Why I decided to go to Grad School?

So what’s my take on it? I graduated almost a year ago and for me I had every intention of jumping straight into the work force. However, as I begin searching for jobs I realized it wasn’t going to be as easy as I thought. So I applied to Graduate programs to give myself options and to have a back-up plan. I ended up getting a part-time job as a Producer at a local TV station, however the pay wasn’t great and an opportunity came available to receive an assistantship which would pay for my tuition. After careful deliberation I decided to go to grad school even though many Journalism professionals advised against it. Why? I felt a Master’s degree would diversify my skill set, make me a more marketable applicant and give me an opportunity to get an advanced degree. I made a plan before enrolling in grad school to get involved with the school TV station and local TV station to really maximize my opportunities. So far I have done that and I couldn’t be happier with my decision to come to grad school. In fact, I’m finding more and more employers are recommending that to really set yourself a part from the competition because the number of students receiving Bachelor’s Degrees are at an all-time high.

What do others say about Grad School?

Is Grad School right for you?

Ultimately the decision of whether or not Grad School is right for you and will help you achieve your career goals is a personal one. The above video reviews things to consider before making the decision to go to grad school, get experience or any other career path you plan to take after walking across the stage. No decision can be made overnight. Take a deep breath, do your research and make and informed decision whichever path you decide to take.

photo © 2008 Anonymous9000 | more info (via: Wylio)

1. Get Rest!!

Most students have the tendency to pull an all-nigher and cram until their early morning exam. This is the most ineffective way to prepare for an exam. Your brain can only absorb so much at one time. Not only are you overloading your brain but you’re depriving your body of much needed rest affecting your overall performance of the test. Staying up all-night to study for an exam is actually counteractive as opposed to proactive. It’s better to study in small increments of time to give your brain a relaxer and opportunity to absorb the information so that you’re able to readily recall the things you’ve studied when exam time comes around.

2. Prioritize, Prioritize, Prioritize

There is no way you can give each exam or project the same time and attention. It’s important to prioritize. You have to sit down and look at which final exams or projects are worth the highest percentage of your grades. Are there classes that you’re performing more strongly in? What subjects do you struggle with and need to give more attention? Where do you stand grade wise? It’s important to know where you stand before beginning preparations for Finals week. Making a daily agenda and conceptualizing these ideas on paper are more effective as well.
photo © 2010 Emma | more info (via: Wylio)

3.Prepare

This one should go without saying but prepare. How can you prepare? Usually there are study guides offered, complete those study guides. This can be done in a group setting, however personally you need to determine which method works best for you. If there are things you don’t understand go to tutoring, speak with your teacher in office hours. Review not read chapters because you should have been keeping up with required readings throughout the semester. Review previous exams for common mistakes you might have made or key concepts and ideas that need clarification if the Final exam is cumulative.

4. Take study breaks…yes BREAKS

Finals week is not a time to panic or freak out and forget all the time management and stress relievers in previous posts. It’s important to incorporate your normal daily routines into exam preparation. Take walks, do yoga, take naps, peruse your favorite social networking sites. However study breaks should be just that…..a break it should last no  more than 15 minutes. It’s an opportunity for you to relax, maintain your composure and give your brain a breather. But it’s not long enough for you to forget the things you have studied and have to keep starting over like you would have to do taking two and three hour breaks.

5. Be ON TIME!!

From personal experience I recommend setting more than one alarm. I know everyone likes to use their cell phone for everything however I think it’s good to have a wall alarm clock as well. There is nothing worse than waking up late, arriving late to an exam or even missing an exam. Arriving late to an exam increases overall anxiety. You will be so wound up from nerves you will not feel comfortable and be able to focus as well. Then comes the issue of making up the time you missed from being late, you begin rushing and making careless mistakes to finish on time. It’s best to arrive 10-15 minutes before the exam to find your seat, get comfortable, settled and mentally in the mindset to give your peak performance.

Final Notes

Also, when taking the exam don’t look around at others to see how slowly or quickly other peers are pacing themselves. Don’t be alarmed by how quickly the first student turns in the exam. Focus on your work and your exam and you’ll be fine!
photo © 2009 Stephen Dann | more info (via: Wylio)

Finally, when you leave the room be done with the exam, don’t stress yourself worrying about what answers you checked or questions that may be incorrect. The exam is over and focusing on what has been done will take attention away from your next exam.

GOOD LUCK!!!!!!!!

photo © 2009 Daniel Borman | more info (via: Wylio)

What is a Government Shutdown?

