Jessica Cummings

Visual Merchandising student at the Kangan Institute

[jessicalcummings]

My Career Timeline

2013- February: Begin Semester 1 of Dip. of VM (Age:18)

2013- July: Begin Semester 2 of Dip. of VM (Age: 19)

2014- June: Graduate Dip. of VM (Age: 20)

2015: Have a full time position in event styling or Visual Merchandising with a successful company (Age: 21)

2016: Get promoted to a VM manager position with company (Age: 22)

2019: Consider working for another successful company as a VM manager (Age: 25)

2024: Create my own company in VM/event styling. (Age:30)

[jessicalcummings]

The Importance of Being on Time

Why Is Being Punctual Important?

"The habit of being prompt once formed extends to everything- meeting friends, paying debts, going to church, reaching and leaving place of business, keeping promises, retiring at night and rising in the morning, going to the lecture and town-meeting, and, indeed, to every relation and act, however trivial it may seem to observers." William Makepeace Thayer (1882)

The importance of punctuality is not universal and varies from culture to culture.

Being punctual strengthens and reveals your integrity. Being on time shows others that you are a man of your word.

It shows you are dependable. People know they can rely on such a person- if they say they'll be there, they will be there. But if a man is not punctual, others cannot depend on him- they do not know where he will be when they need him.

Being punctual builds your self-confidence. Showing up on time not only tells other people you are dependable, it teaches you that you can depend on yourself.  You will feel more in control of your life. 

It assures you're at your best. When you show up on time, better yet a little early, you have a few minutes to collect your thoughts, review your materials and get your game face on. 

It builds and reveals your discipline. It shows that you can organise your time and pay attention to details. 

It shows your humility. People will be glad to see you when you arrive, but they would have been gladder still had you come on time. 

It shows your respect for others. Being late is a selfish act, for it puts your needs above another's.

Being late is a form of stealing. When you make others wait for you, you rob minutes from them that they'll never get back. If you wouldn't think of taking ten dollars from another man's wallet, you shouldn't think of stealing ten dollars from him either. Being punctual shows you value yourself. 

Being late hurts your professional career. It can hinder your professional success. 

It takes a toll on your life- It results in lost opportunities, embarrassment and forces you to come up with excuses for why you are late. 

  Learn to make your needs known and don't rebel against something you freely chose yourself. It is up to you to change a situation you have chosen for yourself than to rebel against it through arriving late. If you don't like your job for example, then find another. If you do like it, then keep your promise to arrive on time.

See yourself as part of a team. 

Work on your powers of concentration. 

Find more constructive ways of getting your adrenaline rush and feeling special. 

Redefine your concept of 'wasted' time. Arriving early isn't wasting time, it is giving you time to prepare and feel on top of things.

Always shoot to arrive 15 minutes early.

    Make a chart of how long tasks take:

Get ready in morning: 20 minutes

Eat breakfast: 15 mins

Drive to work: 9 mins

Drive to work from gym: 15 mins

Workout at gym: 1 hour

Be more realistic about times so you plan the correct amount in your day.

Organise your time with a daily planner.

Keep a clock in every room, even the bathroom.

Keep things in set places so you don't lose things.

Leave important items by the door. 

  Reasons why we can be late:

Misperceive the passage of time

Underestimate how long things take

Engage in 'magical thinking'

Procrastinate in general

Be easily distracted

Need an external deadline to get motivated

Enjoy the satisfaction of rushing to beat the clock

Feel anxiety

Desire to feel special/unique

Engage in passive-aggressive rebellion

Desire to feel powerful

How to break out of being constantly late:

Own up to the problem

Redefine punctuality as a matter of integrity

Start taking note of the benefits of being punctual

[jessicalcummings]

10 Job Interview Tips From a CEO Headhunter

Why don't you tell me about yourself? This question has a crucial objective: to see how you handle yourself in unstructured situations. The recruiters want to see how articulate you are, how confident you are, and generally what type of impression you would make on the people with whom you come into contact on the job.  This is a difficult question to answer. The upside is that this question offers an opportunity to describe yourself positively and focus the interview on your strengths.  The key to all successful interviewing is to match your qualifications to what the interviewer is looking for. You want to be selling what the buyer is buying. Highlight important accomplishments. Have a story ready that illustrates your best professional qualities. Stories are powerful and what people remember most. A good interviewee will memorise a 60-second commercial that clearly demonstrates why he or she is the best person for the job.

