Can’t Find Your Focus in College? 7 Tips to Overcome Attention Issues

BY ANTON LUCANUS

 Blame smartphones: Students are more distracted than they were a few years ago.

Thanks to our digital devices, the average person’s attention span is now a mere eight seconds. That’s four seconds shorter than when Microsoft researchers first studied the subject in 2000, or around the start of the mobile movement.

Although spending less time on your smartphone is a start, it’s only part of the solution. Internships, test prep, and everyday college life involve distractions that can’t be put away in your pocket.

Retrain Your Brain

When your mind is on your inbox or Facebook feed all day, it shows. Whether you’re traveling, working, or taking summer classes, you need your focus. Here’s how to find it:

Skip Illicit Substances

 Pharmaceutical drugs may help some students cram for tests, but they’re a short-term solution at best. Not only is off-prescription use illegal, but ADHD treatment experts are finding alternative solutions are more effective even in clinical cases. Plus, amphetamine abuse raises health risks, from heart arrhythmias to sleep disturbances to addiction.

 Get More Sleep

 If you’ve ever pulled an all-nighter, you know how much lack of sleep scrambles your brain. Harvard Medical School warns that sleep deprivation inhibits acquisition, consolidation, information recollection. Without adequate sleep, your short-term memory can’t store the information you need for complex reasoning. Particularly the night before an exam or job interview, be sure you get at least eight hours of sleep. Importantly, stay up to date with the latest trends in sleep science, for example the benefits of weighted blankets. This will help reduce insomnia, sleep apnea, and other related conditions.

Get More Cardiovascular Exercise

 There’s a reason universities encourage physical activity, and it’s not just that sports teams attract students and alumni contributions. In both children and adults with clinical attention disorders, physical exercise improves cognitive performance and social-emotional functioning. In order to maximize the functioning of your brain – and thereby enhance cognitive functioning – you need healthy blood flow and circulation throughout your body. Thus, it should come as little surprise that aerobic exercise that targets the body’s cardiovascular system is key to enhancing intelligence.

The health and fitness community has long suggested getting at least 20 to 30 minutes of moderate to rigorous physical activity per day. For best results, set your sights a little higher and go for 45 to 60 minutes of uninterrupted exercise.

One way to achieve this is simply to get a dog as it has been scientifically proven that having a dog will encourage owners to lead a less sedentary life. Roy Stein, dog lover and founder of Babelbark has introduced a health monitor on their app that can track your dog’s activity level on your phone.

“More than half of America and their pets are overweight, do yourself and your furry friend a favor and get off that couch,” says Stein who believes that having a canine companion can help fight obesity in America.

Meditate

 If you’ve never meditated before, know that it’s a lot less intimidating than it sounds. Try sitting under a tree and listening to your breath for a few minutes. Don’t judge your breathing, yourself, or other people around you. If your mind wanders, gently bring it back to your breath. After 10 minutes, quietly open your eyes and ask yourself how you feel.

Eat Lightly

 You know from experience that you shouldn’t skip lunch before a big test. As it turns out, you also shouldn’t overeat. Yale Medical School researchers found that moderate hunger might stimulate focus because it marshals the mind’s resources around a single task. Go in slightly hungry to a long exam or job interview, but eat a hundred calories or so every couple of hours. That way, you’ll stay in that sweet spot where hunger’s attentional advantages outweigh the stomach’s cravings for food.

Hydrate

 Especially if you work or exercise outside in summer, it’s easy to get dehydrated. An Emory University study found that just two hours of yard work is dehydrating enough to impair attention. Whether you’re outdoors or indoors, carry a water bottle with you. If you need a reminder to drink from it, set an hourly reminder on your phone or watch.

Minimize Multitasking

 You might think multitasking makes you more productive, but you’d be wrong. When Stanford University researcher Clifford Nass studied frequent multitaskers, he found that they actually fared worse than their peers at distinguishing relevant and irrelevant details. This applies to people of almost all professions, from a medical doctor to a personal injury lawyer. Instead of trying to juggle multiple tasks at a time, prioritize. First tackle the most mentally challenging and time-consuming ones — those that require the most concentration — before turning one by one to the easier things.

You can’t escape technology in the classroom or workplace, but you can protect your mind in other ways. When in doubt, follow mom’s advice: Don’t use drugs, get enough sleep, eat right, and drink plenty of water. And if you forget, she’ll surely remind you.

