Archive for the ‘Blog’ Category
Tuesday, September 7th, 2010
Today, we take you on a tour of Finger Lakes Community College!
Whether you’re starting over or just starting out, fitting college into an already-busy life can sometimes be a challenge. Finger Lakes Community College understands the concerns of adult students who juggle work and family. They can help you fit an education into your already busy life and guide you through the process of enrolling in college.
FLCC offers flexible full or part-time schedules including day, evening and online degree options.
The cost of a college education doesn’t have to put your future out of reach. FLCC offers affordable tuition, scholarships and financial aid. About 75 percent of FLCC students receive some form of financial aid—loan, grants, work-study programs and scholarships. In fact, FLCC awards more than 120 scholarships per year, some of which are exclusively for adult students.
Not sure where your education might take you? Counselors can help you explore career options, learn about job prospects and discover a career path that’s right for you. If that path involves continuing your education at a four-year institution, FLCC can make the transition as smooth as possible.
For more information about Finger Lakes Community College, click here!
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Tuesday, August 31st, 2010
Today we take you on a tour of Keuka College.
Keuka College has been helping students achieve their educational goals since its founding in 1890. The Accelerated Studies for Adults Program (ASAP) expands on the college’s tradition of academic excellence and offers convenient, affordable degree options for working adults at locations throughout New York state.
In the Accelerated Format:
- You’ll attend class one night each week, and only take one course at a time.
- Programs begin three times each year—spring, summer and fall.
- Earn your bachelor’s degree in as little as two years, or your master’s degree in 18 months.
- You’ll complete your entire degree with the same group of people, giving you an added level of support.
The degree program is offered at more than 20 community colleges and hospitals throughout New York state. Additional locations are continually being developed to support area needs.
Since your time is valuable, Keuka offers convenient solutions—register only once for all courses in your program; textbooks are delivered directly to your home and are included in the cost of tuition. And Keuka College’s Office of Financial Aid provides a variety of programs to assist you in meeting your educational expenses.
Whether you’re looking to finish your bachelor’s degree, or earn your master’s degree, Keuka’s accelerated programs fit your life.
>>To learn more about Keuka College, click here!
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Tuesday, August 24th, 2010
Today we take you on a tour of Medaille College.
With campuses in Amherst, Rochester, and Buffalo, adults in Western New York can find a Medaille College campus that is close to either home or work.
The college’s programs and course schedules are designed with three things in mind: convenience, flexibility, and relevance. Day, evening, weekend and on-line classes offer options for almost any schedule.
Obtain your degree without interrupting your life. Some programs meet just one night a week; some programs are one weekend per month. With day, evening, weekend and online classes even the busiest adult can find a way to complete a degree.
If you want to move up in your current job or gain entry into a new career, Medaille’s School of Adult and Graduate Education (SAGE) offers the degrees you need. Some of our degrees can be completed in as short as one year! A promotion or job change is just around the corner.
Career oriented degree programs give you the skills that are valued in today’s marketplace. Classes are taught by experienced professionals who focus on best practices in their field. Each week you will apply new ideas and skills to your current job.
Convenient evening/weekend administrative office hours allow you access to the information you need while you are on campus. Most programs start three times a year; January, May, September. Online students can start six times per year.
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Tuesday, August 17th, 2010
Today we take you on a tour of Globe University.
For more than 125 years, Globe University has focused on providing education that trains students for specific careers.
Globe graduates succeed in the employment market because the university prides itself in small class sizes, hands-on training and offering plenty of networking opportunities.
Classes are taught by experienced professionals who understand the importance of practical, hands-on training. Every program is designed and maintained by industry and business professionals who keep pace with the evolving career marketplace. And each department’s success is judged by how many graduates get jobs in their chosen fields and what starting salaries they received.
>> To learn more about Globe University, view majors and request information, click HERE!
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Tuesday, August 10th, 2010
Today we take you on a tour of Nova Southeastern University.
Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., is the nation’s seventh-largest independent university, with more than 29,000 students; 100,000 alumni; a sprawling 300-acre Fort Lauderdale main campus, several satellite campuses around Florida, and a large online constituency.
Staff, counselors, and faculty are keenly aware of the unique challenges, issues, and concerns you face and are prepared to help you achieve your goals. They can provide you with information on everything from how you’ll pay for college to finding an academic program that meets your needs from accounting to theater, NSU has a major for you.
NSU offers all types of learning from traditional full-time options to part-time and weekends. And it’s a pioneer in distance education and online learning environments, so NSU has classes that fit your schedule.
>> To learn more about Nova Southeastern University, view majors and request information, click HERE!
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Tuesday, July 20th, 2010
Today we take you on a tour of Westwood College.
Today’s workplace is extraordinarily competitive. Employers value people who can make a contribution right out of the gate. To succeed, you must have specific, hands-on skills, and be able to put those skills to work without a long training period.
