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

BY EMMA BONNEY

 

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

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

Network Systems Administrator

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

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

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

Corporate Communication Security Expert

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

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

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

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

Database Administrator

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

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

Computer Support Specialist

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

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

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

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

Tips to get your dream communication systems job

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

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

A bit about myself:

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

7 Important Things to Pack and Bring to College

BY LORRAINE McKINNEY

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

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

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

 

Lorraine McKinney is an academic tutor and e learning specialist.

 

Advice on How to Manage Student Loan Debt

BY KATHLEEN BROWN

 

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

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

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

 Focus on Budgeting

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

 

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

 Be Smart About Your Money

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

 

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

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

Continue Living like you’re In College

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

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

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

Conclusion

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

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

 

 

TOP USEFUL YOUTUBE CHANNELS FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS

BY JAMES CLARK

 

Since the first year of its existence, which was 2005, YouTube has become one of the most popular platforms within the whole world. People use it for different purposes, including educational.

Many students share their stories on the Internet. They say that YouTube is the platform for everyone. They use it as both entertainments when having free time and platform, where they can improve their knowledge and skills. There exist plenty of YouTube channels (check this), but not all of them are useful. It might be difficult to generate the Top of YouTube channels for students of all categories, but here the most common are gathered.

ASAP Science has 8 708 034 subscribers and it highly popular among those, who are interested in science, biology and other disciplines like these. The channel was created by Mitchell Moffit and Gregory Brown, who often participate in videos.

CrashCourse has 9 529 315 subscribers and contain short educational videos (each about 12 minutes) on different topics such as ‘European History’, ‘Engineering’, History of Science’, ‘Recess’, ‘World History’, ‘Biology’, ‘Ecology’, ‘Literature’, ‘US History’, ‘Psychology’, ‘Astronomy’ an many others. Various experts participate in the creating of channel’s videos.

Khan Academy has 4 924 342 subscribers and specifies in such topics as economics, mathematics, grammar, physics, biology, history, chemistry, finance, and others. The main aim of the organization founded by Salman Khan is to educate student all over the world. They release scientifically based videos for up to 10 minutes, but strongly informative.

Kurzgesagt (which means ‘in a nutshell’ in German) has over 9 070 000 subscribers. They say about themselves that they “explain things with optimistic nihilism). As for now, they produce one video per month, but the videos are of high quality and really worth seeing. The topics of the videos are “Medicine&Biology”, “Human Stuff”, “Futurism”, etc.

Numberphile has almost 3 billion subscribers. It is owned by Brandy Haran, who loves numbers and shares different life hacks connected with them. He often creates videos themselves, but also he invites other people, who can cover the topic of the video.

Smarter Every Day has over 7 000 250 subscribers. The videos are between 8 and 20 minutes. The creator of the channel aims at teaching people. The owner of the channel encourages people to leave comments or write him directly. The topics are various.

TEDEd Student Talks has 33 084 subscribers all over the world. The language of the channel is English, so this is easy to access for any person in the world. The channel was created as a youth and education initiative after famous TedED and TEDx Talks. They aim to sparkling student ideas all around the world. The videos are inspiring and the creators of the channel are open for comments. You can join the discussion at any time.

Vsauce has 14 556 318 subscribers and, as you can see, is highly popular over the world. It is translated into different languages by other users. On the channel such topics as ‘Culture’, ‘Space’, ‘Physics’, ‘Language’, ‘Technology’, ‘Art’, etc. are covered. There also exists a project called ‘Mind Field’, in terms of which Michael Stevens, the creator, works with famous researches in leading universities and they turn science fiction into science fact. He travels a lot, so the videos now are more interesting and useful.

As a bonus, we would share information about another channel on YouTube, which is not educational or scientific, but rather helps to boost your learning skills and create the atmosphere for studying, which is important for every student.

Thomas Frank has over 1.4 million subscribers and produces videos not about the subjects themselves, but about how to learn them effectively. His videos are simple tips of self-organization, time management, skills of learning loads of information, preparing for exams and fighting procrastination. He releases videos on average once a week. His videos also contain information about building social skills and ways of self-motivation.

The style of every channel is unique and stylish. All the creators have prepared the user-friendly interface of the videos. Surely, our aim is not to promote the channel, but to help students in their search of additional platforms, which can assist in becoming professional.