Byline – Anton Lucanus is the Director of Neliti. During his college years, he maintained a perfect GPA, was published in a top cancer journal, and received many of his country’s most prestigious undergraduate scholarships. Anton writes for The College Puzzle as a means to share the lessons learnt throughout his degree and to guide current students to achieve personal and educational fulfilment during college life.

 

 

How Much Does Your College Lifestyle Affect Your Future Career

BY SAMANTHA BROWN

 

We make a lot of different lifestyle choices in college, and most of them are aimed towards making the most of the four years of freedom. There is little thought about consequences- after all, how much can these choices affect our future life?

The truth is, the choices that we make during our college life do have a profound effect on our future career and life. Your college life can mould you into the person that you become in the future, which is why it is important to adopt certain habits that will prove beneficial to your career post-college. Here are some of the ways in which decisions during your college life can directly affect your future:

1. Not saving money

College life comes with its fair share of expenses, and almost every day students are required to spend on something. While some expenses, like textbooks and rent, are unavoidable, others can be easily prevented. It would do you good if you cultivate the habit of saving money from early on in your college days because this will help instil a philosophy of financial responsibility and saving, which will benefit you when entering the job market. With dedication and willpower, saving money can be a rewarding habit. Think of it as an investment- the more you save now, the less financial stress and increased financial freedom you’ll have in the future.

2. Choosing your accommodation

It might sound unlikely, but the kind of place you live in during your college days also plays a role in how you will turn out to be in the future. Living alone develops a sense of freedom, independence and enables you to better take control of your life. For example, you can choose any home office furniture you like, you can make your own shopping decisions in short, you become a free spirit.

On the other hand, living with roommates can save money, develop friendships and a sense of comradery that may prove advantageous for surviving college and growing as a person. The enhanced social setting of shared living environments can help you develop precious contacts that may come in handy in the future.

3. Borrowing excessive money

This is one of the bad habits that you should strive to avoid in college.  Because of increased expenses in various fields, students are compelled to borrow money from their peers or go into credit card debt. This bad habit can affect your future endeavours as well. If you develop a habit of borrowing money without any idea about how you are going to return it, it can reflect badly upon your name in your future job industry. Also, credit card debt is a real and serious thing that can land you in jail if not cleared on time, so be sure to make careful choices about your expenses and how much money you borrow.

4. Spending without consequence

We are all tempted to spend more than we can afford to in our college days. There is so much to do, and so much to buy. However, uncontrolled spending can lead to developing the dangerous habit of poor financial responsibility. In business, you will be required to make strategic decisions- decisions that will allow you to make the most profit. If you are too keen on spending unnecessarily, your business may take a turn for the worse. So keep an eye on your expenses, and try not to go overboard with the shopping and takeout.

 

What you should learn from college- to be financially secure.

No matter where your life takes you after your college days are over, and no matter what field you start working in- one thing is for sure, you will be required to be financially responsible. Whether you are running your own business or working in the corporate sector, the money that flows in will vanish quickly if you do not make an effort to hold on to it.

Developing responsible spending habits is an important aspect that you should start working on early in your college life. We say college life because college is the time when you begin taking charge of your own finances. How you spend money and or what you do with it, is entirely your own business. So, taking this into consideration, it is important for you to take your finances seriously. The more you save, the more you can assure yourself of a financially secure future.

What about the fun?

There’s an age-old adage which says that one does not need money to have fun. And that stands true. The occasional splurge is fine, but if you spend an exorbitant amount of money every day for the sake of fun, it will become impossible for you to save any amount for your future prospects.

The best way to deal with the temptation to spend money is to plan out your expenses. Make sure that your necessities are covered, and you are putting in a certain amount in the bank each month under your savings account. Use the rest to have the time of your life. Trust us, years later, you will thank yourself for the money you put aside.

Conclusion

Everybody loves college life, and it is the prime time for individuals to let their hair down, learn life lesson, and (occasionally) be carefree. However, a little amount of sacrifice during these days can translate into a lot of security during the future. Your college life will affect your prospects, not only by sharpening your skills in your particular field but also by making you more worldly-wise. The experience and exposure you gain during your college life will work wonders for your future career prospects!

