summer is on the horizon.  Hopefully, that

doesn’t mean it’s time to relax and chill, for the

young & driven, it’s time to invest in their

career.  That’s right, it’s internship time, Urban Professor members are doing college and

mapping their careers at the same time, in our best ‘Future” voice might we add.    Stay

focused, tighten up your resume’s and don’t miss out on this excellent internship

opportunity to intern with one of the fashion industry’s most premier portfolio of

brands, Perry Ellis International.

Deadline:  May 31st, 2012

Denim Design Internship – Summer ’12

Internship Location:  New York, NY

The Denim Design Intern will learn the following:

- Real industry exposure to denim

- Software used for communication (Adobe,WebPDM)

- Denim Wash knowledge

- How to make sample commentary

- Denim production process

- Market Research

- Fabric knowledge

- Basic merchandising skills, pricing decisions, strategy and market place insights

- Presenting and assisting to sales

The student will also do a final presentation on denim market research along with

competitor analysis with recommended outcomes to compete effectively.

QUALIFICATIONS:

- Knowledge of Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, MS Excel

- WebPDM, Graphic Design/Patternmaking skills a plus

- Interested in apparel design business

- Balance of creativity and analytical helpful

Available 3 days per week during the summer

Current students only, must be able to get school credit.

Please submit all resumes to theprofessor@urbanprofessor.com by Thursday, May 31st.

U DEFINE SUCCESS

summer is on the horizon.  Hopefully, that

doesn’t mean it’s time to relax and chill, for the

young & driven, it’s time to invest in their

career.  That’s right, it’s internship time, Urban Professor members are doing college and

mapping their careers at the same time, in our best ‘Future” voice might we add.    Stay

focused, tighten up your resume’s and don’t miss out on this excellent internship

opportunity to intern with one of the fashion industry’s most premier portfolio of

brands, Perry Ellis International.

Deadline:  May 31st, 2012

PLANNING INTERNSHIP – Summer ’12

Internship Location:  New York, NY

Intern will learn basic retail planning including: how to read selling reports,

basic retail math, planning & analysis systems, ad-hoc analysis on the business,

and they will have some exposure to product.

The intern will also work with both Macy’s and Dillard’s planners, will be required

to go to stores, will assist with Spring 13 market in July, and will have some exposure

to our retail coordinator team, as well as sales, design/merchandising teams.

At the end, the Intern will do a final presentation on an ad-hoc planning analysis done

on the Macy’s/Dillard’s or L&T Business that has identified a quantifiable business

opportunity.

SKILLS AND REQUIREMENTS

Current students only; must be able to get school credit.

- Excel skills

- Basic math skills

- Has to like analysis, working on a computer

- Available 3-4 days per week towards the beginning of week

Please submit all resumes to theprofessor@urbanprofessor.com by Thursday, May 31st.

U DEFINE SUCCESS

summer is on the horizon.  Hopefully, that

doesn’t mean it’s time to relax and chill, for the

young & driven, it’s time to invest in their

career.  That’s right, it’s internship time, Urban Professor members are doing college and

mapping their careers at the same time, in our best ‘Future” voice might we add.    Stay

focused, tighten up your resume’s and don’t miss out on this excellent internship

opportunity to intern with one of the fashion industry’s most premier portfolio of

brands, Perry Ellis International.

Deadline:  May 31st, 2012

MENSWEAR DESIGN SUMMER ’12 INTERNSHIP – School Credit Only

Internship Location – New York, NY

The intern will learn the design process from concept to final design.

- work together with different depts. (Design, Merchandising,

etc) to create a line in the apparel industry

- the student will learn the importance of merchandising and

it’s integral relationship to design

- create CAD’s on NedGraphics and sketch/artwork on Illustrator

and Photoshop

- understand fabric and garment construction in wovens and knits

- create presentation boards

- develop strong sense of color

At the end of the internship, the student will be do a final presentation on the concept/line presentation

for the brand’s fall 2013 line.

QUALIFICATIONS:

- Fashion Design students, preferably Menswear

- Able to show a portfolio, and samples of work in menswear

- Must know how to draw flats by hand and computer

- Proficient in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop

- Positive attitude, eagerness to learn and up for a good challenge

- Available 3 full days per week

- Must be able to get school credit/the internship is unpaid

Please submit all resumes to theprofessor@urbanprofessor.com by Thursday, May 31st.

