College, Career, Life » college

5 Free Apps Every College Student Should Have

collegecareerlife — Fri, 11 May 2012 17:17:23 +0000

As a college student, you probably find yourself juggling a ridiculously busy schedule of classes, work, extracurricular activities and (hopefully) a social life, too. You have likely have no free time and even less money. Luckily, smartphones can make your life a lot easier. There are so many apps available that can help you maximize efficiency and streamline your life.

Best of all, you can utilize these apps without breaking into your Ramen noodle budget. Here are five must-have mobile apps that won’t cost you a penny. They are designed to help you save money and time. Bonus: Most of them should also help you study smarter, regardless of how far from the library you roam.

Chegg – The start-of-the-semester book-buying ritual is emotionally and financially painful. Renting often makes more sense than buying, and Chegg is the place to rent textbooks online. This free app lets you search for the books you need by title, author and ISBN. Also, you can just take your phone to the campus bookstore and scan barcodes. Chegg offers several shipping options and returns are free.

myHomework – Smartphones get a bad rap for distracting us from the task at hand, but this free app helps you get organized. It features an at-a-glance dashboard that lets you see all your classes and the assignments for each class. Plus, pop-up reminders and the calendar feature can help you plan out your workload for the semester. Track homework, exams, papers and anything else on your to-do list and never miss a deadline again.

Evernote – Whether you learn by reading, writing or listening, Evernote can help you store and recall vital information from your classes and research. It captures text, pictures or audio notes that you can sync with your computer or other devices. You can go back and access the information anytime from anywhere. This handy app even processes the contents of images, turning words in a photo into searchable text that will pop up when you need to revisit the subject but forgot you took the picture.

Graphing Calculator: Why buy a $100+ scientific calculator when you can download a free app that turns your smartphone into one? Since math and science classes are required for students regardless of major, it can be frustrating to spend so much money on a product that you will only need for a few classes.

Mint.com – For most of us, the college years are our first chance to handle our own personal finances. Mint.com is an easy to use tool for budgeting and expense tracking. Forget the old days of ledgers, spreadsheets and shoeboxes of receipts. This app connects you to the website that securely accesses your checking account and categorizes transactions so you can see where you’re spending most of your money. It will also alert you when bills are due or when you are in danger of spending more than you have. Learning how to budget properly will help you make smart financial decisions, this is vital knowledge for post-college life.

In addition, check to see if your college or university offers an app of its own. School apps are a free and easy way to stay on top of campus events, offers and even security bulletins. They may even allow you to access aspects of your account, from meal plans to overdue library books.

By stocking your smartphone with the right apps you can maximize your time and your money. Organization is the first and easiest step to academic success. You probably carry your phone with you everywhere, so the right apps can really help you unleash your potential.

Guest post provided by Erin Palmer. Erin writes about online degree programs and career topics for US News University Directory. For more information please visit http://www.usnewsuniversitydirectory.com

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Post tags: Android, apps, college, free, iPhone, smartphone, students

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Book Review: The New College Reality

collegecareerlife — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 00:25:39 +0000

Countless newspapers and blogs have featured the struggles faced by college graduates to find good jobs. Despite the media attention given to the diminishing opportunities for new graduates, many colleges still offer promises of career success and higher earnings. The New College Reality: Make College Work for Your Career, by Bonnie Kerrigan Snyder, provides the unedited truth about college today. The twenty-two rules presented in the book serve as a guideline for students and parents when planning for college.

The overall message of the book is that finding a promising career field and saving money should be the focus of college, not going to the school of one’s dream or maintaining a perfect GPA. Rule one -a college degree is the new high school- has been stated many times. Other rules might not be as familiar or widely accepted. For example, Kerrigan Snyder recommends choosing a career path before choosing a college and starting your college visit at the career center rather than at the admissions office.

Despite rising tuition costs, many students and parents think finances shouldn’t be the main concern when choosing a college. The New College Reality asserts that money should be a major consideration and that the choice about where to attend should be made with the head rather than the heart. The book’s advice on financial aid will be particularly useful for high school students and their parents. Kerrigan Snyder also recommends doing your own research rather than trusting advice from college employees.

The New College Reality is a must-read for students and parents, mainly because it presents honest information that few other sources will provide. It may be hard for students to hear that college is not about having fun or taking interesting classes, but about gaining useful skills for a very difficult job market.

Buy The New College Reality: Make College Work For Your Career at Amazon.com.

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College Habits You Should Bring to the Job

collegecareerlife — Sat, 10 Mar 2012 14:09:37 +0000

It goes without saying that you acquired a host of new skills and experience during your time in college. Some of them you won’t be sorry to leave behind: consuming more frozen and fried foods than any human being should in a single week, for example, or maintaining the sleep schedule (and hygiene) of a sloth. I hope that you made efforts to change those habits after you’ve graduated.