By-line

Samantha Brown is a freelance writer who specializes on carrier guidance, she is also motivational speaker and author

 

 

Bad Money Habits Developed in College: How to Get Rid of Them

By Sienna Walker

Students have a tough time. It’s difficult to be a full time student and keep your head above water. School is expensive, stressful, and time consuming. Many students also work part time to supplement their budgets. There’s a lot to juggle, and it’s easy for highly important priorities to get lost in the shuffle. This often leads to students making some glaring mistakes with their money, and unfortunately, some of these habits stick with them long after graduation.

1. Throwing Money at Junk Food

When you’re a busy student, the idea of grocery shopping and preparing meals feels almost impossible. Instead, you order pizza or settle for soggy, fatty drive-thru burgers. Of course these meals aren’t healthy – that’s a separate debate all on its own. In truth, setting a grocery budget and cooking your own meals is healthier for both your body and your bank account. You might still be leading a busy life after graduation, especially if you’re working hard at your dream career, but your time can be mitigated by meal prepping on Sunday nights.

2. Using Credit Cards like a “Get Out of Jail Free” Card

Credit cards can sometimes be helpful in an emergency, but if paying your water bill every month is an emergency, it’s time to do some restructuring.

Relying on credit cards for basic living expenses, like rent, groceries, or utilities, typically indicates that you are living beyond your means. You’re never going to get ahead of yourself if you’re charging the most basic things to your credit card. If it’s on your credit card, that means you can’t afford it. Cut back in other areas and save the credit card for unplanned expenses or a (very) occasional fun night out.

3. Improperly Managing Your Savings

Having a savings account is excellent. You probably had one in college, even if the amount was less than impressive. You may have grown into the habit of tossing some cash into your savings account and allowing your willpower to take over so you don’t dip into it. Unfortunately, savings won’t really do much to help that money grow.

Instead of relying on a low interest rate to accumulate over time, consider investing your savings. There are a wealth of options for investments. There’s the traditional route of the stock market, which many busy people choose for its minimal level of commitment. Then there are slightly more labor intensive methods, like residential real estate investing. Choosing an investment method largely depends on how hands on you want to be.

4. Keeping Your Budget in Your Brain

Once people get into the swing of things, they tend to operate by force of habit. They roughly know when all the bills are due, and a quick check of their bank account balance lets them know where they’re at. Without an actual budget however, they’re likely to struggle. You might have got by without one when you were still in college, as there were fewer expenses to remember, and perhaps you even had the help of your parent. Now however, if you want to have more money, you need to plan carefully, review your spending, and determine where cuts can be made.

Create a calendar and mark dates with what specific amount of money is going in and coming out at any given moment. Keep your receipts for the things that you purchase. Add up what you spend and compare it with what you have left. Would it be a wise decision to cut cable TV and switch to online streaming services? Would a budget grocery store save you enough money in food costs to cover a bill every month? You won’t know without a stable budget.

You learned a lot in college, and you can learn a lot now. Your circumstances and your income are likely very different from the way they were when you were a student. The sooner you teach yourself to be an expert at managing your money, the more money you’ll have for the next big chapter in your life.

 

About the author:

Sienna Walker is an experienced careers and self-improvement blogger with a deep love for creating smart, passive income. She is often found on educational forums, sharing her learning, work, and money management tips with students. Privately, a huge fan of traveling.

 

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Use These Job Boards to Find Your Ideal Nonprofit Job

BY MAX WOOLF

You’ve just graduated from college. A nice graduation cap sits lonely on your dormitory desk, and now the pressure is to get a job.

But unlike your roommates, you don’t see yourself working at a Fortune 500 company toiling over for a paycheck. Quite the opposite, you’re an engaged member of society who wants to give back to the community.

Now—while jumping from college to nonprofit might seem everything but easy, there are some great job boards that can help jumpstart your nonprofit career.

Choose a nonprofit job title

More often than not, nonprofit job titles are similar to their non-philanthropy counterparts. The only difference is that you need to signal to a job board that you’re looking for a nonprofit position.

Examples:

• Non Profit Marketing Specialist
• Nonprofit Accountant
• NGO Project Manager

List of nonprofit job boards

Once you know how to pick a nonprofit title, it’s time to head over to job boards. Below is a list of 10 nonprofit job boards that will help you make the world a better place.

But don’t get overwhelmed. You don’t have to use them all because many repeat the same postings. So pick only one or two.

