MAY 2012
Our annual big city and travel issue ...
London Calling: See why the British capital made the top of our lists for both international travel and best cities to work in after graduation.
plus,
- the editor picks 10 smart reads - why you should be working internationally - where to shop for affordable, stylish summer threads
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career advice: making the transition from studying to working It may be said that the real world is a startling shift from college life, but there are some definite parallels and lessons learned in college that can be directly applied to the real world - and not just your Econ 101 notes. PHOTO BY JULIA MILLER COVER PHOTO BY JULIA MILLER
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You’re ready to take on the world, one country at a time. But where should you travel? This month, we detail the best places to travel to while you’re still young that might be a bit more obscure than your average trip abroad.
Summer is practically upon us and the changing of the season can only mean one thing: time to go shopping. But where should you go to get the best buys without skipping out on style? Check out our recommendations.
get the look for less: best placoff the beaten path: unexpected places to travel es for women in their 20s to shop stylishly and affordably to in your 20s
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editor’s pick: books that will cover story: the adventure of transform your life ... and in- going abroad after graduation crease your intelligence Beach reads are all well and good, but wouldn’t it be great to bring something to the beach that is not only entertaining, but intellectually stimulating as well? See which 10 books we recommend you check out.
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It’s exciting, innovative and, yes, perhaps a little bit scary. But working internationally is a new trend that doesn’t seem to be going away anytime soon. So what is the best way to go about landing a job overseas? Read on to discover how you can seize your international dream career opportunities.
letter from the editor
The best time to travel is right now ... Yes, you read that right. The best time to travel is now. While we may be in the midst of an economic recession and the Mayans predict the world is ending in a mere seven months, I am a firm believer that now is the best time to travel. You’re young, you’re energetic and many of you haven’t yet found the pace and rhythm of the “settled” lifestyle ... not that those of you who have can’t travel either. My point being, this is the best time to take advantage of your youth and your vibrancy because it won’t stick around forever. And it is important to travel, not only domestically, but internationally because with the growth of social media and the advancement of technology, the world has become an increasingly smaller place and the people we once thought of as distant and intangible are now closer than ever. Cultural ignorance and indifference simply won’t “do” any longer ... not to mention, how cool is it to explore exotic lands and foreign cultures? This month is our annual ode to all things travel and big city. For those of you who are about to embark on graduation and all of the scariness that ensues in real-world job hunting, we’re here to help and assuage those fears. There is a place for you out there and, yes, it may very well be in your dream city of New York, Los Angeles, Chicago or even a cool place abroad. And once you land that job you’ve been looking for in your dream city, we’re here to help you budget and live affordably in those frequently expensive cities for entry-level salaries.
Also in this issue, you will find online editor Katie Manwaring’s story on where to shop affordably without losing style points. Summertime is practically upon us and we don’t doubt that you might enjoy a few new pieces to freshen up your wardrobe, but Katie’s got your back every step of the way. Follow her advice and you’ll be looking fresh and in style in no time. Our business manager Melanie Catts also gives us the rundown on must-reads to add to your summer reading list. But these books deviate from your stereotypical mindless “beach read” and will instead increase your intelligence and way of thinking, guaranteed. Check out her column on page 30 to get cracking on those books. And, of course, in keeping with our May theme, there are an abudance of stories spread throughout this issue that will send you packing in no time - whether it’s for a week of informational interviews in the Big Apple or an exotic graduation vacation abroad in New Zealand or Tokyo. Make sure to check out our recommendations in our monthly “Off the Beaten Path” department, where we highlight some of the best places for young people to travel. I hope you enjoy our issue of Millennia and find it useful to your pursuits, wherever they may take you. Until next month - bon voyage!
