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What do you consider to be the biggest challenge as you complete your college degree?  How will returning to school challenge your life at work and at home?

Many adults consider a lack of time as their biggest challenge when they consider returning to school. With work, children, household chores, and other daily tasks, adult students barely have time to get eight hours of sleep. So, how can you find time to go back to school?

Adult learners want to return to school for many different reasons, but why? Many people will answer “to make more money” but there are undoubtedly more answers to this question.

Do you want to earn that degree, acquire knowledge, improve your marketability, move up the corporate ladder, start your own business, obtain a better job within your current industry or is your prerogative linked to personal goals? Whatever the reason, there are only 24 hours in a day and seven days in a week, so it’s imperative as a college degree seeker to make some time-management decisions.

Create a time budget

Brooks Doherty, Academic Dean at the Rasmussen College Brooklyn Park, MN  college campus recently said, “One of the most difficult challenges for college students can be learning to effectively manage time. Careful planning is required to complete coursework and still have time for work, family, and life’s other obligations.”

Many of us have a household budget to balance money management. A best practice for successful college students is this: create a time budget or practice time management. The budget serves as a flexible evolving document; essential to the fluidity of your day-to-day life. While some items in your household budget will remain the same, others will increase or decrease and you may add or remove items from your budget.

So, what do you do? Here are the following steps to take for create a time budget:

1) Write down everything you do in a day; even the most minute task. Keep work, school, family life, extracurricular activities, weekly meetings, for example, all in mind when creating a list.

2) Create a personal calendar. There are many software packages that can help you do this: including Microsoft™ Excel and/or Microsoft™ Word.

3) We cannot always work or study, so pencil in some blank “me” time in your time budget. We must have some downtime to relax. You must “Prioritize and carefully budget your time to make use of every minute; being efficient and disciplined” (via Thinking of Going Back to School? Just Do It!). If you are going to count every minute, make sure you count time for downtime including time to rest. Give yourself enough time to rest and relax to avoid burnout.

Just like a financial budget, you will have to make some adjustments from time to time. Some classes will require more of your time than others, and some classes will be harder than others. Part of the challenge is trying to come up with the plan for each quarter or semester, so look ahead at your schedule and try to image how much time do you realistically need to earn a good grade in that class while keeping a good work/life balance.

About the author: Michael Mancini Jr., is an instructor for the Business degree program at Rasmussen College Online. He has worked in the field of management for more than 20 years, and has owned a small business. Michael has a bachelor’s degree in information systems from Kennesaw State University, a MBA from the University of Phoenix and he is currently finishing his dissertation for his Doctorate of Management in organizational leadership from the University of Phoenix.

We’ve all been there before. We get to the end of a chapter in a book and don’t know what you just read. Or we sit through an entire lecture, only to walk away wondering what the professor was talking about.

The key to studying smarter is being engaged. It’s not enough to look at the words in a book or sit through a lecture. You need to participate in the learning process.

Here are a few tips:

Reading: Instead of reading an assignment just to get it over with, try to become aware of what the author of the book is saying. One effective method for reading textbooks is called SQ3R. It stands for: Survey, Question, Read, Recite and Review.

Doing these extra steps will actually save you time and energy. You’ll understand the reading the first time, so you won’t have to read it over again. And you won’t forget important information.

Use your notes: Try to understand what the teacher wants you to learn. What is the main topic of each lesson? What are the important points? Does the teacher mention specific details that you need to know? How you use your notes is just as important as taking good notes.

Do the work: Understanding the reading assignments, the class notes and doing the homework will make it easier to study for the test. Homework offers you a chance to use the information that’s being taught. It’s one thing to read or hear about a topic, but real learning comes from the work you do yourself.

Study for tests: Studying for the test won’t seem as hard if you’ve been paying attention and keeping up with your work. You’ll want to start studying at least a few days before the test, so the information has time to sink in. Starting early also gives you time to ask the teacher for help if you don’t understand something. When you sit down to study, be sure to review, recite and rehearse.

As you continue your education, the information you learn will get harder! Practicing these techniques now will prepare you for handling college work.

Excerpted from an article by Paula Refici Cummings. For more on going back to school, go to www.BackToLearn.com

Answer these questions honestly and find a career option that may be right for you! (This isn’t scientific or anything, but it’s fun to see how you score!)

1. What’s your favorite thing to do in the summer?

a. Anything outdoors.

b. Working a side job.

c. Attending social events with friends.

d. Spending time with nephews and nieces, grandkids or your own kids.

2. If you were in a talent show, what would you do?

a. You’re more into the behind-the-scenes work, so you invented this really cool, inexpensive smoke machine for the show.

b. Performance really isn’t your thing. Instead, you sold key chains that you made yourself.

c. You and your friends created this hilarious comedy skit involving chef hats and a chicken … OK, so you had to see it to understand …

d. The kids in your neighborhood wanted to do something, so you taught them a song and did a little play.