1. The National Council of Nonprofits Job Board. More than 1,000 nonprofit jobs.
2. Philanthropy News Digest’s Nonprofit Job Board. A stunning 650 nonprofit and NGO jobs.
3. The Nonprofit Times Career Center. 500+ nonprofit jobs for employees of all levels, including college graduates.
4. NonprofitJobs.org. A whopping 500 charity jobs around the U.S.
5. The Bridgespan Group’s Nonprofit Job Board. While most of the postings are geared toward directs, you can find a few entry-level offers.
6. HERC Jobs Page. About 40,000 jobs in education, many of which are nonprofit.
7. National Association of Social Workers careers page. A little over 650 nonprofit jobs.
8. WorkforGood.org. Over 300 nonprofit postings.
9. FoundationList.org. Around 60 jobs in nonprofit for entry-level candidates.
10. SustainableBusiness.com’s Green Dream Jobs Page. A job board with a focus on green jobs.

Find nonprofit organizations in your area with Google Local

If you’re curious about nonprofit organizations near you, you can find them easily with a simple Google search. Here’s what you’ll need to type in Google:

 

• Nonprofits near me
• Non-profit organizations nearby
• Local nonprofits
• NGOs in my area

Once you’ve run the search, Google will show you a map with a list of nonprofit organizations in the vicinity.

Best Non Profit Organizations

While job boards are a great source to find a nonprofit job, you can apply directly on the nonprofit organization’s website.

Below is a list of 15 best nonprofit organizations you can work for.

1. 350.org
2. Acton Institute for the Study of Religion and Liberty
3. Alzheimer’s Association
4. American Civil Liberties Union and Foundation
5. American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
6. American Humanist Association
7. American Kidney Fund
8. Animal Legal Defense Fund
9. American National Red Cross
10.  American Cancer Society
11. Best Friends Animal Society
12. Boys & Girls Clubs of America
13. Catholic Charities USA
14. Center for Reproductive Rights
15. Committee to Protect Journalists

Don’t have enough experience? Volunteer to get your foot in the door

Here’s the thing—most nonprofit organizations operate like regular businesses. They look for candidates that have the right mix of hard and soft skills necessary to excel.

The problem is that while you live and breathe helping others, you may not have professional experience at this stage.

Good news? You can become a volunteer for some time and offer your assistance at a nonprofit. For example, you can run a Google search for volunteer at a local (animal shelter), and the search engine will present you with plentiful opportunities.

As Maciej, a career expert at ResumeLab, puts it,

Once you have tangible volunteering experience on your resume, you’ll be the first in line to get a job at a nonprofit.

Conclusion

If you’re passionate about helping the world and giving back, working at a nonprofit will be a life-changing experience for you. As a side-benefit, you’ll work shoulder to shoulder with people who share the same passion.

So dive in and start looking for your first nonprofit job!

Bio

Max Woolf is a career expert at ResumeLab. He’s passionate about helping people land their dream jobs through the expert career industry coverage. In his spare time, Max enjoys biking and traveling to European countries. You can hit him up on LinkedIn.

PDF Tools with Multiple Features and Functions for Students and Teachers

BY DAVID GUTIERRREZ

 

To be successful in the academic environment, it’s vital to have the right tools besides all the other necessary skills. As the majority of the student’s and teacher’s work is online, finding the adequate tools which will improve the quality of your work is no longer a recommendation but an imperative for everyone who wants to succeed in this environment.

One of the problems you might stumble upon is when dealing with PDF documents. How to modify these files or convert them into other formats is among the common questions. Not to mention that strict deadlines only increase the level of frustration when you’re unable to access an important file.

Luckily, there are plenty of PDF tools in the market that will help you manage any PDF file you get. In this article, we bring you only the ones that are very beneficial for students and teachers.

 

#1 Adobe Reader XI

You’ve probably already heard about the robust Adobe Reader. It’s one of the best quality tools when it comes to viewing and printing your PDF files. You can also interact with the content within the PDF files, including multimedia. Other features you might find useful are adding and verifying a digital signature, creating and filling out PDF forms, annotating on these PDF pages and so on.

 

#2 Total Mail Converter Pro

This tool easily converts MSG and EML to PDF, DOC and all the other file formats. Unlike the other email converters which only extract and save files in the original format, Total Mail Converter Pro also converts attachments. If you received an email with a file in the attachment, this tool will convert the message and the attachment into PDF. It will save you hours you would usually spend on doing this manually. This way, students and teachers could invest their time into more valuable assignments.

