Techniques to Use to Prioritize Your College Assignments

BY MELISSA BURNS

When you first start studying in college, you may feel that the day just doesn’t hold enough hours for you to do everything you are supposed to do. The rise in the amount of work to deal with is just too high when compared to high school, yet some people seem to be doing alright. How?

We are happy to say that 9 times out of 10 achieving success in college has nothing to do with talent. It is all about organization – and here are some techniques that will help you get better at it.

1.    Set Your Priorities Right

Here is a truth for you to chew on: there is never enough time to do everything, but there is always enough time to do what is most important. If you feel that you don’t have enough time for your studies, it means that you don’t put them high enough in your hierarchy of priorities. When you distribute your time, you give preference to other activities, whatever they are: dealing with other responsibilities, your part-time job, socializing, resting, etc. If you want always to be ahead of the game you should decide right now that studying is the most important thing you do and should always be at the head of the line when you give out your time. So the next time you get free time, treat it as a good reason to do some extra studying, not as a pretext to go hang out.

2.    Know when to Ask for Help

Some assignments are just too difficult to deal with them on your own. Or, rather, you still can complete them without help, but it is likely to take disproportionately long when compared to their relative importance. In such situations, the best way to save time and energy is to get in touch with an academic assistance service like SolutionInn and get some expert help.

3.    Break up Large Tasks

How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time. Follow this philosophy in everything you do, but especially when you encounter a particularly huge and mind-numbing project. Tackling it as it is may seem like an insurmountable task, which is bad both from an organizational point of view (you don’t know where to start) and in terms of motivation (the size of the job discourages you from even trying and causes you to put off dealing with it for as long as possible). Thus, when dealing with big projects divide them into multiple small parts and work on them one at a time.

4.    Find Use for Every Minute of Spare Time

We all have much more time on our hands than we think we do, and a huge portion of it is wasted on various small intervals and fruitless waiting: standing in a line, waiting for a bus, etc. Make sure you have the means to make use of every one of these intervals. Be ready to read a couple of pages when you are waiting on a bus stop. Listen to your audio materials when you are waiting but have nowhere to sit down. These intervals may seem short and unimportant, but minutes turn into hours and hours into days of the time that is otherwise wasted. Find a use for it.

It isn’t an exaggeration to say that you have enough time to achieve all your goals and more. You merely have to learn how to organize it and use it to maximum efficiency. College is as good a place to learn these skills as any – and if you manage to master them, they are going to help you throughout your life.

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

6 Best Online Courses for Learning Block chain and Crypto currency 

BY JANE HURST

Today’s businesses are turning towards more fluid transactions. As a student, it would be wise to at least know something about Blockchain and Cryptocurrency. There are already many businesses setting up ways to accept these currencies and people buying and trading bitcoins.  Knowing all about the way these currencies work will give you a boost when it comes time for a job search. Here are six different online courses to help you get started.

1. The ULTIMATE Bitcoin and Blockchain Course by Udemy

This course will teach you the concepts of bitcoins and cryptocurrencies. It will also teach you how to make a profit through mining cryptocurrencies. You will also learn about the future of cryptocurrency and what opportunities blockchain technology creates. This course will help you learn how to use bitcoins and how to make money from investing in bitcoins. This course focuses on facts, strategies, and methods. Once you are finished with the course, you can go back and look things up as needed.

2. Learn Bitcoin and Ehtereum by One Month

This is a beginning class that discusses the vocabulary you will need to use when working with bitcoins and cryptocurrencies. If you ever wondered about bitcoin value as in how much it was worth or what you can do with bitcoins, this class will help explain the concept to you. Bitcoin value is flexible and can fluctuate quickly which is a concept you will learn in this course. It’s possible to trade the bitcoin in several ways, for example btc-gbp, btc-usd, btc-euro etc. By the end of this class you will be able to buy, send, and receive bitcoins. You will also be able to confidently speak about bitcoin, blockchain, altcoin, ehtereum, and more. This course provides the fundamental framework for dealing with bitcoins.