That’s why Westwood College works closely with employers and our Program Advisory Committees to ensure that every Westwood program focuses on industry-relevant skills that graduates need to compete in today’s workplace. And that’s why hands-on experience is a critical part of Westwood’s curriculum.
The curriculum is project and team oriented. When you graduate from Westwood, you’ll be ready to make an immediate and lasting contribution to your employer. This is true for graduates of every program offered by Westwood College.
That’s why many employers turn to Westwood again and again when they are recruiting for key positions. These employers recognize that Westwood’s unique approach to career education teaches the hands-on skills that employees need to make valuable contributions to their organizations.
>> To learn more about Westwood College, view majors and request information, click HERE!
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Tuesday, July 13th, 2010
We know that as an adult learner, you need information about going back to school quickly and all in one place!
Welcome to Tuesday Tour Day on BackToLearn.com. Each Tuesday we’ll bring you a different education opportunity to consider for your back to school experience.
Today we look at Rochester Institute of Technology—Part-time Undergraduate Studies
Career-focused. Specialized. Technologically-based. Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) is a respected, internationally renowned private, coeducational university enrolling more than 16,500 students. More than 65 of the University’s 200 undergraduate programs can be taken on a part-time basis.
A degree from RIT comes with certain perks. Greater earning potential in growing fields, the support and experience of accomplished professionals with real-world connections, and a world-class reputation that earns immediate respect from employers around the world. Our full-time job is making it easier for part-time students.
RIT offers programs from our main campus in Rochester, N.Y. and around the world through the convenience of online learning. Traditional classroom courses are offered to meet your working schedule: evenings, Saturdays, and days.
Our convenient quarter calendar means our classes last only 11 weeks, offering the opportunity to take classes four times each year — beginning in September, December, March and June.
A part-time certificate or degree from RIT is worth more and impacts your earning power for years to come. You’re prepared to step into the better-paying, high-demand positions in today’s hottest, most lucrative fields. So as you grow, so will your paycheck.
>>To learn more about RIT, view their programs and to request information, click here!
Posted in Blog, Choosing a College | 1 Comment »
Wednesday, June 2nd, 2010
If you like to make people feel more confident and good about themselves, then a career in cosmetology might be for you.
Check out these articles from our sister site, NextStepU, for a day in the life of these cosmetology careers.
* Careers in cosmetology (with related career video)
* Hairstylist
Thinking about a career in cosmetology or other beauty-related field? Start your search here for a college that offers a program that will help you reach your dreams!
Tags: back to college, back to learn, beauty careers for adults, beauty schools, careers in beauty, careers in cosmetology, college programs with cosmetology
Posted in Blog, Careers | No Comments »
Tuesday, June 1st, 2010
Do you like to make people feel good about themselves? Want a fun and creative career?
Then consider a future in the cosmetology industry.
Note that each state has different licensing requirements for beauty-related careers.
A career in cosmetology provides flexible hours and locations and may include work in hair care, skin care, nails and makeup.
Now’s a good time to pursue a cosmetology career—the need for salon professionals is increasing. It’s also a great business if you are entrepreneurial. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics also notes that about 44 percent of workers in the personal appearance industry are self-employed!
Some career ideas (and their average earnings, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics) include:
* Theater makeup artist ($12.63/hour)
* Hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists ($11.13/hour)
Start your search for beauty-related college programs here!
Posted in Blog, Choosing a College, Uncategorized | 1 Comment »
Wednesday, May 26th, 2010
Maybe you’ve toyed with the idea of a career in aviation. Maybe you’ve even thought about becoming a pilot.
As you consider what careers in aviation might be suitable for you as an adult learner, check out these career profile articles from NextStepU.com.
* Careers in airport security, aircraft maintenance and other positions at an airport
* Pilot
You can start a career in aviation as an adult learner! How will you find the best degree program for you? It’s easy—just start your search here!
Posted in Blog | 1 Comment »
Tuesday, May 25th, 2010
Have you ever thought of becoming a pilot? Or maybe you like the hands-on aspect of working on aircraft maintenance.
Airports provide a wealth of diverse and interesting jobs. Careers can be found in security, maintenance, or take to the skies as a pilot. Most civilian aircraft maintenance workers earn their credentials through a FAA-certified program. Many have worked on avionics in the past for manufacturers or in the military.
Often, pilots also have related military experience and have also earned a college degree.
If you’re a vet looking for a second career, or an adult learner looking for an interesting job choice, then check out aviation programs!
Start your search for a career in aviation here.
Tags: airplane careers, airport careers, avionics careers, careers in air transport, pilot careers
Posted in Blog, Choosing a College | No Comments »
Thursday, May 20th, 2010
One of the hurdles adults may face when considering going back to college is the time commitment involved.
But the wealth of college programs specifically for adult learners means that you might be able to graduate in as few as two years—or less.
Arena Dixon of Clarksville, Tenn., is a single, working mother of two. She wasn’t sure she’d ever be able to finish her degree.
