Why Healthy Fear of Failure Makes You More Likely to Succeed?

BY DANIELA McVICKER

The literature on business and entrepreneurship often deals with questions such as how to overcome the fear of failure. However, it is not stressed enough that the fear can actually be turned into a motivator for success.

I’m not talking about the unhealthy fear of failure that paralyzes, I’m talking about a dose of uncertainty that will keep you cautious and push you to do better. If you want to know how you can turn that fear to your advantage, keep reading and find out.

 

Creating Awareness

In most cases, people who don’t think about failure or don’t even see it as a possibility get completely demotivated when things don’t work out the way they panned and eventually they give up.

One of the common characteristics of those who failed was that they all once thought the failure to be impossible.

This is where the healthy fear of failure steps in and helps you out. This feeling shows that you are aware of the possibility that your business plan can go in a different direction than you hoped it will.

Being aware of the possibility of failure will help you to cope with all the obstacles and follow your ultimate goal.

 

Getting Creative

Believe it or not, but the fear that we might fail is more likely to stir the creativity pot.

That feeling of necessity can lead to some quality ideas.

David Ogilvy, a British advertising executive known for his emphasis on creative copy and campaign themes and a founder of the agency of Ogilvy & Mather once wrote: “The copywriter lives with fear. Will he have a big idea before Tuesday morning? Will the client buy it? Will it sell the product? I never sit down to write an advertisement without thinking this time I am going to fail.”

This definitely hasn’t made him stop. It made him push harder and do better.

Keep in mind that we are talking about a healthy dose of fear because if the insecurity is unbearable it will definitely make you unfit to go forward.

 

Better Preparation

Those who fear that they will not succeed will often dedicate more time and patience to prepare before they venture on a business risk.

Source: Pexels

Some people tend to think that after graduation their learning days are over. But they never really are if you want to excel. You can always learn a new language or enroll in a new course or a program in order to attain new skills and work on the existing ones.

John Mayer, a freelance writer for Stanford University says that before he engaged in professional writing or even showed his work to anyone, he read numerous blogs, works of other authors, reviews of top wrters, etc. He was afraid that his work would be rejected so he wanted to make sure that he learned as much as he can about his trait. John claims that the fear helped him to always give his best.

The fear can motivate you to perfect your skills and at the same time working on your skills will help you to minimize the fear.

Learning from Others

One of the things that makes successful people who they are is their willingness to always learn more.

Source: Unsplash

Take advantage of all available resources and inquire about actions which drove people in your field of business to failure.

If you fear not to end up like them, use them as an example of what NOT to do. The realization of potential failure can humble us and helps us to do better.

Some of the resources you can use are:

• Blogs
• Stories about successful companies (most of them confronted failure at some point)
• Articles
• Reviews on services in your field of business
• Asking people in your field of business about their journey

Pay attention to the steps which people claim that led them in the wrong direction. The reviews from people on the services you are planning to offer will show you where experts in your field make mistakes so that you can avoid them.

To summarize, read, inquiry, learn, and implement.

 

 

Identifying and Confronting the Fear

Confronting your fear can help you to realize your weaknesses. The fear of failure usually comes from the subconsciousness which is telling us that we are not good enough. Even though you should be confident and focus on your strengths, use this fear to identify what you are struggling with.

A research conducted by Harward Business Review writers which consisted of interviewing 65 entrepreneurs in the UK and Canada, identified seven sources of fear:

1. financial security
2. ability to fund the venture
3. personal ability/self-esteem
4. the potential of the idea
5. threats to social esteem
6. the venture’s ability to execute
7. opportunity costs

 

The research also found that worries concerning opportunity costs, personal financial security, or the ability to obtain funding for the venture are all positively associated with an entrepreneur’s persistence in pursuing their goals.

James Hayton and Gabriella Cacciotti from the Harward Business Review explain that if entrepreneurs contemplated the choice they had made in pursuing their venture, and how this necessitated missing out on other opportunities, whether in their professional or personal lives, they were more motivated to carry on with the venture.

That is the reason behind realizing what your fear is and embracing it.

Not to mention that by identifying what intimidates you and what you find to be your weak spots, you will be able to work on those issues.

Some Final Thoughts

To conclude, the fear of failure can make us strive for more and not get stuck in the comfort zone. It can help you to be aware of your weaknesses and to be cautious about the actions you make and the steps you take.

You should never let the fear stop you from taking risks but you should let it be your guide and help you to become the best version of yourself.

 Daniela McVicker is graduated from Durham University and has an MA in Psychological Science. Besides doing her work as an editor at Grabmyessay, Daniela has been applying her knowledge of psychology in order to help ambitious students to find their place in the world of business by sharing her experience with a broader audience.

