Men are often a mystery to us, and some of the things they do just make no sense, especially when we’re texting them. They send us all kinds of mixed signals, have the weirdest ways of flirtexting, and bring emojis into the picture at the dumbest of times. It’s pretty safe to say that guys are the most annoying texters out there—and here’s why sometimes, we just can’t deal.

1. When they don’t text you back but are all over social media

Do you not think I can see your Tweet or what?

2. When they give you a lackluster response

Responding with “lol” and “k” make it really difficult for us to carry on a conversation, guys!

3. When they initiate the conversation and then disappear

Seriously, though, where did you go? It’s not like you have anything better to do than text us.

4. When they really can’t grasp what you’re trying to say at all

No, sir, that’s not what I meant… don’t twist my words around! Just because I’m complaining about my best friend’s boyfriend does not mean I’m saying she’s too promiscuous!

5. Excessive use of emojis

While we’re serious fans of emojis, sometimes there can be too much of a good thing, and sometimes guys bring it there with their emoji use. What does [insert: llama crown burger emoji] mean, guys?

6. When you pour your heart out to them and they respond with only an emoji

What?! What is that supposed to mean?

7. When they aren’t taking the conversation in the direction you want it to go

If we’re going to be honest, we’ve all been there where we’re trying to lead the guy into a certain conversation (you know, the kind where we’re trying to get him to ask us out), and it’s the worst when they just won’t bite. You might think he doesn’t like you, but chances are he’s just being an idiot.

8. When they’re a completely different person over text than they are in person

Why are you so awesome in person but such a dud on the phone? Get it together, dude.

9. When he’ll chat you up all the time via text, but never in person

We get it — it’s way easier to be brave over the phone than in person, but that doesn’t mean you should look away when you see us in person!

10. When he falls asleep talking to you and doesn’t answer in the morning

We’re not looking for sappy, super romantic morning texts, but when we ask a question and you’re already asleep, that doesn’t mean that we don’t want to know the answer ever. Actually, we want to know it as soon as you’re awake. Text us back!

11. When he’s got his read receipts on

…and it’s extra annoying when you can see the read the message, but he isn’t answering. Seriously, you’re just enabling my crazy girl side, and I don’t need that!

Whether he’s your boyfriend, your best friend or your next door neighbor you’re trying to get to know, one thing is for sure: guys have got the worst texting habits ever, and we don’t know if we’ll ever see a change.
 

Oh, how the tables have turned! Little girls everywhere can soon feel like the role models behind Barbie's look, rather than the other way around.

Barbie, an immensely famous cultural icon, has raised a good deal of controversy since her birth in 1959, revolving around her impossible proportions and Mattel's failure to realistically diversify the doll collection. In recent years, women everywhere have been encouraging the brand to widen its design horizons, and have even had some success. Now, we can really begin to celebrate the line's advancement as Mattel makes some groundbreaking changes to their Barbie, slowly but surely moving towards representing all girls.

The trends tell all, as young women are increasingly choosing comfort over sex appeal. Apparently, new Barbie is totally on board! For the first time ever, Barbie's ankles will be mobile, meaning her feet can adapt to far more than just her typical (and presumably painful!) extra-high heels. You go girl, we're all for it—it's about time those arches got a rest!

Far more inspiring are Barbie's more serious changes. The new Barbie Fashionistas line will feature 23 dolls (each with a unique hair color!) with 22 different hair styles, a total of 18 eye colors, a variety of 14 different facial structures, and best of all, 8 diversified skin tones. Finally, Barbie's on her way to resembling the most beautiful women of all—real women.

While Mattel's changes have been rolling in quite slowly, and not without controversy along the way, this news stirs up newfound hope for the future of Barbie. While the new Barbie Fashionistas line may not be perfect—there's still no word of healthy body proportions for the doll on the horizon— we've got our fingers crossed that this will only be the start of a whirlwind of improvements to the Barbie we grew up with.

Kourtney Kardashian may speak in one tone at all times, but that doesn't mean she only feels one emotion. From her death stares to her fiery insults, she's not exactly the timid sibling that she sometimes seems to be. If you find yourself agreeing with most of the following statements, you're totally the Kourtney of your siblings!  

1. When it comes to a sibling who is feeling down, you're not the most empathetic.

2. It seems like when your family is not acting very nice, you're the exception.

3. Self-esteem is one of your strong suits.

4. Keeping up appearances is clearly more of a priority to you than your siblings.

5. You hate when your family members are acting like Debbie Downers. 

6. You're probably the least social of your siblings, but you're ok with it.

7. You know when it's best to act appropriately, even if you're seething on the inside.

8. You have a tendency to keep your siblings grounded, especially when it comes to advising them on what they should be going after in life.

9. Your family can tell when you're not happy, just by your looks.

10. You like to make sure your siblings know when you're not happy with them.

11. You rarely stand for self-centeredness.

12. You often play up the dramatics to get your point through.

13. One of your mottos is "honesty is the best policy."

14. You're known a lot of the times as a woman of few words. 

15. You've become a professional BS detector.

16. Salads are one of your favorite things, ever. 

17. You waste no time calling out you sisters when you feel they're not being sincere.

18. When you've had it, you've had it, and everyone can tell.

19. When you get excited you never outwardly show it.

20. You're not afraid of offending your siblings because you know they can take it.

21. You're the first to observe and point out family drama.

22. Your listening skills are on point, at least most of the time.

Everybody experiences an awkward moment here and there, but for you it's a constant, daily battle. Let's just say people skills are not really your forte. While the average person might squirm with embarrassment for just a few seconds, you rack your brain for the rest of the day wondering why you made that odd gesture or spoke those foolish words. If you know you're socially awkward, you'll definitely be able to identify with these terrible, terrible scenarios and maybe even feel a sigh of relief since you're not alone.

1. Getting your hair cut.

Not to be rude, but is it possible to get a cute haircut without the in-between chitchat?

2. Sitting next to anyone on public transportation.

The only safe place to look is down or ahead - that is, unless you're sitting right across from someone.

3. Having to comfort a friend who's crying.

You're not a terrible friend, it's just that a pillow would be of better use to her than your "comforting" words.

4. Eating in front of others.

Because the whole world is probably judging every bite you take.

5. Figuring out the proper way to greet someone you know.

Staying home forever seems like a much better alternative, right?

6. When someone holds the door open for you but you're not exactly close.

Great... now you have to run for the door.

7. Reacting to a compliment.

We bet you've automatically returned the compliment with a "you too" before realizing it's not even applicable to that person.

8. When you arrive to class first and your professor starts to make small talk with you.

Lesson learned: If no one else is there yet, hide out in the bathroom for a few minutes.

9. When your professor makes eye contact with you during lecture.

Smile? Uh, no. Stare deeply into his eyes? Definitely no. Look away? Gah!!!

10. Being momentarily left alone with your SO's parents.

So... this is some really great pot roast!

11. Getting introduced to new people. 

Meet to nice you, too!

