By Shun McGhee
Contributor, Career Services

Even some of the more stringent dress codes can leave you with wiggle room. Find that room and tailor it to fit your budget and personality. For example, if the company dress code does not permit you to wear a suit, see if a jacket and slacks combination will work. If so, this will expand your wardrobe possibilities and yield more opportunities to mix and match your clothes. The lessons I have learned to date have helped me to dress well during my most financially lean moments, and they may help you too.

By Shun McGhee
Contributor, Career Services

June 5, 2014 marked the end of my nephew’s 8^th grade school year, an occurrence that was celebrated by a graduation ceremony. In addition to our attendance, both sets of my nephew’s grandparents traveled to the ceremony as well. Since the grandparents had traveled quite some distance, they asked my niece if her grandmother could please sleep in her bed for the night, to which my niece responded, “Yes.” My nieces’ mother instilled in her daughter the value of sharing, though here was a chance to see it in practice.

By Shun McGhee
Contributor, Career Services

Can you imagine what it would look like, if 30 year-old students made decisions like they did when they were 20? What if a large number of 30 year olds filled the cafeteria dying to know who was going to this weekend’s pajama jammy jam (that’s a co-ed pajama party)? While I could make an infinite list of things 30 year-old college students should not be doing, I will instead set my sights on the things they should be doing.

By Shun McGhee
Contributor, Career Services

While it is good to know how to do many things well, there should be some subject matter you have learned or craft you have perfected, of which you could be considered a master.

By Shun McGhee
Contributor, Career Services

The other day I was having a conversation with two friends of mine regarding our life goals and career journeys. To my surprise, my ambitions were met with some opposition. One of my friends began explaining to me how we were “common folk,” and the people who have achieved dreams like those I outlined, came from affluent backgrounds or heritages that helped make success more attainable. While perhaps my friend was right, my question to him was, “Can a person change his or her stars?” While we both agreed that a person could change their stars, how does one do that?

By Shun McGhee
Contributor, Career Services

In 2000, the New York Giants faced off against the Baltimore Ravens in the Super Bowl. Despite the magnitude of the stage, there was not much I would consider memorable about the game. One thing I do remember about the game is Kerry Collins, New York’s quarterback, who threw an uncharacteristic four interceptions. As he left the field at the end of the game, with the camera fixed on his every move, his young son ran up to him. Collins scooped him up in his arms and said, “We’ll fight another day.”

By Shun McGhee
Contributor, Career Services

A couple of months ago, my wife and I welcomed two of our cousins over for dinner. The evening involved much laughter, and for the first time I was introduced to vegan pizza. In this context “introduced” means I saw it, though I am not yet brave enough try it. In addition to learning about various vegan cuisines, I also learned about my cousins’ differing philosophy on higher education. While both are neurosurgeons, Nancy firmly believed everyone should go to college, while Ronald was not convinced. I admit, I was shocked two physicians would have such differing opinions on a subject my wife and I have discussed more times than I can recall.

By Shun McGhee
Contributor, Career Services

Kanye West last year described himself as a “creative genius” on the Jimmy Kimmel Show, a comment which, naturally, made him the object of much ridicule. Upon reviewing that interview, I emerged with a question. Are people uncomfortable with someone referring to themselves as a creative genius because they do not believe it is true, or is it because the average person is uncomfortable sharing space with unsolicited confidence?

By Shun McGhee
Contributor, Career Services

I once perceived salary negotiation to be a cross between bargaining for jewelry on Canal Street and bidding at an auction. The jeweler (or in this case the employer) would ask for a very low price for an item and then I would counter with a very high price. Eventually, following much back and forth, we would wind up at a reasonable price and end with going once, going twice, sold to the handsome man wearing the three piece suit and Kangol hat! While this exchange can certainly be a feature of the interview process, salary negotiation is a bit more of a chess match than what I described.