Things graduates need to know before starting a business venture

BY MELISSA BURNS

Starting your own business while at a college or immediately after graduation is likely to be the most difficult thing you’ve ever done. However, this doesn’t mean that you cannot succeed – and even if you fail, you will acquire valuable experience that will come in handy later on. Nevertheless, plunging into the world of business head first without any preparation is not a very good idea – in this article, we will cover some of the most important things you should know and understand before you try it out.

1.    You don’t necessarily need a unique product

Many first-time entrepreneurs labor under the delusion that in order to achieve success a newly-founded business has to bring something entirely new to the market. However, if this were true, we would hardly see any new businesses appear at all. In reality, the opposite is often true – truly original new businesses often fail while those that come after them and take their mistakes into account prosper. Learning from the mistakes of others is much more efficient than learning from your own errors.

2.    You need a formal business plan

A formally prepared business plan is much more than, well, a formality. It gives validity to your business idea and demonstrates that it is implementable. You may believe that you know what you are doing, but until you have a detailed business plan that takes all potential contingencies into account, you are woefully unprepared. Considering your lack of expertise in this field, it may be a good idea to hire professional business plan writers to help you out the first time around.

3.    The best time to start out is most likely the middle of your second year

By that time you will get used to the college routine, learn how to deal with your studying duties more efficiently and, what is probably the most important, will be a more independent and responsible adult than before. It is also the period when you generally have more time than either before or after – having founded a business at that moment means that it is going to be well-established by the time you near the end of your education and again have less time. Counter-intuitively, having a host of additional responsibilities associated with running a business is likely to take a positive effect on your studies – when you have to juggle so many things it is easier to see your life in perspective and make better decisions about the relative value of things.

4.    You will have to put your own money into your business

You may believe that you have a billion-dollar idea that every investor should gobble up happily if he is at least partially sane. In reality, every second would-be entrepreneur believes something similar about the idea he has, and there is little to no chance of attracting the attention of somebody ready to pay for your attempt to study from your mistakes. Until you put a fair amount of your own money and effort into an enterprise, you are never going to be taken seriously. Before you start looking for investors, you absolutely have to try and implement your idea with what you have at hand. How successful you are at that will define whether you attract money or not.

Starting a business while at college is difficult, and no amount of tips and advice is going to change that. However, any challenge is more manageable when you know what you are up against – and we hope that what you’ve read in this article will help you make the right decision.

Melissa Burns graduated from the faculty of Journalism of Iowa State University. Nowadays she is an entrepreneur and independent journalist. Follow her @melissaaburns or contact at burns.melissaa@gmail.com

Business and Digital Communications Are Evolving and Popular Fields For Students

BY ANNABEL MONAGHAN

Deciding whether to go to a college or university after graduating high school is a huge decision that a student must make. It involves first picking a school, and then a major. After making all of these initial decisions, students have to schedule their courses within their selected majors. Many students enter into their undergraduate careers deciding on a career in the business industry. Interestingly, business majors make up a large percentage of the workforce, and even more so as the field continues to expand in varying ways.

As the digital era continues to take over the consumer industry, business executives and marketers have to develop new and creative ways to connect with their audiences. Because of the shift in the use of business marketing tools and the rise of digital media, new career options are now available and rising in popularity. For example, even twenty years ago, a digital media marketer was not a sought after position. Now, more than ever before, businesses and advertising agencies are looking to hire people who understand both traditional and modern applications of business and marketing.

Providing new and in demand careers helps companies expand their services in the areas of digital media, branding, email marketing, social media marketing, and, more generally, digital  knowledge. Because digital business and digital media are still relatively new to the consumer industry, it’s still a learning process for all organizations and employees involved. Digital media allows businesses to expand into providing full-service consulting, and many companies are doing just that by starting to focus their efforts in the areas of full-service advertising and consulting. One of these successful and innovative companies blending traditional and modern approaches is MDG Advertising.

MDG Advertising is a strategic, full-service advertising agency and digital marketing firm with offices in Boca Raton, Florida, and New York City. The company creates branded experiences, rather than focusing only on traditional advertising efforts, like traditional print marketing. MDG Advertising aims to be innovative and creative in their advertising approach. Undergraduates wishing to pursue a career in advertising or digital media should look to MDG, and similar companies, as an example of the type of innovative organization where they can work, should they pursue a career in marketing or business.  Because advertising and marketing are rapidly evolving, MDG Advertising uses a data-driven approach to ensure successful results for their clients. It’s not just about pitching an idea; it’s about analyzing the relevant research and data to develop successful strategies and goals. Full-service advertising agencies like this provide a 360-degree approach to their communication with clients and their audiences.