But she found a program that allowed her to complete her degree in a reasonably short amount of time. While browsing the web, Dixon found a website that introduced the Bachelor of Integrated Studies (B.I.S.) in Organizational Communication program at Murray State University’s Hopkinsville Regional Campus.
Short courses, evening courses and online courses meant that students could complete the program in as little as 16 months.
Read more of her story here.
How long will it take you to complete your degree? Search for your perfect match today!
Posted in Blog, Inspiration | 1 Comment »
Tuesday, May 18th, 2010
What can you expect to do after graduating with a degree in art or design? Here are some career profiles from our sister site, www.NextStepU.com.
* Desktop publisher
* Art careers
* Art director
* Graphic designer
* Photojournalist
Thinking about heading back for a college degree in an art or design program? Start your search here!
Tags: art careers, careers for adults, design careers, nextstepu, recareering adults
Posted in Blog, Careers | No Comments »
Monday, May 17th, 2010
Have you always been admired for your creativity? Do you enjoy understanding how visuals help attract buyers to a product?
Then consider enrolling in an adult learner program for art and design.
Design is a fast-paced, competitive field that relies as much on persistence and follow through as it does on your unique ideas.
Designers—whether they work on a computer, with clothing or in another medium—take their creative ideas from conception through implementation. That could mean deciding the look and layout of a magazine, Web site, clothing line or more. The best designers are detail-oriented, computer savvy and have at least an associate or bachelor’s degree.
Design is also a field in which you may work as a freelancer. That means you might work for several different companies at the same time—maybe from home. Freelancers should be business savvy as well as talented in the field, as they are responsible for invoicing clients, selling their skills, and keeping their books.
Have you thought about pursuing an art or design career?
Check out the careers that you might be eligible for:
* Architecture (average salary: $70,320)
* Game art (average salary: $56,330)
* Graphic design (average salary: $42,400)
* Interior design (average salary: $44,950)
* Photography (average salary: $29,440)
Search for colleges in your area that offer degrees in art and design programs!
Tags: adult college programs, art careers, design careers, search for colleges
Posted in Blog, Careers | 1 Comment »
Wednesday, May 12th, 2010
The end result of going back to college as an adult learner is, hopefully, having a different or better job at the end of it.
Keep that goal in mind while you’re in college, and you’ll be able to develop a game plan for when you graduate.
But why wait until graduation is near to work toward that goal? Instead, get your resume perfected now.
“Often I have heard students and alumni state that they have applied to 50 jobs or more, but have received no responses!” says Sharitta Gross, program coordinator for the Office of Cooperative Education & Career Services at the Rochester Institute of Technology. “Every industry has its own buzz words, so the skills you would need to be a Senior Administrative Assistant versus a Case Manager would differ.
This may also mean that you will have more than one resume if you have a variety of interests.
Job postings tend to contain key words that you should implement to show an alignment between your skills set and the needs of the company or organization. Remember: the average resume gets about seven seconds of review!”
Seven seconds? Wow.
What can you do to impress a potential employer in seven seconds?
Well, going back to college for a degree in your field can help. Search today to see what degree YOU will pursue!
Tags: adult learner, bachelors degree, back to learn, back to school, college, get your resume together, Laura Jeanne Hammond, perfecting your resume, resume, RIT, Rochester Institute of Technology, Sharitta Gross
Posted in Blog | No Comments »
Thursday, May 6th, 2010
“Change has a considerable psychological impact on the human mind. To the fearful it is threatening because it means that things may get worse. To the hopeful it is encouraging because things may get better. To the confident it is inspiring because the challenge exists to make things better.” —King Whitney Jr.
How do you view going back to college? Are you fearful, hopeful or confident?
For many adult learners, going back to college is a relief. Especially if you’re taking the first steps to finish something that you already started years ago.
Still thinking about how you can manage heading back to school? Download BackToLearn.com’s FREE Inspiration Guide for financial aid help, advice from successful adult learners, and more.
Good luck!
Posted in Blog, Inspiration | No Comments »
Friday, April 30th, 2010
In some adult learner college programs, textbooks are included as part of tuition. Sometimes, you won’t even have to go to the bookstore—they’ll deliver them to your classroom at the start of each session! (Where was this service as an undergrad?!)
But if you do have to find your textbooks on your own, check out these sites to help you manage the costs.
If you buy your books online, just remember to factor in delivery time. And did you know you can now rent textbooks, too? Leave a comment if you know of any other online textbook services!
* half.com
* Chegg.com
* CampusBookRentals.com
* BigWords.com
Tags: paying for college, textbooks
Posted in Blog, Financial Aid | No Comments »
Thursday, April 22nd, 2010
Take advantage of the support system offered to you in college. That could include your family and friends, the writing center at college, the flexibility offered by your employer, or your college advisor.
