College, Career, Life » school

The Problems with Law School

collegecareerlife — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 11:42:17 +0000

For decades, law school has been viewed as a ticket to success and a solid career. And while many law school graduates do have great careers in the legal field, others struggle with crippling debt and no job prospects. The recent economic crisis has highlighted a problem that’s existed for years. A few key factors that are contributing to the problems law school graduates face:

The Default for Directionless Graduates

Many college graduates don’t have a career plan, and law school has become a default option for many of these graduates. One draw of law school over other graduate programs is that no specific degree or set of courses is required for admittance. Although there are plenty of jobs that don’t require a specific degree, liberal arts graduates often see a law degree as a ticket to wealth and their only chance at finding steady employment.

Too Many Schools and Increasing Enrollment

Between 1963 and 2009, the number of ABA-approved law schools increased from 135 to 200. Total law school enrollment rose by 104,997 (Source: http://www.abanet.org/legaled/statistics/stats.html). Law schools continue to admit more and more students even as previous graduates struggle to find jobs. Many graduates from top tier schools have trouble finding jobs in the legal field, and graduates from lower ranked schools experience even more obstacles.

Skewed Job Placement and Salary Statistics

Wealthy, connected graduates skew average starting salary and job placement statistics. Schools count any employment as a job, even temporary positions or jobs in completely different fields. Many students aren’t surveyed and those without a job may not be included at all. Prospective students may assume that every graduate is surveyed and that employment means a job in the legal field. Law schools don’t put much effort into clarifying these statistics.

What do you think? Is law school still a good investment? What should law schools be doing, if anything, to help prevent unemployment among graduates?

© Andrea for College, Career, Life, 2011. | Permalink | No comment | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: debt, education, law, law school, lawyers, legal

Feed enhanced by Better Feed from Ozh

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.

© Andrea for College, Career, Life, 2010. | Permalink | One comment | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: colleges, debt, ethics, money, school, universities

Feed enhanced by Better Feed from Ozh

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.

© Andrea for College, Career, Life, 2010. | Permalink | No comment | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: college, rankings, websites

Feed enhanced by Better Feed from Ozh

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.

© Andrea for College, Career, Life, 2010. | Permalink | No comment | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: academic, research, resources, studying, tips

Feed enhanced by Better Feed from Ozh

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

Feed enhanced by Better Feed from Ozh

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

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

Feed enhanced by Better Feed from Ozh

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).

© Andrea for College, Career, Life, 2009. | Permalink | One comment | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: accelerated learning, college, degree, education, mba

Feed enhanced by Better Feed from Ozh

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
Post tags: academic, college, degree, education

Feed enhanced by Better Feed from Ozh

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

Feed enhanced by Better Feed from Ozh

College Majors You May Not Have Considered

collegecareerlife — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 14:00:10 +0000

At a large university, choosing a major can be overwhelming due to the number of majors available. If you attend a school with a wide selection of majors, research every major in your course catalog. Some often overlooked majors that offer great career opportunities :

Management Information Systems – Management information systems involves the design and management of database systems used for retrieval of internal business data. As a management information systems major, you’ll learn about data storage and security, accounting information systems, personnel information systems and business systems networking. Related careers include database administrator, information systems manager, computer systems analyst, and computer programmer.

Petroleum Engineering – Petroleum engineers design equipment and processes for the extraction of oil or natural gas. They develop methods to maximize oil and gas recovery while minimizing costs. See the Career Resources page at the Society of Petroleum Engineers website.

Forensic Science – Forensic scientists and technicians collect, classify and analyze evidence from crime scenes. They test weapons, fibers, tissues and other materials related to criminal investigations. For more information visit the Choosing a Career page on the American Academy of Forensic Sciences website. Also see Michelle Fabio’s guest post on Crime Scene Investigators.

Actuarial Science - Most actuaries work for insurance carriers, corporations or the government. They determine benefits needed to fund retirement plans and determine appropriate insurance premiums by analyzing statistical data related to death, disability, illness, and retirement. In order to become qualified to work as an actuary, one must pass a series of rigorous exams. For more information, see the website for the Society of Actuaries or Be An Actuary.org.