3. Cryptoeconomics 101 by BlockGeeks

This course focuses on core concepts from cryptography and economics and shows how these create incentive systems for blockchains. You will also learn about decentralized economies. At the end of this course you will be able to identify the properties of bitcoins, understand how bitcoins create economic incentives and much more.

4. The Complete Course on Understanding Blockchain Technology by Udemy

This is a beginners guide to the knowledge and application of blockchain technology. You will learn how blockchain technology works, the future of blockchain technology and how it will affect you, and the different terminology used when discussing blockchain.

5. Blockchain 101 Intro (Non Technical) by BlockGeeks

This is an introduction to Blockchain technology. You will learn about how transactions are stored, how mining works, the difference between permission and permissionless blockchain, and more. This course also discusses the opportunities including smart contracts, payment rails, proof of ownership, micro transmissions, and more. You will also learn about alternatives to bitcoin and blockchain.

6. Bitcoin and Cryptocurrency Technologies by Coursera

This course delves into the technical aspects of bitcoin. It discusses security, anonymity, and pricing of bitcoin. You will discuss how bitcoin achieves decentralization, the mechanics and how to store and use bitcoins, anonymity, mining. You will discuss the other possibilities of bitcoin technology to support other platforms. Your professors will discuss the future of bitcoins and other alternative cryptocurrencies.

Cryptocurrencies and bitcoins can be confusing, however, these six courses will help you understand and use this technology to your benefit. Whether you want to trade in bitcoins, or just find out what all the hype is about, these courses will guide you through the technology and terminology of the latest currency. Look through the course options and decide which one will suit your needs. All of these courses are for beginners with no previous experience. The courses were designed to help you better understand cryptocurrencies and bitcoins.

Byline:

Jane Hurst has been working in education for over 5 years as a teacher. She loves sharing her knowledge with students, is fascinated about edtech and loves reading, a lot. Follow Jane on Twitter.

Electives That Will Help You In The Job Market

BY MIKKIE MILLS

Most college students find themselves with a ton of elective credits they have to earn before they can graduate but no idea what to take. While you should use some of your credits to take a fun class and explore an interest, elective courses also give you the liberty to pick classes that will help you develop new skills you can apply to your everyday life and in the workplace.

By focusing your attention on what you can gain through the study of a subject rather than just the subject itself, you can pick the best electives to benefit you far beyond the classroom.

Useful Elective Courses for College Students

Before we delve into the best classes to take in college, let’s explore the types of skills you should be developing. Your major will lay the framework for your future career, but the electives you choose help flesh out your entire degree and can be used to help you develop additional skill sets that are outside your major’s curriculum.

According to Monster, the popular job-hunting site, there are multiple skills that can add an edge to your resume and demonstrate your value to companies. Four of the skills presented on Monster’s list are able to be easily acquired through college electives.

These skills are:

• Problem solving.
• Analytics
• Social media.
• Creativity

Problem Solving

Philosophy isn’t just for liberal arts students and campus hippies. Philosophy teaches students how to consider the world around them and apply their own thoughts and emotions logically and thoughtfully.

An introductory course to critical thinking is a fantastic elective for those who wish to sharpen their problem solving capabilities. This course teaches students how to interpret and analyze arguments, identify bias and fallacies and use critical thinking to assess their own values and opinions and develop stronger responses and solutions to various life scenarios.

Analytics

If you aren’t a math person, you may already be cringing just seeing the world “analytics”. Although the subject seems intimidating if you aren’t good at math, data analytics is a valuable skill set to develop. Taking an introductory course can open the door to manyother branches of advanced analytics that increase job opportunity and have a versatile application in the workforce.

If you want to get started with social media analytics on your own, Google Analytics offers free training online.