Shelly Scheffe originally planned to earn a bachelor’s degree in business, but switched to business/IS because of the job opportunities and her previous work experience with computers and software.
“…Help is available, but you have to ask for it,” she says. “No one knows if you are struggling with a particular assignment if you don’t let someone know. Tutors, classmates (even online classmates) and online tutorials are tools that are available to help anyone succeed in school.”
What support systems have you used?
Still thinking about going back to learn? Search for schools here!
Posted in Blog, Study Tips | No Comments »
Wednesday, April 21st, 2010
When work is tough, when our babysitter canceled, when money’s tight, when our classes are hard, when tuition seems like the last thing on Earth we want to pay for…
When what sounds like a great country song turns into the life we’re living, we can easily blow things out of proportion. Or at least make the challenges seem like they’re snowballing, creating problems that aren’t even really there.
We’ve all done it.
That’s why I especially love this quote I saw today and wanted to share:
“I have been through some terrible things in my life, some of which actually happened.” —Mark Twain
What a good reminder to take things as they come, not what might (or might not)!
Posted in Blog, Inspiration | No Comments »
Friday, April 16th, 2010
Today’s post is an excerpt from the book Coach Yourself to a New Career: 7 Steps to Reinventing Your Professional Life (Copyright 2010, The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.), by Talane Miedaner.
It’s a great reminder that we have the ability to create our perfect lives right at this very moment—regardless of our stage in it.
—-
If you are struggling to create the ideal life, then start with one ideal day. Write down what that day would look like from the moment you wake up in the morning to the moment you go to sleep at night. Be as detailed as possible.
One of my clients did this exercise and realized that he could live his ideal day right then.
When you’re done, see if you can expand this description into a full week or ideal days. Next: start incorporating as many elements of your ideal day as you can into your life right now.
If you want to wake up to a butler coming in with croissants and coffee, don’t let it bother you if you don’t have the butler yet—start with the croissants and coffee.
One of my clients who performed this exercise realized that the perfect way to start the day was to go outside on her deck overlooking beautiful woods with a hot cup of tea and a fresh-baked blueberry muffin and write in her journal.
She baked a batch of muffins and put them in the freezer, bought a journal, and got started!
—-
What would you do in your ideal day?
Posted in Blog, Inspiration | No Comments »
Tuesday, April 13th, 2010
You look around the classroom, pencil poised and mind open. You’re a college student again!
But then you get the sinking feeling that not only are you the oldest student in class, but that you are likely the same age as most of the students’ parents.
If you’re heading back to college at a traditional undergraduate on-campus program, it is possible that you may be the oldest student in your classes.
But who cares? You shouldn’t. Remember, once you’re in college, you are, for all intents and purposes, an adult—whether you’re 21 or 41.
These aren’t kids you’re in school with; they are now your peers.
Here are some benefits of being an adult learner:
* You have a good idea what you want to do with your degree after graduation.
* You have more experience balancing life, work and school commitments than younger people do.
* You get to be a role model to your family, your children, and the other students at the college.
* You don’t have to deal with some of the social pressures that some of your younger fellow students face during college.
* You can draw from life experiences to illustrate class concepts and essay topics.
* You can apply what you’re learning in class directly to your job.
* At the end of a long week, you can (legally) kick back with a cocktail, unlike the other underclassmen!
Hope that last one made you smile!
What has your experience been? Have you been the oldest in any of your classes?
Tags: adult learner, BackToLearn.com, going back to college, inspiration for adult learners, oldest student in class, why you should be an adult learner
Posted in Blog, Inspiration | No Comments »
Monday, April 5th, 2010
The perks of an online degree are many, especially for us working adults.
Let’s see…there’s the commute (5 seconds), wardrobe flexibility (bathrobe OK), class schedule (work school around work) and ever-growing acceptability in the workplace.
Are you thinking about an online degree? What’s holding you back? Or if you’re already in a program, what are the benefits and challenges of learning online? Share!
Tags: adult learner, back to learn, earn a degree online, earning a degree online, Laura Jeanne Hammond, online degrees
Posted in Blog, Choosing a College | No Comments »
Friday, March 26th, 2010
As an adult learner, you’re not going to be bunking up with an 18-year-old from Iowa in your new cinder block dorm room.
But still. There’s merit to chancing it with your roommate, don’t you think?
Freshman year, I roomed with a fellow freshman from Washington state with a penchant for listening to firey sermons on tape—sans ear phones. Year after that, I got matched with a quiet freshman whose name I can’t even remember. Jennifer? Christina? Melissa? Hmm… D’oh, can’t remember. (In my defense, I was only with her one semester before heading abroad.)
Check out what’s happening now for undergrads looking for a dorm mate.
Given the chance now, if you were heading to college and living on campus, would you choose your roommate—or chance it? What do you recommend your kids do?