12. Talking to anyone on the phone.

Just pray they'll do all the talking.

13. Pulling up next to someone at a red light.

Whatever you do, just act cool.

14. Waving to someone who doesn't notice.

Just going to crawl into a hole now, bye. 

15. Any elevator ride ever.

The stairs seem so much more appealing now than they did a few minutes ago before you made this fateful decision.

16. Being forced to partner up with someone in your class whom you've never talked to.

Hi, I'm from awkward town, how about you?

17. Having to run to catch a bus or train.

Running like a fool: It's in your blood.

18. Walking halfway down the block before realizing you should be going the other direction.

Pardon me while I just conspicuously disrupt the flow of traffic and walk the other way.

19. Realizing that the person you thought you were talking to walked away a few seconds ago.

Cool; I can add "talks to herself" as a new hobby!

It's fun in the sun during warm summer days, but what about those brisk summer nights? These sweaters are perfect for layering over your favorite bikinis and sundresses to keep you cozy when the breeze starts to blow:

1. Crochet Hooded Sweater, Victoria's Secret, $32.99

Throw this sweater over any of your summer essentials for a cute and cozy outfit once the chill of the summer night sets in.

2. Vera Moda Knit Sweater, ASOS, $37

The open knit and peek-a-boo back on this stylish sweater provide the perfect amount of ventilaton.

3. Chevron Open-Knit Sweater, Forever 21, $24.90

We love the pretty crochet pattern on this breezy piece!

4. Kimono Top in Crochet, ASOS, $54

The sunny yellow color will make this lightweight sweater your new summer staple!

5. Garment-Dyed Linen Swing Sweater, J.Crew, $85

Linen is the ultimate warm-weather must-have, and it's even better in the form of a pretty patterned lightweight sweater.

Which sweater will you be throwing on during breezy summer nights, collegiettes?

We’ve all heard it over and over again—making connections that will be helpful down the road is one of the most important parts of having an internship. How to actually establish and maintain these connections, though? Kind of a different story. If you’re interning this summer, it can be helpful to come up with a game plan ahead of time so you know how to form relationships with your boss and coworkers before you head into your first day at the office. Luckily, we talked to experts and collegiettes who have been there, done that, to get the scoop on being your office’s most memorable intern this summer!

1. Get friendly, but keep it professional

One of the best ways to connect with both your internship boss and other interns is easier than you think—just be your friendly, outgoing self! While you should always make sure to maintain professional relationships first, Liat Tzoubari, who has managed interns for Apartable, an apartment search website, says that being social allows interns to connect with the rest of the office on a more personal level.

“Interns often come into a workplace feeling intimidated, and there is no reason for them to feel that way,” Tzoubari says. “After all, we chose YOU! Be confident and mingle with your coworkers; it's the best way to ensure they hire you if/when interested. Grab coffee with your boss, go for lunch with your coworkers, or even just ask someone you work with if they want to go for a quick five-minute walk to get some fresh air.”

Lynn Chalati, a collegiette at the University of Ottawa and an intern at a law firm, says getting to know her manager well has allowed her make a connection beyond just a professional one.

“We make a point of getting together once a day to chit-chat and talk about the day’s work,” Lynn says. “She’s now a reference on my resume and one of my Instagram followers! It's nice to be friends and not just colleagues while still keeping it professional.”

Need some ideas for building personal relationships? Start small. When appropriate of course, stop by the desks of coworkers and people in your department to chat. Once you’ve gotten to know specific people around your office better, inviting them to coffee is also a great idea! Don’t limit it to your department, either—branch out and get to know others within the company to set yourself apart from a sea of interns!

While it’s important to remember the line between making friends and getting too personal, getting coffee with coworkers or lunch with your boss will ensure that you’re not just lost in the shuffle!

2. It’s all in the attitude

Ultimately, it all boils down to having a good attitude and being an intern that your bosses will want to connect with now and later down the road. Carlota Zimmerman, a career coach and writer for The Huffington Post, says your attitude makes all the difference.

“The best and most natural way to develop professional relationships during your internship is to be a professional worth knowing,” Zimmerman says. “That means, coming in early with a great attitude, NOT Facebooking at work—unless maintaining your company’s Facebook and social media presence is part of your responsibilities—accepting more work with good graces, and doing whatever is necessary, whatever you can do, to forward your company’s goals.”

When you go above and beyond your basic intern duties and come into the office with a positive attitude, people will notice—and will be more likely to want to get to know you and keep in touch once your internship is over. Something as small as coming in early, staying late, or asking your boss what else needs to be done before you leave for the day will set you apart as an intern your company will want to hire down the road!

3. Ask for advice

Learn about your industry

Remember the saying, “There’s never a bad question?” This especially applies to your internship! It’s always a good idea to ask as many questions as you can about your industry in order to show that you are interested in learning and growing through your internship. Jeff Kear, who manages interns for his business Planning Pod, says asking questions is the best way to show interest in your internship.

“For example, interns should set up internal Q&A meetings with employees inside the organization to learn more about the roles and responsibilities of those people,” Kear suggests. “These things demonstrate the intern's interest in learning and taking on responsibilities, and they also give them extended access to people who can help them advance their career when they graduate.”

Learn about your boss’s career path

Asking your boss questions about her career path is also a great way to not only learn about how to make it yourself, but to also develop a relationship with her. Natalie Elliot, a freshman at California Lutheran University and a former Her Campus intern, says setting up a meeting to ask her boss questions about her boss’s career has allowed her to stand out among her peers.

“After my first week, I emailed my boss and told her how much I'm loving my internship so far and asked if she would have time to meet so I could ask her about starting her own business,” Natalie says. “She loved that I wanted to hear what she had to say!”

When you ask questions, not only does it show you’re super interested in your boss’s career path and the company you’re interning for, but it creates opportunities for conversation on a more personal level and shows you’re excited to learn. Bottom line: if you have a question, don’t be afraid to speak up!

4. Social media can be your best friend

Okay, so you shouldn’t be checking Facebook at work. But using social media to keep in touch, especially post-internship, is a definite do! Saniya Kahn, who just graduated from Molloy College, says that when it comes to connecting with other interns, using social media is a must.

“Several interns connected on LinkedIn or Facebook and exchanged numbers and emails to keep in touch throughout the year,” Saniya says. “We all came from different backgrounds, schools, and parts of the country, but having those internship memories together helped us stay in touch long after.”

Part of making connections at your summer internship is ensuring that they’ll last beyond the three months you’ve spent as an intern! Especially when it comes to your fellow interns, don’t be afraid to start pressing that “follow” button on Twitter or to connect with them on LinkedIn—these are the people who you’ll be working with (or for!) in the future, so maintaining a relationship with them is a must!

A word of caution: when it comes to your superiors and social media, it may be a good idea to be choosy about which (if any!) platforms you use to connect with them. While LinkedIn and Twitter are usually safe bets, be careful when it comes to accounts you may not keep as professional, like Facebook. (After all, no one wants to be remembered by a former boss as the intern whose weekend debauchery showed up constantly in her news feed!)