Biomedical Engineering – Biomedical engineers design and develop medical products such as artificial organs, prostheses, and instrumentation. They also maintain, install, and evaluate the safety of medical equipment. Other job tasks include designing computer hardware or software for medical uses, analyzing medical procedures, and consulting with hospitals on the use of medical equipment. For more information visit the Biomedical Engineering Society website.

© Andrea for College, Career, Life, 2009. | Permalink | No comment | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: career planning, college, majors

Feed enhanced by Better Feed from Ozh

Private College Experience-Public College Price

collegecareerlife — Sat, 30 May 2009 13:00:09 +0000

Public universities offer a variety of extracurricular and academic options and are generally less costly than private colleges. However, private colleges don’t usually suffer from overcrowding like public universities and they allow for more interaction with professors. Fortunately, public universities offer some alternatives that provide the benefits of a private college without the cost.

Branch Campuses – Large public universities may have branch campuses to offset overcrowding on main campuses and to attract non-traditional students. I’ve attended classes at a branch campus of my university and preferred it to the main campus for several reasons: smaller classes, newer facilities and more mature students. The downside is that they may not offer as many courses as the main campus.

Honors Colleges – Most larger universities have established honors colleges which offer smaller classes and more interaction with professors. Honors colleges may have their own curricula and/or extra required projects. Admittance is usually based on ACT/SAT scores, high school GPA, and extracurricular activities.

Community Colleges – You may be able to avoid overcrowded classes by taking them at a community college. Certain courses at large universities tend to be very large, but they may be smaller at a junior college. Just be sure they will transfer to your university.

Summer/Intersession Courses - Summer and intersession classes tend to be smaller and campuses will be less crowded. Taking summer or intersession classes can also help lighten your course load in the regular semester.

Before you pay $30,000+ for the private college experience, look into these options at public colleges. You’ll get the benefits of both a large university and a smaller college without the huge tuition bill.

© Andrea for College, Career, Life, 2009. | Permalink | No comment | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: budget, college, finance, money

Feed enhanced by Better Feed from Ozh

Take Advantage of Electives: Classes Every Student Should Take

collegecareerlife — Sat, 16 May 2009 12:48:07 +0000

At some point in college you’ll have to choose elective courses to complete the hours required for your degree. Don’t just choose the easiest courses you can find. Take advantage of your electives by choosing some practical courses that will help you in your career and your personal life. Some courses to take if you haven’t already:

Computer Science – Learning to use Excel, Word, and PowerPoint will give you the basic computer skills that most employers expect.

Personal Finance – So many college students graduate with too much debt because they aren’t educated about credit cards and other financial matters. Learn to build and keep healthy credit now so you can enjoy life without bad financial decisions following you.

First Aid/CPR – Even if you don’t plan to work in healthcare, you should know basic first aid and CPR.

Foreign Language – No matter what field you plan to enter after graduation, familiarity with a foreign language will be useful. In education and healthcare, employees that know Spanish are in demand while a variety languages can be useful for business depending on where you work.

Career Planning – Most universities offer classes on interviewing skills, resume writing, and general career planning. Taking a formal class will help you feel more confident about your career choices.

Business Communications – In most business communications courses, you’ll learn to write business letters, prepare reports and give presentations. Good for anyone wanting to build speaking and presentation skills.

© Andrea for College, Career, Life, 2009. | Permalink | One comment | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: college, courses, education, electives

Feed enhanced by Better Feed from Ozh

How to Pay for School after Losing Your Job

collegecareerlife — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 22:03:36 +0000

The following is a guest post from Karen Schweitzer who writes about online education for OnlineColleges.net and serves as About.com’s Business School Guide.

If you are one of the many people who are considering going back to school after losing your job, you shouldn’t let a bad economy stand in your way. There are many different ways to come up with the money you need to pay for school.

1. Community Grants and Programs. The first place to start when you need money for school is your local community. The recent downturn has prompted many local governments and community organizations to establish special programs for unemployed individuals. Some of these programs provide career education; others provide grants to cover education costs.

2. State Aid. State programs or grants may also be available for students who need financial aid. You can learn more about potential programs by contacting your state’s education department or related agencies. If aid is available, you will most likely need to apply for it using state-supplied forms. Whatever you do, be sure to follow all of the instructions and apply as soon as possible. State aid is always limited and is usually available on a first come first serve basis.

