5 Tech Skills College Students Need to Know

BY MASSIEL RAMIREZ

 

Every spring, millions of college students face the same life-altering question: Am I ready to graduate?

Today’s college grads are digital natives. We’re the first generation who grew up with the internet and digital technology. Because of it, we’re expected to enter the workforce with a résumé of advanced tech skills unlike any other graduating class before us.

In There Is Life After College, Jeffrey Selingo says that college grads need to be digitally aware and that they need to stop treating tech tools with a passive attitude. Instead, they should learn the ins-and-outs of popular tech to become better equipped for post-graduate life. And you can easily master the following five tech skills before graduation to help you on your way.

 

1. Know How to Google Properly

 

Searching for things on the internet is one of the first tech skills young kids learn, but college grads need to know how to search at an advanced, logistical level.

I’ve never seen “Master Googler” on a job application, but I can attest it’s vital in the professional world. When my boss wanted me to use the Yesware app I didn’t know existed, I did a quick Google search and found dozens of resources available online for free. I watched a video tutorial and read a quick guide, giving me the proficiency to confidently return to my boss and tell them I was familiar with the program.

At another job, a manager asked me to tabulate a formula on an Excel spreadsheet, an intermediate task I didn’t know how to do. But I searched for a how-to guide using keywords on the specific tasks my manager wanted me to accomplish and quickly upgraded my Excel status.

The key to better googling is to remember less is more. If you’d like to search for tips on freelancing from the CareerMetis homepage, search site:careermetis.com freelance tips.

If you’d like to find a local web designer position, you can add the specific location by searching web designer location:los angeles.

If you want to find an elementary teacher job in Texas but want to avoid Houston, add elementary teacher -Houston to your search engine.

I become a more valuable, competent employee by using better Google search tactics. I solved my tech problems rather than relying on my employer to teach me.

Where to learn for free: Read 20 Tips to Use Google Search Efficiently.

 

2. Master Image Editing

Photography is a key part to building a brand. Marketers say their most important content for their business is blogging (38%), followed closely behind visual marketing (37%). And 65% of people are visual learners, which means they likely won’t remember texts or facts unless that information is paired with a photo or infographic.

The Muse lists image editing as the number-one skill that will aid a professional in their career. By using simple image editing tools in my career, I’ve helped my company by lightening an image for a higher-quality social media post, resizing an image for a blog and Instagram account, and inserting a company logo onto an image for an email newsletter.

Where to learn for free: Try Pixlr or Gimp, both free photo editors.

 

3. Memorize Keyboard Shortcuts

A professional working the average eight-hour workday wastes eight days per year (two seconds per minute) by avoiding keyboard shortcuts, according to Brainscape. Utilizing keyboard shortcuts raised me from computer illiterate to computer geek. Rapidly typing keyboard keys to activate a computer function instead of fumbling for my mouse saved time and impressed my boss.

To get into the habit of using shortcuts, unplug or deactivate your mouse. It forces you to use the much-quicker keyboard shortcut option instead of wasting time clicking all over your screen.

Where to learn for free: Print out The 20 Most Common Keyboard Shortcuts Everyone Should Know list from Lifehacker, and keep it by your desk until you’ve got them memorized.

 

4. Learn to Code

 

At one point or another, every company will need the skills of a computer programmer. In fact, coding skills were part of seven million job openings in 2015. Even former CEO of GE Jeff Immelt says every new hire—no matter their department—will know how to code. Coding is “becoming the most in-demand skill across industries,” according to Fast Company.

Knowing coding is a big plus to potential employers, and it can increase your earning power too. A PayScale report found that knowing Scala (a computer programming language) equates to a nearly 22% pay bump.

Where to learn for free: Take a free, online coding course or enroll in a beginner’s class at your university.

 

5. Understand Data Analytics

Big data is a major buzzword now because properly analyzing it leads to better products and customer experiences. But 36% of managers say new college hires last year lacked in their data analysis skills.

 

Data analytics are especially critical for new grads today because the Internet of Things (IoT) is playing a key role in companies of all industries. By 2020, the number of installed IoT units will grow to twenty-six billion globally, but there’s a shortage of IT specialists who can process the data on new IoT products.

