations would be required to limit “golden parachute” packages for departing corporate officers. The executives of firms receiving aid of greater than $300 million would also face steeper income taxes. The issue at the forefront of the “toxic loan crisis”, as it has come to be known, is the solicitation and approval of subprime loans, which are loans and mortgages provided to those with bad credit or little collateral. While the mass media has stoked the flames of the crisis by largely broadcasting images of despair, only 2 percent of U.S. mortgages are currently under default. Consumer and investor fear is counterproductive to market stabilization because it discourages investing and reduces purchasing, therefore reinforcing the market slack.

While it is tenuous to conclude what the ultimate solution may be, individuals can lessen the effects of “toxic lending” by ensuring that their loans and mortgages equate to no more than four times their annual income and ensure financial security against stock market dips by diversifying their assets. A general rule of thumb to follow is that one should hold no more than fifty percent of their net worth in common stocks, placing the remainder in savings accounts, bonds, property, and other low-risk securities. As you grow older and near retirement, your stock assets including those in a 401(k) plan should gradually be divested into more stable securities such as bonds and money-market accounts to protect against market fluctuations. Historically speaking, amongst types of securities common stocks have been the most variable and therefore the riskiest.

Recently, Congress repealed a long-standing regulation requiring a minimal credit rate for loan and mortgage applicants, resulting in many who would have previously been unqualified for such provisions receiving them. Many of these people later defaulted on their credit due to their inability to finance them, and ultimately found their property repossessed. Credit ratings exist for a reason – to ensure that people pay back their debts and do not cost the government or businesses excess funds to finance “toxic loans”. You can protect your ability to receive loans by paying credit card bills on time, repaying student loans, and avoiding excessive credit card purchases which you will have difficulty repaying on time. While mortgage originators and loan financing institutions may hold ultimate responsibility for the current credit crisis, we can each play a role in preventing future economic pitfalls.

Taking a Bite Out of Debt

Plenty of temptation abounds on college campuses, especially for incoming freshmen. It is an epidemic which can inflict much trouble upon students, and it hampers the prospects for a life of leisure after graduation. “What is this insipid threat?” you are probably wondering. It is actually debt in the form of credit card bills and student loans.

Many banks offer loans to students needing money for tuition or a vehicle, which many former students work for years to finance. They and other financial institutions also advertise high-interest credit card deals to students, sometimes connected to a “free” prize. These offers have increasingly become offered over the phone and email after restrictions have gradually been enacted limiting on-campus solicitation, including stringent 2001 restrictions in California. Oftentimes, students become overwhelmed by credit card offers and feel obligated to purchase one. While it doesn’t hurt to hold one credit or debit account, college students often neglect to consider their ability to pay for credit purchases in the future. A recent study conducted by student loan agency Nellie Mae determined that the average debt owed by individual college students was $2700. More strikingly, approximately ten percent of students owed credit card fees in excess of $7000. This survey also indicated that the majority of college students hold more than one credit card, a side effect of generous-sounding lures from credit card companies. Evidence indicates that some colleges may in fact sell their students’ contact information to such companies.

For purchase-happy college students, a more beneficial alternative to a credit card is a checking and debit card account. This is because they carry a preset spending balance which cannot be exceeded without incurring a financial penalty, typically a fine of $30 to $50 per overdraw. If you find that a credit card is necessary, buy into an account with a relatively low credit limit and restrict yourself to one card. Actually, having one credit card may be beneficial because using one responsibly establishes good credit, which can help after graduation in securing loans and purchasing a home and vehicle. However, one must realize that credit cards do not provide “free” money to be spent haphazardly on unnecessary items and that such irresponsibility can really come back to haunt you later in life.

Etown SIFE Launches Environmental Blog

Elizabethtown College Students in Free Enterprise has launched its new Go Green! blog at http://sifegogreen.blogspot.com. Read about ways to make your home, your life, and your business more environmentally friends, while saving money at the same time. Be sure to check it out.

Crooked Accountants and Know-Nothing CEOs

Extended form of latest SIFE Sense article as seen in the Etownian

As a naïve child, I had many peculiar opinions of what colloquialisms and phrases used in our culture actually meant. I can recall hearing about a businessman getting arrested for money laundering and summarily meticulously double-checking my pants pockets to ensure no errant bills were inside before putting them in the laundry basket. I can recall viewing successful businessmen such as Donald Trump and Bill Gates as the closest thing to deities on Earth. However, as I matured and the “real world” intruded upon my existence, I realized that businesspeople could be just as vulnerable to the temptation of greed as the common criminal.