How long have you been with your current (or former) employer? Excellent performers tend to stay in their jobs at least three to five years. 

What is your greatest weakness? An impressive and confident response shows that the candidate has prepared for the response, has done serious self-reflection, and can admit responsibility and accept constructive criticism. Sincerely give a short, honest answer, be confident in the fact that this weakness does not make you any less of a great candidate. 

Tell me about a situation where you did not get along with a superior.  The best response is to not lie and say you have been fortunate enough to never have worked with an employer you did not life, but to say you presented your reasons and openly listened to other opinions as well. 

Describe a situation where you were part of a failed project. The recruiter is not looking for perfection. Respond that you would like to think you have learned something valuable from every mistake you have made. Conclude on a positive note, with a concrete statement about what you learned and how it benefited the company.

What are your strengths? Describe two or three skills you have that are relevant to the job. Describe new ways these skills could be put to use in the position you are being considered for. 

How do you explain your job success? Be candid without sounding arrogant. Mention observations other people have made about your work strengths or talents.

What do you do when you are not working? Discuss hobbies or pursuits that interest you, such as sports, clubs, cultural activities, and favourite things to read. 

Why did you leave your last position? Be honest and straight forward, but do not dwell on any conflict that may have occurred. Highlight positive developments that resulted from your departure. 

Why do you want to work in this industry? Make your passion for your work a theme that you allude to continually throughout the interview. 

[jessicalcummings]

10 Traits of Great Interns

Enthusiasm- Interns who are enthusiastic about working with your company are more likely to produce good results than those who are just trying to fulfill their college requirements.

Willingness to Learn- An intern who already thinks he knows it all probably won't be much of an asset to your business.

Commitment- You need someone who is committed to seeing her internship through.

Good communication Skills- knowing when to shut up !

Receptiveness to constructive criticism- An intern will not get everything right the first try but should be able to take constructive criticism and use it to improve her perfomance.

Trustworthiness

Ability to Prioritise

Problem Solving Skills

Adaptability

An Appropriate Energy Level- High energy candidates are often the most attractive for business owners seeking interns, but they're not always the best choice. It works for intense positions but in other positions they may become bored very easily. 

http://www.getfreehelpwithinterns.com

[jessicalcummings]

36 Things A Visual Merchandiser Should Know How To Do

Make a Resume

Answer an Interview

Develop a Career Plan

Make a Portfolio

Use Social Media Professionally

Create an Accomplishment Report

Coach- it will lighten your job if there are many staff who know how to do some of the common tasks VM's need to do.

Plan and Budget

Organise and manage time

Use Google Effectively

Stay Safe at Work

Conduct Research

Use Microsoft Word

Use Microsoft Excel

Use Powerpoint

Use Graphic Design Software- Photoshop, Illustrator, Indesign

Use DSLR Camera

Take Good Photos

Harmonised Colour

Draw

Set up a Window Display

Make Display Props

Dress Mannequins

Set up Lights

Flower Arrangement

Cloth Styling

Table Skirting

Style Balloons

Display Products

Stick Large Stickers

Use 3D Design Applications

Master Consumer Behaviour

Apply Merchandising Standards

Conceptualise Interactive Display

Know Legal and Safety Requirement

Lead and Manage People

http://the-creativity-window.com

[jessicalcummings]

10 Things You Can Learn From The Apple Store

Stop Selling Stuff. When Steve Jobs first started the Apple Store he did not ask the question, "How will we grow our market share from 5 to 10 percent?" Instead he asked, "How do we enrich people's lives?" A vision based on selling stuff isn't very inspiring.

