posted by Carleigh on Tuesday, September 01, 2009
It's Student Resource Center time!
When wallets are tight, deciding if/where to go to college and, more specifically, what to study is increasingly important.
Why not choose a major that can promise a little more return on investment? I blogged about this a few weeks ago in the post, A College Degree That Pays.
Now, experts are highlighting 5 emerging degrees that are gaining popularity among students. Among the 5? Forward-thinking areas of study like sustainability and service science.
Do any of the emerging areas of study appeal to you? Does your school offer degrees similar to those referenced in the article?
related topics: student resource center
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posted by Carleigh on Tuesday, August 11, 2009
I loveTuesday blog posts, because I get to share Student Resource Center goodies.
As usual, I'll keep this Student Resource Center post short and sweet.
I stumbled upon College Finance 101 a website/blog devoted to helping students manage their budgets. If you have questions about money, they have answers.
Check it out.
Happy Tuesday!
related topics: student resource center, Student budget
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posted by Carleigh on Monday, August 10, 2009
The answer is Yes! Our guest blogger explains.
We all love Cramster because it is the best homework help site on the net. In most classes at school, we do our homework and that equals our success. The more homework and studying we do, the more likely we are to succeed in that class. Those who don't study at all are usually the ones who fail the class.
Internships don't have the clear homework solution that most classrooms do. I might not be a professor, but I am the Intern Queen, and I'm filled with TONS of Internship STUDY TIPS:
1. BE PREPARED.
One of the songs from the Disney Movie, THE LION KING, is called "Be Prepared". The lyrics of the song read, "Be prepared for the chance of a lifetime. Be prepared for sensational news. A shiny new era is tip toeing nearer." I feel the same way about internships. There is this entire world put in front of each student and each student is going to have a different scenario put in front of them. Endless possibilities could come out of this internship experience. It really could be the chance of a lifetime – the job of a lifetime – do everything you can to be prepared.
• Obey the company dress code. Overdress on your first day. You should look like you are trying hard to make a great first impression.
• Ask your internship coordinator about parking, if you need money for lunch, exact directions, and the time they'll be expecting you. Also make sure to ask what time they would like you there until.
• Get over yourself. If you think it's all going to be glamorous – get that out of your head. You will more than likely be asked to do "busy work" and some tasks you aren't interested in. Everyone has to start somewhere. A beneficial experience will come out of this. Keep your head up.
• Be up-to-speed on company news, clients, executives. Use the company website to sharpen your knowledge.
2. PRACTICE YOUR SOCIAL AND INTRODUCTORY SKILLS.
Everyone needs to be confident and able to properly present themselves at an internship. Sometimes you meet people while just walking the halls and you need to have your smiling face and firm handshake ready at all times.
• Work on your handshake. Make sure that you aren't killing a person with the shake but it should be firm and controlled. Females often think they can get away with flimsy handshakes. Everyone should have a firm handshake.
• Practice small talk with friends and family. You never know when you'll be stuck in an elevator with several executives, brought along on a company lunch, or being introduced to people in the breakroom. Know how to carry a conversation, what is considered appropriate small talk, when to stop carrying on, and learn to present yourself confidently.
• Introduce yourself by stating your first and last name. You want people to remember you. I'm currently friends with 5 different "Laurens" – if I didn't say my last name when meeting people, everyone would be confused.
• Review your manners. While in college, I know manners tend to slip, everyone is used to being around their friends all of the time. Remember to put your napkin on your lap, don't talk while you are eating, chew with mouth closed, say your "please", "Thank You", "Nice to meet you". You'd be surprised how many students forget these.
The Intern Queen is full of great tips and advice. Visit www.internqueen.com and tweet her hello via @internqueen.
related topics: student resource center
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posted by Carleigh on Tuesday, August 04, 2009
It's hard to believe that many colleges open their doors in just a few weeks!
Since August officially marks back-to-school month for many students, today's Student Resource Center is your back-to-school gadget wish list.
TIME.com just released a list of the 25 Best Back-to-School Gadgets.
The title of the list is not deceiving-- the gadgets are pretty darn cool (like alarm clock alternative Philips wake-up light) and likely the best around (I can personally tell you that the Jawbone bluetooth headset is a superior hands free device).
But I can't help but think that TIME forgot to consider the typical college student budget: $115 headphones? $180 for a toothbrush?!
Still, it's a fun list to browse as you day dream about a fresh Fall on campus.
What would you add to this list? Should any of these items be added to the Cramster karma rewards section?
related topics: student resource center
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posted by Carleigh on Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Student Resource Center is back with a quick post that will help you earn some dough.
Introducing....
Drum roll please....
The PayScale College Salary Report!
This resource will allow you to predict potential salary based on type of school, degree, and school location. You can also find the most popular jobs based on degree, major, or school.
