College, Career, Life » guest post

4 Tips for Writing Self Evaluations

collegecareerlife — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 13:00:00 +0000

If you haven’t had the opportunity to write a self-evaluation yet, it’s probably because you just landed your first real job out of college. Expect one near your 6 month or one year anniversary. They’re often used as evidentiary support to see if you deserve a promotion, pay-raise, or even can determine your termination. They’re very important and should be taken seriously. But while you may want to give yourself the highest marking possible, you want to try to remain somewhat humble—after all, if you’re giving yourself the highest ranking, you might as well say you deserve to take your supervisor’s job. That said, to make sure that you write a strong and confident self-evaluation without sounding too pompous, consider these tips below.

1. State How You Went Above and Beyond

Initially, you want to remind your employer what’s exactly in your job description. That way your employer knows exactly what you were hired to do as well as be reminded of your designated responsibilities. If you’ve managed to do what your job description entails, great. But if you somehow managed to tackle side projects that weren’t in your job description, even better. Employers will definitely take note of your ambition.

2. Highlight Accomplishments

Employers just don’t want to keep someone who is “adequate” at his or her job. They want to keep people on board who are invaluable—someone they can’t afford to lose. Prove to your supervisor that you are needed by highlighting two or three of your biggest accomplishments. Be specific on how those accomplishments help the company as a whole. For example, did the client you bring on generate an enormous amount of revenue for the business? Did your idea help with branding? Etc. Even if your accomplishment was something you did earlier in your career, make sure to document anything that will help you stand out from the rest.

3. Point Out Basic Skills

Talking about your accomplishments is great, but you also want to stress the simple things you do around the office that will make your case stronger. For example, are you always on time? Do you always turn in your assignments on the due date (or even earlier)? Are you a team player and help your co-workers we needed? If any specific example comes to mind, take this opportunity to address it.

4. Ask for Feedback

Of course you have to have something that you need improvement on, or else you’d have a perfect score. When filling out your self-evaluation you really need to be honest. Can’t find anything you need improvement on? Ask some of your closest co-workers, particularly on your team, if they have anything they’d like to add. And don’t get upset if they tell you something semi-negative. You also need to address how you plan on correcting those issues in the future as well as list any other future goals you have for yourself with the company.

By-line:

This guest post is contributed by Katheryn Rivas, who writes on the topics of online universities advice. She welcomes your comments at her email Id: katherynrivas87@gmail.com.

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Tired of Spending Less? Make More Instead!

collegecareerlife — Mon, 18 Oct 2010 11:00:12 +0000

The following guest post is contributed by Mark Macaluso, who writes on the topic of Masters in Accounting Programs. He welcomes your comments at his email id: mark.macaluso985<@>gmail<.>com.

It’s a dreaded word that no one likes, yet must adhere to if they want to avoid consequences that are worse. I’m talking about “budgeting” and “being in debt” – if you don’t budget and stick to your budget, you’re definitely going to sink deep into the black hole of debt, unless you make millions and have a perennial source of money that is. The problem with a budget is that it ties you down; and because it is restrictive, it induces a feeling of helplessness and despair, especially when you want something badly yet cannot afford it. If you give in to temptation and splurge, guilt combines with debt to make you even more miserable. So you’re in a no-win situation either way – you’re stressed if you stick to your budget and stressed even more if you stray from it.

But if you’re a little clever, you’ll realize that if A-B comes up with a negative result, you can convert the answer to the positive in two ways – by decreasing B or by increasing A. And since cutting down B is tiresome, why not look for ways to boost A instead? The solution to budgeting woes is to increase your income – when you have enough to spend, you don’t have to stress out about money all the time. So how do you go about making more money?

Take on a second job: Moonlighting is a very good way to bring in more money, especially if your primary job is not too taxing and you have enough time on your hands. You not only earn two incomes, you also use your time more productively. However, the added responsibility of another job could become too hard to handle – you could end up running yourself ragged and fail at both jobs. So unless you’re very sure you can manage another job, don’t commit yourself to anything strenuous and which demands effort and time.