U DEFINE SUCCESS

summer is on the horizon.  Hopefully, that

doesn’t mean it’s time to relax and chill, for the

young & driven, it’s time to invest in their

career.  That’s right, it’s internship time, Urban Professor members are doing college and

mapping their careers at the same time, in our best ‘Future” voice might we add.    Stay

focused, tighten up your resume’s and don’t miss out on this excellent internship

opportunity to intern with one of the fashion industry’s most premier portfolio of

brands, Perry Ellis International.

Deadline:  May 31st, 2012

FASHION MARKETING INTERNSHIP – School Credit Only

Internship Location – New York, NY

The Summer marketing intern will gain experience in creating marketing programs for the launch

of a women’s line, kid’s expansion, as well as working on retail marketing initiatives and support

the men’s business.  The intern will gain international experience by working with our international

distributors and licensees. This will include working on social media contests, helping with PR

research, event planning, and creating internal communication tools.  In additional, the intern

will visit stores, research competitors, attend any local photo shoots, gain experience working in

stores and  work with the visual team.  At the end, the student will have a final presentation on a

new product launch, and global communications best practices.

QUALIFICATIONS:

- Must be a Fashion Marketing student who can get credit and show proof if hired. The internship is unpaid.

- Must have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, have a can-do attitude

- Must be able to work in a fast paced working environment

- Available 4 days per week, 9.30am-5pm

- Able to start beginning of June until beginning or Mid-August

Please submit all resumes to theprofessor@urbanprofessor.com by Thursday, May 31st.

U DEFINE SUCCESS

Brand Affiliation: Adidas America

Job Title: Account Marketing Executive U.S

Age: 22

UP: Juice, first thanks for working with Urban Professor to share your story. If you don’t mind telling us, what are your current titles?

JR: No problem thanks for the opportunity; I’m currently an Account marketing executive at Adidas.

UP: Nice, so with sneakers being your main focus what’s the motivating factor that drove you into this industry?

JR: What motivated me and drove me to this industry was street wear and collecting sneakers.

UP: Now we know you don’t have to go to college to start collecting sneakers, but was college necessary for your current position?

JR: School is always necessary, but no one can take your experiences away. What you learn on your own has such fundamental value.

UP: Definitely, self-made is a motto a lot of people preach, but fail to practice.  Let’s talk obstacles, how has being a minority affected your career pursuits?

JR: It didn’t affect me in a negative way, if anything it made me stronger. I continue to pursue my dreams and work harder.

UP: Very positive response, you have to roll with the punches to make progress. So, what’s the best advice you’ve received in the last few years?

JR: It actually happened last week, I was at a sales meeting, and legendary softball coach Sue Enquist gave me great advice after her motivational speech. She said “Make your own green grass, it is not better on the other side”. This made me work even harder. People always seem to say it’s probably better on the other side but why not just work on the side you’re already on?

UP: Always take care of home. Speaking of home, what is the corporate culture like at “Adidas”?

JR: It is awesome! I have such great co-workers; everyone is so positive and knowledgeable about fashion. We all come from different worlds, and different experiences. It is an amazing company to work for.

UP: Great to hear! What are your thoughts on work/life balance? Is it a challenge to manage the two?

JR: I am always working; I can be just chillin’ with my friends and if I walk into a store and our apparel is not merchandised the right way I will fix it. You must always be ambitious.

UP: What’s your favorite app to use on the day-to-day hustle?

JR: Instagram

UP: Gotta love instagram, Favorite place you’ve visited outside of Miami and Cancun of course?  JR:  Tokyo, Japan was my favorite place I have visited. It is amazing the culture, food, sneakers, and architecture. Trust me, make the trip even if you have to sell your adidas Jeremy Scott collection to pay for the trip.

UP: What’s something that you want to put the Urban Professor audience on to (blog, website, up and coming artist, technology, clothing brand, etc.)

JR: A$AP Rocky, adidas, Instaprint, Kirillwashere, #Allpro, theampmlife, Azealia Banks.

Thanks and U DEFINE SUCCESS…

Yes, group interviews also known as panel interviews can seem eerily close to the corporate version of getting “jumped,” complete with a figurative punch to the gut and smack upside the head.  No need to worry though, Urban Professor has your back.