Social Media

A new media communications course is a great way to develop social media skills and understand how the internet can be utilized from a business standpoint. You may already be a regular on Facebook or Twitter, but social media for business goes far beyond the basics and teaches you how to use the biggest platforms to your professional advantage.

Many companies are making social media literacy a requirement for new workers to accommodate the digital shift in business.

Creativity

You might not think that fiction writing can help you land a job, but creativity is a valuable skill to many employers. Creative thinkers are able to use their imaginations and come up with unique solutions to problems. Creative people are also more likely to try new things and bring ideas to the table.

Taking a creative writing course as an elective is a good way to start flexing your creative muscle. Learning how to apply your imagination to everyday problem solving is an underestimated skill that benefits you in and out of the office.

Collaborate With Your Adviser

In order to make the most out of your college degree, it’s important to check in frequently with your adviser. Your academic adviser can help explain all your options and weigh the benefits of each potential course.

You should also take a look at job listings for careers you’d like to have in the future and identify key skills that are featured. Then, you can choose electives that correlate with those skills to create a more rewarding, well-rounded education.

Mikkie is a freelance writer from Chicago. She has a passion for advanced learning, reading, and health and fitness. She is also a mother of two who loves sharing her ideas on education, learning, health, fitness and yoga. When she’s not writing, she’s chasing the little ones around or can be found at the local climbing gym or doing yoga.

As You Approach Graduation: Steps to Prepare for It

BY Tasnim Siddiquee

For some students, graduation is a time of celebration while for other it’s quite the opposite. When graduation comes near, many students suffer from confusion and uncertainty. What should they do after graduation? What steps should they take for their formal education or career? A lot of students are still clueless about how to approach their lives after this period.

To help you, below you’ll find some tips for undergraduate students who are facing their graduation. Hopefully, these will give you a hint of how to properly prepare for your future.

Graduate School Preparation

While many students think about starting a career after graduation, some think about continuing their studies and getting a higher education. For that, the first thing you’ll need to do is search for the perfect school according to your own needs. If you have found one, prepare properly for the admission tests. And if you are yet to find one, you should start searching for some GMAT, GRE prep courses. Depending on the graduate school you choose for yourself, there might be some other graduate level exams.

Visit the Career Service Office

If you’re not thinking about getting any higher studies, you can also prepare for a career. In fact, many students think about starting a career after graduation. However, they often get confused about what jobs they should seek and how to prepare for the interviews. Your school’s career service office will help you on this matter by giving proper guidance. They will also be able to help you find a part-time job or an internship, depending on your certificates and achievements.

The counsellors will also help you prepare your cover letter, portfolio, CV and the other documents you will need for your first job. Let’s say that you are thinking about becoming a lawyer for personal injury claim. In this case, the counselors will help you with all the necessary paperwork for that.

Make sure that your resume will include a full history of your experience, all the projects you’ve completed, and all the skills you’ve obtained through all your school years.

Also, create different suitable cover letters for each job you’re aiming for. However, your counsellor will be able to help you create the base for your cover letter. But you will have to finish it as you like by adding or subtracting information, depending on the position you will apply for.

Gather References

References are a game changer when it comes to getting a job. You should get references according to the job you’ll apply for from the right people. In most cases, getting a good reference makes a big difference between getting a job or not.

If you have achieved great results on a certain course, ask the professor to write you a recommendation letter. Also, if you’re doing an internship, you can ask your internship supervisor for a recommendation.

And finally…

Know the Correct Amount of Your Student Debts

You’re lucky if you don’t have any student debts. But most students are not that fortunate. It’s the final hurdle you’ll need to cross after starting your career. In most cases, the first payment of your student loan is within six months after your graduation. Thus, you should start figuring out how much you owe in your student loan so that you don’t get any surprises later. And most importantly, don’t ignore your correspondence from your loan debtor.

So, if you are an undergraduate student, these pieces of advice will help you prepare thoroughly for your graduation and your future career. Also, ask your teachers for any piece of advice they can give you. Their advice will help you choose a suitable career path according to your abilities and skills.

