Posts Tagged ‘bachelors degree’
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 »
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 »
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
Posted in Blog, Careers | No Comments »
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
Posted in Blog, Choosing a College | No Comments »
Wednesday, January 6th, 2010
It took double my normal commute time to get home last night. And it has been snowing consistently in my city for going on 96 hours!
Yep, it’s definitely winter in the Northeast!
For all you others in the snowy north, don’t online classes sound pretty plum right about now?
Only one drawback: No surprise snow days!
Tags: adult learner, adults back to school, bachelors degree, back to learn, back to school, BackToLearn.com, benefits of online degrees, Laura Jeanne Hammond, online degree, should you do online degree, taking online classes
Posted in Blog, Choosing a College | No Comments »
Tuesday, December 15th, 2009
Even if you choose to attend college online, you still want to be advised and cared for as if you were a traditional student living in the dorms.
Western Governors University suggests asking these questions before enrolling to make sure you’ll be connected on campus—whether you’re on campus or online.
- Is each student assigned an advisor or mentor?
- How often will the student be able to communicate with an advisor, and who will be available to provide extra help and support if needed?
- Is there an online student community?
- Are there learning communities for specific degree programs?
- Are online study groups available?
Tags: adult learner, adult student advising, bachelors degree, back to learn, BackToLearn.com, college advisers, connecting to campus, Laura Hammond, online degree, online learning
Posted in Blog, Choosing a College | No Comments »
Monday, November 9th, 2009
If you’re going to be working while earning your degree, you’re not alone.
Actually, working while going back to college is very common for adult learners. And with the plethora of flexible schedule options—such as night, evening and weekend classes—it’s easier than ever to do both at the same time. Adult learners can find college degree programs that meet just once a week, too. Or classes that are online and don’t require any on-campus classroom time.
If you’re working while learning, you can apply your new knowledge to your workplace for immediate benefit. And your paycheck can help you cut down on the amount of student loans you’d otherwise have to consider.
Gary Brahm, chancellor of Brandman University, offers these tips on handling both work and school responsibilities.
• If it makes sense, talk to your employer about what schools and degrees would be most useful for your current and future jobs/industry.
• Ask if there’s a tuition reimbursement plan available. You’ll likely have to articulate how your increased education will benefit both you and your employer.
Tags: adult learner, bachelors degree, back to learn, back to school, Brandman University, career change, college, Gary Brahm, Laura Jeanne Hammond, talking to employer, working in college
Posted in Blog | No Comments »
Tuesday, October 20th, 2009
When adult learners think about heading to college, they tend to put a lot of stress and anxiety on the front end: where to go, what to study, how to make it work.
But Sharitta Gross, program coordinator for the Office of Cooperative Education & Career Services at the Rochester Institute of Technology, reminds adult learners to be clear about the end result, too.
Before you head back to college, research the career or industry you want to enter or excel in. Make sure the programs you’re considering will help you develop the skills necessary to enter that field.
Also, get an understanding of the job prospects you might find after graduation.
“Depending on your interest, the local climate may or may not present an abundance of opportunities,” Gross says about the job market. “Knowing what you are facing, which could include taking on an out-of-the-box job that includes some of the duties you’d like to perform, can ease some of the stresses of a job search.”
Tags: adult learner, bachelors degree, back to learn, back to school, Laura Jeanne Hammond, picking a career, picking a major, RIT, Rochester Institute of Technology, Sharitta Davis
Posted in Blog | No Comments »
Monday, October 19th, 2009
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.
I asked Sharitta Gross, program coordinator for the Office of Cooperative Education & Career Services at the Rochester Institute of Technology, for some advice for adult learners looking to increase their marketability.
Today’s tip is to find a mentor in your field.
“Obtain a mentor who is established in your desired field and have them to review your resume,” Gross says.
“While job seekers are often encouraged to have their resume reviewed by as many people as possible, conversing with someone who has longevity in the field is invaluable. Additionally, this type of individual can provide feedback that will not only reflect an insider’s view of their environment, but give you legitimate tips on how to increase your marketability as it relates to your resume format and job search strategies.
This also includes conducting mock interviews to strengthen your interviewing skills.
As they continue to get to know you, they will be able to vouch for your work ethic and strengths, making them an excellent reference when you apply for jobs.”
Tags: adult learner, bachelors degree, back to learn, back to school, college
Posted in Blog | No Comments »
Monday, August 17th, 2009
Average time to complete: Full-time adult learners with transfer credits typically take two years. Part-time adult learners with transfer credits may take four years to complete.
