By Annmarie Edwards
Attending a community college was the best investment I've made in my career. I attended La Guardia Community College in Queens, New York. I was both working and going to school full-time. This did not give me much time to study during the day so I used my traveling time well.
Traveling on the E Train
I studied on the E Train in the rush hour of the evenings. Passengers jerked as the train rumbled into the stations. Sometimes I would be fortunate to ride an express train. Getting to class at least ten minutes earlier gave me a few minutes to get a quick snack and breathe.
Study Aids
Markers and note cards served me well as I raced through each chapter trying to get to the main idea. I was up against time seeing the ride into Queens Plaza from my job was just twenty-five minutes. I used those twenty-five minutes well. On the train, sweaty bodies from the evening rush would crash into me as the train made its sudden stop. It was a sight to see passengers fall to the ground or fall on other passengers. Some inquisitive ones would peer into my textbook probably wondering what I was doing. I was too engrossed in getting the details before class I didn't care who was looking. I would catch some people staring at me or in space with my unexpected glance while I studied.
As soon as the train stopped I quickly exited the train station, walked down the bridge and waited patiently to cross Thomas Avenue and go to class. The Queens Plaza Bridge was busy in the evenings during rush hour. I felt a natural high going to college. I was onto something but I did not know what it was yet. I looked forward in meeting my classmates in the evenings. Students dragged their tired bodies to class and sometimes barely keeping up with the professor. They made it though with a quick ten minutes break the professor gave the class. Sometimes a quick rush to the bathroom helped students.
Just imagine leaving work with all the hustle and bustle of the evening. People walked preoccupied without even looking back because it was the end of the workday. Everybody wanted to go home. Some studios students had a plan to better their lives. They went to school in the evenings. The excitement of the evenings motivated me to get to class on time. I didn't want to miss class for anything. During those days, it was a pleasure to see other working people taking the time to study.
Community colleges are the champion in preparing American workforce. Adult learners who had learning gaps can enroll in remedial study. Getting back to the basic is what most adults need to work on their jobs. Community colleges provide that service in training adult learners.
As I mentioned before I had a great experience attending La Guardia Community College. The faculty showed that they care about me as an individual. The college is small so it made it more personable. I had the best opportunities. I worked on the magazine committee while I was a student there. I learned fun stuff such as laying out pictures, graphic design and collecting stories. The incentive to learn was there too. I was a Mayor scholar at one time and I got on the Dean List. I walked on cloud nine when I found my name on the wall with all the other students who made it. Can you imagine that experience for someone who started out doing remedial class?
When you attend a community college, you find motivated learners. People are there because they want to. No one forces them there that’s the difference.
It doesn't matter where you started out in college. If you're determined to achieve your goals and work towards them you'll succeed. This is coming from someone who started from the bottom up. The image of my two year degree was my big motivation to complete my education at La Guardia Community College. I had a vision of what I wanted and I worked towards it. You too can carry out your goals if you worked towards them.
I passed my basic skill class with flying colors and now I finally made it to English 101. What the professor was thinking about when he introduced the class to this kind of study? It was different and challenging. Stay tuned, you'll find out in the next round…
Stay tuned for Part 3 of the Confession of a College student.
Annmarie Edwards is a speaker and trainer who likes to motivate people in maximizing their potential.
Monday, August 11, 2008
Monday, July 28, 2008
How to Write A Winning Resume
by Annmarie Edwards
Your winning resume is not only your marketing tool but also your ticket to job success.
What is your objective?
First, you need to have an objective before you write your resume. A general resume doesn't have any legs to stand on especially in our competitive job market. Before you begin, make sure you know exactly what job you're seeking. Be specific as possible when you write your objective. Here is an example of a written objective: "To gain a position as a Graphic Designer at ABC Company."
You notice by identifying the job at the beginning, you're making it clear to your employer the position you're seeking.
Your job objective is your goal that is the reason it is at the top of your resume.
Brainstorm possible questions
What follow the objective are your skills, experiences, and education. In drafting your skills, you need to answer the following questions:
1. Do I have the skills for this job?
2. In what ways can I apply my skills?
3. Is this an entry-level position where I need to learn about the job?
4. Which one of my skills is the strongest for this job?
Highlight Your Skills, Experiences, and Education…
Now that you brainstorm all these questions you've have some ideas how well your skills, experiences and knowledge fit the job you're applying for. Highlight how using your skills improve sales or reduce spending in the past as an example. You need to show what you've done in the past that you can translate to your new job. By doing this, you're creating an impression on your employer that you're a good prospect.
