College, Career, Life » education

Seek Learning Offers Variety of Online Learning Options

collegecareerlife — Wed, 22 Sep 2010 10:54:11 +0000

The global economy combined with rapidly changing technologies require workers to constantly update their skills in order to remain competitive. Online courses offer convenient and flexible options for professionals looking to obtain additional education and training.

TAFE Courses

Whether you have a degree or not, certification serves as proof of your expertise in a specific area. A certificate or diploma can give you an edge over other candidates in the job search or increase your chances of promotion at your current job. TAFE Courses offer convenient diploma and certification programs for a variety of fields, including:

Accounting - Accountants work in government, healthcare, non-profit, and a variety of other industries. A certificate in Financial Services III (Accounts Clerical) or Financial Services IV (Accounting) will give you the educational foundation necessary to succeed in a high-demand field. Diploma and advanced diploma options are also available.

Design and Digital Media - A certificate or diploma in commercial arts will qualify you for jobs such as illustrator, graphic designer, animator, and art director. Concentrations offered include graphic design and desktop publishing; graphic design and advertising; photoimaging; electronic design and interactive media; and interior decoration

Health and Community Services - An aging population means increased demand for health care workers. If you’d like a secure job that allows you to directly help others, consider a certificate or diploma in health care services. Aged care, mental health, case management and occupational health/safety are some areas of concentration available.

Project Management - The field of information technology is growing rapidly and skilled workers are in high demand. A Diploma of Information Technology (Project Management) will provide you with the skills required for project management positions in information technology.

Other TAFE course areas include Natural Therapies; Education and Childcare; HR & Recruitment; Marketing and Media; Banking and Finance; Psychology and Counseling; Travel and Tourism; Sports and Fitness; Real Estate; Government and Legal; Building and Construction; and Management. With so many options, you can definitely find a course to suit your interest and career goals.

With an online education, you can gain skills and knowledge necessary to remain competitive in the workforce without the inconveniences of a traditional college or university. Before starting an online course, be sure to do your research. Talk to a school representative about your options, inquire about accreditation, and research financial aid availability.

This post was sponsored by Seek Learning of Australia.

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Grad School or a Job – Which Should You Choose?

collegecareerlife — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 11:00:56 +0000

This guest post is by Debbie Owen, who writes on the topic of online doctorate degree programs.

Some people go to college because they’re expected to do so; for most others however, it’s their chosen path to the career they’re seeking. They hope to secure a job at the end of four years, one that pays well and allows them to lead a comfortable life. Yet others know that academia is an integral part of their lives and so they stay in school to complete a doctorate. However, there are some people who are torn between entering the job market soon after graduation and choosing to pursue their graduate studies. For them, the decision is not cut and dried because of various factors.

Some put off going to grad school because money is a problem; they already have a student loan hanging over their head and are not keen on borrowing more money in order to finance their master’s degree. If you belong to this category, you would probably have to find a job that allows you to pay off your loan and put off your grad school dream for a few years, unless you’re able to secure a scholarship.

Some choose to go to grad school because they know that their additional qualifications could help them find a job that pays better and is more suited to their temperament and skills. They don’t worry about the expense because they know money will not be a problem once they graduate, or because they work part-time to finance their education.

Some choose to switch majors when they go to grad school because they feel this field holds more opportunities – it’s not unheard of for people to finish college and then want to enter the fields of medicine or law because they’ve suddenly discovered a passion for it. They’re willing to do everything it takes to qualify for admission to the schools that offer these degrees, from studying hard to taking pre-requisite courses and exams.

So if you have the means to pay for tuition and if you’re sure that you want to go to grad school because you feel it will help your career, or because you want to stay on in academia and pursue a career in research, it’s best you find a school that offers the degree of your choice and seek admission. However, if you’re staying in school simply because you want to put off finding a job or because you don’t want to accept the responsibility that comes with no longer being a college student, you’re just hiding from reality and postponing the inevitable.

Also, it’s not too wise to rack up student loan debt just to pursue a graduate degree. You could find a job, save up some money, and then decide to go back to grad school. Alternatively, you could check out online options that allow you to continue to work even as you earn a degree.

Grad school or a job, the decision depends on your financial worth and your goal in life – choose wisely so that you have no regrets.

This guest post is contributed by Debbie Owen, who writes on the topic of online doctorate degree programs. She welcomes your comments at her email id: debbieowen83@gmail.com.