Bio

James Clark

James is an expert publishing consultant with more than two decades of experience working for individual authors, literary agents, and publisher clients, including Scholastic, Hay House, HarperCollins, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, McGraw-Hill Education, and others. He develops the tactics for media projects as well as consults on marketing and publishing strategies for external agencies, most of which are social media.

 

Can You Start Doing Freelance Work in College?

BY ANTON LUCANUS

Picking up a freelance gig while in college can help you find some fantastic opportunities. You’ll get a chance to make more money, you’ll gain some (hopefully) relevant career experience before you graduate, and you’ll make more connections, which could turn into friendships or future professional references. And thanks to the prevalence of the gig economy, there are a wide range of jobs you could potentially pick up.

The question is, is it feasible to become a successful freelancer while you’re still in college?

The Logistics of a Freelance Business

 Every freelance business is a little bit different, but there are a few key logistical areas you’ll need to consider before you move forward:

Timing and commitments. The biggest factor here is timing, and the level of commitment required by the gig. Obviously, you’re going to have a full class schedule and tons of homework to contend with, so it’s ill-advised to take on a gig that might interfere with those responsibilities. Thankfully, most side gigs automatically come with a flexible schedule; you can work as many hours as you’d like and schedule those hours as you see fit. However, this isn’t always the case. Consider whether your gig will have you working for an established company (like a ridesharing service) or whether you’ll be starting the business on your own, and just how much control you’ll have over scheduling.

Paperwork and legality. You won’t encounter many legal barriers in your way of running a side gig, but depending on the nature of your business, you may need to get some paperwork in place. For example, if you’re selling food or establishing a physical location for your business, you may need a business license, permit, or special certification. Otherwise, you may need to put together some paperwork for your clients, including contracts specifying the nature of the work you’re going to provide and invoice templates you can send when your work is finished.

 

Revenue, expenses, and taxes. Next, you’ll need to think about the money you’re going to make in relation to the expenses you’ll face—as well as whether or not you’re going to owe taxes on your profits. Some side gigs are going to require upfront expenses; for example, you might need to buy a lawnmower and other tools if you want to start a landscaping side gig. In some cases, these expenses can compromise the profitability of the entire operation if you aren’t sure how to manage them. Also note that you may be required to file a Form 1099 with your annual tax return, depending on how much money you make and what your expenses were, paying taxes on the income you made.

Possible Freelance Gigs for College Students

The ideal freelance gig for a college student is one that allows for flexible scheduling and variable hours, so you can make it work within the confines of your existing class schedule. You’ll also need something that’s open to people with limited professional experience, and preferably, something that provides you with experience you’ll need in your future career.

These are some potential options:

Tutoring. Assuming you have a solid understanding of at least one subject that most students struggle with, you could employ yourself as a student tutor. You’ll remain in an academic setting, meeting and working with fellow students, and you should have practically unlimited scheduling flexibility—especially if you share a similar class schedule with your tutees.

Graphic design and photography. If you’re studying art, design, or photography, you can take your burgeoning skills to real clients. For example, you could photograph weddings or other major events, or start designing logos and marketing materials for local businesses.

Writing. If writing is closer to your skill set, you could try writing for some extra cash, providing blog posts to online businesses or possibly starting a blog of your own. You may also be able to write for a local paper.

Physical chores. Don’t forget the possibility of physical tasks and chores. For example, you could help people maintain their lawns and plants, or you could clean houses for some extra cash. These tend to be in high demand, though you may have to go off-campus to find clients.

Planning and organizing. You could also try to use your planning and organizing skills in a freelance capacity, helping people plan major events or declutter their dorm rooms.

There isn’t a limit to what kind of freelance gigs you can take on as a college student, but some will definitely be more advantageous to you than others. Experiment with some of the gigs you think might work best for you, and don’t be afraid to drop something if it isn’t generating enough of a profit, or if it’s taking too much of your time.

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.

 

 

Do’s and Don’t’s of Sending Your Kids to College

BY BRETT CLAWSON

Going to college can be a great experience. It can be a great time in a young person’s life where they figure out who they are and what they want to do with their lives. It can provide some of the best memories in a person’s life. While college is great, if may not be for everyone. It’s important for parents to know the do’s and don’t’s of sending a child off to college. There a number of things a parent can do to help their child’s college experience. However make a wrong move can also make college an experience they do not enjoy.