5. Keep in touch

Once you’ve made the connection, actually staying connected with your former boss in a non-awkward way can be slightly trickier territory. Tzoubari says that a quick note to check in and give updates about your own career can make a big impact.

“Even a simple email over the holidays saying, ‘How are you? How is everyone at the office? Happy holidays to you and your family!’ with a quick update about how you are doing goes a long way,” Tzoubari says.

Saniya agrees that periodic notes and email updates have been the easiest way for her to keep in touch after her internship was over.

“Once the internship ended, I kept in touch by giving periodic updates about things like school and where I was traveling to next through email,” she says. “I also made sure to send an email wishing the people in my department that I had established those initial relationships a happy holiday season and well wishes for a happy new year.”

There’s no need to sweat when trying to connect post-internship—it’s all about the little things! Whether you send a holiday note or ask your boss to meet up for coffee, it will remind your boss and former coworkers of what great work you did as an intern and will set you up to be remembered for potential jobs down the road!

Ultimately, looking for those small opportunities to bond and connect with your boss and coworkers can have a huge impact on the connections you make during and after your internship—make them count!

The first step to success for a job, internship or any other commitment is timeliness. Whether your goal is to get your assignments in on time or to show off your dedication by arriving to work early and eager, keeping track of time is essential. However, if you want to be professional and polite, being glued to your phone is a total no-no, even to check the time.

Luckily for you, we're teaming up with JORD Watches to give away three gift cards for JORD's wood watch collection so that you can show up to everything on time and in style! The grand prize is a $159 gift certificate (eligible for most watch styles), and two runners-up will receive gift certificates for $120 each (good for select watch styles). And of course, all winners will get free shipping on their JORD orders!

If you're looking to make a statement with your style and punctuality, look no further. Inspired by the natural, modern material market that is currently oh-so-in, each JORD wood watch offers a playful take on a timekeeping classic. It's never too late to stop running late—so enter now!

JORD Wood Watches Giveaway

Despite the numerous modes of communication available today, it can still be difficult to get your message across to someone and even more difficult to make sure they carry out the task you need them to. However, recent studies have shown that the simplicity of the sticky note may be all that you need to communicate with your colleagues.

Psychologist Kevin Hogan reviewed research done by Randy Garner in Harvard Business Review, which looked at different ways of relaying messages and tasks to peers in the workplace. Garner found that messages on sticky notes made people more likely to read and carry out what was asked of them. During his research, Garner sent surveys to three groups of 50 professors. The first group received a survey with the sticky note on it that only asked for the return of a completed survey. The second group received a survey with the same task, with the message handwritten on a cover letter, not a sticky note. The last group received the same survey with the same task for it to be completed, however it was only explained on a cover letter and not handwritten in any way.

In the end, for group 1, 76 percent of professors returned the survey. Group 2 had 48 percent of professors return the survey, while group 3 only had 36 percent of its professors return the completed survey. So, the sticky note won as being the most persuasive task-deliverer to the professors. We might be able to attribute these results to the sticky note looking out of place, making it harder to ignore. However, Hogan believes it may be due more to the personal sentiments of the sticky note between peers: “Ultimately, the sticky note represents one person communicating with another important person—almost as if it is a favor or special request, which makes the recipient feel important.” So, the next time you leave a message for your colleague make sure it’s on that bright, square-shaped piece of paper, because that may incline them to carry out whatever you need!

Is your breakfast of choice a delicious, ideally cream-filled donut? Do you frequent the nearest Krispy Kreme on an unhealthy basis? Are you obsessed with all things glazed, sprinkled, and O-shaped? Big news, collegiettes! Today is National Donut Day, and we're here to help you celebrate with some donut-themed apparel that is sure to make your mouths water (and make your fellow donut lovers totally jealous).

1. Slip into this sweet bikini

Yes, you read that right: donuts can help you rock a bikini body! Show off your passion with this donut print bikini ($33, ASOS).

2. Pack 'em in

For the collegiette on the go, a backpack is essential, whether it's for carrying internship essentials or running to class—or, even better, for storing tons of donuts. Use this "Space Doughnut" backpack to show that donuts are out of this world ($45, ASOS). We may not know what a space donut is, but we know we want one!

3. Show off your treats

After a day of donuts, an elastic waistband is a godsend. Leave room for more with these donut leggings ($79.95, RebelCircus.com). Looking for a cheaper pair to lounge around in? Try these similar leggings from Target ($13).

4. Head in the (donut-shaped) clouds

Keep your hair out of your frosting with this adorably sweet donut headband ($14, MARIALIA).

5. Be a donut diva 

Channel your inner diva with these donut-rimmed shades, perfect for masking the glossy look in your eye as you daydream about your next donut ($50, NYLON). 

6. We'll take strawberry frosting, please

Are donut rims a little too distracting? Embrace the subtler look of these strawberry donut sunglasses as you peruse the streets for the nearest donut shop ($19.95, Zumiez).

7. Sprinkle in some sass

A morning of donuts probably means an afternoon at the gym, but don't sweat it! You can express your donut obsession while working out thanks to this sporty-chic performance top ($78, MARIALIA). Looking for something even edgier? Try the "Donuts on Black" pattern instead!

Now, go get yourself a glazed donut—you've earned it. 

Just imagine it: learning from top professionals, getting to make a difference in your field and maybe even living in a new city. Scoring your dream internship would be so cool, and with a big picture that glamorous, it’s easy to overlook the details of actually getting the internship in the first place.

Whether you’re not assertive enough, proactive enough or informed enough, you may overlook important steps when applying for internships. Sure, we know you’re the perfect candidate for the job, but recruiters don’t—yet. And making these mistakes can keep your potential employers from ever finding out just how fabulous you are!

1. You don’t reach out to your connections

It’s easy to type “Engineering internship + Boston” into the Google search bar and hope you find gold, but you’re unlikely to get your dream internship with a simple search alone.

You’ve got plenty of other options. Many collegiettes find opportunities onfantastic internship websites that make it super easy to find the perfect internship by listing top positions in one place.

Often, though, college students get so wrapped up in their internet searches that they forget their closest resources: the people around them.

Vicki Salemi, career expert and author of Big Career in the Big City, says that collegiettes shouldn’t neglect the people they’re already connected to during their internship searches. Sometimes the people you know— such as professors, former employers or even family and friends—will know of a position that you’d never find on your own.

“When searching for internships, [students] should tap into their networks,” Salemi says.  “Sometimes just searching online will end up with little to no results depending on timing. [For example], in bigger companies there are deadlines to be met, and if you miss it for the summer, you're out of luck.”

Joan Snyder Kuhl, author and founder of the speaking and consulting company Why Millennials Matter, also recommends contacting an HR employee or alumni at the company you’re interested in through LinkedIn.