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Associates Degrees that Offer Great Opportunities

collegecareerlife — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 11:00:19 +0000

You don’t need to spend four or more years in school to be qualified for a great career, and the rising cost of tuition makes a four-year degree a financially unwise choice for many. Fortunately, an associate’s degree can be more marketable than a bachelor’s or even a master’s degree, depending on your concentration. Some associate’s degrees with related high demand careers:

Physical Therapist Assistant

Physical therapy assistants not only help physical therapists provide therapy treatments, but may also aide in the development of treatment plans. Employment for physical therapy assistants is expected to grow 33 percent in the next decade. Average annual salary for physical therapist assistants was $46,300 in 2008.*

Veterinary/Animal Health Technology

Demand for veterinarians is projected to increase in the coming years, and employment for veterinary technicians is also projected to grow much faster than average. In addition to completing a 2- or 4- year veterinary technology program, prospective veterinary technicians must pass a state exam. Average annual salary for veterinary technologists was $29,850.

Diagnostic Medical Sonography/Ultrasound Technology

Diagnostic medical sonographers use ultrasound technology to produce images of internal organs that are used by physicians for diagnostic purposes. No only must ultrasound technicians be familiar with equipment, but they must also have an understanding of anatomy and physiology. Average annual salary for diagnostic medical sonographers was $62,660 in 2008.

Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Technology

HVAC technology is a growing field that suits those with realistic career interests. Employment growth will be faster than average, according to projections. HVAC technicians earned an average annual salary of $42,240 in 2008.

Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications

Within the IT field, network systems analysis and data communications is one of the fastest growing specialties. An associates degree is a great supplement to work experience or a way to gain the education qualifications required for most IT support jobs. The average annual salary for computer support specialists was $46,370 in 2008.

Other associates degrees to consider: occupational therapy assistant, surgical technology, and radiologic technology. If you have a bachelor’s degree or higher, it doesn’t mean you can’t go back to school for an associate’s degree. Community colleges are full of non-traditional students with a variety of backgrounds, including those with advanced degrees. A two-year degree can lead to a job that not only pays well, but is also in demand and rewarding.

Teaching is one of the most important jobs in society, and schools are always looking for qualified individuals. Have you always wanted to get a masters degree in teaching but struggled to find the time? A masters in special education can give you the tools you need to succeed, and the opportunity to make a huge difference in a lot of children’s lives.

* Salary information from MyPlan.com

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Post tags: associates degree, careers, degree, education, healthcare

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Colleges Put Money Before Students

collegecareerlife — Wed, 26 May 2010 11:02:23 +0000

Recent articles have questioned the benefits of a college degree. Tuition costs are rising every year, while colleges continue to churn out thousands of graduates each year in fields where there is known to be a glut of professionals. This practice is more noticeable during a tight job market, but it’s nothing new.

Although prospective students have a responsibility to weigh the costs and benefits of a given degree, colleges are guilty of admitting students that are obviously not prepared for college and for not being honest about job prospects. Some might argue that students who graduate from college are better off than without an education, even if they don’t find a job in their chosen field. Maybe if they didn’t have to take out mountains of loans to finance it, but most students graduate with significant debt. It’s doubtful that these students would burden themselves with tremendous debt if they were told upfront about their career prospects. Yes, some of these graduates will find work related to their degrees , but many won’t (especially those without connections).

If universities are going to charge such high tuition rates, they need to be more accountable to students, parents, donors and taxpayers. First, universities should be more selective. The drop-out rates at many public universities are shameful. These students likely borrowed thousands of dollars and are no better off for it. Secondly, job placement statistics should be honestly reported and prominently published. Finally, colleges should do more to offer internships and other opportunities that increase graduates’ marketability.

A small percentage of lucky students can go to college just for the experience and don’t have to worry about paying off loans after graduation. However, middle and lower class students can’t afford that luxury. These students invest considerable time and money obtaining a college education and need a return on the investment. It’s time for colleges to put ethics and concern for students ahead of money.

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Post tags: colleges, debt, ethics, money, school, universities

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Five Mental Barriers to Speedreading

collegecareerlife — Mon, 24 May 2010 11:52:09 +0000

This is a guest post by Stefan Knapen from StudySuccessful.com.

I am a speedreader. Having the ability to speedread triggers a lot of people to ask the question: ‘Can you really do that?’ Yes I can. And it is not that hard to learn. But before you are going to learn it, you first have to have a couple of mental barriers out of the way.

It takes a lot of time
No it doesn’t. All it takes to learn speedreading is 2 hours, one week. And than you only have to read a simple book you would’ve read anyway. The speedreading-training takes half an hour and you have to do this a couple of times during the week. And you have to practise with one book. So grab an easy-to-read book and speedread it.

It is really expensive
No it isn’t. First I also thought you had to take a special course to learn how to speedread. But you don’t have to. There is a good (and free) training on Tim Ferriss’ blog and you only need to read a couple of other tips on speedreading at other blogs, all for free!

It doesn’t work
Everybody who is exercising speedreading won’t agree with you. They still know what they are reading, they are only reading a lot faster!

You don’t learn anything when you are speedreading
You might skip something every once in a while (but you do this normally also), but you can always read something twice! Repetition is the mother of wisdom. And with speedreading, you are still saving time.

It looks funny
Alright, I have to give you this one, it definitly does!

Overcome these mental barriers and learn speedreading right now. Worth your little time-investment right now? Definitly.

This post is written by Stefan Knapen from StudySuccessful.com. Stefan has written an ultimate guide on speedreading, explaining every bit of it.

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How to Make the Most of Your College Education

collegecareerlife — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 13:00:57 +0000

The following is a guest post by Anna Miller, who writes for OnlineDegree.net.

Some people choose colleges with care; others are not so lucky and end up having to go with the college that chooses to accept them. But no matter which of the two categories you belong to, it’s up to you to make the most of your college education, and you can do this by:

Knowing what you want to do after you graduate and working towards it: When you know exactly what you want to do after you graduate, it’s easier to achieve it because you tend to focus all your energies on the task. So if you want to become a doctor, you know that you need to work on your grades and keep them high so that a qualified med school will accept you. If you want to enter the job scene after four years, you need to look for internship opportunities in various organizations so that you can see what kind of job setting you’re interested in and apply for positions accordingly. And if you want to go on to grad school because you’re still not ready to leave the academic scene, you need to work on getting into a good school with an equally good program in the discipline of your choice. When you focus on your goal right from the start, it becomes easy to work towards and achieve it.

Working on your grades from your freshman year: They may not determine who you really are, but your grades do matter one hell of a lot when you’re in college and looking to use your degree to reach the next stage of your life. Whether it’s going on to grad school or looking for a job, your grades are going to come into play in a big way. And the best way to keep your grades high is to work on them right from your first year of college. If you score low grades in your first two years and then look to make them up in the next two so that your GPA improves, it’s going to be an uphill climb. You need to also ensure that you don’t let slip your hold on the good grades you earn each year in the following years, either through complacency or laziness.

Not doing anything stupid to jeopardize your future: It’s not really fair, but it’s true that while it takes a whole lot of effort to make a success of your college life, it only takes one instance of foolishness to throw it all away. So watch out for drunken binges or other forms of inappropriate behavior that could compromise your entire future and leave you with regrets for the rest of your life.

College is the foundation on which you build the rest of your life; it’s only as strong as the degree you choose, the school you choose to earn it in, and most importantly, the way you go about earning it.

This guest post was contributed by Anna Miller, who writes on the topic of online degrees . She welcomes your comments at her email id: anna.miller009@gmail.com

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Sites to Help You Choose a College or Grad Program

collegecareerlife — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 11:52:43 +0000

Choosing a college or graduate program involves consideration of many factors, including tuition and program rankings. If you want free information about thousands of colleges and graduate schools, try the following sites.

US News Rankings

Each year, US News ranks colleges and graduate programs. In addition to U.S. schools, the site also ranks the world’s best universities. You can find rankings by location or subject area. Although basic rankings are free, you’ll need to purchase a premium online edition for $14.95 to access detailed admissions and cost information about the graduate programs.

Princeton Review

Explore colleges and majors, prepare for standardized tests, and find scholarships at PrincetonReview.com. The Best Fit School Search suggests the best schools based on your qualifications and preferences. Princeton Review also offers a number of interesting rankings from student surveys.

College Prowler

Register at collegeprowler.com to search for matching scholarships, calculate the real cost of your education, and find schools that match your criteria. The site has thousands of student reviews and editorials, including what students say are the best and worst things about their schools.

Students Review

With around 70,000 reviews, StudentsReview.com is the place to find out what students really think about their colleges. There area also alumni reviewed majors, tips for getting in, and dynamic rankings.

My Plan

My Plan provides college statistics, including most popular majors and graduation rates. Use the query feature to search for colleges by student body, location, resources, cost, campus setting, majors and admissions. Colleges are ranked by overall satisfaction, prestige, school resources, and several other factors.

College Stats

Visit Collegestats.org to find colleges that match your criteria. You can view colleges with the lowest tuition costs, the largest colleges, and much more.

For both objective information and more subjective ratings, these websites can help you narrow down your college or graduate school choices. In an upcoming post, I’ll list specific questions to ask when choosing a college or graduate program.

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Tips for Saving on Textbooks

collegecareerlife — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 13:50:41 +0000

A recent CNN Money article has confirmed that textbooks are huge rip-off, with prices nearly tripling from 1986 to 2004. Not only are textbooks overpriced, but publishers will rearrange a few chapters and call it a new edition. I have a few tips to help you save on textbooks.