 

Don’t Let Your Child Get Buried in Debt

 This tip should be a no brainer at this point. No college degree is worth going deep into debt for. There many ways to pay for an education without student loans. First and foremost as a parent it is a great idea to encourage your child to do well in high school so that they may be eligible for scholarships. There are so many scholarships available and if your child works hard they really are attainable. Second, encourage your child to go to an in state school to make it more affordable. Finally, let your child know that good old fashioned work is a great solution. Many students work a part time job while going to school. Even if the process takes a little longer because you are paying out of pocket, it will be well worth it if you can avoid student loan debt.

 

Do Encourage Your Kids to Take a Gap Year If Needed

 Graduating from high school is a major accomplishment. Not every person is ready to take on college as soon as they graduate. It is important for parents to be aware of this fact and encourage their children to take a ‘gap’ year off if needed. Taking time off is a great way for some students to clear their mind and decide what they want to do with their life. During that time off they may get some needed rest or simply decide that college is not for them. Taking this route may often come across as lazy or as if the child is not going to make anything of their life. The truth is a gap year may be just what they need to get things together and get on the right path.

 

Don’t Assume College is the Only Way

 Many people have had it engraved in their head that in order to be successful they must go to a 4-year college. While this is a popular statement it is not an accurate one. There are many high paying jobs that do not require a college degree, per se. Some of these jobs include electricians, web developers, and even computer technicians. A number of people go to technical college after high school, or they go straight into the workforce. Parents should not be alarmed if their children want to go down this road. Instead they should encourage them to find a field that they are passionate about, but they should be sure to understand all their options before deciding against college.

 

Do Help Your Child Move and Stay Connected During Their Journey

 Going to college is a big transition. Parents need to help their child with this transition as much or as little as the child needs the help. Consider using a universal roof rack cross bars to help bring their luggage to campus. It might also include not calling them as much to give them the space they need as they adjust. Staying connected to your child is an important job for a parent during this time. Not every child will need the same thing but rest assured they will need some help at some point.

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.

 

 

Likely Challenges Faced by College Students Who Travel

 BY LESLIE WILDER

College life bears some of the best experiences of life’s journey. But it is also a crucial stage that sees the transition from childhood to adulthood. The life of a college student is not easy, as they juggle their career with the need to socialize.

The path towards success is always not as easy as it seems. Students actually have to cross many hurdles before they achieve their goal.

What poses potential problems in a student’s life who travels and at the same time pursues a degree?

Let us find them out here.

• The call of nature is hard to ignore

For students who are travel buffs, it is difficult to resist the temptation of travelling. The unforgettable charm of nature gives them lucrative reasons to travel. At the same time, due importance has to be given to education. Getting a college degree is not something you should take lightly. The regular course of study compels students to be present. The challenge lies in balancing passion and need.

• College expenses

Pursuing any college degree demands a handsome amount. Keeping the expenses in mind, many students opt for part-time jobs or get involved in slots. This need for pocket money works as a driving force for them to take up work.

• Work and study compatibility

Working from a very early age is not something we always choose willingly. Sometimes such situations arise where we have to work to sustain the family even while continuing to pursue studies. Or if a student chooses to relocate or spend a significant amount of time outside their hometown, in such a case a regular college course may pose as a problem.

• Adjusting to different environments

While we are in an institution it takes time to adjust with the ambience of the place. Often we change the institution which then includes change of the entire settings including the mental set up. So whenever you are traveling outside make sure you are going back to the roots.

• Feeling stagnated with studies

Life is too short to be stuck with one thing. For all those who want to go for all of it, it’s hard to be satisfied with one thing – be it education be it a job. There is nothing wrong in longing for more. If there is a scope to do both study and things you love, it will be a cherry on the top. But the challenge here is to juggle both sides, to strike a balance.

• Making effective use of time

A full-time college course requires a lot of time and attention. We hardly get any time for our loved ones. We feel there is so much to do in so little time. Juggling the college with social life.