When it comes to strategy for succeeding in group interviews, one can never go wrong with first arming oneself with background information on the panelist prior to your actual meeting.  Some of you Facebook stalkers should feel right at home on the subject of gathering background info.  Some of this background information, that in our best effort to sound stealth, we’ll refer to as “intelligence,” can be the names, current positions, past jobs, and career achievements of each panelist for starters.  Much of the aforementioned can be found on LinkedIn (see The Missing Link) or by even conducting a Google search.  Ladies, you would do this, the same way you “Googled” the guy you gave your # to, but, wasn’t certain if you should send him straight to voicemail until he gives up or answer his call.  Hey, and if you feel like you’re “doing too much” by researching via digital platforms. Take solace in knowing that there’s a high chance the panel leader has already done the exact same “intelligence” on you, if not more.  Sure hope that you have your privacy settings on so that you hide those facebook pictures of you “searching for inspiration” in Jamaica or your “relaxing” trip to Charlotte, NC for CIAA weekend.

Now, for the more tactical insights, unlike trying to zone in on the baddest girl in the group of girls at the bar, panel interviews are less about winning over one person and more about group management.  A panel interview shares one objective, and that is to retain the best candidate for the hiring opportunity by filtering the interview process through the lens of multiple insights.  Though interviewed as a group with a single objective, the mere presence of multiple minds brings unique perspectives and even self interested agendas of those involved some times.

You would typically do yourself a great favor by first remembering each panel interviewer’s name and department affiliation.  Doing the aforementioned will enable you to confidently field questions to each interviewer with their personal interest in mind, but, also be conscious enough to connect it where relevant to other functions of their business.  Exchanging business cards at the very beginning of the interview should help with this process of directing questions properly.

Another helpful panel interview insight is to prepare yourself with questions for the group and for the individuals of the panel.  Panel interviews present a unique opportunity to get multiple perspectives that can lead to thoughtful exchange by several members of the group.  Being prepared with questions is arguably even more essential in group interviews than in traditional one-on-one interviews, though important in both.

Next, follow the rule of a good host, and keep everyone involved in discussions and exchanges.  You do this by being conscious of your body language, eye contact, and conversational delivery.  An alienated or disengaged group member can potentially be as good for your efforts as a panel member with a bad impression.  Answer questions by responding intently to the interviewer whom asked the question, but, make the question inclusive to other members of the panel by your body language and eye contact.

Lastly, as with a traditional interview, be sure to send individual thank you notes to each group member in prompt fashion afterwards (see Money in the Thank).

Now, if only handling “groupies” male or female, were as simple as “Group-Ease.

Good luck on your interviews this season.  U DEFINE SUCCESS

Brand Affiliation: CARTER Magazine, History MEETS Hip-Hop, The SWT Life, Just BE Cause

Job Title: Culture Creator

Age: 24

UP: Syreeta thanks for sitting down with UP for this exclusive. In a world where it is a constant challenge to distinguish oneself from the competition, how do you label yourself?

SG: I’d say I’m a Culture Creator, Editor, and Founder. But I don’t like labels “We don’t stay in boxes we make our own shapes” SCG

UP: Good answer. Being that you’re influential in various realms, what drove you to hold your current titles?

SG: For The SWT Life & Just BE Cause what drove me is the power of young people finding their voice, passions & purpose and creating dope projects around them.  For CARTER Magazine and History MEETS Hip-Hop, it allowed me to have a voice.

UP: So many people underestimate the influence a young voice can really have, we’re glad you know the value of getting yours heard. Would you say that college was necessary to get where you are?

SG: I went straight to college out of high school and then I dropped out a year later, I then went back when I knew what I wanted to go to school for; then realized I had to create my own lane & degree that’s why my major is Urban Youth Culture.  So all that I had experienced while I wasn’t in school (POLO Fashion Business School, Ministers of Culture Program, working with various organizations Team Revolution, Life Camp, Public Allies, StartingBloc) is what gave me the clarity to be intentional when I decided to return.

UP: So you weren’t playing when you said you’re creating your own lane, huh? What can our readers do to progress on their own career paths at this very moment?

SG: I say, contact the person that you think is a boss in the field you want to be in and ask if you can intern or work with them for free. Then tell them what you can offer. Win! Win!! Win!!!

UP: Can’t be young and driven and fear failure or rejection. In the midst of all this grinding, where do you find inspiration?

SG: A few weeks ago one of the young people I’ve been rocking with for years; Shapri did a cypher in honor of Notorious BIG. I just sat back and watched, it was an amazing feeling. We did it baby *Biggie Voice*

UP: What are some obstacles or challenges that you’re met with on the daily?

SG: Being patient, knowing when things are out of my hands and accepting that

UP: As the cliché goes patience is a virtue, but it’s real. Timing is everything. Syreeta, you’ve been dropping some gems for our readers, what’s the best advice you’ve received recently?

SG: Just chill, everything will work out EXACTLY when it’s suppose to (That’s a great reminder for us especially when we want everything NOW).

