May 2019 Archives

Go on a Vacation– at the Thrift Store!

Feeling a bit of spring break travel FOMO? Or perhaps dreaming of a vacation that may not be in the cards on this year’s budget? I know I am. Just a few minutes on social media lately has me seriously jealous of the warmer climes. Never fear. As usual, Goodwill® has us covered. Just one trip can have you looking and feeling like an international jetsetter.

Don’t believe me? It’s road-trip worthy in it’s own right. But also, thrift stores are a souvenir treasure-trove and a hub of international style and decor options. Finding a little style inspiration is all you need to make you feel like you’re counting the days until your own relaxing adventure. Just check out Instagram for lots of awesome vacay style looks you can keep in mind as you peruse the Goodwill aisles.

Credit: @ashleerosehartley

Sometimes the swimwear section is easy to forget at Goodwill, but trust me, there are treasures there to be had as well. Often overlooked, this is a great place to find a second tankini top to match the bottoms you love, or a suit in a style you’ve been dying to try out without the hefty price tag. These Goodwill finds below are proof you can bring a splash of the Caribbean to any pool party, even if it’s just sippin’ lemonade in a kiddie pool on your patio.

Credit: @kayjackhan

I also just love finding items that somehow found their way into my local Goodwills from far-flung places. Little bits of vintage souvenir flair in the form of t-shirts, mugs or artwork makes me feel a little more connected, and give my home a little more of that jetsetter vibe. It’s especially fun if it’s a place I’ve already been and have fond memories of.

Credit: @DamnFineCoffeeMugs

Or handmade little pieces like this that give your home a little taste of distant cultures and major travelust.

Credit: Jenna Pfueller

Are you lucky enough to actually be headed somewhere to kick back and relax? Good onya!

Obviously you’ll need to make a point to visit a Goodwill when you get to your destination, too. Just search our site for locations and make a date of it. It’s a perfect way to get to know the local culture a bit more, find something you may have forgotten while packing, and of course a perfect little something to remember your trip with so you have plenty of moo-lah for the ride home.

See? It’s easy to take a vacation at Goodwill. It’s a respite that’s always full of surprises, inspiration, fun, sustainability, and even creates jobs. Now that’s a true destination to embrace!

Three Tips for Transitioning from College to the Workplace

By Randy Wooden

If you’re a college student or know one who is, today’s blog is for you. Here are three tips for landing that first job after graduation.

#1. For those about to graduate, you’ve missed this one already. Internships give you exposure to corporate life and a leg up on your competition since the company with which you’re interning gets to see you in action. If you were an employer, wouldn’t you feel better hiring someone you’d already seen work? Their hard skills and their people skills? You bet. Internships often lead to a first job after graduation.

How do you land an internship? Check with your school’s career center for assistance. They’ve likely established corporate relationships. Talk with other students to learn how they secured theirs.

#2. Network, network, network. You’ve heard this before. It’s more than asking others who they know might be hiring. Let’s explore in more detail.

If you haven’t done so, create a LinkedIn account. Think of LinkedIn as a large professional network where you’re able to connect (or “link”) with others for any number of reasons including leveraging those connections to help get a leg up during the hiring process.

Conduct searches for alums already in the workplace. The fact you share a common college experience means they’re more likely to accept your connection invitation and share their college-to-corporate transition experiences.

Go to your school’s career center or virtual site to see companies that have taken part in past campus hiring fairs. If the school can’t or won’t provide recruiter contact information, check for those people via LinkedIn.

Your goal is to build rapport so that a hiring official will either know you directly or know someone who knows you and can put in a good word for you.

#3. Don’t stress. The job you land out of school will be the first step on a long journey of learning as you go. You may find your first job or industry isn’t what you’d hoped it would be. Take that knowledge as you move forward.

Unlike decades ago, people entering the workforce are much more likely to change careers than ever before. If you’re the parent of a college student, are you doing the sort of work you did right out of school? How relevant is your degree in your present job?

Bonus Tip: Consider volunteerism to build your network, references and experience if you aren’t able to land a career-oriented job right out of school. It look good on your resume, and you’ll likely meet people who have a similar passion. They might be able to assist you with your job search. Good luck!

Brittany’s Self-Esteem Boosted by Goodwill

Growing up in an abusive household was difficult for Brittany. Her step-mom was mean to her and never treated her with the respect she deserved. Brittany knew a change had to be made and she moved out of this toxic environment. Brittany moved in with her mom and step-dad in Royal, Iowa. Her step-dad was a positive influence in her life and he treated her with respect and decency.

A good friend to Brittany referred her to Goodwill. Before she came to Goodwill, Brittany hated her life and didn’t see any purpose. When she started Goodwill, she saw a purpose that was right in front of her. “They made me feel really comfortable. I was really nervous but as I was trained in different areas throughout the day I began to feel calm,” Brittany said. “They were encouraging me by telling me I was doing a great job.”

Brittany has grown significantly as a person since she has been with Goodwill. She has been coming out of her comfort zone and becoming more social with the people at work. Goodwill is Brittany’s home away from home. “I have made some really good friends here. They have given me enough confidence to apply for the Team Lead position,” Brittany stated while smiling Brittany will be promoted to Team Lead and this is a huge step for her. “Goodwill is more than just getting rid of your old stuff and hanging clothes. Every dollar goes back towards the mission and Goodwill is more than just shopping,” Brittany states with a confidence in her tone.