But as you begin your career as a young professional in whatever field you studied, you should know that there are many viable experiences and habits that you learned in college that will help you make a positive impression in the workforce. I’m talking about strong study habits and the keen networking skills that you acquired as you made your way through classes as an undergraduate. These two habits are among your strongest assets as you begin your career in the professional world.

A strong work ethic

This perhaps the most marketable skill you can bring into your career as you transition from an undergraduate student to a young professional. In college, you (hopefully) took advantage of your free time to study and review course material from the day’s classes. This is after all the grand idea behind a college education: giving a promising young adult unlimited free time with which they can pursue their studies at their own pace, so as to benefit any learning style a student might have. Reading assignments that took hours to complete, class projects that demanded large swaths of your personal time and all of your intellectual muscle: these are the types of experiences meant to prepare you for the fast-paced atmosphere of most professional outfits.

Many college courses are designed to prepare students for extremely tough scenarios that they may encounter in a future workplace environment. If you were able to preserve when your professors assigned you seemingly impossibly assignments, you can surely tackle the hazards of an entry-level job. And should you excel at your job duties, your employers will surely notice.

Forming relationships with your peers

This is another skill that most college students employ during their tenure as a student, and it’s not one to be overlooked by graduates in their new jobs. When you’re in college you’re encouraged to meet and collaborate with classmates and students who share the same major (indeed, sometimes you don’t have a choice in the matter). Though initially uncomfortable, is doesn’t task long for a student to realize that the task of networking and befriending their peers is something that benefits everyone. The more friends you made in your classes, the more people you had to study with and discuss the classes. And the more friends you made in college, the better you could network with other people in your desired field. A friend of a friend may have a relative with a prominent engineering firm that you could contact for a potential job, and so forth.

The same social skills will be a huge boon to you in your first job out of college. You’ll have a much easier time settling in with a company if you’re amiable and engaging with your employees. Networking among experts and well connecting officials in your field is critical for a young professional in any field. The experiences that you had meeting other students in college will undoubtedly help you as you form professional relationships at your workplace.

By-line:

This guest post is contributed by Angelita Williams, who writes on the topics of online courses. She welcomes your comments at her email Id: angelita.williams7 @gmail.com.

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Tips for Gaining Transferable Skills in College

collegecareerlife — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 03:19:30 +0000

No matter what major you choose, gaining transferable skills should be a key goal in your college career. Transferable skills differ from technical skills in that they are useful in any industry or job. Examples of transferable skills include communication, organization, leadership, research and time management. By demonstrating these skills, you’ll experience a wider variety of opportunities and prove a stronger job candidate for any position.

Leadership

At some point in your career, you’ll need to oversee people. You may be managing a department or a group of people for project. Develop leadership skills in college by running for officer of a club or organization. An academic or career-based organization is preferable, but leadership skills can be gained anywhere. Confidence is an important part of being a good leader, and the more leadership experiences you have, the more comfortable you’ll feel in a leadership role. If you’ve never held a leadership role, start small by leading a group class project or heading a club fundraiser.

Time Management

Good time management skills are necessary if you have to balance school, work, and extracurricular activities. Get a part-time job, join an organization, or volunteer. As you add responsibilities, prioritization and scheduling become more important. Throughout your career, you’ll need to rely on these skills to get work done accurately and on time.

Communication

Employers in every industry screen for soft skills like communication. It’s important to be able to communicate with a variety of people in different settings. If business communications class and speech classes aren’t required, take them as electives. Employers obtain first impressions of job candidates through resumes, cover letters, and phone interviews which all rely on strong communication skills.

Transferable skills are as important as industry-specific skills when looking for a job. Make the most of your time in college by following the tips above to gain skills that will help throughout your career no matter your chosen industry.

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The Best College Career Center Websites

collegecareerlife — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 13:45:15 +0000

Many students never visit their campus career centers during college. It’s unfortunate that career centers are so underutilized because they can help students choose a college major or career path, in addition to helping with internships and job searches. And while some career centers lack the staff and resources necessary to provide the best services, many offer invaluable information and opportunities. If you can’t make it to your campus career center, try it’s website. College career center sites often list job and internship opportunities, information about job fairs, and career planning resources. Even if you aren’t a student, visit these excellent career center websites:

California State University-Fullerton

California State Fullerton’s Career Center site features interviewing and resume tips, industry information, and salary research sources. If you’re wondering what to do with your major, Fullerton’s career site offers plenty of options for every major(choose Career Exploration, then What can I do with this major).

Colorado State University

The Career Center site at Colorado State has occupational information, college major guides, and industry resource links. Click on the Students tab to explore career the resources, including graduate school basics and information about obtaining an MBA.

Florida State University

The employment and salary statistics will provide useful information not only to Florida State students, but to all college students. Find out which majors earn the most in full-time jobs and internships, in addition to which companies are hiring college graduates. The site also offers resume and career resources accessible to both students and non-students.

UPenn Career Services

The University of Pennsylvania’s career services site includes self assessments in skills, interests, and values. Work-life balance and career-change advice are also available.