Many universities are now designing programs in data science, and last year, the first Internet of Things Degree was offered at FIU. But I didn’t need to major in data science to learn a few key data analytics tips and tricks. Forbes points out that professionals can still “add new stackable credentials” to their résumés by signing up for online courses and becoming more adept at IoT-analysis skills, like managing virtual teams or working with visual data techniques.

Where to learn for free: Watch the free Excel training videos on the ExcelIsFun YouTube channel or see if your college offers a course.
Take time to learn and master these tech basics—they aren’t just tech skills, they’re critical job skills that can help you for post-grad life. By mastering these skills during college, you can stay abreast of the competition and have a better chance for success in your chosen career field.

Massiel Ramirez graduated from Utah State University in Marketing and Business Administration. In addition to technology, she enjoys writing about social media and business. Follow her on Twitter @massielmarier, she’d love to hear from you!

3 Steps to Choose Best Student Vlog Topics

BY TAHIR SIDDIQUI

If you’re considering to start a vlog, you will have to choose what topics you’re likely to vlog about. In the end, there are a whole lot of alternatives out there.

The options are endless, but, how do you pick the kind of vlogging topics and market that’s excellent for you, your character and your interests. Let’s explore ways to narrow down your choices and select the ideal niche and the perfect vlog topics for your YouTube channel.

 

STEP 1: Find your topic of Interest

To begin with, Have you got a hobby, area of research, or other interest which you wish to spend time researching, filming about, and talking on a daily basis?

In case you’ve got an interest in economics, you may believe that you wish to vlog about it. However, take a minute and consider how long you’re likely to spend on your YouTube channel. You might not want to devote that much time on a regular basis to something which just mildly interests you?

If you spend all your free time online researching health and fitness issues and you love talking about, you have just found your YouTube vlogging topic.

 

STEP2: Does This Resolve a Query?

Many successful YouTube channels are quite favorite because they solve a problem for their audiences. Some answer queries such as, “How to Find Great Beauty Products.” Others tackle issues such as, Finding the Best Vlogging Cameras for their Vlog.

Proceeding with the example from above, an interest in fitness can fix a problem for your audiences. You may show them great ways to stay in shape when they are short on time, and if they have not worked out in years. This market is filled with great potential to help solve common issues. It’s a fantastic example of YouTube topic for anyone who has an interest.

 

STEP 3: Is There Demand on YouTube?

Now, is there a requirement for those types of vlogs you would be uploading to YouTube? Have a moment to explore a few keywords about the topic or niche you’re considering vlogging about in your YouTube channel. You’ll certainly find one of two things. Either there are very few YouTube vlogs accessible, or there are a lot of vlogs that you cannot select which ones to see.

If there are very few YouTube vlogs in any respect, this is possibly symbolic that there is not a requirement for the market. However, have a look around on some forums and social networking. You might have just found a market where nobody has made any vlogs yet.

If there are seemingly countless YouTube videos on your preferred topic area, examine the top search results. Analyze what they have in common, and think of an angle that you could use that will set you apart from them.

Choose a YouTube vlogging niche, which you’re passionate about. If you select something you are only somewhat interested in, you are going to feel it in the long-run, and it’ll show on your vlogs. Viewers don’t need to see a YouTube video with a host who is not excited to be there.

As soon as you find a YouTube market that you love, do not be discouraged if there are a whole lot of other vlogs on the very same topics.

Byline

Tahir Siddiqui – Tech Enthusiast. Upfront Product Tester. Blog Scientist and founder of Stellar10.

I enjoy reviewing top-rated products and helping the users by making their buying decision relatively more straightforward

Part-time Education: Occupations Compatible with this Approach

BY SYLVIA KOHL

Many students apply to universities not only to get educated but also to become more independent from their parents. It is known that financial aspect is one of the starting points for independence. Although, while in college, time available for work is limited, finding a way to cover some of the expenses that occur is often worth the sacrifice.

In addition to that part-time jobs provide valuable experience and having them on your CV can be very helpful while looking for a job after the studies.

Tutoring

One of the greatest benefits of tutoring is that you can choose when and how much you will be working, pay can range from $10 to $15 an hour, which is not bad, considering that you are not required to have any kind of formal training or experience.

Many universities have official tutoring positions available for students at their educational resource centers (ERC). In most cases having good grades and going through an official application process can get you employed there. Generally, the areas where such centers are looking for tutors the most are math, physics, and chemistry.