Also, tailor your experiences based on-the-job you're applying for. In essence, make sure your experience matches the job you're applying for.
Finally, make sure you secure some references from past employers, school counselor, teachers or associates who can vouch for you. Before you send out your resume contact your references first and make sure they know you're in the job search market. Stay optimistic and be ready to defend your resume. Always remember to stay true to who you're in your job search.
Annmarie Edwards is a business growth expert who helps individuals and businesses maximize their full growth potential. She offers advise and tips on her blogs.
http://collegestudentsadvisor.blogspot.com
http://dearsitta.blogspot.com
http://maximizeyourpotential.blogspot.com
http://artsinamerica.blogspot.com
Copyrighted © by Annmarie Edwards 2008
Your winning resume is not only your marketing tool but also your ticket to job success.
What is your objective?
First, you need to have an objective before you write your resume. A general resume doesn't have any legs to stand on especially in our competitive job market. Before you begin, make sure you know exactly what job you're seeking. Be specific as possible when you write your objective. Here is an example of a written objective: "To gain a position as a Graphic Designer at ABC Company."
You notice by identifying the job at the beginning, you're making it clear to your employer the position you're seeking.
Your job objective is your goal that is the reason it is at the top of your resume.
Brainstorm possible questions
What follow the objective are your skills, experiences, and education. In drafting your skills, you need to answer the following questions:
1. Do I have the skills for this job?
2. In what ways can I apply my skills?
3. Is this an entry-level position where I need to learn about the job?
4. Which one of my skills is the strongest for this job?
Highlight Your Skills, Experiences, and Education…
Now that you brainstorm all these questions you've have some ideas how well your skills, experiences and knowledge fit the job you're applying for. Highlight how using your skills improve sales or reduce spending in the past as an example. You need to show what you've done in the past that you can translate to your new job. By doing this, you're creating an impression on your employer that you're a good prospect.
Also, tailor your experiences based on-the-job you're applying for. In essence, make sure your experience matches the job you're applying for.
Finally, make sure you secure some references from past employers, school counselor, teachers or associates who can vouch for you. Before you send out your resume contact your references first and make sure they know you're in the job search market. Stay optimistic and be ready to defend your resume. Always remember to stay true to who you're in your job search.
Annmarie Edwards is a business growth expert who helps individuals and businesses maximize their full growth potential. She offers advise and tips on her blogs.
http://collegestudentsadvisor.blogspot.com
http://dearsitta.blogspot.com
http://maximizeyourpotential.blogspot.com
http://artsinamerica.blogspot.com
Copyrighted © by Annmarie Edwards 2008
Saturday, July 26, 2008
How to Find Your Dream Job
By Annmarie Edwards
If you're in the market to find your dream job then here are some tips to help you on your way.
Know your passion
Many people make the mistake of not knowing what they want when they are job searching. Here's what you need to do to find your passion. List all the work you're excited about doing on a sheet of paper. You can make headings on your paper by writing work I like to do, My skills, and hobbies. Most people find their passion through their hobbies whether it is biking, playing tennis, sewing, modeling, writing and so forth.
Write Your passion statement
Obviously from your list there must be one skill that gets you excited. Write your passion statement based on the skills (s) that make (s) you excited. Your passion is the driving force in your life that will help you to get your dream job.
Know your skills
You've listed your skills previously during the exercise to finding your passion. This information is important when you're in search of your dream job. When you're able to show your skills to your potential employer you're on your way in getting your dream job.
Create Your Portfolio
Your portfolio is your marketing tool in presenting your skills to your potential employer. Your portofolio includes an updated resume, certificates, diplomas, degrees, work samples, publicity, photos and video clips. Use this opportunity to show your skills in landing your dream job. By presenting your portfolio professionally you're showing how valuable you're to anyone who needs a professional for hire.
Networking Your Way To Your Dream Job
When you're in the market for a new job don't forget people you meet at the bank, supermarket, conferences, workshops, library. Your next door neighbors, old schoolmates and co-workers are all part of your network. Call on them for help by letting them know you're once again in the job search market.
Your Network Your Pot Of Gold
Peole you identified as your network are the people who will aid you in getting your dream job. Don't ever under estimate anyone because you never know who they know. Don't be afraid to ask for help when you're seeking a job. The people in your network are happy to help you in whatever way they can. Use your network as your pot of gold in getting your dream job.
Rule of Thumb
Always keep in touch with people you meet because you never know when you need to call a favor. Always put people first by getting to know them. "You can make more friends in a month by being interested in them than in ten years trying to get them interested in you" –Charles L. Allen, Roads to Radiant Living.
In sum, your dream job is just around the corner if you follow the tips above. Remember know your skills, have your portfolio handy, have passion in whatever you do, and network. By following these tips you're on your way in getting your dream job.
Copyrighted © 2008 by Annmarie Edwards
If you're in the market to find your dream job then here are some tips to help you on your way.
Know your passion
Many people make the mistake of not knowing what they want when they are job searching. Here's what you need to do to find your passion. List all the work you're excited about doing on a sheet of paper. You can make headings on your paper by writing work I like to do, My skills, and hobbies. Most people find their passion through their hobbies whether it is biking, playing tennis, sewing, modeling, writing and so forth.
Write Your passion statement
Obviously from your list there must be one skill that gets you excited. Write your passion statement based on the skills (s) that make (s) you excited. Your passion is the driving force in your life that will help you to get your dream job.
Know your skills
You've listed your skills previously during the exercise to finding your passion. This information is important when you're in search of your dream job. When you're able to show your skills to your potential employer you're on your way in getting your dream job.
Create Your Portfolio
Your portfolio is your marketing tool in presenting your skills to your potential employer. Your portofolio includes an updated resume, certificates, diplomas, degrees, work samples, publicity, photos and video clips. Use this opportunity to show your skills in landing your dream job. By presenting your portfolio professionally you're showing how valuable you're to anyone who needs a professional for hire.
Networking Your Way To Your Dream Job
When you're in the market for a new job don't forget people you meet at the bank, supermarket, conferences, workshops, library. Your next door neighbors, old schoolmates and co-workers are all part of your network. Call on them for help by letting them know you're once again in the job search market.
Your Network Your Pot Of Gold
Peole you identified as your network are the people who will aid you in getting your dream job. Don't ever under estimate anyone because you never know who they know. Don't be afraid to ask for help when you're seeking a job. The people in your network are happy to help you in whatever way they can. Use your network as your pot of gold in getting your dream job.
Rule of Thumb
Always keep in touch with people you meet because you never know when you need to call a favor. Always put people first by getting to know them. "You can make more friends in a month by being interested in them than in ten years trying to get them interested in you" –Charles L. Allen, Roads to Radiant Living.
In sum, your dream job is just around the corner if you follow the tips above. Remember know your skills, have your portfolio handy, have passion in whatever you do, and network. By following these tips you're on your way in getting your dream job.
Copyrighted © 2008 by Annmarie Edwards
Thursday, July 24, 2008
How to boost your energy and stay alert eating these foods…
By Annmarie Edwards
Boosting your energy and staying alert by eating the right foods will prolong your health. Here are some tips in helping you to stay healthy.
Vitamin B6 helps to raise your energy level especially if you're under stress. Studies show that foods rich in the B complex vitamins help your energy level stabilize and give you that lift you need especially starting your day.
Foods rich in vitamin B6 are bananas, brown rice, chicken and tuna.
"An Apple A Day Keeps The Doctor Away"
Eating apple once a day reduces blood cholesterol and improves bowel movement with its fiber phytonutrients. The fiber in an apple helps to lower blood sugar. Begin your morning with an apple. It will surely go a long way in keeping the doctor away especially if you suffer with constipation.
Cherries are rich in antioxidants that fight cancer and helps in lowering cholesterol and blood sugar. It has vitamin B, C, and potassium. Eating cherries help you to maintain your health and fight threatening diseases.
Are you working long hours that put strain on your eyes?