University of Michigan

The career center website at University of Michigan includes career assessments, career guides, resume/cover letter advice, interviewing skills, and much more. Michigan’s career center site also provides application and job search advice for graduate and professional students.

The University of Washington

Need help choosing a major, getting experience, or interviewing? The career center at the University of Washington has it all. Explore careers, find out what jobs you can get with your major, and browse internship opportunities on the career center’s website.

Career center sites were judged on four criteria – navigation, accessibility, job and internship opportunities, and career planning resources. Only websites accessible to non-students were chosen for this list.

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Changing Careers? Get College Credit for Life Experience

collegecareerlife — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 11:00:07 +0000

With the rate of unemployment lingering at record highs, professionals across the United States have become obligated to re-assess their value in the marketplace should they become unemployed. In fact, many must consider changing industries altogether, which often requires some amount of additional education. Holding multiple degrees can definitely allow for more seamless movement in and out of different fields and greater expansion of career possibilities. However, pursuing any sort of education takes time, which is not always something job-seekers or employed professionals have available. In addition, going back to school can often seem like the equivalent of jumping back down to the bottom of the ladder only to climb back up once more. What many professionals don’t know, however, is that their life experience could allow them to pursue another degree without having to backtrack.

The New York Times published an article in 2008 about a trend toward colleges offering credit for life experience. Many types of colleges and universities, public, private, online and campus-based, are beginning to consider all past experience, rather than solely academic experience, as having the potential to count as time spent learning. According to the article, continuing education programs across the country grant prior learning credits for “knowledge acquired from activities like political work, retail management, corporate administration, writing, [and] even travel.” The skills learned must directly apply to a particular course in order to count as credit, but schools with these programs maintain that many intro-level courses can be fundamentally similar to experiences that teach the same basic knowledge. For example, starting your own business could equate to a business 101 credit, or working as an intern at a newspaper could provide the perspective and industry knowledge a student would attain in an intro journalism course.

What this means for professionals considering a career change is that they no longer have to worry about whether taking the time to pursue another degree will set them back or whether the strides they have already made professionally will be meaningless. Taking advantage of the opportunity to receive college credit for your experience can cancel out both these negatives.

First off, credit for life experience can save you a chunk of time. According to the Times, students in the adult degree program at James Madison University can receive up to a quarter of the credits needed to graduate by applying for experiential learning credits. “More than a third of students receive prior learning credit of some kind,” the Times article reads, and “in the past three years, only one student’s portfolio was rejected without any points awarded.”

Additionally, applying for this type of credit is a great way to assess your past experience and recognize all that you’ve learned. Once you’re aware of your own skill set, you can make academic choices that will work to create a unique professional background. Kim J. Hartswick, academic director of the Baccalaureate for Unique and Interdisciplinary Studies at City University of New York (CUNY) helps students do exactly that. According to the Times article, Hartswich encourages students to “deconstruct their pasts to determine what course subjects they’ve already mastered…[one] student had founded a nonprofit organization to beautify schools and hospitals. The student was given 15 credits, for proficiency in ‘fund-raising and development,’ ‘creative art for the classroom’ and ‘Web page design.’”

There are many different types of schools that offer credit for life experience, but make sure that the program you choose does not simply give away credit easily, regardless of the type of institution you consider. American Intercontinental University is mainly online and requires students to complete a prior learning assessment to demonstrate their knowledge in any area for which they would like to gain experience credit. According to the New York Times article, if a school does not vet credit requests, take it as a major red flag and move on.

However, as long as the school is accredited, offers an academic program that fits your needs, and imposes rigorous standards for acceptance of life experience credits, it is likely to be a trustworthy program. For professionals who need to expand their career opportunities and secure their ability to handle the ups and downs of a sensitive economy, considering these types of continuing education programs could be a great way to get a head start on the competition.

Byline:

This is a guest post by Kimberly Wilson. Kimberly is from accredited online colleges, she writes on topics including career, education, student life, college life, home improvement, time management etc.

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5 Benefits of a College Internship

collegecareerlife — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 06:55:19 +0000

The thought of taking an unpaid internship position during college can be a depressing one. When you’re already in an environment where you are likely strapped for cash, working for free isn’t always at the top of the to-do list. But college is the perfect time to seek out internships, even the unpaid ones, for several reasons.

1. Experience

Having the opportunity to work in the same environment you will be attempting to secure a career in after college will better prepare you for that future job. It will give you a leg up on all the college graduates in your field that have zero experience and only a degree whereas you will have the experience and the degree.

2. Networking

Working hard when you’re not getting paid to do something you love pays off in the end. Why? Because your superiors and coworkers will be able to see what you’re capable of and can end up being valuable contacts when the internship is over and you’re looking to start your career.

3. Career Knowledge

Interning in a position that mirrors the career path you hope to take after college provides you with the unique opportunity to try out a job before you actually have to commit on paper to a full-time spot. It could be that after you intern there for six months you realize that you hate that type of work and you can take that knowledge and change majors before it’s too late. Or you could realize that you love it and the experience give you the extra push to finish your degree strong and press forward full-steam.