However, if you are not especially strong in these areas of study, you might want to consider becoming a language tutor. Although being fluent in Spanish, Russian or Chinese can be very helpful when looking for a tutoring job, often being proficient in English can get you a tutoring job just as easily. As many students come from abroad and need help with their English language skills, tutors in this area are always very popular.

Nursing job

Nursing perhaps is not the first thought that comes to mind when thinking about a part-time job to do on the time free from studies. However, it can be a great choice for students of medicine related fields. It is also a great opportunity to gain some invaluable experience, get to hear interesting real-life stories and to help people while doing so.

Although some types of nursing require extensive qualification, students can acquire Certified Nursing Assistant certificate and begin working as an assistant nurse quite fast. Although salary might not be a major motivator, it does provide adequate income as a part-time job with salaries starting from $23,000.

Babysitting, pet sitting and housekeeping

If you love children, you might want to try babysitting. Babysitters are quite well paid for a job that does not require qualification. Salary can range anywhere between $10 and $20 an hour and includes a possibility of getting some of the schoolwork done over the downtime.

If screaming children are not your favorite way to earn money, pet sitting can be another alternative. Taking care of someone’s pet can be a great source of additional income as it is often a very simple task that pays decent money and can also be a great stress relief.

Although taking care of someone’s house might not be a dream come true, it is quite a popular way to make ends meet among students, as hours can be easily arranged not to interfere with the studies. Housekeeping is an especially attractive option for students, who prefer jobs not focused on social interaction.

Freelancing within the field of your hobbies

Students often have a leisure time activity that they enjoy and feel obliged to give up as they start studying or looking for a job, however, why not do what you love and earn money doing it?

If you are passionate about photography, trying to find people who would buy your photos or would like to have a photoshoot for a small fee might be a good idea to start your private enterprise. Maybe you love to write, why not try to publish something? Perhaps start with an article in a local newspaper and who knows, you might end up becoming a famous and successful writer.

In general, freelancing using your hobbies is often not a very stable way to start earning income, but if it goes off, you might have a substantial stream of income coming from something you love doing.

Sylvia Kohl is an IT teacher with more than 8 years of professional experience. Her main spheres of interest are e-education and she convinced that learning process doesn’t stop after years in school and university.

 

Successful Student University & College Fundraising Ideas

If you belong to any university clubs or groups, you know that you need to come up with new ways to raise funds every so often. Not all fundraising methods are created equal, though. While every club is different, these tried-and-true options almost always come through.

1. Bake Sales – They might be old-fashioned, but bake sales have a nearly unbeatable track record. Just about everyone loves sweets, especially when they are homemade. Time the sale during lunchtime, when everyone is hungry, and advertise well in advance. It’s hard to go wrong.
2. Naming Rights – Many companies and individuals jump at the chance to name something after themselves. Why not give them the opportunity to do so on campus? You can sell naming rights to something as basic as a desk or as grand as an entire department – provided there are plans to rename it.
3. Theme Parties – You can really have fun with this fundraising idea, and the possibilities are virtually endless. Popular ways to raise funds at theme parties include charging admission at the door, auctioning off items, running a 50/50 draw, and creating a prize pool to fund awards for the best costumes.
4. Auctions – As noted by fundraising experts at ABC Fundraising, this is one of several fundraising ideas that works best with products and services donated by local businesses. You can auction these items off to the highest bidders. It’s a win-win situation – the winners get a prize and your school or school organization gets the much-needed funds. Generate even more interest with auction items related to the school or organization.
5. Big Giveaways – Find a local business to donate a large prize, such as a trip or a car, and really make some money for your school. The ideal scenario involves a donated prize, which lets you maximize your fundraising. If that’s not possible and you have funds available in advance, you may have to buy the item before auctioning it off.
6. Guessing Games – Everyone loves easy-to-understand contests, and fewer are simpler than a basic guessing game. Numerical guessing games work well — like guessing the number of jelly beans in a jar, but on a grander scale. Fill an enclosed campus space, like a classroom or cafeteria, with tennis balls. Then charge people to guess the number of balls.
7. Raffles – Raffles are another tried-and-true fundraising method — so long as you comply with the law. Scrounge up compelling prizes by asking everyone you know if they have interesting items that they would like to donate. Ask them to ask their friends too. You can also approach local businesses and ask if they would like to donate products or services.
8. Talent Shows – Use the nearly endless supply of on-campus talent to raise money for your school. Find outgoing people to volunteer as performers and charge admission to the talent shows. Everyone wins: Ticket holders will enjoy a great evening of varied entertainment, the performers get to practice their art, and your school will benefit from the money raised.
9. Dinners – Host a fancy, black-tie dinner with a high price per plate. If your college or university has a culinary school, ask its leadership if they would be willing to cater your event. That could save you a lot of money. Approach the music department about providing live music and the art department about setting up decorations. You’ll create a night to remember for guests and raise a lot of funds at the same time.