How to start: Call the college in which you’re interested to set up an appointment with an adviser. Call any colleges you have previously attended to request your official transcripts. Have the transcripts sent directly to the college at which you have an appointment, or bring the sealed transcripts to your meeting.
Options: As an adult learner, you could apply to college as if you were a freshman or transfer student. You could take classes full or part time during the day with traditional students. But before you do that, consider that colleges are pulling out all the stops to entice adults back to school.
- Accelerated degrees: You can cut the time until graduation by taking CLEP exams, transferring credit from other colleges or getting college credit for on-the-job training or experience. Some colleges also offer accelerated bachelor’s degrees for adults. In an accelerated degree program, full-time students take shorter, intense courses each semester.
- Flexible classes: Participation in online discussions may be one component of your on-campus classes, or you may have a class (or an entire degree) conducted completely online. Also look for night and weekend classes.
- Independent learning: In an independent learning model, adult learners meet with an academic adviser to develop and complete coursework. Generally, there are no formal classes to attend, which means it’s up to the student to manage their own course load and project deadlines.
- Cohort learning: In cohort learning, a small group of students share the same classes and work toward the same degree. Cohort learning gives you a group of similarly minded students to get to know well throughout your degree program.
Why should you do it? Professional advancement, to fulfill a personal goal, to instigate a career change.
Tags: bachelors degree, go back
Posted in Back To School Articles | No Comments »
Monday, August 17th, 2009
If you plan to start back to learn at a two-year school, a bachelor’s degree could still be in your future. Follow these to-dos to transfer to a four-year school. Also ask if your community college participates in any unique programs that will allow you to transfer even more credit for a bachelor’s degree.
First semester
- Start ASAP! Your transfer process should start when you begin your first semester at your two-year school.
- Set your major.
- Attend transfer fairs. Take advantage of the chance to obtain information from many four-year colleges and universities. Also meet with any four-year college reps who visit your campus.
- Make an appointment with a career/transfer counselor. Set up an appointment or just walk in for a meeting during your first semester at the community college.
Second semester
- Get on mailing lists. At college fairs and other college visits to campus, sign up for college and university catalogs. Pay particular attention to the catalog sections about transferring your credits and the majors offered.
- Start looking for scholarships.
Third semester
- Discuss your transfer plans with the faculty members at your two-year college.
- Several colleges consider transfer applications on a rolling-admissions basis throughout the year, so apply as early as possible.
- Create an application portfolio that includes an essay or writing sample.
- Perfect your résumé.
- Ask your transfer office or career center for help in completing application forms.
- Request that your college transcript be sent to the four-year schools in which you’re interested.
- Identify the college characteristics you care about most, such as location, financial aid available, school size and programs for adult learners.
- Apply!
Fourth semester
- Apply for need-based financial aid. Fill out and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA, fafsa.ed.gov) as soon after Jan. 1 as possible.
- Visit the colleges to which you’ve been accepted.
- Make sure your deposits are in by the deadline dates.
- Re-read your acceptance letter. Make sure you understand what you’re getting into.
- Review your credit evaluation. If you have not received an evaluation, contact the admissions office and request one. The evaluation should state what courses transfer, how they fit into your program and how many credits you have remaining before you earn a bachelor’s degree.
- Read all your mail! Take advantage of the special orientation and advising programs offered.
- Review your financial aid. Understand what each item in your package means and whether or not the package will be renewed each year.
—With contribution from G. Christopher Belle-Isle, director of transfer and placement at Monroe Community College.
Tags: bachelors degree, community college, transition
Posted in Back To School Articles | No Comments »
Monday, August 17th, 2009
When two of my three children started college (one daughter in law school and the other daughter majoring in mechanical engineering), I was inspired to go back to school and finish my bachelor’s degree .
I had put my education on hold for more than 25 years as I put my family first.
My life has changed spiritually and with unending opportunities because of Palm Beach Atlantic University. This school in particular has spiraled me spiritually down a freeway with direction and meaning, where before I wobbled from path to path .
Through three hurricanes and a divorce after a 27-year marriage, the online classes kept me focused. My faith strengthened with each new teacher, and my online cohort inspired me. Because I still have one young son at home, the online classes gave me the flexibility of being with him while I obtained my long-desired bachelor’s degree. Now I am on a roll to continue school and earn my MBA.
There is a purpose for all of us in our lives, and sometimes the spark needs to be ignited. As it says in the Bible (Matthew 5:16), “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.”
Returning to school is the greatest way to jumpstart your life.
Tags: bachelors degree, finish the job
Posted in First Person Stories | 1 Comment »