3. Which famous person would you most like to emulate?

a. Marie Curie, early investigator of radioactivity and Nobel Prize winner.

b. Thomas Edison, inventor of the electric light, the motion-picture camera and phonograph.

c. Matt Lauer, co-anchor of NBC’s “Today Show.”

d. Martin Luther King Jr., leader of the nonviolent civil-rights movement.

4. What was your favorite activity at school?

a. The computer lab. You can surf the net, check the news, write a paper…the possibilities are endless!

b. The home-ec room. You’re always cooking up something new.

c. The commons. All your friends hang out there, so it was the most fun place to be.

d. The library. It’s quiet and a good place to relax and read.

5. What kind of TV do you watch?

a. Nature shows

b. Infomercials

c. Soap operas

d. The History Channel

Key

If you scored mostly As, consider becoming a scientist. Scientists have high levels of organization and patience. They are generally ambitious, self-confident and good at strategic planning. Their primary interests are not understanding a concept, but applying it and making it useful.

If you scored mostly Bs, consider becoming an: entrepreneur/businessperson. Most entrepreneurs have a high degree of independence and ability to take risks. Generally, entrepreneurs are able to view the big picture and see how different pieces fit together in a business. They also have high-energy personalities and a drive to accumulate wealth.

If you scored mostly Cs, consider becoming an: entertainer/communicator. In order to survive in the cutthroat field of entertainment and communications, you must have a high sense of self-confidence, energy and self-defense. But don’t be too self-confident; you’ll need to learn from the criticism you get. People in this field are generally independent and good listeners.

If you scored mostly Ds, consider becoming a: teacher. The most important trait for a teacher is patience. Organization, a sense of humor and lots of energy are helpful, as well. You must also have self-confidence and a love for the subject matter. Enthusiasm is a must!

Excerpted from an article by Katie Macpherson. For more career advice, go to BackToLearn.com!

Want to go back to college but not sure where to start? Well if you already have some college courses under your belt, you can transfer to a new school or program by following these steps. Stay connected and informed to make sure your transfer is successful!

Make an appointment with a transfer counselor. Discuss your transfer plans with a counselor, who can help you discover your options.

Go to transfer fairs. If your college offers them, take full advantage of college-transfer days, which are excellent chances to get information from four-year colleges. Some colleges may schedule routine visits to your campus throughout the year. Find and become familiar with the fair schedule.

Use technology. Virtual tours, websites and promotional videos can tell you a lot about the programs a college offers, the type of students on campus and the surrounding area. Check out the college’s website for an online application, too.

Find some money. Check out transfer-student scholarship opportunities. Your transfer office will have information regarding how to fund your education.

Write for more info. Write to admissions offices and department chairpersons at four-year colleges for information about degree requirements and application deadlines.

Apply for admission. Follow all admission application procedures. Start by requesting all the appropriate materials. Be aware of all application deadline dates. This is particularly important for high-demand programs.

Go the extra mile. You are creating an application portfolio that tells a college of your capabilities and how you will be an asset to the campus. Request an admissions interview so you can articulate your interest in that particular school. These are all ways to give admissions officers a better sense of who you are beyond your transcript.

Ask your transfer office for help. There’s a bit of paperwork involved, such as transcript requests and credit evaluations, so be sure to ask for help! It’s OK to lean on an expert, you’ll be glad you did.

Send your deposits in by deadline, and review the credit evaluation.

Review your financial-aid package. Learn what each item in your package means, and ask if you can expect the same kind of funding each year, provided your FAFSA data doesn’t drastically change.

Read all materials your transfer school sends you.

Also, to help with the transition, download our Free Adult Education Guide!

Excerpted from an article by Christopher Belle-Isle and Jennifer Mailey, both are past presidents of NYSTAA, the New York State Transfer and Articulation Association. For more on going back to school, check out BackToLearn.com.

Going back to school is just the beginning of a lifelong learning journey. With the rapid advancement of technology, a fluctuating economy and societal and corporate changes, you must adapt a learning mindset if you want to succeed. The key to lifelong earning is lifelong learning. But to become a student for life, start by finding out how you learn best.

There are three ways human beings learn:

• hearing (auditory learning)
• seeing (visual learning)
• doing (kinesthetic learning)

If you are not sure which type your prefer, ask yourself how you like to be given directions. If you are an auditory learner, you prefer to be told how to get somewhere. If you are a visual learner, you prefer to be shown. If you are a kinesthetic learner, you prefer to drive yourself there first.