• Maintaining attendance at college

For the wanderer at heart denying the passion is hard. As it is said time and tide wait for no one. This fleeting time once gone is gone. Students who want to make the most of it find it challenging to balance the urge to travel and the need to attend college. Regular college courses lay a lot of emphasis on the attendance that leaves students in a dilemma.

• Career woes

Students who are just about to enter adulthood remains unaware of the scenario of the real world. They put behind the struggles of a stable career, job and indulge in momentary pleasure by travelling. Ultimately this poses a great threat to their growth in the future. There should be a balance between the two that will enable a healthy lifestyle.

• Quenching restlessness

Students are young and energetic. Not being able to vent the energy in the right direction makes them restless. Pursuing a college degree requires dedication and patience. The urge to travel sometimes hamper their regular course of study.

• Juggling assignments and prep time

Students’ life is the most difficult. Assignments, exams, lectures leave them exhausted. The physical and mental fatigue affect their personal and social life. It’s hard to take out time even for the things they love the most. Whereas traveling takes time and leaves you physically exhausted. It is important for them to learn the art of time management so that there is a happy balance.

• Travelling expenses

College expenses already is a lot to bear. And traveling nowadays is nothing less. For an ordinary college student, the travel expenses might seem a bit too much. Cost cutting from the monthly budget may, therefore, be necessary.

• Choosing the right track

Staying motivated in the class and attending classes with seriousness if affected when the heart is not at peace. If the soul is restless it will be difficult to make life choices.

• Looking after health

Another barrier in travelling for a college student is your well-being. Health comes first. The long tiring trips may take a toll on health and it may indirectly affect studies.

• Choosing the right friends to travel with

A friend in need is a friend indeed. Travelling while studying means gaps in the study. A friend intervenes here. A trustworthy companion can help you fill the void by supplementing the missed lectures and classes.

• Taking time off for oneself

The humdrum of daily life makes people so busy they hardly get time for themselves. The college and travelling together takes up so much time there is hardly any time left to spend with yourself.

 

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

Understanding Some Ethical Considerations Surrounding College Years

BY ANNABEL MONAGHAN

We live in a world full of ethical debates. Many of these debates revolve around the most controversial topics: science, religion, politics, and the like. However, some of the most interesting and engaging ethical debates also surround the topic of college years.

And for good reason. What could be more important than the education of our young people? In this article, we’re going to dive into some of these ethical debates and explore them in detail. Let’s jump into it!

The Importance Of College Life

All over the world, the years that people spend in college can be some of the most awe-inspiring and exhilarating years in a person’s life. This is no less true in the United States of America. The students that make up the collective body of colleges throughout the country are the lifeblood that keeps this momentous industry thriving.

Even so, these are individuals who are (more often than not) still quite young, and thus coming into their own and having to learn along the way.

Without a doubt, ethics are thrown into chaos during these academically-focussed years, and while most students find their way out of the fray with relative ease, there are some instances where it is a lengthier and more intense learning curve to master.

Many individuals are young when they first consider and then attend college, and there is currently an ongoing issue with ethical considerations for students not only in college but in the admissions process leading up to offerings for the calendar year.

3 Main Ethical Considerations Related to College

Here are three main ethical considerations surrounding college that warrant discussion. These are:

 

1. What constitutes a fair admission process?
2. Is it ethically and morally correct to charge money for education?
3. Are the academic demands of college too high?

Let’s explore each of these in turn

 

The Admissions Process – Are Favors OK?

In the case of ethics for college hopefuls, one of the most consistently prominent issues that arises relates to the college admissions process specifically. This is, of course, the issue of if it is both ethically and morally sound to offer favors (whether financial, material, sustainable, or sentimental) during the admissions process.

The core of this issue, of course, lies in the fact that engaging in such activities can and does often lead to an unfair admissions procession that favors students who can offer such advantages and benefits, over other equally deserving students.

The key question regarding this ethical debate is this: shouldn’t college admissions be based purely on academic ability?

This has been a problem for quite some time, and it is surprising to realize that even now, in 2019, it is a problem that continues to this day. While it is certainly true that some students who offer these favors at this specific time may not have an alternative agenda in mind, it cannot be denied that the ethical consideration students should take, is to simply avoid offering these goods and services during such an important time.