Gordon Schorr is an online educator and creative writer.

Seeing the World and Boosting Your CV with Summer Volunteering

BY DAVID GUTIERREZ

Would you like to spend your summer doing something that can make a real difference for someone, visiting exotic locales and improving your CV to boot? If so, then you are likely to find something suitable among many volunteering programs available for students. Although you can volunteer at any time of year, there are many programs that are created with students in mind, and they take into account that you are more likely to go abroad when you have no classes. Here are five excellent opportunities awaiting you next summer:

1.    Studying Marine Conservation Protocols First-Hand in Grenada

Marine conservation protocols may sound a bit intimidating, but this program is aimed at making the subject as interesting and exciting as possible. You can learn everything about current and future efforts at saving the fragile sea ecology from qualified biologists, all the while gaining first-hand experience in scuba diving and doing field research. By the end of the program, participants get a Divemaster Certificate and considerable time to get used to the equipment.

2.    Orphanage Volunteering in Tanzania

Tanzania, just like many other African countries, faces a lot of challenges nowadays, and a huge number of orphaned and homeless children is one of them. Many volunteering programs in Tanzania and the other African States at least partially deal with projects involving orphanages and education, where you can do something meaningful while meeting people from other backgrounds and truly seeing life from a completely different perspective. And in your free time, you will be able to take part in many other exciting activities available in this part of the world. Going on safari in Tanzania is not an experience to miss!

3.    Community Development Projects in Costa Rica

An excellent opportunity to assist with a variety of community development projects in the course of getting submerged into another culture. Potential projects include teaching, ecological conservation, building and renovation, childcare and more. Additionally, you will get an opportunity to get affordable Spanish lessons and plenty of time to explore the country on weekends, including visiting volcanoes, rainforests, white water rafting and sampling local cuisine.

4.    Teaching and Childcare in Thailand

Although Thailand has a robust and highly profitable tourist industry, poverty is nevertheless rife, especially in locations not boasting tourist attractions. By signing up for this volunteer program, you can help give the underprivileged children the much-needed care and help. One doesn’t have to possess any previous volunteering experience to make a difference in this program, and Thailand has a lot to offer in terms of sightseeing and interesting activities, ranging from rock-climbing and diving to visiting locals markets in search for exotic goods and meeting a lot of new people.

5.    Volunteer Work in India

If you are interested in helping local community while acquiring unforgettable first-hand experience of India and its people, this program is for you. A wide variety of projects, ranging from child care and orphanage work to women empowerment and English teaching are open for all who are willing to dedicate their time to them. On average, about 5-6 hours are spent doing the work according to your volunteering placement, and the rest of the time you are free to explore the fine and ancient city of Jaipur.

These programs are just a tip of the iceberg – the world is rife with opportunities to both broaden your horizons and make a meaningful difference in somebody else’s life. Don’t miss this opportunity to both acquire unforgettable experiences and see the world – it will certainly look better on your CV than yet another part-time job or a vacation trip.

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.

 

Gamification And Virtual Learning Help Students Learn

By Danika McClure

Technological advances have had a tremendous impact on the educational sector. The advent of the personal computer, the internet, and — most recently — mobile technology have completely disrupted the educational model, making new waves of innovation and improved opportunities for learning.

The trend of mobile and online learning has grown strong in the educational community. Many colleges and universities now offer fully immersive online degree courses where the quality of learning is on par with their in-person courses. Now more than ever, students can access their courses from devices all over the world, from the office to the coffee shop, and even while traveling to new destinations. New technology has advanced so much that the days of relocating to attend college are now a matter of choice, and not necessity.

Of course, many are asking what the next wave of educational innovation might entail, and while there are a number of options available, many professors at universities around the country are turning to gamification and virtual reality to help usher in a new wave of student learning.

