You probably think you’re a multitasking master; we all do to some extent. Right now, you’re probably reading this post, finishing up a text to your roommate and jamming to some tunes, all while contemplating what you’re making for dinner tonight. The truth is, multitasking actually makes you less productive… significantly less productive.

The term multitasking first appeared in the 1960’s as a term to describe computer functions, not people. The word was created to describe a computer’s ability to quickly perform many tasks at once. Multiple tasks sharing one resource — the CPU. However, the term has since been taken on to mean multiple tasks being completed at the same time by one resource — a person.

Unlike a computer, the human brain cannot process multiple tasks quickly. Every time you switch between tasks or thoughts, it takes your brain seconds to minutes to refocus and actually complete the task. Some research suggests that avid multitaskers actually lose up to 40 percent of their productivity each day attempting to multitask.

Multitasking during meetings or conversations is especially unproductive, even rude. If you’re checking your email or social media accounts during a call or meeting, then you aren’t giving the person speaking your full attention. You’ll likely miss important facts and find yourself lost.

Having trouble breaking your multitasking habit? It may not be entirely your fault. When we multitask, the hormones cortisol and adrenaline are released, which overstimulate the brain and cause fuzzy thinking. This overstimulation occurs every time you finish reading a post, sending a text, etc. Your brain then rewards this overstimulation by releasing endorphins. This creates a feedback loop where you become unfocused and then rewarded. Essentially, your brain becomes addicted to multitasking.

Want to kick the habit? Try using a productivity technique that forces you focus on one task at a time. Maybe try the Pomodoro Technique (featured here) or maybe a simple to-do list to keep you on track. Better yet, take the Next Step Academy course on time management to remind you that you can do it all — just not all at once.

Pursuing a career in healthcare can be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life. The medical field offers the opportunity to help maintain the health and happiness of your community, while also offering a variety of positions and specialties. From direct care to administration and from pediatrics to emergency, there’s no limit to what you can do!

Medical Billing and Coding Specialist

What do they do? Medical billing and coding specialists use various computer systems and software to electronically record patient data, as well as process the billing for a medical office or hospital.

How do I become one? Receive a certification in medical billing and coding. Depending on the program this can take several months to a year. Associate’s degrees are also available in this field if you want to complete general education requirements in addition to the field-related classes.

Radiologist

What do they do? The radiology field can range from radiology technician or radiographer, to radiology physician or radiologist. A radiographer performs diagnostic imaging examinations, such as x-rays or MRIs, while a radiologist interprets the results to diagnose and treat patients.

How do I become one? Radiographers typically need to obtain an associate’s degree, which takes about two years to complete. Most states also require radiographers become licensed. Receiving a bachelor’s or master’s degree can allow someone is this field to take on more responsibility with the opportunity for career advancement in the future. To become a full-fledged radiologist — a physician in the field of radiology — you need to complete four years of medical school and three to seven years of internships and residencies on top of an undergraduate degree to become an MD.

Nurse

What do they do? Nurses can work almost anywhere from schools, hospitals, physician offices or home health services. They provide and coordinate direct care to patients such as administering medication and vaccinations. They also play an important role in educating patients about their conditions and monitoring treatments.

How do I become one? Nurses have the option of completing an associate’s or a bachelor’s degree in nursing. An associate’s provides an adequate understanding of biology and patient care. A bachelor’s degree covers the same topics, but will also allow you to hold administrative or managerial positions in the nursing field. You will also need to pass a certification exam to become a licensed RN in your state.

Do one of these careers sound perfect for you? Take the corresponding Next Step Academy course to learn more.

Many of you finished up your first week of classes for the spring semester. Get organized early and there is no doubt you can be successful this semester.  Here are four ways to get started:

Make copies of your syllabus. If you weren’t given a hard copy in class, print out your syllabus. In fact, print two copies. Keep one in your class folder or notebook and keep one in a file at home. Professors often make changes to the syllabus throughout the semester, so it’s a good idea to keep a copy with you at all times so you can document changes as they occur. You should also file a copy away for future reference. If you plan on transferring schools in the future, a copy of your syllabus may be needed to verify a class you want to count towards your degree.

Learn the online structure. Most classes these days have some sort of online component. You may have online quizzes or you may need to submit assignments through an online portal. Make sure you understand how to navigate the online component and ask your professor questions if you don’t understand something. This way you can be proactive and prevent issues before there’s a deadline involved.

Create a weekly homework list. Your syllabus, in addition to outlining class policies, often includes a list of assignments. Get a planner and write these due dates ahead of time so there are no surprises later on in the semester. This can help you stay organized and manage your time efficiently this semester.

Get your materials. While you may be able to look up class materials ahead of time, as a general rule I suggest waiting until after the first day of class. More than once I’ve had a teacher switch textbooks on the first day after I’ve already purchased a different book. Wait until class to confirm what you’ll need before you hit up the bookstore. Also make sure you enough pens, notebooks, folders etc.

The spring semester has just begun and summer break seems years away. However, in reality, there’s just short of 15 weeks until finals are finished and summer begins. If you’re hoping for an internship this summer, it’s time to start preparing now. Here are three questions you should be asking yourself to get the internship search started.