The founder of MDG Advertising, Michael Del Gigante, plays a crucial role in the success of his business. As the president and director of the company, he wears many hats, working as a creator, writer, and storyteller.  Based on his experience in the advertising industry, Michael Del Gigante provided insights into what organizations can do to ensure success during changing times.

“The organizations that will succeed going forward are those that aren’t purely traditional or purely digital, but rather a hybrid of both. Why? Because that’s what consumers, especially younger ones, respond to best. Overall satisfaction among Millennial consumers of financial services who use both branches and mobile offerings is 20 index points higher (on a 1,000-point scale) than among those who only use the branches, and 37 points higher than among those who only use mobile offerings.”

If a recent graduate is looking to start a career with a marketing or advertising agency, they should make sure they have the professional skill set required to succeed in a digital media driven company. This goes back to picking the right courses and selecting a major that will set the student up for post-graduate success in the field of digital media and full-service advertising. Students must understand all facets of business and how  diverse teams can work together to create strategies and campaigns that resonate with clients and their audiences. MDG Advertising looks for sharp, driven, and passionate people who love marketing and advertising. Having a professional degree and the requirements necessary to succeed are important, but displaying passion and a mindset for marketing are what set potential job candidates apart. MDG Advertising strives to create a collaborative culture that inspires, innovates, and rewards.

If a college student is undecided about his or her major, digital media and advertising are  always great selections. Picking anything in the realm of business or marketing will continually set the student up for success after they graduate. These majors are versatile, providing the student multiple career options and paths after they graduate. Because the business and marketing industries continue to move in a digital direction, both industries will demand that the people entering those fields are flexible, innovative, and hungry for knowledge in their field. Business is always changing so it demands that the workers in the industry are up to the challenge of an ever-evolving industry. Marketing tactics and business tools will change as technology and industrialization create more efficiency. As software and digital platforms continue to change and grow, it’s necessary that the people in the field change and grow as well.

Annabel Monaghan is a writer with a passion for education and edtech. She writes education and career articles for The College Puzzle with the aim of providing useful information for students and young professionals. If you have any questions, please feel free to email her at annabelmonaghanwriter@gmail.com. 

 

 

 

5 Financial Benefits of a College Degree

By  Danielle Phillips

Apart from too much hard work involved, college degree costs a lot of money for students. Consequently, at a number of times students start wondering whether they should opt to study for a college degree or not. Time and again they stat confused if their large investment and important years are worthwhile spending on a college degree.

Honestly, there are some great financial benefits often enjoyed by college graduates. These benefits help students secure their future and live a comfortable life in the coming years.

In this post, we will take a quick look at the top five financial benefits of a college degree.

1. Students Enjoy a Higher Earning For Life

According to the recent survey conducted by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, people with a bachelor’s degree under their belt earn around 66% more than their peers that only have a high school diploma.  Moreover, students with an associate degree still earn 25% more than the high school diploma holders.

Though these figures vary from field to another, however, they clearly prove that college graduates are better off in making more money by investing in their studies.

2. Students Automatically Increase Their Chances of Employment

The overall percentage of unemployment is lowest in western countries in people with advanced degrees. It is generally found that people with at least an associate degree have a higher percentage of employment that than the ones with only high school diplomas.  A genuine reason for this is the tough job market where employers are more interested to hire people that are more educated and fit their corporate environment well.

On a general note, it’s crucial to be a graduate to find yourself on top of any competition in the job market and get better employment opportunities as early as possible.

3. Students Get More Access to Resources

Another benefit of getting a college degree is to take advantage of all resources available at your college. Facilities like your college career center or internship programs are very handy to get a solid foundation to start your career. Moreover, your subject professors can also provide you with assistance on finding a job relevant with their wide professional connections in the field.

On a whole, you will get all the help you need through the college resources to find better employment opportunities that are almost possible to get when studying in a high school.

4. Students Get To Make a Professional Network Beforehand

It’s important to learn the importance of a professional network in the job market. Not only it will assist in steering yourself in the direction towards a bright and prosper career, but it will ultimately help in finding good job opportunities at the very first place.

Studying in a college for a degree program can help you create a network of decades of value from an investment of just a few years’ time that is surely worthwhile.

5. Students Can Take Benefit of Indirect Financial Benefits

Getting a high paying job and getting its direct benefits is one thing. Meanwhile, there are many financial benefits associated with a college degree.

With a college degree under your belt, you will likely to meet all your financial obligations in a much better way. In addition, you will be much better at saving a decent amount of money each month and later invest in different financial programs and earn monthly profits. This can help you to avoid going into any sort of debts and ultimately have a prosperous and bright future.