Do you know that eating Blueberries and Carrots can improve your eyesight without medicine or surgery? Eating these foods can improve your eyesight so you can put away your glasses for good. If your eyesight needs correction, look no further. Blueberries and carrots will provide you with all the vitamins and minerals you need for better eyesight.
Carrot contains beta-carotene and vitamin A. A shortage in vitamin A can lead to poor vision. Carrot supports the liver by giving it more energy to perform its job.
Strawberry the Stress Buster
Are you under stress because of meeting deadlines or lack of sleep? Eating a handful of strawberries will improve your health and decrease your stress level.
Strawberries are rich in vitamin C and keep bad cholesterol away. It has the omega-3 fatty acid, which is good for your health. This magic food has other nutrients such as magnesium, copper, folic acid, potassium, vitamin k, vitamin B5 & B6. Try some…
The Magic Of Orange Juice
A glass of orange juice in the morning will give you the vitamin C you need for the day. It contains calcium and magnesium and other nutrients your body need. Vitamin C is important to build better bones and teeth. Go ahead and stock up on your orange juice.
Don’t forget your glass of milk in the morning. Soy milk has loads of vitamins and minerals that are important to the body. Drinking milk will help your body function by supplying the necessary nutrients your body needs.
Copyrighted © by Annmarie Edwards 2008
Boosting your energy and staying alert by eating the right foods will prolong your health. Here are some tips in helping you to stay healthy.
Vitamin B6 helps to raise your energy level especially if you're under stress. Studies show that foods rich in the B complex vitamins help your energy level stabilize and give you that lift you need especially starting your day.
Foods rich in vitamin B6 are bananas, brown rice, chicken and tuna.
"An Apple A Day Keeps The Doctor Away"
Eating apple once a day reduces blood cholesterol and improves bowel movement with its fiber phytonutrients. The fiber in an apple helps to lower blood sugar. Begin your morning with an apple. It will surely go a long way in keeping the doctor away especially if you suffer with constipation.
Cherries are rich in antioxidants that fight cancer and helps in lowering cholesterol and blood sugar. It has vitamin B, C, and potassium. Eating cherries help you to maintain your health and fight threatening diseases.
Are you working long hours that put strain on your eyes?
Do you know that eating Blueberries and Carrots can improve your eyesight without medicine or surgery? Eating these foods can improve your eyesight so you can put away your glasses for good. If your eyesight needs correction, look no further. Blueberries and carrots will provide you with all the vitamins and minerals you need for better eyesight.
Carrot contains beta-carotene and vitamin A. A shortage in vitamin A can lead to poor vision. Carrot supports the liver by giving it more energy to perform its job.
Strawberry the Stress Buster
Are you under stress because of meeting deadlines or lack of sleep? Eating a handful of strawberries will improve your health and decrease your stress level.
Strawberries are rich in vitamin C and keep bad cholesterol away. It has the omega-3 fatty acid, which is good for your health. This magic food has other nutrients such as magnesium, copper, folic acid, potassium, vitamin k, vitamin B5 & B6. Try some…
The Magic Of Orange Juice
A glass of orange juice in the morning will give you the vitamin C you need for the day. It contains calcium and magnesium and other nutrients your body need. Vitamin C is important to build better bones and teeth. Go ahead and stock up on your orange juice.
Don’t forget your glass of milk in the morning. Soy milk has loads of vitamins and minerals that are important to the body. Drinking milk will help your body function by supplying the necessary nutrients your body needs.
Copyrighted © by Annmarie Edwards 2008
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Tips to Survive College
by Sarah Scrafford
Statistic from the American College of Testing (ACT) show that 25 percent of college students drop out before their sophomore year is up and that nearly 50 percent of all freshmen either leave for good before obtaining a degree or transfer to another school. While the figures are alarming, they are a true reflection of the inability of American youngsters to cope with the pressures of college. It’s not that hard though, not if you prepare yourself to work hard and determine to face anything that comes your way. Here are a few pointers for those ready to take their first steps into the portals of a university:
1. Get organized as soon as you arrive. Familiarize yourself with the places on campus and attend as many orientation classes as you can.
2. Do not schedule back-to-back classes if you can help it.
3. Make it a point to attend classes regularly, even if they’re early in the morning.
4. Do not get into the habit of skipping lectures.
5. Take notes in class and spend time after class going over what you wrote in class, editing it and preparing it to help you study during exams.