Of course it's not a magic ball that will predict your future, but perhaps it will give you a better idea of how much moola you can expect to make. Whether that influences your college decision is up to you!
related topics: student resource center, Student budget
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posted by JenCarpenter on Monday, July 27, 2009
Here are a few helpful tips for recent graduates trying to get into the medical field, courtesy of this week's guest blogger!
I'm sure you've heard a lot about healthcare by now. The fact that the industry is one of only a few considered to be recession-proof has many students looking ahead to healthcare jobs and many people already in the workforce switching track to something medical-related.
The healthcare industry usually includes establishments that provide healthcare and social services for individuals. During June, the industry employed 16,158,000 workers throughout the country, according to the United States Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics. The industry had an unemployment rate of 5.2 percent during June. During May, the healthcare industry had 469,000 job openings and 382,000 hires.
Because of its popularity as of late, you might be considering a future in healthcare yourself. If so, you're probably wondering what the best options are as far as employment. When most people think of healthcare jobs, they often automatically think of doctors and nurses, but there are a lot of other options out there.
Here is a list of some popular healthcare positions, as well as their educational requirements and average starting pay per hour:
Registered nurses – Requires a bachelor of science in nursing degree and passage of a national licensing exam. Earn $21.89.
Nursing aides – Requires a high school diploma or equivalent at minimum. Students can receive additional training from a variety of sources and usually must pass a state licensing exam. Earn $8.57 to $10.72.
Licensed practical nurses – Requires completion of an accredited program and passage of the National Council Licensure Examination for licensed practical nurses. Earn $14.79.
Dental Assistants – Certification by the Commission of Dental Accreditation is recommended. Earn $11.06.
Pharmacist – Requires at least two years of specific undergraduate work and four years of professional study. Certification is earned by graduating from an accredited school of pharmacy, passing a state board examination and participating in an internship. Earn $38.95.
Medical secretaries – A high school diploma or equivalent is required, but an associate's degree is recommended. Earn $9.93.
Medical records and health information technician – Typically requires an associate's degree. Earn $10.42.
Emergency Medical Technician – Must be 18-years old, have a high school diploma and a driver's license with a good record. Certification requires about 120 classroom hours and an associate's degree. Some states require a national examination for certification. Earn $10.14.
Radiological technologists – Requires training in an approved hospital program or an associate's degree. Earn $19.
Pharmacy technicians – Requires an associate's degree. Training is available to become state or nationally certified. Earn $9.28.
Medical laboratory technicians – Requires an associate's degree with clinical training and passage of a license exam by the Board of Registry of the American Society of Clinical Pathology, the National Certification Agency for Medical Laboratory Personnel or the American Technologists. Earn $13.92.
Physical therapist – Requires a four-year degree from an accredited school of physical therapy and passage of an examination. Earn $27.09.
Mental Health Counselors – Requires a bachelor's degree and some employers suggest a master's degree or doctoral degree. A state or national licensing exam is also usually required. Earn $14.33.
Personal and home care aides – Requires a high school diploma or equivalent and some states require licensing as a Certified Nursing Assistant, a valid driver's license and personal transportation. Earn $8.75.
Surgical technologist – Requires formal training or an associate's degree and sometimes certification. Earn $14.36.
Respiratory therapists – Requires either a one-year certificate program or a two-year associate's degree, as well as a national exam. Earn $19.32.
Physical therapist aides and assistants – Requires an associate's degree from an institution approved by the Commission of Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education. National and state licensing are sometimes required. Earn $18.42.
Dental hygienists – Requires an associate's degree or a four-year degree accredited by the American Dental Association's Commission on Dental Accreditation. Students can then take the Dental Hygiene National Board Examination and any state examinations. Earn $25.39.
Occupational therapist – Requires a master's degree an six to nine months of clinical practice, as well as passage of a national examination. Earn $25.50.
Healthcare educators – Requires a bachelor's degree and a written exam by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, Inc. Earn $20.56.
So now if you have some idea of what healthcare profession you'd like to study for, you're probably wondering where you might end up. AllHealthcare notes that the 10 best states for healthcare jobs include: California, Florida, Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio and Pennsylvania.
As you can see, there is a reason the healthcare industry is garnering so much interest lately. Not only are there a plethora of jobs out there, but many of them require an average amount of schooling and pay pretty well. So if you've always wanted to help people, or you're curious about medicine and the human body, or even if you're just exploring your career options, healthcare is something you should look into.
Jen Carpenter is a junior copywriter for Cheezhead,
a widely-read blog on employment and the recruiting industry. She has a
bachelor's degree in journalism and mass communications from St. Bonaventure University.
related topics: student resource center
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posted by Carleigh on Wednesday, July 22, 2009
I recently received a tweet from @EduConnection about a scholarship contest. I thought the Cramster community may be interested, so check out the press release below! *And don't forget to follow @Cramster on twitter!
