Finding The Right Educational Program For Your Career Path

21. November 2011 · Write a comment · Categories: Associates Degree, Bachelors Degree, Online College, Pscyhology · Tags:

Finding The Right Educational Program For Your Career Path

 

With the average year’s tuition at a private four-year college in America pushing $35,000, the choice of an educational path with a profession to realistically follow has never been more crucial than it is today. In a stagnant economy with a dramatically changing job market, many young professionals find themselves economically challenged to pay back student loans, even when they find entry level work in their field. However, with a good understanding of your own skills and interests, as well as current and predicted trends in the job market, you can find the right educational program for a professionally and financially rewarding career path.

 

If you dreaded going to PE class growing up, then chances are, studying sports therapy may not be a wise investment of your time and tuition. But if, on the other hand, you won a science award every year in high school, studying biotechnology is likely to reward you with more than a diploma. The first step in any career path is studying the subject matter you truly want to work in. Of course, not all jobs require the same level of education. Not everyone in the health industry will go on to be a surgeon. Ask yourself if the career you wish to pursue requires a level of education you feel comfortable with completing. Speak to a career advisor and find out what your options are, and try to speak to someone already working in the profession. You’d be surprised how far you can go when you match your interests with realistic goals.

 

According to statistics from the U.S. labor market, in the next eight years some of the fastest growing occupations will be biomedical engineers, network systems and data communications analysts, financial examiners, medical scientists, and physician assistants. Biomedical engineers, earning an average salary of $66,400 a year, need at least a Bachelor’s degree from a four-year university, and currently top the list of fastest growing occupations according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics with a projected growth rate of 72% over the next eight years. Network systems and data communications analysts also require a Bachelor’s degree, earn an average of $73,250 a year, and will enjoy a projected 53% growth rate. With a projected growth rate of 41%, financial examiners can expect an average annual salary of $48,245 and need a Bachelor’s degree in business management. Medical scientists are in demand with a 40% growth rate and an annual salary of $73,250. However, to follow this path, an advanced Doctoral degree is required. A popular choice in the growing health care filed is that of physician assistant. The position, requiring a Master’s degree, boasts an average annual salary of $82,968 with a projected growth rate of 39% for 2018.

 

Whichever path you choose to follow, it’s important to know early on in the decision-making process what will be asked of you and your skills. If you educate yourself properly in a field you find rewarding, then with smart online research and good career advice, finding the right educational program becomes an exciting and fulfilling decision.

 

Why Now is the Perfect Time to Return to School

21. November 2011 · Write a comment · Categories: Education, IT Tech, Paralegal, Uncategorized

Why Now is the Perfect Time to Return to School

If you’ve been doing some serious thinking about going back to college, even though you’ve been out of school for quite some time, you’re not alone. A number of working adults with families are considering continuing their education for a number of reasons. Here are a few motivating factors that may just get you back in the classroom.

  1. 1. Gaining Additional Qualifications. If you want to advance in your current career, or are thinking about starting your own business, it’s a good idea to return to school to take classes that will qualify you to reach your next professional goal. For instance, if you want to be a business owner, getting a degree in marketing or a concentration in business management will equip you to handle your company’s expenses. If you’re looking for a promotion at your accounting firm, going for a master’s when you currently have a bachelor’s is impressive to bosses and will give you more confidence for the higher position.
  2. 2. Completing School. If you didn’t have the opportunity to complete your degree, now is a perfect time to do so. There are several online universities that will let you take classes at your own pace, so that you can still work full-time and care for your family.
  3. 3. Financial Aid. There are countless scholarships and grants that are geared toward working adults returning to school. This makes it easier for you to afford school, which can help boost your grades, since you won’t be stressed about funding your education. Sources like www.scholarshipworkshop.com can provide you with a list of financial aid options that may work for you.
  4. 4. Changing Careers. Now is the time to go after the career you’ve always wanted—and you’ll need the proper education to do it. With the ever-changing economy, it’s wise to be skilled in more than one area, and to have the satisfaction of doing what you love every day. Returning to school for a second degree or for certification in the field of your choice will make you more marketable to employees, which increases your likelihood of getting the job you really want.
  5. 5. To Boost Self Esteem. The personal fulfillment that comes from earning a college degree is priceless. The confidence you feel from being a college graduate will be evident at each interview you go on, and in the way you interact with your colleagues. You may even find that you are much more satisfied with your home life, since you will have done something to better yourself that presents a positive example. Returning to school as an adult sends the message to your children that it’s never too late to go after your dreams, or to receive the best education possible. This may even motivate your children and other family members to start doing better in school, and to start preparing for a college education as early as possible. 