Enrich lives. When you enrich lives magical things start to happen. Enriching lives convinced Apple to have a non-commissioned sales floor where employees feel comfortable spending as much time with a customer as the customer desires. It led to the creation of the "Genius Bar" where trained experts are focused on "rebuilding relationships" as much as fixing problems.

Hire for smiles. The staff are hired, trained, motivated and taught to create magical and memorable moments for their customers. The Apple Store cares less about what you know than it care about how much you love people.

Celebrate diversity. Apple hires people who reflect the diversity of their customers. They don't look for someone who fits a mould. 

Unleash inner genius. The apple Store offers a unique program to help people understand and enjoy their computers: One to One. It was created to help build customers for life. Instructors are trained to provide guidance and instruction, but also to inspire customers, giving them the tools to make them more creative than they ever imagined.

Empower employees. "If you have a great experience, that's all that matters." Apple has a non-commissioned sales floor for a reason- employees are not pressured to make a sale. Instead they are empowered to do what they believe is the right thing to do. 

Sell the benefit. Apple Store specialists are taught to sell the benefit behind products and to customise those benefits for the customer. Instead of touting 'speeds and feeds', the specialist taught us how the device could improve our lives.

Follow the steps of service. The five steps of service are outlined by the acronym A-P-P-L-E. They are: Approach with a customised, warm greeting. Prove politely to understand the customer's needs. Present a solution the customer can take home today. Listen for and address unresolved questions. End with a fond farewell and an invitation to return.

Create multi-sensory experiences. Creatives who give One to One workshops do not tough the computer without asking for permission. They want you to do it. The sense of touch helps create an emotional connection with a product.

Appeal to the buying brain. The Apple Store is spacious, clean, well lit and uncluttered. Keep the environment clean, open and uncluttered.

[jessicalcummings]

Can't Find a Dream Job? Create Your Own

by Leo Babauta

Here are some main points from the article-

Create your own dream job- don't wait for someone to hand it to you.

Think about what you truly love doing.

You don't have to spend money to make money.

Spend much less than you make.

Start an online store where you sell stuff you make.

If you want to make a living at what you love doing, you need to get good at it.

Get good. Others will gladly pay you if you're good.

Build an audience- any business, big or small, benefits from an audience.

An audience is a group of people who you help and who love you.

Build income- there are many ways to do this.

[jessicalcummings]

The Short but Powerful Guide to Finding Your Passion

by Leo Babauta

Here are some main points from the article-

'The supreme accomplishment is to blur the line between work and play.' - Arnold Toynbee

Find out what excites you and make a list.

Think about what you read about. Add to the list.

What have you secretly dreamed of doing? Add to the list.

Learn, ask, take notes. Make a list of notes of things you need to learn, need to improve on, skills you want to master, people to talk to.

Experiment, try. Start to do the thing you've chosen. Make it public however you can. This motivates you to improve, gets you feedback, and your reputation will improve as you do.

Narrow things down- what can you see yourself doing for years?

Banish your fears- focus on what actually is happening.

Find the time- if this is a priority, you'll make the time.

You need to do something, get good at it, be passionate about it.

If you're having fun, that's what's most important.

Do a blog, it'll help solidify your thinking, build a reputation, find people you're interested in what you do, demonstrate your knowledge and passion.

[jessicalcummings]

Visual Merchandiser - Old Navy - Ontario Mills (Job AD)

Qualifications:

Strong visual merchandising skills

Excellent eye for detail

Strong time management and organizational skills

Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Ability to understand and interpret HQ visual merchandising tools and direction

Ability to offer solutions to store specific visual and merchandising challenges using brand standards and HQ direction as a guideline

Ability to identify potential Visual Merchandising opportunities and provide creative solutions.

Excellent ability to create teams and partnership

Demonstrated ability to prioritize and handle multiple tasks and work with a sense of urgency

Ability to effectively communicate with customers and store personnel

Lift and carry up to 50 lbs

Ability to effectively maneuver around sales floor and stockroom repetitive bending,   prolong standing, twisting, stooping, squatting, and climbing

Ability to work a flexible schedule that meets the business needs, including evenings and weekends

6 months -2 years retail visual merchandising or display experience

So, can I do this job?