Tags: adult learner, adult learners, backtolearn, being the oldest, choosing a roommate, college, dorm living, getting your bachelor's degree, Inside Higher Ed, Laura Hammond, living on campus, undergrad
Posted in Blog, Inspiration | No Comments »
Tuesday, March 23rd, 2010
The end result of going back to college as an adult learner is, hopefully, having a different or better job at the end of it.
Keep that in mind while you’re in college, and you’ll be able to develop a game plan for when you graduate.
Sharitta Gross, program coordinator for the Office of Cooperative Education & Career Services at the Rochester Institute of Technology, suggests that adults keep working through college.
“Keep your hand on the pulse of the economy,” Gross says. “It is not always ideal to maintain a job while in college, but one of the biggest challenges that new graduates face is having a lack of experience.
While you can certainly leverage your book knowledge via the coursework you’ve completed, employers are attracted to candidates who show a likelihood of a short learning curve.
If a full-time job is not doable and you only have a few hours to spare, try volunteering at a company or organization that you deem to be a prospective, future employer.”
Today’s adult learners are better able than ever to maintain a job while attending school. There are so many opportunities for college programs that cater to working adult learners. You can choose an online program, an accelerated degree completion program, or enroll as a full-time student.
Your choice is up to you! How will you pursue your degree?
Tags: adult learner, bachelors degree, back for degree, employers, full time job, Laura Jeanne Hammond, RIT, Rochester Institute of Technology, Sharitta Gross, work and college, working while in school
Posted in Blog, Inspiration | No Comments »
Friday, March 12th, 2010
College tuition is one of those items that always seems to be increasing.
Why?
Check out this article for details.
There are some ways you can help pay for college, though. One is by asking your employer to help you!
Have you had any luck getting tuition reimbursement from your employer? Share your story in the comments section below!
Tags: adult learner, back to learn, back to school, BackToLearn.com, cost, financial aid, tuition, tuition for adults, tuition increase
Posted in Blog, Financial Aid | No Comments »
Tuesday, March 9th, 2010
Most of the staff here at BackToLearn.com attended state schools for college. None of us have an advanced degree. And yet, we’re all pretty successful!
So when you’re looking at colleges, don’t fixate on the prestige of the college name.
High school students particularly focus on the brand name of the college. They don’t want to have to explain to family and friends why they’ve chosen a particular school or major, or what they’re going to do with their degree afterwards.
They just want people to “get it.”
As an adult learner, you, too, want people to just “get it.” You don’t want to have to explain why you chose a particular program, nor why you chose a particular college.
But that doesn’t mean you must attend a national university or prestigious college.
Take a minute and think of the people you meet on a regular basis. How many of them went to an Ivy League college? How many of them went to a college you’ve even heard of? Better yet, how many people do you meet and never even learn which college they attended?
Exactly.
Instead of focusing on the name of a college, consider these other questions:
- Will the credential help you further your career?
- How will you manage childcare while attending classes?
- What kind of online course or degree programs are available in the field?
- How will you pay back the debt you might incur?
- What is your ultimate goal in earning a degree?
- What is the best college choice for you?
Remember, it’s not where you get your degree that counts; it’s what you do with it. And that goes for high school students and adult learners alike!
Tags: adult learner programs, brand name college, how to choose a college
Posted in Blog, Choosing a College | No Comments »
Friday, March 5th, 2010
If you’re thinking about heading back to college, here’s one thing you don’t want to miss!
Download the new, FREE Must-Have Adult College Guide PDF from BackToLearn.com!
In it, you’ll find tips on how to manage your cash, time and future in college. You’ll hear from successful adults who have already gone back to learn. And it’s free, so you’ve got nothing to lose!
Want to share YOUR Back To Learn story? Leave a comment!
Tags: help for adult learners, Inspiration Guide, Must Have Adult College Guide
Posted in Blog, Inspiration | 2 Comments »
Thursday, March 4th, 2010
We all know that you have to work your way up in a job—both for career promotions and salary increases.
But if you want to earn a lot of money right out of college, check out this list from Laurence Shatkin’s recently released book, 250 Best-Paying Jobs, Second Edition.
“Within these occupations the workers who earn at the 10th percentile—meaning that 90 percent of the workers in the occupation earn more than they do—still earn at least $51,540. This means they earn more than 75 percent of all American wage-earners,” explains Shatkin.
Here are 10 careers that pay newbies well:
Orthodontists
Beginning Wage: $100,980
Median Earnings: $166,400+
Prosthodontists
Beginning Wage: $72,710
Median Earnings: $166,400+
Nuclear Engineers
Beginning Wage: $68,300
Median Earnings: $97,080
Computer and Information Scientists, Research
Beginning Wage: $57,480
Median Earnings: $97,970
Education Administrators, Elementary and Secondary School
Beginning Wage: $55,580
Median Earnings: $83,880
Airline Pilots, Copilots and Flight Engineers
Beginning Wage: $55,330
Median Earnings: $111,680
Lawyers
Beginning Wage: $54,460
Median Earnings: $110,590
Financial Managers
Beginning Wage: $53,860
Median Earnings: $99,330
Chemical Engineers
Beginning Wage: $53,730
Median Earnings: $84,680
Mathematicians
Beginning Wage: $53,570
Median Earnings: $95,150
Tags: career help, careers, salaries, well paying jobs
Posted in Blog, Careers | No Comments »
Thursday, February 25th, 2010
We want to know: How are you handling your bills and other responsibilities while going back to college? Are you working while attending college? Relying on a spouse’s income? Using unemployment or other income stream? Let us know!