UP: Looking back can you tell us about your most memorable accomplishment thus far?

SG: Oprah winked at me at the Glamour Magazine Women of the Year Awards!

UP: For our bookworms and folks looking for inspiration, what’s the most influential book you’ve read?

SG: The Tipping Point, it’s just the illest book ever.  TRUST!

(Click to Purchase)

UP: How do U Define Success?

SG: I don’t, I like re-imagining what success is as I move and shake in the world. And acknowledge when I’m doing my thing by what opportunities or challenges are coming my way.

UP: And before we go, what’s a quote that you live by?

“Nobody built like you, you design yourself” - Jay Z

“We are not merely inheritors of a culture but its makers” – Robin DG Kelley

Thanks a million, be sure to check out www.syreetagates.com to stay up to date with everything SCG and remember, U Define Success.

Every so often though, there is some groundbreaking programming that makes your inner hustle and mindless workhorse stand to attention quicker than that time you were forced to sober up after being pulled over after a night of drinking Ciroc Peach mixed with well… Ciroc Peach.

Though not nearly as popular as the season premiere of BET’s “The Game,” make no mistake that some of the success oriented TV programming that we elude to here can be every bit as intriguing and without question more enlightening.  Unless of course, your plans are actually to land you an athlete, in which case, we still suggest that you tune into the suggested programming, as we have surely learned by now that the finances of professional athletes are about as reliable as Dr. Dre actually releasing the “Detox” album.  However, If you still don’t believe our faith in athletes, try asking T.O., Allen Iverson , or Marion Jones for a buck, yeah, not so much.

So, without any further built up anticipation, we urge you to clear some room in your DVR and step your grind up, as we bring you our list of 9 TV programs for the Young & Driven:

• ABC’s “Shark Tank” – Fridays, 8/7PM CT on ABC

Think you have what it takes to pitch your start-up business, it’s all fun and games until seasoned investors like Daymond John of FUBU Fame and Mark Cuban of the NBA World Champion Dallas Mavericks either chop your business idea up or partner with you on the next new innovation

• Bloomberg’s “The Mentor” – Tuesdays, 9/8PM CT on Bloomberg

Sometimes the only thing more valuable than being given money, is great advice on how to make even more money.  Watch when business start-ups are paired with seasoned corporate veterans to grow their business.

• Bloomberg’s “Risk Takers” – Tuesdays, 9:30/8:30PM CT on Bloomberg

Just when you thought all you had to do was work hard, you find out that there’s some truth to the saying “no risk, no reward.”  Meet those who won big, only by risking big.  #YOLO

• Bloomberg’s “Game Changers” – Thursdays, 9/8PM CT on Bloomberg

Watch inspirational stories of those who came to the fork in the road and went straight, no hustle playbook is complete without knowing these stories.

• CNBC’s “Suze Orman Show” – Saturdays, 9PM & 12AM EST on CNBC

If you think making money is hard, trust us when we say managing it is harder.  Learn some of the best advice on money management here.

• CNBC’s “Mad Money w/Jim Cramer” –  Mon-Fri @ 6PM & 11PM EST on CNBC

So you see the number charts every so often, and you’ve heard something about a bull and a bear, but, still don’t feel comfortable with the stock market, jump in and get your feet wet with stock market insights and teachings daily from the mad man they call “Cramer.”

• HGTV’S “My First Place” –  Sundays, 1:30PM/12:30PM CT on HGTV

If buying a house were as easy as pie, we’d all be ballin’.  In truth, the home buying process is quite intimidating and sometimes more nerve wrecking than the auto-spell on an iPhone, but, more often than not, home buying is quite fulfilling.  Learn the 101 on purchasing your first place here.

• HGTV’s “Property Virgins” – Tuesday, 9:30PM/8:30PM CT on HGTV

Losing your property virginity comes second only to “how” you lose your property virginity.  Tune in for the 101 on the planning process for your big day.

• OWN’s “Master Class” – Sundays, 10/9PM CT on OWN

From Jay-Z to Simon Cowell, there’s no denying the success of some of today’s most visible icons.  Similarly, to deny yourself of being familiar of their inspiring journies to success thru the brilliant lens of the Master Class program is more unforgiveable than some of Cee-Lo Green’s choice of attire sometimes.

Now, surely we’re not suggesting that you change your TV programming over night, as there is some truth to the echo “It’s only entertainment.”  Think of our list as more of a diversification of your TV playlist, kind of like inserting some Jay Dilla or J. Cole between a music playlist of Rick Ross and Nicki Minaj.

