Balancing Work and School Like a Pro

February 16th, 2017 by

Whether you’re living on campus, at home or have a place of your own, you probably are working at least part-time to make ends meet. Juggling the responsibilities of a job while in school can take its toll. Here are three ways to lessen the stress and keep your life balanced.

pexels-photo-170750Schedule wisely. The biggest challenge while working and going to school is making sure you have enough time to do it. Get a planner so you can accurately plan your time. Schedule classes around your work schedule and make sure you don’t overload your day. A planner can also help you make sure you have spaces in your schedule to relax. School and work are important, but so is rest and socializing with friends. Remember, it’s about balance.

Learn to say no. We tend to feel guilty when we turn down extra projects or decline to help someone with an assignment. But taking on too much extra will leave you with no time for yourself. The most important thing you can learn is it’s okay, even healthy, to say “no.” No one will hold it against you.

Consider online classes. Depending on your situation, you may work more than part-time and cut down the number of classes you’re taking. If this sounds like you, consider taking online classes instead. Online classes are more flexible and allow you to learn on your time, at your own pace.

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How Multitasking is Actually Destroying Your Productivity

January 26th, 2017 by

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.

4453018910_613ea8d637_zThe 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.

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Four things you MUST do after the first week of spring semester

January 19th, 2017 by

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:

keep-calm-and-read-the-syllabusMake 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.

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Summer 2017 Internships: Start Looking Now!

January 17th, 2017 by

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.

Intern-1What 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.

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Careers in Marine Biology

January 12th, 2017 by

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

marine_biologyWhile 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.

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Give Your Speech Writing Flair

December 15th, 2016 by

You’ve been tasked with giving a speech to a large audience and you want to make sure it’s memorable. Here are several writing techniques you can implement to give your speech flair and get the point across.

2756494307_a0380a96e0_bEpiphora. This is the use of repetition at the end of successive clauses or phrases. Using epiphora is a great way to emphasize a specific point and amplify an important idea. A famous example of epiphora you may be familiar with is from Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address.

“… that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom—and that government of the people,
by the people,
for the people,
shall not perish from the earth.”

Lincoln repeats “the people” three times to reinforce the idea that the government is not an abstract idea, but an institution interconnected with the people it governs.

Anaphora. Like epiphora, anaphora uses repetition except at the beginning of a clause or phrase with the same goal of reinforcing a point or idea. Martin Luther King Jr. used anaphora at a rally in Yazoo City, Mississippi.

I’m tired of war and conflict in the world.
I’m tired of shooting.
I’m tired of selfishness.
I’m tired of evil.”

Chiasmus. If you’ve heard the phrase “when the going gets tough, the tough get going” then you should already have a pretty good understanding of chiasmus. Chiasmus is the repetition of two words or phrases in a successive clause but in the reverse order. Chiasmus is a catchy technique and has been used in famous speeches such as John F. Kennedy’s inaugural address.

“Ask not what your country can do for you
— ask what you can do for your country.”

Trying to sharpen your speech writing? Take Next Step Academy’s NEW course “Developing Public Speaking Skills

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Tips for Getting Through Finals

December 13th, 2016 by

Before you can officially enjoy the holiday season, you have to get through the dreaded finals week. Whether you’re cramming in the last bit of studying or frantically finishing a report, stress levels tend to rise at the end of the semester. Make sure you are taking care of both your physical and mental health during finals. Here are four tips for getting through finals and preventing burnout.

Snack smart. It’s tempting to reach for energy drinks and potato chips during late night work sessions. However, a high caffeine and sugar intake will actually cause you to burn out faster and junk food can make you feel bloated and sluggish. Instead, choose healthier alternatives to boost your energy. You can drink caffeine, but choose something like tea that provides a much lower dose than coffee or energy drinks. As for snacks, fruit and nuts will fill you up and give you a positive energy boost.

6359780403164185121342282463_finals-babyTake breaks. Working non-stop until you pass out at your desk isn’t healthy for your physical or mental health. Make sure you take frequent breaks to nap, shower or watch an episode of your favorite Netflix show (but just one episode!) If it helps, find a time management technique to provide yourself with some structure. Time management methods such as the Pomodoro Technique emphasize frequent short breaks and intermittent long breaks to keep yourself refreshed and productive during your work session.

With the Pomodoro Technique, you work for a solid 25 minutes, then take a short 5-minute break. After doing this four times, you take a longer break instead, typically 15-45 minutes. So essentially you work for 2 hours, with short intermittent breaks, before taking a longer break.

Get enough sleep. I’m not going to lie, I’ve pulled my fair share of all-nighters. But ultimately, this is the worst thing you can do during finals week. If you study all night, it’s likely your fatigued mind isn’t going to retain any of the information anyway. A good sleep the night before an exam is going to more beneficial than those extra hours of re-reading notes.

Stay off social. Checking your feed during a scheduled break is fine, but don’t leave your social media accounts open when you’re trying to work. The temptation of checking your recent notifications will split your focus and distract you from your work. You may say you’ll only check one post, but that can easily turn into an hour of wasted time scrolling through your feed. Resist the temptation by simply closing the pages when it’s time to work.