Throughout the twentieth century, the notion of letting the free market act as it desired (known as the principle of laissez-faire) prevailed. Corporate officers were essentially free to conduct their business to their wishing. Unfortunately, behind the scenes corporate executives, accounting firms, and other avarice-stung money managers were often altering accounts, exchanging insider information, and laundering money at the expense of shareholders and employees. Yes, money laundering actually refers to the practice of diverting funds from public accounts to undisclosed sources. Due to unethical conduct, several big-name CEOs and CFOs have been charged with these crimes since the dawn of the new millennium.

One of the most noteworthy and standard-setting cases was that of Enron and its accounting firm, Arthur Andersen. CEO Jeff Skilling and CFO Andrew Fastow were implicated in the misquoting of company earnings in financial reports in conspiracy with Andersen’s accountants, and late company founder Ken Lay was also charged with fraud and conspiracy. While testifying, Lay denied having any knowledge of his subordinates’ actions, but this was refuted by the prosecution who claimed that a CEO must be totally in control. While some money-hungry chief execs would undoubtedly step up to debate this, I would argue that CEOs were not paid an all-time record of 419 times the salary of the average worker in 1999 to claim ignorance of lower-level executives’ (mis)management of corporate accounts.

The particularly inane thing about corporate corruption is that the executives imagined they could get away with manipulating company accounts for their own benefit, in a workplace where someone is always looking over your back and auditing your reports. Now, Tyco Electronics’ Dennis Kozlowski, WorldCom’s Bernie Ebbers, and Skilling all share a common residence – prison. In hindsight, I would speculate that none of them would argue that their misdeeds were profitable. In addition, corruption and corporate irresponsibility all demonstrate an inverse correlation with a company’s bottom-line profit margin. These recent cases have reiterated an age-old adage regarding crime – it doesn’t pay.

SOURCES AND ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/12968481/ (Article: Lay, Skilling Guilty in Enron Trial, Thursday, May 25, 2006)

The Decline of the "Almighty Dollar"

Extended copy of current SIFE Sense article as seen in the Etownian

Perusing the financial news has become a depressing activity for many lately, as the Dow Jones Industrial Average has plummeted over the past couple months, mirroring the woes of the economy as a whole. These difficulties have been compounded by the subprime mortgage lending crisis, which has contributed to a dramatic decrease in the stock prices of banks and other financial institutions, as well as the skyrocketing price of oil. The continuing slump has not passed without affecting the exchange rate of the U.S. dollar, as the demand for U.S. goods and services has diminished as our economy has dwindled.

As of August 5, both the British pound and the Euro held significant advantages over our dollar, with the Euro’s value at $1.56 and the exchange rate for the pound at $1.95. There are several factors influencing this slackening, including a decline in consumer confidence and spending within the U.S., a decrease in trust in the U.S. currency within foreign markets, increased trade between major world economic players and the European Union nations, and diminished foreign investment in U.S. interests stemming from unease regarding a possible recession. This has raised some suspicion from financial analysts that ultimately the Euro may become preferred over our dollar amongst global central banks, exacerbating its decline and creating further economic woes for the U.S.

The U.S. trade deficit is a widely recognized malady, indicating that the volume of our imports has since the 1970s (and more markedly since 1997) exceeded that of exports of domestic goods. This lack of foreign purchasing has also contributed to our government’s budget deficit, spurring them to finance some of our debt with bonds in foreign economies. These and other difficulties have piqued the concerns of foreign investors and governments, contributing to the diminished confidence in our currency.

Despite these woes, there are indications that the dollar may not be in as great of jeopardy as commonly assumed. The yield rates on treasury bonds are typically inversely correlated with the value of the dollar, meaning that as the dollar value declines, the yield rate should increase. However, throughout the past six years this has not been the case, as the yield rate has actually decreased contrary to what is to be expected with a decline in the dollar’s value. Unfortunately for our currency, this phenomenon is considered a secondary indicator when compared to the exchange rate.

With the present mortgage crisis and economic pressure stemming from the value of oil, the dollar value may seem like a secondary concern. However, it is critical to remember that its worth is reflective of the clout of our economy on the global scale and affects our ability to import from other economies. The declining value relative to the Euro may be indicative of the increasing economic power of the European Union member nations and the comparative waning of American industry.