Use an older edition

Even if the required textbook listed is the newest edition, ask your professor if an older edition will work. Sometimes instructors will provide updates for students if changes are small.

Shop online

You should NEVER buy textbooks from your campus bookstore. Even if you need a new edition, you’ll probably find it cheaper at sites like textbooks.com.

Share a textbook

If you won’t need your book every day, you can share it with a classmate. Find another student that you can rely on to come to class every time.

Check the library

College libraries usually carry copies of textbooks, so look to see if a copy of your textbook is available. You might not be able to check the book out, but you can make copies of any pages you need to take home or to class.

Visit the publisher’s website

If you know you won’t be using the entire book for class, you might be able to buy and download individual chapters online. It’s a great way to save paper and money.

Another way to save money is to sell back your book immediately after the semester is over. Visit Bookscouter.com to find out where you’ll get the most for your used textbook.

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10 Sites for Better Studying

collegecareerlife — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 12:35:44 +0000

Good news for Internet addicts: browsing the web can help raise your GPA! Make the most of your time online by frequenting sites that offer lectures, notes, tutorials, and study strategies. Ten of my favorite online study resources:

Study Guides and Strategies

Since 1996, Studygs.net has provided study strategies and resources to help students achieve success. You’ll find guides to time management, problem solving, decision making, memorizing, online learning, test taking, writing, math, science, and many more subjects. Site content is available in a number of different languages.

LectureFox

LectureFox offers free lectures from colleges including Princeton, Yale, and MIT. Topics include politics, biology, physics, history, and music. Lecture materials include audio, video, and/or notes.

Flash Card Exchange

Create, study, share, and print flashcards at FlashCardExchange.com. You can also study flashcards created by other users, save your favorite sets, and export flashcards.

How To Study

Articles on How-to-Study.com are written by Dr. Charles Mangrum and Dr. Stephen Strichart and cover a variety of topics. You’ll find advice on choosing a college, note taking, giving presentations, and much more .

Cramster

Cramster is an online study community where students can view lecture notes, work practice problems, and take practice tests.

Study Successful

Written by medical student Stefan Knapen, StudySuccessful.com offers innovative tips for note taking, personal development, productivity, and time management.

Koofers

A schedule maker, access to class notes and old exams, flash card creation and professor ratings are some of the features available to members at Koofers.com. The site has over 2000 universities and is free to join. Instructors can also join and share course materials.

Study Hacks

Study Hacks is a blog by Cal Newport, author of two books about academic success. The blog covers time management, stress reduction, organization, test taking, paper writing and many other topics.

HippoCampus

A project of the Monetary Institute of Technology and Education (MITE), Hippocampus provides free multimedia resources for high school and college students. Subjects covered include statistics, calculus, environmental science, and psychology.

CliffsNotes

Although most popular for their literature guides, Cliffs Notes are available for every subject area. In addition to subject study guides, CliffsNotes.com contains test preparation guides and college resources.

Bookmark some (or all) of these websites and stop feeling guilty about your time online.

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Top Ten Most Flexible Degree Choices

collegecareerlife — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 10:42:18 +0000

The following guest post was contributed by Christine Howell who frequently writes about Accredited Online Degrees and college related topics for Online College Guru, an online college directory and comparison website.

Recent economic conditions have reinforced the importance of flexibility in the employment marketplace. Selecting a degree program that allows a wide range of employment opportunities is essential for new and returning students in order to maximize their chances of obtaining employment quickly. Here are the ten best options for students seeking to ensure their employability in the highly-competitive job market of today.

Business administration

This degree opens doors throughout the corporate world. Whether the emphasis is on accounting, finance, marketing, or management, a bachelor’s or master’s degree in business administration is the starting point for a wide range of careers that are always in demand. For those interested in working in the field of business, this is the most versatile degree to achieve that goal.

Engineering

For technically-minded students, engineering degrees offer a wide range of employment options. Architecture, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, medicine, environmental science and many other fields of endeavor require the scientific background an engineering degree can afford.

Computer science

Computer science is closely related to the engineering field. Although many feel this degree has lost its luster in recent years, it still provides a large number of career choices to those holding a Bachelor of Science degree. Computer science graduates go on to serve as systems administrators, software engineers, network specialists, and in many other positions and career paths.

Mathematics

Considered the most practical and useful of all general science degrees, a strong mathematics background prepares one for jobs in actuarial science, business, education, and even law enforcement. The analytical skills derived from a four-year program in mathematics can be applied to nearly every field of endeavor.