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Careers in Law Enforcement

November 23rd, 2016 by

Law enforcement officers play an important role in society as public servants, dedicated to protecting the citizens in their communities. A person in law enforcement needs to understand the law and have a strong desire to make positive changes in the lives of those around them. This career can be physically demanding and dangerous. People in this field need to willing to give up their own rights to secure the rights of those they vow to protect.

Education

An associates degree in law enforcement or criminal justice will provide you with the necessary foundation for a career as a law enforcement officer. This will take two years on average to complete and will cover the basics of law and public safety.

Most police departments require applicants to hold a college degree, but this isn’t always the case. If you aren’t sure you want to dedicate two years to an associate’s degree, there are other options. Many institutions offer a diploma or certification program in criminal justice that cover the essentials and can be enough to grant you a position in the field, along with proper experience.

After college, applicants attend a training academy where they learn about local and federal laws, civil rights and ethics. Applicants also receive training for patrol, traffic control, self-defense, first aid and emergency response.

Career

The primary duties of law enforcement officer is to enforce laws and keep the public safe. A typical work day for a police officer includes patrols, traffic stops and responding to emergency calls.

The demand and duties of a law enforcement officer will vary depending on if they work at the local, state or federal level. There is also the opportunity to work in a different crime departments, such as narcotics, or special units, such as canine or SWAT.

Salary and Job Outlook

The average salary for police officers and detectives was $60,270 per year in 2014. The field is expected to grow by 4 percent over the next decade.

You can learn more about this career path and related fields with Next Step Academy’s “Careers in Criminal Justice” course!

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Careers in Speech Pathology

November 15th, 2016 by

Speech pathologists work with patients to diagnose and treat communication disorders. These disorders can include stuttering, social communication disorders, auditory processing disorders and swallowing disorders. They do important work to treat disorders affecting people of all ages.

Education

speech_client_web_5A master’s degree in speech pathology is the minimum requirement to become a speech pathologist. An undergraduate degree in biological sciences, physical sciences or behavioral sciences is the best way to prepare yourself for a master’s degree in speech pathology. A master’s degree will typically take you an additional two years to complete after your undergraduate degree.

Over the course of your master’s, you can expect to take classes in speech science, audiology and communication disorders. You will also be required to complete a certain number of clinical hours.

If you wish to become a speech pathology professor or researcher in the future, then you should consider completing a doctorate. A doctorate in speech pathology takes most people another four years to complete after graduate school. Your doctorate will comprise mostly of independent research and a dissertation.

Career

A speech pathologist diagnoses speech disorders and provides treatment. This often involves ongoing therapy with patients. Speech pathologists also need to be able to teach patients’ family members therapeutic techniques to be used at home in order to further help the patient. For patients with severe disorders, a speech pathologist can provide the patient with alternative communication systems. Some speech pathologists will also work with people without a diagnosed speech disorder, but who want to enhance their communication skills.

Salary and Job Outlook

On average, speech pathologists earn $69,870 per year, or $33.59 per hour as of 2012 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The field is expected to grow by 19 percent over the next decade.

For more information on this career path, take Next Step Academy’s “Careers in Speech Pathology” course!

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Showing Gratitude in Business

October 24th, 2016 by

There will be many times over the course of your professional development where it is respectful and useful to send a thank you letter to show gratitude. This could be to a potential employer after an interview, at the completion of an internship, to a teacher who has been a significant role model or to someone who has agreed to write you a reference. There is no downside when it comes to taking the time to be thankful for opportunities and guidance.

thank-you-515514_960_720The value of saying thanks. Sending a thank you letter, first and foremost, will make you stand out. If you’re trying to gain employment, an interviewer will look more favorably upon the candidates that chose to reach out and say thanks over those who didn’t. Thank you notes can also help build and maintain strong connections. Upon leaving an internship, a thank note could ensure you are asked back as a permanent employee in the future. Regardless of the circumstances, people respond well to being thanked and are more likely to give you opportunities if they know you are grateful for their help.

Make it personal. This starts by addressing the letter appropriately, especially if you are writing a post-interview thank you note. Don’t just address the note “To whom it may concern,” learn the name of who interviewed you and address them specifically, “Dear Mr/Mrs last name.” You should also avoid generic phrases. Give specific details highlighting what you’re thankful for, why you are thankful and how their time will help you grow in the future.

Choose the right medium. A handwritten letter is more personal and shows that you put a lot of thought into the process of saying thank you. In most cases, this should be your first choice. However, there are exceptions. If you have exceptionally bad handwriting, a word processed letter may be a better option. Sometimes you may not have a physical address, especially with a professor, in which case email is an acceptable choice. Email is also acceptable if most of your prior communication has occurred via email.

Proofread. This cannot be stressed enough. Even if you are typing your thank you letter or emailing it, proofread it several times before you send your final draft. Autocorrect doesn’t catch everything and one small mistake could ruin the effect of the letter. It always helps to have a second pair of eyes, so consider asking a friend or colleague to proofread your letter as well.

Send a gift. While inappropriate in certain situations, such as a post-interview thank you, a gift can be a little something extra to show how much you appreciate the time someone spent helping you. It doesn’t have to be huge, just something small to show the person you value them. For example, a gift card to the campus coffee shop for a professor, or offering to take a business reference out to dinner. A small gesture to accompany your letter can show your genuine appreciation.

Need some help proofreading? Next Step Academy’s “Basic Grammar/Writing Toolkit” for useful tips and editing advice.

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