Yes-

Eye for detail

VM skills

Ability to understand HQ VM tools and direction

Identify potential VM opportunities and provide solutions

Able to prioritise and handle multiple tasks

Able to communicate effectively with customers and staff

Lift and carry up to 50kgs

Ability to move around sales floor and stockroom

Work a flexible schedule

No-

6 months -2 years VM/display experience

Ability to create teams and partnership

How can I improve to be competent for the job?

Gain more VM/display experience.

Improve on organising and dealing with people

[jessicalcummings]

TOPSHOP/TOPMAN VM MANAGER (Job Ad)

Who are we looking for?

To be successful for this role, our VM Managers need to have had a minimum of 4 years VM experience in a high-turnover, large format fashion retailer.  Previous people management is also a must.

We’re also looking for natural leaders who are:

Passionate about creating a great customer shopping experience

Creative and innovative with an eye for detail and great aesthetics

Flexible team players who are adaptive to the changing needs of our business

Have a proven record of business improvement

Excellent communicators and people managers

Financially and commercially savvy

Amazing coaches who genuinely enjoy developing others

Last but not least, die-hard fans of Topshop/Topman!

  So, can I do this job?

Yes-

Natural leader

Passionate about creating a great shopping experience

Creative and innovative

Team player

No-

4 Years VM experience

Proven record of business improvement

Excellent communicator

Previous people management

Financially/commercially savvy

Genuinely enjoy developing others

How can I improve in order to be competent for this job?

Gain more experience in VM- will take time

Learn how to improve a business

Work on productive communication + people management

Learn how to develop myself, then others

[jessicalcummings]

VM JOB ADS

Topshop Visual Merchandise Manager - Chapel St

TOPSHOP/TOPMAN VISUAL MERCHANDISE MANAGER

As a global style setter, Topshop/Topman is one of the most talked about brands in the fashion retail industry today. From our collaborations with fashion icons and the who’s who of the design world, to our fresh take on new season pieces, we’re on a mission to bring style to our customers, wherever they are! It’s our ability to make on-trend fashion accessible and our incredible team that sets us apart from the rest.

Lovers of all things fashion, the team at Topshop/Topman are vibrant, fun and in the know when it comes to creating the best possible shopping experience for our style-savvy customers. We’re on the search for experienced Visual Merchandise leaders to join our team as our Chapel St Visual Merchandise (VM) Manager.

The role…

Our VM Managers are responsible for creating a unique, on-brand and world-class shopping environment for our customers that uphold Topshop/Topman’s reputation as a fashion destination. Managing a team of up to x team members, across a floor-space of 1200 m2, it is also their responsibility to bring to life Topshop/Topman’s visual brand strategy through their team and the wider Topshop/Topman team.

Other key responsibilities include:

Developing a VM strategy aligned to the Brand’s commercial objectives and ultimately driving sales and profit

Delivering on KPI expectations e.g. sales vs budget, customer conversion, Ave $, team development etc.

Providing an exceptional shopping experience for our customers through their team

Leading, motivating and empowering their team to execute VM and creative directives in line with the Brand’s expectations for high standards

Organising and executing the set up for all promotional events/ installations for the brand and the store

Managing the performance of their team

Regularly analysing VM initiatives to identify solutions for improvement

Creating a positive, high-energy brand environment that personifies the Topshop/Topman image

Recruiting and developing talent for the future success of the brand

Actively leading compliance to all company policies and procedures

Who are we looking for?

To be successful for this role, our VM Managers need to have had a minimum of 4 years VM experience in a high-turnover, large format fashion retailer.  Previous people management is also a must.

We’re also looking for natural leaders who are:

Passionate about creating a great customer shopping experience

Creative and innovative with an eye for detail and great aesthetics

Flexible team players who are adaptive to the changing needs of our business

Have a proven record of business improvement

Excellent communicators and people managers

Financially and commercially savvy

Amazing coaches who genuinely enjoy developing others

Last but not least, die-hard fans of Topshop/Topman!

