College, Career, Life » education

Four Good Reasons for Going to Grad School

collegecareerlife — Sat, 17 Mar 2012 11:45:25 +0000

In this tough economy, you may have trouble landing a job, especially if you are a recent grad with no substantive work experience. During the worst of the recession, many students decided to ride out the terrible unemployment rate by going back to school. Now, many of those students have lost out on possible job experience, and have a relatively worthless degree and loads of student debt. Going back to grad school, it seems, may have been the wrong decision after all. Still, there are both good and bad reasons for going to grad school. If you are considering a grad school track, make sure you’re doing it for the right reasons. Here are a few:

1. You’re seriously considering a career in academia.

Most graduate degrees, with the exception of professional degrees like law and medicine, are training specifically for academics (i.e., university professors and researchers). As such, say you are considering a Master’s degree in English. It won’t be English undergrad 2.0. It will be very specific study of a specific problem in English literature, coupled with pedagogy classes that train you to be a professor. As such, for most graduate-level degrees, especially in the humanities, you must seriously want to eventually become a professor. Otherwise the degree is essentially worthless.

2. Someone else is paying for it.

The best reason for NOT going to graduate school is the often exorbitant cost. Not only will you be losing the opportunity cost of being out of the job market and not making money, but if you have to pay for tuition yourself, you’ll be adding another significant cost. On the other hand, if you are independently wealthy, have parents who have agreed to front the total cost, or you receive scholarship money that covers tuition, it may be a good idea to go to grad school, if your heart is really in it.

3. Your dream job absolutely requires a graduate degree.

There are some career paths that do require post-graduate education, most notably law school and medical school. Other career paths that would require post-graduate degrees include library science, accounting, and certain school and government administration careers.

4. You want to go into a field completely unrelated to your undergraduate major.

Perhaps you may find yourself in the position of having completed undergraduate degree, but you’ve decided what you studied is completely removed from what you eventually want to do. For example, say you studied history but you want to go into website design, a field that requires quite a bit of technical knowledge of which you possess none. This may be an instance in which doing at least some post-grad schooling will be necessary.

By-line:

Mariana Ashley is a freelance writer who particularly enjoys writing about online colleges. She loves receiving reader feedback, which can be directed to mariana.ashley031 @gmail.com.

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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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The Problems with Law School

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

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

The Default for Directionless Graduates

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

Too Many Schools and Increasing Enrollment

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

Skewed Job Placement and Salary Statistics

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

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

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Post tags: debt, education, law, law school, lawyers, legal

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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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Seek Learning Offers Variety of Online Learning Options

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

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

TAFE Courses

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This post was sponsored by Seek Learning of Australia.

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Associates Degrees that Offer Great Opportunities

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

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

Physical Therapist Assistant

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

Veterinary/Animal Health Technology

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

Diagnostic Medical Sonography/Ultrasound Technology

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

Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Technology

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

Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications

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

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

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

* Salary information from MyPlan.com

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Three Ways to Become Indispensable

collegecareerlife — Wed, 19 May 2010 14:55:15 +0000

Some professionals are always in-demand, even in a competitive job market. They aren’t considered when it comes time to reduce staff and they still get calls from recruiters in a recession. How do they do it? Indispensable workers have a unique combination of skills, knowledge, and experience. How can you be one of them? Three ways to be in-demand and indispensable:

Diversify your skills.

By having a broad range of skills, you’ll increase the number of positions for which you’re qualified. Also, a knowledge of other business functions is vital if you want to move up to a management role. Don’t turn down an opportunity to gain new skills or knowledge, even if it’s not directly related to your field. You never know when an experience will prove useful.

Specialize.

This might seem to contradict the last point, but you can have a diverse skill set and be a specialist. You may become a specialist in a certain area by accident, not because you chose it. It’s common to gain a specialized skill inadvertently, but be sure your skills are not becoming obsolete. If you’re known as an expert in a given area, you’ll have much better career opportunities.

Keep up with industry changes.

Constant changes occur in almost every industry. You may want to go back to school to complete your degree and update your knowledge base. If you already have a degree, you can take classes as a non degree-seeking student. Your employer may be willing to pay for higher education or continuing education courses. Online college is a great option for full-time workers because it offers more flexibility.

Successful people are life-long students. Technology and globalization have lead to industries that are constantly changing and increasingly competitive. You may have graduated many years ago, but you should still be willing to learn new skills and acquire knowledge throughout your career. Diversifying skills, specializing, and keeping up with industry changes are three steps that anyone can take to improve his or her career.

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How to Make the Most of Your College Education

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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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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.

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Top Ten Most Flexible Degree Choices

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

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

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

Business administration

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

Engineering

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

Computer science

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

Mathematics

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

English and other languages

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

Education

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

Political science

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

Psychology

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

Graphic design

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

Economics

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

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

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Accelerated Learning a Great Option for Adult Students

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

This is a paid promotional post for Centenary College.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Advantages of an Online Degree

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

This is a paid promotional post for Bryan College Online.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Job Numbers: What Really Matters

collegecareerlife — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 03:22:05 +0000

Job-related statistics can be misleading because there’s usually more to consider than a single number or percentage. Plenty of numbers related to employment can be found, but many factors aren’t obvious to most job-seekers. What matters – and what doesn’t- when it comes to employment statistics?