English and other languages

Often unjustly maligned, a degree in English can provide opportunities for employment in a number of lucrative positions, including editing, journalism, public relations and advertising, and commercial writing. Expertise in foreign languages can allow students to obtain jobs in the government and public service field, as well as a number of educational and administrative opportunities only available to those who speak and write a second language.

Education

This may not seem a versatile selection at first; however, the variety of different disciplines covered under this one degree is immense. For any field of endeavor, there is a degreed professional to teach it; this makes education perhaps the most flexible of all degree programs.

Political science

For those interested in public service, a political science major offers the knowledge and skills necessary to pursue elected, appointed, or agency-level career paths. Political science degrees prepare students for jobs in government, law, budget planning, university administration, and many other fields that require a detailed knowledge of the inner workings of societal structures.

Psychology

Marketing, advertising, public relations, health care, and education careers are among the career options available to psychology majors. While advanced positions require advanced degrees, the knowledge of human nature and behavior allows students to step into a wide range of jobs with a reasonable certainty of success.

Graphic design

Artistically-minded students will find ample career opportunities after graduating with a graphic design degree. Most jobs are found in the advertising and commercial fields, but talented graphic designers can find work as animators, product design specialists, creative directors, and webpage designers.

Economics

An alternative to the business administration degree, economics degrees offer a different range of job opportunities. Many economists are employed by large corporations or government agencies; others work in the area of finance, statistics, or as legislative assistants to elected officials. In any field where financial predictions are useful and necessary, economists find themselves in high demand. An economics degree is also the perfect prerequisite to an advanced business law degree.

These ten degree programs will increase the chances for students to find work quickly in their chosen field after graduation. Opportunities are varied and plentiful in these fields and, while some are more lucrative than others, all offer the chance to excel in one’s chosen field of endeavor.

© Andrea for College, Career, Life, 2009. | Permalink | 3 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: academic, college, degree, education, employment, majors

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Free Online Education Resources

collegecareerlife — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 22:44:29 +0000

Whether you’re a college student, recent graduate, or a professional that just wants to stay current, online classes are a great way to learn important skills needed in your chosen field. Or you may just want to learn about a topic you never had a chance to study. For free online learning resources, try the following sites:

The Comprehensive List of Free Online Courses found at GuidetoOnlineSchools.com lists all free courses available through the Open CourseWare Consortium. Classes range from the basics (Introduction to Biology) to the obscure (Physics of Rock Climbing). Participating universities include MIT, UC Berkeley, Carnegie Mellon, and Harvard.

w3schools Online Web Tutorials – W3Schools offers tutorials for beginning and advanced web developers. HTML, CSS, Javascript, PHP and SQL are some of the tutorials on the site. Users can also obtain certification online.

GCFLearnFree – Goodwill Community Foundation’s website has numerous tutorials and online classes to help you develop financial, career, and computer skills. Time management, setting goals, business etiquette, and coping with stress are a few of the sections in the Workplace Development Tutorial. You can also learn how to write a resume and fill out a job application. Other tutorials teach you how to manage money, search for a job, plan for retirement and buy a house. Classes in Excel, Access, Word, PowerPoint, and Math Basics are offered free online.

BBC Languages – Learn Spanish, French, German, and many other languages at BBC’s language site. Each language section contains an in-depth tutorial for beginners along with vocabulary lists and grammar tips. You can also watch videos and find essential phrases to use in specific settings.

Despite the rising costs of college tuition, knowledge doesn’t have to be expensive. With these resources you can gain access to lectures and course materials from top universities, learn to build a website, or add a software proficiency to your resume – without spending a penny.

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Post tags: classes, continuing ecucation, free, online, resocures, websites

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When and How to Choose a Major

collegecareerlife — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 11:35:43 +0000

Choosing a college major is one of the biggest decisions you’ll ever make. Although many people don’t work in a field related to their college majors, your major can determine what careers you’ll be qualified for after college.

When to choose a major.

Some colleges force students to choose a major at some point, often sophomore year. If you aren’t sure about what major is best, don’t feel pressured to pick a major the first or even the second semester of college. When I entered college, I didn’t even realize that you could be undeclared. I went from the wrong major first semester to another wrong major second semester. Due to this impatience (and lack of knowledge), I graduated with a degree that wasn’t right for me. To meet the requirements for most degrees, you’ll need to choose a major by your sophomore year if you want to graduate in four years. If you wait until junior year to choose a major, summer or intersession courses can help you catch up.

How to choose a major.

The best way to choose a major is to choose a career. Maximize your time and money by choosing a major that prepares you for a great career. Take career tests, talk to college career counselors, and interview the people in careers you are considering. Be aware that a technical degree will probably allow you to find a job more easily and offers more income potential, but a liberal arts degree isn’t completely useless. There are career options for those with liberal arts degrees. Increase your chances of getting a job with your liberal arts degree by choosing a more practical minor.

