Being fresh out of college and job hunting in the real world can be stressful, and for many people, having to perfect a resume can often make things more confusing. Luckily it doesn’t have to be that way! There are a few tips and tricks […]
Our Leadership Summit in Houston at the end of this month will be inspiring and engaging in so many ways. We’ll have renowned keynote speakers Linnita Hosten and T. J. Sullivan, plus a series of workshops covering a wide range of topics from personal finances […]
Summer is a glorious time of year, full of exciting possibilities. It’s time for a much-needed break, but also an opportunity to think ahead, assess your options, and prepare for the future. But it’s easy to let the weeks slip away. So how can you make sure you’re smart with your time off? Here are our top suggestions for making the most of your summer vacation:
The summer is an excellent time to do some networking, make new friends, and activate a network that might help you down the track. Take some time to comb through LinkedIn and update your profile (we have some great tips for you here on how to do this) and reach out and make connections with potential contacts.
A great way to network and meet interesting new people is to attend an event such as the Golden Key Leadership Summit in Houston this July. Running for one inspiring weekend, this will be a chance to meet people (just like you) from around the world, learn from experts in a series of keynote speeches and workshops, and grow as both a person and as a future leader.
Giving up some of your time to take part in a project that can help other people is an amazing thing to do on your summer break. It can be something as simple as volunteering for a few hours a week at your local nursing home or pet shelter. Doing shopping or gardening for a neighbour who has trouble with mobility. Taking part in a local soup kitchen or offering some free baby-sitting to friends or family who are having trouble entertaining their kids during school vacation.
It’s also worth thinking ahead and doing some research on ways to get yourself closer to your goals. A great way to do this is with one of the many scholarships offered by Golden Key throughout the year.
The summer is also a smart time to work on your professional development. Do you have a resume and is it up to date and ready to send up when an exciting opportunity arises? Have you done some practise for future job or internship interviews? Are you being proactive in your networking? This summer, Golden Key will be launching our Summer Series, full of useful content that will help you with your next step prep for resumes, interviews and networking. Keep an eye out on this blog for more information.
Finally, don’t forget to take a well-earned break. You’ve worked hard all year, so this is the time to stop and relax a little, and recharge for the year ahead. You’ve earned it.
Our goal is to not just inspire our members. We also want to find ways to help you change the world. Service projects are an important part of the daily activity of Golden Key chapters around the world, and we couldn’t be more proud. A […]
Building a successful career is hard. There are so many decisions to make. Countless opportunities. Endless questions to ask. One of the biggest ones that many Golden Key members consider is: should I do an international internship? While it’s not the right choice for everyone, […]
The 2019 Golden Key Houston Leadership Summit is kicking off at the end of July—and while we’ve got an amazing lineup of workshops, networking events, and service projects to keep you busy, you’ll have plenty of downtime to relax and explore, too.
Need some recommendations for great things to do in Houston? We’ve got you covered:
Be sure to hit the streets and check out Houston’s amazing public art while you’re in town. Snap a selfie in front the city’s most iconic murals, or simply sit back and enjoy the beautiful, vibrant, and eclectic views.
When: Anytime
Where: Everywhere (see link for details)
How much: Free
FOMO Factory:
The name says it all—you won’t want to miss this interactive art pop up! Embrace your inner kid as you walk through this brightly colored, prop-filled factory and pose, play, and post to your heart’s content. It’s every Instagrammer’s dream.
When: Thursday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–9 p.m. and Sunday, 11 a.m.–7 p.m.
Where: The Westin Galleria Houston, 5085 Westheimer Road, Houston, TX 77056 (Suite 4710, third floor)
How much: $23 per person
James Turrell Twilight Epiphany Skyspace:
This incredible structure gives natural beauty a boost to make your sunset (or sunrise) even more breathtaking. Located on the Rice University campus, the installation’s LED light sequence projects onto the ceiling and through the roof during sunrise and sunset to compliment the natural light and create a colorful experience you won’t forget.
When: About 10 minutes before sunrise and sunset (check times here and see website for additional details)
Where: Suzanne Deal Booth Centennial Pavillion, Houston, TX 77005 (Rice University, near University at Stockton)
How much: Free
Museum District:
Heads up, history, art, and science lovers! From the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum and the Houston Museum of Natural Science to the Contemporary Arts Museum and more, this impressive district has it all. Outside the district, you can also pay a visit to the city’s famous space museum, Space Center Houston.