LinkedIn can be an excellent resource for networking with your university’s alumni and others within specific companies. If you have your own LinkedIn profile already, an easy way to find alumni at a specific company is to search your university in the LinkedIn search bar. Once you’re on your university’s page, click on the Students & Alumni tab. Then you can search a company or organization within that section to find alumni who work there.

Although you may not be able to contact alumni directly through LinkedIn (unless you connect with them!), you may be able to use the information you find on their pages to look them up on Google. Some professionals provide their contact info on their own websites.

However, if you have a dream company in mind that isn’t offering an internship, sometimes it’s worth a shot to contact that company directly.

2. You don’t open your mind to different positions

You’re dead-set on public relations. You just know you’re going to be an epic PR guru someday. So why would you ever take a journalism internship?

For one, keeping your options open to multiple types of internships will help you cast a wider net. More applications mean that you’ll probably hear back from more places. You don’t want to have your heart set on only two or three perfect internships and then end up not hearing back at all.

Keeping an open mind can also help you figure out what kind of jobs are good fits for you. Internships are great opportunities to experiment, and your dream internship might end up being something you never expected!

“Definitely open your mind to different positions,” Salemi says. “Part of the fun about internships involves career exploration. Let's say you take an internship in marketing and absolutely hate it! Well, then you can literally cross marketing off your list of potential job paths.”

In your internship, you won’t just learn about what you want to do—you’ll also learn about the environment you’d like to work in.

“This is your opportunity to try on a company for size to see what fits,” Salemi says. “Even if you have your heart set on a large, global corporation, why not try a boutique firm to see how you like the vibe?”

You may realize that you actually adore your small company’s culture, or maybe you’ll realize it’s not for you. Either way, you’ll have a better idea of what you want after graduation by expanding your options.

3. Your company research only skims the surface

Just about anyone can spend 30 minutes scanning an organization’s website. If you really want to stand out, you need to understand the company, its products and services, its clients and its culture.

An outstanding candidate will be able to use this research to tailor her resume, cover letter and interviews to a company’s specific needs and values. Effective research can also let you know what kind of culture and environment you’ll be walking into if you get the internship.

“Research sometimes falls short in the area of companies in the news,” Salemi says. “Yes, you're looking for a stellar internship to gain skills, experiences and valuable connections, but what if the company recently went through a downsizing situation? What if they're being acquired?”

In other words, you need to know more than that the company is cool and that this internship would look stunning on your resume. What kinds of customers does the company serve? What are its top products? If it’s in the news, what big issues is it facing? You can even check stock prices and business performance. Form opinions about the company’s strengths and weaknesses, and get a feel for where you will fit in once you land your internship.

If you do this, you’ll be better able to address the company’s needs, something that will definitely set you apart from other applicants.

4.  You don’t tailor your resume to each application

Salemi says that many students make the mistake of assuming that recruiters will always read their resumes. “When I worked in recruiting, it wasn't uncommon to literally see hundreds—if not thousands—of resumes sitting in the applicant tracking system,” Salemi says.

That means that if you want to get hired, you need to get your resume past screening software. These applicant tracking systems (ATS) help recruiters more efficiently select candidates by scanning resumes for relevant keywords.

A great way to get past these systems is to carefully read your internship description and mold your resume to include relevant keywords, or exact words and phrases that appear in the internship description in your resume. For example, if your internship requires “oral communication skills,” you should put those words on your resume rather than “public speaking experience.”

No matter how fantastic your experience it is, it won’t mean a thing to your potential employer unless he or she gets the chance to read it.

“There's not enough time in the day to read each and every [resume],” Salemi says. “And they're all similar after a while, so you need to make your resume tailored to the position you're pursuing and definitely try to wiggle your way in the door through any connection you have to actually get noticed.”

5. You don’t address the company’s needs in your cover letter

Maybe you’ve got hundreds of volunteer hours, killer work experience and top-notch academics. Even if you could write a novel-length cover letter detailing how perfect you are for your ideal internship, that doesn’t mean you should.

Many students go on and on about their successes and desires and end up with absolute disasters of cover letters. The worst part? Sometimes these lengthy essays don’t really address the company’s needs.

“Cover letters should be succinct and really pop as to why you're filling the company's need,” Salemi says. “They shouldn't be incredibly long; let your resume do the talking. Instead, just let the cover letter shine by being brief and addressing why you can immediately solve their problem.”

Pick no more than three or four qualifications listed in the internship’s description that you think the company particularly stresses, then provide a specific, concise example of how you meet those qualifications.

Like your resume, your cover letter should be tailored to each company. Research your company thoroughly and find its core values. What kind of culture do they have? Try to reflect this in your cover letter and save all your other great qualities for the interview.

6. You don’t do a mock interview

If you’ve got an interview lined up, that’s an accomplishment on its own. But it’s also the most nerve-wracking (and often trickiest) part of the application process.

“Students struggle with confidently articulating how their experiences translate into the work responsibilities of the role they are interviewing for,” Kuhl says. “This requires research about that company, its work, the demands in similar roles and, most importantly, a lot of practicing their own responses.”

A mock interview can help you gain the confidence you’ll need by getting you used to talking about yourself, your skills and the company you want to intern for. You can ask a friend or family member to ask you questions, or you can go over questions on your own in the mirror or in your computer’s webcam. Your university’s career center may even offer mock interviews during the school year.

Practicing for an interview might feel silly, especially if you’re just interviewing yourself in a mirror, but it’s extremely important. If you don’t have another person to interview you, look up common interview questions online and write out answers to help you get a feel for how your experience is relevant to your desired job.

7. You don’t follow up after the interview

“When it comes to following up, just do it!” Salemi says. “Many students miss this key step. First, definitely send a thank-you email or snail-mail note within the first 48 hours. But then also follow up within a week to two weeks to inquire about the status and next steps.”

Following up after your interview leaves a good impression in your interviewer’s mind. Plus, it shows your potential employer that you are serious about the position.

But following up isn’t just for after interviews. After you send out your initial application, it’s a good idea to follow up with questions or comments after a week or two, as long as you do so in a professional, considerate manner. This kind of follow-up can be as simple as briefly restating your interest in the position, giving a sentence or two about your qualifications and asking about the status of your application.

Applying for internships can be stressful and, yes, even overwhelming. But if you take your time and put the effort into each one of your applications, something good is sure to turn up. And remember, even an internship you hadn’t originally considered could become the internship of your dreams!

Following the praise and celebration of Caitlyn Jenner's big reveal, transgender men and women are now creating their ownVanity Fair covers using the hashtag, #MyVanityFairCover.

It all started when a Tumblr user named Jenn Dolari tweeted this after seeing Caitlyn's cover.

Shortly after, Dolari and her roommate, Crystal Frasier, created a template of the cover where users could edit in their own pictures and fill in the headline "Call me _______" with their own names.  

"I've felt frustrated and useless and overwhelmed by opinions on transgender women and how we're 'supposed' to look if we want to be taken seriously," Frasier wrote in a caption alongside her own version of the cover. "But not all of us adhere to those standards. Not all of us want to. Not all of us can."