6. Familiarize yourself with the library on campus and other sources of research and study material.
7. Get to know the people in your living accommodation.
8. Set aside a place exclusively for your study needs, somewhere quiet where you can concentrate and prepare for the next day’s class or the exam coming up.
9. Talk to your professors and get to know them at the start of term.
10. Use a planner to help you remember when assignments and papers are due.
11. Start planning for a career right from your freshman year.
12. Talk to your guidance counselor on a regular basis.
13. Sign up for activities, clubs, fraternities, and sports so that you’re not lonely and homesick.
14. Get to know at least some of the people in each of your classes so you’re not at loose ends when you need extra study material or help before an important exam.
15. At the same time, make sure these extra curricular activities do not take precedence over your lessons and classes.
16. Eat healthy right from the word go. If not, it’s very easy to slip into a junk food-soda routine that will kill your figure and wellness.
17. Set aside time at least three times a week for a physical workout even though you are not into games or sports of any kind.
18. Set up a study group if you’re not too sure of studying on your own. Combined or group study is sometimes more effective and motivating when you need to follow a tight schedule.
19. Watch your money closely – it certainly does not grow on trees when you’re in college. If you’re not careful, you’ll end up deep in debt even before you’re done with your freshman year.
20. Get to know the college shuttle routes and timings so you save yourself a lot of time walking from one class to another.
21. If you’re depressed and lonely, seek professional help which is often available on campus.
22. And last but not the least, work really hard, and you’ll find that you have the time and inclination to party just as hard. It’s very easy to lose focus in college because for the first time in your life, you do not have parents and teachers breathing down your neck to see if you’re studying or not. The onus is on your shoulders once you set foot on campus, so be responsible and put your grades before anything else.
This article is contributed by Sarah Scrafford, who regularly writes on the topic of university of phoenix rating. She invites your questions, comments and freelancing job inquiries at her email address: sarah.scrafford25atgmail.com
http://www.universityreviewsonline.com/2005/10/ahead-of-the-cu.html
http://www.universityreviewsonline.com/2005/10/top-10-open-sou.html
Statistic from the American College of Testing (ACT) show that 25 percent of college students drop out before their sophomore year is up and that nearly 50 percent of all freshmen either leave for good before obtaining a degree or transfer to another school. While the figures are alarming, they are a true reflection of the inability of American youngsters to cope with the pressures of college. It’s not that hard though, not if you prepare yourself to work hard and determine to face anything that comes your way. Here are a few pointers for those ready to take their first steps into the portals of a university:
1. Get organized as soon as you arrive. Familiarize yourself with the places on campus and attend as many orientation classes as you can.
2. Do not schedule back-to-back classes if you can help it.
3. Make it a point to attend classes regularly, even if they’re early in the morning.
4. Do not get into the habit of skipping lectures.
5. Take notes in class and spend time after class going over what you wrote in class, editing it and preparing it to help you study during exams.
6. Familiarize yourself with the library on campus and other sources of research and study material.
7. Get to know the people in your living accommodation.
8. Set aside a place exclusively for your study needs, somewhere quiet where you can concentrate and prepare for the next day’s class or the exam coming up.
9. Talk to your professors and get to know them at the start of term.
10. Use a planner to help you remember when assignments and papers are due.
11. Start planning for a career right from your freshman year.
12. Talk to your guidance counselor on a regular basis.
13. Sign up for activities, clubs, fraternities, and sports so that you’re not lonely and homesick.
14. Get to know at least some of the people in each of your classes so you’re not at loose ends when you need extra study material or help before an important exam.
15. At the same time, make sure these extra curricular activities do not take precedence over your lessons and classes.
16. Eat healthy right from the word go. If not, it’s very easy to slip into a junk food-soda routine that will kill your figure and wellness.
17. Set aside time at least three times a week for a physical workout even though you are not into games or sports of any kind.
18. Set up a study group if you’re not too sure of studying on your own. Combined or group study is sometimes more effective and motivating when you need to follow a tight schedule.
19. Watch your money closely – it certainly does not grow on trees when you’re in college. If you’re not careful, you’ll end up deep in debt even before you’re done with your freshman year.
20. Get to know the college shuttle routes and timings so you save yourself a lot of time walking from one class to another.