“An opportunity exists for college IT champions to help educators embrace gamification,” writes tech writer Dave Doucette. “Proponents of gamification, which initially flourished in K–12, say it offers just as many benefits for college students. Well-designed games boost engagement, hone critical thinking skills by requiring students to plan and strategize, and clarify abstract concepts that may be hard to grasp through reading and lecture alone. For students in online courses, gaming provides opportunities for collaboration, teamwork and friendly competition.”

While there are promising outcomes to gamification, faculty who are new to to the platform may be hesitant to jump in — wondering, for example, where to start from a technology perspective and how to ensure games deliver educational benefit alongside entertainment. But there are also a number of instructors who have taken the plunge and seen promising outcomes.

One such instructor is Ariel D. Anbar, a professor in the School of Earth and Space Exploration at Arizona State University, who hopes to help students embrace scientific subjects through video game technology.

 

When it comes to understanding complex subjects like science and math, Anbar argues, one necessary component for understanding the subject material involves “developing problem solving skills.” What happens in most university classrooms, Anbar argues, is that most students learn science and mathematics in large lecture halls over powerpoint presentations.

 

Working with Lev Horodyskyj, an instructional designer with previous experience in gaming development and design, and Smart Sparrow, a technology company, HabWorlds was born. The program, which is short for Habitable Worlds, helps non-science majors become more more engaged with the material by exploring the possibility of life beyond earth. The program is unique, in that it helps students engage with the material by using logic and reason, determining which planets are habitable by testing their hypotheses through a simulator.

 

“In one example, students are told about the different types of stars, and then are asked to hypothesize which one lives the longest,” according to a press release from ASU Online. “Being able to Hypothesize a possible answer is key to students gaining critical problem-solving skills, which is the point of the science lab. Lastly, students run a test on their hypothesis and are told if they are correct or not.”

 

The creation of HabWorlds is something that has been acknowledged by NASA and the National Science Foundation for its innovation. But perhaps the most important part is that professors can determine whether students are making choices at random, or whether there is a systematic process that students are going through, which may better determine student success and growth.

Overall, it’s a process that Anbar argues teaches students how to know how to use the knowledge they glean from their coursework so they can apply it in their careers.

“You can’t just show up with lecture slides that are cobbled together and glue it all together with your clever insights and commentary,” Anbar said in the aforementioned press release. Instead, developing this particular online course made Anbar more aware of what the end goal was in teaching the course.  

While it’s unclear what the future of computer based learning might entail, it is clear that gamification provides a number of benefits that help enhance the student experience.

Danika McClure is a writer and musician from the northwest who sometimes takes a 30 minute break from feminism to enjoy a tv show. You can follow her on twitter @sadwhitegrrl

Out On Your Own: Renting Your First Apartment

BY ANTHONY MASTERTON

Life truly is a series of milestones. From the first day of kindergarten to college graduation, time stops for nothing. Of all the special moments in one’s life, stepping into a new home is unbelievably exciting. The keys to a new apartment are not just for opening the door–they’re a trophy to be proud of. Each room of a new home is a blank canvas. There’s the kitchen where gourmet meals are discovered, the living room where holiday mornings are celebrated, and the bedroom where comfort finds a home. To really make a house a home it’s important to choose a location carefully. Once you’ve decided to put down roots, finding a new home is a breeze.

Taking the steps to live alone can be dramatic or blissful depending on the circumstances. Maybe a career change brings about a location change, maybe true love draws you to another city. Whatever the reason, have a look at what neighborhood suits your interests best. Cities once considered old news have evolved into hip cultural centers!

Before you set out to find a new apartment, make sure everything in your life is in order. It’s vital to have a good chunk of money saved up for moving expenses. Between new furniture, moving trucks, and first bills, a new move can get expensive. The most important factor in finding a great apartment? A great credit score. Credit worthiness is always important, but it’s most important when searching for a home.

An apartment is the best choice for someone just starting out in the journey of adulthood. Have a problem with an appliance or plumbing? Call the landlord and have them take care of it. Trash gets taken care of with your standard rent payment. Apartment complexes are great for making new friends. Any location with a pool is going to be the place to be when the weather heats up!

When searching for an apartment, choose a complex that utilizes an online rental application. Online applications save time and allow an answer to be received before wasting time on a search. If a new job is the reason for a move, time is of the essence. An online app can check credit scores and approve renters quicker than any old paper system ever could. It’s not like it used to be, sitting in an office waiting for a slow response. With basically everything moving to an online platform, rental applications work much better over a computer. Fax machines and printed applications are way out of date.