Ashley Fahey
Editor Ashley Fahey Online Editor Katie Manwaring Business Manager Melanie Catts Designer Ashley Fahey Contributing Writers Melanie Catts, Ashley Fahey, Katie Manwaring Contributing Photographers Merissa Blitz, Hannah Knoblauch, Julia Miller, Hiroshi Wada 2
career advice
Making the transition from
studying to working
by: melanie catts Learn what essential skills you can take away from college and apply them to your career! Not all of what you retain from college involves late-night parties. Some of what you use to learn and survive for those four years can be extremely valuable to your first job and even the rest of your future as a working professional. It is important to take what you have learned for so long in the classroom and be able to apply it to other aspects of your life. Here are some essential skills that can be carried over from your textbook days to your first job: LONG-TERM THINKING While most classes have a daily component, some of your project-based classes can be extremely useful once you’re at the job. Being able to balance short-term and longterm projects is key, and many employers are looking for candidates that understand how to structure these assignments. For example, the experience of keeping up with the readings during a project-based class (where you weren’t required to take constant quizzes) can help you work independently on a work-related project.
INQUISITIVENESS Willingness to continue learning is important. Some students think when they get out of college they’ll know everything but you have to have the ability to learn new things on the job. With so many skills for each position needing to be learned once you’ve started the 9-to-5, staying excited about the new experiences and duties you’ll encounter is key to landing your first promotion.
BEING A NEWBIE Joining a new job is somewhat akin to entering your first year of college. When you’re a freshman, you kind of have to pay your dues and not take things too personally, and that’s important as a new hire as well. When you start, think back to the difficulties of learning a new culture during first year in college. Comparing the two experiences can be help keep you motivated to succeed.
GETTING INVOLVED Just as studying wasn’t the only thing that proved important during college, your day-to-day work won’t be the only important thing at your job. Recent grads need to get involved in their workplace- it’s not just about productivity. Focus on gaining acceptance, respect and credibility by being willing to go above and beyond. Get to know coworkers by taking part in offsite volunteer opportunities, heading up special projects or attending after work happy hours.
FINDING OUT HOW YOU LEARN BEST Since most college learning environments are unstructured, many students take the opportunity to learn about how they retain information. Analyze your college achievement to figure out how you were most successful. For example, was your best college essay written in twohour increments? Take those tricks with you into your new learning environment.
TIME MANAGEMENT While coming up with a time-management system can seem like a constant struggle, your college years should have helped. Understanding what has and hasn’t helped as you navigate your courses can be applied to what’s required in the office. You need to find or create a task or time management system that works for you, whether it is electronic or on paper. You should know your system, strive to perfect it, and make sure it is reliable. Adjusting to a new schedule can be difficult and time off will seem scarce, so these previously learned skills are bound to come in handy.
As you enter the workforce, keep in mind that you’ll never be truly prepared for your job. It will often feel completely different from college life, with greater expectations and harsher consequences. It’s important to keep in mind that it’s not only book smarts that you gained from school but also skills that will help make you a successful employee.
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off the beaten path
The best, most unexpected places to travel to in your
20s
by: ashley fahey
It’s common knowledge that, for college graduation, many students choose to pack in as many European countries as possible in 10-14 days, before the stresses of entering the real world dawn upon them and securing a job that could put a damper on extensive international travel. But is it worthwhile to try and see as much as possible in such a short span of time? Or would it be a more worthwhile experience to try and see fewer, less traveled to countries for a more unique getaway? Not to mention, the best time to travel internationally is in the 20s and 30s, before it becomes too difficult or unaccommodating to travel exotically after securing a job that may not have a paid vacation opportunity for a while after being hired. So, where are the best places for young people to travel? What are the more unexpected experiences you won’t necessarily find on a 20 countries in 20 days tour? Prague, Czech Republic
Eastern Europe has recently become a hot destination for international travelers, and it’s not surprising why. With centuries-old architecture and a distinctive culture that marries the old with the new, it’s no surprise that people are including Eastern Europe on their travel itineraries. But one of the best places to check out in Eastern Europe must be Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic. Prague offers visitors unique attractions, such as the Prague Castle, the Charles Bridge, Old Town Square, the Jewish Quarter and the Lennon Wall, all of which would fascinate and intrigue the culturally-inclined young traveler. Prague also hosts numerous music and film festivals throughout the year, which draw in crowds from all over the world. With an assortment of nightlife and bars featuring Czech’s famous beer, there is always something to explore in this beautiful Eastern European city.