Another important aspect of learning is whether you are left- or right-brain dominant. 1) “Left-brained” people are good with logic, analysis, math, language, writing and reading. 2) “Right-brained” people are good with imagination, colors, graphics, music and rhythm. Of course, we do have the capability to think both ways. When we are able to tap into both sides of our brains, we use our full brain potential.

Many famous people used their “whole” brain. Strive to use your whole brain when studying, working and interacting with others. Also, be selective with what you feed your brain. As the adage says, “garbage in, garbage out.” The same holds true for the programs your brain uses. Only put in positive, healthy and educational programs. Your thoughts, along with the ability to add, change and discard them, are what define your mind.

Excerpted from an article originally written by Michelle L. Casto, a Whole Life coach and author of Get Smart! About Modern Career Development: A Personal Guide to Creating Your Life’s Work.

If you aren’t sure what major to choose, don’t worry. Picking a major is difficult until you really figure out your interests and strengths.

Not every major is the right fit for a student—a forensic science major and a queasy stomach aren’t a good mix. Here are six majors and the strengths you would need to pursue the degree.

• Biology: Only students who enjoyed their biology in high school should consider majoring in biology. Don’t expect college biology to hold your interest if you snoozed through the basics years ago.

• Business: You should enjoy subjects like accounting, marketing and entrepreneurship. Also consider your past interests and whether they were business related.

• Economics: An economics major needs to have a knack for numbers.

• English: Students who want to major in English should love to read and write. Not the right choice if you cruised through high school on Cliffs Notes.

• Nursing: Nurses must have math skills, good memories and the ability to pay attention to detail. Nurses also must follow doctor’s orders, contribute to decisions and have good people skills. Foreign language skills are also helpful. An ability to teach others is important.

• Psychology: Be prepared for graduate school and beyond. “A bachelor’s doesn’t buy you much in the field of psychology,” Peg Hendershot says. Students who want to major in psychology should also be comfortable with the competitiveness of finding a job in the field.

Excerpted from an article by By Emilie Le Beau. For more information on going to college, visit BackToLearn.com.

There are some things you can do to make sure you are an attractive transfer student for a four-year college.

Thinking of transferring to a four-year college? Here are 5 ways to be an attractive transfer candidate.

1. Take a set of solid courses at your community college

A roster of solid classes will help your transfer school recognize that you are a student who is willing to be challenged academically. High-quality, demanding courses taken from an institution’s approved list will show you haven’t avoided challenging work.

2. You should look for any articulation agreements available through the community college and the four-year university you plan to attend.

3. Earn a strong GPA

Show that not only are you willing to take a demanding course load, but that you have the ability to be successful while doing so. Minimum transfer GPA requirements exist; your goal should be to achieve much higher than the minimum.

4. Discuss why you are transferring—and why you’re a good match

If an essay is required, this can be a great topic to write about. If an essay isn’t required, submit a brief personal statement with your thoughts, feelings, etc. about transferring.

5. Arrange a transfer interview

Many institutions recommend, but do not require, an interview as part of the transfer admission process. Often an “interview” may actually be more of a “discussion” with a transfer admissions counselor. If you do participate in an interview, it will give you the opportunity to show off your personality to interviewers and make your case for why they should admit you.

Excerpted from an article by Andrew H. Hendrix. For more information about going back to school, go to BackToLearn.com.

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

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.

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!

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

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.

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

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

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

Wouldn’t it be great to get a part-time job or paying internship that directly relates to what you want to do with your life? But what if you’re not sure what you want to do with your life yet? What happens if you get a job at your nearby fast-food joint, department store or supermarket? Consider yourself lucky.

Jobs in the service industries can provide you with experiences and skills that you can use in any career you choose. What retail jobs have in common is that they involve customer service. Unless you plan to live and work in total isolation, success in any job you choose will depend on how well you learn to work and deal with people. So what can you learn from serving burgers, running a cash register or answering the office phone?

You learn how to treat people professionally

“Professionalism” isn’t something you get to practice in the classroom every day. But on the job, it’s required. When you work with customers either face-to-face or on the telephone, you gain experience in greeting and talking to people in a professional, courteous manner. You get to practice using phrases and a tone of voice that may not be necessary in your day-to-day life now, but will help you in your career later.

You learn how to handle “difficult” people

When dealing with customers in a store or restaurant, you’ll find that most people are friendly and pleasant. But some people just aren’t easy to please. They may come off as demanding, impatient, angry or even rude. Learning how to cope with these people in your part-time job without taking their behavior personally helps you to deal with difficult bosses, co-workers and customers.

You learn how to step up during busy times

If you can demonstrate through your part-time job experience how you’ve handled stressful job situations and busy, fast-paced periods, employers will admire (and hire) you. In customer service jobs, you meet or work with people of all ages, personalities and backgrounds. You can learn a lot from these people, whether it’s about careers and colleges you’ve never thought about, cool places to go when you’re not working or how others view the world or handle tough situations.