 

#3 Doro PDF Writer

If you’re looking for a perfect tool for printing PDF files, Doro PDF writer should be your choice. Unlike regular printers, it’s installed as a virtual print driver that can convert printable documents and images into PDF format. You can even set the author name and protect it with a unique password before you decide to convert it. One of the abilities that are very helpful for both students and teachers is the enabling and disabling copying, pasty and printing of the documents.

 

#4 PDFTK Builder

Preparing various materials and gathering them in one place is usually a time-consuming action, especially if we’re talking about the PDF format. With PDFTK Builder, you can reorder or merge selected pages in a snap. Moreover, you can split and rotate pages or even add stamp and encryption to your PDF file. Regarding the benefits of this tool in education, it’s really helpful when you need to gather all of your notes into one document or rotate pages when creating your own study material.

 

#5 jPDF Tweak

Just like the above-mentioned tool, jPDF Tweak lets you merge, split, reorder and rotate the pages of your document. You can even add watermarks and encryption, and also digitally sign your PDF files. You will find numerous features for attaching files to PDF and editing metadata. It’s very useful as it provides truly a lot for one tool, but keep in mind you will need to have Java 5 to run it.

Conclusion

You won’t make a mistake by choosing any of the PDF tools on our list. The only mistake you could make is ignoring the potential of these tools and spend unnecessary hours managing all of those PDF files you need for your studies. Choose the ones that suit your preferences and start investing that time where it could be truly beneficial for you!

David Gutierrez has worked in the field of web design since 2005. Right now he started learning Java in order to get second occupation. His professional interests defined major topics of his articles. David writes about new web design software, recently discovered professional tricks and also monitors the latest updates of the web development.

     

Things You Should Know About Sports Scholarships

BY MELISSA BURNS

 

Many young people dream of getting sports scholarship, play their favorite sport, and later become rich and famous. However, before you start dreaming big, it is important to check out the realities about these awards. The following are some important things you should know about sports scholarships.

• The odds of getting big sports scholarship are very minimal. A stunning fact is that only one percent of high school sports athletes get these scholarships to continue at good universities and colleges. The odds are terrible so even odds converter cannot help you get such scholarship because luck is very much involved in this matter. Even those that get these scholarships later end up a bit disappointed knowing that the amount received is not as high as they expected.
• Full sports scholarships are very rare to find. They cover only the biggest and most popular sports. Also these scholarships are usually very small. All other sports beyond the most popular ones are regarded as equivalency sports. The main athletic association dictates how much money can be spent on a program and coaches can slice and divide these awards as they wish, which often leads to very small scholarships.
• Do not fall for sweet words and flattery. Usually coaches tell young athletes that the university they work for has a lot of scholarship money to give out, but often that is not the case. They will say or do anything to attract a young prospect, so take everything that is said with a dose of doubt.
• Verbal commitment to a sports program does not mean anything. There are many coaches that tell young high school athletes that they want them badly for their team. Then these kids can say they commit verbally, but that is not a guarantee that they will end up at that university. The coach can easily change his opinion and say that they do not want the young athlete later. Then you cannot do anything about it.
• Playing sports at college requires hard work, strong commitment and discipline. Many college athletes do not have enough time to do anything else in their young lives besides sports. The hours they spend on training and playing are often insane. The rigorous regime is not for everyone and many students find it very difficult to balance between sports and their studies.
• Videos of you playing sports are not very helpful. This is a sad fact, but close to the truth. Coaches do not want to watch hours and hours of lengthy videos of high school athletes performing sports. Yes, they are checking videos of top athletes, but only for a minute or two. If you send a ten minute video of your sports skills to the coach, chances are high that the coach will not see it fully. A much better thing to do is post your video on YouTube and if you are that good then someone will likely notice you and approach you.

Knowing what’s vital to focus on increases your chances of getting that scholarship you’ve been eyeing for a while. Being persistent and dedicated to building your young sports career is the way to go, however, don’t be unrealistic. Pay attention to how others are getting their sports scholarships and learn from them.

Nothing is impossible but before getting all of your hopes up, make sure you truly do your best while playing because with or without that scholarship, you want to grow up to become a respected sports professional.

Melissa Burns graduated from the faculty of Journalism of Iowa State University. Nowadays she is an entrepreneur and independent journalist. 

     

Questions to Ask a Potential Roommate When Living Off Campus

BY ELAINE THOMPSON

 As you leave home for college,don’t forget the most important part of finding a comfortable living situation away from campus—finding a roommate you get along with. After all, there’s no RA to make sure your new roommate follows the rules, and it’s a lot harder to get out of a lease with a landlord than it is to switch dorm rooms.