As you may see, students can acquire a number of direct and indirect financial benefits with their college degree. So why not go for one if you have been thinking about it?

About the author

Danielle Phillips is a talented blogger and editor working on different projects on a day to day basis. She is also associated with a reputable UK assignment company that operates online. She has a passion to help students do well at their students by offering them outstanding academic writing assistance.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What to Do If You Dislike Writing Research Or Academic Papers

BY DAVID GUTIERREZ

Unfortunately, even if you hate writing academic papers more than anything else in the world, you still have to do it if you want to graduate successfully. However, it is possible to alter one’s attitude towards something – often to a greater degree than you may believe. Here are some techniques that can make writing your next academic assignment bearable, if not outright pleasant.

1.    Take breaks

Taking regular breaks is important in any kind of work, and writing is no exception. Divide your assignment into a number of reasonably small parts and promise yourself to take a break after you successfully complete each of them. Both the parts and the breaks may be as large or small as it is useful for your situation. For example, if you write an essay, you can take 5-minute breaks every 200 words. If you write something more substantial, both the parts and the breaks can be larger. Do something pleasant in the course of your breaks – this will motivate you to complete each part faster.

2.    Eliminate distractions

When you do something you hate, every potential distraction is twice as enticing as it usually is. This means that if you are surrounded by distractions while you write your academic paper, you are likely to get distracted all the time. To prevent this, single out the things that are likely to attract your attention as you work and remove them from you. If it is structure and general layout of the paper that give you trouble, consider custom term papers for sale. Block distracting websites using Leechblock or RescueTime, turn off notifications, switch off your smartphone, block out the external noises by some music in your earphones.

3.    Find a writing place that works for you

If you do something you hate, you should at least do it somewhere you feel comfortable. Where it exactly depends on your preferences: some like to work at home, others prefer a nice café; still others find it inspiring to work in the park. Take your pick.

4.    Don’t try to write like somebody else

One of the reasons why you may hate writing is because you believe that you shouldn’t write in your own voice. You think you need to imitate either someone else or to write in an affected manner that has little in common with your own way of thinking and writing. Most likely, you are wrong, and your writing will only be improved if you choose to follow your heart and write the way you like.

5.    Practice

Another reason why students hate writing academic assignments is that they are not very good at writing. The reverse is true as well – once you learn how to write more or less well, you start feeling pleasure doing it. Do a bit of practice writing assignments of the type you have to write most often. Who knows? Perhaps, it will grow on you.

6.    Don’t be perfectionistic

Perfectionism is equally deadly both for enjoyment received from writing and the results achieved. Don’t try to make every sentence perfect – it is impossible. Write reasonably well, don’t go crazy correcting what you’ve already written because you will never finish doing it.

Learning to love writing is hard and long work, and we don’t claim that everybody is capable of doing it at first attempt. But making writing pleasant is achievable – and you can do it.

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.

 

University is stressful, make sure to take care of You

BY ANTON LUCANUS

 If you have made the decision to go to university, you are likely already feeling the winds of change. Going to university is amazing, and there are so many upsides to elevating your education through university or college, but it also comes with its challenges. Higher education demands a kind of accountability that compulsory schooling does not – you make the decision of if you want to go to university or college, and you alone are responsible for carrying out and committing to your studies. This is an easy enough concept to grasp, but it is a little more difficult to put into action sometimes. The single, best piece of advice that any university student can get is to make sure that they take care of themselves above all else. Grades are important, school is important, but nothing is worth sacrificing your health. First and foremost, your biggest responsibility is to yourself – even when that is difficult to remember amid the chaos of university or college life.

Students around the world find themselves under immense pressure throughout the school year. Going to university demands a standard of dedication towards assignments, examinations, and research. There always comes that inevitable point during the semester when it feels like you have more assessment than hours in the day, and competing (and acing) it all seems near impossible. During these busy times of the school year, many students sacrifice sleep, social time, and even shifts at work to get in those precious extra hours of study time. It is also during these times that it becomes a peak time of mental health strains among students. With so much going on at the one time, it is easy to get lost in the chaos.

Thankfully, there are now multiple tools and support systems that you can access to give you the assistance that you need, when you need it most, including online course groups (support systems), school psychologists (professional support), and even assignment help from experts (channels to ease the stress). The increase of campus treatment centres over the last few years speaks volumes of the issue at hand. While struggling with mental health as a student can make life at university feel like the loneliest place in the world, you are never alone. With thousands of individuals around you every day you are on campus, it is important to know the support channels in case you ever need them – especially if you have moved away from home to attend the university or college that you go to.