All over the world (and especially in countries like the USA, the UK, and even Australia), college hopefuls and college students  are consistently working on discovering ethical alternatives when they are faced with certain issues of academic value.

The college admissions processes and the surrounding favoritism that tends to go hand in hand with students and their families presenting schools with marks of favor (like financial inducements, or legacy admissions, to name a few examples) is by far one of the most shocking and undesirable traits of the college systems around the world.

Many academic institutions justify this behavior by seeing them  as a mark of showing their commitment to the school in question, and not necessarily an inclination towards questionable inducements.

Admission Fees – Should Education Be Free?

Another ethical consideration related to college relates to admission fees. In many countries around the world, higher education is free and is seen as a citizen’s right. In America, this isn’t the case. A summary of higher education costs for some programs can be found in the nurse practitioner program guide.

In order to get into good schools, students have to pay high admission fees that are often not affordable to low-income families. This throws up some important ethical concerns. For example, it could be seen as preventing class mobility and limiting children born into low-income households from accessing the education they need to access high-income work.

On the other side of the coin, it could be argued that if education were free, it would encourage students who aren’t committed to their own education to sign up to university anyway, and cost the taxpayer a lot of money.

In the UK, the government has tried to balance this through a student loans system, whereby students are granted governmental loans to pay for their admission fees and living costs but are expected to pay this back once their income reaches a certain threshold.

This too raises concerns: is it ethically correct to force students to get into debt and charge them interest on their education?

Academic pressure – is college life too hard?

A final consideration worth mentioning surrounds college life itself. Students are faced with a lot of challenges during college, from finding the best tutors and high speed internet, to fighting concerns over mental health.

They have to balance intense study and grueling exams with their own personal life. Many have to take on jobs in order to pay for their living costs and balance this with school, which often leads students to become burnt out.

All of these difficult and complex ethical considerations warrant discussion, but we may never be able to resolve the debates completely.

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 Stay Healthy and Do Well in College With Type-1 Diabetes

BY KRISTIAN KYRISYK

Currently, over 1.25 million Americans have type-1 diabetes, with about 40,000 newly diagnosed every year. A huge percentage of them are college students and those bound for college. College life is full of stress and challenges even for fully healthy people – and for those suffering from diabetes, it can be a truly tough task. However, living a full life with this condition is more than possible – and here are some tips that can help you with it.

1.    Make it known

Make sure everybody around you (your friends, roommate, professors, resident advisor, etc.) knows about your condition. It is not a sign of weakness or something to be ashamed of – your condition is a part of your identity, and others around you should know that your needs may be different from theirs. For example, professors should realize that you might need diabetes equipment when in class. Also, if you have to take any medical treatment or surgical procedure, tell the doctors involved about your condition beforehand. Also, get a diabetes MedicAlert ID bracelet if you don’t have one already.

2.    Teach those close to you

Many people have no acquaintance with what diabetes is and what it entails. Teach those around you (at least your roommate and immediate friends) how to discern the first signs of hypoglycemia and what they have to do in case of emergency. It can save your life.

3.    Register with disability services/campus health office

These services exist to help you, protect your interests and assist in other tasks related to your condition, from getting solutions studied by  Diabetes Life Solutions to making sure your everyday needs are met on campus.

4.    Check your college for a CDN chapter

College Diabetes Network (CDN) has chapters with many American colleges, and these serve as an excellent source of useful information on life in college with your condition. They have been created for the support and well-being of the students like you and can be very supportive. If there isn’t one, consider taking the matters in your own hands and starting it.

5.    Develop and maintain stable eating and sleeping regimens

College life can be quite chaotic and disruptive for your lifestyle and habits, which can be harmful even for otherwise healthy people. In case of diabetes, it is a good idea to stick to regular eating hours so that you can take and compare your blood sugar readings. It is especially important if you use MDI (Multiple Daily Injections), because this method is rather inflexible, and you will have to either count your carbs or eat the same amounts of the same food every day. Using an insulin pump can make eating management much easier, as this  delivers continuous and customized doses of insulin throughout your day without the need for multiple injections.

Regular high-quality sleep also greatly influences your overall well-being, so try to keep it to the schedule as well.