3. Federal Grants. The federal government awards billions of dollars in grants to needy students every year. The most commonly used grant is the Federal Pell Grant, which provides need-based grants to low-income students. All grants, including the Pell Grant, can be used to cover tuition costs, books costs, and other fees.

4. Scholarships. Scholarships are also an excellent way to pay for your education. Like grants and state aid, scholarship money is free money. You will not have to pay it back after graduation. Scholarships are usually awarded through commercial organizations, professional associations, and individual benefactors. You can find scholarships through the many scholarship search engines on the web. Good engines to try include Scholarships.com and FastWeb.com.

5. Government Loans. Taking out a loan to pay for your education may not seem like the ideal scenario, but the investment will eventually pay off. Research has shown that a degree can increase salary potential and competitiveness in the job market. If you decide to get a loan, be sure to look at loans that are guaranteed and subsidized by the federal government. Good examples include Stafford Loans or Perkins Loans. These loans usually have low interest rates and deferred payment options.

6. Private Loans. Taking out a private student loan may also be an option worth considering. Most banks have some sort of student loan program that can be used to cover the cost of tuition and other expenses. If you do decide to get a loan from a private bank, be sure to compare interest rates and loan terms before making a final decision. Rates and repayment options can vary from bank to bank.

7. Social Finance Companies. Traditional banks aren’t the only institutions you can turn to when you need money for school. There are companies out there who are dedicated to matching people who need money with people who have money. Commonly known as social finance companies, these organizations act as a mediator between private lenders and needy borrowers. Popular companies include Zopa, which offers low-rate loans from a non-profit member-owned credit union, and Prosper, which can help you get a personal loan from one of the company’s many partners.

8. GreenNote. Designed specifically for students, GreenNote is a unique company that offers an alternative to the traditional student loan. GreenNote doesn’t lend money directly, but it does offer a platform for students to get money from parents, friends, mentors, and strangers. Loans have low interest rates and do not require a credit check, citizenship, or a co-signer.

9. Federal Work Study Programs. Students who need money to fund their postsecondary education can also turn to the Federal Work-Study (FWS) program. The FWS provides funds to students who agree to work part-time either on-campus or off-campus. Jobs are usually community service oriented or related to your job field.

10. School Programs. A lot of colleges and universities have their own financial aid programs for needy students. To learn more about possible programs, you should contact several schools you are interested in and ask to speak to their financial aid department. The department will be able to tell you about their programs and eligibility requirements.

Guest post from Karen Schweitzer who writes about online education for OnlineColleges.net.

© Andrea for College, Career, Life, 2009. | Permalink | No comment | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: advice, college, financial aid, money

Feed enhanced by Better Feed from Ozh

Dealing with Academic and Career Disappointment

collegecareerlife — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 10:00:11 +0000

Failing a test, being turned down for a job, and being laid off are all very difficult experiences for most people. The poor self esteem, depression, and anxiety that result from these events can make it hard to perform your best in the future. You tried so hard and weren’t rewarded, so why keep trying? Don’t let yourself get caught in the cycle of rejection, depression, and more rejection due to low motivation. Most people will come to a point where they face rejection or failure. How do you move past disappointments to reach your goals? Some advice I can give from my own experience:

Think Long-Term
If you quit now, would you regret it a year from now? Ask yourself if giving up is really worth it. If you’re in an career or pursuing a degree that you know is not right for you, then you should certainly try to make a change (after research and planning your next steps). Although I did well academically and even enjoyed my classes pursuing my first bachelor’s degree, I knew the career I was pursuing was not right for my personality. My current degree program is much more challenging (especially being a non-traditional student), but I feel that the career I’m pursuing now fits my personality (introverted thinking) and values (stability, independence, growth).

Set Specific Goals
Setting short-term and long-term goals will help you stay focused and will get your mind off of past disappointments. Also, developing a proactive approach to solving your problems will ease depression and anxiety. Once you have some goals in mind, determine the specific steps required to reach your goals. Hold yourself accountable by setting deadlines for each goal. Have a back up plan so that you don’t get upset if something doesn’t work out. With the competitive job market, I realize that I may not get a job in my chosen field immediately after completing of my degree. Instead, I plan to study for my CPA exam and pass a section or two, which will make me more attractive to employers.