Social media users quickly picked up the hashtag and began making their own images. The hashtag became so popular that Dolari and Frasier created an entirely new Tumblr account as an ode to the many responses they received. 

"This is a trans pride blog made to showcase the wonderful variety that exists within the transgender community above and beyond what we're shown in the mainstream media," the blog reads. 

"I think everybody is happy that Caitlyn is happy," Frasier told Buzzfeed. "This is in no way any kind of critique on her life or choices, but this is a great moment to remind everyone—especially trans kids who might be taking in a message that their worth is based around their ability to look white and cisnormative—that trans people come in a huge variety and we all deserve love, attention, and understanding."

Right at the very top of our checklist for requirements for the perfect guy is: “must be smart.” When we’re daydreaming in class or scrolling through Netflix options, we love any chance to check in on our favorite, familiar TV nerds. They’re sweet and gentlemanly and oh-so-cute! Here are the top 7 we’re crushing on now:

1. Andy, Modern Family

We never thought a manny could be so adorable. Andy may say some goofy things, but we love that he cares about kids and his dedicated to his job. His awkward interactions with Hailey just make him even cuter, because it’s nice to know we’re not the only ones who get awkward around our crushes!

2. Danny, The Mindy Project

He may wear silly glasses with the neck strap and be a bit of a mama’s boy, but Danny is such a good boyfriend. He is a total traditionalist when it comes to his beliefs, work, and love life. He’s a bit stuck in his ways, but who doesn’t love a guy who stays true to himself? We love the way he takes care of Mindy and their bun in the oven, and wish we could be in the good hands of Dr. Castellano.

3. Richard, Silicon Valley

Half the time we don’t understand what he’s saying because we are not fluent in code, but Richard’s nervous energy somehow makes him attractive. Plus, he’s a CEO, so he has that going for him. We love how he stands his ground when people try to take advantage of his company in the start-up stage. He trusts his gut and the people who he respects for guidance, instead of getting distracted by money and the prospect of success.

4. Seth, The O.C.

If you have not had the pleasure of watching this classic show, stop reading immediately go watch all four glorious seasons so that you can soak up all of the nerdy adorableness that is Seth Cohen. He does not apologize for not being the most popular guy in Newport Beach, and does everything he can to win Summer over (even naming a boat after her!). Seth is fiercely loyal to his family and his friends, and we will always have a soft spot for him.

5. Lincoln, Broad City

There’s no other guy we’d rather have as our dentist. Lincoln goes beyond the expectations of casual hook-ups, and he’s a true friend to Abbi and Ilana. Lincoln’s completely goofy, and has some of the best one-liners on the show. He’s totally head-over-heels for Ilana even though she doesn’t know it, and we’re totally rooting for him.

6. Mike, Suits

Mike is known for his superhuman memory, and sometimes he lets that go to his head a little bit. But we’ll let it slide, because he does anything and everything he can for his clients. We’ve seen how his relationship with his adorable grandma makes him sensitive and caring, and this totally translates into the way he treats Rachel. We’ll also overlook the fact that he didn’t actually go to law school, because he knows more than most board certified lawyers on Suits do. He and Rachel make a cute couple with their witty banter and hot file room hookups, but we wouldn’t mind if he dumped her for us…

7. Ben, Parks and Recreation

While we don’t usually fall for people who enjoy playing made-up board games about wizards and warlords, Ben somehow makes it cute. He cares about the people around him, and about the people he serves as a government official. His dorky relationship with Leslie is so endearing that we’d be down to third wheel with them any day.

These TV nerds give us faith that maybe one day we’ll find the hot nerds of our dreams. Or have you already met yours, collegiettes?
 

Happy National Donut Day! While you're snacking on your donut of choice, enjoy this list of 8 celebs who love donuts (almost) as much as you!

1. Taylor Swift

Turns out this "Starbucks lover" is a fan of donuts as well.

2. Aubrey Plaza

This funny lady has a soft spot for donuts.

3. Zac Efron

Does Zac love donuts? We'd bet on it.

4. Beyoncé

Crazy in love (with donuts).

5. Ariana Grande & Jennette McCurdy

If we had a donut we'd have one less problem, too.

6. Gisele Bundchen

Even angels have to indulge sometimes.

7. President Barack Obama

America runs on Dunkin'.

8. Mindy Kaling

Don't we all?

For girls like me who'd rather spend an afternoon napping than jogging, going to the gym is an experience in itself. When we swipe our ID and try to remember where the equipment room is, we sweat for an entirely different reason than most of the people there. Here's what goes through the mind of a not-so-athletic person when they step into the gym...

1. Where the heck am I?

When you don't frequent your school's workout facilities, you just don't get used to the building layout. Sweaty guys and girls in intimidatingly good-looking workout outfits pass you on the stairs as you peek around the gym, just trying to spot a treadmill or bike. Finding your way to the right room is half the battle.

2. Why aren't there any open machines?

You expected at least a couple open workout machines in the corner, hidden away so people wouldn't be watching as you took a water break every 3 minutes. You're about to leave and attempt to find the indoor track when you spot a girl stepping off of her elliptical. You try to not be awkward as you walk over and claim it, ready to do this.

3. How does this work?

You finally made it to a machine, and now you're even more lost. What do all of these buttons mean? What's the difference between incline and hills? Most importantly, where's the start button? You think everyone is staring at you and judging your lack of fitness machine expertise, so you just press a somewhat-green button and feel your legs start to move below you.

4. I don't think I can do this.

You're only a mere 6 minutes and 33 seconds into your workout (as the annoying timer has told you) when you already feel the need to take a breather. You slow down and chug some water, in awe of the person next to you, who hasn't stopped yet. Your goal is 30 minutes, but at this point you might only make it 10.

5. Maybe I'm athletic after all!

At this point, you've made it a full 15 minutes without collapsing, so you reconsider your athletic achievements. You decide to carve out a few afternoons a week to continue your newfound workout regimen. You ponder this new lifestyle for just over 45 seconds until you get a cramp.

6. Al...most...there...

The timer tells you that you can make it, but your heart rate tells you differently. As you push through those last few minutes, you catch a glimpse of your reflection and decide you can never go to a public gym again. Maybe you'll become one of those people that runs by scenic paths, or does yoga in their living room. This public exercise life is not for you. You decide to stop at somewhere during the 29-minute mark because that last 30 seconds might kill you. You're ready for the couch:

7. I feel great! 

As much as we'd like to deny that working out makes us feel amazing, even us non-athletes can't hate on endorphins. We glide home to our comfortable beds feeling that chill of burned calories on our thighs, happy as a clam. We ignore the fact that we only feel this way because we went to the gym, and we'll forget it as soon as we press play on our Netflix screen.

What can we say? Working out isn't for everyone. 