There’s only one first time move-in. Turning the key of your brand new apartment door should be one of the greatest experiences of youth! Can’t you picture the amazing housewarming party? When it comes time to make the move, choose the best complex possible. Search online, apply online and make the journey to a new home a fun one!

Anthony Masterton is a young entrepreneur trying to break through in the Tech world. When he’s not working on growing his young startup, he writes about everything from tech advancements to his own experiences as a young CEO. A self starter, he likes to help others learn from his own successes and failures, as it’s always easiest to learn from experience.

  

How online certifications will make you more employable

By Anton Lucanus

MOOCS or ‘massive open online courses’ are large classrooms available online to many people at the same time, for free. This type of learning increases the exposure of students to many different opportunities they otherwise may not have had the chance to participate in.

But, the regular classroom is not the only location online training is occurring in. Some employers are also offering the opportunity to continue growth online as well, and are increasingly seeking graduate candidates with specific online training course completion. These can be in the form of online training for employers, which can help an employer keep ahead of the competition, the ITIL Foundation Certification Training is an example of this type of training opportunity. However, it’s not the only online course out there which can provide a competitive edge.

Lean IT, developed from lean manufacturing strategies, is relatively new on the certification scene, but it’s been growing in popularity. The value of the lean methodology comes from its ability to limit scopes and deliver solutions which can help cut down waste in different areas of the business – like costs, time and even security issues. Certification for lean IT usually consists of distinct certifications for various job levels, from general IT professionals working with support, all the way up to CTO’s and other leadership positions.

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) also provide online certifications for IT professionals. While ISO certifications often fall on the expensive end of the training scale, ISO/IEC certifications are internationally recognised, and cover everything from general equipment maintenance to more complex skills, like ISDN training, data storage services and encryption security and cryptography.

By hiring candidates who’ve engaged with certification training, employers feel confident they’re acquiring a focused individual with training that specifically fits their role, and with the capabilities to effectively manage IT business operations.

The reality that many employers face is a changing technological field, with minimal understanding of how the technologies actually work. That is why, having a certified ITIL person, or someone with certification in something like Lean IT or the ISO standards is necessary for employers. Not only to connect the business with the technology that can help drive it forward, but to connect other employees with the knowhow of the electronics they use daily.

Employers can try to lure a certified professional to their company, or they can utilize their existing workforce to develop an internal professional network. Employers already have an internal goldmine at their fingertips, as most employees value the opportunity for additional training and growth. An employer can easily upskill their current pool of employees by offering online certification training on the job, resulting in a net benefit for both employees and the company.

Choosing to invest in an online certification for their current employee base, also offers a way for employers to save money. Paying for an employee to attend an online workshop minimizes the expenses in sending these same people to hotels or flying them to conferences. The money that is saved can actually be reinvested into the employees through wage improvements or incentives or hiring more employees at a lower rate for the ‘front-end’ staffing needs that are required.

When it comes to the development of a company, the IT department should be a part of the development that encourages growth, but it should also be focused on how utilizing online classrooms benefit the company overall.

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.

 

 

5 Reasons to Continue Studying After Your Degree

BY LORRAINE McKINNEY

Are you a college student who is about to graduate, and wondering what your next move should be in life? Or, have you been out of college for a few years and are considering going back? There are many benefits to having multiple degrees, so there are all kinds of great reasons to continue studying and learning, even after you have earned your degree. If you are considering getting another degree, here are some good reasons to help you make your decision.

 