4. Job Opportunity Potential

By successfully interning somewhere and showcasing your individual skill sets and value to the company, you have the chance to secure a potential job after the internship ends. Interning can open up doors that otherwise may have been closed because you get the chance to prove yourself before the regular interview process for a full-time position.

5. Expanded Skills

As an intern you will likely be exposed to all sorts of different tasks and skills to help make you better-rounded (and do the tasks that the salaried employees don’t want to do, let’s be honest here). But by being exposed to an array of tasks, it can help expand your skill set past what your college classes focus on and help you pinpoint what it is you love about the industry that you’re working to become a part of so diligently.

The thought of an internship can conjure up some scary scenes sometimes. The worst that can happen is that you find out you aren’t really interested in your major – which, when you’re still in college is the perfect time to figure that out – or you have a less than stellar experience – in which case you haven’t taken a full time job yet and you still leave the position with the experience. And the best that can happen is you leave with amazing contacts and possibly a career. Either way they can be a valuable option to look into given the opportunities they can potentially provide.

Author Bio

This guest post is by Christine Kane, a graduate of Communication and Journalism. She enjoys writing about a wide-variety of subjects including internet providers in my area for different blogs. She can be reached via email at: Christi.Kane00 @ gmail.com.

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Costs Every College Student Should Consider

collegecareerlife — Sat, 03 Sep 2011 22:36:31 +0000

The following post is contributed by Elizabeth Cutten. Liz manages, FindCollegeCards.com, a place for college students to find their first credit card, as well as find helpful college tips.

As a college student, you need to be aware of all your expenses. This way, you can budget your money wisely and avoid spending too much on things that are not really necessary for your education. So what are the costs every college student should know about? Continue reading below to find out!

1. Tuition and other school-related fees

The first thing you need to know about college is how much your education will cost. This will include tuition and other related fees. Take note that such fees vary depending on the college or university you’re enrolling to. The costs for tuition and other fees may also change every semester. Tuition and other school fees may range from $2,000 to more than $20,000 a year. If you want a cheaper college education, you can enroll in community college. However, there are also national institutions or four year colleges which are affordable, particularly for in-state or resident college students. For a two-year public college, total expenses may amount to $14,000. For four-year public colleges, total expenses range from $18,000 to $30,000. For private colleges, a four year course will range from $36,000 to $37,000 (Trends in College Pricing, College Board).

2. Board and lodging

Another expense you need to be familiar with in college is how much your room or dormitory is going cost. Oftentimes, colleges require students to live in campus dorms to get them adjusted to college life. On campus room rates can be arranged through the college on a quarterly or semester basis. Off-campus, apartments may cost as much as $1,200. If you want to save, you can also opt to share a room with friends or classmates or consider working part time to help you augment your expenses. Electricity costs may reach around $125 a month.

3. Food

Food is obviously something we can’t go without, and is something to factor in our budget as well. Food is cheaper inside the campus, especially if it’s already part of the meal plan. You can spend around $30-$70 a week for food. Just try to cut down on junk food and eat healthy food instead like fruits and vegetables. You get 1150 resident points a semester. Think of that s $1150 to spend at the dining halls and Adele’s. You get 250 Terp Bucks. That’s $250 to spend at the convenience stores, cafes, and delis. Things cost about what they would cost at any food court. Just keep in mind, some food at the convenience store is a little overpriced.

4. Supplies.

The last thing you want to take into consideration is your supplies to prepare you for school. Whether you need a new laptop, new bedding for your dorm room, or supplies such as a backpack and notebooks, these are all something to take into consideration.

College is an expensive time in an adult’s life. Now would be a great time to sell things you no longer use, have a garage sale, or ask for extra hours at your job to help you save up some last minute money for these expenses above.

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What's a Useful Degree?

collegecareerlife — Sun, 22 May 2011 12:38:14 +0000

Many lists have been compiled on the most useful degrees, with income usually being the primary factor. But are certain degrees really better than others? And what constitutes a worthwhile degree? Despite what the all the lists may say, any degree can prove useful, just not always financially. A few important ways your college degree can pay off:

Job Opportunities

For most students, job opportunities are an important consideration when choosing a major. It’s not that students don’t appreciate the humanities and the arts, but that college is a huge investment and a lack of income upon graduation can be devastating to students from middle or lower class backgrounds.

Technical Skills

Technical skills generally lead to more lucrative job opportunities. Technical skills include computer programming, database management, accounting, and project management.

Soft Skills

Without soft skills, technical skills are often irrelevant. Soft skills include communication, teamwork, leadership and critical thinking. For most jobs, soft skills matter as much as technical skills.

Ideally, a college education will offer better career opportunities along with the skills to succeed at work and in life. What do you think? What makes a degree useful? Are some degrees useless?

Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.

