The World Beyond Fountain Pens: Grad Gifts
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As many students already know, offices are less formal than ever, which means that the suit-and-tie look may be an anachronism in their new job. Then again, casual Friday (or Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday ... ) can wait until your fresh-faced grad gets a foot in the door. Until then, a sharp interview suit is vital. If you want to help your favorite grad fill out his or her interview wardrobe at little cost, it's hard to beat a gift certificate to Express, Jos. A Bank, J.C. Penney, or H&M.</p>
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Even before the interview happens, your young grad will need a strong résumé. Consumer expert <a href="http://www.andreaworoch.com/" target="_blank">Andrea Woroch</a> suggests that giving a gift certificate to a résumé service could be the perfect way to set your grad on the path to gainful employment. Alternately, it never hurts to buy them a do-it-yourself book such as <em>Amazing Resumes</em> or <em>Knock-Em Dead Resumes</em>.</p>
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Woroch also suggests buying your favorite grad a subscription to a magazine or newspaper. Beyond the value of helping him or her keep up with current events for its own sake, having a handle on the latest news can give a person a major leg up when it comes to a job interview. A daily newspaper is a great idea if your grad is already a newshound; if not, try starting with a subscription to <em>Time</em>, <em>The Week</em>, <em>The Atlantic</em> or <em>Wired</em>.</p>
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After four years of school, the last thing most students want to do is wander back into a classroom, but professional skills never go out of style. From preparing for interviews to catching up on the latest software, chances are that your graduate could benefit from some last-minute desk time.<br />
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That tired Jansport backpack may have served your graduate for the last four years, but chances are good that it's going to look a little out of place in the office. The choice between a messenger bag, computer bag, briefcase or portfolio is often a matter of taste, so you might want to go with a gift certificate. And if you do buy the bag, remember the gift receipt.</p>
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