Name – Tasnim Siddiquee

Website – premiumguestpost.com

Professional writer and guest blogger, Digital marketing and SEO Expert.

Career backup plan – courses every student should have

BY LINDA ANDERSON

When you applied for college, you knew what career path you wanted to follow. When you graduate, you will start looking for a job in the domain you prefer, but you have to make sure that when you apply for a job you will be the best candidate they can get. Your resume has to show employers that you have multiple skills and you have the needed knowledge to get hired. As a student, the best way to improve your skills is to get some extra classes. These classes are accessible to all students, but few of them consider attending them. These classes will not only help you be prepared for when you will graduate, but they can prove very useful during college, if you want to have a part time job to get some extra money. Students love to be independent so it may come a moment when you will want to have a job to save some money for going to a concert or buying a new phone.

Here are some classes college students can take if they want to have a career backup plan.

Business management classes

Some students want to start their own business while in college, while others want to apply for a job for a large company; the fact is that all of them will have numerous advantages if they will have some business management courses. These classes help you understand the work environment and offer you knowledge on what it takes to manage a business. You may not manage the business from the first months of employment, but it is important for you to have knowledge on the operational process and how the important decisions have to be made. Also, these classes will help you know what to answer in case your managers will have questions about business matters.

Finance or accounting classes

The majority of students do not even want to hear about accounting or finance classes, but they are some of the most useful ones. If you follow these courses, you not only that know how to manage your finances, but you can apply for numerous open positions. You will have a new view on how to make a plan to pay your taxes and how you can manage your expenses. You can help the other students who have financial difficulties to manage their money, and they can pay you for this service.

Design or art classes

If you are a creative person, then the best way to find a job is to use your talent. Your interest in arts should be cultivated, especially if you have not chosen to go to an arts college. Design is a subject highly appreciated nowadays, because it is important in every domain. If you are a talented person, and you have design classes, you can apply for one of the multiple designers jobs, for instance in an international printing company. Your inner Picasso will bring you a job and it will offer you a career backup plan.

Communication classes

As a student, it is extremely important to know how to transmit your message clearly. You will have to speak to people on numerous occasions. When you go to an interview, you have to make sure that you convince your interlocutor through your speech, so communication classes can prepare you for when you will apply for jobs. These classes are important for the persons who do not know how to catch the audience attention and how to convey their message. Numerous students have confidence issues, when it comes to speaking to someone, they do not know, so a speech course will give you the push you need.

Journalism or writing classes

The best job a student can have is the one of a journalist. Magazines, newspapers and websites are always in search for partners, and you can apply for a position if you have journalism knowledge. It is important you to be able to create content that catches people’s attention and convinces them read or view the content. If you want to have a part time job then you can write articles for an online magazine or newspaper, but for this, you will need writing skills. The way you communicate with people is influenced by the skills you have, and as you have already noticed journalists have a special talent when they communicate with people. The art of writing will take you a step closer to the career of your dreams.

By line for Linda Anderson

I’m a writer and musician residing in Boise, ID in the United States, although I spent a small amount of time (about three years) living in the UK growing up, due to my father’s occupation. I graduated from the College of Idaho with a bachelor’s Degree in Business and a focus in marketing in 2014.

How to Get the Most From Online Learning

BY LESLIE WILDER

 Online learning provides you with access to a wide range of courses. It gives people the chance to learn new skills, better themselves and progress their careers. Delivered in a virtual environment, students have the ability to learn when it suits them but it still takes determination and dedication to get the most from the experience.

Online learning is very different to that of a classroom environment and so, it is vital that you do all you can to ensure that you learn as much as possible so that the whole experience benefits you in every way.

So, how do you get the most from your online learning experience?