A government shutdown occurs when a government discontinues providing services that are not considered “essential.”

What does this mean?

CNN has provided an exhaustive list of programs that will be affected if a temporary Governmental shutdown begins. To bring the point home, if a Government shutdown occurs at the end of this week all non-essential programs will close. These are programs and employees considered to be non-essential as decided by Government officials. Over 800,00 employees will be without jobs and paychecks.

Who will be affected?

• The IRS will close. What does this mean? Tax returns still would be due by April 18. Returns filed electronically would be processed; paper returns would not. The IRS walk-in centers would close meaning all those workers who are employed in those facilities will not have jobs and receive no pay checks until the shutdown is rescinded.
• Paychecks for those in the military and our armed troops will initially be cut in half. This is a measure taken before they are cut completely until a budget is approved. However, they will still continue to accrue payment and be paid retroactively.
• Saturday at 12:01 am all National Parks will close, certain divisions of probation officers will be furloughed, Congressional staffers will be furloughed (most have already received their notices).

What departments will be unaffected?

Medicare, Medicaid, Food Stamps and Social Security Benefits will still be distributed as normal. Elected officials are considered essential; their staffs are another matter. The White House anticipates lower staffing levels during a shutdown. So most officials will still receive their paycheck while their staff members will have to figure out other alternatives.

How does a government shutdown affect students?

There should be little disruption, however the processing of paperwork could be delayed and students may experience delays in receiving financial aid in upcoming semesters depending on the length of the shutdown. Federal programs will continue as they are mandated by law. Those who will be most impacted are those students hoping to enroll into college for the 2011-2012 school year because their applications for student aid will not be processed.

What’s the overall impact?

This depends on the length of the shutdown, if it occurs. However if it does, here is a likely scenario. Tax payers will end up paying more money in the long run because although payment will stop for Federal Employees now, when the shutdown ends they will receive retroactive pay. Also, while these individuals are unemployed their work load will continue to accrue, meaning when they do return they will have to work and be paid for overtime as a result of this shutdown. Areas such as  as the Washington, D.C., and places near national parks will be the most severely affected.

Top 10 Pick-up Lines

I’m sure there are a lot more. These are some of the more humorous ones. If you want to get a date…don’t use any of these. Trust me. I’m doing you a favor!

1. I may not be a genie but I can make your dreams come true.

2. Are you from Tennessee? Because you’re the only Ten I See!

3.Was that an Earthquake or did you just rock my world?

4. I hope you know CPR because you just took my breath away.

5. Are you tired? Because you been running through my line all day.

6. Do you know Karate because your bodies kickin’?

7. Do you believe in love at first site, or should i walk by again?

8. If you were a pill I’d overdose on you.

9.  Do you have a band aid because I scraped my knee when i fell for you?

10. Are both your parents retarded? ‘Cause you look very special.

It’s a Woman’s World…you’re just in it.

Tips for women and dating in college from the perspective of bloggers over “A Women’s World”. Interesting viewpoints that may help you expand your horizons and land a date in a least expected place with a surprising suitor.

Top 3 First date ideas

We all know college is not the time when students have financial prosperity. However there are a lot of cute inexpensive date ideas that you can plan so to make that special someone feel extra special.

1. I actually got this one from a friend. Take your date to Wal-Mart (YES you read right). You each get a basket and put 7 things in it that best describe you. When you buy them (or not LoL) explain to the other person why you selected that item and what it means to you. It’s an easy way to break the ice, learn something new about your partner and can come at no cost to you.

2. Make it a game or movie night. Red Box night for only a $1 or you can play an assortment of card and board games specialized to tailor to your date with fun prizes. For example you can send your date through a scavenger hunt all to nearby places that mean something special to you with the final spot being a romantic dinner at your house, lake or some landmark.

3. Find an interest you both have in common. If it’s painting do art and crafts or go to a pottery place and create-a-pot. Go to an arts festival. Music? How about a nice Jazz concert. Sports? Most student games are free although they lack the intimacy for conversation. Cooking? You each can cook up an inexpensive dinner together. Check out Brave New Food for a list of inexpensive, quick recipes sure to be the apple of any girl’s eye.

By: Jonee' L.

The end of the semester is rapidly approaching. Aside from worrying about finals and finishing the semester on a high note, students are now eagerly making summer plans. For most students this involves looking for a job or internship when your schedule is more flexible from a hectic school schedule. Most employers literally see hundreds of applications weekly for very competitive positions, so what can you do to set yourself apart from the other candidates?