Do I even need an internship? Many science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields require entry level applicants to have prior experience in the form of internships. These include careers in architecture and the medical field, as well as all forms of engineering or research. Careers in the business, law, art and communication fields don’t necessarily require internships, however, internships are a great way to learn about your field and gain experience before entering the workforce.

What do I want out of an internship? First, you may want an internship to help you decide what you want to do after you graduate. Over the course of your undergrad, you could potentially have two to four internships, each in a slightly different field so you can learn firsthand what your preferences are. For example, a communications student may want to get an internship at a newspaper, a radio station and at a public relations firm before deciding which career path they want to follow.

Second, you may want to use an internship to help guarantee yourself a job after graduation. If you’re already certain what field you want to work in, a summer internship can be used to build a relationship with a company. (Hint: Read Next Step Academy’s blog “How to Turn an Internship into a Career”)

How do I find an internship that fits my needs? Your first step should be speaking with an academic advisor in your department. Department advisors often have lists of open or upcoming internships. It’s also likely that your academic department already has a relationship with companies in your community that are always open to taking interns from your school. An academic advisor will be able to help you choose an internship that fits your current needs and career goals.

You can also use websites such as InternMatch.com or general job search sites such as Indeed.com which have filter options specifically for internships. These sites are great if you want to look for internships outside of your local area. Also, make sure your LinkedIn profile is complete and up to date. LinkedIn will send you job and internship suggestions and some companies recruit interns based on the information you put on your profile.

Marine biology deals with the study of marine organisms, marine ecosystems and marine preservation. This field encompasses many disciplines and specialties that all stem from the marine sciences.

Education

While there are many career opportunities in marine biology that can be obtained with a bachelor’s degree, many require education at the graduate level. Additionally, aPhD is required if you one day wish to conduct independent research.

A bachelor’s degree in marine biology isn’t necessary to pursue a graduate degree in marine biology, however, you should consider guiding your focus towards the sciences. Courses in ecology, organic chemistry, oceanography, marine zoology and biodiversity will be particularly useful.

A master’s degree in marine biology or a related field will take about two years to complete after undergraduate school. A marine biology degree at the master’s level will cover advanced marine biology, biological oceanography, marine chemical ecology and molecular biology. These courses, along with internships, will prepare you for higher-level positions in your field, as well as careers in research, teaching or consulting.

Depending on your specific program requirements, a Ph.D. in marine biology can take anywhere from three to six years to complete after earning your undergraduate and graduate degrees. The courses you take will depend heavily on your area of specialization and you will be required to conduct research and fieldwork in order to write your dissertation.

Career

There are many directions a career in marine biology can take you. The diverse career paths within this field include, but are not limited to, wildlife biologist, zoologist, fish and wildlife biologist, fisheries biologist, aquatic biologist, conservation biologist or biological technician.

The duties of these careers vary but often include collecting and analyzing research data. This includes how species interact with each other and with their environments. It can also include how marine ecosystems affect humans and vice versa. Depending on your specific area of study, your day-to-day duties may include monitoring marine life exposed to pollutants, testing ocean samples, preserving specimens, identifying unknown species or mapping the distribution, ranges and movements of marine populations.

Salary and Job Outlook

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports the average salary of zoologists and wildlife biologists as $57,710 per year, or $27.74 per hour, with an expected growth of 5 percent by the year 2022. While zoology is slightly different and broader than a career as a marine biologist, you can expect a similar salary and growth in this field.

Part of being happy is having a career that satisfies you. However, the goals and passions you had when you were first starting out may be completely different from the ones you have today. If you’re beginning to feel stuck or lost, then it may be time to make some changes. Here are four steps to help you get out of your career slump and have a clear idea of where to go next.

Reflect. This encompasses several steps. First, look back at your career and establish what you’ve been satisfied and dissatisfied with over the years. Then consider your passions and ethics and see how far or close you’ve come to a career that aligns with those passions and ethics. Lastly, consider the skills you have gained and how those apply to your career.

Craft a plan. Once you’ve completed some self-reflection, make a plan for the future. Reestablish your career goals and decide how you are going to achieve them. This could mean changing companies or positions, it could also mean changing fields. Maybe you’ll need to develop a new skill or even go back to school. Write down those goals and create a timetable to complete them.

Reach out to mentors. Any change to your career, minor or major, can take some planning and motivation. During this period of change, it may be useful to reach out to your mentors. A mentor can help you make decisions by offering you firsthand experience. They may also have connections that can help you turn your new career plan into a reality. Don’t have a mentor? Consider talking to a family friend or trusted colleague to help you through this.

Take risks. While there are many cases where small changes can help you when you’ve reached a career plateau, many times it’s the bigger and sometimes scary changes that can really propel you forward. Don’t be afraid to take your career in a completely different direction. This also means you shouldn’t let the fear of starting over keep you from making a change that will be personally fulfilling.

