Education

Simple Steps to Planning a Successful Conference

September 22, 2020 by Guest Contributor

Planning a successful conference isn’t as easy as you may think, and there are lots of things you need to take into consideration. This is why planning ahead, creating detailed schedules, and making sure you’re respecting your deadlines are three of the most crucial things in this process. If you’re about to start planning a conference on your own as well, here are a few ideas that might help you turn it into the most successful event you’ve ever had.

Start on time

Timing should be the first thing on your mind as one of the best ways to make sure your conference is actually a success. Starting planning on time and knowing when you’re supposed to complete each step of the process might not be as easy as it seems at first, which is why you have to begin planning right now.

One of the things that will make this process easier is knowing when your conference is supposed to take place and you need to know what to consider when planning an event. Setting the date is something you can do several months in advance, or even an entire year, especially with those annual conferences that happen at the same time every single year. When picking the date, you need to take a few things into consideration – the time of the year, public holidays, and other important dates, among other things – and make sure your conference doesn’t collide with any other important event.

Define the size and guest list

Here are two more issues you have to take care of as soon as possible [Read more…] about Simple Steps to Planning a Successful Conference

7 Steps to Finding a Career Without a College Degree

September 1, 2020 by Tim McMahon

Are you in the market for a job that can bloom into a full career? Do you want to enter a job without having to get a college degree? There are always ways to find a career without having to enter college.

Today, the collective student loan debt in the US is about $1.56 trillion. The average student loan debt at a private non-profit college is $32,300. In public colleges, the average student loan debt is $25,550.

If you want to avoid being in debt, you can start a good career right away, but you need to learn how you can do this properly, not just run out and get a minimum wage job.

1. Find a Mentor

One of the things you need to do first is to look for a mentor who will show you the ropes. If your passion is working with wood, you don’t need to go through college to get the hang of it. A mentor can focus on teaching you the practical skills and information you need for your job.

Many of the “trades” like plumbing, electrical, framing and carpentry still have apprenticeships, so you learn from people experienced in the trade. Some require that you join the union so visiting the local Union hall would be a good place to find out what is necessary to get started in the trades in your particular location.

Finding a mentor is always a smart move because you’ll have someone to guide you. Their focus won’t be jumping between twenty-nine other students. Often, they also have passion in the industry they’re in or teaching you about.

2. Take Online Courses and Short-Term Specialty Programs

Just because you don’t want a 4-year degree doesn’t mean [Read more…] about 7 Steps to Finding a Career Without a College Degree

8 Reasons Why You Should Pursue Higher Education (Now!)

March 24, 2020 by Tim McMahon

Over 76 million Americans pursue higher education every year. However, you may be asking yourself if post-secondary education is right for you.

Higher education is an investment in yourself and your future. A college degree provides tons of enrichment and adds value to your life. Plus a college degree helps you improve your earning potential.

Does a college degree really help you earn more money than a high school diploma? Absolutely! If you get a college degree you will earn an additional one million dollars over the course of your life.

Still not convinced? Keep reading for 8 reasons you should pursue higher education.

1. Increase Your Earning Potential

There’s a dramatic wage gap between people with [Read more…] about 8 Reasons Why You Should Pursue Higher Education (Now!)

From Testing to the Bar—4 Tips for Starting Law School

August 20, 2019 by Tim McMahon

The field of law is not designed for the faint of heart. If you’re considering pursuing this career path, a daunting and precarious journey awaits. However, you shouldn’t allow these unknowns to dull your passion. While in law school, it’s particularly essential to tackle your responsibilities with unbridled ambition. Here are some tips on how to stay afloat while undergoing law school.

Networking Matters

Even if your phone is chock-full of contacts, you should always make efforts to network. Your classmates will likely evolve into your colleagues, so it’s wise to forge relationships while your career is in its infancy. As a result, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate your domain when your profession blossoms. Internships and corporate events are excellent ways to get involved.

https://youtu.be/CnEkBAWy4H4?t=40

Take Practice Exams

Preparation is key in schooling. Even if you feel primed for an exam, it’s prudent to take the practice test. Experienced law students suggest that there’s no more efficient way to bolster your confidence than by partaking in these exercises. After all, exams make up the lion’s share of your overall grade. With that said, if your professor offers these opportunities, it’s in your best interest to avail yourself of this perk. [Read more…] about From Testing to the Bar—4 Tips for Starting Law School

Valuable Career Benefits of Studying Abroad

November 28, 2018 by Tim McMahon

Moving away from home is something all young people dream of, but moving to another country can be scarier than you expect. Moreover, if you move abroad in order to pursue an academic career, you could be facing lots of new challenges that might frighten you and put you off studying abroad. However, if you approach this decision in another way and realize how amazing the time you spend in another country could be for your future employment, you’ll see that it’s worth the struggle and be ready to do it. So, if you too are contemplating such a move, here’s why studying abroad could turn out to be the best decision you’ve ever made.

Impress Potential Employers

A rich résumé and the ability to speak your mind are just some of the things all employers are looking for today, and if you have these things under your belt, no employer is going to resist you. Studying abroad is going to enrich your résumé and help you become more competitive, which is extremely important in this day and age when lots of people are trying to find the job of their dreams.

