Call an education advisor for help: 1-877-308-6612
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!
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!
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!
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!
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?
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.
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!
Monday, January 4th, 2010
When my husband went back to college to complete his bachelor’s degree, I did more than my fair share of nagging.
Big mistake.
Here’s my biggest advice for those with spouses heading back to college: Let them do it with minimal nagging from you.
That doesn’t mean your spouse doesn’t have your support, your help or your attention. It just means that you need to remember that it’s they, not you, who are a student again. It means they, not you, have to worry about exams, deadlines and homework. They, not you, need to stress about completing assignments the best they can.
Your spouse has made the decision to go back to college. Give them the support and encouragement they need—without adding to the stress!
Tuesday, December 22nd, 2009
I’m working hard to finish up a few projects before the office clears out for the next week and a half.
I stayed up late last night to wrap presents when I just really needed to sleep.
I am looking at all my deadlines in the first week of January and…
…Taking a deep breath. I’ll prepare for them, sure, but ’tis the season to stop and rest, not worry and stress.
It’s such a rare gift when your office, your family, your country disconnects, gathers with loved ones and takes a break. But when the gift is presented, take it. Take the time to stop and rest.
What did you do this past year about which you’re most proud? What do you want to do in the coming year?
I hope your answer revolves around your education. Now’s the time to start thinking about going back to learn.
Start your new year off with a plan—and get ready to achieve it!
Happy holidays from BackToLearn.com!
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?
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.
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.”
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.”
Monday, August 17th, 2009
Request an initial transfer evaluation. An evaluation from either the admissions counselor or an adviser from the specific major you are interested in can give you an idea of how many classes or credits you need to complete to earn a degree (and give you a good idea about the costs involved). Evaluations from a variety of schools or majors can help you narrow your options.
Order transcripts. If you’ve taken college courses in the past, order two copies of an official transcript from all your past schools and have them sent to your home address. Keep one for your records (you can open this one), and keep the other one sealed for your appointment with the admissions counselor or adviser.
To order transcripts, go to the registrar’s office on campus (or go online) and fill out a transcript request form. There is usually a fee per transcript requested, usually around $1 to $5.
Prepare for your meeting. Use the college’s Web site to research programs and classes that interest you. Make a wish list of the classes you want to take, and jot down any questions you have. Doing this legwork—even if you decide not to attend—can make your first appointment more productive.
Print out an application. If you feel pretty certain about the college but you’re not sure what program you want, fill out the application and leave the program choice blank. You can always fill this out during or after the appointment.
Make an appointment. Call the admissions office at the school(s) you are interested in and make an appointment with a transfer counselor. The purpose of this meeting is for you to familiarize yourself with the school’s programs and get an idea of how your previous academic work could transfer into various programs on campus.
If going to an on-campus meeting is not an option, or the program you are interested in is only available through online learning, know that phone appointments are very common.
Monday, August 17th, 2009
Try these tips to minimize the stress of going back to school.
It is extremely difficult to create and maintain an effective schedule if you do not have someplace of your own to read and do schoolwork. Also make sure all family members know that when you are doing schoolwork, you are not to be disturbed. Having a private place to work will not be effective if you encounter frequent interruptions.
Create your school schedule one to two months in advance. Having a schedule created this far in advance allows you to schedule family, fun and personal activities around your school schedule, and it helps you block off enough time for all school-related tasks.
If the project is broken down into smaller segments, and you schedule time throughout the term for each smaller piece, the project will not seem so overwhelming.
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