You learn how to work as part of a team

Sure, you can learn this skill playing a team sport in school. The difference in working as part of a team on a job, however, is that you aren’t doing it to win anything—you do it simply because it’s expected of you. This means noticing and helping out a swamped or tired co-worker or coming into work early or staying a bit longer if your “team” needs you. Experience as a team player will get you noticed by many employers.

Excerpted from an article by Mary Anne Hahn. For more articles on going back to school, go to BackToLearn.com

Whether you have a flare for fashion or a knack for fixing car engines, there is a vocational program designed to meet your needs.

The first step is to determine what careers interest you before you go back to school. Then you must choose a school. Most schools have entrance requirements ranging from age restrictions, proof of high school diploma or GED and residency requirements. Individual programs often have requirements that must first be met, such as completion of a beginner-level course.

But there are also several important personal factors to consider when making your decision. Consider these: location, cost and career services.

An appealing aspect of trade schools is that they are typically shorter than traditional university degree programs. Ask your school’s representative or department chair how long the program will take to complete. Additional factors to consider when choosing a vocational school include accreditation, class size, attendance and refund policies.

Here is a sampling of programs and careers available at vocational and trade schools nationwide: administrative clinical specialist, culinary arts, heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), graphic design and computer programer and analysts.

Vocational and trade schools offer countless degree and certification programs attainable in a fraction of the time as their four-year counterparts. That puts you into the workforce ahead of your peers who chose a more traditional route! Start researching vocations today!

Excerpted from an article by Amy Covington.

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Today we take you on a tour of Nazareth College – School of Management.

The Nazareth College – School of Management (SOM) is in the business of guiding you to greater long-term success. The graduate programs, the MS in Management and the MS in Human Resource Management, are designed with flexibility, affordability and the adult student in mind.

If you are looking for additional professional growth and personal development, both programs can be completed in two calendar years, on a part-time basis or adjusted to fit your busy life, and help you find balance in your demanding career.

The college promotes an entrepreneurial orientation to managing and leading in a global, ethical and socially responsible manner. Programs are designed in collaboration with management executives from the major companies in the greater Rochester area.

For more information about Nazareth College, click here!

Today we take you on a tour of the American Career Institute.

Get the hands-on training you need for some of today’s most popular jobs at American Career Institute. Choose from classes at one of our eight convenient locations to develop the skills you need to start an exciting new career.

Train for a successful future in careers, such as dental assisting, digital media, information technology, medical assisting, medical coding and billing and programming and oracle.

Now is the time to make a change in your life! Fill out the form on this page for more information about the exciting career training programs at ACI!

At American Career Institute you get more than a great education. You also get these great benefits:

• Financial aid for those who qualify
• Career placement assistance
• Resume writing tips
• Dedicated faculty with real-world experience
• Online access to practice quizzes, skill assessments and other resources 24/7
• Hands-on training

For more information about the American Career Institute, click here!

Today we take you on a tour of The Art Institutes.

By now you already know that you’re the “creative type.” You can’t imagine a life without expressing your unique vision, whether your passion is fashion, design, culinary or media arts.

The Art institute is a system of more than 45 schools located throughout North America. We specialize in helping students like you channel their talent into the creative skills employers are looking for…Getting them one step closer to the real-world careers they really want.

With all of the programs and resources available at The Art Institutes schools, there’s never been a better time to get started on your creative future.

For more information about The Art Institutes, click here!

Today we take you on a tour of Redstone College.

Redston College provides the hands-on training necessary to prepare for a variety of jobs in the aviation industry – and with their accelerated programs you can get there in as little as 17 months!

Whether you choose our Avionics program or our Airframe & Powerplant Maintenance program, you’ll leave Redstone with the skills you need to land a job with aviation companies throughout the country. You’ll get hands-on education, an accelerated program, flexible class times and job placement assistance at our top rate facilitiy in Denver, CO.

Our aviation program provides you with the opportunity to enter one of the hottest fields in the U.S.

Redstone College – Denver (Broomfield, CO) is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC).

For more information about Redstone College, click here!

Can you imagine if you had to go one day without checking your Facebook updates or tweeting? What about one week?

Eric Darr, the provost at Harrisburg University of Science and Technology, came up with an experiment designed to examine how we all live with social media by studying how we live without it! And he is using his faculty, staff and student body at Harrisburg for the research.

“… It is about pausing to evaluate the extent to which social media are woven into the professional and personal lives of the people on the Harrisburg campus, and contemplating what has been gained and what has been sacrificed,” Darr said in an interview with Inside Higher Ed.

What would you do without social media? How would your life change? Would it be more complicated?

Share your thoughts with us!

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!

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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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.

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!

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!

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!

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!