Tokyo, Japan
A must-see for young travelers is the technological, sleek, modern city of Tokyo, Japan. With its fantastic skyscrapers and colorful city streets that harken a bit to New York City, Tokyo is one of the world’s most popular and largest metropolitan regions in the world. It boasts a huge assortment of places to see, things to do and one-of-akind experience that will both excite and educate people in their 20s. Whether a person is more inclined to haute couture street fashion, late night karaoke bars or a unique culinary experience, Tokyo is a great place for the on-the-go, technologically-inclined young traveler. Plus, the Japanese culture is so different from American culture that one’s horizons are bound to expand after spending some time in the bustling city of Tokyo. Other parts of Japan that are a little slower-paced, such as Kyoto, are simply a bullet train trip away.
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New Zealand
If a 20+ hour length plane ride doesn’t turn you away, taking a trip to exotic New Zealand for a couple of weeks might be the perfect place to travel. With a huge variety of plant and animal life and breathtaking natural landscapes, New Zealand is a great travel experience for active, outdoorsy young people. Known for mountaineering, snow sports, boating, skydiving and other intensive activities, New Zealand is a fantastic place for a young person to enjoy an active and highly adventurous travel experience. And its rugged, natural landscapes and crisp purity are not to be found in many other places throughout the world – its long history of uninhibitedness has allowed it to become one of the world’s purest and undisturbed landforms, making it a worthwhile place to visit.
Brazil
If a culture laced with sassy accents, energetic music and flavor-rich cuisine is more your speed, take a trip down to South America to Brazil. Whether you’re in the lively capital of Rio de Janeiro or perhaps traipsing through the Amazon rainforest, a Brazilian vacation is sure to be packed with adventure and excitement. With a mixture of Portuguese cultural influence and its own developed distinctive culture, Brazil is a great option for young people looking to spice up their experience abroad. Rio de Janeiro, with Sugar Loaf Mountain offering breathtaking views of mountain peaks, forests, golden beaches and the city of Rio, has a vibrant spirit that sums up Brazilian culture all too perfectly. The oldest city in Brazil, Salvador, offers not only beautiful cultural heritage through its ancient architecture, but a local feel with street musicians, authentic Bahian cuisine cafes and a plethora of nightlife opportunities.
Grecian islands
For some, a vacation with crystal clear blue waters, white beaches and a balmy climate is the only way to go. A great place to experience these things while still going more out-of-the-box than Miami or California is the Grecian islands. Offering the perfect beach landscapes, in addition to gorgeous buildings and a rich cultural history, the Grecian islands are the perfect getaway from reality. Whether you’re interested in a more populated region, such as Santorini, or a more secluded area, such as Corfu, the Grecian islands accommodate any beach desire you may have, and you won’t be skipping out on sightseeing, landmarks and nightlife when you’re not on the beaches. Whether it’s Corfu’s Venetian fortress, the monasteries on Meterora’s cliffs or the famous Parthenon in Athens, Greece is certainly not lacking in rich cultural and architectural history.
London, United Kingdom
Usually on a young traveler’s itinerary is the world capital London because of its exciting, vibrant and artistic culture. It is also the city most Americans would rather live in, mostly because of the lack of a language barrier. But while the Brits speak the same language as Americans and there are many paralleling standards, London is also incredibly different from America and will give young travelers a new experience altogether. London is a premier spot for young people to travel to, with its strong theater, fashion, music and nightlife scenes. There are also iconic landmarks, such as Big Ben and the London Eye, and museums that must be visited while in the area. But whether you are more inclined toward a state-of-the-art performance at a West End theater or shopping to your heart’s content in Harrods or Topshop, there is something for every young man or woman to be found in London.