Stay busy
Learn a new language, volunteer, join a club, or take some night classes at a community college. Volunteering can be a great way to meet new people and may even provide contacts or references for employment opportunities. I’m currently learning Spanish on my own, doing volunteer work and studying for the GMAT (although I probably won’t go to graduate school immediately). I have things to focus on so that I don’t worry about factors that are out of my control (the economy, job market, etc).

Talk to somebody
Finding someone to talk to who has an objective view can be a great relief. Most colleges have counseling services at reduced prices or even for free. Friends and family can be good listeners, but they can be biased in their advice because they may have something invested in your decisions. If you have specific concerns about your academic performance or your career choice, consider talking to a professor, academic advisor, or career counselor.

The truth is that success depends, at least to some extent, upon luck. Being in the right place at the right time, having the right teacher, or working for the right company. However, persistence is another big part of success that you alone can control. Successful people experience disappointment and move on. They may change what they’re doing or how they do it, but they continue to strive toward a goal.

© Andrea for College, Career, Life, 2009. | Permalink | 2 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: academic, career, college, motivation

Feed enhanced by Better Feed from Ozh

AlumnIdea at UC SanDiego

collegecareerlife — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 13:55:00 +0000

I recently received an email about a new social media site for alumni of UC San Diego:

“The University of California San Diego recognizes the importance of leveraging social networks and hearing each individual voice amongst UCSD alumni. Introducing AlumnIDea! This social media site encourages alumni to submit their event ideas which can be voted ‘up’ or ‘down’ by other alumni. The most popular ideas are aggregated into a top-10 section which are then selected for implementation by UCSD alumni officers.

Currently the site is beta so we’d appreciate thoughts and ideas from your readers. The site supports all browsers and is a way for both new and old UCSD graduates to participate in a fully interactive environment. Please visit http://ucsd.alumnidea.com to check it out! UCSD is the first university to use this kind of platform for an alumni association so we’d appreciate you helping us spread the word! The site is a great way for recent grads to suggest their own ideas for a stronger Alumni network. “

What do you think about AlumnIdea? What ideas would you suggest for your college’s alumni association?

No Related Posts

Feed enhanced by Better Feed from Ozh

What Employers Want in an Entry-Level Candidate

collegecareerlife — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 17:04:00 +0000

After interviewing with a variety of organizations, I have noticed a few trends in the interview questions and am now familiar with what employers want to see in a job candidate.

1. Volunteer Work Ideally, you’ll find a regular volunteer activity that you can continue throughout your college career. Examples include tutoring, working at an animal shelter, and volunteering at a food bank. In addition, you should also try to participate other events such as fund raisers that occur less frequently.

2. Leadership Roles Interviewers frequently ask about leadership experience. Serving as a club officer or in another leadership capacity will prepare you for interviews and will set you apart from other candidates.

3. Teamwork Almost all jobs today involve teamwork. Job interviewers will likely ask you if you work well in teams, and will want proof that you have handled yourself well in a group situation.

4. Internships/Job Shadowing Interviewers want to know that you are familiar with the industry or type of job you are applying for. As a recent graduate, you will set yourself apart if you have some experience already. If you are unable to find an internship, ask someone in your chosen profession if you can shadow them to get a feel for the job and to see if it is something you would enjoy.

One of my questions for my last interviewer was what characteristics her ideal candidate would have. She told me that the ideal candidate would be well-rounded and would be able to balance several responsibilities at one time. Participating in student organizations, part-time jobs, and volunteer work will demonstrate your ability to handle many responsibilities and will show potential employers of your diverse skills.

No Related Posts

Feed enhanced by Better Feed from Ozh

Length of Education and Career Choice

collegecareerlife — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 18:27:00 +0000

Many occupations require several years of school after the bachelor’s degree. You should not let these additional education requirements prevent you from choosing one of these occupations if the career interests you. I’ll address some reasons why length of education should not be a factor in choosing a career:

1. If you are pursuing your dream career, the time spent in school will be interesting. You will have to live like a student for a few more years, but fulfillment will come from working toward a long-term goal.

2. Most doctoral programs provide stipends. If you are entering a professional program, your salary after graduation should be enough for you to pay back the loans. In most cases, a graduate degree will provide greater income potential so money should not be a concern.

3. You will save time in the long-run, because you will not have to go back to school or spend time training for a new career.

Of course you should be sensible about tuition costs and loans, but don’t focus on your age and time. Three, four or even five extra years isn’t that long when it means 40 more years in a great career.