July 15, 2009; Boca Raton, Florida—Education Connection has just launched a one-of-a-kind video contest for scholarships and other prizes. Participants can win tuition and cash for college by submitting an original video about Education Connection or a mashup of Education Connection commercials. The grand prize winner will receive $2,000 in tuition to the college of his/her choice and $1,000 cash. The first place winner will get $1,000 in tuition and $500 cash. The second place winner will receive an Amazon Kindle for reading e-books and other digital media.
Contestants can download the original music and lyrics of Education Connection commercials and use any combination of those in a video or create an original video (with or without music). Participants are encouraged to be funny, creative and outrageous, keeping in mind that videos should be suitable for all ages to watch.
All eligible videos will be available for votes at the contest Web site and can be viewed on the Education Connection YouTube page. Those that receive the most votes from the public will become finalists for a second round of voting by a panel of judges. Videos may be submitted at any time through 11:59pm (Pacific Time) July 31, 2009.
Participants must be U.S. citizens, 18 years of age or older, and are encouraged to read all the contest rules before entering.
Education Connection helps students find online colleges that are ideally suited for their academic and career interests, financial resources and lifestyles. Unlike Web-only matching services, Education Connection has experienced admissions advisors available every day to answer questions over the phone. Advisors can guide students through the process of selecting ideal areas of study and help them choose the best academic institutions for different degree programs.
Undergraduate and graduate courses are available at online colleges and students can earn degrees ranging from two-year associates to PhDs. Education Connection also provides information about financial aid options, admission procedures, credit transfers, and preparing for education success.
Good luck, Cramsters!
related topics: Student budget, student resource center
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posted by Ignacio G. on Monday, July 20, 2009
How to Gain a Competitive Edge Using Social Media
By Guest Blogger Ignacio Gallardo
The importance of building an online professional brand has dramatically increased in the age of social media. Whether we like it or not, employers are checking Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and other web 2.0 sites to find information about us that is being used to make hiring decisions. What they find can help or hurt our chances of securing employment. In the current economic climate, we can't afford to look generic. As a career counselor, I meet with lots of students and what I've learned is that few take full advantage of the benefits of using social media in their job search. In this post, I will highlight ways to use social media in creating and managing an online presence that enhances your professional brand to gain a competitive edge in the job search.
First, let's meet Lily. Lily recently graduated from UC Santa Barbara this past June and is currently looking for a job in advertising/marketing. She earned a B.S. in Psychology and completed her degree with an impressive 3.2 GPA. During her senior year, she held a leadership position as the Vice President of the Undergraduate Student Psychology Association. She worked a couple of part-time jobs during her time at UCSB and also spent 2 quarters interning for the marketing department of a local non-profit agency. Lily utilized the resources at the career center to research occupations, take career assessments, and attend an interview skills workshop. She also attended a company information session and made a few marketing contacts at the Spring Career Fair.
Lily has been proactive about preparing herself for the working world but has heard terrible things about the job market and the economy in newspapers and on TV. She's also heard some horror stories from her friends who are also struggling to secure jobs after graduation. A few of her classmates decided to enroll in graduate school simply to avoid finding a job altogether. A few others have applied for Teach for America or Americorps but are still waiting to hear back. Yet others have decided to move home with their parents, who are sympathetic with them about the tough economy, and have generously offered to float them for a couple of months while they continue looking into their options. All the news about competitive job market, company layoffs and downsizing, and the rising unemployment rate has students like Lily scared and approaching the job search process in the wrong way. She doesn't realize that her insecurities and fears can come across in the job search, especially in interviews, inadvertently sabotaging her chance at landing a job.
In other words, Lily is your typical recent grad, one of many across the country today who has graduated from college and still looking for employment. But Lily can't afford to be generic. It's a highly competitive job market out there and it's important that she demonstrates why she is not just your average recent grad. These days, she needs more than just a resume to attractive potential employers. By creating a powerful, professional brand, Lily can demonstrate why her skills and experience should be highly valued by employers, set her apart from the crowd, and command more opportunities.
Lily needs to ask herself a few questions: Who is she? What is she known for? Why does it matter? The secret behind a powerful brand lies in creating and providing value. This means creating a knowledge base or expertise and being a resource and information provider to others. When you think in terms of creating value and being a resource to others, your mentality changes from "What can this employer do for me" to "How can my skills benefit the company". This demonstrates that Lily has an understanding of her strengths and how they can be applied to benefit the employer.
Lily isn't a stranger to the web 2.0 world. She's been using Facebook to connect with friends and created a LinkedIn profile that she hasn't done much with it. She's also created a blog for a class project but hasn't maintained it in a few months. Whether she realizes it or not, she already has a brand based on her online presence. Because a large percentage of employers admit to researching potential candidates online and making hiring decision based on that information means it's time for Lily to clean up any "digital dirt" and start maintaining a professional online identity. This is the most powerful way to create a dynamic online network of the people Lily wants to connect with and provides her with the opportunity to showcase her skills and expertise. Social media doesn't replace Lily's resume but it can set her apart from the crowd and take advantage of the fact that employers are already looking for her online.