Two months after announcing her bid for the 2016 Presidential race, Hillary Clinton is pushing for universal, automatic voter registration for all Americans at the age of 18. Clinton spoke at Texas Southern University in Houston, one of the largest HBCUs in the country, after receiving the Barbara Jordan Public-Private Leadership Award. Jordan, a Civil Rights Movement activist, was the first black politician to be elected to the Texas Senate and the first southern black woman to be elected to the House of Representatives. This honor also correlated with Clinton’s belief that there is a growing effort to dismantle the voting rights of people of color.

Clinton made clear the fact that people could decide not to be included in the automatic registration, if that was their choice. She also proposed for an early voting standard of at least 20 days before any election, better availability to register online and a decrease on waiting times for election days. Clinton says, “I think this would have a profound impact on our elections and our democracy.”

Clinton also used the moment to criticize Rick Perry (who just recently announced his own 2016 Presidential bid) and fellow Republicans, such as Scott Walker, Chris Christie and Jeb Bush for their lack of progressive action towards extended voting rights. However, the RNC called Clinton’s comments “misleading and divisive.” Orlando Washington, RNC communications for black media reported to BuzzFeed News: “In reality, the vast majority of Americans—including minority voters—support commonsense measures to prevent voter fraud. Clinton’s shameless attacks ignore the fact her Democrat-led home state of New York does not allow early voting while dozens of Republican-led states do.”

Clinton further referenced a law passed in Oregon in March which registered any person who visited the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) as a staple for increased voting rights in the country—a law which no Republicans passed. Matt Barreto, a political scientist and principal at the polling firm Latino Decisions say Oregon has displayed the closest law to opt-out voting rights than most. “You’re not forcing anyone to vote but you’re taking those barriers down,” Barreto explained. “It gets her back into that discussion about fairness and equality and puts Republicans on the defensive about if they want everyone voting.” Barreto says this push for increased voting rights is a positive for Clinton’s campaign, especially since it is voted on by states: “It’s a good side to be on.” Clinton’s call for greater voting rights certainly presents a better POV for voters and sparks the beginning of our next presidential race.

This article has been syndicated to Her Campus from The College Tourist by Alison Tatham, a Her Campus Blogger Network member. Read the full post here. 

A city best known for palm trees, teeny tiny bikinis and of course the Miami Heat, Miami is truly the city down south that never sleeps.

Although it is practically summer here year-round (except for the three weeks of bone-chilling 40 degree “winter” we suffer through every February), Miami has and will continue to be one of the most popular destinations to consider when planning a summer vacation.

During my years living in Miami, I’ve witnessed far too many tourists get sucked into the hustle and bustle of South Beach and never venture past the neon lights of 8th and Ocean. However, there is much more to Miami than initially meets the eye. So if you’re thinking about taking a trip to the 305 this summer, consider doing it the local way. Here is a list of some of my favorite summertime things to do and see while in Miami. 

1. Vizcaya and the Venetian Pool 

Hidden behind a sweeping thicket of overgrown trees and shrubs in South Miami, you’ll find Vizcaya Museum and Gardens. Built in 1910, this historic estate is not only a popular venue for weddings and Quinceneara photo shoots (I guarantee you’ll run into someone taking professional photographs during your visit), but it’s a perfect location for a lazy summer day stroll through the garden mazes. Keep driving south on US1 from Vizcaya and you’ll run right into the Venetian Pool, a historic freshwater pool located right in the heart of Coral Gables that is perfect for swimming and taking in the Florida sunshine. Located only 10 minutes from each other (without traffic, yes, traffic is a huge thing in Miami) a day spent at Vizcaya and the Venetian Pool is guaranteed to be a day well spent!

2. Take a Weekend Cruise to Bimini, Bahamas

Don’t forget to pack your passport when you head down to Miami for your summer vacation! One perk of being located at the southernmost tip of Florida is that Miami is a mere hop and a skip away from numerous island destinations including the Bahamas, the Cayman Islands and Jamaica. With cruises departing daily from the Port of Miami and Port Everglades in nearby Fort Lauderdale, for as little as $88 per person (if you happen to be a Florida resident the deals are even better), you can take a two- or three-night island getaway cruise and be frolicking on the pristine white sands of Bimini in just over two hours.

3. Brunch, brunch, and more brunch!

No summertime vacation to Miami is complete without a “Sunday Funday” well spent brunching throughout the city. No matter your tastes, I guarantee you that Miami has the perfect brunch spot to fit your needs. Here are a few of my favorites.

Versailles Restaurant: No trip to Miami is complete without a taste of the city’s delectable Cuban cuisine, so why not stop by Miami and perhaps the world’s most famous Cuban restaurant, Versailles? For just $8.75 per person, you can enjoy a huge assortment of traditional Cuban breakfast foods including pastelitos, croquetas and platanos. If Cuban food just isn’t your thing, don’t worry—they have scrambled eggs, cereals and bacon as well. The buffet is only available on Sundays until 11am, so try get there early because there is always a wait.

The Biltmore, Coral Gables: If you’re in the mood to splurge then I recommend you head down to Coral Gables for the #1 rated brunch in South Florida. Complete with sushi, caviar, carved meats and pretty much any and every breakfast food you could possibly dream of, the Biltmore rolls out the red carpet for their Sunday brunches. While the cost is a little steep at $85 per person, just the experience alone is worth every penny. Reservations are recommended as seats fill up quickly.

Read the full post on The College Tourist.

You may currently be jamming out to Nick's new solo album, but you will always have a fondness for those three brothers who formed your first favorite band. Here are 15 signs you were a hardcore Jonas Brothers fan back in the day.

1. Your bedroom walls were covered in posters of the boys

And we mean COVERED.

2. You went to multiple Jonas Brothers concerts

Chaperoned by your parents, of course.

3. You were a member of Team Jonas

And you frequented the Team Jonas blog.

4. You watched all of their TV shows, even though they were awful

And you were forever jealous of Chelsea Kane.

5. You loved their YouTube videos

Especially the Nick J Show.

6. It was your dream to meet them

Although if you actually did you would probably faint.

7. You had a favorite brother

And it most likely wasn’t Kevin.

8. You knew about Frankie

AKA the Bonus Jonas.

9. You kept up hope for their fifth album, "V"

Even though “Pom Poms” wasn’t great.

10. You follow their individual Instagrams

And when Nick posts photos with his girlfriend, you still think that should have been you.

11. You have physical copies of all of their albums

Even the rare “It’s About Time.”

12. You could still sing all the words to any of their songs

You’ve also pretty much memorized Nick’s “A Little Bit Longer” speech.

13. It broke your heart when your favorite band broke up

Because how do brothers break up?!

14. You drooled over Nick’s Mark Wahlberg-inspired photoshoot

You also cried a bit for your lost childhood.

15. You still consider yourself a JoBro fan at heart

And you always will.

If there's one thing we've learned from six seasons of Sex and the City (and the subsequent films, Sex and the City and Sex and the City 2!), it's that there's nothing quite like the bond between a woman and her shoes. Filling our screens with the likes of Manolo Blahnik and Christian Dior on a daily basis, it's hard to recall every breathtaking pair of shoes that made a guest appearance on the show. No worries, leave the remembering to us! We've compiled a comprehensive list of Sex and the City's most iconic and high-fashion heels.