There should be at least one registered psychologist on campus, as well as student support groups that are available to bring together those that find themselves in similar circumstances – there is much to be said about comradery. Actively building friendships is another of the best things you can do to strengthen your mental health. When you have a few select people around university that you can trust and that have your back, it makes talking about the struggles easier – again, especially if you have moved away from home and your familiar, usual support network. Never underestimate the power of meeting new people – again, comradery runs deep.

Your mental health should always be your top priority. The stresses that will inevitably come with studying could potentially bring with them additional struggles as well, such as not living up to expectations (your own or of others), feeling inadequate, not feeling supported, and feeling lost in the chaos of what can feel like limitless work. It is not uncommon for students to feel like they are not being supported, and while it is likely not the intention of universities and colleges to make their students feel this way, they need to make the available channels more openly public. Universities and colleges have the means and the reasons to make all students aware of the available support networks, but for some reason the general awareness among students regarding these systems falls between the cracks sometimes. When you begin to feel overwhelmed, actively seek out channels that can help you; some students even make it their business to know how and where to find these channels before they have need of them, and it ends up being incredibly helpful down the road.

At university, you are constantly in a state of studying; whether it be research, revision, assessment writing, or examination preparation, there is always an element of your degree that demands your attention. University (or college) is one of the most rewarding things that you can do for yourself (if that is something that you want to do), but it also comes with immense challenges that should not be underestimated. During your time as a student, you will find yourself feeling the pressures of university life. It is always so important for you to ensure that you are taking care of your mental health, but as a student who is more susceptible to additional stresses and pressures, you must make a conscious effort to consistently check in with yourself, and take the appropriate measures to keep yourself healthy. Courses can be taken again, but you only have one life.

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 guide current students to achieve personal and academic goals.

 

 

College Living: 5 Easy Tips for a Clean Dorm Life

BY ANA CASTRO

The books covering the desk, while the nightstand is starting to get buried by piles of crusty pizza boxes and Chinese takeout containers. The pyramid of used-but-still-usable clothes kept on the chair has become the envy of the Egyptian pyramids. The trashcan has already been overflowing for weeks, and has now reached the point where it could be easily featured on the top of one of those “college trash Jenga” memes collections on the net. The air in the dorm is getting so musty and dust-laden that you could literally cut it with a knife.

Does this sound familiar to you? There is no denying that a messy environment can have a negative impact on one’s state of mind. However, especially during college years, it can be highly challenging to keep your room clean. It doesn’t matter if you are a freshman or a senior, it’s easy to get caught up in a vortex of lectures, classwork, extracurricular activities, and unforgettable parties.

Before you give up and let yourself sink into a sea of rancid leftovers and smelly workout clothes, take a look at these 5 easy tips to keep your dorm room tidy without endless cleaning sessions:

If you want to change the world, start off by making your bed

It’s a fact: A messy bed makes a room look messy — even after spending an hour cleaning everything else in the dorm.

You have probably already heard the saying: “Tidy desk, Tidy mind’. This rings true; after all, if your mind and thoughts are organized, why would you let your dorm room become so messy?

Moreover, science also says that making your bed can make you successful. Socio-economist Randall Bell has been studying success for 25 years, analyzing the core characteristics that all great achievers have in common. He found out that those who make their bed in the morning are up to 206.8 percent more likely to be millionaires.

So, each morning, when you wake up, just pull back the duvet cover and open the window to air out the bed and release moisture and humidity. Go ahead and complete your morning routine. After you are done and right before leaving: Simply pull the covers up, fluff the pillows and that’s it!

Making your bed literally takes three minutes but you’ll be amazed at how great the dorm will instantaneously look.

No clothes on the floor

Nothing makes a room look more cramped than clothing lying on the floor. Changing this habit just takes a few seconds, but it will definitely pay off, especially when it comes time to vacuuming the dorm.

 

• Save 5 minutes every morning by picking out your outfit the night before. This way, there won’t be any mess on the floor from constantly changing your mind – and your clothes – while being in a hurry to make it to your 9 a.m. lecture.

 

• Use a hamper or bag to collect your dirty laundry. At the end of the day, it takes just as much time to throw your clothes in the basket as it does to toss them on the floor. It will not only keep your dorm less messy, but will also make laundry day easier, as you will be able to spare yourself the guesswork on deciding whether or not a shirt is clean.

Now, what should you do with all those used-but-still-usable clothes that are dangerously piling up on the chair? You can simply use clothes hanging wall mounts inside your wardrobe door or put a clothes tree in the corner of the room instead. Are you too tired when getting undressed? Just get an additional laundry basket, or a sack, and use it for the worn-but-still-good cloths. You can just dump clothing in it instead of keeping everything on your chair.