PHOTO BY HANNAH KNOBLAUCH
PHOTO COURTESY OF CREATIVE COMMONS
PHOTO BY HIROSHI WADA
PHOTO BY MERISSA BLITZ
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editor’s pick
Books that will transform your life ... and increase your intelligence by: melanie catts There are over 50,000 books published each year in the US alone. A book represents a basic element in a person’s life; it is the one helping us grow mentally, spiritually and culturally. The importance of books has always been a long subject of debate, however, it is the personal relationship with the meaning behind the novel that allows us to better describe the role a book can play in our lives. There are bestseller lists all over magazines and the Internet. But if you think about it, there is more to a good book than just its popularity. A book can be extremely popular, and at the same time have little to no effect on someone’s life. This list of magnificent reads factors in the ability to alter the way your mind works after reading it. Some of these novels are even proven to increase your IQ. Read on book lovers!
Top book genres that increase intelligence (pickthebrain.com)
1. Science 2. Philosophy 3. Serious Fiction 4. History 5. Poetry
1 2 3 4 The Five People You Meet in Heaven By Mitch Albom
This compelling novel embraces the importance of appreciating life and those in it, regardless of their role. The Five People You Meet in Heaven tells the story of Eddie, an irritable old man who goes on a passage of self-discovery after his death. On his journey, Eddie meets five individuals have all changed his life without him realizing it.
The Kite Runner By Khaled Hosseni
This story of identity and self-discovery touches the lifes of those who read it. Set in Afghanistan and the United States, The Kite Runner is the story of the maturation of a young man who needs to find his way in the world as he realizes that his own belief system is not that of his dominant culture. It illustrates the similarities as well as the differences between the two countries and the two vastly different cultures.
Pride and Prejudice By Jane Austen
This famous novel is a must-read for all who intend on sharpening their mind. It portrays life in the refined rural society of the day, and tells of the initial misunderstandings and later mutual enlightenment between Elizabeth Bennet and the haughty Darcy. The title Pride and Prejudice refers (among other things) to the ways in which Elizabeth and Darcy first view each other.
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1984
By George Orwell
For anyone who is interested in politics and the power of the government, 1984 should be on your list. Written in 1948, 1984 was George Orwell’s chilling prophecy about the future. And while 1984 has come and gone, Orwell’s narrative is timelier than ever. 1984 presents a startling and haunting vision of the world, and its hold on the imaginations of multiple generations of readers continues to hold its legacy.
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The Great Gatsby By F. Scott Fitzgerald
Published in 1925,The Great Gatsby is a classic piece of American fiction that everyone must read. So why not pick it up right now? It is a novel of triumph and tragedy, noted for the remarkable way Fitzgerald captured a cross-section of American society. It follows Jay Gatsby, a man who orders his life around one desire: to be reunited with the love he lost. His quest leads him from poverty to wealth, into the arms of his beloved, and eventually to death.
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One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest By Ken Kesey
This book examines the conditions of the mind and mental illness, which proves to be a novel that surely makes the brain threads spin. The book follows Randle Patrick McMurphy, a man who feigned insanity to receive a more lenient sentence for battery and is then sent to a mental asylum.
7 8 9 10 Lord of the Flies By William Golding
A classic story of conflict and survival that relates especially to the Millennial Generation, Lord of the Flies is an allegorical novel that describes a group of school boys stranded on an island trying to rule themselves. The novel is a commentary on culture and society.
Water for Elephants By Sara Gruen
Lolita
By Vladimir Nabokov
A well-to-do middle aged man falls for a 12-yearold girl. Scandal! But though the topic is controversial, “Lolita” remains a classic novel about morality and is, unexpectedly, laced with humor.
