Posts Tagged ‘college’
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
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Friday, March 26th, 2010
As an adult learner, you’re not going to be bunking up with an 18-year-old from Iowa in your new cinder block dorm room.
But still. There’s merit to chancing it with your roommate, don’t you think?
Freshman year, I roomed with a fellow freshman from Washington state with a penchant for listening to firey sermons on tape—sans ear phones. Year after that, I got matched with a quiet freshman whose name I can’t even remember. Jennifer? Christina? Melissa? Hmm… D’oh, can’t remember. (In my defense, I was only with her one semester before heading abroad.)
Check out what’s happening now for undergrads looking for a dorm mate.
Given the chance now, if you were heading to college and living on campus, would you choose your roommate—or chance it? What do you recommend your kids do?
Tags: adult learner, adult learners, backtolearn, being the oldest, choosing a roommate, college, dorm living, getting your bachelor's degree, Inside Higher Ed, Laura Hammond, living on campus, undergrad
Posted in Blog, Inspiration | No Comments »
Wednesday, January 13th, 2010
When you’re looking for a college, attend the information sessions, and don’t hesitate to drill the admissions reps present. After all, it’s serious time and money you’re about to put in to college.
To get to know a college better, Gary Brahm, chancellor of Brandman University, suggests:
• Using social networks to see what current and past students say about the college.
• Ask employers in the field about their perceptions of the program.
• Ask the college about graduation rates, prominent alumni and special programs.
Looking for a college? Check here.
Tags: academic programs, adult learner, back to learn, back to school, BackToLearn.com, Brand, Chapman University, college, college interviews, employers in the workplace, Gary Brahm, interviewing colleges, Laura Jeanne Hammond, researching colleges, social networks, what college should I go to
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Thursday, December 17th, 2009
Browse through the tuition and fees part of any college Web site, and you’ll likely have this reaction: “Why’s college so expensive?” And: “How am I going to afford this?”
But chances are, you won’t have to cough up that entire sum once or twice a year, which is an intimidating prospect.
Instead, ask your college’s financial aid office about any payment plans offered. A payment plan breaks up the amount you owe a college over the course of the semester, year, or course.
Even if you don’t pay 100 percent of your tuition through a payment plan, paying even a little will help you avoid taking out more in student loans than is necessary.
And think of how it will feel to graduate from college as an adult learner—debt-free (or close to it)!
You’ll be able to pursue a new job, new career, new location, and your new free time without the burden of student loans.
Tags: adult learner, adult student loans, college, financial aid, Laura Hammond, paying for college, student loans for college
Posted in Blog, Financial Aid | 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
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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
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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
According to The College Board, the average cost of college is as follows:
Private four-year: $25,143
Public four-year: $6,585
Public two-year: $2,402
Don’t forget to figure in the costs for these items.
- Application fee
- Gas to commute
- Parking permit
- Books for each semester
- Computer and software
- Home Internet access
- Flex/vacation time from work
Tags: college, cost
Posted in Back To School Articles | No Comments »
Monday, August 17th, 2009
Adult learners don’t have to go to college full time, every term or even go to campus!
Unless the program you choose is only a full-time program, you have many options in how you complete your degree. Many programs offer evening sections that meet once or twice a week, and more and more classes are going online, which means little to no travel to campus at all.
Also, if you need to take a term off (and it is OK with your major), take it! Not going to school for a term does not mean you are no longer a student at that school.
Whether you choose to go to school on campus, at night, online or all year depends on you and what your schedule allows you to do. Just be sure to find out all your options before you start in case you have to make a change to your schedule down the road.
Tags: college, time off
Posted in Back To School Articles | No Comments »
Monday, August 17th, 2009
By making a few different choices, you can save money on college. Here are some ways to do it.
Choose an in-state school
Public colleges and universities often charge in-state residents less for tuition than they charge for nonresidents. That’s because the state’s taxpayers support the public schools. You might as well benefit.
Take classes at a community college
Attend a community college, then transfer the credits for your bachelor’s degree. Speak with a transfer adviser before you enroll to ensure that your credits will transfer to the college and program you have in mind.
Research special adult programs
Colleges with special programs tailored to adults may offer convenient billing options or class hours that allow you to maintain your full-time job. Ask the colleges in which you’re interested about any special adult programs, including degree completion programs, for which you may qualify.
Tuition discounts
It never hurts to ask the financial aid office if there are any tuition discount programs for which you could be eligible. Also ask the financial aid department if they are aware of tuition reimbursement programs through your employer.
Ask about a payment plan
A tuition payment plan will break down your school fees into monthly payments instead of requiring a lump sum at the beginning of each semester. This can reduce the amount you end up borrowing—or paying in interest.
Tags: affordable, college, save money
Posted in Back To School Articles | No Comments »