The less you have, the less you have to keep organized

Dorm rooms are known especially for being rather tiny, and cluttered spaces especially stand out in small living areas.

There is a simple rule that you should keep in mind on your way towards a neat dorm room: If you take something out, remember to put it back where it belongs once you are done.

If you want to go a step further, take the time to clear out all unnecessary junk from your room every half year. Go through your closet, desk, and drawers; remove all the clothes and other stuff that seem to be in the wrong place, or that you haven’t used for ages.

Collect them on the bed and ask yourself: Did I use this for the last half year? How often did I use it? Is it in good condition? If I was shopping right now, would I buy this again? Could something else I own do exactly the same job?

The most important thing is to be honest with yourself. For example, if you can go 6 months without using something, there’s a pretty good chance that you are not going to need it ever again so you can either donate it, throw it away or sell it.

If you want to sell your old unused stuff in no time, try online classifieds apps like Locanto. It uses image recognition technology that automatically generate a title and set the category for your listings. So all you have to do is snap a quick picture of what you’re selling and your ads will be online within seconds.

In case you decide to keep something even though you don’t use it every day, make sure that you store it in a proper place, so that your dorm room won’t look messy. Under-the-bed storage solutions and economic decorative storage boxes are always a good alternative.

Throw things out regularly

Eating in your dorm room typically means that you will end up with a collection of takeaway boxes, spilled drink, food crumbs, and more. For this reason, you should stick to some golden rules: Food containers and leftover food should be taken to the dumpster within the same day, while spilled drink should be cleaned up immediately. Otherwise, you’re going to find yourself with new unwanted roommates, such as ants, flies, or other bugs.

Additionally, you shouldn’t wait until the trash is overflowing – and seems to have a life of its own – to take it out. This is definitely not a healthy habit, especially in small living spaces, like dorm rooms, where sleeping and working areas are dangerously close to the trash basket.

Finally, take the time to throw small things out that you would otherwise leave lying around your desk, nightstands, or furniture surfaces. This way your room will always be impeccable and trash free.

The harder part: Roommates

You are probably not the only keeper of the dorm room. For this reason, you should share your cleaning routine and expectations with your roommate from the first day on. Through this, you will be able to avoid any unnecessary confrontation later on.

However, if you have encountered a difficult roommate that doesn’t share your cleaning habits, you should talk to him/her as soon as the problem occurs. In such cases, the way you confront the issue will make the difference.

 

• First, stay calm and simply point out your perspective, make sure to emphasize that a clean room is vital for you; be specific about the habits that bother you, and explain why they bother you. Moreover, try to look for a compromise and see if there’s a middle ground that you both can agree on.

 

• Second, remember, the part of the dorm room that belongs to your roommate is beyond your scope. You cannot change or control what’s happening on the other side of the imaginary dividing line. But you can focus on changing those habits that affect the entire living area. Agree on a couple of golden basic cohabitation rules.

 

• Finally, suggest the possibility of dividing up the unwanted chores, like emptying the trash can, dusting, or vacuuming. Involve the person in setting up a cleaning schedule to rotate tasks; be flexible about trading chores if there’s something you don’t mind doing, but your roommate really hates.

Implementing these small tips to your daily routine requires determination, but they will definitely help you towards creating a clean, neat, and inviting dorm room. Be constant and remember: It takes 21-28 days to form a habit; it will seem like you have never done anything else only a little effort will be needed to sustain it.

Ana Castro is a young team leader and a communications manager for Yalwa, a thriving internet company based in Germany. She loves sharing her insights and experience to help her readers find personal and professional fulfillment.

 

 

 

Simple Steps to Stay Safe When Living Off Campus

 

BY CASSIE TOLHURST

 College is an exciting time packed with new experiences. It can also be overwhelming, and that goes double if you’re living off campus. Moving out of the dorms can feel exciting, overwhelming, liberating, and scary—often all at once. It’s totally possible to cut out the overwhelming and scary and keep the experience positive, though! Knowing how to keep yourself safe can drastically improve your off-campus experience and calm your mind. So here are four tips to help you do just that.

 

1. Set Expectations with Your Landlord and Roommates

 You’ve probably met your landlord and roommates already. But have you figured out property access terms with your landlord or established boundaries with your roommates? Here are some ideas for smart expectations to set:

 

• Talk to your landlord about how much advance notice you’ll receive for third-party repairs, so you can plan to be present during the work when possible.
• Decide on a cutoff time for having unfamiliar guests over that works for both you and your roommates.
• Have boundaries and clear expectations on when your landlord will come over to check on the property.
• The boundaries don’t have to be limited to just your landlord and roommates, of course. You can take time with anyone you regularly interact with to set boundaries that will help you feel safe and secure while you’re living off campus.