1. & 2. A darling duo

One look at this heavenly duo makes us crave red-soled shoes, ASAP. The color blocking on Charlotte's (left) red, pink, and white Christian Louboutin platforms is absolute eye-candy, and Carrie's own gold and glittery Louboutin heels (right) are guiltlessly glamorous. 

3. Carrie in canary

These playful yellow peep-toes give us permission to mark bright and lively down as a doable color trend. We couldn't be more grateful!

4. The snakeskin striders

These snakeskin boots are unbelievably edgy, in the best of ways! The unique color pattern and sharp heel bring these extremely original shoes to a new level of striking, making them utterly matchless.

5. & 6. The power play

Another glamorous pairing, Carrie's Manolo Blahnik (a favorite designer on the show) zebra-print heels are a total show-stopper in the concrete jungle. Samantha's silver Dior peep-toes scream strength and sophistication—it takes confidence and inherent glamour to master silver as a neutral.

7. The striped sandal

Stripey and strappy, these chic sandals are absolutely to-die-for. A rare glimpse of Carrie's more casual heel collection, we're forced to wonder why she doesn't opt for these more often!

8. Mesmerizing in mesh

There is something deeply alluring about these lacey Louboutins. The floral accent is surprisingly seductive, and we are obsessed with how these shoes blur the line between pretty and provocative. 

9. Simply seafoam

Charlotte's charm is simply undeniable, which is why it comes as no surprise that these seafoam pumps are absolutely enchanting. The monochrome ensemble is neatly pulled together with the soft texture, and the uniquely pleasant shade has us all turning green with equal parts envy and delight. 

Which pair would you kill to have in your closet? 

Your friend spotted a total campus cutie at that party last night, but she was way too shy to approach him or her. The worst part is that this wasn’t the first time you’ve seen this happen. And with reason—making the first move can be terrifying! What if she gets rejected?

Luckily for her, that’s where you—her wingwoman—can come in. You’ll stand by her side and help her spark a conversation with whichever hot single strikes her fancy. All you have to do is follow these simple rules!

1. Let her ask you for help

Your friend struggles with talking to new people, and, as her friend, of course you want to help her out. But if she doesn’t ask you to help her flirt (i.e., to be her wingwoman), you probably shouldn’t suggest it.

“You should wait to be asked,” says Susan Baxter, president of Hire a WingWoman, a Boston-based wingwoman- and dating-coach-hiring service for men and women. “Your friend may take it the wrong way if you offer her some help.”

Your friend could get defensive if you suggest that she’s doing something wrong, which is perfectly understandable. “Some people don’t want you to just randomly go up to guys [or girls] for them,” Baxter says. “Also, some people aren’t good at taking advice on how they’re flirting, etc. You don’t want to overstep your friend’s boundaries!”

If you think being your friend’s wingwoman could really help her, you can always subtly mention the concept to her and see how she responds. Baxter says you should explain that you could help her go up to people, then talk her up and/or leave the two of them alone to get to know each other. If she doesn’t like the idea, don’t push it!

2. Practice approach techniques

There’s a reason your friend doesn’t feel ready to go up to potential love interests: It’s scary! But if you coach her before heading out, she’ll feel that much more prepared to face her fears.

“Wingwomen should role-play with their friends as a warmup before talking to guys [or girls],” Baxter says. “Practice makes perfect, and the feedback doesn’t hurt.”

So pretend to be that cute someone and ask her to try approaching you. Then, tell her what you think she did great and what she can do to make the conversation even better.  “I wouldn’t necessarily encourage ‘flirting’ as much I would encourage being real and approachable,” Baxter says. “Practicing allows for a lot more confidence!”

If this makes your friend uncomfortable right off the bat, you could “show her how it’s done and go up to a different [person] first, and then role-play with her,” Baxter says.

Another reason to practice is that “you have to make sure that the person you’re helping can also handle herself,” says Marni Kinrys, founder of The Wing Girl Method, a dating-coach service for men and women. You introducing her to someone is good, but she’ll need to stand on her own two feet eventually to keep the conversation flowing. For Kinrys, the best method is to “go up to the first couple people with her and then let her do it by herself.” This will show your friend that approaching people isn’t as daunting as it seems!

3. Have fun with it

Being your friend’s wingwoman doesn’t mean you should give up on having fun. “You have to have a good time, too,” says Fran Greene, a relationship coach and author of The Flirting Bible. “Otherwise, it’s a job, and you won’t do it.”

You can have fun with the way you and your friend approach the person she likes. “Make a game out of it,” Greene says. For instance, when going up to two friends, “you could make up a story about a class assignment for an interpersonal communications class about having to approach two cute [people], then tell them the truth. Come up with a story to help your friend make a connection. It’s not deceptive; it’s just an icebreaker.”

Just the thought of helping your friend could be enough to make the night (or the day, depending on the activity) fun for you. “As long as your friend is talking to someone and having a good time, there’s no reason why [you] can’t as well,” Baxter says. “If you take pleasure in helping your friends meet people, then it’s not really ‘a job.’”

One other great thing about being a wingwoman is that you can enjoy the event without the pressure to impress anybody. “You don’t have the anxiety, because you’re not doing it for yourself,” Greene says. “It’s much easier, and it will help you in the future!”

Think about it: The skills you’re using now to hook your girlfriend up could be the key to landing your own crush’s number some day. Everyone wins!

4. Make it about your friend

One pitfall of being a wingwoman is that you could forget what you came for. “Make sure you’re not putting yourself first and getting jealous if someone isn’t into you,” Kinrys warns. “It can sting when somebody gets more attention than you!” Just remember that it’s about your friend finding someone this time around.

First, make sure you’re scouting out for people you think she could be interested in, as opposed to people you think are cute. “Remember to keep an eye open for [people] that your friend might like,” Baxter says.

If she asked you to be her wingwoman, it means she needs that extra support. “It can be hard to go up to that intimidating [person] across the bar [or gym or coffee shop!],” Baxter says. You can do it for her and casually bring her into the conversation. You can also distract the person’s friend if the situation calls for it – anything she needs!

Something else to keep in mind is that, according to Greene, “if there’s rejection, you’re not the one getting rejected,” which will make it a lot easier for you to do your duty as a wingwoman. “If your friend gets rejected, at least she has you and can move onto the next person,” Greene says. This is her night, and you’ll be there for her no matter what.

5. Talk her up

Maybe your friend needs a wingwoman because she’s struggling with her confidence. It’s up to you to make her feel awesome!

“Talk your friend up, both to her and the [person] she’s meeting,” Baxter says. “The best thing to do is boost confidence; tell her she’s hot and [anyone] would be crazy not to talk to her.” You know how great she is, so make sure she believes it.

