My name is Kovie Biakolo and I am the Events Coordinator for Ms Career Girl Meda. It has taken me a while to post an entry because I wanted to gain some experience writing (on my own blog) and because I have been following a couple of amazing bloggers like Nicole and thought it would be best to learn by observation as well as experience.

Event Coordination is something I have a passion for. Event Coordination for benevolent causes is a potential long-term career path. So what better way to begin my first guest blogging experience, than to talk about a fabulous event that is taking place in Chicago called “Dance Out Loud”; I couldn’t think of any, so here it goes:

DanceOutLoud is the brain child of an amazing lady, Stacy Bennett. Stacy’s story begins with her mother, who was diagnosed with Stage 4 Ovarian cancer seven years ago and  passed away five years ago.  Although she was not able to have surgery, given the stage of the cancer, chemotherapy was an option and gave Stacy and the family, two more years with their mother.  Whilst alive, and after her diagnosis, Stacy’s mom learned that she had the BRCA 1 mutation (http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Risk/BRCA)  and  shared this information with all the women in the family.  Stacy learned that she too has the gene and since then has undergone a preventive surgery and will undergo another one to fight cancer and specifically Ovarian and Breast cancer. The story is much longer than this and much more complicated than one can put in a paragraph but ultimately it is a story about turning a challenging and trying period in one’s life, into something positive. That’s where “Dance Out Loud” comes into the picture.

On 11/11/11/, Dance Out Loud will be held at the Brownstone Tavern from 7PM-1OPM. If you’re like me and wondered why on earth “Dance Out Loud” and why 11/11/11 (other than it being a cool date), there is in fact a method to the madness. Ovarian cancer is known as the “silent killer” so it is easy to understand how dancing out loud would be countering that. As for 11/11/11, that’s Stacy’s birthday, and if you’ve ever seen an ad for “more birthdays,” it makes perfect sense and is quite frankly, pure genius.

So, why should you go to and/or support this event? Here are my 3 reasons:

1. All the proceeds go to Bright Pink’s ovarian cancer awareness.
2. You get to dance to music  from the 80s, 90s and 00s AND dress up as your favorite decade! (Plus prizes will be given fr the best ones).
3. If you’re reading this, you either are a woman or know a woman who is a mother, a wife, a sister, a cousin, a friend, and you never know whose life you could be changing.

I’m thrilled to invite you to a free career coaching call with Alexia Vernon and Emily Bennington TONIGHT at 8pm CST!   I’m so excited to moderate a call between these two top career advisors, authors and speakers!  We’ll be discussing the biggest mistakes career girls make and how to avoid them.

 1 (702) 589-8240  Access Code – 2099653

Emily Bennington is coauthor of the very first business book every new grad should own, Effective Immediately: How to Fit In, Stand Out, and Move Up at Your First Real Job. She is a frequent speaker on the topic of career success and provides organizational savvy training to new grads and their employers. Emily has been featured on Fox Business, CNN, and ABC, as well as quoted in publications including the Wall Street Journal, New York Post, and Washington Post Express. She is a contributing writer for Monster.com and was named by Monster as one of their “11 to Follow in 2011.” Emily is also a featured blogger for The Huffington Post, Forbes Woman, and US News and World Report. She can be reached online at www.emilybennington.com or on Twitter @EmilyBennington.

Today I was introduced to an interesting company and (potentially Gen Y-friendly) career concept, and I’m curious what you guys think about it.

How many of you hate having the same routine day after day?   How many of you hate the thought of being at the same company 3-5 years from now and moving up a very predictable ladder?  How many of you don’t even WANT your boss’ job and wish you could try out different industries without looking like a “job hopper”?

For those of you who love change management, adding value to an organization and flexibility, an assignment with a company like Interim Partners might be for you.

As an “interim” manager you will often come into a company on short notice with particular aims and objectives from higher up. You are both part of the company and separate from it. These roles are challenging and rewarding, and are likely ones that you would both enjoy and excel at. There are some important elements of interim management jobs that are particularly relevant for working women.

Please read the following and then let me know what you think by answering the questions at the end of this post.  I am really curious if this company is on to something big or if this is a concept that would appeal to few.

