Archive for the ‘Colleges and Universities’ Category
Posted by admin on October 27th, 2009
Gone are the days where one can make that simple statement on a resume. The profiles and status updates on Facebook, MySpace, and Twitter (and any other social network you can think of) are speaking to your character more than could any “hand-picked” reference you might dig up. It’s so easy to get lost in these social networks and forget the level of exposure they provide.
I found an interesting blog, Brand-Yourself.com, that outlined what to avoid posting and sharing on these social networks - especially when you’re in the market for a new career. Some of the points made in the blog are common sense. For example, stay away from hate speech, speaking of drug use and do not use foul language. But what about voicing your political/religious views … can that really come back to haunt you? Read more about “What you shouldn’t (and should) worry about with Social Media” on Brand-Yourself.com.
How careful are you with what you post and share on these social networks? Has your profile ever come back to haunt you?
Posted by admin on October 19th, 2009
Gone are the days where one can make that simple statement on a resume. The profiles and status updates on Facebook, MySpace, and Twitter (and any other social network you can think of) are speaking to your character more than could any “hand-picked” reference you might dig up. It’s so easy to get los
Like it or not being able to read and retain what you read is an essential skill when it comes to education. Most students, I am no exception; try to get away with the least amount of reading possible if they, in fact, read the necessary materials at all! So, when I came across this article written by Sam Zolin on tips to reading effectively I wanted to share.
Check out his article for more details on each tip, but here is a short summary:
Tip #1 - Start early
Start a few days in advance and do a little at a time.
Tip #2 - Skim
Skim the article/assignment to highlight the main points and take notes then go back and actually read the assignment.
Tip #3 - Vocabulary
Keep a dictionary handy while you’re reading.
Tip #4 - Notes
Take notes while you’re reading on a separate sheet of paper or type them up in a document. Helps to retain what you’ve read and when review time rolls around.
Tip #5 - Stop!
Learn when to take a break. Break up the reading and make it manageable.
Tip #6 - Study Buddies
Find a fellow classmate that which you can discuss the assignment.
Tip #7 - Practice, Practice, Practice!
Pick up a good book and read for pleasure every once in a while. When the topic is something you find interesting you’ll find yourself breezing through the book yet still understanding and remembering the plot. Practicing this way will help a lot when you have to dig into that next assignment.
Do you have any other tips or tricks to help with reading assignments? What has worked for you?
t in these social networks and forget the level of exposure they provide.
I found an interesting blog, Brand-Yourself.com, that outlined what to avoid posting and sharing on these social networks - especially when you’re in the market for a new career. Some of the points made in the blog are common sense. For example, stay away from hate speech, speaking of drug use and do not use foul language. But what about voicing your political/religious views … can that really come back to haunt you? Read more about “What you shouldn’t (and should) worry about with Social Media” on Brand-Yourself.com.
How careful are you with what you post and share on these social networks? Has your profile ever come back to haunt you?
Posted by admin on October 12th, 2009
What do you want to be when you grow up? What an innocent question, but in the final years of high school that simple question can develop some serious weight and bring with it stress and anxiety. How do you decide your career path when you’ve spent so little time in the workforce??
An article by Seka Ojdrovic on Suite101.com listed a few tips that can help take off some of the pressure when deciding on your future career. Some of the tools mentioned include talking to a counselor as well as tests that can use personality traits to help determine a career path that would fit in with your likes and dislikes.
An interesting tip mentioned was to walk into a bookstore without a plan and see which section piques your interest. The article used the example of someone being pulled towards cookbooks should consider a career in the culinary arts. Check out “Deciding on a Career Path as a College Student” and let us know your thoughts.
How did you pick your career of choice? What tools helped you decide?