Choice of major is not given a lot of thought by many students, which leads to difficulty during and after college. Take your time choosing a major and don’t allow someone else to make the choice for you. This is a decision that will affect you the most and one that only you can make.

Some resources to help you choose a major:

Guide to College Majors, 2010 Edition (College Admissions Guides)

Book of Majors 2010 (College Board Book of Majors)

Choose Your Major – Marquette University

College Major Quiz – About.com

MyMajors.com

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Accelerated Learning a Great Option for Adult Students

collegecareerlife — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 21:09:00 +0000

This is a paid promotional post for Centenary College.

Do you have college credits, but never finished your degree? Are you afraid you won’t have time to attend classes while working full-time? If so, you should consider accelerated learning programs. Accelerated degree programs are especially helpful for those who have finished the core requirements, but haven’t completed their degrees. A few benefits of accelerated degree programs include:

Experiential learning. Courses in accelerated programs focus on real-world skills that adult students need. Discussions and projects emphasize practical problems and solutions. Assignments are designed to show your expertise, not to keep you busy.

Focus on non-traditional students. Because accelerated programs are designed specifically for working adults, your classmates and instructors will understand that you have responsibilities outside of school. Classes typically meet just one night a week and are offered in an ordered sequence.

Small classes. A more intimate class setting allows for better communication between instructors and students. In large classes, students don’t get to know their classmates and may not have the opportunity to ask questions or participate in class discussions.

Convenient locations. Most colleges offering accelerated programs have branch campuses specifically for adult students. Where main campuses offer mostly daytime classes, branch campuses offer night classes for working students. You may also be able to take some courses online.

Centenary College is certified by the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL) as an accelerated degree provider. Centenary’s accelerated learning program provides students with immediate access to professors and instructors, and has convenient locations throughout New Jersey. It offers the following accelerated degree programs: an Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts with a Business Emphasis, a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA), and a Master of Business Administration (MBA).

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Advantages of an Online Degree

collegecareerlife — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 15:12:54 +0000

This is a paid promotional post for Bryan College Online.

Online degrees are increasing in popularity because they offer many benefits, particularly for non-traditional students. I’ve taken several online courses and learned as much, if not more so, than in my traditional classes. What are some major advantages to an online education?

Flexibility is the probably greatest advantage to online degree programs. Online classes are particularly beneficial for students who need to work full-time while obtaining a degree. You can work anywhere at any time and you can learn at your own pace. Motivation is key, and those who are self-disciplined usually excel in online classes.

Another advantage of an online education is relevance. With an online degree, you learn what you need to know for your chosen career, not irrelevant information. In addition, many online colleges are focused on providing technical skills rather than just a liberal arts education because they recognize that most students are seeking degrees for the purpose of better career prospects.

Efficiency is also a benefit to learning online. If you’re well-organized and a fast learner, an online degree program can save you a lot of time. Professors often get off-topic during lectures, which can be especially frustrating if you have responsibilities outside of school. You also don’t have to spend time commuting to and from campus when you attend classes online.

If you are considering getting a degree online, there are some things you should look for when evaluating a college. The school’s website should have information about accreditation, which is usually found on the About Us page. You should also talk to a representative about financial aid that will be available should you choose to attend. Read the degree requirements carefully, because some practicum will be required for certain degree programs. Finally, be sure that any credits from courses taken at other institutions will transfer.

Bryan College is a great example of an accredited online college. It has been offering career-focused training since 1982. Bryan College Online offers an Associate of Applied Science in Business degree with an emphasis in Accounting, Finance, Management, Marketing, or Travel Agency Operations. A diploma in Medical Office Coding and Billing is also offered. Visit http://bryancollegeonline.edu/ to find out if an online education is right for you and to take a free online class.

© Andrea for College, Career, Life, 2009. | Permalink | One comment | Add to del.icio.us
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Helpful Links for College Students

collegecareerlife — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 22:26:57 +0000

OnlineClasses.com has a list of 100 tips and tools to help you choose a major and a list of the 100 best blogs for career-minded students.

Lifehack.org offers advice for college freshman.

CollegeRuled is an online organizer and planner for college students only (.edu email address required).

LectureFox has free university lectures on a variety of topics.

The Student Loan Advisor from FinAid.org calculates the maximum amount you should borrow based on the degree you’re seeking.

The Career Project contains detailed occupation profiles with information about salary, work environment, and job satisfaction.

© Andrea for College, Career, Life, 2009. | Permalink | One comment | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: academic, career, links, majors

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Consider a Career in Geographic Information Systems

collegecareerlife — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 13:00:48 +0000

It’s not a subject that most people are aware of when they are looking for majors in college, but it is one that offers a great deal of scope and potential, both as a money spinner and as a personal development tool. A career in Geographical Information Systems (GIS) is not only exciting, it also has a future.