 

2. Keep Spare Key Sharing Secure This is actually two tips in one. First, don’t go making a bunch of spare keys and handing them out to anyone and everyone. It’s surprisingly easy for those to get lost and fall into the wrong hands.

Second, don’t hide extra keys in accessible places. If you need to give someone a spare key, meet them and hand it over in person. Would-be burglars may check under doormats, flowerpots, and other common hiding spots for spares.

 

3. Stay Smart about What You Share on Social Media

 Don’t post pictures or status updates that indicate where you are, and don’t post about vacations ahead of time. Smart crooks look for these posts and can use them to determine your whereabouts and when you’re not home (or when you’re home alone).

On a related note, take some time to review your social media privacy settings and friends lists. Don’t accept friend requests from people you aren’t 100% sure you know—thieves may use fake accounts to keep tabs on people.

 

4. Consider Installing a Security System

 If the house or apartment you’re in doesn’t have a security system, talk to your landlord about having one installed. A security system can go a long way toward keeping you safe by deterring burglars, and its very presence can also set your mind at ease. If you have roommates, make sure to include them in the conversation so they can have some input on features they’d like to have.

If your landlord isn’t excited to put down the money for the system, you can offer to roll the payment into each month’s rent. That way your roommates can also contribute to the cause, and it keeps everyone happy. The monthly costs for a security system are generally pretty reasonable—ADT, for example, is about $53 per month for a pretty comprehensive system.

Living on your own for the first time can be a challenging time, but it can also be fun and exciting! With these basic safety tips, you can regain some peace of mind and focus on enjoying the experience (and acing those classes)!

Cassie Tolhurst is a recent grad, freelance writer, and a wannabe world traveler. Her passions include the newest tech gadgets, what’s streaming on Netflix, and the latest rides at Disneyland.

 

College Creates Unexpected Challenges For Students

BY ANNABEL MONAGHAN

Being a student can (and often is) be one of the most challenging periods in an individual’s life. Not only do many students move away from their families to take on their studies, putting them in an entirely new environment, but they are faced with challenges and pressures that many of them do not see coming. There is a lot happening at university or college, all the time. Students must find balance; being at university or college is undoubtedly about one’s academic performance, but it is also about finding your inner balance. For some students, it is relieving stress by playing sport. For others, it is about joining on-campus clubs or joining sororities or fraternities. While the academic aspect of higher education is obviously of vital importance, how you treat yourself, handle the challenges (including how to get yourself through them), and how you prepare yourself for life after university or college graduation are also equally as important. So much advice is given to high education students on how to do well in exams and how to study to get the best results, and all that is well and good, but what is also incredibly important is learning to read between the lines – especially if they are your own.

In committing to becoming a student at a university or college, you are essentially committing to preparing for the rises and falls of the experience. No higher education experience is smooth sailing the entire way. To say so, or believe so, would be foolish. Be prepared for this. You will have days where studying feels like the hardest thing in the world. You will have days where you just want to throw in the towel. Don’t. it is these moments that can be used to push you even further, and you are solely responsible for recognising the opportunity to push higher, and for embracing that opportunity. It is with the immense pressures of university that your own well being comes into play. A startling number of students annually find themselves struggling within themselves as the school year rolls on.

Every university or college student’s higher education experience is different, and there is always a different set of aligning circumstances and aspects of that student’s life that renders their university or college experience entirely unique. Unfortunately, negative experiences or feelings can cause some students to acclimate to a dark place in their own minds. Often, students feel the challenges and pressures of university long before they have reached a place where they feel they can speak to someone about it. Going to university is a massive decision, and it is one that often results in new students moving away from their families, friends, and home in general – their usual support systems – and moving on campus.

Being in a new environment is tough enough at times, but attempting to navigate that new environment without anyone you know close by is a big deal. Take the time to learn about the official support systems on campus – these are trusted, trained sources of support and they are there to help you. They are also confidential in most cases. Additionally, go out of your way to join study groups, go to parties, and mix with your peers. They will become your friends and, in turn, will form the structure of a support system that is in alignment with your current experiences – this is invaluable. With a support system in place that makes you feel heard, valued, and safe, you will naturally come to embrace the support and lean into it. It will take time, and practice, but this can literally mean the difference between returning to the light and succumbing to the dark. There is nothing wrong with needing – or asking for – help.