SOURCES AND ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

www.x-rates.com (exchange rate tabulator)

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21018869/ (Article: Should we be worried about the falling dollar?; Sunday, Sept. 30, 2007)

http://useconomy.about.com/od/tradepolicy/p/Dollar_Value.htm (Article: Value of the U.S. Dollar)

Guest Post: Regardless of Your School Colors, Go Green!

Your college years are going to stick out in your mind for the rest of your life. It’s the only time where you’ll be on your own with limited responsibilities, outside of your grades of course. You’re going to meet new people from all over the world and perhaps travel the globe yourself. You’ll be living away from your family and will make your own decisions about pretty much everything in your daily life. One decision that you should make is caring about the environment and actually doing something about it. Here are four ways you can go green while in college:

1. Be careful about what you throw away. If you drive by a college dorm at the end of a semester you’re going to see mounds of “trash” that is definitely reusable and sometimes in really good condition. Couches, beds, mattresses, lamps, printers and countless other items are usually tossed out because college students don’t want to lug them to their new residence or don’t want to bring them home for the summer. These items are just going to wind up in a landfill, when they can be used by other students or families. Go to Craigslist and post your items for reuse. Hey, you can make a quick buck too!
2. Leave your car at home. Campuses are designed for the walker. If your campus is huge in your estimation then take public transportation to the library or to your class on the other side of the quad. If you absolutely need your car then leave it in a student lot and use it only when you absolutely must. You’re in college; do you have money to throw away on gas that’s wasted on pointless driving?
3. Put some green in your diet. The dining hall is no longer a wasteland for food choices. Most colleges have listened to their students and offer a wider variety of healthier options. Some even support local growers and buy fruits and vegetables from local farms. Eating non-processed foods will help you also keep off the “freshman 15.”
4. Recycle whenever possible. Colleges are leading advocates for saving the environment and have made it easier for their students to pitch in by recycling. In your dorm’s trash area there will be clearly marked sections for you to deposit recyclable items. Make it easier on yourself by having two receptacles in your place: one for trash and another for recycling. It’s a great habit to get into at a young age.

This article was contributed by Heather Johnson, who is a regular writer on the subject of Concord Law School Reviews. She welcomes your questions, comments and writing job opportunities at heatherjohnson2323[at]gmail[dot]com.

EC SIFE welcomes guest submission of articles for our blog. Feel free to contact us on our website, http://www.etown.edu/sife.

Quick Tips for Remaining Professional

Here are some quick tips for a new employee to remain professional and to adapt to the business world:

• Remember that everything you do on company time can be considered work. Don't surf gaming site, or spend time sending private correspondence over your company's email system. Save that for while you are home.
  
• Know your employer's rules about discussing company information with others. Make sure you don't divulge information that shouldn't be released outside the company.
• If at a company sponsored social event, remember you are still being watching by your co-workers or bosses.
  
• Avoid drinking too much - know your limits
• Stay respectful and polite
• Use the opportunity to network
• Learn the ethical nature of your workplace - what is allowed and what is not
• Look for advice from your managers if you are unsure about a situation
• Be willing to talk to a superior if you see a situation that seems to violate company policy or laws
• Remember that there are laws protecting whistleblowers
• Discuss workplace norms with a mentor or another co-worker, and know company policies regarding technology use, personal relationships, and work expectations.

Green Your Office

You can make a difference and help improve the environment by purchasing recycled products. You will find that most recycled products cost less, or the same as products made from normal materials. Recycled products cost more when the market for them is very limited; however, prices will fall over time when consumers buy these products regularly. There are many materials that you can buy for your office that are recycled. Recycled paper products include: copy paper, cards, envelopes, folders, notebooks, binders, checks, post-its, and cardboard boxes. Other recycled items include: computer disks, toner cartridges for photocopiers and printers, pens, rulers, and scissors. When buying paper products, the three arrows chasing each other on a dark background indicate that the paper contains recycled fibers, and on a light or no background, indicates that the paper can be recycled.

There are a few other simple things to do to make your office green:

• Bring your own coffee mug to work, and encourage other employees to do the same.
• Contribute guest mugs for visitors.
• Save coffee grounds for compost, and give them to anyone who gardens at home.
• Substitute cloth towels for paper towels, and keep them laundered.

Where to Buy:
www.recycledofficeproducts.com
www.waldecks.com
www.dolphinblue.com
www.sustainablegroup.net
www.buyonlinenow.com
www.checkgallery.com
www.greendisk.com

You can also find a number of other recycled office supplies at your local supermarket, or office supply store.