Posted by admin on September 28th, 2009
We want it and we want it now! It’s practically social media’s mantra. We want to be current and up-to-date in whatever we choose to be involved and social media gives us instant gratification. We can find out what each of our family and friends are doing a split second through Tweets, find out how our neighbors’ weekend was via their blog, or check out our co-workers MySpace or Facebook page to see the newest events and happenings in their lives. It’s all at our finger-tips and there’s SO MUCH out there that sometimes I feel like I’m in SOCIAL MEDIA OVERLOAD.
It’s definitely a great tool – without a doubt. You can get instant feedback on products and services you’re going to purchase and most of the reviews out there are trustworthy. If anything, you can gather TOO much information which can keep you from making a decision entirely! It’s no wonder that schools are beginning to utilize social networks and platforms more and more.
Think about it … it’s the perfect fit! In education you WANT conversations and discussions about the topics you’re learning – it helps with retention. Especially in instances where you may be learning online or at a distance, it creates a medium where you can communicate with other students and, hopefully, learn from one another too. It provides that necessary interaction – paramount in education. Even faculty and staff get involved because they can use it as a resource in their teaching methods and in their lessons.
How do you use social media? What social media tools are you currently using in your everyday life?
Posted by admin on September 14th, 2009
Unemployment and layoffs are enough to paralyze those with few options available in today’s workforce. However, just as every cloud has a silver lining, many are accepting job-loss as an opportunity to move on to more fulfilling and secure careers.
Aware of the current demand for retraining programs, many colleges are offering programs aimed specifically for those stuck in positions of uncertainty within their current jobs that are looking to settle into a more hopeful career path. At the same time, many of those looking for new careers are able to finally get the training necessary to pursue their dream jobs; courses like graphic design and photography are incredibly popular. Colleges are making these programs even more accessible by adding business and technology-based courses into their listings to help make careers in these fields more attainable. While many of those in the process of changing careers are aware that they may not be able to earn as high of a paycheck, the promise of job-security and opportunity for advancement make the initial pay-cut worth it.
Due to the economic downtown, many schools are offering refresher courses in basic math, reading, and computer skills for those who have been out of school for years. Distance learning programs have also been catering to those looking to choose a new career path which gives many the option to work at their own pace and on their own time without having to worry about the struggles associated with attending classes at a traditional “brick-and-mortar” institution.
Going back to school is easier than ever, so why not take the opportunity to break into a career you’ve always wanted while feeling secure in that career at the same time?
Now, I pose this question to our readers – have you found your silver lining? If you’ve lost your job or have been laid-off … did changing careers/going back to school become higher on your to-do list?
Posted by admin on September 1st, 2009
Recession-proof careers are those that withstand the ups and downs of the economy and are rarely affected by whether or not people have a ton of disposable income (similar to many families in our current economy). There are few certainties to rely on in the job market, but two markets that always seem to thrive regardless are healthcare and education. Despite income level or the economy’s status people will always need doctors, nurses, therapist, dentists and other healthcare professionals. Education also comes to the forefront during tough economic times. With the current rate of unemployment more and more people are going back to school to either change careers or make them more marketable/valuable in their current position.
In times when people may not be able to afford to pay all (or even some) of their health insurance, making them less likely to be able to take proper health precautions, the healthcare industry is needed more than ever. Nurses are at an unprecedented demand right now, so as long as you have the proper training, finding a position should be no problem. As the number of people looking to secure a career rises, so does the number of teaching positions needed to be filled. Teachers, whether they are focused on elementary school students or graduate-level students, help provide the critical thinking skills necessary for securing the nation’s economic future. Both fields require dedication and persistence, but certainly pay off big in the end.
Has anyone made the jump to one of these two fields? What have your experiences been like? What are some other careers that may also thrive in times of economic hardship?
Posted by admin on August 25th, 2009
Years ago, when I graduated high school, I never thought twice about the debt I would rack up while attending college. I signed away on forms at the beginning of each semester not really grasping what was going to hit me once I took off that cap and gown. Six months into the real world, I started paying off the nearly $18,000 in debt I had accrued since my freshman year and I was one of the lucky ones! My parents helped pay for my tuition otherwise I would have been sitting on over $30,000 worth of debt. It puts a knot in my stomach to think of when my children are ready to go to college.