One: Utilize your network and available resources

Let your professors, friends and common acquaintances know you’re interested in an internship. First of all this is key because you never know who they know, what their network is and how their resources can benefit you. The internship I have lined-up this summer I got with the help of my professor. I spoke with him frequently about my goals and aspirations and one day he forwarded me an e-mail about an upcoming opportunity with CBS. Something as simple as one small conversation can plant a seed in which you may reap the benefits of later.

Two: Maximize Career fairs

photo © 2009 Carmichael Library | more info (via: Wylio)

Each school usually holds a number of career fairs every semester. Typically they provide a list of employers that will be attending and potential job opportunities available. In most cases there aren’t designated interview spots and you’re competing for a few moments of the employers time. But, have you ever considered sending the employer an e-mail letting them you know you’re interested in the job/internship? Did you look for a number and call? Or better yet if it’s a local company why not visit? A simple Google search will provide most of this information for you in a matter of minutes. I called and e-mailed a company I was interested in for the last Career Fair I attended. They were so impressed with the extra effort they requested a copy of my Resume in advance and set an interview time with me. A gesture as small as a call or e-mail can be enough to set you apart from other students and get you on your way to that perfect internship.

Three: Plan Ahead

If you know you are interested in a particular internship you should be actively checking the companies website for any application deadlines as well as any essays or letters of recommendations required. Often times this information is posted months in advance. Also, the earlier you submit your application the better. In most cases interns are selected on a rolling basis and employers have a set number of slots. As the old saying goes, the early bird catches the worm. Don’t miss out on an opportunity because of a lack of planning.

Four: Look the part 

Jonee L. Resume

When attending a career fair it should go without saying (despite what I’ve seen) business casual is best. A nice dark blue, black or grey blazer, suit is best. You don’t want to wear anything flashy, form fitting or distracting. Even though we are all students there is no excuse for a lack of professionalism. Looking the part also refers to your overall presentation. Your resume and cover letter should be critiqued in advance, should be clear, concise and organized with no spelling or grammatical errors. Also, you should print it on Resume paper to really give it a more polished look and help it stand out.

Five: Do your research

Before going into any interview you should be familiar with the position you’re applying for as well a generic information about the company. You should expect questions asking you to draw from previous experience and how that experience will help you with this internship. You should be able to clearly articulate what value you bring to the company and how you can be an asset as well as what you hope to gain from the internship in achieving your ultimate career goals.

Remember the 5P’s: Prior Planning Prevents Poor Performance

photo © 2005 Tracy O | more info (via: Wylio)

A post earlier today in The Wausau Daily Herald discussed issues many college students face today especially in light of economic considerations and a tough economy. The post detailed how many students are looking at jobs that pay the most or majors that offer the most financial secure careers. The potential danger in this is that many  students are no longer pursuing their dreams rather chasing after money and settling for a job they are truly unhappy or uninterested in to have financial security. Is this the mindset one should have? I recall a very popular quote “Find a job you’ll love and you’ll never work a day in your life.” So this brings about the question for students to consider when searching for a job: do you follow passion or money?

What do the students say?

“I chose based on passion because  if you are passionate about your job, promotions, which lead to more money will come!” – Shellina, Recent College Graduate

” I agree [with Shellina] plus you won’t dread going to work 5 days a week like so many people do.”- Raquel, Recent College Graduate

Things to consider when searching for a job

1. Work/Life Balance: This includes the location of the job, the hours you will have to work. Is it day or night shift? Will you have to commute? Housing and where will you live. If you have a family you will have to assess the stress level associated with the job, chances of being called in or overtime required as well as holidays, weekends and available vacation

2. The Type of Work: Do you like to work with little supervision or do you prefer detailed assignments? Is there an opportunity for growth and promotion? Will this line of work allow you to achieve your goals? Hos does it benefit you as a person as well as your community?

3. The Company: What is the reputation of the company? What kind of relationships do the employees and managers have with one another? What are the values? What industry is the company in? Could you see yourself retiring from this company?

4. Financial Considerations: Does the pay match your skill set, qualifications and market pay? Can you pay your bills off this salary? Is there a chance for pay increase? Are there any pay incentives? Is it salary of hourly and does this make a difference.

Notice that while finances were among the things to consider when taking a job, it was last. I do believe money is an important factor when seeking and accepting a job but I don’t believe it should by a guiding or deciding factor. Remember, money can’t buy you happiness and you can’t take any material possessions with you when you’re dead and gone….

According to Kübler-Ross, people go through phases and understanding what phase you’re in will help in dealing with the grieving process.