New kid on the business block

The common factor in many, if not most, of the legends of American business is entrepreneurship. This involves someone in the private sector creating an idea for a new business and investing capital to support its foundation.

While they can invest their personal funds, often they can find family or friends known as “angel investors” to contribute money, take out bank loans, or obtain venture capital through a firm that supports upstart businesses.

Government agencies such as the Small Business Administration can also provide financial assistance for startups. The history of capitalism features numerous examples of now-millionaire or billionaire businessmen beginning from humble backgrounds as entrepreneurs.

The modern PC probably would not exist had young undergraduate student Bill Gates not invested his livelihood into Microsoft and his DOS operating system — and where would the worldwide Virgin Group empire be today without entrepreneurial genius Richard Branson?

While Gates may have led to the invention of the modern PC, would we have Apple’s i-Technology without the innovations of Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak? The premise of the free market economy is that individuals are able to invest as much as they desire into private businesses.

While controversy exists as to whether this system places too much wealth into the hands of a select group of business tycoons, there is no question that it has enabled the U.S. economy to flourish into the world’s most prominent.

To start your own business, you must be willing to accept the possibility of failure and the financial and the personal opportunity costs associated with such an endeavor.

Business data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that approximately 34 percent of upstart enterprises become bankrupt after two years of operation.

You must also have an idea differentiating yourself from competitors or develop another competitive advantage which will draw customers and revenue.

Entrepreneurship experts from Harvard Business School suggest that to truly make your endeavor a success you must take the initiative to invest your time and money against the potential of failure, and avoid letting other commitments such as school or work get in the way. Almost all entrepreneurs encounter resistance from competitors and outside forces and must learn to persevere in the face of opposition to succeed.

Written by Elizabethtown College Students In Free
Enterprise, a nonprofit organization that teaches others the principles of free
market economics. Students, faculty and staff are strongly encouraged to visit
the SIFE blog at etownsife.blogspot.com. Contact sife@etown.edu with any
questions. Originally published in the Etownian on April 24, 2008.

Being professional by phone or e-mail

Whether corresponding via e-mail or over the phone regarding business matters, it is important to act in a professional manner. The manner in which you present yourself through these mediums reflects not only on your experience but also your intelligence and degree of sophistication.

With e-mail, you should avoid “cutesy” or suggestive addresses, capricious signatures, and emoticons (such as (: and <3)>

When speaking on the phone, you should address the person by his or her full name, listen and avoid interruption, and speak clearly and slowly to prevent any potential misunderstandings.

The very nature of e-mail makes it easier for the recipient to scrutinize your words. When an e-mail is received, it is stored in the permanent files of the computer for the recipient to read and re-read. Proper grammar is especially important, as any error in this area will reflect poorly on your education and intellect.

To demonstrate professional respect, you should refer to him or her by an official title (i.e. Mr., Mrs., Dr., Ms. or whatever they prefer) in your salutation.

As emotions are not readily apparent in written communication, exercise great caution in including jokes as they may be misinterpreted. Most importantly, never include any suggestive material or threats, as a written record is generated that could be used as evidence against you.

While a telephone conversation will in most cases not be permanently recorded, to retain your professional reputation it is essential that you demonstrate respect and good communications skills over the phone.

Whether talking to your supervisor or a fellow coworker, you should speak in a manner that will not leave the person on the other end of the phone confused or despondent. When he or she is speaking, be sure to pay attention to what you are being told and avoid constant interjections such as “okay” and “right.”

Also, speak to his or her level of understanding without sounding condescending, and remember to speak concisely and slowly enough that your words won’t sound garbled.

While you don’t have to possess the communications skills of a presidential candidate when corresponding in a business situation, you should present your most professional manner.

Your colleagues will remember you not for your qualifications or educational background but for the way in which you presented yourself.

Written by Elizabethtown College Students In Free Enterprise, a nonprofit organization that teaches others the principles of free market economics. Students, faculty and staff are strongly encouraged to visit the SIFE blog at http://etownsife.blogspot.com/. Contact sife@etown.edu with any questions.

This article was originally published in the Etownian on Thursday, February 28th, 2008.

Preparing for the Job or Internship Search

College students are constantly facing the pressure of what they are going to do after graduation. It does not matter if you are a business, biology, or music major; it is essential that you network. Networking means making connections with people and forming bonds. These bonds can help advance your career and get your name out into your industry of interest. Below are some tips for networking.