Make money off the Internet: Lots of people have done it, and many are still doing it; so why not take advantage of the accessibility and omniscience of the Internet and use it to make some money? If you own a blog or a website, you can earn revenue through advertisements. You could also use your free time as a freelancer if you have online marketable skills like writing, web designing, we development, graphics designing, proof reading, tutoring and so on. Various online job sites have hundreds of projects and assignments listed, so create a resume, build your profile, and get started on your online venture immediately.

Find money in what you own: Most of us don’t realize that we have money lying all around the house; we only need to make the time to find it. You could earn some extra cash by holding a garage sale of all the things you don’t use and which are still in good condition – you’d be surprised at how much money these impromptu sales bring in. You could also make money off recyclables – paper, aluminum cans and empty bottles are worth money. So instead of throwing them in the trash, store them separately and you can sell them every month or so.

It’s much more fun to make more money than to spend less, so use your brain, apply yourself, and lead a satisfactory life.

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Grad School or a Job – Which Should You Choose?

collegecareerlife — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 11:00:56 +0000

This guest post is by Debbie Owen, who writes on the topic of online doctorate degree programs.

Some people go to college because they’re expected to do so; for most others however, it’s their chosen path to the career they’re seeking. They hope to secure a job at the end of four years, one that pays well and allows them to lead a comfortable life. Yet others know that academia is an integral part of their lives and so they stay in school to complete a doctorate. However, there are some people who are torn between entering the job market soon after graduation and choosing to pursue their graduate studies. For them, the decision is not cut and dried because of various factors.

Some put off going to grad school because money is a problem; they already have a student loan hanging over their head and are not keen on borrowing more money in order to finance their master’s degree. If you belong to this category, you would probably have to find a job that allows you to pay off your loan and put off your grad school dream for a few years, unless you’re able to secure a scholarship.

Some choose to go to grad school because they know that their additional qualifications could help them find a job that pays better and is more suited to their temperament and skills. They don’t worry about the expense because they know money will not be a problem once they graduate, or because they work part-time to finance their education.

Some choose to switch majors when they go to grad school because they feel this field holds more opportunities – it’s not unheard of for people to finish college and then want to enter the fields of medicine or law because they’ve suddenly discovered a passion for it. They’re willing to do everything it takes to qualify for admission to the schools that offer these degrees, from studying hard to taking pre-requisite courses and exams.

So if you have the means to pay for tuition and if you’re sure that you want to go to grad school because you feel it will help your career, or because you want to stay on in academia and pursue a career in research, it’s best you find a school that offers the degree of your choice and seek admission. However, if you’re staying in school simply because you want to put off finding a job or because you don’t want to accept the responsibility that comes with no longer being a college student, you’re just hiding from reality and postponing the inevitable.

Also, it’s not too wise to rack up student loan debt just to pursue a graduate degree. You could find a job, save up some money, and then decide to go back to grad school. Alternatively, you could check out online options that allow you to continue to work even as you earn a degree.

Grad school or a job, the decision depends on your financial worth and your goal in life – choose wisely so that you have no regrets.

This guest post is contributed by Debbie Owen, who writes on the topic of online doctorate degree programs. She welcomes your comments at her email id: debbieowen83@gmail.com.

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Making the Most of an Unpaid Internship

collegecareerlife — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 11:00:41 +0000

The following post is by Angelita Williams, who writes for OnlineCourses.org.

In a job market that is increasingly competitive, gaining additional experience can be key when it comes time to look for a job. Internships can be a great way to do just that, letting young grads and students see what the working world will be like before they enter it themselves. Unfortunately, some of the internships that offer the best experience don’t come with much, if any, of a paycheck. That doesn’t mean they can’t pay off in the long run, but they will require some sacrifices to make them work in the present. If you’re debating whether or not to apply for an unpaid internship as a student or a grad, don’t be afraid to make the leap– it can be well worth it. Here are some tips to help ensure you’ll get the most out of every unpaid hour you put into your internship.