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Guide to Changing Your Major

collegecareerlife — Sat, 23 Apr 2011 11:15:31 +0000

With college costs on the rise, students feel increased pressure to choose the right major and to make every class count. Unfortunately, many college students don’t have the knowledge or guidance to help them with this decision. If you want to change your major, follow the steps below to increase your chances of making the best decision.

Consider Your Motivation for Changing

Asking yourself a few questions before changing your major can save time, money, and regret. Why do you want to change majors? A difficult class shouldn’t cause you to change your major. You also shouldn’t change due to pressure from other people. Make sure your decision isn’t based on something that will prove insignificant in the long run.

Research Majors and Careers

As technology changes, so do majors offered by universities. Many interesting, marketable majors are overlooked in favor of more popular majors. When choosing a new major, consider every major available-even those that aren’t familiar to you. To learn the latest on all majors, read Book of Majors 2011 (College Board Book of Majors)

Find Your Best Careers

One method to choose the best major is to work backwards by determining your best career fit. After finding the careers that match your personality, values, and interests, you can identify the majors that best prepare you for those careers. The following steps can help you narrow down your choices.

Take a Class or Two

Some classes are closed to non-majors, but if possible, take a course or two in majors that interest you. An introductory course can help you confirm your interest in the topic, introduce you to areas of concentration within the field, and possibly give you an idea of career options.

Try an Internship

An internship or part-time job could help you make a decision about which major would be best for your career goals. Before spending time and money on a degree, discover what working in a related field is really like. Internship experience will increase the likelihood of getting a return on your investment. You’ll also graduate with valuable work experience – and maybe even a job offer!

Talk with an Adviser

Once you decide on a new major, make an appointment with an academic adviser in the department of your chosen major. Your adviser can help you build a schedule, choose the correct classes, and recommend resources to help you make the transition.

Changing majors happens frequently and many students change majors several times throughout their college years. While sticking with the wrong major isn’t recommended, jumping from major to major isn’t the answer, either. To prevent wasted time and money, take the necessary steps to identify the best major for you.

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New Year's Resolutions for College Students

collegecareerlife — Mon, 03 Jan 2011 11:00:54 +0000

New Year’s resolutions are easy to make, but hard to keep. Instead of making the same resolutions you make every year, resolve to prepare for your career and improve your grades with a few important steps.

Find Your Best Career(s)

Career planning should be important to every college student, but many don’t consider their career goals until after graduation. Choosing the right career involves learning about your personality, interests and values. Visit the Top Ten Sites for Career Planning for reliable career information. You don’t need to narrow your choices down to just one career. Identifying your ideal work environment, interests, and values will help you choose the right positions throughout your career.

Get an Internship

An internship is the new entry level job. Many companies hire former interns and employers expect internship experience from recent graduates. Internships provide opportunities to make industry connections and pick up valuable skills. If nothing else, you’ll have work experience to put on your resume.

Update Your Resume

A resume isn’t just for finding a job, it’s a way to document your skills and accomplishments. Even if graduation is a few years away, create a resume now and update it at least once a semester. What should you put on your resume? Relevant coursework, projects, papers, volunteer work, and part-time jobs. Employers value work experience, even if it’s just part-time work, because it demonstrates reliability and a work ethic. Read Resume Advice for College Students for more on creating a resume in college.

Set a Time and Place for Studying

Time management may be the most important skill for college and career success. Setting a specific time and place to get work done will allow you to get more accomplished in less time. Find a quiet place with no distractions and set times on your calender for studying.

Keep your resolutions by creating specific steps you’ll take to reach each goal and by making each goal realistic. Visiting your college career center is a great first step for all resolutions listed above.

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Don’t Let Student Loans Ruin You

collegecareerlife — Mon, 20 Dec 2010 12:00:27 +0000

Today’s high tuition costs necessitate loans for many college students. Loans have become so common that hardly anyone thinks about the consequences of this debt. It’s a smart investment in your future, right? Not always. First, interest on loans is accruing daily (once you graduate for subsidized and while you’re still in school for unsubsidized). Over the payment period of your loans, you can pay thousands in interest alone. And unlike other debt, student loans cannot usually be discharged in bankruptcy. With no guarantee you’ll find a job in your field, why take on such a burden? Before you decide to take out loans, read on for how to prevent crippling debt. And if you’re already overwhelmed by student loans, learn how to take control of the debt before it’s too late.

Preventative Measures

Maximize scholarships and grants - Every small scholarship adds up. Search for scholarships specific to your degree program or your hometown. This will reduce the competition because these smaller scholarships are often overlooked by students. Visit Scholarships.com to search for scholarships by different criteria.
Inquire about work/study opportunities – The Federal Work Study Program allows undergraduate and graduate students to earn funds through part-time work. In order to receive federal financial aid, including work-study funds, grants, and scholarships, students must fill out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Make tuition a factor in choosing a school – You don’t have to go to a private school to have a good college experience. Public colleges and community colleges can offer the advantages of small private schools without the ridiculous tuition prices. Read how to have a private college experience at a public college price.
Live like a student – Some students use loan money to cover non-educational expenses. While in school, you’ll need to reduce your living expenses as much as possible so that loan funds can be used for tuition and books only. Take on a roommate or stay in the dorms to reduce your housing expenses. Earn extra money by tutoring or freelancing.