Why join our team?

The opportunity to build a career with one of the most exciting brands in the world doesn’t come by very often! Draw from tonnes of retail experience and fashion knowledge to enhance your development and learn VM techniques from one of the best retailers in the world!

The team environment at Topshop/Topman is a fun one where you’ll feel supported to achieve your goals. The added bonus of a generous product discount to indulge your love of the latest trends is also a great perk of the job!

If you’re looking for real accountability, have a creative flair and love leading large, busy, hard-working teams, then we’d love to hear from you!

      State Visual Merchandising Manager - NSW

French Connection -

      State Visual Merchandising Manager - NSW

Rare opportunity to represent a global retail company - Menswear & Womenswear

Work with state sales team to lead and drive VM standards across NSW stores

Love Fashion? Being creative and innovative? read on!

French Connection is a truly global fashion brand, operating in over 25 countries with more than 1500 outlets world wide.  Driven by innovation and change, the brands strength lies in balancing new and exciting ideas with the basic promise of quality and affordability; design-led products presented in a unique and innovative way.  From the clothes to the stores, the whole business is born of a desire to be original, distinctive and accessible.

  These are exciting times for French Connection.  In constant pursuit of new ideas and with design at the helm, the vision of the future just keeps growing.

  We currently have a fantastic opportunity for an outstanding individual who loves all things fashion, thrives on challenge and can hit the ground running to become an integral part of our NSW team. You need to be able to roll up your sleeves and be hands on to make a real impact on our Visual Merchandising in stores, inspiring the teams through your energy, enthusiasm and positive attitude.

 As a VISUAL MERCHANDISER you will possess:

A tertiary qualification in retail and/or Visual Merchandising will be highly regarded

Previous experience in Visual Merchandising Management role over multiple sites preferred

Drivers license and Car

An eye for styling and detail to uphold our high visual merchandising standards

Exceptional organisational, coordination and communication skills

Drive to succeed, with a can do attitude

Strong development and leadership skills to implement French Connection merchandising through hands on training and VM manuals

Demonstrated track record in successfully implementing Company Visual Merchandising standards

Great problem solving skills and the ability to think on your feet and demonstrate flexibility

The ability to analyse and organise stock to maximise sales on the shop floor

Desire to establish a long term career

  In return you will achieve:

Further development of skills across all areas of Visual Merchandising

One on one coaching and mentoring by National Visual Merchandising managers

A great sense of achievement for your dedication and work ethic

Ongoing discount, rewards and incentives

Seasonal clothing allowance

If you love, eat and dream all things fashion and thrive on a challenge; then we would love to hear from you.

H&M

  Overall Job Function: Responsible for presenting the garments according to the H&M guidelines in order to maximize sales with guidance and direction of Store Manager and management team

Job Responsibility including but not limited to:

  Customer Service

Provides excellent direct and indirect customer service according to H&M standards and meets the 5 basic demands on the selling floor, in the fitting room and at the cash point

Job Knowledge

Ensures garment presentation and garment care is executed per H&M guidelines referenced in the below information sources:

Department Books

Store Book

Technical Book

Campaign Information

Sales Tools & Store Information

Provides the season start information from Sales Organization and prepares the kick-off with the management team

Updates the Department Book, Store Book and Technical Book with the latest refill pages

Plans and implements all store campaigns and activities together with the store team

Ensures consistent garment care throughout the entire store

Efficiency

Actively works in a commercial way to maximize sales, focusing on: Top Priority Products, A-Areas and Basket items as well as ensuring a Red Thread is clearly demonstrated through the visual presentation

Ensures that orders for display materials and supplies are placed in a timely manner

Responsible for the care and maintenance of display materials

Keeps the visual room clean and organized

Checks the material arriving to the store in a timely fashion, confirming quantities, condition, etc

