Posts Tagged ‘back to school’
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 »
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 »
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
Posted in Blog | 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 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!
Tags: academic programs, adult at college, adult learner, back to learn, back to school, BackToLearn.com, happy holidays, Laura Hammond, new year
Posted in Blog, Inspiration | 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 »
Friday, October 16th, 2009
Check out these colleges with tuition of $30,000 a year…or more.
Yeah, yeah, I know that many students won’t pay the full sticker price, and there are grants and scholarships available that can cover a good deal.
But still.
Can you imagine if you were one of the students—or parents—paying $120,000 for a degree, not including room, board and incidentals?
Tags: adult learner, back to school, college, financial aid, how much does college cost, tuition
Posted in Blog, Choosing a College | No Comments »
Monday, August 17th, 2009
You may have some questions or hesitations about attending college as a veteran. But veterans have some of the advantages over traditional college students.
Sending transcripts
In addition to your academic records from any previous college and your high school, you have another type of transcript that might be valuable. Every service member receives a military miltranscript that may be worth college credit. Your transcript—called SMART, AARTS or CCAF depending on the branch in which you served—contains academic evaluations of your military training. Your college may or may not award you college credit based on these records, but you should include them in your application.
Getting recommendations
Most colleges ask for academic recommendations, but an additional recommendation from a commanding officer that speaks to your capacity to excel in college would make a positive impression on an admissions committee.
Standardized tests
Not all schools require standardized tests—and some schools have specific exceptions for service members and veterans. The Defense Activity for Nontraditional Education Support (DANTES) offers the two major tests, the SAT and the ACT, to military personnel on military posts for free. You can use the tests as a tool to demonstrate your test-taking skills even after being away from the classroom for years.
Writing the essay
You will need to create a statement that showcases your best writing and tells the admissions committee why you want to attend. Your tone should be positive. Avoid acronyms and dense military speak, and be authentic. Share your statement with some people for honest feedback, and be open to making some changes based on their comments. This piece can make you stand out from the crowd!
Paying for college
Perhaps the most famous advantage you will have over other students is the financial advantage.
If you are like 95 percent of the people who enlist in the military, you probably invested in the Montgomery G.I. Bill (MGIB).
If you meet the right criteria (in terms of the type of school you attend, the number of credits you take at the school and the length of your active duty service), you will be eligible to receive more than $1,000 per month while you are in college. This money is paid to you—not your school—and you can use it as you see fit.
Every branch has some mechanism to pay for college courses, and you may be able to go to college at little or no cost while you serve your country.
Succeeding in college
Of course, college requires plenty of work. You will need to identify opportunities and seize them. You will need to dedicate time and energy to your success. You will need to face difficult circumstances.
And that is where you may find the biggest advantage: You are accustomed to difficult circumstances. For many freshmen, college is the challenge of a lifetime. For veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces, it is simply another challenge.
Tags: back to school, veterans
Posted in Back To School Articles | No Comments »
Monday, August 17th, 2009
I made a decision when I graduated from high school 20 years ago not to go on to college. I had planned on attending—had even been accepted—but upon graduation, I changed my mind. I graduated from high school in June of 1984 and by August had found a job at a local bank as a teller.
Through the years, I took a course here and there through the American Institute of Banking. Many of these classes were accredited classes with transferable credits.
In 1997, I had a life-changing event occur that made me re-evaluate what was important to me. I made the decision at that time to go back to school. I had no idea where to begin.
I went to an appointment and ended up leaving with a degree program in hand. I had also registered for my first class, English 101. I took the classes on a weeknight at a local high school and ended up graduating from the management diploma program at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT). I was one step closer to my degree.
Working full time in a professional managerial position, single parenting and going to school have been a challenge. However, I can say that I have been successful with the help and dedication of the staff. My academic adviser has done a great job letting me know where I stand and automatically registering me for my classes. This has kept me on the right track.
I am proud to say that I am close to completing my dream of obtaining my undergraduate degree. I will continue on for a graduate degree, too!
It hasn’t been easy, but hard work never is. What I have gained from my studies at RIT has been invaluable in my personal and professional growth. My advice to adult learners is to meet with an academic adviser to develop your strategy and plan for what you are looking to accomplish.
With that plan, hard work and dedication to achieving your goals, going back to school can be one of the most satisfying experiences of your adult life.
Tags: back to school, never too late
Posted in First Person Stories | No Comments »
Monday, August 17th, 2009
A low GPA 20 years ago does not mean you cannot go back to school as an adult!
If you are one of many adults out there who partied a little too hard or had “life happen” during their first attempt at college, you are in good company. But a lot can change in 10 or 20 years, and that includes your drive to complete a degree.
Depending on the major, you may be able to be admitted to a program right away no matter your previous college record. Or you may have to start off as a non-matriculated to improve your GPA. Either way, give yourself a second chance to earn a degree—colleges will, too.
Tags: back to school, low gpa
Posted in Back To School Articles | No Comments »
