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Here’s how to ace that interview
January 12, 2011 at 5:04 pm — by enid | No Comments
Category: Blog

Before college, you’re destined to have at least one interview for a job, scholarship or college. Here’s how to ace it!

Whether in a job, internship or college interview, the most popular opening line is: “So, tell me about yourself…” That question can cause an interesting combination of excitement 
and terror! 

When that question comes, you can be prepared with a concise, creative and comprehensive answer that reflects your personality and your best self.

Step 1: Get started. Interviewers are interested in your academic achievements, but they also want to know about your leadership experience. So take advantage of leadership opportunities that interest you and that have a positive impact on others in your school, your town, your state and beyond.

Step 2: Get known. Anyone can have a long list of clubs and teams on a résumé or college application. It’s better to join fewer clubs and get involved at a level that requires more than just showing up for meetings. Be in charge of a project, create a newsletter, write an article for the paper, plan an event or find ways to welcome new members. Plus, you can also find ways at your job to be known as someone who goes the extra mile for co-workers and customers.

Step 3: Get it together. The lessons you have learned through your leadership, team and work experiences give you great information to share in interviews. The trick is to package your experience in a way that captures the attention of your interviewer, gives an authentic description of what you’ve done.

Step 4: Get going! Although any interviewing situation is by nature competitive, the only person you are really competing with is you. Prepare and practice, write your ideas and responses down, and get help from your friends and family. Good luck, and be your best self!

Originally excerpted from an article by Jeff Edgarton and Kristin Skarie.

For more articles on career-planning and going back to school, go to BackToLearn.com

Dress to impress
January 11, 2011 at 10:35 am — by enid | No Comments
Category: Blog

Wondering what to wear for that college interview or campus visit? Or maybe you’re looking for work and don’t know what’s appropriate?

The good part is that it’s pretty simple to make sure you’re dressed appropriately for any occasion. Try some of our pointers:

Job interview

Don’t go too overboard with dressy attire. A simple blouse and skirt will do; just keep in mind that what you wear to any interview does make an impression—and you want that impression to be a good one. Go in looking neat and well-prepared, and you’ll be fine.

College interview

It’s sometimes difficult to find something that’s not too dressy but that’s professional looking and comfortable at the same time. You will probably be taking a tour of the campus as well as having an interview, so it is important that what you wear is comfortable. Try a cotton shirt and khakis, and wear comfy shoes.

First day at a new job

This depends on where you’re working, of course. When you interview for the job, make a mental note of the type of attire that most of the employees are wearing. Sometimes you’ll be told what kind of clothing is acceptable—or you may even get a uniform. Unsure? It’s always OK to ask.

For more about going back to school or career advice, go to www.BackToLearn.com.

Excerpted from an article by Jenni Miltoee.

Should you go public, private or for-profit?
December 29, 2010 at 11:22 am — by enid | No Comments
Category: Blog

Now that you’ve decided to take the plunge and go back to school, you have to figure out what school is right for you.

The truth is, “private” doesn’t necessarily mean “better” when it comes to your education. And maybe non-profit is a good option for your online needs. This is a choice that comes down to preference and lifestyle. Here are some things to consider:

Who gets priority?

Though public and private schools can equally offer a quality education, there are some general differences between the two.

Private schools cater to students from all over the country, while public schools primarily serve students from their own states. This often means higher tuition for out-of-state students at public schools, as well as the tendency to favor in-state applicants during admissions.

Class sizes

Private schools tend to have smaller class sizes. On the other hand, smaller private schools may be unable to offer a wide variety of courses, while public schools and for-profit institutions, which tend to be larger in general, can give students more academic variety and offer courses on-line.

Paying for it

And then there’s the cost of attendance. According to a recent report by the College Board, average tuition for the 2009-10 academic year range from $2,544 at two-year public schools to $5,930 at four-year public schools and $32,349 at private universities. For profit institutions were at $14,174.

Most public colleges offer tuition deals for in-state students. But don’t rule out a private school for fear of sticker shock. After all, private schools tend to give more financial aid.

Decide for yourself

Ultimately, most experts warn against characterizing either college before seeing them in person and talking to a college representative.