Posted in Blog, Financial Aid | No Comments »
Tuesday, February 23rd, 2010
If you’re considering completing your college degree over the Internet, you’re probably wondering how a future employer will regard an online degree.
“Now, they’re regarded in much the same way of degrees that are earned in a more traditional way,” says Don DeVito, Campus Director for Rasmussen College Online.
“Most recent surveys indicate that, if anything, online education is starting to get as much acceptance—if not more in some cases, in terms of the academic rigor—as a more traditional path.”
“A lot of employers don’t make a distinction between the two.”
Here are some more tips from DeVito:
* Be prepared to participate as an online student. Typically, online classes require students to contribute to online discussions. There’s no hiding in the back of a classroom.
* Determine if you can motivate yourself to stay on task, or if you need the drive of being around other students and the structure of an on-campus experience.
* Get support from others around you, such as your spouse and children. You’re going to need those people to be actively supportive and understanding of your goals and responsibilities.
* Have a clear idea of what you want to get out of whatever program you choose.
Ready to learn more? Search for a program at BackToLearn.com.
Tags: Don DeVito, on campus degrees, online degrees, Rasmussen College, support from your family
Posted in Blog, Choosing a College | No Comments »
Wednesday, February 17th, 2010
Thinking about going back to learn but don’t know anyone in your same boat? Here’s one adult learner, Michelle Y., who wanted to share her tips on going back to college.
Michelle left a career in journalism to train for a new career in occupational therapy. Here’s her advice:
* A larger college might be able to accommodate adult learners better by offering more classes at different times. I can’t accelerate with online and summer classes because they don’t offer them for my (and most other) program(s).
* Most professors appreciate adult learners and are understanding when family issues come up. But not all. One of my professors could have cared less when my 2-year-old (and then I) had the swine flu last November and I missed an exam. He gave me a much harder makeup exam. And he also wouldn’t let me switch labs to meet my baby-sitting needs. He just said “everyone has something—a job or kids or a personal situation, and I can’t accommodate everyone.”
* I spend more time in the lab because it takes me longer to get things into my brain—which I attribute to fewer brain cells. I have a hard time finding any time for myself at all. And I worry that my student loans are going to force me to retire later. But I do think it’s really worth it.
Tags: adult learner advice, adults going back to college, new career for adults, recareering
Posted in Blog, Inspiration, Uncategorized | No Comments »
Tuesday, February 9th, 2010
Think you’re the only one who’s thinking about attending college online?
Think again.
According to one researcher, in 2006, 1.5 million students pursued a degrees completely online in 2006. And that number’s only expected to grow!
Are you a good candidate for an online degree? Take our quiz here.
Tags: going back to college, online courses, online degrees
Posted in Blog, Choosing a College | No Comments »
Thursday, February 4th, 2010
Whether we’re asking our employer for tuition reimbursement or presenting a proposal to a class, adult learners can be sure they need good communication skills.
Stacey Hanke, author of the new book Yes You Can,
offers these tips to improve your communication skils:
· Increase your awareness. We don’t know what we don’t know. We have this mystery of not knowing what others see and hear when we communicate: over the phone or face-to-face. If you don’t know how you and your message are perceived, you will never make improvements for greater results. Pay attention to your listener. Watch and listen for their reactions and responses. Learn how what you say affects people.
· Pause more often! A mistake most of us make is saying more than our listeners want and need to hear. Slow down your speech! Deliberately introduce more PAUSES. What perception do you create when you hear a speaker speaking quickly? PAUSE Or when they clutter their sentences with non-words such as; um, uh, you know, like, but and so on. PAUSE If you want to show you can think on your feet and allow your listeners to understand your message, replace your non-words with a PAUSE. Less is more.
· Connect or contact. Who are you talking to? Look and listen for the clues they get what you are saying. With eye connection you gain trust and connect with your listeners. If you talk you must listen more and really hear what the other person is saying. Without the meaningful connection, your listener will lose interest, question your message and have doubts about you.
· Confident entrance. Do you walk into a room like you belong there? Within seven seconds others determine if you’re confident or uncertain. Your posture will communicate how you’re feeling without you saying a word. It’s the easiest way to immediately convey confidence yet the quickest way to lose confidence if not done effectively. Stand straight! Recognize your listeners individually by connecting with their eyes. Look people in the eye. Recognize them individually with your face and smile.
