Category: Your Education (Page 10 of 22)

      Too Much Experience, Now What?

      August 6, 2011 /

      Every fresh college graduate has experienced rejection based on lack of experience, but eventually most graduates obtain enough experience to move past an entry level position and into a position with more responsibility and higher pay. Having experience is usually a good thing, but lately having too much experience has become an obstacle that thousands of seasoned job seekers face every day. The reasons for this vary. For starters, according to a recent Tribune Media Services report, the talent pool is overflowing, thanks to mass lay-offs of people with 15 to 20 years of experience. This means older professionals with lots of experience, which brings a higher price tag, are now competing with younger professionals with some or enough experience, which means a lower price tag.

      The potential price tag of someone with too much experience isn’t the only reason employers might take a pass. Many employers also believe that someone with so much experience might move on as soon as a better opportunity presents itself or they might get bored. Fortunately, there are ways to position your qualifications, says Maribeth Kuzmeski, author of “And the Clients Went Wild: How Savvy Business Professionals in Win All the Business They Want,” and it doesn’t involve downplaying them.

      Job applicants should never downplay accomplishments. It’s better to position your qualifications as assets—which they are—rather than drawbacks. Job applicants should tailor their resumes to reflect  skills and achievements, not a laundry list of former employers and job titles.

      Steve Langerud, director of professional opportunities at DePauw University in Greencastle, Ind. adds that “presenting job titles and years of experience provides just enough information for an employer’s imagination to run wild, and not in the favor of the job seeker.”

      Kuzmeski points out that job seekers should spell out other important benefits of their experience, such as the life experience that makes them more capable of handling difficult client situations or coworker conflicts. They should also be the first to bring up the topic of being overqualified. This is especially the case if an interviewer seems hesitant or keeps bringing up past experience, Kuzmeski says.

      If this is the case, just ask what the concerns might be. By asking, you’re again showing that you are proud of your achievements and you care and want to hear what the employer thinks. It’s actually a great way to build on the relationship.

      Your Career, Your Education, Your Workplace

      Art jobs not on the decline, says NEA

      August 5, 2011 /

      Many reports have suggested that one of the worst career fields to take up in a bad economy is anything related to art. Well, a recent report by the National Endowment for the Arts says this just isn’t true. Between now and 2018, the report says job growth in artistic fields such as painting   photography, and architecture is expected to exceed the average growth rate across all industries. What’s seven more promising is, museum jobs such as archivists and curators are set to grow at nearly double the average rate.

      Other art jobs that creatives can count on for future growth are animators, actors, graphic designers, interior designers, writers, interpreters, translators, and landscape architects. Although job growth is promising for these careers, the competition is still fierce. To get your foot in the door, you’ll need more than just talent. A degree and experience are equally as important.

      For more information about creative careers, what they pay, and growth projections, visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics at www.bls.gov.

      Your Career, Your Compensation, Your Education, Your Workplace

      Debt Ceiling Deal Still Not Enough?

      August 2, 2011 /

      A recent CNBC report casts a negative shadow over the deal that, at the 11th hour, prevented the U.S. from defaulting on its debt. The report mentions that the U.S. debt crisis appears to have been resolved temporarily, but politicians and economists are still warning that the deal won’t resolve all of the country’s economic ills. The report, based on statements made by Anthony Doyle, director of investment specialists at M&G Investments, even suggests that the country is headed for another recession.

      Doyle points out that “when US GDP growth falls below 2 percent, it usually means that a recession is not far away, and combined with yesterday’s much weaker than expected ISM report and an unemployment rate at 9.2 percent, it suggests that the U.S. Federal Reserve won’t be in any rush to hike interest rates this year.”

      The U.S. economy grew by just 1.6 percent in the second quarter of 2011, according to official figures released last week. Investors have also been spooked this week by Institute of Supply Management (ISM) data showing that its manufacturing index read 50.9 in July, barely above the 50 mark that separates expansion from contraction, and new orders contracted for the first time in two years.

      The last U.S. recession lasted 18 months, the longest since World War II, according to the National Bureau of Economic Research. The respected research body said the last recession began in 2007, and the recovery did not start until June 2009.

      President Obama signed the new debt bill, which limits student loan cuts (among others), a day after it cleared the House of Representatives by a 269-161 margin, and shortly after it passed the Senate by 74-26 votes overnight. The emergency bill increases the nation’s $14.3 trillion cap on borrowing.

      Your Business, Your Education

      Top College Funding Programs for Military Personnel

      July 28, 2011 /

      There are more than 1.1 million active military personnel in the U.S. today and more than 1 million reserve and National Guard members around the country. Civilian personnel also make up a sizable number of America’s military system with more than 634,185 active employees distributed throughout the four branches of military service—the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps. Many members of the military will continue their careers within any of the four branches of service, while others will pursue interests outside of the military, such as obtaining a college degree.

      One of the biggest benefits of serving in the U.S. military is the opportunity to have most if not all of your college tuition covered. For veterans and current members of the military, the U.S. government has set aside more than $4 billion in education benefits and more than $3 billion in grants. Veterans and current members of the military are almost guaranteed a substantial amount of “free” funding for college, regardless of income, in the form of benefits, grants, and scholarships.

      Depending on the program, students may enjoy benefits that cover anywhere from 75 to 90 percent of undergraduate or graduate school expenses. In addition, low-cost student loans are also available to all members and former members of the military.