 

Back to the Books: A Successful Return To School For Adults

21. November 2011 · Write a comment · Categories: Associates Degree, Bachelors Degree, Business, Nursing, Online College, Psychology

Back to the Books: A Successful Return To School For Adults

The average adult who returns to school later in life is experiencing something that few others can understand.  For most people, there’s a time in their lives that is centered around schooling, and the times that follow are devoted to career and family.  At least, that’s been the traditional model for decades.  But now more than ever, the real world dictates that career and family must make room for more schooling, in order to ensure professional success and stability.

After years of establishing your own values and patterns of behavior as a professional person, returning to school means a lot of compromise and sacrifice.  As we all know, changing the way we do things later in life can be an intimidating commitment.    However, adult students would never make such a commitment if they did not see the value of the end result, i.e. the light at the end of the tunnel.  Few accomplishments can outmatch the earning of a higher education degree after years of hard work.

On the bright side, adult students with regretful memories of their scholastic patterns as children and adolescents—the procrastination, the lack of dedication to studies, the bad attitude towards schooling—will often find themselves with a much more productive sensibility when they return to school.  After all, when it is your tuition money and your personal goals at stake, you will want to get the most out of the experience.

Returning to school often means attending classes in late hours after work, or extensive weekend hours.  Make no mistake, you will feel the loss of free time, and the people around you will have to understand this.  This doesn’t mean that you have to surrender two or more years of your life entirely to work and school.  Most professors offer a pretty clear syllabus of what’s to be expected that school semester as far as assignments are concerned.  If possible, mark a weekend on your calendar that you can devote entirely to assignments, if possible.  The sooner you get done with your assignments, the less stressful your semester will be.

Professors of adult students often understand the challenges their classes undertake.  If subject matter proves too complicated, or attendance and assignments are becoming difficult to keep up with, it never hurts to address these situations with professors as soon as possible.  Although deadlines are often rigid, some sort of compromise might be established.  However, an adult student should do everything they can to try to adhere to these deadlines, and to maintain their attendance.

Remember, college is not all about career advancement.  It’s also about learning new ideas, and stimulating the mind.  Whenever possible, try to take classes that interest you, or engage professors and students in discussions related to the subject.  Do not think that because you are older, you are incapable of making new friends in a college setting.  Regardless of the age of the person next to you, you will have something in common with him/her because at the very least you are sharing a classroom experience together.  Also, remember from a professional perspective that college friends are potential future business contacts.

Adult students have the right to get what they want out of their experiences in school.  If you are such a student, know what your values are, and remember your goals.    It’s going to be hard work, but it can also be a cherished episode of your life.

 

 

Conquering College: How to Stay on Top and Stay Sane

21. November 2011 · Write a comment · Categories: Associates Degree, Bachelors Degree, Culinary & Hospitality, Nursing, Online College, Uncategorized

Conquering College: How to Stay on Top and Stay Sane

The first day of college life can be exciting, terrifying, lonely, freeing, surreal, or profound.  Most likely, it will be a combination of one or more of these things.  Few people forget their early days of college; often they can shape a person’s entire outlook in significant ways forever afterwards.  But most people also agree that they wished they had some sort of guide to tell them what to really expect in the next four or so years.  Here is an inkling of what college life requires of a person, and how one can succeed on all fronts.

Academics, of course, are the driving force of the college experience.  Students will be exposed to many new schools of thought at once, as well as higher expectations of performance in assignments.  Learning how to budget one’s time between these assignments and studies with each other and with other social obligations can be a daunting task in and of itself.  It’s an easy forum for procrastination to rear its ugly head.  But to all college students, the voice of experience begs you, don’t let it.  Approach assignments immediately, and take the time to work through them.  No matter how tiring your day was, weekday evenings are best reserved for homework and studies.  Accomplish as much as you can during this time, so your weekend can be free for personal pursuits.