The following are ten questions you should ask to make sure your roommate is the right match.

1. How much time do you like to spend at home?

When looking for a roommate match, it’s important to figure out if your lifestyles and schedules mesh. If you’re a homebody who likes to hang out with a roommate at the apartment, choosing a roommate who’s always on the go may not work out. But if you like to stay home and like your alone time, a roommate that’s out and about could be the perfect match.

2. Early to bed, or late to rise?

Another lifestyle question. If you’re an early riser and your roommate is up until sunrise, you can expect some disturbed sleep. Likewise, if you like to stay up late and your roommate is demanding quiet hours after 8pm, you’ll find yourselves at odds. Apartment living isn’t quite as up-close-and-personal as dorm living, but you’ll still be sharing a space, so matching up sleep schedules will save a lot of headaches and a lot of cranky mornings.

3. How often do you check in with roommates?

Are you someone who checks in with your roommates often, or do you tend to keep to yourself? Are you looking for a roommate who’ll keep tabs on you and one you can keep tabs on? You should find a roommate with a similar stance on this, so that you can come to an agreement on how long without contact before getting worried. California is a safe state when it comes to missing persons, but you definitely don’t want a roommate who’s not going to notice you’ve been gone days at a time.

4. How do you feel about smoking, drinking, and recreational drug use?

For some roommates, drinking in the apartment, smoking in the apartment, or drug use in the apartment can be a dealbreaker. For others, not having a welcome home for these activities is a dealbreaker. Make sure you’re on the same page when it comes to these “recreational pursuits.”

5. Do you play a lot of video games?

You might be surprised to know that gaming can actually have a huge impact on life at home. Video and computer games, especially ones that use streaming and have chat features, can use up a lot of your wifi bandwidth. Having a roommate who is constantly pwning n00bs while you’re studying can be especially annoying when your laptop screen is stuck on the spinning wheel of death right as you’re trying to submit an assignment.

6. What is your romantic situation?

Having a roommate with a significant other often means basically having two roommates for the rent-paying price of one. If you’re opposed to someone always having “company,” be up front about that before signing a lease—and do them the same courtesy by sharing your own relationship status.

7. What are your feelings on pets?

Another thing roommates need to agree on right away is the presence of pets in your place. Besides obvious lease rules about owning a pet or the added cost to rent if there’s a pet in the house, if you’re allergic to dogs or cats and your potential roommate has a furry friend, that obviously won’t work. Beyond allergies, some people just don’t like dogs or cats—or prefer them at a distance. Get animal-aligned before moving in.

8. What are your feelings on having a gun in the house?

Some people like to have a firearm in the house for safety, for recreational shooting, or for hunting. Others are vehemently opposed to having a weapon at home. This is an often-over-looked point, but a huge safety step when you’re living with someone new. And you should definitely make sure that if your incoming roommate does have a firearm, that it was legally obtained including a background check.

9. Do you plan on having friends over often?

Are you a social butterfly who likes your living space to be a hub of activity? Or do you prefer to keep the party away from where you sleep? If you and your roommate have conflicting ideas about residential socializing, it can make things pretty darn uncomfortable.

10. [Your question here]

Of course, only you can know best who you’re going to jive with and how you want to be able to mesh with your roommates. While it’s always a good idea to ask the basics and make sure the person you’re going to be living with will keep your home environment a safe space, it’s important to ask questions that communicate your personal values as well. The better aligned you and your off-campus roommate are, the more harmonious life will be.

Finding a roommate who matches you on every little quirk is impossible. But by asking insightful questions (and picking up on their general vibe) you can take some healthy steps to ensure that your off-campus experience will be safe, freeing, and fun.

 

Elaine Thompson is a graduate of Westminster College in Salt Lake City where she got her BA in Communication. Alongside a fulltime job, Elaine enjoys the hustle and writes for multiple online publications.

Majoring in Communication Systems? – Future Looks Bright for You!

BY EMMA BONNEY

 

Because technology is evolving, and many jobs today are expected to become obsolete, students have legitimate questions in terms of what career paths should they consider. Well, communication systems and technology graduates are those who can consider themselves lucky! Why? Because of the incredible potential the field has.

Companies all over the world have tens, dozens, maybe hundreds of employees. And apart from making them more productive and business-ready, they also grow ventures’ communication vulnerabilities. But let’s see what career opportunities communications systems majors have after finishing their studies.