Check your system compatibility before Beginning

Prior to c and online courses beginning, you will receive an email to say that you need to test your system. This is done for a reason because often, problems can occur and that the last thing you want is for your system to cause you problems at a time when you need it most. So, click any test links that you get sent a few days before the class or course begins. This will enable you to have enough time to download the plugins or software you need to take part. This will save you time and hassle on the day and will ensure that you do not miss out.

Choose how you communicate with Instructors

Online learning is not about leaving you on your own to learn because you will receive guidance from instructors. However, you will need to communicate with them and that means you should determine this before it all begins. Will you use the chat function on offer or will you do it via webcam? Test your chosen method before the course begins and ensure that the whole experience goes as smooth as possible.

Course Materials

All course materials can be accessed prior to your class and so, you need to make sure that all links are working and that all downloads are operating as expected. You might have to follow specific instructions that help you to view your course materials, so read them and download and read all materials before the course or class begins.

Remove Distractions

If you are taking part from home or when you are in the office, then you need people to know that you are taking part in a course and that you are unavailable. Put your voicemail on, turn off your phone and set an out of office message for your emails.

Remain Focused

Online courses require you to stay focused. You have to be motivated to get the most from this online experience and so, you have to avoid any temptations such as the internet, your phone or even that television in the background. Try taking out a coffee subscription so you have access to great coffee that you can drink during the course. Do whatever it takes to remain focused on your course.

By line of Leslie Wilder

I am a creative writer & blogger, who is residing in Nashville the capital of U.S. state of Tennessee, I’m also a self-proclaimed happiness junkie, and someone you would generally consider confident and well balanced.

Applying to an MBA Program: How to Choose Between GMAT and GRE 

BY ELIZA MORRISON NIMMICH

If you are at the point of applying to, or considering applying to, a MBA program, then you probably know that good GMAT scores will help you secure admission to a competitive business school. You may also be aware a majority of MBA programs allow applicants to choose between taking the GMAT or the GRE. So, the question for prospective applicants becomes, which test should you choose, the GMAT or the GRE?

Urban Legend: There’s Only Room for Success on One Exam

The two exams are can be polarizing for many prospective MBA’s: oftentimes, people tend to love one, and hate the other. But at the same time, many people find their scores to be proportionate across both exams.

A Little Bit of Background

Although both tests are widely accepted by business schools today, for many decades in the past, the GMAT was the only entrance exam for MBA applicants. Nowadays, the GRE is seen as a fitting alternative to the GMAT. More than 90% of MBA programs accept GRE scores and allow applicants to choose between the two exams. Prospective applicants are encouraged to determine whether your top ten business schools accept GRE scores. Let’s have a look at the two and see whether the GMAT or the GRE is more appropriate for you.

Do you Prefer Language or Math?

It is commonly considered that you can determine which exam to take based upon your proficiency in language and math. There are some differences on what is tested in the Quantitative sections of the two exams. GRE math questions are more straightforward and may therefore seem easier. However, a couple of mistakes can really ruin your score because the scoring is not very forgiving on the GRE. GMAT math questions can be a little more challenging. Fortunately, the section is more forgiving since the questions are adaptive, and a few mistakes will not do you as much harm as the GRE Quant (Quantitative) section will.

Both the GRE and the GMAT test your language skills. The GRE focuses on making inferences while the GMAT makes analysis a priority. On both of these tests, you will get Reading Comprehension as well as Critical Reasoning questions among other things. But generally speaking, if your strength is grammar, the GMAT would be more appropriate for you. If you are better in vocabulary, you may get better scores by taking GRE.

 Recommendations on Whether to Take GMAT and GRE

 When to Take the GRE…

• You excel at vocabulary
• GMAT math intimidates you.
• You like looking through the passage questions before reading the passage.
• Precision comes more easily to you than reasoning.
• Formal logic is something you enjoyed and excelled in during high school or college.