Free Time When It Is Convenient For You

One perk about the current job opportunities from Interim Partners is that many of the assignments have defined start and end dates. This means that you can happily take a contract, wow your clients with your business skills and at the end of your role with the company be free to spend your time off as you wish. The flexible nature of interim management jobs means that a gap of a few months between roles is not the red flag it could be in other circumstances.  For those with kids, the flexibility of this type of assignment allows you to continue growing your career while caring for your children. Then again,the downside is the unpredictability and uncertainty of finding work.

Long Days and On-Call

Of course, the trade-off for long periods of time off may be that you will be working long hours when you are under contract. It is important to be realistic about whether or not you can accommodate all your responsibilities while working such long hours. When an emergency happens or the CEO wants an update you may well be expected to drop everything and get to it – it is up to you whether you enjoy these challenges.

Staying Above Office Politics

Another “double-edged sword” of contract positions is that jobs like those at Interim management is that they are not necessarily conducive to making friends. Your job is to come in, shake things up and then move on when the work is done. The good part about this scenario though, is that this also means that you are unlikely to become involved in office politics. Back-biting, criticism and grumbling may all take place, but you can simply let it roll off your back as you will not have to deal with it in the long-term.

Results-Based Recommendations

The glass ceiling is often talked about, but as an interim manager you are more likely to be assessed on your results than any pre-conceptions about your gender. The nature of the role means that you can point to concrete results that you have achieved rather than relying on internal performance reviews that may be unfair or stacked against you. If you find a contract does not suit you, you have only a few months or less to work through before your job will be finished and you can move on to greener pastures.

While interim management jobs are not for everyone, they are certainly an avenue to consider for many as the next step in their careers.

What do you guys think?

• Would you love or hate working a temporarily assignment?
• Does the thought of having a temporary assignment scare you?
• Do you think pay would be higher due to the demand and nature of the gig?
• Do you think this type of assignment is ideal for women WITH children or without?
• Do you love that office politics is to a minimum or would you miss the chance at having a work “family”?

Hey Everyone!

I hope you’re all enjoying the new & improved look of MsCareerGirl.com!  This nip/tuck has been a long time coming.

A huge thanks to my good friend Matt Cheuvront and his firm Proof Branding for doing a great job on the site and the revamped logo.

Ironically I met Matt on Twitter after he responded to my frustrated tweet about needing help with my WordPress site.  Our inital meeting was one I’ll never forget (I felt I was pretty darn cool, he felt I needed some serious focus). I knew Matt would go on his own to do great things as an entrepreneur way before he did.  Like me, Matt got laid off which is what prompted him to start his own business.  Kudos to Matt for rocking out at what he does and a big thank you for being right there for me as a cheerleader literally within hours of my lay off. Funny to say that a lifetime friendship started on Twitter.  I’m pretty sure that classifies me as a mega geek, no?

Here’s the Latest on Ms. Career Girl

Join me on #AnnieSez chat tonight at 9pm EST on Twitter.  I love #AnnieSez chat and encourage you to jump in if you want to have a ton of fun, win great prizes and build your Twitter following.  For me, Twitter chats are one of the best ways to build an authentic and strong Twitter following and personal brand!  As always, I recommend you follow the chat using TweetChat.com.

Get excited because lots of free stuff is coming your way in honor of the launch of “Small Biz Setup Camp” and the “Ladies Launch Pad” incubator!  If you haven’t signed up to get updates yet, you won’t want to miss out.  Enter your email address here or in the upper right hand corner of this page.  Learn how to start turning your passion into cash and get the chance to win free admission to one of our workshops.

Attend the 2nd Ms. Career Connect event on Thursday September 22nd at 6pm in Chicago!  Meet new girlfriends  while enjoying complimentary champagne, cupcakes and appetizers.   We’ll also be featuring a panel discussion with 4 personal finance experts, doing an organized “Offer & Needs exchage” and giving away raffle prizes &  gift bags full of goodies.

• Want to attend MCG Connect for free?  If you’re a blogger or journalist, email Kovie@MsCareerGirl.com to be put on our comped guest list!  We’re also happy to give away a few tickets for your blog readers or do a guest post for you!
• Want to earn money promoting MCG Connect? Join our affiliate program here and earn $5 per ticket sale you refer.