Network Systems Administrator

As a network systems administrator, you will have to plan, implement and troubleshoot and maintain communication systems for different companies and other establishments. Companies all over the world rely on the services of such professionals to keep their communication channels up and running. Your main work environment will consist of local-area networks – LANs – or wide-area networks (WANs), but also database systems.

As a network systems administrator, you will also have to provide support to users, and since we know that not all employees are very tech-savvy, this will happen a lot. You will also have to ensure high levels of network security for the company you work for, and this may be the most important aspect of your job.

With a similar job, you will enjoy an annual wage of about $100,000, with an average annual growth of 8%.

Corporate Communication Security Expert

As we can find from the host of one of the best interview podcasts out there, communication vulnerabilities within big companies are growing by the day.

As a corporate communication security expert, you will have to have more than great computer skills. You will also need impeccable interpersonal skills and be passionate about social influence. You will also have to have a good knowledge base in terms of social engineering. How can you help organizations and ventures with all these skills?

Social engineering skills will help you test a company’s vulnerabilities by trying to trick employees or members to give out confidential information. It has been proven on multiple occasions that when data leaks within companies emerge, there are rarely hacking attempts. In most cases, we are discussing about employees unable to protect confidential data and documents on their computers. The most severe scenario? An employee will write down their passwords on a sticky note and leave it in plain sight.

The average wage you will be recompensated with for all your hard work can reach well over $110,000, annually.

Database Administrator

As a database administrator, you will have to ensure proper functionality of company databases. This will include making sure the design, development and maintenance of the database is never overlooked. You will also have to make sure all authorized individuals have easy access to databases and when the situation asks for it, you will also have to ensure you develop and implement all the necessary database security measures.

You will also have to tackle database malfunctions and bugs. With all that responsibility on your hands, be ready for a wage starting from $90,000.

Computer Support Specialist

Online, on the phone or offline, computer support specialists have to ensure all employees within a company receive the necessary computer support when they need it the most. Apart from offering advice in terms of computer usage, computer support specialists will also have to come to employees’ help with advice and guidance in terms of network issues and software problems and dilemmas. You may find a similar job under the technical support specialist name.

In some other cases, you will have to offer support to external users. This is a frequent scenario within software development companies. In this case, you will occupy a helpdesk position designed to offer clients of the company all the necessary support when interacting with products or systems developed by them.

To get a similar job, you will need different degrees and certifications, depending on the specifics of the job and company. You can be asked to make proof of anything, from a certificate or bachelor’s degree.

Computer support specialists usually have a wage starting from $60,000 a year, with an estimated growth of over 10% annually.

Tips to get your dream communication systems job

Although formal education is important for a professional like yourself, you will also have to be up to date with the latest developments in the field. Make sure you use all the necessary tools, from online courses and training programs to listening to podcasts on the topic and finding a mentor. Everything will help you grow into the professional you dream and will guarantee a positive academic and career trajectory.

With so many security vulnerabilities, companies need specialists able to help them identify and fix them. Going for a Communication Systems major will help you get closer to becoming one of their reliable collaborators.

A bit about myself:

Emma Bonney is a successful blogger whose articles aim to help readers withself-development, Women’s Empowerment, Education, entrepreneurship and content m

7 Important Things to Pack and Bring to College

BY LORRAINE McKINNEY

You are getting ready to go to college. All of the admission papers have been signed and all of the financial aid has been taken care of. Now all you nee to think about is what you will be bringing to college. Here are seven important things to bring to college.