College professors will generally not break a sweat to accommodate your individual learning requirements.  Their job is largely to provide you with the information you need,  and that does not always mean breaking it down into the simplest language initially.  However,  professors are also generally passionate about their course subjects, and would be more than happy to explain items in finer detail to anyone who throws them a question, in class or after.  Stay on their good side, respect their deadlines, and be prepared to take lots and lots of notes in class (work on your shorthand!)

College life is a lot more than core curriculum, however.  Here is the time for you to find subjects that interest you, and to engage in activities you are passionate about.  Inspiration does not always strike like lightning on day one, so feel free to explore as much as possible.  Sometimes, oddball classes like pet law or Bavarian literature might lead to an appreciation for a larger scope of study.  Be brave, and be open-minded.

Open-mindedness also applies to your social life.  You don’t have to part ways with the friends you grew up with to make new college relationships.  Find like-minded people who share your passions and inspire you, but keep yourself open to befriend your exact opposites as well.  You won’t have many opportunities in post-college life for such a diverse social experience,  but  frequently close college friendships can last decades, or a lifetime.  In college, everyone is in the same boat as you, with the same hopes and fears, and many of the same passions.  But don’t let their drama interfere with your academics.  There is a time and a place for that.

Finally, enjoy yourself.  Don’t pull your hair out when a deadline approaches, or a when dorm roommate is driving you insane.  College life is a rich tapestry, and when it’s long over, you will be fondly remembering the finer threads.

 

Earning Your College Degree – How to Stay Financially Sound While Doing It

21. November 2011 · Write a comment · Categories: Campus, Financial Aid, Healthcare, Masters, Medical, Online, Teaching, Uncategorized

Earning Your College Degree – How to Stay Financially Sound While Doing It

In today’s world, having a solid education is something that many people strive to obtain. Whether it’s an associate’s degree, a bachelor’s degree or even a master’s degree, most people want to be able to have a quality education that will help advance them, especially in their careers. However, college is not cheap; in fact, it costs thousands and thousands of dollars. With book costs, tuition, room and boarding, and many other college necessities, the money really does begin to add up, quickly. In recent years, going to a public college institution cost well over $13,000. But, there are plenty of ways to ensure you stay financially sound while still being able to attend college and earn the degree you choose.

Scholarships/grants

When going to college, many people all of ages will look to grants and scholarships to help eliminate a percentage of the cost of college. Grants and scholarships are a great way to save some money and you’ll find that most colleges offer grants as well as scholarships through the school itself. You can also venture out and look for state grants as well as grants that are offered by certain institutions. Many times it is quite easy to apply for them and some even offer thousands of dollars towards your tuition costs. Be sure to look into both scholarships and grants so that you can save money and still be able to live contently on a daily basis.

Internships

Some colleges offer their students the opportunity to intern with a partnered company that will pay for college costs. Sometimes these employers will pay for your entire cost of schooling, but most times you must agree to work for them for a set period of time. If you have an idea of what you want to do in the future and an internship is offered that really interests you, be sure to apply for it. Even though it will be harder to work and go to college, you may be left with any costs of books and any other extra fees. Interning is a great way to prepare you for life after college as well.

Part time job

If grants and loans aren’t enough and you don’t have a steady flow of income, one way to ensure you have some sort of money is to get a part time job. Many employers look for college students who can work part time. Find a time where you don’t have class and can work for a few hours a day. This way you at least have some kind of money to use to pay for everything things as well as for college.

Pay off your loans…ASAP!

If you do apply for loans to help pay for college costs, you want to be sure to pay them off steadily. Don’t let your debt add up or by the end of your college experience you’ll have thousands of dollars that you owe. It’s much easier and less of a hassle to just pay your loans off as soon as you can. Be sure to make monthly payments, even if they are small. This way you are still making efforts to pay the debt you owe. Waiting will only put you into even more debt.