Damage Control

Understand your debt – Instead of letting someone else calculate what you owe and your payments, do it yourself. Figure out what you’re paying in interest daily by multiplying the interest rate on your loan by the principal balance and dividing by 365.25. For example, if you have a principal balance of $20,000 and an interest rate of 6.80%, your daily interest will be ($20,000 x .068) / 365.25 = $3.72. Set up an Excel spreadsheet for your loan calculations or use the loan payment chart generator at Finaid.org.
Payoff high interest loans first – As soon as you have income, make paying off your highest interest loans a priority. If you’re able to make more than the minimum monthly payments, do it. Don’t let the interest pile up so much that you can never make a dent in the principal.
Consider discharge options – If you work in certain professions, you may be able to get your loans discharged or reduced. For example, teachers working in low-income areas may have their loans forgiven or cancelled.
Learn the pros and cons of consolidation – Consolidation can have a positive or negative effect on your financial situation. One major disadvantage is the possible loss of discharge and other benefits when you consolidate. You may also be charged a penalty for prepaying. However, consolidation can also simplify your payments and allow you to pay off your loan sooner. Read about the pros and cons of consolidation to determine if this option is right for you.

You don’t have to rack up huge loans to get a good education. Loans, grants, and work/study funds can go a long way if you take advantage of all the options available. Read The Ultimate Scholarship Book 2011: Billions of Dollars in Scholarships, Grants and Prizes to find scholarships you may have overlooked.

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10 Things to Do Before Graduating College

collegecareerlife — Tue, 07 Dec 2010 12:10:02 +0000

The following post is contributed by Mark Davies, who writes on the topic of Online Masters Degree . He welcomes your comments at his email id: markdavies247<@>gmail<.>com.

It’s one of the best times of your life – you’re on your own for the first time in your life, yet free of most of the responsibilities that are a normal part of being an adult when you’re in college. It’s an experience that must be savored and used to the maximum because it’s a time you can never get back. You may go back to school again at some point in your life, but it’s those first four years that count as your real college life, a time when you discover that you had wings and could fly if you so choose to. If you’re looking for ways to make your college life more memorable, here’s a list of ten things to do before you graduate:

1. Take a course just for the heck of it: College is mostly about classes and courses and lectures and exams. They’re necessary if you want to graduate with good grades. However, use your freshman year to take a course that’s not part of your degree requirements, just for fun or for a completely new experience.

2. Get to spend some time with your professors: They’re not just people who walk in and out of your classrooms and spout lectures; they could be much more if you take some time to get to know them outside class. Stopping to introduce yourself and say hello to your professors helps when it comes to job searches, letters of recommendation, and even higher grades if possible.

3. Find an internship position: The best way to find a career that’s suited to your temperament and mentality is to test the waters before you find a job; and the only way to do this while still in college is to work as an intern during your junior and senior years. You spend your time gaining useful knowledge and experience, and you bolster your credentials when it’s time to find a job.

4. Stay up all night: I don’t mean you should drink all night and party away the hours (although that’s not bad if done just once or twice for the heck of it), just that it’s nice at times to sit up with a bunch of friends in your dorm room, library or any other part of campus, studying a little, and having loads of fun.

5. Explore your campus: College campuses are huge, sprawling areas – spend a weekend exploring your campus and discovering nooks and corners that you never knew existed.

6. Ask that hot guy/girl out: You may be shy and short of confidence, but it’s worth the effort to screw up your courage and ask your dream date out. The worst thing that could happen is that they turn you down, and on the bright side, they may say yes and make your day and much more. Wait for the right moment however – catching them alone decreases the probability of a public put-down.

7. Take part in an extra-curricular activity on campus: College is more than just books and lessons; so take advantage of the range of extra-curricular activities that college offers – sports, drama clubs, etc. – and add to your repertoire of skills and talents.

8. Eat something you’ve never tasted before: For once in your life, be adventurous in matters of the palate. Eat something you would never touch otherwise, as part of a bet or just to challenge yourself to try new experiences.

9. Learn how to keep your dorm room clean: College students are not known for being neat and organized; so turn popular perception on its head and start keeping your room clean, your clothes washed and put away, and your schedule organized and planned.

10. Start planning your career: You’ve come to college in order to find and choose a career, so start working on finding a job by the end of your junior year. Build a network of support that you can tap when it’s time to enter the professional world. And work on your grades and academic performance so it’s easier to find a job once you graduate.