1. Notebooks – While some people like to take notes on a laptop, it is actually better to write your notes down on paper. Writing your notes puts the information into your brain more solidly. Reading over them later helps you to remember them better. Invest in notebooks that have good covers that will last. One notebook, at least, per class is probably what you will need.
2. Backpack – Unlike high school you will be carrying your books and notebooks around all day to each class. You will need a sturdy backpack to carry all of your supplies. Some students use small backpacks that can be wheeled around campus, but those can get in people’s way. A sturdy backpack that fits you will be your best friend at college.
3. Mini fridge – A mini fridge is a necessity in a college dorm. You can store drinks and snacks there in case you get hungry after the dining hall is closed. You will need to check with your college administration but normally most colleges allow you one mini fridge per room. Stock it with healthy snacks to keep your brain functioning during your all nighters. If you are wrapped up in reading and forget to eat dinner you will have food right there for you.
4. Shower caddy/shoes – Dorm life will be easier if you purchase a shower caddy and shower shoes. A shower caddy will help you tote all of your shower necessities including shampoo, conditioner, toothbrush, toothpaste, and more to the dorm shower. If you step in the shower without your caddy you will have to go back to your room and get your necessities. Shower shoes will help keep fungus and other gross things from getting onto your feet. Good shower shoes are also a necessity.
5. Laptop – Some schools supply laptops or computers. “You can use those or bring your own from home. Your own laptop will be accessible twenty-four hours a day every day. Computer labs usually have limited times when they are open and accessible. Also bring along a hard drive and jump drive to backup your papers and other important information,” suggests an expert at VelvetJobs.
6. Laundry bag – Whether you do your laundry at home or on campus you want to have a laundry bag and good detergent. A laundry bag will give you a place to keep your laundry and to store it before you wash it. You do not want your laundry to pile up on your floor. That will not make you a good roommate.
7. Bedding – You will want to bring along a bed bug proof mattress pad to discourage the little things from eating you alive. Along with the mattress pad you will need an extra long twin sheet set. Bring a pillow that works for you. You do not want to wake up with a sore neck the first day of classes. A good warm blanket and a throw will round out your bedding needs.

Going to college will be a fun and exciting time. You will make new friends and get to know your roommate. It can be a stressful time too if you have not prepared ahead of time. Make sure you are prepared with these essentials and you will have a great time in classes and in your dorm.

 

Lorraine McKinney is an academic tutor and e learning specialist.

 

Advice on How to Manage Student Loan Debt

BY KATHLEEN BROWN

 

It’s hard to celebrate the fact that you’ve just graduated when you know there is a hefty student loan debt bringing you to reality. Unfortunately, for the majority of students, student loan debts are the only way to a diploma, so it’s not a surprise that many of them are actually struggling with paying it off while also maintaining a good quality of their lifestyle.

Is it possible to have fun, create memories, and make the most of every moment while there is such a financial responsibility hanging over everything you do? According to research published in Forbes, there are 44 million borrowers who all together owe $1,5 trillion in student loan debt only in the United States.

If you’re among those 44 million borrowers, you could probably use some useful tips and tricks on how to manage your student loan debt while still living your life to the fullest.

 Focus on Budgeting

We can’t talk about successfully repaying your student debt loan or even managing your overall finances without knowing how to budget. Understanding your income and expenses is vital if you wish to make plenty of healthy financial decisions in the future:

 

• Start by determining your monthly income from all of your sources. That can be anything: money from your part-time job, scholarships, loans, grants, money from your parents, etc. After your graduation, this will probably be just the money from your full-time job and your parents.
• List all of your expenses and be as detailed as possible.
• Include your fixed costs as well as those that vary from month to month.
• The more expenses you add throughout the months, the more aware you will be of how much money you actually have at your disposal.

 Be Smart About Your Money

In general, you should make smarter decisions when it comes to your finances:

 

1. Start thinking where you could save money and determine which expenses can be lower. For instance, you can be smarter with your money by finding an ATM company that you can trust and which is affordable for you.
2. You can replace some of your hobbies and activities with cheaper options.
3. Instead of going to the gym, you can start jogging in the park.
4. Instead of going to the cinema, invite your friends over for a movie.

There are plenty of ways to replace your habits and interests, you just need to write them down, find the alternative solution, and stick to it.

Continue Living like you’re In College

After you graduate, you might be fascinated with all that freedom, but keep in mind you need to be responsible and smart with your money if you want to pay off your student loan debt.

How about continuing living like you’re still a student? Not having your apartment but sharing it with roommates will cut down your expenses significantly. When it comes to food, try to cook at home as much as possible and avoid restaurants and fancy places.

Invite your friends for a Friday dinner and prepare a meal for them instead of meeting them in the restaurant. You can save money also by creating a cooking schedule with your roommates or finding supermarkets at low prices.

Conclusion

All in all, your entire lifestyle should be focused on saving money for paying off your student loan debt as soon as possible. You can still enjoy your time with your friends and family, but you need to plan everything accordingly. Always make sure that all of your expenses are added to your budget so you can manage your financial situation successfully. Without planning, it will be hard to pay off your debt in time.

Byline:Kathleen Brown is a passionate entrepreneur and enjoys writing articles, overviews, and analyses about everything going on in the industry with a single goal of sharing her expertise with students.