An atmospheric, gritty, and compelling novel of star-crossed lovers, set in the circus world circa 1932, Water for Elephants is told as a series of memories by Jacob Jankowski, a ninety-three year-old man who lives in a nursing home. As he reminisces about his days at the circus, he remembers it as both salvation and a living hell.
Fahrenheit 451 By Ray Bradbury
Set in the twenty-fourth century, Fahrenheit 451 introduces a new world in which control of the masses by the media, overpopulation, and censorship has taken over the general population. The individual is not accepted and the intellectual is considered an outlaw. This book is a must read for those who are young and will experience change as they grow older and the years progress.
IMAGES COURTESY OF CREATIVE COMMONS
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Get the look for by: katie manwaring
less
Asos.com
UK-based Asos.com is quickly gaining a fanbase here in the United States. We’re wary of ordering our clothing online too but trust us Asos does not disappoint. Most items are priced under $100 and the quality is unmatched. Check out the Asos Fashion Finder for ideas on how to create new looks and style the items sold on their site.
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Forever 21
We love Forever 21’s large selection of inexpensive, on-trend items. When you don’t want to splurge on a faux fur vest that’s only going to be in style for one season we recommend checking out Forever 21 so not to break the bank. We also love how often they get new shipments in store. Check in often for new items at super low prices!
The best places for women in their 20s to shop affordably and stylishly H&M
Swedish import H&M is one of our favorite stores for a mix of edgy and fashionforward apparel. For any woman on a budget H&M offers casual, work-appropriate and nighttime looks that won’t totally deplete your wallet. H&M also regularly collaborates with top designers such as Karl Lagerfeld and Versace to create affordable limited-edition collections.
J. Crew
Whether you’d describe your style as tomboy or girly-girl, minimalist or over-the-top, J. Crew offers classic, fashion-forward designs to fit any style. A little more expensive than the previous retailers mentioned, we had to include J. Crew just because their designs transcend so many different age groups and professions.
Zara
With stores usually only found in large cities, we’re ecstatic that Zara now offers online shopping and free shipping to anywhere in the U.S. Zara may look like a high-end fashion retailer but their prices will immediately surprise you. You can walk out of Zara with an office-appropriate or date night look for under $150.
GRAPHICS BY KATIE MANWARING
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the theadve adv going abroad a by: ashley fahey
No matter your age, gender or dream job, going abroad is never a bad option. With technology making the world smaller than ever, it’s almost crucial for 56
enture of
fter graduation PHOTO BY JULIA MILLER
many individuals to go abroad to work and live. But while it’s a great adventure to live internationally, there are many challenges to work through and conquer. 57
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hat seemed impossible decades ago is becoming a bigger and more vivid reality today. Throughout college, it’s hard to get away from the importance of going out to see the world before heavy-duty responsibilities set in, but complaints of commitments, financial struggles and cultural differences have hindered many individuals into staying domestic or only going abroad for leisure. Recently, though, more and more entry-level men and women are looking beyond the United States to attend graduate school or to work in a foreign country. In fact, as the unemployment rate remains higher than average and the recession remains constant, it has become easier and more prudent for some graduates to land a job internationally instead of within the United States. While it may seem daunting to simply jump on a plane to another country, with no connections and a completely new culture, it could also end up being one of the best decisions to make. It is also hard to ignore how interconnected the world has become in the wake of technology, social media and transportation advancements. Many jobs in several industries based in America send their employees abroad, either on short business trips or relocated entirely, all around the globe. Additionally, many American companies have headquarters in all regions of the world, from Europe to the Middle East. And the trend toward internationalizing jobs is not restricted to one or two industries – most, if not all, career fields now have an international component to them, from business to medicine to the performing arts. But going abroad either for continued study or for a full-time job is not a simple or an easy process. It takes careful planning, researching and quite a bit of gumption to transition from the United States to a foreign culture, no matter which country.