21. If you’re depressed and lonely, seek professional help which is often available on campus.
22. And last but not the least, work really hard, and you’ll find that you have the time and inclination to party just as hard. It’s very easy to lose focus in college because for the first time in your life, you do not have parents and teachers breathing down your neck to see if you’re studying or not. The onus is on your shoulders once you set foot on campus, so be responsible and put your grades before anything else.
This article is contributed by Sarah Scrafford, who regularly writes on the topic of university of phoenix rating. She invites your questions, comments and freelancing job inquiries at her email address: sarah.scrafford25atgmail.com
http://www.universityreviewsonline.com/2005/10/ahead-of-the-cu.html
http://www.universityreviewsonline.com/2005/10/top-10-open-sou.html
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
The Confession of a College Student Part One
Are you ready to face your fears, get discouraged, acquire a new way of thinking while developing self confidence? Going to college is not a joke. Facing uncertainty and grabbing the bull by the horn is the story of a college student confession. I hope you like it.
I started college when I was twenty-seven years old. It was my wish to attend college earlier on but the opportunity did not present itself until I was at that age. I had to deal with a ten-year learning gap. As a result, I started out taking basic skill courses in Math and English.
College course overload a fatal mistake
I wanted to hasten my course work and I made the infallible mistake of taking a course overload. Basic skill course work only gives you one credit for four hours of work. Not to mention lab work. At the time, I was working full-time and carrying a course load of over sixteen hours. This was a fatal mistake on my part. The first semester I took two college level courses with the two basic skill courses that included lab work.
I did well on my two college level classes. Unfortunately, I had to retake my writing class. This was more intense and I did not put much time in my lab work. I felt disappointed with me and with my professor. He was discouraging to the point of frustration. This professor did not help me to correct my errors. He could pinpoint my mistakes but his guidance was inadequate.
Early Discouragement led to persistence
I felt I would not get out of this class. The following semester I registered for the same class but with a different professor. The course work was more intensive. It forces me to look at my errors, get help and I passed the class with flying colors. My professor congratulated me when I exited his class. It was the most wonderful day of my life. I finally made it. Now I was able to enroll in a college level English class. This class was English 101. It was a revelation but something I enjoyed. What I learned in this class and how I did in the finals? Stay tuned for part 2… of the confession of a college student.
Copyrighted © by Annmarie Edwards
Free College Resource
http://lifehacker.com/software/education/technophilia-get-a-free-college-education-online-201979.php
Monday, June 30, 2008
Budgeting For College Students and its Implications
By Annmarie Edwards
Secrets of Budgeting For The College Students
Budgeting gives college students the tool to manage their daily expenses as well as enables them to become more financial conscious of their spending and saving habits.
The time for college students to make sound decisions on how to manage their expense is now. Research shows that college students have more debts than ever before.
College Students Debt Out of Control
According to the Journal of Financial Service Professionals, "More than 80% of college undergraduate students have at least one credit card, with an average credit card balance of $2,327. By the time they hit graduate school, students have racked up an average credit card debt of $7,831 and have an average of six credit cards each" (Antes, W. L (2004) Financial Illiteracy in America: A Perfect Storm, a Perfect Opportunity).
Far too many college students are in debt. Whose fault is it? College students need financial literacy to survive our spiral economy. Budgeting not only save college students time and money but helps them to make inform decisions on their financial future.
Ways For College Students to Budget
College students should have a clear picture of how much money they have on hand. This money can include wages, gifts, and savings. They should begin their budget by calculating all their expenses.
Keep track of all your bills by saving all your receipts and statements. This information is central in helping you to organize your finance according to your weekly and monthly expenses.
Categorize expenses based on your weekly and monthly spending. Expenses calculated this way will give you a clear picture of your spending. By taking stock of what you have by managing your budget, you're on your way to become financial independent.
The Benefits of Budgeting
In short, college students who plan early by managing their budget experience less stress and have more time to do the things they enjoy. In essence, college students live a more balance life by being in control of their finances.
Finally, the cost of easy spending has major implications for the financial illiterate. College students who take the time to manage their money are ahead of the game in securing a stable financial future.