 When to Take the GMAT…

• If you can read fast and effectively at first glance
• If you are fine with answering the question at first glance, without skipping and later returning to answer it, as the GMAT does not allow you to revisit former questions.
• When you have strong reasoning and core math skills.
• Prior to undergrad, you received good SAT and ACT Writing Section scores.
• When you strongly believe you have good critical thinking and practical skills. So How Do You Make the Ultimate Choice?

Truthfully, the GMAT is more similar to the GRE than it is different, especially after GRE was revised in 2011. The differences highlighted above are quite subtle. Therefore, if you can do well on one, it is more than likely that you will be able to do well on the other.  If the differences highlighted above do not elucidate which test to take, then choose the GMAT. It is considered to give you a slight edge as you seek admission to an MBA school. Admissions committees may think you are more committed to enrolling at an MBA program, whereas with the GRE, you could be applying to MBA, MA, MS, or PhD programs.

Eliza Morrison Nimmich is a Co-Founder of Tutor the People: an online and in-person service that matches students with a 1-on-1, top-scoring, GRE Tutor or GMAT Tutor. Tutor the People also helps students with all steps of the applications process, such as personal statement review, resume review, and interview advising.

Take More Courses Per Term To Complete Community College

FROM ECS

Building Community for Part-Time Students
Research has shown that the more college credits students take per term, the more likely they are to graduate ― and on time. Many colleges and states have responded to those findings and implemented new programs, offered incentives and enacted policy that encourage students to pursue at least 12 college credits per semester to graduate on time within two or four years. (Inside Higher Ed, Aug. 28)

How to Create an Internet Connected Dorm Room

BY ALEX HASLAM

Today’s college students grew up with the internet, so living a connected life is a given. Students use the internet for a broad variety of reasons, and more and more devices are creating ways to connect. Now more than ever, there are plenty of ways students can utilize all that technology to build safe, helpful, and meaningful spaces to study and relax, even in a cramped dorm room. Here are a few of the best:

Craft a study environmentStudying is one of the most important things students do while in college. It can also be one of the hardest. Luckily, smart technologies can help make the process easier and more organized, all within a connected dorm room system.

Bluetooth-connected smart speakers allow students to connect to digital assistants like Amazon’s Alexa, which can turn on study playlists, conduct searches, adjust calendars, and more hands-free, adding convenience to a study setup.

If students will be studying with others but don’t want to invite a whole study group into their dorm, it’s simple to connect over the internet using video chat services like Skype or Zoom. Students can also share documents via internet-based applications like Google Drive to make sure that even those who are joining in remotely can edit documents in real-time.

Create a relaxing atmosphere

In the midst of stress from classes, internships, and busy social lives, students need a place to relax, and a dorm room can provide that space. Of course, the blank walls and bright lights that dorm rooms are typically equipped with provide a harsh background for attempts at relaxation, especially in those which lack windows. Thankfully, connected tech provides control over lighting conditions to help create a perfect sanctuary even in the most basic dorm.

Smart bulbs allow users to adjust lighting, set schedules, and even turn lights off and on remotely. For relaxation purposes, however, it’s especially useful to use these bulbs to adjust lighting “temperatures” and colors. Choosing a softer shade of white or a cool color, like green or blue, brings a calming feeling to a room.

Build a safe space

One thing students may worry about in a dorm-style living situation is security. With people coming in and out of the building all the time, keeping individual dorms safe is a big concern. Beyond that, keeping on top of things like fire safety should be at the top of the minds of both dorm residents and housing supervisors.

With this in mind, connecting rooms to the internet using smart home alarm systems is key to ensuring safety, whether from dorm room break-ins or other hazards. Many of these systems allow users to check in on camera feeds and alarm statuses from anywhere using mobile devices. They can also often be integrated into larger smart home systems to become part of a fully connected dorm experience. Best of all, the peace-of-mind and security they provide can help college students living in dorms feel secure whether they’re in their room or away.