No Related Posts

Feed enhanced by Better Feed from Ozh

Characteristics of Successful College Students

collegecareerlife — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 15:41:00 +0000

College can be an overwhelming and intimidating experience for even the best student. What characteristics do the most successful college students have? Below are some traits and skills that will help a student have a happy and successful college experience.

Good time management skills

Learning to balance school, a social life, and extracurricular activities is one of the most important things a college student can learn. The sooner a student learns this skill, the better. I recommend setting a specific place and time to study for each class. Don’t procrastinate, because some things cannot be completed in one night. Review your notes immediately after every class and start studying for each test several weeks in advance. The Secrets of College Success (Professors’ Guide)

Curiosity

Colleges offer a variety of interesting classes, lectures, films, and performances. Often, students can attend plays, musicals, and other campus events for a reduced cost or even for free. Be open to learning about other cultures, different points of view, and new ideas.

Persistence

There will be some courses that make you want to change your major, if not quit college altogether. Successful college students realize this and are able to keep their long-term goals in mind. This is particularly hard if you sailed through high school with straight A’s and are being academically challenged for the first time in your life. It’s easy to think you are stupid and give up. The truth is that very few people can get through college without intensive studying for many of their classes. You may even have to retake a class. Don’t let it get you down. You are not a failure and it happens to more people than you think. Just learn from your mistakes and try again. How to Win at College: Surprising Secrets for Success from the Country’s Top Students

They talk to their professors and instructors

I’ve always been intimidated by teachers, especially college professors. What if they ridicule my questions? What if they brush me off? Professors can be dismissive and rude (it’s happened to me several times), but that shouldn’t keep you from talking to them because most are very approachable and willing to help. You just have to let hurtful comments and bad attitudes roll off of your back. It probably has nothing to do with you personally, they may just be under a lot of stress. Find the professors who are approachable and talk to them. It helps to establish relationships with your professors because they can provide a good reference or write a letter of recommendation for you when you are applying to graduate school or looking for a job.

Ability to enjoy the moment while preparing for the future

College should be a time to have exciting experiences, to mature, and to learn things about yourself. You have the freedom that you didn’t have in high school, but you don’t have the responsibilities that you’ll have after graduation. Have fun, make friends, study abroad, take interesting classes, and enjoy being young. However, you should also start to develop a plan about what career path you’ll take. Do you want to go to graduate school? Maybe you want to find an internship or get a part-time job that will relate to your future career. Keep a current resume and update it at least once a semester. Also, save all of your papers and projects so that you can look back on what you’ve accomplished. Finally, make an appointment to speak with a career counselor at your campus career center. It’s never too soon-or too late-to start planning your career.

Success in college means much more than good grades. Take advantage of the new experiences and ideas you’ll be exposed to in your college years, because you might never have these opportunities again.

See larger image

The Secrets of College Success (Professors' Guide) (Paperback)

By (author) Lynn F. Jacobs, Jeremy S. Hyman

List Price:	$15.95 USD
New From:	$8.48 In Stock
Used from:	$6.22 In Stock

© Andrea for College, Career, Life, 2008. | Permalink | No comment | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: academic, college, skills, success, traits

Feed enhanced by Better Feed from Ozh

College, Career, Life » school

The Problems with Law School

Related Posts:

Colleges Put Money Before Students

Related Posts:

Sites to Help You Choose a College or Grad Program

Related Posts:

10 Sites for Better Studying

Related Posts:

Top Ten Most Flexible Degree Choices

Related Posts:

When and How to Choose a Major

Related Posts:

Accelerated Learning a Great Option for Adult Students

Related Posts:

Advantages of an Online Degree

Related Posts:

Helpful Links for College Students

Related Posts:

College Majors You May Not Have Considered

Related Posts:

Private College Experience-Public College Price

Related Posts:

Take Advantage of Electives: Classes Every Student Should Take

Related Posts:

How to Pay for School after Losing Your Job

Related Posts:

Dealing with Academic and Career Disappointment

Related Posts:

AlumnIdea at UC SanDiego

Related Posts:

What Employers Want in an Entry-Level Candidate

Related Posts:

Length of Education and Career Choice

Related Posts:

Characteristics of Successful College Students

Related Posts:

The Secrets of College Success (Professors' Guide) (Paperback)