© Copyrighted by Annmarie Edwards 2008
Secrets of Budgeting For The College Students
Budgeting gives college students the tool to manage their daily expenses as well as enables them to become more financial conscious of their spending and saving habits.
The time for college students to make sound decisions on how to manage their expense is now. Research shows that college students have more debts than ever before.
College Students Debt Out of Control
According to the Journal of Financial Service Professionals, "More than 80% of college undergraduate students have at least one credit card, with an average credit card balance of $2,327. By the time they hit graduate school, students have racked up an average credit card debt of $7,831 and have an average of six credit cards each" (Antes, W. L (2004) Financial Illiteracy in America: A Perfect Storm, a Perfect Opportunity).
Far too many college students are in debt. Whose fault is it? College students need financial literacy to survive our spiral economy. Budgeting not only save college students time and money but helps them to make inform decisions on their financial future.
Ways For College Students to Budget
College students should have a clear picture of how much money they have on hand. This money can include wages, gifts, and savings. They should begin their budget by calculating all their expenses.
Keep track of all your bills by saving all your receipts and statements. This information is central in helping you to organize your finance according to your weekly and monthly expenses.
Categorize expenses based on your weekly and monthly spending. Expenses calculated this way will give you a clear picture of your spending. By taking stock of what you have by managing your budget, you're on your way to become financial independent.
The Benefits of Budgeting
In short, college students who plan early by managing their budget experience less stress and have more time to do the things they enjoy. In essence, college students live a more balance life by being in control of their finances.
Finally, the cost of easy spending has major implications for the financial illiterate. College students who take the time to manage their money are ahead of the game in securing a stable financial future.
© Copyrighted by Annmarie Edwards 2008
Thursday, May 15, 2008
5 Ways to Prepare for a Job Interview
1. Practice makes perfect. Make a list of potential questions you believe you will be asked at the interview. Review books at the library and bookstores for information on tips for successful interview techniques.
2. Use online search engines to find more information. Popular interview questions include: What skills do you have to offer our company? What have you achieved in your career that has made a difference? What is an experience that you found rewarding?
3. Ask someone to do a mock interview with you. Practice answering questions that you think may be asked. This will ease apprehension and boost your self-confidence. It will also give you instant feedback and allow you to think about how you will answer.
4. Do some digging. Become knowledge about the company where you are seeking employment. Conduct an informational interview to gain background information on the company before you apply for a job. Research their mission so thay you can ask intelligent questions. Researching a potential employer can also help you to determine whether you and the company will be a good fit.
5. Review your assets. Make fresh in your mind the reasons why this potential employer shoud hire you for the job. Don't be afraid to talk about prior job successes and to stress how you made a difference.
© Copyrighted by Annmarie Edwards 2008
2. Use online search engines to find more information. Popular interview questions include: What skills do you have to offer our company? What have you achieved in your career that has made a difference? What is an experience that you found rewarding?
3. Ask someone to do a mock interview with you. Practice answering questions that you think may be asked. This will ease apprehension and boost your self-confidence. It will also give you instant feedback and allow you to think about how you will answer.
4. Do some digging. Become knowledge about the company where you are seeking employment. Conduct an informational interview to gain background information on the company before you apply for a job. Research their mission so thay you can ask intelligent questions. Researching a potential employer can also help you to determine whether you and the company will be a good fit.
5. Review your assets. Make fresh in your mind the reasons why this potential employer shoud hire you for the job. Don't be afraid to talk about prior job successes and to stress how you made a difference.
© Copyrighted by Annmarie Edwards 2008
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
6 Ways to Job Search
By Annmarie Edwards
Job searching the right way can land you the job you seek. Job search begins with you. Knowing what you want, coupled with doing a self assessment, network with people in the field, create a short-and-long term goal, compile a skill list and finally, make a list of your experiences are things to do to help you find the job you seek.
Here are 6 tips to job search:
1. Knowing your self is the first step to job search. You have to know what kind of person you are, what kind of setting you are looking to work in, what you have to give and what your expectation of the job you seek. Importantly, during your job search, think about what is in it for your prospective employer. Knowing yourself is crucial to job search. This is a time to get a grip of your perspective by seeing everything as a whole and not in parts.