According to Greene, “the biggest roadblock in not approaching someone is the fear of rejection.” This means that your job is “to reframe rejection. If the [person] lets your friend know that he [or she] has no interest, then the world doesn’t come to an end and [the two of you] can move on.”

Baxter explains that “everyone gets rejected at some point, at least once in their lives.” A good way to reassure your friend is to place the blame on the person who rejected her, saying he or she was probably having a bad night or isn’t in the mood to meet people.

You’re there to help her forget about any negative experiences and move straight onto the next person. “It’s up to you to make her feel comfortable, to push her to talk to other people,” Kinrys says. “Help your friend laugh it off if she gets rejected. You’re there to be an ego booster.” In other words, being a wingwoman is just like being a good friend—and you do that all the time already!

6. Give her a playful dare

Maybe your friend has been out of the dating game for a while or was never really into it in the first place. This might mean she doesn’t know how to go about talking to someone new and just needs instructions! Whatever your advice is, encourage her to be bold and follow it. “It doesn’t matter what she’s doing as long as she’s breaking the ice,” Greene says.

Another great way to encourage your friend to flirt is to “start off with dares for each other,” Kinrys says. For instance, “‘go kiss that guy on the cheek,’ ‘buy [that girl] a drink,’ ‘tell him that you’re from outer space.’ Go online and look up dares and just go for it!” Kinrys suggests. Doesn’t that sound like fun? We think yes.

If your friend really needs an extra push, there are a couple things you can do to bring her out of her shell. “You could push your friend in front of a [person] she thinks is cute,” Greene says. That way, she will have no choice but to talk to him or her (as long as nobody gets hurt!). They’ll also have something to talk about already—your friend could apologize for you, for instance.

If neither of you feels comfortable with this daring strategy, you could promise to do something for your friend if she goes talk to the person she spotted. Say you’ll do her laundry, give her a manicure or “just anything that’s a cute incentive,” Greene says.

7. Know when your job is done

Now you know how to get your friend talking to a cutie, but how do you know when to take a step back? “Each time [you] introduce [your] friend to [someone] and their conversation is off and running and you can tell the [person] is into her, then your duty has been fulfilled and you can slowly excuse yourself,” Baxter says.

But wait—don’t leave the venue yet! “You can never be completely done, because you should keep them in the corner of your eye in case the conversation starts to die down,” Baxter says. “If so, think of some great, interesting things to say about your friend. Has she been to 10 countries? Does she know how to juggle? What will intrigue the guy [or girl]? Basically a wingwoman is always on call until the end of the night!”

As a general rule, “I don’t think the wingwoman should leave her friend with someone she just met,” Baxter says. However, if your friend set out to go home with someone or told you she’d be okay with it, “[your] job is done if their conversation is flowing nicely and the [person] seems legitimately a nice person,” Baxter says.

But how do you know when it’s time for both of you to leave? According to Greene, the answer is simple: “If your friend seems like she’s had enough, if it’s getting too late, if the place is closing, etc.,” it’s probably time to call it a night (or day). “Anything in excess is not good,” Greene says. “If it becomes work, it’s too much. There’s always next time.”

You should also leave if the person your friend is talking to doesn’t look trustworthy or your friend seems bored. Go up to them and make up an excuse for you and your friend to leave. You could make it about yourself, saying you don’t feel well and need her help, or make it about her roommate/mom/dog—anything works as long as it gets her away from a dud.

Not convinced that being or having a wingwoman is the way to go? Here’s what Baxter has to say: “This is just another way to meet people. Now there are so many great ways to do so: online dating, apps like Tinder, through friends, speed dating, etc., and the more you expand your horizons and try different things, the more likely you are to meet someone!”

We don’t know about you, but we’re sold on the whole wingwoman concept. And with a little help from Her Campus, you have all the tools you need to make it work. So what are you waiting for, collegiettes? Pair up already!

Whether you’re hitting the beach or going to a barbeque, braids are a great way to keep cool and look stylish. No matter what your hair length, with the right tools and a little bit of practice, you’ll be able to rock the braided look all summer long!

Tools you’ll need for any braid:

• A brush
• Small, clear elastics
• Bobby pins
• Hair spray
• Finishing cream (optional)
• Curling iron (optional)
• Straightener (optional)

1. Mermaid Half Braid

This easy-level braid is great for medium to long hair—we'd wear this look to dinner with family or friends. Start by straightening your hair (for that super sleek look) and comb all your hair to the back of your head, creating a middle part. Separate 2 small strands of hair from one side of your head and another from the opposite side (you should have three strands total). Continue as if you were French braiding, pulling small amounts of hair each time. Don’t pull too tight or you’ll lose the soft, drape effect. Once you get midway down your hair, braid the rest normally and secure with an elastic. Finish with hairspray and you’re good to go!

2. Short-Haired Braid Crown

Just because you cut your hair to a stylish bob doesn’t mean you can’t still braid it! For this braid, you’re going to need a curling iron (unless you have naturally wavy hair) and finishing cream to add a little extra texture. After working the texturing cream from root to tip, clip up the front section of your hair (you’ll be braiding this) and tightly “roll” the rest of your hair and pin it to the back of your head. Split your front section of hair diagonally into two, regularly braiding the top section first. Secure it with an elastic and bobby pin it with the rest of your hair. Do the same with the second sub-section. Pin any fly away pieces, finish with hair spray and go hit the beach!

3. Top Braid with Pony Tail

This braid keeps your hair off your face and neck during those hot summer days but is more interesting than the classic ponytail. It’s also a great look if you’re working with second-day hair with no time to shower! Start by teasing the top part of your hair where you want your French braid to be. Apply some finishing cream or hair spray to smooth down fly-aways. French braid that top section of your hair by separating three strands of hair and pulling more from each side as you go. Make the strands thicker for a fuller look. Once you reach the back your head, secure the braid with bobby pins. Pull the rest of your hair up in a ponytail.

4. Triple Braid Buns

Perfect for when you’re running late to your internship, these triple braid buns are quick and easy, yet look polished and stylish. Start by separating all your hair into three big sections. Regularly braid all three sections, tying each with an elastic. Gently pull each braid loose to make them fuller. Then, starting with an outside braid first, twist your braids into small buns and secure with bobby pins. Add hairspray to ensure your look stays all day long. 

5. Half Fishtail Up-Do

No matter whether you have short or long hair, anyone can do this classic fishtail braid with a twist! Part your hair in the middle and separate the two front sections of your hair. On one side, you’re going to do a French-fishtail braid. To do this, take two small strands of hair and cross them to make an “x,” pulling new hair from each side as you work your way down. Once you reach your ear, finish with a regular fishtail braid (just crisscross the hair you have, without taking new strands each time). Tie with an elastic and secure with bobby pins to the back of your head. On the other side of your head, divide the section into two smaller sections and regularly fishtail braid each. End each braid with an elastic and secure with bobby pins. Curl the remaining part of your hair and finish with hairspray!

No matter what braid you try, just remember that practice makes perfect! Which braid will you rock this summer, collegiettes?