Over the weekend I celebrated my friend’s bachelorette party with a fantastic group of girls.  We had great dinners, drank way too many girly cocktails and danced so much that my legs are still sore two days later!

I met my friend Courtney through this group of girls about 3 years ago.  Courtney has since received a few promotions at work, which brought her from Chicago overseas to London for work.   Today Courtney is back in the US working in New York City with the same company.

I’m hearing stories like this all the time lately: a girl in my book club spent 7 years teaching English in Japan. One of my readers recently left on a whim to help start a company in South America.  My fiance’s former employer regularly sends its consultants overseas for projects all over the world.  Spending part of your twenties working in other countries seems like it would be an amazing and life-changing experience that would be really hard to compete with.

Studies about Gen Y often say that our generation values experiences over money. A Time Magazine article mentions Gen Y’s “search for meaning” in their work.  There’s no doubt many of us want to know that what we are doing at work is making an impact in some way. Perhaps that is why so many twentysomethings are seeking overseas jobs.  In a country whose culture often revolves around entertainment and “keeping up with the Joneses,” it can be difficult to feel like you’re making an impact or getting a new perspective while in the US.

The one big thing I wish I did in college was study abroad.  At the time I wasn’t ready for it and the thought of leaving the country and my family/friends for an extended period of time seemed terrifying.  Now that I’m a few years older, I see that studying or working travel jobs is a career development experience that you can’t get through college, domestic work experience or even advanced degrees.

• Have you studied or worked abroad?  Would you recommend it?
• How did working overseas change your perspective on business, life and your career?

By, Dave Thomas

Have you ever stopped to think about whether you prefer working for a man or a woman?

Having been in the journalism field for some 22 years, I’ve worked under both genders and can honestly say I’ve noticed some trends evolve.

At least from my experiences, men get the nod in these instances:

• They tend to not hold grudges and forget disagreements quicker;
• They are more comfortable generally discussing issues outside the office among other men;
• They are more apt to speak their minds.

On the other side of the table, women get the nod in these instances:

• They think things through generally more and the ramifications of decisions;
• They will go to bat for you because you’re not “one of the guys in the locker room” where you are in constant competition with each other;
• They are more organized and therefore have a better-run system, provided it is not micro-managed.

Now of course there are men who will cross over and micro-manage the heck out of you, and some female bosses will not go to bat for you because you’re not part of their circle of friends in the office, oftentimes other women.

In two-plus decades in the working world, I’ve honestly not even looked at whether or not the boss was a man or woman. The bottom line to me is do they treat you with respect and give you the chance to succeed in your given position?

Too often today, office politics become intertwined in the workplace, leading to unhappy bosses and employees.

While many of us spend 40 hours or more at our respective positions each week, it is what you make of the job that will oftentimes determine whether or not you’re going to be successful there.

I’ve been asked by several bosses over the years if I was happy in my position and I always respond the same way.

Honestly, my happiness is not the most important thing. Am I a productive worker and do I get along with my co-workers, including the boss? I’ve always said that I can find happiness outside of any job I’m in; doesn’t mean I want to be miserable 40 hours a week, but my happiness in the 9 to 5 world is not something that will make or break me.

A job and a boss are what you make of them. For me, it doesn’t really matter if the person I report to wears a suit or a dress.

How they treat me, the opportunities I’m given to excel, and will they be true to their words are what matter most in my book.

So if you expected me to say one sex is better to work for than the other, it isn’t happening.

What is your experience? Do you have a preference of working with one sex over the other?

Submit your career and life questions to nicole@mscareergirl.com!

Q: Like you, I was a finance major as an undergrad. Why finance? Because it was what all of the prestigious kids took, of course, and I wanted to waltz around Wall St in thousand dollar suits too!

I actually started undergrad as an English major (I have always had a huge passion and talent for writing) with the dreams of becoming an author someday, but somewhere along the way I was jaded with cynicism and decided it was impossible to have a “real” career as an author. That’s when I made the switch to finance and because I was “good” at it, I never felt the urge to look back.

Now I’m working at a bank in risk management and I hate it. I feel no passion for what I do and its really bringing me down.

Like you, I started a blog as a creative outlet. While blogging has given me a hobby outside of work, I long for a career that I can actually get engaged in.

I’m trying so hard to get into marketing but as I have no experience in the field.  I know if I could just get in the door for an interview I could land a job, but I’m having a tough time even getting in the door.

