The Alumni Association understands that the road from college student to career person can sometimes be a bit bumpy. And that’s where Real Life 101 can help.

Real Life 101 is our annual series of seminars just for U-M students, designed to make the transition from college to “real life” as easy as possible.  These fun and informative sessions will not only get you thinking, but help you tackle some of the challenges that life throws your way after graduation.

Here’s  a look at what’s on tap in 2008!

Tuesday, March 11, 2008
6 – 8 p.m.
Money 101:  Budget! Are You Kidding?
Facilitated by Kathryn Greiner, University of Michigan Credit Union

Learning how to budget your money is never easy – especially when you’re entering a new phase of life.  Kathryn will show you how to figure out where your money goes and then develop a plan for spending, bill paying and saving (yes , savings—even on a tight budget). She will also share two methods to speed up debt reduction, while cutting interest costs without damaging your credit rating.

About Kathryn Greiner:
Kathryn Greiner is the Director of Credit Education for the University of Michigan Credit Union.

Called the “Budget Guru” by the Ann Arbor Observer, Kathryn Greiner is a credit counselor who has been helping people improve their budgeting skills for 31 years. Kathryn meets with members one-on-one to help them clarify financial problems and map out solutions. Her service is free to members of the University of Michigan Credit Union, and her office is near Briarwood Mall on the corner of Eisenhower and Main.

With her unique blend of compassion, realism and humor, she helps people find sensible, workable answers to their financial problems.

Ms. Greiner has published many articles, hosted a call-in radio talk show for two years, and has spoken to groups throughout the United States.

This session is limited to 150 students, so reserve your spot online now.

Session includes FREE pizza and pop!

Thursday, March 20, 2008
6 – 8 p.m.
Health 101: From Backpack to Briefcase: Transitioning From Student to Full-Time Working Adult
Facilitated by Dr. Mark Sampson and Dr. Dina Glaser, U-M Department of Psychology

This program will focus on the transition from being a student to entering the professional world, a phenomenon which often triggers a “quarter life crisis." We will also engage in an activity to assess participant's personal interests based on the "Strong Interest Inventory."  Building on this information,  we will explore what to do when our career doesn't fulfill our personal interests.

About Mark Sampson :
Dr. Mark Sampson is a licensed psychologist on staff at Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) at the University of Michigan. He received his doctorate degree from The Ohio State University and his main areas of interests are: anxiety, eating disorders, and identity issues. He also specialize in relationship therapy for couples and has a private practice in Ann Arbor.

About Dina Glaser:
Dina graduated from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology in 2007 with a doctorate in clinical psychology. She completed her pre-doctoral internship at James Madison University’s counseling center in Harrisonburg, VA and is currently completing a post-doctoral fellowship at the University of Michigan’s counseling center. Dina specialization includes work with the eating disorder and LGBTQ populations.

This session is limited to 150 students, so reserve your spot online now.

Session includes FREE pizza and pop!

Tuesday, March 25, 2008
6 – 8 p.m.
Career 101:  Your Fork Is Not A Shovel!
Business Etiquette and Know-How for Today’s College Student
Facilitated by Elizabeth Freedman, Elizabeth Freedman and Company

Welcome to the only business etiquette seminar you'll ever need—and you'll have a great time learning in the process. This is an EXTREMELY hands-on, interactive, and fun program that will share the do’s and don’ts, the ins and outs, of what it takes to be successful in any business social situation.

You’ll learn how to:
Become an Etiquette ‘Expert’ – Students walk out of the room with information and ideas, and feel more knowledgeable and confident about a broad range of etiquette situations. They’ll know—no matter who they are, where they are from, or what their backgrounds may be—that  anyone can learn etiquette.

Outclass the Competition – Students learn secrets, hints, and other strategies for building relationships, networking, and creating trust to get an extra edge in their careers and overall success.

Dine with Elegance – Students get the rules—and  unspoken rules—of dining out with the boss and client, and learn how to handle themselves in a professional social setting. 

About Elizabeth Freedman:
Elizabeth Freedman, MBA, is an award-winning speaker and business columnist. Throughout the year, Elizabeth speaks at dozens of universities and organizations, and at regional and national conferences to help college, MBA students and new professionals transform into leaders, savvy marketers, team players, and, ultimately, successful employees.

Elizabeth is a 2005 Finalist for College Speaker of the Year, awarded by the Association for the Promotion of Campus Activities. She is the author of “Work 101: Learning the Ropes of the Workplace without Hanging Yourself” and “The MBA Student’s Job Seeking Bible: Everything You Need to Know to Land a Great Job After Graduation.” She is a frequent contributor to Collegeboard.com and TopMBA.com, where she writes about work and life choices for students and new professionals.

Online registration for Career 101: Your Fork Is Not A Shovel! is closed. This is a pre-registration only event and there is no onsite registration at the time of the event.

Please note that this session requires a $10 deposit to reserve your space.  The $10 will be returned to you upon your attendance at the event.

Session includes “mocktail” reception and four-course dinner.  Business attire is required.

Thursday, April 3, 2008
5 – 8 p.m.
MOVE ON 2008: Meeting Alumni Across America

At the first three Real Life 101 events we’re giving you the tools you’ll need for success where ever the next chapter in your life takes you.  It’s time to Move On!  At this fun-filled event we’ll provide you with all the information you’ll need as you move on from Ann Arbor to cities across America. And who doesn’t love a good road trip?

Did you know that there are more than 8,000 Michigan alumni in Los Angeles?  And, there are over 3,000 Michigan alumni in Atlanta and Denver.  Use the power of the Michigan alumni network to make your next move a snap!

Drop by anytime between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. and find out all of the resources your Alumni Association offers.

The first 300 students will receive a special “Road Trip” retro T-shirt! FREE food, games and activities, photo booth and more!

Reserve you spot online now.