1. Go to Career fairs —Elizabethtown College hosts a career fair each year where employers from all over the area visit the school.

Career Services also provides information about many other fairs in the Elizabethtown area. These events provide the opportunity to meet a lot of people at one time and hand out résumés and business cards.

2. Talk to your friends and family — You would be amazed by how many networking possibilities exist with people you already know. Let them know what your field of interest is and that you are looking for a job. Ask them to keep you in mind if they hear any relevant information.

3. Talk to your professors and advisors — Many students forget that some of their most valuable resources are right in the classroom. Ask your professors if they have heard of any job openings or if they could introduce you to some professionals in the field.

4. Get involved in clubs — several clubs on campus have partnerships with local businesses and major corporations. Fellow students in clubs may also have connections that can prove useful for you.

5. Network online — Join a common interest group on the internet. You can talk with people all over the world who are professionals in your field. Make sure the group is legitimate and that it has a good reputation before you join.
Above all things it is important to be friendly and courteous and leave a positive impression.

Avoid shrugging off potential contacts. A lead that may look like a dead-end could provide a new connection in the future. While it is wonderful to know people, it is essential that their memories of you are positive so that they would be willing to link you with a potential employer.

Written by Elizabethtown College Students In Free Enterprise, a nonprofit organization that teaches others the principles of free market economics. Students, faculty and staff are strongly encouraged to visit the SIFE blog at http://etownsife.blogspot.com/. Contact sife@etown.edu with any questions.

This article was originally published in the Etownian on Thursday, April 3rd.

Presenting: tips for jobs and internships

Finding the right job or internship to suit your desires is never an easy task. Fortunately, the advent of the Internet has made it easier to find one tailored especially to your needs.

While the job hunt used to consist of desperate searches through the want ads in the newspapers, carousing around the many stands at school job fairs, or browsing your college’s job postings, new websites such as jobsearch.com and monster.com have simplified the search. Many colleges, including Elizabethtown, have also established online job search resources to aid their students in the hunt.

At Etown, the Career Services department will be happy to meet with you to discuss your resume and cover letter and provide instructions on using their Jobs for Jays resource. Jobs for Jays is an excellent online job search site accessible from the Career Services section of the Etown web site (on the Quick Clicks drop-down menu).

To sign up, you must go to the web site and select the “Student Login” option. Then, you will be required to provide your name and contact information, as well as select a unique password for access to the database. You can update your profile, which includes educational and experiential credentials as well as the type of employment you are seeking, for easy access for job candidate seekers. These seekers may then contact you regarding relevant job opportunities through postal or e-mail.

Jobs for Jays also allows you to search for available positions through the “Jobs” tab. Here, you may specify the category of work you are seeking and the type of position (e.g. full-time, part-time, internship, etc.) in which you are interested, in addition to the desired locations and specific companies. Then, a list of the suitable job openings will appear on your screen with links to job descriptions, qualifications, and contact information.

While it does not complete the entire application process for you, this is a convenient resource available exclusively to Etown students.

The Career Services department has also arranged for students to attend job fairs both on campus and off. The Elizabethtown College Job and Internship Fair will be held in the Thompson Gymnasium March 19 from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Other major upcoming job fairs include the York College Career Expo April 2 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., the Capitol Region Job Fair April 3 at the Harrisburg Hilton, and numerous teacher recruitment fairs at area colleges such as Penn State University Park, Bloomsburg University and Kutztown University. Further details about these events can be found on the Jobs for Jays Web site.

While the job search can seem initially daunting, these resources are available to you to ease the pain. Remember that the college Career Services department located on the second floor of the BSC, is always eager to address your questions and concerns.

Written by Elizabethtown College Students In Free Enterprise, a nonprofit organization that teaches others the principles of free market economics. Students, faculty and staff are strongly encouraged to visit the SIFE blog at http://etownsife.blogspot.com/. Contact sife@etown.edu with any questions.

This article was originally published in the Etownian on Wednesday, March 19th.

Dressing for Success

Whether working in a cubicle or interacting directly with customers, dressing appropriately is of the utmost importance. Regardless of your communication or analytical abilities, the first thing others will notice about you is your appearance. Obviously, certain jobs will require different attire than others; in certain circumstances you may even be asked to wear a uniform. However, there are several basic guidelines one can follow to appear as professional as possible. First and foremost, make sure you are well-groomed, polish your dress shoes and avoid chewing gum during office interactions.