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25 Free Financial Resources for Recent Graduates

collegecareerlife — Sun, 14 Nov 2010 03:51:49 +0000

As a new graduate, you may have loans to pay back, and you probably aren’t earning a lot (if you have any income at all). You may also be adjusting to a new city and starting a new job. How do you begin to save for the future, pay off debt, and establish your career when faced with so many challenges and few financial resources? Try these free online resources to help you save, spend, and invest wisely:

Find a Job and a Good Salary

Find out what you’re really worth at Salary.com. Enter your job title, location, experience, and education to get detailed wage and benefits information.
Salary negotiation isn’t easy, especially if you don’t have a lot of experience. Read Monster’s negotiationg tips for entry-level candidates.

Pay Back Your Loans

Paying back student loans can be a challenge on an entry-level salary. The calculators at FinAid.org will help you find the best payment schedule based on your income.
Read The Smart Way to Pay Off Student Loans at US News Money.
About.com’s article, Should I Pay Off My Student Loans Early?, offers the advantages to paying off loans early. One big advantage: saving on interest.

Budget and Track Expenses

Lesson 2 of Money 101 at CNN Money covers budgeting basics such as listing expenses, setting goals and cutting costs. Easy to read, simple budgeting guide for anyone that’s new to budgeting.
YoungMoney.com has personal finance calculators for budgeting, loans, savings and retirements. The site also has sections on entrepreneurship, careers, and investing.
Download free budgeting worksheets My Money.gov. The site also offers many other free financial tools and resources, including information about debt, investing, insurance and loans.
Track your spending for free online using Thrive. You can also set financial goals and chart your progress. By connecting all of your accounts, you can get an overall picture of your financial health.
Mint, a free online personal finance software, also offers free expense tracking and personal finance tools. As with Thrive, you can set goals and connect your accounts.
Learn the basics of money management at Kiplinger.com. The guide offers tips on saving, budgeting, and how to cut spending. Explore other sections on Kiplinger, including investing, retirement, taxes, and insurance.

Get the Best Rates

Search nationally or locally for the best interest rates on savings accounts, CD’s at BankRate.com. Use one of Bankrate’s debt management calculators to figure the cost of paying minimum on your debt or your credit risk.
Find the best rates on auto loans, savings accounts and CD’s at MoneyAisle.com.
Choose the best cell phone plan, credit cards, cable service and gas stations by using BillShrink to search for the best prices in your area.

Find the Lowest Prices

Shop at your favorite retail stores and save with discounts found at RetailMeNot.com. Participating stores include Amazon.com, Old Navy, and Barnes and Noble.
Before you shop, compare prices on your favorite items at PriceGrabber.com. From groceries to electronics, you’ll find the lowest prices available.
Discover what others are paying for goods and services at CostHelper.com.
Rent can take a huge bite out of your paycheck, especially in a large city. Find the best rent rates in your area at Rentomenter.com.
Search for the lowest rental rates at Rent.com. Enter the maximum you can afford to spend, and view results for your area.
If you just graduated and haven’t found a job, or if your employer doesn’t offer health insurance, you can find individual policies, including short-term insurance, at ehealthinsurance.com. Enter basic information (zip code, age, gender, tobacco use) and see monthly prices for plans offered in your area.

Build Credit

Credit Karma offers free credit score estimates along with simulations based on potential changes (closing an account, paying off debt, etc.). You’ll also find educational articles that teach you about credit scores and reports.

Save for Retirement

It’s never to early to start saving for retirement. Use the retirement calculator at CNN Money to see how much you need to save to reach your retirement goals.
Should you save for retirement or pay off debt? Your money priorities, first to last from MSN Money will help you prioritize your spending.

Give Wisely

Before you give to a charity, do your research on where exactly your money goes. Charity Navigator allows you to search for charities based on category, rating, or location. You’ll also find resources to help you become a better donor, including question you should ask before donating and tips to avoid scams.

More Financial Resources

For more financial advice, read Get a Financial Life: Personal Finance In Your Twenties and Thirties by Beth Kobliner. You may not have learned about personal finance in college, but it may be the most important skill you can gain.

© Andrea for College, Career, Life, 2010. | Permalink | No comment | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: college, debt, finance, loans, money

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Getting the Most out of a College Job Fair

collegecareerlife — Sat, 15 May 2010 13:48:41 +0000

The great thing about being in college is that any good university career center organizes a job fair once every semester—or at least once a year. These job fairs can be an absolute goldmine—after all, how often do employers gather in one place and reach out to you, instead of the other way around? It is important to take advantage of these job fairs any chance you get. To help you toward that end, I will discuss a game plan that will help you get the most out of your college’s next job fair.

First of all, as soon as you get wind that a job fair is headed your way, go online and find out about it. Register for the fair if necessary, and if the fair lasts more than one day, make plans to attend both days. Some employers can only send a recruiter out for one day. If you only attend one day, you may miss out on an opportunity. Print out any lists of employers that plan on attending. Circle any that catch your eye so you can do a little research on the company ahead of time and make plans to visit their booth. If you go into a job fair ignorant of who will be there, you may end up wasting a lot of valuable time.