College can be very expensive, but it is plenty possible to be able to go and still have a steady financial state. Be sure to look for grants, loans, scholarships, and internships as well. Also apply for a part time job if necessary.

 

Students Find Flexibility and Accessibility in Online Education

21. November 2011 · Write a comment · Categories: Aid, Bachelors Degree, Campus, Education, Financial Aid, Scholarship, Uncategorized

Students Find Flexibility and Accessibility in Online Education

According to the Department of Education, online education is education that “takes place partially or entirely over the Internet.”  Students can earn high school diplomas, certificates and degrees through online education, also known as virtual education.

 

When students take classes online, they complete most of their coursework using the Internet.  Some certificate and degree programs require students to complete field experience or internships, but most learning occurs online.  In online classrooms, teachers post assignments to the class’s server.  After students complete the assignments, they upload and submit their work to their instructors.  Students also collaborate on projects in online education, despite the common misconception that all peer-to-peer interactions are lost in online classes.

 

Jones-International University offered the first online education program in 1993.  There are now more than 80 accredited online universities that offer 1,000 degree programs.  Programs are available at all levels in a variety of subject areas, from Associate’s Degree Programs in computer science to Doctorate Degree Programs in education.  While most online courses used to be available through online colleges only, now more traditional universities offer classes online, also known as distance learning.

 

The number of students taking online classes increases each year.  The Sloan Consortium’s 2009 Learning on Demand report stated that at least 1 in 4 students or 14 million students take online classes.  The number of students enrolled in online education is increasing faster than enrollment in traditional education courses.  The enrollment of online education is expected to almost double in the next 5 years to 22 million students.

 

While post-secondary education used to be limited to mostly traditional students—students just out of high school with no children or jobs—non-traditional students can now seek higher education by taking online classes.  Online classes are more flexible than traditional classes and flexibility is one of the biggest benefits of online education.  It gives a student the ability to set his own pace and complete assignments at his own convenience.  For example, if a stay-at-home-mom wants to work on class assignments during her child’s nap times, she can do so with online education.  Likewise, a working professional can complete all of his online coursework at night.

Another benefit of online education is accessibility.  In a traditional classroom setting, courses are taught at certain times and days.  If a student is sick and misses a day, he misses the lecture and must catch up on his own.  In online education, students have access to all course materials.  The problem of having to borrow notes from a fellow student or finding a professor to find out what was missed does not exist in online education.

 

Instructors of online courses are also more accessible than traditional college instructors.  Sometimes students in traditional classrooms are hesitant to raise their hands to ask questions or meet a professor face-to-face, and this is eliminated in online education.  Students can correspond with online instructors by email and often through an instant messaging system offered by the online school.

 

The Up and Down of College Financing

21. November 2011 · Write a comment · Categories: Financial Aid, Online, Online College, Scholarship, Teaching, Uncategorized

The Up and Down of College Financing

 

At a time when college students are learning the “up” side of new loans and grants, a difficult economy is also forcing some “down-side” learning. It is more important than ever, in looking for available college financing, to consider the costs and risks of these financing options.

 

In other words, be sure to learn as much about giving back loans as getting them.

 

I. The Up: Available Funds

 

There has never been more money available for education. Tighter state budgets and internet-based programs even mean competition is creating a minor buyer’s market: if you are diligent in searching out credible options.

 

  • Do the FAFSA. Even if you have no intention (free and on-line at the federal Department of Education) of accepting federal funds, many schools require a FAFSA to determine eligibility for other funds, including scholarships.
  • If it waddles like a duck…Learn the differences between grants, scholarships, loans, and waivers. There are increasingly ‘hybrids,’ that allow money to be paid as grants, but which may convert to loans if the graduate fails to meet certain requirements (e.g., teaching at a high needs school).
  • When contacting or visiting a college, be sure to block out time at the financial aid office to build a budget and explore funding options: avoid paying so-called ‘financial aid experts’ for information you can get at each college.
  • Ask the college if they have can waive application fees. You can submit the FAFSA to any number of schools, but keep in mind: most colleges will not process your financial aid at their school unless you take the time to apply there…which is time consuming and potentially expensive.
  • Act early and watch for deadlines. The FAFSA, for example, has a ‘priority deadline’ of June 30 for fall enrollment: this does not preclude an application for other forms of aid, virtually to the day of most school starts. But grants (such as the ubiquitous Pell Grant) and scholarships are typically used up, well before summer ends.