In order to work in the GIS industry, you need to study certain subjects like:

Geography: It’s natural that you must be interested in and have an aptitude for geography when you’re considering a career in GIS. You must know how the location of land and sea and their relationship to each other affect the way we travel and use information in order to understand our world better.
Mathematics: You are going to be involved in developing technological systems, so you must be aware of mathematical theories that are used to develop the logic that these systems use. You must have an aptitude for mathematics and be able to understand even complex principles and theories with ease.
Computer Science: Since all systems are computerized, you must know how to use these systems to understand, develop and operate GIS systems. Besides, when you are well versed in logic and computer science, it’s easy to understand GIS systems and their complexities.

Besides a general and in-depth knowledge of these subjects, you also need to have good analytical skills, the ability to solve problems and good communication skills to deal with people from all walks of life and different cultures. You should also be adept at gathering information and sorting and managing it according to the needs of the system you’re working on. Also, a general understanding of how GIS systems work and the knowledge of how to evaluate their performance and assess their accuracy do add to your advantage when you’re seeking a career in this field.

A career in GIS is similar to one in computer science and its related fields – you are most likely to be employed as a systems administrator, programmer, database manager, research analysts and other similar jobs. In addition to this, you may also be given roles that deal with managerial and administrative responsibilities. There are a few specialized jobs that deal specifically with cartographic knowledge and skills, so if you are interested in them, you must be a talented cartographer.

Job prospects for those in this line of work are expected to increase and earnings are typically in the range of $60,000 to $70,000.

This guest article was written by Adrienne Carlson, who regularly writes on the topic of accredited online universities. Adrienne welcomes your comments and questions at her email address: adriennecarlson83@yahoo.com.

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Spying 101: Will Colleges Start Offering Intelligence Officer Training Programs?

collegecareerlife — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 17:20:56 +0000

According to The Washington Post, as part of the 2010 intelligence authorization bill, the Obama administration has proposed that colleges and universities begin intelligence officer training programs that would prepare “first- and second-generation Americans, who already have critical language and cultural knowledge” for government careers.

The proposal sent to Congress by Director of National Intelligence Dennis C. Blair calls for colleges and universities to apply for federal funding that would be used to create or enhance courses in foreign languages, science, analysis, and other fields that would be helpful in intelligence careers.

The government has an ever-increasing need for personnel to infiltrate areas of the Middle East and South Asia, but qualified agents are difficult to find. The Obama administration hopes that training career intelligence officers of different cultural and ethnic backgrounds from their sophomore or junior years of college can help fill that gap.

The program would be modeled largely after the the military’s Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC); students would be eligible for financial assistance which could include “a monthly stipend, tuition assistance, book allowances and travel expenses” as well as paid summer internships at intelligence agencies. In turn, upon graduation, students would be obligated to work for an intelligence agency for the same amount of time they had received government assistance.

And as the students would be training for highly sensitive security positions, their identities would likely be kept secret–in true spy form.

Would you be interested in a college spy training program?

Guest post by Michelle Fabio, the About.com Guide to Law School, who also writes about online degrees in psychology at OnlineDegreesinPsychology.org.

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Trends in MBA Admissions Change with the Economy

collegecareerlife — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 23:29:13 +0000

The troubled economy has had an impact on almost everyone, and MBA applicants are no exception. Admissions trends are changing rapidly. Here are a few things that potential MBAs can expect from the current market:

Applications Are Up

Recessions almost always have an impact on grad school applications–particularly MBA program applications. When the economy gets tough, people tend to head back to school in hopes of securing a better degree. Business school provides a safe place for people to weather the financial storm. Everyone always hopes that by the time they earn their degree, the job market will be back on track and ready for new grads.

The Applicant Pool Is Different

Although MBA applicant pools do change from year to year, current pools are changing more rapidly than normal. Business schools are seeing more laid-off applicants than ever before, particularly from the finance sector. Applicants who are straight out of college are also on the rise. Some schools, such as the Johnson School at Cornell University, are reporting a 10 to 15 percent increase in domestic applicants. International applicants, on the other hand, have decreased due to the fact that many international students are having difficulty acquiring non-U.S student loans.

Competition Is More Severe

Changing applicant pools have led to stiffer competition than usual for MBA applicants. This is especially true for applicants who are applying to top-ranked programs. With more people interested in an MBA, business schools everywhere are realizing that they can be more selective than ever before. Individuals who bring less to the table (no professional experience, low GMAT scores, or less than satisfactory GPAs) are finding it difficult to compete with seasoned professionals who have worked in business for years and are still hungry for career success. This doesn’t mean that younger students do not have a chance–quite the contrary. Business schools around the country are actively courting younger students. In fact, the number of students admitted to MBA programs straight out of college has increased significantly in the last five years.