2. Conduct a self-assessment. You can contact a career consultant to begin this process or you can research self-assessment tools that are available online. (http://workforce.assessment.com/Default.asp)
3. Define long-and short-term goals. These targets are important for forming a plan of action. Include personal and professional goals on your list.
4. Brainstorm and compile. Make a list of your experiences and achievements and include those that relate to the type of joy you are seeking. Don't be afraid to think outside the box and highlight leadership, creativity, or versatility. (Refrain from listing religious or political affiliations unless you are certain that they would enhance your chances for consideration.
5. Create a skill list. It is important to outline skills that apply to the type of job you are seeking. For example, if applying for an administrative position, your desktop publishing experience, typing speed, communication skills, and leadership roles would be important to include.
6. Network with people in your field. An active and growing professional network is critical. Tell everyone you know that your are available for hire, and ask your contacts to share any news of opportunities. Place more emphasis on hidden markets – unadvertised opportunities.
Finally, remember job search takes persistence, don’t give up, continue to job search until you find the right job. Good luck!
Copyrighted © 2008 excerpted from 50 Proven Strategies to Maximize Your Job Search by Annmarie Edwards.
Who links to me?
Job searching the right way can land you the job you seek. Job search begins with you. Knowing what you want, coupled with doing a self assessment, network with people in the field, create a short-and-long term goal, compile a skill list and finally, make a list of your experiences are things to do to help you find the job you seek.
Here are 6 tips to job search:
1. Knowing your self is the first step to job search. You have to know what kind of person you are, what kind of setting you are looking to work in, what you have to give and what your expectation of the job you seek. Importantly, during your job search, think about what is in it for your prospective employer. Knowing yourself is crucial to job search. This is a time to get a grip of your perspective by seeing everything as a whole and not in parts.
2. Conduct a self-assessment. You can contact a career consultant to begin this process or you can research self-assessment tools that are available online. (http://workforce.assessment.com/Default.asp)
3. Define long-and short-term goals. These targets are important for forming a plan of action. Include personal and professional goals on your list.
4. Brainstorm and compile. Make a list of your experiences and achievements and include those that relate to the type of joy you are seeking. Don't be afraid to think outside the box and highlight leadership, creativity, or versatility. (Refrain from listing religious or political affiliations unless you are certain that they would enhance your chances for consideration.
5. Create a skill list. It is important to outline skills that apply to the type of job you are seeking. For example, if applying for an administrative position, your desktop publishing experience, typing speed, communication skills, and leadership roles would be important to include.
6. Network with people in your field. An active and growing professional network is critical. Tell everyone you know that your are available for hire, and ask your contacts to share any news of opportunities. Place more emphasis on hidden markets – unadvertised opportunities.
Finally, remember job search takes persistence, don’t give up, continue to job search until you find the right job. Good luck!
Copyrighted © 2008 excerpted from 50 Proven Strategies to Maximize Your Job Search by Annmarie Edwards.
Who links to me?
Thursday, May 1, 2008
How to create a dream map
6 Steps to Create a Dream Map
1. Think of what you want to create first before you begin.
2. Get a notebook and look for pictures that represent your dreams.
3. Cut the pictures out of magazines or newspapers and arrange them in your notebook.
4. Give each picture a heading. For example, career, vacation, opportunity, investment, house, community involvement etc.
5. Set goals on the time you want to achieve these things.
6. Go to a new page and label it gratitude. Begin to think of the things you want to acquire and write all the emotions that are related to them. For example, career, the emotion could be thankfulness. You could write I am thankful for my new job that is coming to me. I see myself advancing in my new job. I have a new burst of energy and I am happy and well. Put all your emotions in this exercise and see what happens.
Affirmation helps to set the tone when doing a visualization exercise. Always affirm positive things. Keep in the positive zone by listening to upbeat music and affirm your belief on a daily basis. It is always a good idea to begin your day with a positive affirmation. For example, my favorite one is "I am creating and living my dream. I am in tune with my purpose." Stay tuned for more affirmation.
About the author
Helping the downtrodden, worldwide, gain the ability to fend for themselves is an all-consuming passion of Mrs. Laughing Pants’ creator and alter ego, Annmarie Edwards, now a resident of
http://mrslaughingpants.typepad.com/mrs_laughingpantsnewsstor/
© 2007 Mrs. Laughing Pants All Rights Reserved
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