There are three ways to point out this experience on your résumé – under “education,” “experience” and “skills” – and it’s practically the same which idea you’ll choose. If you opt for the first one, be sure to include as many details as possible – where you studied, which classes you took, which academic degree you earned, etc. If you insist on experience, don’t forget to accentuate the amount of time you’ve spend abroad, and if you focus on your new skills, list as many of them as you can.

Pursuing a Healthcare Career

February 10, 2018 by Guest Contributor

Should You Go Back to School Online?

If you dream of working in the healthcare industry, you can study for a degree that allows you to pursue many career options. Instead of getting your education in a traditional classroom, you can earn your degree online through an accredited program. Here are some of the main reasons why you might consider earning your healthcare degree online.

Learn at Your Own Pace

If you think that time constraints and complex subject matter will stand in your way of earning your degree, studying online gives you the chance to learn at your own pace. Many of the course materials can be reviewed on a particular school’s website whenever it’s most convenient for you. This will allow you enough time to fit in your schooling between work and family responsibilities. Of course there are still deadlines, in most programs (although not all) you will have weekly deadlines but you can do your assignments at any point during the week that is convenient for you, whether it is 9 AM, 3 PM or 3 AM.

Study in an Overlooked Field

Online degree programs sometimes highlight career fields that are often overlooked by traditional colleges. These overlooked jobs often pay hefty salaries and need people who have the right training. You may be able to find a degree program that allows you to study technical writing, medical transcription, or for a healthcare informatics degree or some other lesser known field.

10 Weirdest Medical Professions

Save Money on Transportation

Having to commute to classes can eat away at your budget. You won’t have to worry about fueling and repairing your vehicle as often when you stay off the road and attend your classes at home online. If you rely on public transportation, you can avoid paying bus or cab fares by studying for an online degree.

Even the Playing Field

In many cases, an online degree will put you [Read more…] about Pursuing a Healthcare Career

How to Pick the Right University so You Can Get the Career You Want

February 9, 2018 by Guest Contributor

Whether you’re getting ready to finish school and are thinking about your next options, or have been in the workforce for years but want to change careers, it’s usually important to study a degree that will help you get the type of job and lifestyle you’re after.

However, choosing a university can be incredibly daunting, and something you really want to get right the first time. You should keep in mind that it’s not all about the course you want to study either; there are many factors to weigh up. To help you make a decision, read on for some tips on picking the best college for your needs.

Location

For starters, consider the location of a university when comparing options. Obviously, if you wish to keep living at home as you study, (in order to save money), you should look for a facility that’s within driving distance. On the other hand, if you’re actually looking forward to moving out of home, you might like something that’s in another city or state. Note though, that if this is the case, you should still think about location as far as finding a campus close to things like affordable accommodation, grocery stores, restaurants, bookshops, and transport hubs.

Location may be an important factor for you too if you plan to continue working in your current role while attending university. If this is the case, you perhaps want to choose an education provider that’s situated not far too from your workplace, or perhaps in between your work and home.

Similarly, if you have a family and have to fit your studies in around dropping off or picking up children from school, sports facilities, home, and other spots, you will probably want to find a campus that isn’t far from your house and other regularly-attended locations.

GMAT Waiver

Flexibility is another factor many students consider when evaluating university options. For instance, you might think that finding a university that offers an online version of the courses with a GMAT-waiver MBA program, is the answer. However, be very cautious about these types of programs, there is a reason they are waiving the GMAT.

https://youtu.be/RWSiGEhsq_E?t=1s

See the above video for more information. However, if you’re working full-time and need to fit your studies in around your work schedule, or have other commitments each week that preclude you from making it to on-campus classes, you may need to find a suitable online course, or one that offers more flexible class times, such as at nights or on weekends. Flexibility might also come into play if you want to attend a university that allows students to combine degrees, accelerate their program’s timeframe, or otherwise fast-track the total time spent studying.

Most Importantly

Lastly and most importantly, find out [Read more…] about How to Pick the Right University so You Can Get the Career You Want

Dealing with Workplace Stress and Squabbles

December 16, 2017 by Guest Contributor

It’s natural to have your ups and downs with fellow employees. You’re brought together by work and shared strategic goals, but your personalities and temperaments may not always mesh as well as you’d like. And you likely have differing opinions and ways of getting things done than a co-worker, too. So even though you may love your job, sometimes the worst part is just getting along with your teammates.

While you can’t avoid strife entirely, you should work to resolve any differences as quickly as possible and improve communication skills from both sides of the disagreement. If you don’t, it’s likely that a simple argument can lead to bigger issues that get in the way of productivity and creativity.

For starters, remember that a calm, rational person is easier to deal with—and that includes you. Whenever tempers rise, give yourself some space to lower them again before you try to resolve things. What else can you do at work to get through arguments? This graphic can help.

You are not alone:

The first key is to realize that you are not alone 85 percent of employees experience conflict at some point. As a matter of fact, I would dare to say that the 15% who say they don’t ever have conflict are either lying, dead or take high doses of Valium.