1. Increased Earning Potential – The more education you have, the greater your future earning potential is going to be. For instance, according to the United States Census Bureau, someone who has a master’s degree has the potential to earn $200 or more per work than someone who just has a bachelor degree. When you look at this in the long term, it is tens of thousands of dollars over a lifetime that you wouldn’t have if you didn’t go for that extra degree. The more degrees you have, the higher your earning potential will be.
2. Do Something You Love – Maybe you have really enjoyed your college experience, and you aren’t quite ready for it to end. Obviously, we aren’t suggesting that you become a professional student and find ways to spend the rest of your life in school. But, if you really enjoy college, and you want to continue learning, one of the best things you can do is apply for graduate school and get your master’s degree. Also, you are going to be learning even more about something that you love, and it is going to help ensure that you are able to work in your field of choice. Every test you take, and every essay you write, is going to bring you one step closer to realizing your dreams.
3. Define Your Career Goal – Maybe you haven’t quite decided exactly what you want to do for the rest of your life. If you are receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree for instance, this is just a stepping stone to the next level of education. You may have studied a variety of things, without any clear career path in mind. When you work towards a second degree, you will be better able to define your career goal, and you will also have more time in which to do it. Having an extra year or two of study time is a great way to really decide what area you would like to specialize in.
4. Do it For Your Career – Some careers involve several years of study, and more than one degree. For instance, if you have graduating from medical school, you may be considering taking up a specialty. In order to do this, you are going to need to go back to school and get a degree in that particular specialty. “It is the same if you are in a dentistry program. Maybe you want to specialize in working with children. For that, you are going to need special training that you won’t get in regular dental school,” says an expert from KidsBestDentistNYC.com.
5. Demonstrate a Work Ethic – When you have multiple degrees, it shows that you have a very strong work ethic. It shows that you have ambition, and a drive to succeed and get ahead. This is something that potential employers are looking for. The more degrees you have, the better your chances are of landing your dream job, because you are able to show that you are willing to work hard to get ahead and have a great career in the field of your choice. When you can show that you are willing to work that hard in school, it is a good indication of what you are going to do on the job.

Lorraine McKinney is an academic tutor and elearning specialist.

How to Choose a Student Credit Card

BY MARTHA KARN

Should college students have credit cards? The answer depends on who you ask. Some worry that credit cards make it too easy for students to spend beyond their means and rack up debt. Others believe credit cards enable students to learn about fiscal responsibility and build good credit. Ultimately, the right answer depends on you, the student.

As long as you can handle this type of responsibility and not get over your head with credit card debt before you even graduate, having a credit card can be very helpful, especially in emergencies. But, you need to make sure that you are getting the right credit card for you. Today we are going to look at some tips on how to choose a student credit card. Let’s get started.

Check Your Eligibility: There was a time when credit card companies were practically begging students to sign on with them, and a lot of students who weren’t ready for this type of responsibility were getting into a lot of credit trouble. Now, thanks to the Credit Card Act of 2009, credit card companies can’t market near campuses. What’s more, applicants must be 21 or older, or have a co-signer, and provide proof of income.

Foreign Transaction Fee: If you are going to be traveling, it is a good idea to look for a credit card that doesn’t charge a foreign exchange fee. Some cards charge as much as an additional three percent per transaction on purchases made in different currencies. If you are studying abroad, make sure that your card doesn’t charge this fee, because it can really add up over time.

Credit Monitoring Tools: Look for a credit card issuer that also offers credit monitoring tools, including free credit scores and credit monitoring. Even if you aren’t planning on getting a credit card right away, it is still a good idea to use some of these free tools so you can keep an eye on your credit rating. If you aren’t eligible for a credit card now, using these tools can help you to build your credit so you will be eligible later on. Companies that offer these tools tend to be the best credit cards for students.

Look for No Annual Fee: The rewards you’ll accumulate with your credit card probably won’t offset a steep annual fee. So look for a card that doesn’t charge one. Chances are, you’ll find a solid no-annual-fee credit card that works well for you. Other fees add up, too, though. So do diligent research to make sure you the card you select has among the lowest total fees, such as balance transfer fees, cash advance fees, expedited payment fees, etc.

Good Grade Incentives: Did you know that some credit companies offer incentives to students for getting good grades? Some companies offer cash bonuses, while others may offer such perks as a higher line of credit once you have made a certain amount of payments on time. Some may even offer to lower the interest rate. The more rewards, the better, as long as they aren’t just smoke screens to get you to take a high-interest credit card that you will never be able to pay off.

There are Other Options

Maybe you aren’t ready to have a credit card, do not want one, or are not eligible. There are always other options to having your own credit card. For instance, some credit companies will allow you to be an authorized user on a parent’s credit card. Potentially, this could be a good way of building your credit. Better yet, you aren’t legally liable for the monthly bill (though you’ll certainly be responsible to your parents). Alternatively, you may want to look into getting a secured credit card — a card that has no actual credit, only money that you deposit into the account.

Bio:

Martha Karn develops online educational courses and writes for students.