Minimizes security and safety risks

Plans and works with sales and operation goals to drive growth

Supports in-store routines when necessary

Team Player

Trains, coaches and gives daily feedback on garment presentation to the store staff

Plans and conducts the Keep It Commercial training together with the Department Manager

Provides label and design training for staff and managers

Informs store team about changes in the presentation of garments

Financial Accountability: None

Minimum Candidate Qualifications:

Associate's degree in a Fashion industry specialty preferred

2 years of retail visual merchandising experience

Ability to lift in excess of 20 pounds

Ability to stand for long periods of time, bend, stretch, engage in repetitive motions, push, pull and carry items (mannequins, clothing, totes, torsos, etc) for a short distance

Ability to climb a ladder and use a step stool

Skills, Abilities and Other Requirements:

Strong visual Merchandising skills and the ability to drive business through creativity, fashion and consciousness and commerciality

Knowledge of basic computer skills

Ability to provide day to day visual training and guidance through H&M's shared values

Ability to work in a fast paced, deadline driven environment

Exceptional customer service- and interpersonal skills

Strong organizational and time management skills

Strong verbal communication skills

Able to work independently while still working within a team environment

Must be able to work with hand and power operated tools and lift in order to execute display set ups

Ability to work flexible hours and extended hours at times

May be required to travel to support other stores

Job Status: Non-Exempt, Hourly (Part-Time or Full-Time)

  Visual Merchandiser - Old Navy - Ontario Mills-01IOI-

Description

 At Old Navy We Make Value Cool.  From day one, Old Navy was a revolution.  We were something the world had never seen - fabulous, affordable fashion.  We didn't take ourselves too seriously, and we broke the industry's rules.  We said fashion didn't have to be just for rich people.  It could be for everyone.  We opened our first store in 1994 and we've been on a tear ever since. We were the fastest retailer to reach $1 billion in sales within four years and today we're one of the largest apparel brands in North America, operating more than 1000 stores across the US, Canada and Puerto Rico.  Over 350 million (that's not a typo) customers cross our doors and spend over $5 billion dollars with us each year.

 The Visual Merchandiser consistently executes HQ visual merchandising direction including product placement, fixture placement and display elements to provide a consistent customer experience across all Old Navy stores. The visual merchandiser serves as a liaison between the logistics and customer experience centers of excellence to provide consistent execution of product placement and brand presentation. The visual merchandiser adapts visual direction when needed based on individual store needs, inventory levels or other store specific requirements within brand standards. The Visual Merchandiser drives sales by providing an extraordinary customer experience through exceptional visual merchandising.

Maintains brand standards for visual presentation throughout the store.

Partners with the Logistics Manager to prepare for and implement seasonal merchandising presentations and new visual merchandising initiatives (i.e new denim wall format, new personal care fixture, etc.)

Partners with Customer Experience team to monitor merchandise sell through,  replenishment, and flex product  as necessary utilizing VPG

Partners with the Logistics team to ensure that new styles are placed in the correct positions on the sales floor utilizing VPG

Partners with store management on key visual merchandising decisions that have an impact on store workload and sales.

Consistently executes the visual display element as shown in the VPG (i.e. styling details with bust forms, henry hangers, leg forms, etc.)

Ensures all visual execution reflects the VPG

Adjusts lighting to highlight merchandise and displays, per company standard

Provides a consistent customer experience through execution of the VPG and Brand Standards

  Qualifications

  Strong visual merchandising skills

Excellent eye for detail

Strong time management and organizational skills

Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Ability to understand and interpret HQ visual merchandising tools and direction

Ability to offer solutions to store specific visual and merchandising challenges using brand standards and HQ direction as a guideline

Ability to identify potential Visual Merchandising opportunities and provide creative solutions.