Phases of Grief:

• Phase One:-Denial: “This isn’t happening to me”
• Phase Two-Anger: “Why is this happening? Who is to blame?”
• Phase Three-Bargaining: “Make this not happen, and in return I will ____.”
• Phase Four-Depression: “I’m too sad to do anything.”
• Phase Five-Acceptance: “I’m at peace with what has happened.”

There is no time window for going through these phases it can take years. Sometime people never fully come to accepting the loss of a loved one or close friend. However, understanding what you’re going can help with coping and avoiding mental or emotional breakdowns.

Coping Strategies

1. Writing about how you feel: Therapist encourage to limit this time to no more than 15 minutes per day because this should be therapeutic not inflict further pain from grief. As long as it is available writing on Nick’s Facebook wall or creating groups for him is also an outlet. Some topics you can write about include imagining how life will be a year from the date of the loss, feelings about the person, feelings about the death, memories.

2. Interaction: Developing a strong support system with friends and peers or other people grieving. Using extra-curricular activities to be involved and interaction with others using tends to be more beneficial than speaking with a school counselor.

3. Lifestyle changes: Having a structured eating, sleeping and spiritual schedule is also key when going through the emotional changes associated with the loss of a loved one. Therapist say: ” Anything from reciting comforting prayers or affirmations, to returning to established meal and bedtimes, can help grieving individuals regain a sense of normalcy in their lives.”

To Nick, someone known for his good heart, warm smile, infectious personality, athletic ability and dance moves. Your life was cut short, your death was untimely but your legacy lives forever. It’s clear the number of lives you touched with the support, the comments and pictures flooding your Facebook wall and the memorial held in your honor yesterday. You left your mark on this world and touched every person who had the pleasure of meeting you. Your legacy will live on forever. -Yackemmmm

The deadline for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid or FAFSA is May 15, 2011. However as most students know the earlier these forms are filled out the greater the chance of receiving the aid you’re entitled to. These awards are issued based on financial need, the FAFSA also determines the amount of Pell Grant students receive. In addition they have a system that looks through all Federal Grants you are eligible for. Unfortunately, most students and parents don’t know how to properly fill out a FASFA. The above video is a step-by-step guide to completing a FAFSA. It’ll help you maximize the amount of financial aid you qualify for and minimize mistakes on the form which can delay aid.

photo © 2010 opensource.com | more info (via: Wylio)

As college students, it’s safe to say that the Internet and more specifically Social Networking sites are an integral part of out lives. However, when it comes time to apply for jobs and internships special attention needs to be paid to what images and information not only you but others are placing online. Employers are actively searching  Facebook, MySpace and Twitter accounts as part of standard background checks to find out who potential candidates “really are”. Everything you put on the Internet, even if it is in a password protected forum or account, could conceivably be found by someone.

1. What are your Privacy Settings?

Most employers admit that one of the first things they do is search for the Facebook, Myspace and Twitter accounts of candidates. If your settings are not set to private this means a simple Google search of your name will pull up your profile. Having your setting to private is a good practice to have regardless of content on your page because of pedophiles, hackers and people who will try to steal your identity. This is not to say employers can’t see your profile through other means, however setting your privacy settings to the highest level of security does make this task harder.
photo © 2009 Franco Bouly | more info (via: Wylio)

2. Tagged Photos, Anyone?

It is important to not only be cognizant of the types of images that you put up but also the types of images and posts that your friends put up and tag you in. Why? First you never know who may be a mutual friend and an employer might be able to gain access to your profile in that manner. Also, in most cases people set their photo albums to private but not their tagged images so when someone searches your name they may not be able to access our complete profile they can still see these tagged photos. In addition to photos, you have to be careful of what friends post on your people. Employers look through wall post to see the “character” of candidates.

3. Money Talks !?!

Due to the very public nature of the internet, nothing is really private and some companies are so serious in there hiring practices they approach a murky ethical line to find out about their employees and candidates, Reputationdefender.com offers “to monitor one’s Web reputation for $10 a month plus a one-time fee of $30 to remove from the Web an unwanted item that may have slipped out of the user’s control.” This means employers can hire outside companies to gain access to your accounts. Companies also create “fake profiles” to gain access. The lesson that should be taken away from this is don’t post anything online you wouldn’t mind your boss, parents and minister seeing /).

Final Note:

When using Facebook or MySpace is that current employees waive many of their privacy expectations when using their employer’s computer systems, especially after being informed that their online activities can be monitored.