Living in a dorm can be an exciting experience, but it’s also important to make sure that room is being used to its fullest potential. Smart technology can make that happen. By providing safety, study tools, and peace to students, a connected dorm can create a successful living experience during college.

Alex Haslam graduated from the David Eccles School of Business at the University of Utah in 2017. Today she is a freelance writer who focuses on consumer technology, entertainment, and higher education.

Navigating the Unknown Job World As New Graduate

By Anton Lucanus

University graduates fresh out of college tend to be hungry, ambitious and determined to land the job of their dreams. Unfortunately, very often these high hopes crumble very quickly in the months following graduation, as graduates realise they are now competing against the adult working population.  In fact more often than not – statistics show that in the United States 67 per cent of college graduates leave school without jobs lined up, and more than 40 percent of college graduates end up taking a job out of school that doesn’t require a degree. But your first job really matters, and so here is some advice for getting you a decent job in your field – or maybe even the job of your dreams – right out of grad school.

During university, do something big, something good.

That may seem vague but stepping up your philanthropic activities while at University could earn you big respect in the corporate world. Take for example Former Polycom CEO Andy Miller, who publicly applauded and recognized two university students who raised $20,000 through a Swim-A-Thon and Bellyflop Contest for scholarships to help physically challenged student athletes attend college.

By undertaking a marathon in honour of a cause, or organising a nationwide fundraiser, for example, students can demonstrate they have the ability to both organise and promote an public event selflessly. Forever are their names attached to their monumental efforts, and not only will it look great on their resume, but it could garner the attentions of CEOs and headhunters.

Get on graduate job sites, geared specifically to university graduates.

These aren’t your average job sites, ones so competitive that you haven’t any chance in the world of landing a job unless you speak 12 languages and have over 25 years’ experience in the sector, but sites catering to those who mightn’t necessarily have experience but instead have enthusiasm and recent qualifications. In the United States, examples include Coolworks.com, Experiece.com, CollegeGrad.com and NACElink. Put some effort into whipping up a resume and get it online as soon as you have completed your studies. It’s also worth logging on throughout your studies to get a gauge of the kind of jobs advertised on such sites.

Volunteer.

This one should almost go without saying. Volunteering not only offers you the chance to network with people in your industry, demonstrate your potential, and build on what you learnt at university, but if you are lucky a volunteer role might eventually convert into a salaried position. Of course, this takes hard work, dedication and being in the right place at the right time, but more often than not this is how strong graduates find themselves working for respectable companies – by doing a stint for free first.

Harness the power of social media in your search.

As a university student, you probably already excel in social media use and very likely have several platforms and profiles already set up. Use that to your advantage as social platforms such as LinkedIn and Twitter can be used to find jobs. Join conversations on Twitter that relate to your desired career path and field. Actively use LinkedIn to find the right contacts and potentially connect with head-hunters of companies you aspire to work for. Research to date has suggested that 40% of employers use social media to screen candidates, so the key is ensuring that you have nothing publicly viewable on your profile that may damage your prospects of landing a job if a recruiter were to see it.

Leverage your alumni network.

Most universities and college maintain an alumni database containing valuable contact information of alumni – alumni who may now be working for or managing top tier companies where you are seeking to get a look-in. In fact, some schools have already established mentorship programs or relationships with alumni, who are eager to offer job advice and possibly opportunities to graduates. Getting a foot in the door is absolutely vital to progressing in the industry, and you will find that very few people will ever turn down a request to grab a coffee and offer some advice to a student.

Most importantly, remind yourself every now and then that actually, it’s okay to not have a job lined up immediately after college. You will want some time to relax and reflect on what would very likely have been an intense few years of education, and to take advantage of some much-needed holiday time before it becomes essential to lodge and count your days of annual leave.

This is one of the few opportunities you will have in your life to take the time you need to really think about what you want, where you want to be, and who you want to be before entering into the professional workplace. Just remember, speed doesn’t necessarily equal success. It takes time to find the right path.

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.