Here is my advice that Lily (or anyone) can use to create a professional online brand and revitalize the job search:
1. Have a completed profile.
Create a profile or bio that is reflective of your professional aspirations and goals. Check out other people's profiles to get some suggestions. This is how people find you now and recognize you in the future so being honest is important. If you are a student looking for a job in sustainability, indicate so in your profile. Regardless of the social media tool, make sure your profile is 100% completed. LinkedIn actually shows you with a progress bar exactly what you need to do to get your profile to 100%. Facebook allows you to manage who sees the information in your profile. I suggest after creating your professional profile, that you adjust the security settings to allow anyone to view your profile, not just your friends. The idea is to take advantage of the fact that employers are looking for information about you online and that you can control the information that they find. Also, it's a big mistake to not use a professional-looking photo of you. Having a completed profile helps you use social media to its fullest and shows potential employers that you mean business.
2. Establish a marketing plan.
Simply creating an account is not enough. Like a website, just because you build one, doesn't mean people will come. With Twitter, for example, people need a reason to follow you. Start by sharing information that's appealing and relevant to you and your job search. Read professional, career-related blogs in the industry that you are interested in and leave thoughtful comments for the author. Why not consider listing your web/blog address, Twitter handle, Facebook username and/or LinkedIn profile in your email signature? Facebook recently announced the opportunity to create a unique username that will give you a distinct web address for your profile. Just like a business card, your online professional brand is only useful when you get it out to people.
3. Update your education/work experience.
Just like your resume, social media offers the chance to promote your education and work experience. It's important to make sure that these sections are robust. But you don't have to start from scratch. As a matter of fact, I cut and pasted the education and experience sections of my resume straight into Facebook and LinkedIn. However, unlike your resume, you are not confined to one page. So include specific bullet points about your involvement in class and research projects, volunteer opportunities, student organizations, fraternities/sororities, and internships as well.
4. Engage with your networks regularly.
The real benefits of social media are when you make connections and build a network. Join professional groups that you might be interested in. Better yet, if you're not finding what you're looking for, then create your own group. Invite your contacts to join, post links to relevant articles and websites, and engage in discussions around topics of interest. Also, update your statuses regularly to indicate what projects that you are working, conferences you'll be attending, or new websites that you find useful. In LinkedIn, get recommendations from people who can speak on behalf of your skills and experiences.
5. Utilize 3rd party apps.
There are literally thousands of 3rd party applications that can enhance your social media experience. Apps can make it easier to connect with others, share information, and further extend your professional brand. In LinkedIn, I'd recommend Trip Planner and Books. Trip Planner helps you connect with others that might be traveling to the same conference as you or could be used as a conversation starter (I see that you just got back from Argentina?). Books show others how you are feeding your brain and can include those that you're reading for professional growth or for pleasure.
About the Guest Blogger:
Ignacio's primary role as Career Counselor and Employer Relations Coordinator of Career Services at University of California, Santa Barbara is to assist employers in developing successful recruiting plans on campus by serving as a liaison between recruiting employers and students. He also coaches students at all stages of the career development process from exploration to negotiation.
By providing comprehensive resources and programs, he assists students to develop professionally and provides them with the tools to make good career decisions, connect with employers, develop their brand, and attain their life goals. Ignacio specializes in using web 2.0 technologies and social networking in the job search to develop a professional online presence.
Contact Ignacio via Email, Web page, Twitter, or LinkedIn.
related topics: student resource center
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posted by Carleigh on Tuesday, July 14, 2009
A very important message from Cramster.com
Today's Student Resource Center gets right to the point:
Don't do this.
You're welcome.
related topics: Miscellaneous tips, student resource center
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posted by Carleigh on Tuesday, June 30, 2009
The dreaded essay makes another appearance on the Cramster blog. This time, we have tips to share.
Just last month I blogged about this splendid role reversal in which college deans were required to respond to their own admissions essay prompt.
I just loved it. The whole 'a taste of your own medicine' situation, allowing the college officials to see exactly what goes into those essays, even the ones they reject.
While it's summer for most students, and college applications will wait until Fall, that's no reason to neglect your writing skills. Summer presents a perfect time for you to sit down and write an essay without the stress of other assignments, tests, and everything else that comes along with Fall.
And so, for those of you early birds trying to get a head start on your college admission essays, I present to you An Admissions Dean's Advice on Writing a College Essay.
Good luck!
Students: Have you written your college essay yet? Educators: Do you have any advice about the writing process? Write away!
related topics: student resource center
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