The primary purpose of an interior designer is to create a space that is both aesthetically pleasing and comfortable. Someone in this field needs to be creative and communicative. This career is far more than curtains and throw pillows, but also deals with the interior structure and design of a building.  

Education

Earning your bachelor’s degree in interior design is going to be the best way to become a certified designer. A bachelor’s degree will take about four years to complete and will include courses in design, computer-aided design (CAD), drafting, textiles and color theory. You may also take classes like architectural and art history. Your classes will mostly be a mix of theory (lectures) and practical (lab) courses.  

During the course of your studies, you’ll want to keep examples of your work for a portfolio that you’ll eventually show your future employers or clients. After you’ve graduated, you’ll also need to work towards becoming licensed by the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ). There are several paths to certification that involve completing a certain amount of work hours prior to sitting an examination. Check out the NCIDQ website to look at all the possible options.

Career

Interior designers both plan and decorate interior spaces. They often work closely with architects during the drafting phase to create safe and comfortable living spaces. This means they assist with floor plans, choosing where windows, cabinets and fixtures should be placed.

Other interior designers work on buildings that are completed. This can range from choosing countertops and wall color to selecting furniture and decorations.

Salary and Job Outlook

Interior designers earn a median salary of $47,600 per year and the market for interior designers is expected to grow 13 percent over the next decade according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Want to learn more about this career? Take Next Step Academy’s

Many people use the new year to facilitate change in their lives. Whether you want to find a new position or move your way up the ladder, here are three goals you should be setting in 2017 to make those changes a reality.

Prioritize networking. Now is the perfect time to connect with people in your professional network. Who you know is going to be important when trying to establish and build your career. Ask business acquaintances out to coffee (quick, before peppermint mochas go away!) or use sites like Meetup.com to look for local professional events you can attend.

Polish up your resume. Make sure your experiences and skills are up to date on your resume. Also make sure you revamp your LinkedIn profile as well. Keeping these polished will make you more marketable to outside opportunities. If you’re considering a career change this year, you may also want to brush up on your interview skills.

Learn something new. Use the new year to learn a new skill which you can add to your newly polished resume. Maybe you’ve always wanted to learn how to build a website or you’ve had a lingering interest in photography. Whatever you’re interested in, find a class or a book that can help you accelerate your career.

2016 is finally drawing to a close, which means it’s time to turn over a new leaf and start the new year strong and committed to new goals. If you tend to forget about your new year resolutions once February starts, here are five tips to help you create and actually achieve them in 2017.

Be realistic. Don’t choose goals that are too big to achieve in a year. Be realistic about how much time, effort or money the goal will take to complete.

Break it down. See if your larger goals can be broken down into smaller steps or benchmarks. Creating a concrete plan will make your goals seem more manageable and will help you stay accountable.

Talk about it. Let your friends and family know what your goals are and how you are working to achieve them. You’re more likely to stick to a goal if you have positive people in your life keeping you accountable. You may even find someone with the same goal who will work with you to achieve it.

Anticipate problems. Sometimes life gets in the way, causing us to get off track. Don’t let one problem allow you to throw away all of your progress. Anticipate what those problems or interruptions will be ahead of time and make a plan to overcome them.

Don’t beat yourself up. If you do slip up occasionally or get off track, make sure you don’t beat yourself up about it. When you feel yourself slipping, pick a day to refocus and adjust your plan if necessary. Nobody is perfect and it’s okay if you aren’t 100 percent on track as long as you are trying.

Happy New Year!

With innovations like Netflix and recorded television, people are watching fewer commercials than ever. With this trend, companies have to be more creative when it comes to getting their message out to an audience. If you are a creative individual who is also interested in numbers and statistics then a career in marketing may be right for you.

Education

With so many different opportunities in marketing, you may be able to enter the field with a high school diploma, however, an associate’s or bachelor’s degree will help you land greater opportunities down the line.

An associate’s degree in marketing will take approximately two years to complete and can help you gain entry-level employment in almost every facet of marketing, from marketing assistant to social media manager. Over the course of this degree, you’ll gain a basic understanding of economics, business communication and consumer behavior.

A bachelor’s degree in marketing will allow you to gain a more comprehensive understanding of marketing concepts and allow you to focus in on a specific field. This degree takes on average four years to complete and will cover market research, sales and communication methods.

Career

Marketing is a profession that encompasses a wide range of possibilities. This field can include anything from market research, sales, public relations, advertising, social media and branding. Your duties will depend heavily on what specific field you choose to work in. Some paths will focus heavily on writing and understanding customer behavior like public relations. Other paths will be more number-heavy such as market research. There are also opportunities for the artistically inclined such as advertising and branding.

Salary and Job Outlook

Since marketing is such a broad field, it’s hard to nail down an expected salary. However, here are some examples of specific jobs from the Bureau of Labor Statistics that can give you a pretty good idea what to expect.

Market research analysts, on average, make $60,300 annually and can expect this field to grow by 32 percent by 2022, which is much higher than average.

Advertising managers have a median salary of $88,590 and the field will grow 7 percent over the same decade.

You can learn more about this professional path with Next Step Academy’s course “Careers in Marketing“