As a matter of fact U.S. employees spend 2.8 hours out of every week dealing with some sort of conflict. If it gets bad enough it can cause ulcers, and other stress related illnesses resulting in absence from work or even permanent illness.

Most workplace conflict exists in entry level or front line roles. Perhaps this is due to lower education levels, less experience in dealing with others or simply the nature of dealing with customers all day.

Or perhaps it is due to personality conflicts, warring egos, stress, and heavy workloads.

54% of employees feel that their managers could do a better job of managing conflict.

So what can you do to reduce conflict?

According to Cafe Quill the key to resolving workplace squabbles like an adult is to:

Calm down, and then tackle the issue-
If you find yourself in an argument, take a few minutes to create some space and clear your head. If you receive an email from a coworker that bothers you, don’t respond right away. Put the issue to the side until you’re able to look at it more objectively.
State your case thoughtfully-
When it’s time to meet and talk it out, make sure you think through your words first. Be tactful instead of automatically playing the blame game. Realize that some people are more sensitive, so even if you tend to be straightforward and serious, it’s a good idea to be diplomatic.
Look at the problem, not the person-
If you’re butting heads with a specific colleague, it’s easy to bring judgments into the picture. Do your best to stay focused on the situation and untie it from the person you have personality issues with.
Be forward thinking-
View conflict as an opportunity to focus on the future and fixing the problem to avoid a recurrence, versus getting stuck in the past and getting into a “he said, she said” scenario. For instance, if there was a misunderstanding about delegating a project, identify where the issue went astray, and focus on how to make sure it doesn’t happen again.
Listen up-
Before jumping in with your own thoughts and concerns, give active listening a shot: Refrain from speaking and really take note of what the other person is saying about the conflict. Maybe your boss won’t allow you to hire someone you need on the team. Make a conscious effort to hear him or her out and think about the reasons why you weren’t given a budget for a hire, versus jumping directly to assumptions, like “My boss is so cheap and controlling and doesn’t understand what I need!”
Pick your battles-
You’re not going to win every argument or feel 100 percent in agreement at work. Challenges are normal, and not everything is going to end on a high note and make you feel fully satisfied. That’s okay. Pick your battles. Work toward resolving the challenges that could have serious repercussions, including decreased productivity, poor performance, and work dissatisfaction.
Celebrate agreement-
Once you come to an agreement, acknowledge that you both (or all) worked through the discomfort to come out of the situation with more clarity and less stress. Grab lunch or an after-work drink to make amends and keep moving forward.

There’s no way around it: Workplace conflict happens. So rather than try to avoid it at all costs, use these tips to approach tension in a healthier way and make the relationship with your colleagues and your job as productive as possible. This article originally appeared here.

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Does a College Degree Really Lead to More Employment Opportunities?

September 25, 2017 by Guest Contributor

Would-be college students today face many choices. They have questions about their majors, how to fit in at school, and yes, even whether or not a college degree is worth it. After all, students are graduating with more than $37,000 in student loan debt.

However, these numbers don’t tell the whole story. College-degree earners typically earn at least $100,000 more in their lifetimes, according to Marist College. This figure not only implies that degree-holders end up with more money over their lifetimes, but also that they get well-paying jobs. For those who still feel unsure about getting a college degree, here are some things to know.

Promotion Worthy

Most people focus on whether or not they’ll get a good job after they earn their college degrees. What many people do not talk about is the fact that many graduates actually get promoted within their work environment.

For example, they might work for the same company for 10 years after graduating. Their degree might have even been one of the deciding factors in them getting the job. But that same degree could also be partly responsible for them getting a couple of promotions. If these same people are promoted twice, they have in effect, gotten three jobs because of that one degree.

Trust Me I’m a Teacher

There are no guarantees in life and going to college is not a “Golden Ticket” but it is often a stepping stone that helps you reach your full potential. Teacher Melanie Whitney talks at TEDx about College and the often circuitous road to Success.

Hot Job Trends

But what about jobs that don’t require degrees, [Read more…] about Does a College Degree Really Lead to More Employment Opportunities?

Should You Make a Career Change into Tech?

July 17, 2017 by Guest Contributor

Even though there is someone who has made a fortune in almost any industry, not every line of work offers the same prospects for potential advancement, growth and prosperity. Because of this, at one point in their lives, most people come to regret not choosing a different career path. As of late, the IT industry is getting larger by the hour and seems like the promised land for people who have any training or experience in it. However, you may be wondering if it’s possible to make a career change into tech even if you don’t have any previous background in similar fields? Let’s find out!

Advantages of Shifting to IT

Before we even start discussing the idea of switching into tech, we first need to consider motives one might have for making this decision in the first place. For starters, there is a high demand for IT jobs, which means that you shouldn’t have any problems finding the work you’re looking for. In fact, the unemployment rates for top 10 jobs in IT are currently less than 3 percent. According to a U.S. News article the top 10 IT jobs are: [Read more…] about Should You Make a Career Change into Tech?