Are these loans really the best idea for our children? They’re starting their adult life in debt thousands upon thousands of dollars. Especially in these economic times where jobs are scarce, how can they even be assured a job once they graduate?
Is there a better way? There’s something to be said for schools where you cannot use Financial Aid. The costs are upfront and you know what you’re getting into, financially speaking. And, most of them offer payment options to make the cost a little easier to digest. I think even some 4-year colleges and universities have monthly payment options although I’m not sure how "affordable" they really are.
What are your thoughts/feelings? Would you still choose to defer the debt if you had an affordable option?
Posted by admin on July 28th, 2009
Many distance learners agree that the most difficult part of studying online is staying motivated. Because students must take the initiative to complete their courses completely on their own, without the physical presence of teachers and other peers, many students find it easy to become distracted and discouraged in their work. Don’t let this happen to you – plan ways for yourself to stay motivated before you’re tempted to stray from your books. Use these five motivational tips to stay on task:
1. Connect with your classmates. Visit online groups and start conversations with your fellow classmates. Talk about your day, your studies, whatever will keep you connected, motivated and give you that sense of “classroom” in a virtual environment. Once you begin talking to fellow students, you may even find a few in your area that will be willing to start a physical study group! Having the support of your peers during your studies is extremely rewarding and important.
2. Discuss what you learn. Find a friend or relative who has similar interests or who would enjoy hearing about your studies and let them know what’s going on in your classes. You’ll understand the material better when you have a chance to explain it out loud and will be motivated to stay on task in order to keep up with the conversation.
3. Chart your progress. Design your own map of completed classes and post it somewhere that is visible daily. There’s a certain satisfaction that comes with watching your goals be accomplished. When times get hard, you can always turn to your chart and see how far you’ve come.
4. Reward yourself. You get rewarded for good credit and safe driving, why shouldn’t you reward yourself for doing well in your course work. Whether it is a night on the town, a new dress, or even a new car, setting up a reward system just may be the extra push you need to succeed.
5. Take time for fun. If you’re spending all your time working, studying, and watching after the kids, you’ll likely suffer in all areas. Everyone needs some down time to re-group. So, set aside a little time every week for a favorite activity. You’ll be more productive when you return to your work.
What helps you stay motivated? Do you have any tips or suggestions to add to our list?
Posted by admin on July 27th, 2009
Thanks to distance-learning technology, amplified federal assistance and a network of military-friendly programs, the opportunities for GI Joes and Janes to further their education during active duty, post-discharge or through retirement continue to grow.
Locally, active duty personnel can take advantage of on-base programs like the ones offered at the Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth (or NAS JRB). Though open in some instances to veterans, military dependants and retirees, the programs are primarily geared for working service members who face potential deployment or transfer while pursuing their studies.
Schooling for soldiers
“All members of the military are encouraged to continue their education,” said Don Ray, a public information officer at the naval air station. “The military gives them the opportunity to attend classes, whether it be at lunchtime or in the evening.
“Not only does it help them later in life when they leave the military, internally, it helps them with promotions,” he said. “It makes them more well-rounded in their job profession here.
“Nowadays a high school education doesn’t get you very far in the military,” he said. “The military has become very technical.
“Plus, while they are on active duty, the military gives tuition assistance, so they don’t have to use their VA [Veterans Affairs] benefits if they don’t want to,” he said. “They can save the benefit for when they get out of the service.”
Rebecca Ary, director of the Navy College Office at NAS JRB, said that four colleges provide on-base programs that lead to bachelor’s degrees or certifications: Columbia College, which offers liberal arts courses in subjects like criminal justice and psychology; Northwood University, offering marketing and management degrees; Embry-Riddle, an aviation program; and ECPI College of Technology, offering computer training.
The schools are members of the Service Members Opportunity Colleges Consortium, a network of educational programs designed to help service members and their families further their education. SOC programs feature reduced in-residency requirements, military-friendly credit transfer policies and credit awarded for military experience.