I’m reading great books about entrepreneurs and feel inspired but I’m also starting to feel hopeless.  Do you have any advice for me?

-Natalie

A:  I can ABSOLUTELY relate.  This was my life for 5 years.  EXACTLY.  Everything you said resonates with me.

By, Nadene Cherry

Your Personal Brand is no longer only about your career- it’s about everything and everyone you touch on a daily basis!  Your clients and your boss know your brand, but so do your Mother-in-Law, local barista and gym buddies.  In case it has been a while, here are 3 ways to easily update your brand:

Become a Follow-Up Queen

How long do you typically wait to send a follow-up note to clients after a meeting?  How about a handwritten Thank You card after a friend sent you a birthday gift?  Waste no time and make it a priority to send a note the same day.  Why?  You eliminate the task immediately and let your client or friend know your appreciation while still fresh in their minds.  Tip 2?  Order yourself stationary!  Opening a handwritten note is like opening a beautifully wrapped present- it will catch the receiver off-guard and goes farther than an email.  (Check out www.erincondren.com for fun paper goodies)

Practice DOD

Deed of the Day!  Move your brand above and beyond what is expected by little, easy, and FREE deeds.  Certainly you have a peer at work who works extra hard to help you out and you’ve been meaning to tell her how much you appreciate it.  Write to her boss.  What boss wouldn’t want to hear about a top-performer who has exceeded her duties?  Plus, when your buddy catches wind of your note, she will become even more attentive to your needs.  Do you send Thank You notes to your friends or family after they have you to their home for a meal?  You should!  How about a little hand-written note JUST BECAUSE?  Surprise people and make their day.  It will make your brand.

Clean Up Your Profiles

Bite the bullet- Google yourself.  Did that hurt?  The truth is other people are “Googling” you too.  Job Interview?  Google.  You are someone’s new client?  Google.  Old high school or college friends?  Google.  I don’t think you want a new potential client seeing your bachelorette pictures on facebook.  Use my SEE-E-O trick:  Would you want your company CEO to SEE-E-O this picture?  Exactly.  Are there additional websites you are listed on but you don’t want to be?  Email them and ask them to remove you.  Hey- it’s your brand.

It’s not about becoming someone else.  It’s about updating to the 2.0 version of yourself while keeping your brand unique, thoughtful, and memorable.  Go work it!

It’s 3:00 AM and I’ve finally made time to get back to the passion that started it all (this very blog).  Why am I up at such an odd hour writing?  I couldn’t sleep.

Yesterday I received some bad news about one of my JPMorgan co-workers who became a good friend.  My friend Bryan hit a deer while riding his motorcycle.  He broke his femur and fractured his pelvic bone and right shoulder.  But the worst part is that he’s in a coma and doctors aren’t sure if he will wake up.

I found out when my Mom called me yesterday. Why was my Mom the one to tell me?  Because Bryan was scheduled to start his first day of work at my parents’ company on Monday.

Bryan’s hobbies and passions revolve around big engines: racing, adding more power to his classic Mustang and riding his motorcycle.  He’s been severely injured before which gives us hope that he will recover from this awful accident.

Bryan is 26 and just a month or so behind me in making a career transition to something he is really passionate about; in his case big engines and machines. Both of us enjoyed, appreciated and learned a TON from our jobs at JPMorgan but left to pursue careers at small companies.  It’s tough to jump ship from big safe corporate america yet honorable to want to be around what you love every day.  Both Bryan and I liked the idea of working for small companies because the opportunity for growth is so great and the challenge of wearing many hats is rewarding.

This situation is part of why I’m writing today.  Writing this blog is one of my passions but I’ve been severely neglecting it for a while now.  Sometimes we need a reminder to get back to our core after life’s chaotic over-scheduling gets the best of us.

It gives me peace of mind knowing that Bryan was strong enough to make a positive change in his life and to that he can face the challenges presented to him.  I hope he will take his passion, spirit and energy and channel it toward making a full recovery.

Please send your thoughts, prayers and positive energy Bryan’s way.  It is said that patients who recover from comas often do so because they felt the energy of those around them who were pulling for them.

This story should make all of us stop and think: Am I on the right path and doing what’s best for me right now?