Admissions Committees Want Different Things

Every admissions committee is looking for something different in applicants. However, there are a few things that nearly every committee desires regardless of economic changes. The first is diversity. Business schools like to see cultural diversity in the applicant pool and among those who are accepted. The second thing that admissions committees like to see is good analytical skills. This can usually be demonstrated through a good GPA or high GMAT score. The final thing that every admissions committee admires is qualifications. Well-rounded students who can show that they are highly qualified through the use of essays, recommendation letters, test scores, and other aspects of the application are much more likely to gain acceptance than the average applicant.

Guest post from Karen Schweitzer, the About.com Guide to Business School. Karen also writes for OnlineDegreePrograms.org.

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Post tags: admissions, education, guest post, mba

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Insider Interview: Education

collegecareerlife — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 11:14:32 +0000

A career in education has obvious advantages: teachers are highly respected and it is a recession resistant field. Why, then, do so many teachers leave the profession within a few years? Probably because teaching proves more stressful than they thought. Teaching isn’t right for everyone and you should research a career before making a decision. I interviewed Susan*, a public school teacher, to help those considering a teaching career.

How long have you been teaching? What grades and subjects have you taught?

I’ve been teaching for thirty years – eighteen in special education, one year teaching 5th grade language arts and math, six years teaching 5th grade reading, and five years teaching 5th grade United States history.

How has your job changed since you started?

When I taught special education all the SPED were basically self-contained for language arts and math. They were in grade level science and social studies with help from the SPED teacher. Now students are included within the regular classroom and the inclusion teacher comes to them in the regular classroom. Inclusion has a lot of advantages for these students. Being around their peers is a good learning experience and many of the students adapt well. However, the inclusion teacher cannot be with all of them all the time. Also, there are students that truly need to be self-contained. Inclusion is frustrating for these students, the SPED teacher and the regular teacher. Inclusion will be a great program if they hire more teachers and assistants for the inclusion program.

NCLB ( No Child Left Behind) is another thing that has caused changes within the school since I have started teaching. I understand that schools need to be held accountable for successful instruction of all the students. However, it seems to many teachers that the guidelines were written by people who have never set foot in an average classroom. Students are being tested that have only spoken English for about 4 years. They may speak English well and even get to use a dictionary to translate, but we are talking about long passages to read and on top of that comprehend these passages. SPED students are also tested and expected to score well on the test without any individualized instruction that they have become accustomed to during the year. Then, the teachers are held accountable for the scores. The state publishes these scores and rates the schools according to this. Many schools do not have any ESL (English as a second language) learners or as many special populations as other schools in the state. But all schools must meet the same standards.

What are the most in-demand jobs in education?

Special needs, math, and science teachers.

Besides a degree in education, what are ways that one can become qualified to teach?

There is an alternate route where anyone with a four year degree can become a teacher. There are certain criteria to meet. I don’t know a lot about this but I know they have to go to some classes and pass the Praxis (teacher’s exam).

What’s the hardest part of your job?

The lack of respect from not only some of the students but also the parents. The fact that many of the students don’t care. Also, the home life that some of these students have to put up with and which we have no control over.

What do you like best about teaching?

There is never a dull moment and you hope that hopefully you are making a difference in their lives and helping them to one day be productive citizens in our society. Children can be fun to work with if you can keep your sense of humor intact.

Why do you think so many new teachers leave the profession within a few years?

Many new teachers do not realize just how hard of a job teaching is. Many times you take work home, you come back at night for PTO meetings and ballgame duties. You cannot always go to the restroom when you want to because you are not suppose to leave students unsupervised. When they have lunch or recess you do not always get a break because you are on duty. Some new teachers also come in acting like they have all the answers to students’ problems and it discourages them when they do not see immediate results. New teachers need a teacher mentor whether they think so or not.

What kind of person does it take to be a good teacher?

A good teacher is not in it for the money or extra vacation days. If they are in it for those reasons, they are in for a severe shock. A good teacher must have loads of patience, of course, and never ever give up on students.

Would you choose the same career if you had to do it again? Why/why not?

Yes, I would choose the same career. I cannot think of anything else I’d rather do with my life. And I must really mean it because as I am writing this our state legislature has not appropriated money yet for our salaries. And the end of next month is looming closer and closer.

* real name not used

© Andrea for College, Career, Life, 2009. | Permalink | One comment | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: career planning, education, insider interview, interview, teaching

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