You will know what the right choice is after you compare all of your options. It’s an important decision, so do your homework!

Excerpted from an article by Ursula Furi-Perry. For more information about the college search, check out BackToLearn.com!

Good grades aren’t everything
December 22, 2010 at 5:29 pm — by enid | No Comments
Category: Blog

We are conditioned from an early age to believe that if we make good grades, we’re guaranteed a spot in the workforce. In fact, most of you have heard that if you don’t make good grades, you will never get into college. Then once you go to college, you begin to hear that without good grades, you will never get a job.

I believe that grades can certainly open doors for you. However, it takes more than just a good GPA to have success in the world of work. Here are a few things you can do to position yourself for success after you leave school or if you are struggling as a student:

1. Stay a student. Find people who are where you want to be. Study what they do each day. Check your ego when it comes to thinking you have all the answers. This will give you a big advantage over others.

2. Learn how to communicate. Most people assume they know how to effectively communicate with others. The reality is that they don’t. Conflict and conflicting roles, goals and expectations will be something you will encounter almost every day.

3. Understand what you really want. People spend their entire lives searching for happiness. Ask yourself what the word “success” means to you. If you are unhappy in your job, and more importantly in your life, you will never find fulfillment. That fulfillment is what drives your success.

4. Know about your credit and finances. Most people take vitamin C after they get sick. The same mentality applies to credit. A lot of people will wait until they have bad credit, or until they are broke, before they figure out why keeping on top of your personal finances is important. Prevention is the key.

What does all of this mean? People don’t care how good your grades are when you can’t get along with your peers. I have a friend with two master’s degrees, but no job. He is a great guy who knows how to excel in school, but not in the points above.

Remember, people who know how to do things will always have a job. People who know why will always be the boss.

Excerpted from an article by Brian Parsley, author of inspHIREd, president of TrainOne, Inc. and COO of Charlotte-based BuyGitomer, Inc.

For more articles about going going back to school, go to BackToLearn.com

It’s OK to fail
December 14, 2010 at 10:19 am — by enid | No Comments
Category: Blog

Your ability to deal with failure is just as powerful a life skill as your ability to succeed.

Ten thousand attempts before inventing a working light bulb: Thomas Edison. Dismissed from drama school: Lucille Ball. Cut from his high school basketball team: Michael Jordan. Lived on welfare in a mice-infested apartment: J.K. Rowling.

There’s no getting around it—everyone considered truly great endured failure along the way.

 You will fail more times in college, career and life than you anticipate. These four steps help you get the most out of each mistake and move on.

1. Process and get past the feelings. Chances are you feel bad when you fail. Talk with your partner, family or another trusted person, such as a counselor or transfer advisor. Write in a private (not online) journal. Then decide to take responsibility for improving yourself. Read the comments on the test. Listen to your employer’s feedback on your recent presentation.

2.  Ask yourself what you were trying to do and why you failed. Usually it’s because you were trying out a new skill or learning a new subject. Maybe you didn’t have all the information you needed. You made an error or miscalculation or poor decision. 

If so, give yourself a big pat on the back. Few people ever get something right the first time they try it, and often it takes many attempts. It can be tempting to dump blame on them, but instead, spend your energy on what moves you toward your goals.

3.  Try again. Review the situation to see what the possibilities are. 
There is a difference between deciding something is not for you and giving up. Knowing you gave something your best and deciding to follow a more productive path is one thing. Simply walking away means the failure wins.

What sets successful people apart from all others is that they choose their next steps instead of just reacting to feelings. If the original goal is still important to them, they figure out what to do and go after it again. If it isn’t, they refocus their time and energy elsewhere.

Excerpted from an article by Mary Anne Shew, president of Business Vitality LLC.

Applying to college is a bit different for adult learners
December 9, 2010 at 2:40 pm — by enid | No Comments
Category: Blog

Has it been a few (or a lot of) years since you were a student? Gone are the days where adult learners would be treated like a typical 18-year-old student with only daytime classes, rigid degree plans and a minimum of four years until a credential was earned.

Today’s programs for adult learners accommodate people of any age who are looking to start or finish a degree, get further career training, change careers, receive a higher credential or earn a skill-enhancing certificate.