Next, update your resume, print off several copies, and prepare a portfolio of work you’ve done in college or in previous jobs that might be relevant to the jobs you are seeking. You may even want to copy your resume and samples of your work to a portable flash drive so you can easily transfer it to a computer. After all, many career representatives bring laptops so students can apply for jobs online.

The day before, prepare a brief statement about yourself that lets career representatives know your skills and strengths in a nutshell. Keep in mind that these recruiters will be speaking with hundreds of students, and you will need to find ways to stand out from the crowd. Most recruiters will be ready and waiting to sell you on how great their company is, but don’t let them do all the talking. Be prepared to ask questions, like “What type of degree is needed for this position?” or “What positions are available?”

Some recruiters are pushy and attempt to draw students in with candy bowls, spinning wheels and other gimmicks, but don’t feel pressured to waste time with those who represent jobs you won’t realistically pursue. You can politely decline to start a conversation with them. If you’re not sure if you’re interested in a job, wait until the recruiter is speaking with another student, then stealthily swipe a brochure, stepping away to consider the job in peace before approaching the recruiter.

Dress professionally and take the job fair seriously. In fact, treat it like an interview—complete with business casual attire, a welcoming smile and a solid handshake. There’s no better way to make an excellent first impression on potential employers.

Finally, follow up on any good leads or connections you make, reminding employers of your interest in the company. Send a thank you note if they took the time to interview you at the fair. Little details go a long way toward landing a great job.

By-line:

This guest post is contributed by Alvina Lopez, who writes on the topics of accredited online colleges. She welcomes your comments at her email Id: alvina.lopez@gmail.com.

© Andrea for College, Career, Life, 2010. | Permalink | One comment | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: advice, college, employment, guest post, job fair, job search, jobs

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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

© Andrea for College, Career, Life, 2010. | Permalink | One comment | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: advice, college, education, guest post, success

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Questions to Ask When Choosing a College

collegecareerlife — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 12:53:14 +0000

College is expensive, and tuition keeps rising each year. In order to get the most for your money, you need to choose a college or graduate program that provides sufficient career preparation and support for students. When considering a college or graduate program, assess both the campus career center and the specific department or school of your intended major (if you have one). Some important questions to ask when visiting college campuses:

Questions to ask at the Career Center:

How many licensed career counselors are on staff?
Do you offer help with interviewing and resume preparation?
What does the career center do to help students find a job after graduation?
Do you keep track of job placement statistics? How many students have a job upon graduation?
What other career planning and job placement services do you offer students?

Questions to ask Specific Schools or Departments:

What do you do to prepare graduates for a career in (your chosen field)?
What is the acceptance rate to professional/graduate school for graduates of this program?
What is the pass rate on the (professional/licensing exam)?
Do you help students find internships? At what companies do students intern?
What research opportunities are available to students?
How many graduate assistantship positions are available? How many students that want assistantships get them?

All of these questions may not apply to you, depending on your intended major and whether you’re a graduate student or undergraduate. College rankings can be very helpful but they might not tell the whole story. Representatives will say all good things because they want your tuition money, so you need to be prepared with specific questions.

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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.

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

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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.

© Andrea for College, Career, Life, 2010. | Permalink | No comment | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: college, finance, money, textbooks, tips

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Remington College Online Accounting Degree Program

collegecareerlife — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 16:20:44 +0000

Today’s most in-demand, well-paying jobs require a college education. But if you work full-time or don’t live near a college campus, a college degree may seem out of reach. Fortunately, there are reputable online schools that can provide you with the skills you need to advance in your career.

The online accounting degree program at Remington College will prepare you for a career in banking, international accounting, taxation, and many other business fields. The accounting program at Remington College includes courses in leadership, business ethics, marketing, entrepreneurship, principles of taxation, managerial accounting, cost accounting, and advanced accounting. In as little as 36 months, you can complete your degree and be qualified for a career in a variety of business specialties.

Remington College Online offers accessibility, flexibility and support for non-traditional students. Your courses, including lectures, will be available 24/7 through the Moodle user platform. You’ll be able to communicate with your instructors and other students through a discussion forum and user community links.

As an online student at Remington College, you’ll also be able to choose ebooks over paper-based textbooks for some of your courses. Using the eBrary learning resource, you can create a personal bookshelf and add research tools. The InfoTrac learning resource will give you access to an article database of over 75 million articles from a variety of publications. You can highlight, bookmark, and download the articles whenever you need them.

If you want to try out online learning before making a full commitment, Remington College Online offers a free orientation session where you can familiarize yourself with the online learning environment. Your orientation will include a welcome session, policies and procedures, a section on research and writing, strategies for success, and information on getting help.

For more information about the online accounting degree program at Remington College, visit the Remington College website to request more information or to talk to an admissions representative.

This post is sponsored by Remington College Online.

© Andrea for College, Career, Life, 2010. | Permalink | No comment | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: business, college, degree, education, online, Remington College

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