· Use technology power wisely. Face-to-face communication should not be a lost art. Ask yourself what communication medium to use to best influence action? Choose the most personal form of communication that allows for the most meaningful communication for the situation. Don’t rely on technology, especially with complex or deeply personal communications of importance.
· Gesture to create a positive visual impression. When your gestures and speech convey the same information, they’re easier to understand. Confident speakers use their gestures to add emphasis to their words. Avoid fidgeting with your rings, fingers, pen, etc. by expanding your arms from your sides, make the gesture consistent with your message and then bring your arms back to your sides.
· Speak to be heard! Your voice is your greatest asset. Do you sound like you mean what you’re saying? The sound of your voice shapes the attitude of your listeners even more than the words you speak. If you want to be perceived as confident, use the 1 – 10 scale. When speaking to a group of 15 or more, you must be at a 7 – 8 on the volume scale. From here, you adjust your volume based on the group and room size. Don’t whisper or talk too low for whatever occasion. Adjust your volume for maximum effect.
· Use fear as your motivator. Allow your fear of presenting to propel you forward. Channel you fear into your work. Doubt is good as it raises your awareness so you pay more attention and focus your mind on what is right before you. Fear is the greatest motivator you have. Realize that whatever you focus on becomes more real to you. You therefore can channel and use your capabilities better and do your best to help the people you can help the most.
· Speak less and listen more! Pay more attention to your audience. Listening reveals what’s important to your listeners. Talk directly to them and look them in the eyes when you do. YOU are the message. STOP talking to your visual aids; PowerPoint, notes, handouts, etc. Instead, allow your listeners to communicate directly to YOU so that you confirm that they understand your message.
· Make discipline your new habit. You need to want it bad enough to begin TODAY making face-to-face communication your priority. Practice doesn’t only make things perfect—practice makes things permanent. Even if all you can do is practice in real time, on the job, on the firing line, ask for constructive feedback on a specific behavior before and after your conversations and presentations.
“Even tiny little changes and improvements in how you communicate can be crucial and extremely beneficial,” says Stacey. “That’s because in most cases, the incremental changes people make can result in instantaneous and dramatic improvements in behavior, communications, performance, customer services, relationships, branding, and profits. They can see it right away and the outcomes of the changes they make are tangibly documented based on what happens.”
“If it works, do it again. If it doesn’t stop and do something better,” she says. “That’s the essence of continuous improvement”.
Tags: communication skills, Stacey Hanke, talking to others, Yes You Can
Posted in Blog, Careers | No Comments »
Monday, February 1st, 2010
I tested out of college math and had enough credit from high school to skip having to take French.
But after reading through WhatWillTheyLearn.com—A guide to what college rankings don’t tell you, I’m wondering if I did myself a disservice… (Although, on the math front, I’m thinking no.)
The folks at WhatWillTheyLearn.com graded colleges based on, among other things, the classes they require for students to earn a degree. They frown upon colleges letting students, for example, fulfill a math requirement with a music class.
They do have a point.
I really wish I’d taken a class to learn more about the Constitution and how government works instead of fulfilling a college history requirement with “The history of science.” Not that there’s not a place for the history of science—just that the other kind of knowledge might have served me better in my everyday life.
Sure, much of a student’s course selection is up to the student. But maybe this report teaches us to embrace the opportunities for classic education. And to change your attitude when you have to pass, say, a seemingly random history class on your way to a degree.
Check out this excerpt from WhatWillTheyLearn.com:
“…We evaluate whether major colleges and universities require seven key subjects: English composition, literature, foreign language, U.S. government or history, economics, mathematics, and science.
What we found is alarming. …Topics like U.S. government or history, literature, mathematics, and economics have become mere options on far too many campuses. Not surprisingly, students are graduating with great gaps in their knowledge—and employers are noticing. If not remedied, this will have significant consequences for U.S. competiveness and innovation.”
(Tragic: They misspelled “competitiveness”. Oh, the irony.)
Tags: adult learner requirements, adult learners, BackToLearn.com, college classes for adults, college degree requirements, Laura Hammond, prerequisites for college degree, WhatWillTheyLearn
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Tuesday, January 26th, 2010
Once you make the decision to go back to college, let the search for a school begin! Have you decided to head to a campus or earn your degree online? That decision can help you narrow your choices.
It’s Tuesday, which means it’s Tour Day here at the Best Adult Education Blog. Today’s featured school is the Rochester Institute of Technology.
Here are some highlights:
* Check out RIT’s Center for Multidisciplinary Studies (CMS), which allows students to combine their varied interests into one degree program.
* RIT has been around since 1829!
* Rochester is New York state’s third-largest city.
* RIT’s classes operate on a quarter—not semester—basis. This means that classes are only 11 weeks long.
* The most recent PayScale College Salary Report states that the median starting salary for a recent RIT graduate is $51,000, while the mid-career median salary is $82,000.