the first step in assimilating into a new culture. If you know going international is necessary for post-graduate pursuits, minoring in a language is never a bad idea. But beyond language, communicating with people in a respectful and appropriate manner is crucial. Seeking help when Know the culture. It goes without saying that most countries needed will only help to speed up the transition in the world have very different cultural norms from the American culture to a foreign one. and standards from the United States. In fact, what is acceptable in the United States could Start saving up now. be considered abhorrent or offensive in a difOne of the biggest drawbacks to living and ferent country. Researching standards of the working abroad internationally is the cost assocountry, especially by talking to natives in that ciated with it. Living abroad does come with a country or Americans who have made the tran- hefty price tag, but careful planning and budgetsition, is important before taking a job and mov- ing can go a long way. Understanding the cost ing across the world. If finances allow, making of living in a particular culture is the first step: a small trip to simply check out the potential is it feasible? Next, begin budgeting and set up new culture is not a bad idea, to get a feel for a separate savings account that could go toward the everyday culture and get familiar with cer- housing accommodations, food expenses, transtain standards not found in the United States. portation and other expenses associated with living abroad. It is sometimes more prudent to wait a little while following graduation and Brush up on communication skills. If the dominant majority of the culture’s peo- working a job to save up money before jumpple speak a language you are unfamiliar with, it ing on a plane for a dream job internationally. would be advisable to have at least a basic proficiency in that language. Whether you take Japa- Be adaptable and open-minded. nese 101 at your university before graduation or Living and working abroad is not an easy feat. buy a Rosetta Stone French language software It’s strange, scary, uncomfortable and awkward package, learning the basics of the language is in the beginning, but the transition period is the
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PHOTO BY MERISSA BLITZ
hardest part. Going into an international job experience with an open mind, no expectations and being flexible to change will only help the adjustment period, and be determined not to give up if things don’t work out right away. Challenges are going to exist and mistakes will inevitably be made, but working through them in a helpful, effective manner rather than giving up right away is key.
Network.
Before going abroad, it would be a good idea to make some contacts in the destination culture who are either American or English speakers who will be able to help in the transition process. Additionally, network with international professionals in your field as resources or, if on the job hunt, to land a position overseas in a good company. Talking to individuals who live in America but once lived and worked internationally is beneficial as well. There are opportunities for most everyone internationally and taking advantage of those opportunities is a good idea. To live and work abroad is a unique, enriching experience, whether it’s only for a few years or if it’s for a lifetime. With the right planning, preparation and sensibility, an amazing life experience can be found in an international job opportunity.
Where to go abroad? The most popular international destinations for young professionals
Barcelona, Spain
Bombay, India
Cape Town, South Africa
Paris, France
Dublin, Ireland
Reykjavik, Iceland
London, England
Stockholm, Sweden
Ljubljana, Slovenia
Sydney, Australia INFORMATION COURTESY OF FORBES.COM IMAGES COURTESY OF WORLDATLAS.COM
Where do you want to live abroad? We polled our readers to see which regions of the world they would most prefer to live and work in. Check our website (www.millennia.com) to read our international professionals’ blog, submit your own stories and enter for a chance to win roundtrip plane tickets to any destination in the world.
Latin America
Australia
“I would love to live and work in London, which is a major metropolitan area with easy connections to the rest of Europe. It also shares the same language (mostly), making living there an easier prospect than moving to a country where I don’t speak the language.”
South America “I would really love to live and work in Berlin, Germany because I loved Germany when I last traveled there and I think it would be a great experience. I would only live and work there for a year max before hopping to another city in another country with another job. That is my dream.”
Africa
“Anywhere in Japan, preferably around Chiba since that’s where I lived with a host family while on study abroad last summer.”
Asia
Europe
Middle East
“I studied abroad [in Florence] and I feel a deeper attachment to it than I ever have to a place.”
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