 

II. The Down: Learn Repayment Risks

 

Student rates of default are almost certain to continue rising. Before borrowing, be certain the risks are understood.

 

A major Texas state study of student borrowers showed four interesting facts, and each of these is a warning sign of possible loan problems: (1) Inadequate counseling before the loans were taken out; (2) inability to use the college training for an intended career; (3) knowledge of repayment options; and (4) combined life traumas.

 

In addition to the often thin, on-line loan counseling now being offered, every single borrower–and if involved, parents–should insist on a face-to-face counseling session to address all four issues. One very effective way to prevent default is through knowing that you may make voluntary agreements, if you have problems making payments. Instead of rewarding default, these agreements encourage students and loan agencies to work together to prevent default.

 

$          Before sliding into default, even before being late, make it a point to know what incentives your lender may offer you to make timely payments. Many loans now require payments while still in college.

$          If you are facing default, move quickly to adjust your income tax deductions to reduce any expected refund.

$          Learn about “ICR,” or income contingent repayment plans, and learn what your expected income is. Don’t just assume you are locked into a loan rate. As of 2006, however, only consolidated debt is eligible for ICR.

$          Try to find out about cancellation of loan options: for example, schools that close before issuing a degree or certificate (cosmetology or acupuncture school, as examples) may give a right of cancelling the loan.

 

Who is the Best Fit for an Online Degree Program?

21. November 2011 · 1 comment · Categories: Associates Degree, Bachelors Degree, Campus, Education, Financial Aid, Psychology, Teaching, Uncategorized

Who is the Best Fit for an Online Degree Program?

 

Getting a degree online makes more and more sense for a growing group of people who don’t have the time, the money or the schedule to try and take classes at a brick-and-mortar institution. While some local community colleges or universities may offer night classes, that’s the time when many people try to relax or spend time with their families. Whatever the case, for many working adults, regular colleges and universities just may not be the best fit for their budget or lifestyle.

 

Growing flexibility and quality of instruction makes online-focused universities the right choice for people looking for flexibility, whether they’re stay-at-home moms, military vets or anyone else looking for great education on their own terms. The growing importance of the college degree makes online options perfect for a few groups in the United States.

 

Stay-at-Home Moms Benefit

 

Childcare costs may be the reason most stay-at-home moms never considered finding work. As their children grow older, though, moms may want to sharpen their skills or find good work to help defray college costs for their own kids.

 

Whatever the reasons, there’s just not a lot of time in the day to try and fit going to class. When you include the cost of a babysitter, lost time to do laundry or household chores, it might be impossible for a stay-at-home mom get back to school for herself without taking advantage of online college or university choices.

 

It helps that without the expenses associated with brick-and-mortar buildings and infrastructure, many online schools can offer lower tuition that can make it more feasible for growing families to consider paying the bills.

 

It’s Perfect for Members of the Military

 

Whether you’re still serving your enlistment, or you’re considering your next step after returning stateside, combining online education programs with the Post-9/11 GI Bill can offer huge benefits.

 

One, veterans are already trying to find ways to establish their skills on a resume. Taking college coursework towards a degree can help them flesh out areas where they may have weaknesses. With time in the service under their belt, they can also take it more seriously.

 

Better yet, many online colleges and universities have been working with veterans and former members of the military for years. You have access to mentors who can help you, not just with classwork, but with adapting to civilian life. There are also a number of programs that help you make the most of the GI Bill, meaning that education can be less expensive than even going to a state school.

 

Anyone Who Needs Flexibility Can Gain

 

Online education programs are designed for people who recognize that they want a quality college or certificate program, but don’t have the ability to try and work a normal set of classes into their schedule.

 

You can get the same textbooks, get the same insight from top professors. You’re just trading the lecture hall of hundreds of students for your own computer, e-mail and phone calls with instructors. You’ll often pay less, and there are other benefits especially for those who have served their country.