* Interesting majors include medical illustration, urban studies/planning, American Sign Language, and game art & development.
Good luck in your research!
Tags: average salary, college tour, Laura Hammond, RIT, Rochester Institute of Technology
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Monday, January 25th, 2010
What’s the best job out there? The worst?
CareerCast ranked 200 jobs based on work environment, stress, pay, physical demands and hiring outlook.
And the best job? Drumroll, please…
Actuary.
Software engineer, computer systems analyst, biologist and historian round out the top five.
The last five?
Garbage collector, welder, dairy farmer, ironworker, lumberjack and roustabout.
If you don’t want to end up in the bottom five, why not start here?
Tags: actuary, adult learner, bachelors degree, best careers, best jobs, careers, computer systems analyst, declare major, software engineer, top jobs
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Wednesday, January 20th, 2010
If you’re trying to decide between online or on-campus learning—or aren’t sure of the pros and cons of each—check out the descriptions of common teaching styles below from Western Governors University.
Traditional college courses: Led by instructors, are delivered online, requiring students to attend at prescribed times and sometimes requiring group projects. School terms are generally divided into traditional semesters or quarters, and students may only start work on their degrees at the beginning of these terms. Students earn credit for time spent in class and completion of assignments, projects, and tests.
Competency-based programs: Provide students with learning resources in degree subject matter, allowing students to study and learn on their own schedules, advancing in their degrees as they demonstrate mastery of the content through tests and other assessments rather than simply spending time in class.
Combined online/traditional programs: Require students to attend class both online and in person.
BackToLearn.com’s college search tool includes both online and on-campus programs. Which will you choose?
Tags: academic programs, adult learner, bachelors degree, back to learn, BackToLearn.com, college planning, college search tool, Laura Jeanne Hammond, on campus classes, online classes, online degree, teaching styles, Western Governor's University
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Wednesday, January 13th, 2010
When you’re looking for a college, attend the information sessions, and don’t hesitate to drill the admissions reps present. After all, it’s serious time and money you’re about to put in to college.
To get to know a college better, Gary Brahm, chancellor of Brandman University, suggests:
• Using social networks to see what current and past students say about the college.
• Ask employers in the field about their perceptions of the program.
• Ask the college about graduation rates, prominent alumni and special programs.
Looking for a college? Check here.
Tags: academic programs, adult learner, back to learn, back to school, BackToLearn.com, Brand, Chapman University, college, college interviews, employers in the workplace, Gary Brahm, interviewing colleges, Laura Jeanne Hammond, researching colleges, social networks, what college should I go to
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Monday, January 11th, 2010
The National Association of College Stores (NACS) has some great suggestions on how to be smart about buying textbooks for college.
Check out their suggestions:
* Buy used books when possible. They can save you 25% off the cost of a new textbook. College stores strive to provide as many used textbooks as possible, but they often sell out quickly. Shop the store early or buy directly from your college store’s web site to take advantage of used book sales.
* Consider renting or purchasing electronic texts. More and more college stores are offering these options, which give cost-conscious students temporary access to course materials for about one-third to half the price of buying a new text.
* Find out if your campus bookstore has a page on Facebook; become a fan and follow them on Twitter. Often the store will give advance notice of moneysaving specials to followers or fans.
* Don’t forget to include shipping expenses in the total cost of the textbook. To avoid delays, check your college store’s Web site for ordering convenience and peace of mind.
* Know your store’s refund policy, especially deadlines. This way, you won’t be disappointed if you drop a class.
* Keep receipts. Most stores require them for returns. Also, textbook receipts are helpful during tax season when filing for the new American Opportunity Tax Credit.
* Don’t write in or unwrap books until you’re certain you’ll be keeping them.
* If you have a choice between buying a textbook by itself, or packaged with a study guide or software, make sure you need the extra offerings.
* When buying locally, consider paying cash or by check/debit card to avoid credit card fees and interest. But use a credit card when buying from online sellers in case disputes arise.
* If you have questions, ask!
Once you make the decision to go back to learn, you’ll be able to save tons on textbooks!
Tags: adult learner, BackToLearn.com, buying books, college books, financial aid, National Association of College Stores, textbooks
Posted in Blog, Financial Aid | 2 Comments »
Thursday, January 7th, 2010
Yesterday, I reported that my city had recorded 96 hours of consistent snowfall. While driving home last night, the radio weather guy informed me that we were, in fact, up to 116 hours of snow.
It just got real in here.
So enough about just talking about online programs; while you’re hibernating today under a Snuggie (you know you have one; I got this one for Christmas), why not get more info on a few programs!
Here are two to get you started:
* Saint Leo University
* Rochester Institute of Technology
* Search for loads more colleges—offering both online and on campus degrees—here.
Tags: academic programs, adult learner, back to college, back to learn, career change, college information, Laura Hammond, online classes, online degrees, Online programs, Snuggie, winter
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