Posts Tagged ‘Laura Jeanne Hammond’

Seven seconds to make an impression… How will you make yours?

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!

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Thinking of an online degree? Can’t beat the commute

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!

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Should you work through college?

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?

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What do the different teaching styles mean?

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?

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How to interview a college

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.

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One word to endorse online classes: Winter

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!

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Advice for spouses of adult learners: Stop nagging

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!

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How to keep growing in your career

Monday, December 21st, 2009

Worry about keeping the job you have—or finding a new one after you earn your degree—shouldn’t paralyze you into inaction.

Katy Piotrowski, author of The Career Coward’s Guide to Career Advancement, offers these tips for taking small steps to consistently grow in your career.

Practice these tips!

· Join and participate in some kind of association, whether it’s a professional group tied to your career or a local civic organization, such as Rotary. These get-togethers force you to meet new people while learning new things. You can’t help but grow in your career under those circumstances.

· Make it a priority to attend your profession’s annual conference. Being exposed to the best-of-the-best in your field makes it worth the time and expense. From learning about techniques to improve your professional prowess, to exchanging ideas with like-minded colleagues, national conferences can light a fire under your career in a multitude of ways.

· Capitalize on your gifts through activities of your own making. Excel in writing, but it isn’t part of your job description? Compose articles that highlight your expertise and submit them to Web sites, blogs and publications that can benefit from your know-how. Possess strengths in planning? Put together an improvement proposal for some aspect of your workplace, and present it for consideration. Even if your ideas aren’t always accepted, you’ll still be tapping into your talents.

· Challenge yourself to create a list of 20 professional successes you’ve accomplished in the past year. (Maybe you’ve taken the step to go back to learn?) Scan your calendar, status reports and computer files to remind yourself of what you’ve faced and handled. Then jot down a few key pieces of data about each success—timeframe completed, money saved, customers impacted. Voila! You’ve just created a success database—a valuable tool for building resumes, preparing for job interviews and reminding yourself that your career is making a difference.

· Continue to reposition your “golden ring.” A year or two ago, you may have had a goal in mind for your career. If you’ve already reached it, set a new goal. Spend some time reflecting on what will inspire and jazz you career-wise in the future, then jot down a new set of goals to keep you moving forward.

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Have you friended your college?

Saturday, December 12th, 2009

Remember when contacting a professor was a big deal?

You used to think, “Will she remember who I am?” “Is this a stupid question?” “Is this something I should ask him in person, or is by e-mail OK?”

I remember needing to ask the dean of my department a question. I made an appointment, got there early, sweated out my anxiety and got an answer.

That’s totally old school, and I didn’t even graduate that long ago.

Those days of agonizing over interactions with college authority figures are pretty much over. Today, I could have just e-mailed him. And maybe, I wouldn’t have even used capital letters. (Although, for a journalism major, that would’ve been scandalous.)

Have you “friended” your college? IMed an admissions rep? E-mailed a professor? Signed up for your college’s Twitter account?

What do you expect out of your college through social media?

Check out this article from Inside Higher Ed for a look at it from the college’s side, and leave a comment about how far you’ve friended your school!

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Working while going to college? Talk to your employer first

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.

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The best careers for middle-aged women

Friday, October 30th, 2009

If you’re looking to go back to college for a change of career, check out these careers that MORE magazine has decided are the best for women over 40.

Here’s their list of the top jobs (and how much you can earn). Click on each job to find out where to study the major that can get you into that field!

1. Community Service Coordinator/Manager: Most earn $42,110 to $73,470, with the top 10% making $96,000+. This field is expected to grow 48% by 2016. You’ll need a BA and passion for a cause.

2. Personal Financial Adviser: Earn between $46,390 to $119,290, with the top 10% making $166,000+. This is one of the 10 fastest growing occupations; it’s projected to boom 41% by 2016. Perfect for those with a solid business background plus education in the field. You’ll probably also need Series 7 and Series 63 or 66 licenses.

3. Environmental Scientist: Most earn $4,340 to $78,980, top 10% make $103,000+. The field is expected to grow 25% by 2016. Most positions require a master’s degree in environmental science, hydrology or a related science.

4. Registered Nurse: Salaries range from $51,640 to $76,570, with the top 10% making $92,000+. A projected 587,000 new nursing jobs will be created by 2016. You’ll need a BS or associate’s degree in nursing, or a diploma from an approved nursing program.

5. Computer and Information Systems Manager: Most earn $88,240 to $141,890, with the top 10% making $166,000+. This field will add 43,000 jobs by 2016. You’ll need a bachelor’s degree and sometimes a master’s degree—consider an MBA with a focus in technology.

6. Education Administrator: Earn between $68,360 to $102,830, the top 10% can expect $125,000+. Why now? Many will retire in the next decade. You’ll need experience as a teacher or in a field such as recruiting. Some positions require a master’s degree.

7. Strategic/Crisis Communication Professional: Salaries range from $38,400 to $71,670, the top 10% make $98,000+. This field is expected to create 43,000 new jobs by 2016, and you’ll need public relations experience.

8. Accountant: Expect to earn $45,900 to $78,210, top 10% $102,000+. The field will grow 18% by 2016, adding 226,000 jobs, and these positions are available in every industry. You’ll need a degree in accounting or a related field. You have to pass an exam to become a CPA.

9. Human Resources Specialist: Most earn $35,020 to $67,730, top 10% earn $84,000+. There will be 147,000 new specialist jobs created by 2016. To specialize you may need an MBA with a focus in HR management.

10. Small-Scale Niche Farmer: Make $26,800 to $76,230, top 10% earn $97,000+. Why now? Small farms are growing at a rate of 10,000 a year. No prerequisites here—training is done on the job.

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Keep the end result of college in mind even before you start

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.”

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