Fine-tune your talents and skills at university – everyone has a different passion, from ballet to horse racing. But do it with balance. The best people in their fields are the ones who know how to be professional and where to be human. While it is undeniably important to hone your skills as a student to become a better professional down the track, you must also realise that the skills future employers will look for are not always the ones that you studied hard to build. In addition to building and strengthening your academic skills, it pays to also work on your personal skills – networking, for one, is one of the most important life skills you can attain going forward. Life at university is overwhelming and it will likely feel at times as if the only thing you have time to do is study.

While life as a student is definitely in part about academic success, it is important to recognise that these are the years that you should be actively building your network. Life at university is about hard work, but life after university is about who you know in the industry. Therefore, it makes total sense that building that network before graduation is a smarter move than waiting until after graduation. By the time you graduate, it is said that half your classmates will already be ahead. The reason why is very simple: they made full use of their time as a student, and they did so while connecting and learning from others in the industry you all are now a part of. Be part of the percentage that get ahead – not those who lag. It is difficult to catch up when you don’t even know how to catch up.

University is going to be a challenge, but it is also without a doubt one of the most rewarding, valuable things you can do for yourself. While it is important to recognise that university is not the natural path for every individual, it is certain a colourful one that, more often than not, leaves graduates with a sense of accomplishment, a drive to succeed, and a thirst to excel, pushing themselves to not only achieve their dreams, but to build a future beyond them. University is just the beginning – your future is where it all falls into place. Be sure you are not only prepared, but around for it. Reading between the lines is often the best way for you to gain a more rounded understanding of the situation at hand, as well as where you stand on all aspects. University or college is not just about graduating with a degree – it is also about graduating with a stronger perception and understanding of who you are and where you want to be. Ultimately, the gaps between the lines are more important than what the lines themselves say.

Annabel Monaghan is a writer with a passion for education and edtech. She writes education and career articles for The College Puzzle with the aim of providing useful information for students and young professionals. If you have any questions, please feel free to email her at annabelmonaghanwriter@gmail.com. 

 

How to Write An Effective Experience Section Of Your Resume

BY BRETT CLAWSON

Your resume is the hiring manger’s one-page glimpse at who you are as an employee. Like the summary on the back of a book, it is your career synopsis; and you hope to make it interesting enough to buy. Many, though, misfire when it comes to deciding what to and not to highlight on their resume. Sure it is helpful to show off your great education and big name references, but what about your experience? Many job searchers underestimate the power of a well-planned experience section. It is more than a matter-of-fact list of places you’ve worked. It is your chance to show off not only your impressive job history but your skills and value as an employee in each position. With this in mind, here are a few tips to help you compile the perfect experience section for your resume.

Experience Is Your Career Snapshot

The experience section of your resume is meant to be an overview of your employment history and career growth. This, though is not your entire job history. Keep the positions you list relevant to the position for which you are currently applying and your career path as a whole. For example, if you have been working in sales for five years and are applying for a new sales position, it would not be helpful to include your high school babysitting gig from ten years ago. Your job title is not the only factor to consider when judging relevance. Think about the skills you developed and perfected on your past jobs. If a previous position helped you learn skills that are valuable to your desired position, you may want to include it.

Make A Gap Year Count

Gap years -taking about a year away from school or the workforce- are not just for college students. Many consider taking a gap year from their careers but are worried about getting a job when ready to return. If you want to or have taken a gap year, it does not have to result in a gaping hole in your resume. There are of course various gap year pros and cons, but if you use your free time wisely, it can enhance your experience and your resume. Some use their gap years to travel, volunteer or do internships. These experiences can offer valuable life and work experience that can beef up your resume and make you a more well-rounded candidate. Some start websites or develop philanthropic initiatives that allow them to have a tangible reference to their relevant experience while away.

Keep Your Overall Resume Short and Sweet

It is commonly accepted that your resume should only be about one page long. Too much longer and it can make it difficult for a hiring manager to sort through. This may sometimes mean reorganizing your current resume to allow room for more relevant experience. When shortening and re-categorizing look for outdated items you can remove such as your GPA from the education section. You’d be surprised how much space you can find for experiencewhen you strip the rest of your resume to its bare bones.

Find Standout Wording

Remember that your resume is likely not the only one the hiring manager must look at, so take the time to word your experience in an eye-catching way. This should be achieved using effective action words that show your value. Avoid words and phrases that can sound corny or inauthentic like “synergy,” “goal-oriented,” and “team player.” Consider explaining your experience using words that are appealing and clearly state your valuable skills. Here is alist of dos and don’ts to help you get started.

Crafting your resume takes time and effort. Your experience section can make all the difference if you take the time to write it well.

Byline:  Brett Clawson is a writer and entrepreneur with a degree in Business Management. He enjoys researching emerging business trends and sharing their impact on business and the industry as a whole. He believes that the best way to influence others and share his knowledge with the world is through his writing.