College, Career, Life » academic

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
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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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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
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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.

© Andrea for College, Career, Life, 2009. | Permalink | No comment | Add to del.icio.us
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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

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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.

© Andrea for College, Career, Life, 2008. | Permalink | No comment | Add to del.icio.us
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College, Career, Life » academic

10 Sites for Better Studying

Related Posts:

Top Ten Most Flexible Degree Choices

Related Posts:

Advantages of an Online Degree

Related Posts:

Helpful Links for College Students

Related Posts:

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

Related Posts:

Dealing with Academic and Career Disappointment

Related Posts:

Characteristics of Successful College Students

Related Posts: