College, Career, Life » degree

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.

© Andrea for College, Career, Life, 2012. | Permalink | No comment | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: books, college, degree, review

Feed enhanced by Better Feed from Ozh

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.

© Andrea for College, Career, Life, 2011. | Permalink | No comment | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: college, degree, education

Feed enhanced by Better Feed from Ozh

Jobs You Can Get With Any Degree-Part II

collegecareerlife — Sun, 23 Jan 2011 11:12:03 +0000

Whether you have a liberal arts degree, chose the wrong major, or just want a career change, you can find several career options that don’t require a specific degree. I’ve written about careers suitable for any college degree and jobs for liberal arts majors. Those were only a small number of the hundreds of jobs that don’t require a specific degree. Below, some more careers to consider regardless of your degree or major:

Event Coordinator

Event coordinators (also called event planners) manage events such as meetings, training seminars, and business conferences. They work in a variety of industries, from education to professional services. Event coordinators are responsible for budgeting, choosing venues, lodging, catering, scheduling, entertainment and travel. Key requirements for the job include excellent communication and time management skills, in addition to the ability to work well under pressure. Event planners earn a median salary of $55,004, according to Salary.com.

Insurance Underwriter

Insurance underwriters review insurance applications, calculate risks, decide who is awarded a policy and determine premiums. Underwriters may specialize in life, health, mortgage, or property and casualty insurance. Insurance underwriters earned an average annual wage of $57,820 in 2009 and the field is projected to experience a three to nine percent decline over the next decade.*

Policy Analyst

Policy analysts develop and research policies for governments, non-profits, and other organizations. Analysts gather information necessary for decision-making, determine program effectiveness, examine repercussions of various policies, and develop solutions to identified problems. Responsibilities and job requirements can vary greatly depending on the industry and employer. Many employers require advance degrees, but some will accept candidates with a bachelor’s degree. National average salaries range from $41,258 to $65,335, according to PayScale.com

Project Manager

A project manager’s responsibilities include facilitating communication among team members, scheduling and assigning tasks, budgeting, and responding to setbacks. Information technology and construction are common fields for project managers. Although no formal requirements exist, project management certification increases marketability. According to Salary.com, project managers with two to four years of experience will earn a median annual wage of $65,237. Visit the Project Management Institute site for more information.

Real Estate Agent or Broker

Real estate brokers and agents sell real estate, appraise property values, and oversee real estate transactions. They must have knowledge of real estate law, local housing and economic trends, mortgages, and zoning laws. Real estate brokers and agents in the United States must be licensed. Licensing requirements include the passing of a written tests administered by the state and, in most states, 30 to 90 hours of classroom instruction. Brokers and agents perform similar work, but agents must work with a broker while brokers can run their own real estate businesses. In order to obtain a broker’s license, one must have experience selling real estate, and the amount of experience required varies from state to state.

Discover more jobs suitable for liberal arts majors by reading Great Jobs for Liberal Arts Majors (Great Jobs Series).

* Wage and employment information for Insurance Underwriters from O*NET.

© Andrea for College, Career, Life, 2011. | Permalink | No comment | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: career planning, careers, degree, jobs with any major

Feed enhanced by Better Feed from Ozh

Associates Degrees that Offer Great Opportunities

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

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

Physical Therapist Assistant

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

Veterinary/Animal Health Technology

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

Diagnostic Medical Sonography/Ultrasound Technology

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

Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Technology

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

Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications

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

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

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

* Salary information from MyPlan.com

© Andrea for College, Career, Life, 2010. | Permalink | 2 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: associates degree, careers, degree, education, healthcare

Feed enhanced by Better Feed from Ozh

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

Feed enhanced by Better Feed from Ozh

Good and Bad Reasons to Get a Liberal Arts Degree

collegecareerlife — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 14:35:11 +0000

Liberal arts degrees are criticized because people with liberal arts degrees often end up doing jobs that could be done without a college degree. However, a “practical” degree is no guarantee of a job or a good salary. While it is true that graduates with technical degrees generally have an easier time finding employment and have higher average starting salaries, a liberal arts degree can be beneficial in certain circumstances. A few points to help you make a decision about pursuing a liberal arts degree:

You should get a liberal arts degree if..

