No, this isn’t an error. There are still plenty of upcoming grads out there looking to be hired! But, this week for Champlain is Spring Break, and in honor of that this creator is doing things a bit different.

Instead of featuring a grad, I wanted to talk about the importance of taking a break.  As the saying goes, “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.”  Up until this week, these grads have been working tirelessly to not only complete their homework and other scholarly duties, but also prepare to hit the workforce and enter the real world in just a few months. So, when Spring Break hits, many take the opportunity to travel, rest, and just relax for a few days. 

Sometimes it feels counterproductive to take a break, especially when the impending “to-do” list just seems to be getting longer. But, there are many benefits to taking a break or a vacation. It can be a health rejuvenator for the mind as well as the body and the spirit.  So, why should you take a vacation?

Health:
The Wisconsin Medical Journal reported a study that said those who take vacations, especially women, are able to release stress and suffer less from depression.  “Vacations provide a break from everyday stressors,” Cathy McCarty, Ph.D. said. “They allow us time away from work or home and help us release built-up tension.”  Less stress and tension helps students ultimately do better work when they return.

Happiness:
Let’s face it: take a vacation is (or should be!) fun! It gives you time to travel, read, sleep, whatever it is you enjoy doing.  Vacations provide time for you to take some personal time and recharge your happiness. Not only does a vacation put you in more positive mood, but it can also give you a more positive outlook on life. 

Creativity:
By now, most of you probably feel as though you’re scraping the bottom of the creativity bucket.  Vacations can actually promote creativity.  It breaks up the monotony of the daily routine and allows you to reconnect with yourself.  When you take a break from your daily routine and life, it gives you time to refill your bucket of creativity!

Productivity:
Let’s face it: sometimes we all suffer from burnout.  We often feel overworked and under-rested. A vacation allows you to take a break from work, stress, and other worries and to catch up on your rest.  When you take time to relax, you feel rested, recharged, and can be more productive and creative!

Because You Deserve It:
Everyone deserves to take a break. Enjoy it!

Just because these grads are taking a vacation, doesn’t mean they’ve completely abandoned their social media connection. Check out these awesome grads who are blogging about their travels or their vacation:


Joe Gaynor blogs about his snowboarding and skiing adventures from out west over break. Check out his videos!

Kristi Gorton also talks about her mountain adventures over break.


Madison Wood talks about her recent vacation to Miami, FL in her usual fashion blog.

Kathleen Wamser blogs about her recent cruise from Miami to Cozumel, Belize.


Stay tuned, next week we’ll feature a new grad!

Name: Amanda Jones
Major: Marketing (Advertising) and Graphic Design
Hometown: Cornish, New Hampshire

Contact Info
Facebook: www.facebook.com/amandajjones
Twitter: www.twitter.com/ajjones87
Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/in/ajjones87
Website:http://www.amandajjones.com/
Email: amanda[dot]jones@mymail[dot]champlain[dot]edu

Personal Brand: www.thedesigngutter.wordpress.com
Personal Brand Twitter: www.twitter.com/designgutter

The Brief

If you’re looking for someone who prides herself on her exceptional organization and planning skills and attention to detail, then place Amanda Jones in your radar. As an employee, you can count on her to show up early and stay late when necessary. She gets things done when they need to get done and works to refine and perfect things, making note of every detail.

So why did she choose marketing? For the brands and the passion that people have for them.  She wants to be a part of the process of not just providing a product or service but providing the full emotional and sensory experience.  It seems appropriate, then, that the book she’s currently reading is Obsessive Branding Disorder by Lucas Conley.

Through her college experience, Amanda has been able to apply and refine her marketing skills by working with a long list of clientele through classes, jobs, and internships, including :
UNFPA (“Empowering Play” Though the Emergent Media Center at Champlain College)
Green Mountain Animal Defenders
Able Paint & Glass
Vermont State Employees’ Credit union
Stowe Area Association
Burlington Walk Bike Council
Magic Hat Brewing Company

In her free time, Amanda also shares a passion for horseback riding, cooking, snowshoeing, branding, photography, & Graphic Design.  Amanda also currently hosts a blog and a Twitter for the Design Gutter, a blog to “question [graphic]design and provide supplemental critique to that of a design classroom.”

The Interview

Sum yourself up in 140 characters or less:
Thoughtful, hard working, multi-talented marketer & graphic designer with a passion for brands, good food, strong coffee and horses.


What do you consider your biggest success?
Being a part of the Emergent Media Center’s UN project team and being able to follow and contribute to the project from the start up until its current state. It has given me the opportunity to perform primary research on the ground in South Africa, contribute to a 60+ page research document supporting the game’s proposed themes, frameworks and delivery methods, work on project branding and fundraising, test game episode 1 with students in Saint Lucia, lead a team of students to craft a communications plan for game launch and present findings and plans to a group of individuals at the UNFPA. The project has contributed to my hands on knowledge in marketing and design as well as refining my organization and presentation skills.

What is something you’ve learned from your mistakes?
Measure twice, cut once. Always think things through carefully. Then, when I think I have it down, do it again.

Describe your ideal working environment.
Something funky and fresh that’s open with a lot of natural light.

How do they get the cream filling inside a Twinkie?
They plant row after row of Twinkie trees that they water every day. After cross-pollination occurs throughout the spring and early summer, the Twinkie tree begins to produce its fruit. As the fruit develops and begins to grow, its skin turns a light fluffy yellow to reflect the suns rays and protect the cream filling inside which accumulates during the photosynthesis process.

If a newspaper wrote an article about your leadership style, what would the headline be?
The Organized Strategist: Persnickety Leaders Never Overlook the Small Details.

References

Elaine Young, Assistant Dean of the Division of Business and Marketing Professor at Champlain College:

“As a double major in Marketing and Graphic Design, Amanda brings a unique perspective to any design project — she thinks like a marketer and understands the importance of understanding the target market and creating a strong call to action, and then she has the skill set to execute her vision. Her design aesthetic is spot on and versatile. She is dedicated, organized and extremely creative. Her balanced skill-set would make her a strong asset to any firm or organization.”

Megan Frenzen, Assistant Professor of Marketing at Champlain College:

“Amanda Jones is, without question, one of the most motivated, dedicated and competent graduates in her class. Amanda has repeatedly demonstrated an in-depth understanding of marketing principles and practices, as well as, a willingness to work incredibly hard. Additionally, her natural talent for graphic design and all other creative endeavors is remarkable. You should Hire This Grad, trust me.”

Kara Murphy, Adjunct Professor at Champlain College and owner of KaraMia Design & Marketing:

“Amanda is one of my star students. Her level of creativity is consistently high and her designs stand out. Combine her design talents with her professionalism and she would be an asset to any creative team.”