Excellent ability to create teams and partnership

Demonstrated ability to prioritize and handle multiple tasks and work with a sense of urgency

Ability to effectively communicate with customers and store personnel

Lift and carry up to 50 lbs

Ability to effectively maneuver around sales floor and stockroom repetitive bending,   prolong standing, twisting, stooping, squatting, and climbing

Ability to work a flexible schedule that meets the business needs, including evenings and weekends

6 months -2 years retail visual merchandising or display experience

Primary Location

 US-CA-ONTARIO

Part-time

OLD NAVY - Store Sales, Stock and Visual

Head of VM and Marketing

Location:

Cardiff (CF1) View map

Salary:

Unspecified Great Salary plus package

Date posted:

19/07/2013 10:38

Position:

Visual Merchandising

Sector:

Fashion

Job type:

Permanent

Company:

ROC Retail

Contact:

Sam Whitham

Ref:

RetailChoice/swmarvm

Job ID:

57018949

We have a fantastic opportunity for a head of Visual Merchandising / Marketing to join an expanding value fashion retailer As Head of VM and Marketing you will communicate the Brand vision through delivering the proposition in stores consistently, across the portfolio. You will create consistent, creative, & commercial global Visual Merchandising for all product categories across the brand and communicate the VM standards using the appropriate tools. You will create a marketing strategy that encompasses the brand, its expansion plans and increase its profile in the market place You will constantly look at new ways to innovate and deliver visual merchandising creatively and digitally across the brand. We are looking for an experienced Head of Visual Merchandising who has excellent visual technical skills and with the ability to plan ahead in an organised way coach and influence your team. You must already be in a senior visual role with strong commercial awareness & influencing skills to enable you to provide targeted visual solutions and develop visual merchandising standards across brand. To hear more about this fabulous opportunity send your CV now to [email protected]

[jessicalcummings]

Solving Gen Y's Passion Problem

By Cal Newport

Some main points from the article-

Gen Y was raised during the period when 'follow your passion' became persuasive career advice.

The verb 'follow' implies that you start by identifying a passion then match this pre-existing calling to a job. Because the passion precedes the job, it stands to reason that you should love your work from the very first day.

Its rare to find someone who loves their career before they've become very good at it

Expertise generates many different engaging traits, such as respect, impact, autonomy- and the process of becoming good can be frustrating and take years

We're ambitious and ready to work hard, but we need the right direction for investigating this energy. 

We need concrete, evidence-based observations about how people really end up loving what they do.

[jessicalcummings]

Stop Trying To "Figure Out" Your Future

http://www.uncollege.org/stop-trying-to-figure-out-your-future/

by Jay Cross

Some main points from the article-

Those who love their work get really good at something first and then trade in their 'career capital' for the lifestyles we all envy. 

'Get good, get connected and get paid.'

Career success is not about discovery, but skill.

Everyone wants big paychecks and meaningful work, but far fewer people invest the effort to build amazing skills. Companies only give dream jobs to the latter.

No company asks what your passion is and hands you a dream job. Rather, you make the effort and acquire the skills a dream job calls for! 

What you think you like at 18 may have little resemblance to what you actually like at 25.

Don't wait...ACT!

[jessicalcummings]

How To Schedule Your Day For Peak Creative Performance

Set priorities on Sunday- Map out the week. Outline weekly priorities and what needs to be accomplished by the following Sunday.

Map out work, play, fit and push- For each day- outline top 3 things that need to be achieved by the end of the day. 

Batch your days.

CREATE on Monday/Wednesday/Friday

CALLS and MEETINGS on Tuesday/Thursday

"Hate you but have to do you" is saved for  Wednesday

SPONTANEOUS Saturday

INTENTIONAL Sunday

[jessicalcummings]

I will join the Retail Design Institute as soon as I have have enough money. (AUS website and US website)

[jessicalcummings]

MYER DAY 1

Today at Southland Myer I worked with Sarah under the instruction of Myer VM's Kendall and Tenielle. 

We changed mannequins, recovered the mens youth department, and set up an accessories display in the Henleys section of the mens youth department. 

We had a fantastic time and learnt a tonne of valuable information that I know I will use in the future. 

[jessicalcummings]

DAY 4

Due to car troubles unfortunately I could not attend my last day of work experience at Ikea.