When: Hours vary
Where: Locations vary
How much: Prices vary
Bat viewing:
By day, the Waugh Street Bridge doesn’t seem particularly special—but come back at dusk and you can watch thousands of Mexican free-tailed bats emerge from under it and fly into the sunset. If that’s not on your Houston bucket list, we don’t know what is.
When: Every night at sunset
Where: Waugh Drive, Houston, TX 77002 (a viewing platform is located on the southeast corner of Waugh Drive at Allen Parkway)
How much: Free
Sip and shop:
Right outside the hotel lobby doors, The Galleria is one of the largest shopping centers in the United States with more than 300 stores and 60 restaurants—and during summit weekend, you can take it all in with a free buffet and live entertainment.
When: Saturday, July 27, 12–5 p.m.
Where: The Westin Galleria Houston, 5085 Westheimer Road, Houston, TX 77056
How much: Free
Galleria Food Truck Park:
Looking for some local flavor, but not sure where to start? Texas is known for its legendary food truck fare, so grab a friend and try a little of everything at this popular nearby spot.
When: Hours vary
Where: 2829 Chimney Rock Road, Houston, TX 77056
How much: Prices vary
Goat Yoga:
Take a midday break and relax with a little yoga and goat therapy (yep, really). This class includes 45 minutes of beginner-level yoga and 15 minutes of fun with adorable goats of all sizes.
When: Saturday, July 27, 12–1:15 p.m.
Where: NettBar, 4704 Nett Street, Houston, TX 77007
How much: Free–$40
Namaste Sundays:
Need to unwind after a weekend of networking and learning? Head over to the West End for a free yoga class on the patio! Pros: Brunch and bubbles provided—and did we mention it’s free? Cons: No goats.
When: Sunday, July 28, 10 a.m.
Where: The West End, 5320 Westheimer Road, Houston, TX 77056
How much: Free
Still haven’t registered for the 2019 Houston Leadership Summit?
It’s such an exciting time for Golden Key. Lots of our amazing members have recently enjoyed the well-deserved rewards of graduation day. We know you’ve all worked incredibly hard and showed such dedication to your studies–and we’re SO proud of you! We’re also delighted to […]
As a university student or young professional, you’re focusing on networking, networking, and more networking. As the hiring process becomes more digital for many companies, social media platforms such as LinkedIn are becoming a vital part of finding a job. If you’re more of a […]
Across the globe, Golden Key Chapters are doing inspiring things each and every day. From community events to outreach programs, alumni gatherings to social mixers–there are so many ways that Golden Key members are engaging with each other and the world around them.
And we couldn’t be more proud. We love having the opportunity to Spotlight the work of our amazing chapters, and today we want to share with you some of the exciting things that have been going on with the Kennesaw State University Golden Key Chapter…
As part of KSU’s commitment to global citizenship, the university hosts an annual Spring Break trip to a different theme county and in 2019 it was Morocco! As part of the trip, the KSU chapter took part in a service project where everyone on the trip brought books to donate to the local children’s library in the Medina in Fes. The KSU GK chapter advisor, honorary faculty members, and student members presented the books to the children. While in Morocco, the students and faculty also engaged in an exchange experience with students and faculty from Hassan II University in Casablanca.
KSU hosts an annual Day of Service that engages students, staff, community members and parents/family of students in dozens of different service projects around the metro-Atlanta area.
This year in addition to the team of GK students who participated, the GK advisor joined GK alumni and honorary members (both KSU faculty/staff and community leaders who have been previously recognized as GK honorary members) in a special service project to prepare care packages for active US military members serving abroad, while the GK student members served in a variety of separate service projects off campus.
Everyone started the day together with breakfast and a welcome from the university president before dividing to engage in multiple service activities.
In addition to the standard New Member Recognition Event (NMRE) activities for new members, KSU invited past honorary members and alumni members to attend the NMRE and engage in a special networking reception with our new members and their families, as well as to reconnect with each other. They included an alumni speaker in the NMRE, and added five new honorary members at the ceremony.
Of special note this year, the new university president, who was an honorary member from University of Georgia, transferred her membership to join the ranks of the KSU honorary member network. The chapter was also particularly pleased that Golden Key CEO Melissa Leitzell was able to attend and assist us in presenting a special certificate to our new university president.
We know your child is amazing, and we’re always so proud to see when Golden Key members achieve great heights and reach for the stars. Whether they are striving to achieve academic goals, expanding their charitable work, or looking to pursue overseas experiences, we’re always […]
GK SCHOLARSHIPS: Ather Sharif
GK Scholarships: Logan Thornton