Here’s what to do to find a program that matches your educational and life goals.

Make contact with an adviser

An academic counselor will review the transferability of any college credits you already have, help you evaluate your educational goals and examine any life experiences you have for which you can earn college credit.

Evaluate your goals

Will you earn a higher pay rate if you finish your bachelor’s degree? Do you need an update of your current skill sets? Are you looking for career specialization in a master’s degree?

Apply

At some colleges adult applicants are required to submit a one- to two-page statement of their educational and career goals.

Other application requirements may include: a high school transcript, a standard application and a résumé.

Evaluate the costs

Will the time put into a credential program pay off in the end through a career change, a better job, more money? What credentials will help you reach your goals?

Be aware that most colleges do have residency requirements, meaning you must earn a certain number of credits at the credential-issuing institution.

Colleges evaluate transfer credit on a case-by-case basis. Generally, credit from previous college experiences lose their transferability after 10 years, though that can depend on how much information on the topic would have changed.

Don’t get discouraged

Self-doubt is a common feeling from adult learners because so many things have changed since many adults last attended college.

Excerpted from an article by Laura Jeanne Hammond. For more information about going back to school, visit BackToLearn.com

Transferring tips to help get you back to school
December 8, 2010 at 1:50 pm — by enid | No Comments
Category: Blog

Did you take a few classes at a two-year school about a decade ago? Maybe you started college right after high school and didn’t get around to finishing. No matter what your situation is, going back to school is an option.

But if you’ve decided to revisit those plans and go back to college you are probably wondering where to start. Read these tips to help you get started with your transfer:

-Meet with transfer counselor. This counselor will help you throughout your entire journey, so keep in touch and ask lots of questions.

-Did you leave your current school in good financial and academic standing? Just like you can’t get a good credit rating if you skip out on bills, you won’t have a smooth transfer if you skip out on class or financial obligations. Most schools will not release an official transcript if there are outstanding financial obligations on your account.

-File you FAFSA as soon as possible to your new school to take care of your federal and state aid—your school will send you the rest of the necessary paperwork or provide you with additional instructions.

-Do you need a dorm room? Child care? Special learning accommodations? Don’t assume that your new school will have these just because your old school did. Some schools may not make on-campus housing available to transfers; if so, ask if they have a referral service for nearby off-campus housing.

-Listen to what your mom always taught you, and be honest. If you have done poorly at your prior institution, tell your transfer counselor—it will only turn up later on a transcript anyway.

These are some of the basics, but any experienced transfer counselor knows that every student is unique. Make sure that you talk with your counselor about what’s important to you so you can make the most informed decision possible. You would put a lot of research into buying a house or a car—do the same for your degree.

Excerpted from an article by Melanie Mickelson. For more articles about going back to school, check out BackToLearn.com

Think studying online is for you? Read this first
December 3, 2010 at 1:51 pm — by enid | No Comments
Category: Blog

Internet-based courses offer flexibility, but they cost the same in money, time and effort as traditional college classes.

It’s 7:58 on a Monday morning, and you’re rushing to get to your 8 a.m. class before the professor marks you absent. You manage to spill your steaming hot coffee all over your new shirt as you run down the hall. You’re just about to curse your school for making a class available so early in the morning…then you remember that you had the option to take it online instead. If you’d done that, you wouldn’t have to get up so early! Heck, you wouldn’t even have to go to school for that class!

If you have access to a computer, you can go to class any time and from anywhere. You might be surprised how many colleges offer extensive online learning opportunities. But be aware that some classes are more suitable than others to take online. If you’re looking for a demanding chemistry lab, for instance, taking it in person is probably your best bet.

Things to consider before going online:

-Is the class offered at a reasonable time for me on campus?

-At most colleges, online courses count for the same amount of credit hours as traditional classes do and cost the same as a regular course.

-Do your homework. There may be an additional lab fees that cover the technology costs related to the courses and administrative fees.

-Just because your classroom is online doesn’t mean the class doesn’t require as much attention. Students without self-discipline do not make it in the online course world. Just like with a traditional course, you should still expect to apply yourself a great deal.

Excerpted from an article by By Jessica Gaspar. For more articles about going back to school, check out BackToLearn.com