      Programs for Veterans and Current Members of the Military

      Because the U.S. military is made up of a diverse group of American citizens and the military is diverse and complex in itself, there are literally hundreds of college financial aid programs to consider. The following are the largest financial aid programs offered by the U.S. government/military. It is important to keep in mind that each of the four branches of military offers its own distinct financial aid programs.

      The Montgomery GI Bill

      The Montgomery GI Bill provides benefits to veterans, service members, and certain dependents of disabled or deceased veterans interested in pursuing a degree or vocational training. The GI Bill provides up to 36 months of education benefits to servicemembers. For post-9/11 veterans, the benefit will cover the full cost of tuition at any public school in the country and a sizable number of private schools. Tuition payments will be paid directly to the school and each student will receive a $1,000 book/supply stipend per year as well as a monthly living stipend. Tuition payments are capped at the cost of the most expensive public school in each state. Please click here for a state-by-state breakdown. To calculate your benefits, click here or visit the GI Bill 2008 website at: http://www.gibill2008.org/.

      To apply for the Montgomery GI Bill visit the United States Department of Veterans Affairs to complete and submit your electronic application online or you may call 1-888-GI-BILL (1-888-442-4551) to have the application form mailed to you.

      Army ROTC

      For individuals interested in earning a college degree and serving as an officer in the Army, Army Reserve, or the Army National Guard, the Army ROTC program is for you. The program is offered at more that 600 colleges and universities throughout the U.S. and it is the largest single source of Army officers. Army ROTC scholarships pay up to $20,000 a year for college tuition and education fees or room and board. The student may choose what area he or she would like to use the scholarship award for.

      In addition to a maximum $20,000 per year, ROTC students will also receive a tax-free subsistence allowance for up to 10 months each year the scholarship award is in effect. The amount of the subsistence allowance increases as student’s progress through the program. Army ROTC scholarships are based on merit and grades, not on need. So a student may fall into any income bracket and still qualify for a scholarship award. For more information about Army ROTC, visit the official Army ROTC website at: http://www.goarmy.com/rotc/.

      Federal Pell Grants

      Many forms of financial aid for veterans and military personnel may be combined with the Federal Pell Grant to help cover the costs of college. Administered by the U.S. Department of Education, the Federal Pell Grant Program is the largest grant program offered by the federal government.

      U.S. Congress sets the maximum award amount based upon a student’s need analysis and status (full or part-time). For the 2009-2010 academic year, the maximum award is expected to fall somewhere between $4,241-$4,310.

      To apply for a Federal Pell Grant, simply fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid form online at www.fafsa.ed.gov.

      Veterans Education Assistance Program (VEAP)

      The Veterans Education Assistance Program is a matching program designed to help cover the costs of college tuition and it may also cover the costs for refresher courses for individuals who have been out of school for a while. Enlisted individuals can contribute $25-$100 per month to an educational fund. The Federal government will match the contribution with $2 for every $1 contributed by the service member. The program pays the service member up to 75 percent for undergraduate courses and 90 percent for job-related courses.

      Your Career, Your Compensation, Your Education, Your Network

      Several New Scholarships You Just Might Qualify For

      July 22, 2011 /

      Whether you’re graduating from high school or you are just entering your junior or senior year, there are a number of scholarships that you might qualify for right now. There are literally thousands of scholarships offered through foundations, banks, insurance companies, and more and some require little more than a 2.5 GPA to apply. So, to make sure your application gets reviewed, all you need to do is review the application qualifications and procedures carefully, apply, and submit your application before the deadline. The following list contains several scholarship opportunities and all of the information you need to get started.

      Discover Scholarship Program by Discover Card

      According to the Discover Financial website, Discover Card has awarded more than $16 million in scholarships to nearly 6,500 students. The program awards up to $400,000 in scholarships annually to high school juniors nationwide in an effort to support continued education and training beyond high school. Eligible students must have a 2.75 cumulative grade point average on a 4.0 scale for 9th and 10th grades and the student must demonstrate accomplishments in community service and leadership and has faced a significant roadblock or challenge. For information, email info@applyists or call 1-866-756-7932.

      Bank of America Joe Martin Scholarships

      Named in honor of former Principal Corporate Affairs Executive and Special Counsel to former Chairman Hugh McColl, the Bank of America Joe Martin Scholarship program is open to college or vocational school students that are dependents of associates who have been employed by Bank of America for at least one year. Awards range from $1,000-$5,000 for each year of full-time study.

      These scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement, leadership, contributions to school and community, character, and financial need. Dependents of deceased, disabled, or retired associates are eligible and awards may be renewed up to an additional three years on the basis of satisfactory performance in school. To apply for the Bank of America Joe Martin Scholarship, visit the Bank of America scholarship website and select “Corporate Philanthropy.”

      FIRST Scholarships

      This scholarship program awards $12.2 million in college scholarships through 746 individual scholarship opportunities and to over 136 scholarship providers. FIRST Scholarships are open to high school students on FIRST teams. According to the FIRST website, this is official recognition of the knowledge and technical and life skills these students have gained from participating in a FIRST competition.

      FIRST scholarships enable students to pursue majors and careers in engineering, computer science, science, math, design, aeronautics, and many other fields. To apply for a FIRST Scholarship, visit USfirst.org.

      Other scholarships that you might qualify for include:

      Good Luck!

      Your Education

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