What doesn’t matter: job openings

What really matters: job openings vs. qualified applicants

Although the number of job openings is important, you should consider one other factor: how easy it is to become qualified. Despite a large number of openings, certain jobs may be hard to come by because so many people qualify for them. What you should look for is jobs that are in demand because of limiting factors such as a high level of education (including difficult “weed out” classes) and competitive training programs. Healthcare is a secure field not only because it is necessary even in a recession, but because most jobs in the field require certian training and/or certification.

What doesn’t matter: job board listings

What really matters: job board listings and recruitment

Most jobs aren’t advertised, so looking at job boards isn’t extremely helpful in assessing the demand for a given occupation. It is possible to find a job using these web-sites, but most jobs are filled through recruitment or connections. Some college programs have very high placement rates for graduates because of both the quality of the program and need for qualified employees in the field. Experienced professionals may receive offers through recruiters or directly from a potential employer. It’s better to talk with recruiters or professionals in your chosen industry to get a sense of job demand.

What doesn’t matter: demand

What really matters: locations and specialties with highest demand

Demand can be high for a given occupation, but you may still not find a job in your industry if you don’t live where the employers are located. Many industries, such as information technology, are geographically concentrated. Certain cities are much better for job seekers. Also, remember that you may not be able to get a job anywhere you want. For example, rural and inner-city schools are most in need of teachers, while new teachers may have trouble finding jobs at suburban schools.

Job statistics can be deceiving and hard to understand. You may need to look at what isn’t measured or beyond the numbers reported in order to get a better picture. To help with your research, visit the following links:

Top Entry-Level Employers 2009

America’s 25 Best Places to Move

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Post tags: economy, education, jobsearch, statistics

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Would you be interested in a college spy training program?

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

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

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Trends in MBA Admissions Change with the Economy

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

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

Applications Are Up

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

The Applicant Pool Is Different

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

Competition Is More Severe

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

Admissions Committees Want Different Things

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

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

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Post tags: admissions, education, guest post, mba

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Insider Interview: Education

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

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

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

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

How has your job changed since you started?

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

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

What are the most in-demand jobs in education?

Special needs, math, and science teachers.

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

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

What’s the hardest part of your job?

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

What do you like best about teaching?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

* real name not used

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Post tags: career planning, education, insider interview, interview, teaching

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Take Advantage of Electives: Classes Every Student Should Take

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Post tags: college, courses, education, electives

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Jobs for Introverts and Extroverts in Each Field

collegecareerlife — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 00:21:00 +0000

I’ve focused on introverts in a past article because introverts are more limited in terms of what careers they can pursue. Since I don’t want to leave extroverts out, I’ll suggest some good jobs for introverts and extroverts within each field. Many introvert career suggestions will suit extroverts and visa versa. This post is meant for those that fall at an extreme end of the introvert/extrovert spectrum and want a career that is most likely to suit this particular personality aspect.

Accounting and Finance:

Extroverts are more likely to prefer management positions while introverts will prefer to stay behind the scenes doing research or financial analysis. Extroverts also make good entrepreneurs because they can make connections easily. Extroverts can enroll in a traditional university program for accounting and finance, and there are opportunities for introverts to attend online masters degree programs.

Introvert jobs: credit analyst, financial analyst, staff accountant

Extrovert jobs: personal financial adviser, financial manager, financial services sales agent

Marketing and Sales:

A reader commenting on a previous post mentioned that she loves the creativity used in marketing but she feels overwhelmed as an introvert. For creative introverts, marketing can be a good field if you choose a job that allows for some quiet time to concentrate.

Introvert jobs: market research analyst, web/internet marketing analyst, marketing copywriter

Extrovert jobs: advertising sales agent, public relations specialist, marketing manager*

*Marketing manager can be a great job for both introverts and extroverts, depending on the responsibilities of a particular position. Some marketing managers focus a large portion of their time on research and designing promotional material. Presentation and communication skills are essential for marketing management, but extroversion is not.

Information Technology:

You may think that only introverts would enjoy computer-related occupations, but extroverts can actually excel in jobs that require good marketing and public relations skills. Introverts will probably enjoy work within an organization where they can remain in the background working on projects without worrying too much about promoting their ideas or products.

Introvert jobs: software engineer, computer systems analyst

Extrovert jobs: independent web developer/designer, professional tech blogger, entrepreneur

If you’re interested in the Information Technology field, you could consider getting information assurance training online to stand out from the rest.

Education:

You might be surprised to learn that many teachers consider themselves introverts. Don’t rule teaching out if you are introverted because many teaching jobs allow for down-time between classes. If you are interested in teaching a certain subject, don’t let your personality stop you.

Introvert jobs: librarian, school psychologist, guidance counselor, college professor

Extrovert jobs: elementary school teacher, education administrator

Health care:

Empathy and patience are two important traits for health care workers to have. Introverts are often very sensitive and contemplative, making them excellent candidates for many jobs the health care field. Extroverts usually do well in jobs that require both good interpersonal skills and stamina.

Introvert jobs: pharmacist, anesthesiologist, family physician, nutritionist, home health nurse

Extrovert jobs: emergency medical technician, physical therapist, emergency room nurse

For more research about personality and career choice read Career Match: Connecting Who You Are with What You’ll Love to Do

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Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking (Hardcover)

By (author) Susan Cain

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Release date January 24, 2012.

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Post tags: education, extrovert, finance, healthcare, introvert, IT, jobs, marketing, personality

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