Enjoy and be warned, these shows are quite addictive.  U DEFINE SUCCESS

Brand Affiliation: thatgirlontv.com

Job Title:  Journalist

Age: this lady won’t tell – (between 22 & 25)

UP:  Chiderah what’s going on, we want to thank you for taking the time to do this feature with us here at Urban Professor.  So tell us, what are your current titles?  How do you label yourself?

Chiderah: To sum it all up – I am a journalist. I’m a News Editor and Researcher for a major broadcast network, so I deal with the inner workings of what major news stories make it on television each day, but I’m also an entertainment writer, reporter and film critic who’s had the chance to sit down with actors and directors and cover red carpets. I love hard news just as much as I love celebrity fluff, and I dabble in everything in between.

UP:  What’s the motivating factor that drove you into this industry?

Chiderah: People, and the stories we all have to tell – that’s what got me started on this path. I’ve always been interested in getting to know people, asking questions, and learning. I think journalism does a great job of relating us to one another.

UP:  What could someone reading this right now do to further pursue their dream career immediately?

Chiderah: Take out a piece of paper, and give yourself some goals and deadlines. Ask yourself – six months, a year, five years from now – what do you want to accomplish? Writing it down and posting it somewhere can really be the difference between saying and doing. With that in mind, be realistic. Don’t be too lax, but give yourself goals that are attainable. You are not going to be Oprah in five years – even she had a lengthy journalism career. And last but not least, remember that you are your own life editor. It’s never too late to start over.

UP:  Very powerful words…”You are your own life editor.”  We couldn’t agree more.

UP:  Was college necessary for your current career/position? If not, what was?

Chiderah: I don’t doubt one could be a journalist without a college degree, but I strongly believe in traditional training. There’s a huge difference between being a journalist and being a blogger with a lot of web traffic (trust me, I am both!) and that’s really just learning the craft. Here comes the big BUT – college alone doesn’t make you a good journalist. You have to supplement education with experience, uniqueness, and a great network of professional people. Emphasis on the network.

UP:  What’s the best advice you’ve received in the last few years?

Chiderah: “Cry yourself a river, build a bridge and then get over it.” Or in other words acknowledge, accept, and move on. When things go wrong or something falls through it’s ok to be upset, but there should be an expiration date on wallowing. Give yourself the day to be upset if you need it, but then get up the next morning and move forward having learned from that experience.

UP:  What’s the biggest myth about your respective industry that you’ve learned during your career journey thus far?

Chiderah: I think the biggest misconception is that journalists will do anything to get a story. Sure, some people have made bad decisions in the name of journalism, but that’s not the norm. Every day I see ethics applied in the newsroom. Decisions are made with heavy consultation, and precaution is always taken. As an editor, a huge chunk of my job is fact checking.

UP:  What are some of the biggest challenges you face regularly?

Chiderah: Time management is a constant struggle. News is often times unpredictable, and very fickle. Sometimes my job will involve a quick change, quick thinking, or juggling several things at once. It’s not a business for the unorganized, and that’s something I’ve learned the hard way.

UP:  Tell us about your most significant accomplishment thus far.

Chiderah: I’m very proud of getting two degrees in four years. I got my Bachelor’s in Broadcast Journalism and my Master’s in Arts Journalism all before my 22nd birthday. I was initially hesitant to accept this as an accomplishment because I’ve always considered academic achievement mandatory, but honestly- I’ve worked my ass off. And with what I do now I’m often the youngest person in the room. Why shouldn’t I be proud of that?

UP:  Most influential book you’ve read? Why (the abbreviated answer)?

Chiderah: Oh The Places You’ll Go by Dr. Seuss. If you didn’t read it as a child, you should read it as an adult – I guarantee the lasting effect will be the same.

UP:  How do U Define Success?

Chiderah: Success is simply doing what you love, and loving what you do. It could be anything.

UP:  What’s a quote that you live by?

Chiderah: “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” – Eleanor Roosevelt. Most of what we become in this life is what we believe and speak into existence.

UP:  Drop a nugget. What’s something that you want to put the Urban Professor audience on to (blog, website, up and coming artist, technology, clothing brand, etc.)

Chiderah: Just a word of advice to all aspiring professionals: One key to success no matter what you do, is to become the expert in your field. Learn everything you can about something specific, and people will think of you first. And on that note, check out www.thatgirlontv.com

UP:  Thanks Chiderah.  U DEFINE SUCCESS

Drop “Chiderah Aalisa” a note in the Urban Professor “UConnect” community.  You must be signed in to connect.

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