When working in an office environment, appropriate office dress differs based on gender. Women will want to opt for a business professional outfit or suit and men should generally suit up in a shirt, tie, and suit complemented by dress shoes. Avoid overly flamboyant colors and remember to match. These guidelines apply regardless of the weather or the season, as they serve to promote an atmosphere of professionalism and respect within the workplace.

Proper business dress is such a critical issue that professional seminars are based around the practice. Prior to actually obtaining a job, one must report for an interview to assess one’s qualifications and relevant skills.

Despite the objective nature of interviews, the interviewer will be focusing on your presentability due to the formality of the position. One of the most valuable rules to remember for interview dress is to dress as if you are already a high-ranking employee within the company. This way, you will convey a high degree of professionalism.

As a matter of atmosphere, certain working environments will demand a higher level of dress than others, whereas a Fortune 500 company would require very formal dress, a start-up firm would have much more relaxed standards. While the office dress code is much more casual than it was a few decades ago, showing up for work in a T-shirt and jean shorts will still encourage an attitude of disrespect and apathy.

However, it can be somewhat of a challenge to dress formally on a budget. Fortunately, there are stores offering affordable formal attire, as well as other methods of obtaining appropriate wear. Consignment shops offer bargains for the budget-minded business person. You may also want to search out sales at formal wear stores or, if all else fails, check at your local Goodwill store. Another strategy is to suggest that your relatives and/or friends that you may be interested in a suit as a present for an important occasion. If used wisely, these techniques can earn you a lot of professionalism points for a lower price.

While today’s fast-paced, aesthetic society stresses appearance more than ever, many workplaces have leaned toward more casual wear. However, this does not mean that you should be the employee who arrives to work dressed like he just came off the cow pasture. Professionalism still matters, and thus it is critical to dress likewise.

Written by Elizabethtown College Students In Free Enterprise, a nonprofit organization that teaches others the principles of free market economics. Students, faculty and staff are strongly encouraged to visit the SIFE blog at http://etownsife.blogspot.com/. Contact sife@etown.edu with any questions.

This article was originally published in the Etownian on Thursday, January 31st.

Protect your ID

With the increasing prominence of online transactions and data management systems, identity theft has become an everyday concern for the common citizen. By hacking into bank account databases or soliciting personal information through cleverly designed schemes, prospective identity thieves now have more techniques at their disposal than ever before.

An insidious new form of ID theft is the fake check, which involves a scam artist answering a classified ad and offering to pay for the advertised item with a personal check, cashier’s check, or corporate check.

Before the check is sent, however, the scammer devises a way to “accidentally” write the check for more than the item’s price. They then request that the recipient deposit this check and then wire them back an amount equal to the difference between the “erroneous” check and the advertised item price. Unbeknownst to the victim, they have deposited a check from an intentionally under funded account, which then bounces. The victim is then liable for the full amount of the fraudulent check.

Besides the fake check scheme, many other methods are used by ID thieves. These include “dumpster diving” for account numbers in garbage, phishing, changing the victim’s address, and stealing their wallets or financial statements. They can then use this information to gain access to existing accounts or create new ones, rent items, or claim government transfer payments in the victim’s name. Due to the multitude of schemes employed by such criminals, it is essential that you safeguard your account numbers and Personal Identification Numbers (PINs).

If you suspect that your identity has been stolen or is about to be stolen (e.g. your wallet has been stolen), you can freeze your credit report to prevent unconfirmed access, close accounts you suspect to be affected, or file a fraud alert.

This can be negotiated by contacting one of the credit reporting agencies (Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion) and posting either an initial alert, which will remain valid for at least 90 days, or an extended alert, remaining on your report for seven years.

You may also want to file a police report on the incident and the suspected perpetrator. Unfortunately, some police departments remain hesitant to file such reports. In such cases, filing an ID theft report with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) will help them identify threats and catch the perpetrators. You may also want to contact other police departments for assistance.

Although we have discussed several methods of recovering from identity theft, the most effective method is to remain vigilant to potential theft schemes and avoid them in the first place. Remember that while identity theft may seem ubiquitous in today’s electronic society, there are ways to safeguard oneself.

Written by Elizabethtown College Students In Free Enterprise, a nonprofit organization that teaches others the principles of free market economics. Students, faculty and staff are strongly encouraged to visit the SIFE blog at http://etownsife.blogspot.com/. Contact sife@etown.edu with any questions.

This article was originally published in the Etownian on Thursday, January 31st.