6.    Be wary of alcohol

Alcohol can be dangerous by itself, but it is especially so for people with diabetes. Firstly, symptoms of hypoglycemia can be easily written off as the results of overdrinking, especially if you are among those who don’t know about your condition. Secondly, hypoglycemia may kick in after you have gone to sleep, when you have no chance to react (especially if you did drink too much). So, drink in moderation and never do it without at least one of your friends.

7.    Have an emergency kit always ready and easily accessible

Don’t let it run low and tell your close friends where to find it in case you cannot use it yourself. Also, learn the locations of all the nearest pharmacies so that you have a regular pharmacy,and never have to look for one in an emergency.

Living with diabetes is tough, but it is no reason to let it keep you down. With the right planning, lifestyle and habits, it is more than possible to live a full life, get the best education you can and have fun in the process.

BY LINE–Kristian Krisyk had been working in the field of web design for 7 years before becoming an entrepreneur in 2014 in design and marketing. His professional interests and hobbies defined major topics of his articles. These days Kristian runs his business and looks for new development opportunities. Follow him @KristianKrisyk or contact at kristian.krisyk@gmail.com

 

 

6 Most Useful Educational Websites for Engineering Students

BY SEBASTIAN MILLER

Being an engineering student can be demanding. That is especially true when you depend solely on lectures and other school work to succeed. The best way to be in control is to get ahead of your studies and expand your knowledge of engineering by using the resources available to you on the internet. However, the internet is full of useful and inaccurate information at the same time. So, not every website for engineering students provides reliable information. How do you know which sites to trust and which to avoid? Well, this article is about the six most reliable educational websites for engineering students.

6 Best Websites For Prospective Engineers

 

1. Learn The Basics At Stanford Engineering Everywhere

If you’re looking for a free resource that allows you to get access to tools and courses that undergraduate students at Stanford have access to, this website is for you. You will learn the basics of artificial intelligence, computing, electrical engineering, among others. The materials on this website aren’t just useful for students alone; some educators use them in the classroom to teach their students. One of the key reasons why this website is reliable is that it is covered under a Creative Commons license making its contents accessible to anyone who has an internet-enabled device.

 

2. Expand Your Horizon At MIT OpenCourseWare

On this website, you will get access to resources and almost all the courses that are offered in the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. It includes mathematics, mechanical engineering, liberal arts, computer science, economics, electrical engineering, and many more. The access is free and unrestricted to both teachers and students. If you’re a software engineering major, you’ll get unlimited access to resources that are streamlined to students in your field of study on this website.

 

3. Quench Your Curiosity At Engineering.com

This website allows engineering students to have unlimited access to videos that explain various concepts in the ways that they can understand. Apart from the video tutorials, there are many video shows on interesting engineering discussions that you can learn from. The contents on this website range from 3D printing and electronics to software designing, and many more. Apart from offering resources, this website also has a list of jobs that are related to various disciplines. You can go through this page if you want to have an idea of where you can work after graduation. Professionals on My Paper Done recommend this site to the prospective engineers.

 

4. Learn To Code With W3Schools

If you’re an engineering student who has an interest in coding languages, this website is one of the best options for you. You’ll have access to a simplified content that increases your understanding of Javascript, AJAX, HTML, and every other programing language in existence. Whether you’re a freshman or a senior, there will always be something for you on this website. When you have a design project you’re working on, you can find the resources you need on this website.

 

5. Keep It Feminine At Engineer Girl

Are you a female engineering student who has 95% of her classroom made up of guys? Well, you don’t need to feel intimidated, Engineer Girl is a website you can visit when you want to feel welcomed and loved. It is a huge career hunting site for female students. It exposes you to a wide range of career opportunities.

 

6. Get Formulas At Efunda

As an engineering student, you’re always going to need formulas. While the goal is to have all the formulas at heart, you will need a large resource center where you can access any formula you want at any time of the day. This site also provides different sections that explain various topics in engineering. Also, it is easy to navigate.

These are the top 6 reliable websites for engineering students. There are other available options, but you’ll most likely find everything you’re looking for on these websites.

Bio

Sebastian Miller is a former Calling Lake School science teacher. After four years of teaching, he decided to become a freelance writer. In Sebastian’s opinion, math is the core of all science, and his goal is to enlightening as many students as possible through writing