Look for perks. You may not be getting paid but that doesn’t mean your job shouldn’t come with any perks. Check with HR to see if you can get in on subsidized housing, help with commuting costs, free meals, or the use of company equipment. If your employer can’t help, see if your college offers an assistance programs for unpaid interns. If you don’t ask, you’ll never know, so don’t be afraid to take the first steps.

Network, network, network. Since you’re going to be working among people who are already in your field, take the opportunity to get to know as many of them as possible. They may be able to write you recommendations serve as references or even help you find a job after your internship. Remember, who you know can count as much as experience and education when it comes to finding work.

Ask questions. If there’s something you don’t know or want to know more about don’t just stay ignorant. Use your internship as a chance to really learn and expand your knowledge about the field. You might not be getting paid in money, but you can take away some valuable educational experiences instead.

Get college credit. A great many unpaid internship programs come with one big benefit: college credit for time spent working. Don’t miss out on the hours of credit you could be gaining– check with you adviser to see if there are programs in place that can help you work towards your degree while working away your summer at the same time.

Put your best foot forward. If you’re complaining, tired or disheveled at your internship position, you’re not making much of a case for your abilities as a future employee. Treat your position as you would a real job and always be highly professional. It could pay off when it comes time to find work.

Ideally, all internships would be paid positions, offering experience along with the financial support students need, but the reality is that more and more internships are unpaid positions. With some hard work and determination, you can turn your internship experience into a springboard to the career you want and an incredibly valuable asset to your resume. In time, you may come to see those unpaid hours as one of the best career investments you ever made.

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

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College Career Transition: Learning from the University Admissions Process

collegecareerlife — Mon, 31 May 2010 12:07:26 +0000

As most of you remember, the college application and admissions process was one of the more stressful times during high school. It certainly was for me. After I endured the agony of picking schools, writing personal statements, filling out applications, taking standardized tests, and participating in admissions interviews, I felt like I had literally gone through the mouth of hell. But, in the end, I came out of it all relatively unscathed, and was accepted to the school that I really wanted to attend.

The beauty of getting into college is that you won’t be tested, judged, and evaluated to that degree throughout most of your undergraduate experience. Sure, you’ll have to study, and you’ll have to take exams, and maybe apply for internships or research positions, but other than that, you basically focus on work, study, and your social life—you basically coast by. That is, until you graduate. Then the dreaded process starts all over again. Here are a few ways we can learn from the past:

1. Stress is Your Enemy

Worrying about the future is common and we pretty much all experienced it during the college admissions process. The thing about worry is that it is often irrational. I, too, worried about the fact that I may be unemployed. But then the worry spiraled. I thought to myself, I’ll never get a job, I’ll never be successful, I’ll never amount to anything. In cognitive behavioral science, this thinking process is a cognitive distortion called overgeneralization. It’s the slippery slope mentality, and it makes absolutely no sense.

2. You aren’t being judged. Only the extent to which you are a “fit” for a certain gig is being gauged.

Interviews are always intimidating, no matter how confident or good at gabbing you are. But the one mindset with which many come into the interview process—whether for school or work– is that their interviewers are somehow “against them” or that they are trying to “trick” them. These, too, are irrationalities. Come into your future work interviews with your interviewer’s perspective in mind. They want to know what tangible things you can do for their company, and how closely you will fit into their workplace culture. If you really want the job, then research the business or organization, and try to communicate and demonstrate these qualities. It’s that simple.

3. Don’t be too picky, but don’t take your first acceptance either.

One thing that many suffer from on a day-to-day basis is decision making. This one’s always tough. During the admissions process, many apply to far too many schools, and then once acceptances roll in, they find themselves having to make very tough choices. On the other hand, perhaps you were so excited by that first acceptance letter that you wanted to go to that school simply because they embraced you first. While the school that you go to really doesn’t make much of a difference in the long run, the first job you have will make a difference. It will dictate your future career trajectory, no matter how entry-level or boring it is. So pick wisely. Don’t take the first thing that is handed to you, but don’t go to the other extreme and reject every offer just because it’s not exactly what you want. Above all, think through your decision carefully, talk about it with friends and family members whose opinions you respect, and trust your instincts.

By-line:

This guest post is contributed by Katheryn Rivas, who writes on the topics of online universities accredited. She welcomes your comments at her email Id: katherynrivas87@gmail.com .

© Andrea for College, Career, Life, 2010. | Permalink | One comment | Add to del.icio.us
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Five Mental Barriers to Speedreading

collegecareerlife — Mon, 24 May 2010 11:52:09 +0000

This is a guest post by Stefan Knapen from StudySuccessful.com.

I am a speedreader. Having the ability to speedread triggers a lot of people to ask the question: ‘Can you really do that?’ Yes I can. And it is not that hard to learn. But before you are going to learn it, you first have to have a couple of mental barriers out of the way.

It takes a lot of time
No it doesn’t. All it takes to learn speedreading is 2 hours, one week. And than you only have to read a simple book you would’ve read anyway. The speedreading-training takes half an hour and you have to do this a couple of times during the week. And you have to practise with one book. So grab an easy-to-read book and speedread it.

It is really expensive
No it isn’t. First I also thought you had to take a special course to learn how to speedread. But you don’t have to. There is a good (and free) training on Tim Ferriss’ blog and you only need to read a couple of other tips on speedreading at other blogs, all for free!

It doesn’t work
Everybody who is exercising speedreading won’t agree with you. They still know what they are reading, they are only reading a lot faster!

You don’t learn anything when you are speedreading
You might skip something every once in a while (but you do this normally also), but you can always read something twice! Repetition is the mother of wisdom. And with speedreading, you are still saving time.

It looks funny
Alright, I have to give you this one, it definitly does!

Overcome these mental barriers and learn speedreading right now. Worth your little time-investment right now? Definitly.

This post is written by Stefan Knapen from StudySuccessful.com. Stefan has written an ultimate guide on speedreading, explaining every bit of it.

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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
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Top 10 Job Hunting Sites for Recent Graduates

collegecareerlife — Mon, 03 May 2010 11:00:23 +0000

Recent graduates face the most dismal job market since the depression, but thankfully, the internet now makes job searching more convenient and easier than ever. Faced with endless possibilities, those straight out of college need guidance on which sites will help them find employment – and which are just a waste of time. The following list highlights ten of the most useful job-searching sites for recent grads and the unemployed alike.

1. Monster.com – This site, the “granddaddy” of job search sites, features constantly updated job listings, separated by area or field. Job seekers can search by keyword, location, or even pay. Message board are updated daily as are useful articles that provide tips to job hunters.

2. CareerBuilder.com – Similar to Monster, Career Builder is a job listing service that offers endless openings for jobs and careers in a specified area. Both part time and full time gigs are available here, though seekers may find themselves spending a lot of time sorting through which jobs are the most applicable.

3. Craigslist – Not for the traditional job seeker, craigslist acts as a provider of classified ads for any local area. Employers post available jobs on the site with a short description and are then able to interact directly with those seeking to apply. This site is great for niche or hard-market jobs.

3. LinkedIn – This site is the most useful social media tool available for job seekers. Users create a profile, much like on Facebook or MySpace, then use that profile to build meaningful connections with others in their field. Used primarily as a networking tool, LinkedIn is growing in popularity as well as importance in the job sphere.

4. Indeed – A rather unknown site compared to the larger job search engines, indeed.com is a great resource for creative job seekers. Writers, artists, and even musicians can find work here, easily searchable and sortable through the site’s impressive interface.

5. Net Temps - Recent grads may want to consider temporary work as a way to build up funds while looking for a full-time position while gaining valuable experience in a specific area. This site is a database for temp job in the area and field of interest or expertise.

6. College Recruiter – This site, aimed specifically at recent grads, not only offers job postings but expansive resources for job seekers as well. Resume advice, interview tips, and common job hunting mistakes are all topics which find light here.

7. Hound.com- Set up much like traditional search sites, this website allows users to use one central search bar to dig through employer’s corporate websites for job posts, saving time and energy for recent grads and recruiters alike.

8. Beyond.com – This site compiles data from niche sites across the country, such as charlottejobs.com and rodeojobs.net, in an easy to use, scanable form. Beyond saves users time and hassle as they no longer have to visit hundreds of different sites to find what they’re looking for.

9. USA.gov – Students who have just graduated should consider a military or government job. These positions typically pay well, are widely available, and offer unparalleled experience to those who qualify.

10. HotJobs- Capitalizing on the success of Career Builder and Monster, this site compiles all the best jobs Yahoo! has to offer and makes them easy to apply for directly online. Visitors to this site will find information on specific fields as well as data and trends in their marketplace of choice.

Job searching can be a daunting task, but sites such as those listed above make it much more manageable and convenient. Being able to apply online is an instant innovation that has landed thousands, if not millions, of people the position of their dreams, and is only set to continue in the future.

This post was contributed by Melissa Tamura, who recently ranked the top nursing schools for Zen College Life, a directory of online degrees.

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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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Tips for Starting a New Job from Lisa Quast

collegecareerlife — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 17:24:43 +0000

I receive a lot of questions from people on what they should do when starting a new job. I like to keep things simple, so I always try to remember the acronym, “S.T.U.D.Y.” Just follow this easy-to-remember map to settling into your new position:

S = Survey your surroundings.

T = Take the time required to understand your new job and department’s strategy, structure, processes, role and responsibilities, projects, and progress.

U = Understand who you’re working with; review personnel files, speak with each individual.

D = Do NOT make hasty decisions or state your opinions too soon. Take the time needed to understand people, processes, and results first.

Y = Yes. Remember you can do what you set your mind to by prioritizing and setting attainable goals. Focus on the most important priorities first.

After your initial assessment of your workplace and workload, try these helpers:

Create a 90-day game plan and break it down by month, detailing initiatives, projects and tasks.
Include a list of the key contacts/resources you should meet, work with and get to know during your first 90 days.
Meet with your manager to review your plans for starting, learning and working in your new role.
Ask (and listen to) your manager about what they believe are the most pressing priorities and why.
Proactively schedule a follow-up appointment in one or two weeks to share your initial learnings with your manager.
Meet regularly with your manager to inform them of your progress on executing your plan.

Stay positive as you transition into your new position. Often times, the work load can be overwhelming and everything you’ll be learning might make you feel a bit like you’re trying to drink water from a fire hose. Don’t worry – that feeling will pass once you get through those first 90 days, which are always the most difficult.

~ Lisa Quast

Lisa Quast is CEO and President of Career Woman, Inc. (www.careerwomaninc.com)

Lisa Quast’s passion in life is making a difference in the lives of women by helping them achieve their dreams. Lisa is a career coach, author, business consultant, and the founder and president of Career Woman Inc., a Seattle-based international career development consulting company dedicated to helping women achieve career success. She’s an accomplished speaker and coach, inspiring audiences with her charismatic approach, actionable recommendations, and proven methodology.

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What Does a Benthic Ecologist Do?

collegecareerlife — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 15:43:09 +0000

When we think science, we think academic; the word however, refers not just to the subject but to so much more. And when we look at careers in science, most of us assume it has to be stodgy and staid, most probably in stale and sterile research labs. But science and the careers it offers can be a whole lot fun and adventurous, as you’ll find out when you meet and interact with a benthic ecologist.

If you’ve never heard the word before, benthic refers to all organisms and activities that are associated with the bottom of the ocean floor. So you can guess that a benthic ecologist is concerned with the ecology of the depths of the ocean. If you want to become one, you must take various courses in science, one of which must be a doctorate or at least a master’s degree in either biology or ecology. You will be able to find a position with companies that conduct marine ecological surveys, research ships that are interested in the deep ocean and in mapping its floor, or with marine science institutes.

As a benthic ecologist, you will be involved in cutting edge research in the laboratory and in the exploration of the ocean floor in state-of-the-art submersibles. You will have to know something about technology as well because most deep sea missions involve handling sophisticated gadgets and equipment in submersibles. With space at a premium, the ecologist must also be capable of planning and coordinating dive operations and the deployment and operation of benthic camera systems, current meter moorings and plankton pumps.

Your job is bound to be exciting and stable at the same time, depending on how often you are in the field and how much time you spend in the laboratory. There is a certain amount of danger as well because you are going to be working at the bottom of the ocean floor, but with technology being what it is today and the right safety measures in place, benthic ecology is one career that is both exciting and rewarding.

This guest article was written by Adrienne Carlson, who regularly writes on the topic of forensic scientist schools . Adrienne welcomes your comments and questions at her email address: adrienne.carlson83@yahoo.com

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Consider a Career in Geographic Information Systems

collegecareerlife — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 13:00:48 +0000

It’s not a subject that most people are aware of when they are looking for majors in college, but it is one that offers a great deal of scope and potential, both as a money spinner and as a personal development tool. A career in Geographical Information Systems (GIS) is not only exciting, it also has a future.

In order to work in the GIS industry, you need to study certain subjects like:

Geography: It’s natural that you must be interested in and have an aptitude for geography when you’re considering a career in GIS. You must know how the location of land and sea and their relationship to each other affect the way we travel and use information in order to understand our world better.
Mathematics: You are going to be involved in developing technological systems, so you must be aware of mathematical theories that are used to develop the logic that these systems use. You must have an aptitude for mathematics and be able to understand even complex principles and theories with ease.
Computer Science: Since all systems are computerized, you must know how to use these systems to understand, develop and operate GIS systems. Besides, when you are well versed in logic and computer science, it’s easy to understand GIS systems and their complexities.

Besides a general and in-depth knowledge of these subjects, you also need to have good analytical skills, the ability to solve problems and good communication skills to deal with people from all walks of life and different cultures. You should also be adept at gathering information and sorting and managing it according to the needs of the system you’re working on. Also, a general understanding of how GIS systems work and the knowledge of how to evaluate their performance and assess their accuracy do add to your advantage when you’re seeking a career in this field.

A career in GIS is similar to one in computer science and its related fields – you are most likely to be employed as a systems administrator, programmer, database manager, research analysts and other similar jobs. In addition to this, you may also be given roles that deal with managerial and administrative responsibilities. There are a few specialized jobs that deal specifically with cartographic knowledge and skills, so if you are interested in them, you must be a talented cartographer.

Job prospects for those in this line of work are expected to increase and earnings are typically in the range of $60,000 to $70,000.

This guest article was written by Adrienne Carlson, who regularly writes on the topic of accredited online universities. Adrienne welcomes your comments and questions at her email address: adriennecarlson83@yahoo.com.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Would you be interested in a college spy training program?

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

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

© Andrea for College, Career, Life, 2009. | Permalink | No comment | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: admissions, education, guest post, mba

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The Difference Between Crime Scene Investigators and Technicians

collegecareerlife — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 21:48:40 +0000

The following article was written by Kat Sanders, who regularly blogs on the topic of forensic science technicians colleges at her blog Forensic Scientist Blog. She welcomes your comments and questions at her email address: katsanders25@gmail.com.

The advent and popularity of television shows like CSI, Law and Order, NYPD Blue and Bones have created an enormous amount of interest in forensic science and the way crimes are investigated using forensic principles and the laws of science. The terms forensic scientist, forensic analyst, forensic investigator and forensic technician are used regularly, often with no description of what their job entails. But job descriptions overlap, and designations are accorded depending on the department you’re with and the protocols followed for their assignation.

A forensic technician is someone who is trained in scientific procedures and who has studied forensics with the sole purpose of analyzing evidence and gathering data and information from them. A technician is also responsible for first identifying and then collecting evidence according to procedure from crime scenes, preserving them in the right way, and then performing tests on them back at the laboratory.

A technician may or may not understand the scientific principle behind the tests and/or the reasons for the procedures and protocols to be followed in the identification, collection and analysis of evidence. He or she is usually involved in just performing the routine tests and providing the law enforcement officers with the results. Technicians are supposed to lend support to forensic science investigation outfits and are mostly trained and gather experience on the job.

A forensic investigator on the other hand is someone who has a thorough knowledge of both criminology and forensics. He or she is able to tie the evidence to the crime, or in other words, they are able to interpret what the evidence means in terms of the crime. An investigator must look at the evidence and try to see aspects beyond the obvious. For example, blood spatter patterns can tell you so much more that just that a person was killed with a great loss of blood. They can prove or disprove theories if the investigator is able to analyze them correctly and see how the victim and perpetrator were positioned.

Forensic investigators are also responsible for providing expert testimony in court during criminal trials. They must therefore be established as experts in their particular field through the necessary degrees and level of experience. A forensic investigator is usually a law enforcement officer who is trained specially in the field of forensic investigation. They are sometimes responsible for recreating crime scenes and also trying to get inside the mind of the perpetrator to imagine scenarios that would ultimately lead to the capture of the criminal.

Technician or investigator, both are part of the forensics team that is so important to the solving of brutal crime at the earliest.

If you have considered crime investigation or law enforcement as a career option, read more about these online criminal justice degrees that could provide you with the right tools for this job.

© Andrea for College, Career, Life, 2009. | Permalink | No comment | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: crime scene investigators, forensic science, guest post, technicians

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Criminal Justice Careers: Spotlight on Crime Scene Investigator

collegecareerlife — Thu, 21 May 2009 14:41:19 +0000

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, one of the fastest growing criminal justice careers is crime scene investigator—yes, the job highlighted in the popular television show CSI—and an online criminal justice degree can get you started in this exciting field.

What do crime scene investigators do?

Also called forensic science technicians, crime scene technicians, or crime scene analysts, crime scene investigators handle the technical aspects of crime investigation by collecting, testing, identifying, classifying, documenting, and analyzing physical evidence, including weapons, fibers, hair, and bodily fluids. Along with photographing potential evidence, crime scene investigators also write reports and may testify in court about their findings.

If you are interested in a particular aspect of crime scene investigation, after gaining experience, you may be assigned to a department that deals exclusively with ballistics, handwriting, or DNA analysis.

How do I become a crime scene investigator?

Crime scene investigators are usually required to have certificates, associate degrees, or bachelor degrees as well as practical training. Many crime scene investigators start out as forensic technicians, but keep in mind that you can earn an online degree or certificate while working full-time and speed up your climb of the career ladder.

Although knowledge of the law and law enforcement may be helpful, you usually do not have to be a police officer to become a crime scene investigator.

What should I study to become a crime scene investigator?

While an online criminal justice degree can give you a head start as a crime scene investigator, you should also have knowledge of forensic science, chemistry, computers, evidence collection, fingerprinting, logic, mathematics, and photography; if these courses are not included in your criminal justice program, you should consider taking some of them as electives to make yourself a more attractive job candidate.

What are the salary and job outlook for crime scene investigators?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports than in 2007, the middle 50 percent of forensic science technicians earned between $36,560 and $61,210; “much faster than average” growth is expected in the career over the next decade.

Guest post by freelance writer Michelle Fabio, the About.com guide to law school, who also shares tips on an online education at OnlineEducation.net.

© Andrea for College, Career, Life, 2009. | Permalink | 3 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: CSI, forensic science, guest post

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