“It helps the member if the military moves them to another location,” said Ary.
Distance-learning programs and online classes also make it possible for students to complete coursework after being moved, said Ary.
Terry Silva, career services director at Northwood University’s Texas campus, located in Cedar Hill, said that the university takes extra measures to work with service members’ special needs.
“We do work-life evaluations where they can get [college] credit for a particular kind of military experience, like computer training, or leadership or supervisory training,” he said.
“If someone enrolls in a class, then they get assigned to go somewhere, Northwood will refund 100 percent of their tuition,” he said. “If they are transferring out, we tell them if there is a way to get [at least] an associate’s degree with us. There are online and independent study opportunities in case they transfer out when they are close to graduating.
“It’s something for us to give back to them,” he said.
The new Post-9/11 Bill
A population of veterans will soon have better access to higher education through the Post-9/11 GI Bill, which goes into effect Aug. 1.
The new legislation provides education aid for veterans with at least 90 days of aggregate service on or after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, at a level representing a significant increase above the amount covered in the current GI Bill.
Under the Post-9/11 Bill, funding is available for housing, books, and tuition associated with the completion of graduate and undergraduate degrees and vocational or technical training.
Dallas Baptist University recently created the “Patriot Veterans Opportunity Program,” which features scholarships and support services for students receiving benefits under the new bill.
“We’ve been a military-friendly campus for years,” said Dr. Donovan Fredricksen, dean of the university’s college of adult education. “Our mascot is the Patriot, and we are located next to the national cemetery.”
Anticipating more veteran enrollment
Fredricksen said that DBU has staff designated for the purpose of veteran education as well as a military education task force made up of diverse faculty and staff members.
Additionally, the university will soon launch a new Web site, “Patriot2Patriot”, in anticipation of an increased veteran student population.
“The college I’m over cares a lot about adult students coming back to school,” he said. “We understand about the different responsibilities they have of family and work.
“It’s even more so with our returning veterans,” he said, “It’s truly an honor for us to help them continue their education. ”
Another opportunity for veterans to leverage the new bill’s benefits is through the University of Phoenix, a private university with campuses across the nation, including Texas.
According to a recent press release, University of Phoenix will cover up to 50 percent of on-campus or online tuition and fees that surpass the GI Bill’s benefit rate.
The school also offers programs designed for active duty personnel.
Star-Telegram.com
Posted by admin on July 13th, 2009
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We all strive to achieve a “balance” in our lives; juggling our career and our family but does anyone really ever achieve it? I recently attended a seminar discussing the art of balancing career and family. The speaker touched on quite a few points that hit home but more importantly she showed by example that you can have it all as long as you’re willing to put forth the necessary effort.
As I left the seminar, I began examining my own life’s goals and achievements. Have I exceeded my own expectations, have I been able to “check off” items from my life’s to-do list? Sure. I graduated from college, I married my college sweetheart, I have 1.5 children, and a career! And yet, I want more. Wow – how selfish am I? I have dreams of going back to school, furthering my education and my career but I have this voice that screams “No! You’ll never see your family, your friends, or anyone for that matter!” Really? Whatever happened to the old saying, “If you can dream it, you can achieve it”??? I had lost all hope and simply crossed off the “better your education” item on my to-do list.
But now I have a renewed faith! I can have a great career; I can further my education and still have a life. How? Well, I have Rachel Ray’s 30 minute meals, Clorox Clean-up Wipes, and the freedom of an online education! They allow me more time with my son, my husband, my friends (and me, too). I can bang out a meal in 30 minutes and still have time for my son and husband. I can go out to dinner with the girls and not worry about missing a class or test. I can basically study whenever, wherever, and however I want. Yes, I AM SUPERMOM! Well, maybe not. I may never achieve that “perfect balance” in my life but who will? All I know is that I now have the chance to make things happen FOR ME and I’m taking it.