You’re really interested in a particular subject and don’t mind spending five or six years in graduate school.
You have a certain job or jobs in mind that you would really enjoy and that you can get with a liberal arts degree. See a list of common jobs for graduates with different degrees at PayScale.com.
You don’t want to be limited to a particular field and like the flexibility that a liberal arts degree provides. You’re willing to pursue further education if necessary.

You shouldn’t get a liberal arts degree if….

You want to maintain a high GPA and think it will be easier as a liberal arts major.
You’re interested in a subject, but not enough to spend many years in graduate school studying it in-depth.
You love the classes, but aren’t sure you would love the career(s) related to the degree.

An important consideration when choosing a major is financial aid. Determine the maximum amount of loans you should take out based on your major and try not to go over that amount. If you have a good reason for getting a liberal arts degree, don’t worry about what others think. Don’t put yourself through four (or more) years of misery because of societal expectations about what degrees are best.

For more information see my recommended books for liberal arts majors or the Jobs for Liberal Arts Majors page.

© Andrea for College, Career, Life, 2009. | Permalink | 5 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: degree, liberal arts, majors

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

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

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
Post tags: academic, degree, education, government, guest post

Feed enhanced by Better Feed from Ozh

Jobs for Liberal Arts Majors: English

collegecareerlife — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 03:20:00 +0000

English majors have skills that employers highly value: critical thinking, communication and reading comprehension. People with English degrees can be found in a wide variety of industries and occupations, including advertising and media. Some great careers for English majors to consider:

Copy Writer

Copy writers create advertising copy and promotional materials. They collaborate with clients, marketing executives, and salespeople in order to obtain necessary information about a product or service. Their work might appear on product packaging, internet advertisements, bulletin boards, or in brochures. Average annual salary : $50, 660.*

Personnel Recruiter

Recruiters identify qualified candidates and match them to employers who need their particular skills. They work with hiring managers to find appropriate candidates for openings within a company and keep applicants informed during the hiring process. Communication and interpersonal skills are essential as recruiters must maintain positive relationships with both job seekers and the companies for which they recruit. Demand for recruiters is expected to increase faster than average through 2016, according to O*Net Online. Average annual salary: $44,380.*

Technical Writer

Technical writers create instruction and operations manuals for various types of equipment and machinery. They must be well versed in relevant technical terminology and operating procedures, and may need to consult with engineers and other professionals. Technical writers may also help with drawing sketches or selecting appropriate photographs for manuals. Demand for technical writers is expected to increase faster than average over the next eight years. Average salary: $60,390*

Editor

Editors revise books and articles before publication. Not only do they check for grammatical and punctuation errors, but they also rewrite content to enhance clarity and verify facts and statistics. Other duties include generating story ideas, assigning topics to writers, and layout design. An editor may work for a newspaper, textbook publishing company, website, magazine, or other organization. Demand is greatest for editors with web experience. Average salary : $48,320.*

News Reporter /Correspondent

Reporters report news stories for newspapers, magazines, websites, or broadcast. They may conduct extensive research and interview a variety of individuals in order to gather necessary information. Reporters must work well under pressure and have excellent investigative skills. Average annual salary: $34,690.*

For more jobs for liberal arts majors, read Smart Moves for Liberal Arts Grads: Finding a Path to Your Perfect Career.

*ONet Online

© Andrea for College, Career, Life, 2008. | Permalink | No comment | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: degree, english, jobs, liberal arts, majors

Feed enhanced by Better Feed from Ozh

College, Career, Life » degree

Book Review: The New College Reality

Related Posts:

What's a Useful Degree?

Related Posts:

Jobs You Can Get With Any Degree-Part II

Related Posts:

Associates Degrees that Offer Great Opportunities

Related Posts:

Remington College Online Accounting Degree Program

Related Posts:

Good and Bad Reasons to Get a Liberal Arts Degree

Related Posts:

Top Ten Most Flexible Degree Choices

Related Posts:

Accelerated Learning a Great Option for Adult Students

Related Posts:

Advantages of an Online Degree

Related Posts:

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

Related Posts:

Jobs for Liberal Arts Majors: English

Related Posts: