Parents Countdown to College Coach » college majors http://www.parentscountdowntocollegecoach.com Helping parents navigate the college maze Sun, 01 Sep 2013 04:30:24 +0000 en-US hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.6 Is your student considering a career in public safety? http://www.parentscountdowntocollegecoach.com/2013/08/29/student-considering-career-public-safety/ http://www.parentscountdowntocollegecoach.com/2013/08/29/student-considering-career-public-safety/#comments Thu, 29 Aug 2013 23:00:28 +0000 admin http://www.parentscountdowntocollegecoach.com/?p=5432  

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public safety careers

Sometimes one decision, one point in time, is all it takes to save thousands of lives. By choosing a career path in public safety administration, your student could be making that fateful decision.

Their choice can change the world because the skills and knowledge they employ may save lives during emergencies, fight crime or halt terrorist plots.

A bachelor’s degree in public safety administration opens the door to a wide range of career opportunities in law enforcement, public safety and emergency preparedness and response. There is related work in local, state and federal government agencies or the military. If the idea of saving lives or working for the CIA excites you, the first step is to pursue this type of major by completing a campus based or online bachelors in Public Safety Administration. Consult a college career counselor who can help you get started.

 

Law Enforcement

Law enforcement, protect and serve the innocent from harm. The most common image that comes to mind is the valiant men and women in uniform keeping your town safe or the heroic exploits depicted on TV crime programs. In reality, a career in law enforcement can literally take your student from your house to the White House. A degree in public safety administration is the launch pad to challenge.

Completing a bachelor’s in Public Safety Administration can see them working for the CIA, NSA, Homeland Security or the Secret Service. These are just a few of the agencies looking for qualified graduates. Imagine the sense of achievement and satisfaction your student will gain knowing that their work is making the world a safer place.

Fire, Rescue and Emergency Management

Administration, planning and training is a vital component for emergency services at all levels. A degree in public safety administration gives your student the skills and training to start higher in areas of emergency response and disaster preparedness.

The firefighters, first responders and FEMA personnel working to save lives during a tornado or wild fire all work according to carefully crafted plans. All these and more need training and certification to ensure they can do their jobs well. A bachelors in Public Safety Administration provide you with the tools to do just that and more.

Career Focused Studies

Classes they will need to work with include, developing leadership, internal and intra-agency communications and management skills essential for planning and deploying effective emergency response programs. To sharpen their focus for fire or emergency response careers, many students supplement their core study courses with a minor in fire service or emergency management administration.

Students can tailor their studies to improve their options for future employment. Talk to your counselor about goals and career ambitions. He can help your student build on the degree core curriculum with coursework that focuses on the skills needed to improve their ability to get work with government agencies or public institutions like Homeland Security or FEMA.

Get started today in a career that changes lives. Take the first step by consulting an admissions counselor for on campus or online bachelors in Public Safety Administration. It might be the most important choice your student ever makes.

 

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Science students and lab coats http://www.parentscountdowntocollegecoach.com/2013/08/15/science-students-and-lab-coats/ http://www.parentscountdowntocollegecoach.com/2013/08/15/science-students-and-lab-coats/#comments Thu, 15 Aug 2013 03:00:33 +0000 admin http://www.parentscountdowntocollegecoach.com/?p=5331 science students

If you are a prospective or current college student who will be studying in the science and/or medical programs your school offers, you are most likely going to be required to purchase a lab coat.

Some Classes Which Require Lab Coats

Any science class that requires you to be in a laboratory as part of the course will generally also require you to wear a lab coat during any lab work. Biology, biochemistry, chemistry, microbiology, and physics are all classes that will likely require a lab coat, and there are other science classes which will require one as well.

Obtaining a Lab Coat

If you are attending a college or university that specializes in science and/or medical programs, you can probably purchase lab coats in the college bookstore. If they are not available on the shelf at the college bookstore, sometimes the college will order lab coats for you if you ask the person in charge at the bookstore.

Another way to obtain a lab coat for your science lab classes would be to get in contact with the students who have taken the class prior to this semester. If a previous student no longer needs his or her lab coat, you may be able to pick one up pretty inexpensively.

Lab coats for science classes are also sometimes available at uniform stores. These are the stores that sell nurses’ scrubs, chef coats and pants, aprons, special shoes, and other things of that nature. If they do not have any lab coats in stock, they may be willing to order one for you.

Finally, you can always find science lab coats online at various websites. Some websites that sell this apparel are as follows:

http://www.justlabcoats.com/school-labcoat.aspx

http://www.scrubs123.com/lab-coats.html

http://www.labcoatworld.com/lab-coats

Cost of Science Lab Coats

Depending upon where you buy your lab coat, the price can vary widely. If you are lucky enough to find one available from a former science student, you may get it for free (or next to free).

Any of the three other methods for obtaining a lab coat are going to be a bit more expensive. The school bookstore and the uniform store are both going to mark the items up to cover the overhead costs of the store. Fortunately, if you do buy from a store, you will be able to try on different sizes of the lab coat to be sure the fit is perfect. If you purchase online, there will be a slight markup, but probably not as drastic as buying from a brick-and-mortar store. However, you will most likely be charged for shipping, which could easily erase any savings you find online. Further, you will not be able to try the lab coat on prior to purchase.

The lab coats available online range in price from around $15.00 on the low end, to as much as $50.00 or more on the high end. It all depends on quality, and whether or not you want your lab coat to be embroidered with your name. Some sites offer free embroidery service, as do some stores.

One good aspect of having to purchase a lab coat for your science lab classes is that, because it is for college, you can likely deduct the expense on your tax return as a tuition expense. So, be sure to keep your receipt from any purchase.

Different Types of Lab Coats

There are many different styles available in men’s, women’s, and unisex. Lab coats come with short sleeves or long sleeves; they come short, mid-thigh, or knee-length; and they come in a variety of colors, the most popular one being white.

Be sure to check with your college or university science department adviser to find out if there are any rules regarding sleeves, length, or color of the jacket before making a final purchase for your science lab classes.

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Author Bio

Sarah Daren is a writer who creates informative articles relating to the field of health. In this article, she explains the process of attaining a lab coat and aims to encourage further study with clinical science laboratory classes.

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5 Study tools for science students http://www.parentscountdowntocollegecoach.com/2013/08/14/5-study-tools-for-science-students/ http://www.parentscountdowntocollegecoach.com/2013/08/14/5-study-tools-for-science-students/#comments Wed, 14 Aug 2013 21:32:24 +0000 admin http://www.parentscountdowntocollegecoach.com/?p=5349  

graphing calculatorStudents have a lot to worry about when they get into higher education. For many, it is the first time they are on their own and have to worry about things like laundry and cooking. Even more, they have to worry about including study time in addition to other responsibilities. This can be very overwhelming, especially for science students. However, there are a few study tools they can use to make study time effective.

Graphing Calculators

Graphing calculators are very useful in working with complicated applications in science, especially those that involve math functions like calculus and trigonometry. These calculators are devoted exclusively to these functions, so they become easy to use. Furthermore, many of these calculators store information, so it is easy to go over concepts and track progress with the information.

Apps

With the rise of mobile technology and smartphones, apps are becoming even more popular and have a variety of uses. There are even science study guides available for various forms of science including physics and biology. However, the drawback of many apps is that they come at a cost, so they may not be an option for all students who need some extra study help. Still, there may be other free apps that help students understand concepts and provide other kinds of necessary information.

Websites

There are also many websites all over the Internet that can help students with many types of science needs. Many of these sites are free for all users and they can explain concepts and theories to students who need a little extra help with their science. There are many reference sites such as Knovel and the Science and Engineering Encyclopedia for those who need help with general concepts in science.

However, it may be more useful to find sites that are more tailored to specific subjects in science. For instance, sites like Chemdex, PTable and the On-Line Encyclopedia of Chemical Terms can help those who need to brush up on chemistry. Biology students can look to sites such as Everything Bio, Biology Reference and All Experts Biology. There are even sites for other subjects including astronomy, botany, environmental sciences, genetics, geology, physics and zoology among others.

Study Groups

The importance of study groups cannot be underestimated when it comes to studying any of the sciences. Putting together a study group is a very good way to compare notes and find out what concepts and ideas are important during the class in case something is missed. It is also a good way to begin understanding the work with the help of fellow students. If the group cannot meet in person, it is possible to begin a chatroom or communicate via webcam so that it is easier for members to get together.

Study Rooms

Whether in a group or alone, it is very important to find a place that makes uninterrupted study easy. For instance, many schools have designated study rooms, but they may need to be reserved in advance. Libraries may also be a good place to study for students who need a place that is already quiet and need to accommodate more than one student.

However, there are other options when it comes to study rooms or areas. Many students are now taking their work to cafes and coffee shops, which can be good for students who are not easily distracted. This may also be a good option for those who need to get off campus. Some students are even able to study in their rooms, but they should make sure they are comfortable and able to focus, especially if there is a roommate to consider.

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Author Bio

Ryan Ayers is a writer who creates informative articles in relation to education. In this article, he offers a few study tips to science students and aims to encourage further study through Ohio University engineering online.

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Why math and science degrees are vital http://www.parentscountdowntocollegecoach.com/2013/08/14/why-math-and-science-degrees-are-vital/ http://www.parentscountdowntocollegecoach.com/2013/08/14/why-math-and-science-degrees-are-vital/#comments Wed, 14 Aug 2013 07:00:08 +0000 admin http://www.parentscountdowntocollegecoach.com/?p=5337  

math and scienceEducation, in general, is vital for the growth of any country, but as far as the US is concerned, there are two subjects in particular that require more attention namely math and science. Emphasis on these two subjects should not just be at the elementary and high school level the country needs more individuals with math and science degrees. But why exactly are these subjects so important?

Global Competitiveness

Technology in virtually every sphere of life is improving with every passing day. New and more efficient processes are being formulated and so are inventions. Obviously math and science play a major role in all these developments. Countries like China, South Korea and other emerging economies have discovered this and have consequently geared their education systems towards these two disciplines. An increasing number of their students are coming out of universities with very advanced mathematical and scientific knowledge, which they use to drive their economies. There is no doubt that the US has been lagging behind with regard to this aspect, case in point; the fact that more and more patents in the US are being issued to foreigners than to Americans. Needless to say, there is a need to lay more emphasis on math and science if the US is to remain competitive globally.

STEM

STEM refers to science, technology, engineering and mathematics. These four fields of study have played a major role in getting the United States to the top. Skills in these areas of education are necessary for any individual, who is looking to pursue a career in space technology, engineering, computer technology and the like. Despite still being somewhere up there, the US is struggling to remain relevant far as innovation in these sectors is concerned. Scholars from other parts of the world are performing much better in STEM education than those in the US. The effects of this are already being felt as graduates from those countries are injecting better ideas and finding more revolutionary solutions than their counterparts in the US.

More Jobs

There are numerous quality job opportunities in the science and technology sector. Quality here means that STEM employees earn more than most of their counterparts in other professions. It also means that there are better growth opportunities once a person secures a job. By rough estimations, it is expected that the number of employment opportunities in the STEM sector will have grown by almost 20 percent before the turn of the decade. The problem, however, is that the number of qualified individuals will not be at par. What this simply means is that supply will not be able to meet demand, and as a result, American companies may be forced to hire foreigners. This could translate to increased unemployment since a good number of graduates will be having qualifications in other fields that may not be so relevant. Obviously this does not augur well for the country.

Security

If the US continues to lag behind in STEM education, then its security will be compromised more easily. Highly qualified graduates from countries like China may not just be interested in coming up with new inventions some may be hired to infiltrate US systems and steal secrets. This is not just a future threat; it is happening now a good example being the recent military weapons systems hack by China. Such breaches could weaken the country hence making it more susceptible to attacks. To prevent such occurrences, the country needs to focus on equipping graduates with advanced STEM knowledge and skills. It is only by doing so will it be possible to come up with stronger security protocols to safeguard the country.

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Author Bio

Ryan Ayers is a writer who creates informative articles in relation to education. In this article, he explains the importance of math and science degrees and aims to encourage continued study through OU Civil Engineering College.

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ROTC in college http://www.parentscountdowntocollegecoach.com/2013/07/31/rotc-in-college/ http://www.parentscountdowntocollegecoach.com/2013/07/31/rotc-in-college/#comments Wed, 31 Jul 2013 06:01:43 +0000 admin http://www.parentscountdowntocollegecoach.com/?p=5081  

college rotcThe Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) prepares college students for a career in the military by offering them field training. Students who take ROTC classes also have to complete their college coursework like other students. Admittedly, juggling grueling ROTC field training and the demands of schoolwork can be quite challenging. However, the rewards of overcoming such challenges are enormous. For instance, with the ever-increasing cost of college education, ROTC offers students some much-needed financial assistance besides equipping them with numerous important lifelong skills. Some of the other benefits of ROTC in college include the following:

College Scholarships

Students who enroll in ROTC programs stand a chance of receiving financial aid that they can use to pay for their college tuition expenses. In some cases, the ROTC offers full scholarships that cover tuition costs, living expenses and stipends for personal expenses. In view of this, students interested in military careers who qualify for ROTC can pay for their education and avoid debt.  However, because the ROTC offers scholarships based on merit, students who receive these scholarships have to maintain excellent academic scores for the entire duration of their course.

Guarantee Promising Careers

Upon graduation, college students who are part of the ROTC program can begin their military careers as second lieutenants immediately.  Depending on the skills different graduates have, they can easily rise through the military ranking system and start enjoying the benefits of a successful military career. Additionally, even in the rare cases where ROTC members decide not to pursue careers in the military after graduation, the skills they develop while they were members of the ROTC may make it easier for them to find employment in other sectors.

Developing Valuable Skills

Military officers require a specific set of skills in order to have a successful career. These include management, discipline, leadership, teamwork, communication and time management skills. It is highly unlikely that college students can gain these skills merely by focusing on their college coursework but students who are members of the ROTC can develop these skills by undergoing ROTC field training.  By developing these valuable skills while still in college, students learn how to motivate lead by example and formulate strategic plans. The skills that students acquire through ROTC programs look good on their resumes and come in handy in their military careers upon graduation.

Invaluable Hands-On Experience

Students who are members of the ROTC get an opportunity to experience firsthand the challenges of being a professional military officer and learn the expectations they will have to meet once they become military officers after graduation. By learning how to deal with the challenges of military life early on, students can start adapting to the nature of the future career and lay a good foundation for a successful career.

Opportunity to Interact with Peers

Students who join the ROTC program learn that there is more to getting a well-rounded college education besides getting good grades and preparing for their future career. After attaining ROTC membership, students get access to a group of peers who have the same aspirations establishing a military career.  Different ROTC programs plan different social events and volunteering activities that act as the perfect meeting points for peers. By interacting with peers who have the same career goals, students can form mutually beneficial relationships that can last a lifetime.

Overall, students who attain ROTC membership enjoy the wide range of short term and long-term benefits highlighted herein. It is important to note that ROTC members do not have to spend time undergoing intense military training. In fact, most ROTC members only take one ROTC course per semester. As such, students can enjoy ROTC benefits and still find time to hang out with their friends and enjoy other fun activities that are part of the normal college experience.

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Ryan Ayers is a writer who creates informative articles in relation to education. In this article, he describes a few benefits of choosing to join ROTC in college and aims to encourage further study through Norwich University Military History Graduate Programs.

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Should your college-bound teen consider a legal career? http://www.parentscountdowntocollegecoach.com/2013/07/31/legal-career/ http://www.parentscountdowntocollegecoach.com/2013/07/31/legal-career/#comments Wed, 31 Jul 2013 05:25:03 +0000 admin http://www.parentscountdowntocollegecoach.com/?p=5062  

legal careerWith law school applicants at a 30-year low, there has never been a better time to pursue a legal career.  Some top law schools are now accepting students that they would have overlooked in the past.  This does not change the fact that tuition prices are at all-time highs, which has been a deterrent to many prospective students.  The idea that law school graduates will not be able to find a lucrative job after graduation has stopped many prospective students as well.  Statistically speaking, though, employment for lawyers is expected to grow by 11% between 2006 and 2016.

The Demand For Lawyers

The demand for lawyers will continue to rise, due to growth in population and an increase in business activity.  These factors will lead to more legal transactions, criminal cases and civil disputes; therefore, corporate lawyers, criminal lawyers and civil lawyers are all expected to rise in their level of demand.

With the advent of universal health care in the United States, the need for legal professionals specializing in health care law will rise drastically.  Another consequence of universal health care will be a demand for lawyers specializing in elderly law.  With universal health care the longevity of the United States population is expected to increase.

Continued research into alternative energy will create a demand in environmental, intellectual property and corporate law, because they will be necessary for further progress.  Other forms of technology will also be in need of experienced intellectual property and corporate lawyers.  Disputes between who developed new products and technology will always keep intellectual property lawyers in high demand.

Furthermore, the increased affordability of legal clinics will lead to middle-class clients to seek legal consultation more often.  Hence, lawyers specializing in family, civil, criminal and personal injury will be more readily sought after.

Job Prospects

Most job prospects for lawyers nowadays is concentrated in big law firms, corporations and government agencies.  Self-employed lawyers will increase, but at a fraction of salary-employed lawyers.  This is primarily due to the difficulty in establishing a reputable law office when facing competition from large, reputable law firms.  With the United States law continually growing in its complexity, larger law firms are better equipped to keep up to date with laws ever-changing landscape.

Landing a well-paid position will continue to be competitive in the years to come.  It will be helpful for graduates to maintain a relatively high GPA  as well as attending a reputable ABA credited law school in order to obtain the best job possible.

Another option for law school graduates is to seek a position in non-traditional area where legal training is a must.  This can include, business, managerial and administrative positions in real estate, insurance firms, banks, government agencies and many other types of organizations.  Opportunities in these fields will continue to rise just as much as other legal professions, so the demand for lawyers is clearly high.

Alternative Non-Salary Positions

Some law school graduates have began accepting positions at temporary staffing firms.  These firms serve to place lawyers in short-term jobs that can help build legal experience.  Lawyers in temporary staffing firms are utilized on an as-needed basis.  It is especially good for inexperienced lawyers in need of practical training, which may assist them in obtaining salary positions in the near future.

In summation, with the recent recession, it is clear why many have decided to give up the prospect of law school. But even a recession can lead to a demand in lawyers.  For those thinking about taking the plunge into a legal career, lawyers will always be needed.

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Andrew Deen is a writer that creates informative articles in relation to the field of law. In this article, he describes the importance of law degrees and aims to encourage further study with a CWSL llm degree.

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4 Reasons to consider a Human Resources degree http://www.parentscountdowntocollegecoach.com/2013/06/27/4-reasons-to-consider-a-human-resources-degree/ http://www.parentscountdowntocollegecoach.com/2013/06/27/4-reasons-to-consider-a-human-resources-degree/#comments Thu, 27 Jun 2013 06:00:54 +0000 admin http://www.parentscountdowntocollegecoach.com/?p=4834  

human resourcesWhen it comes to choosing a program or degree, it’s difficult to prioritize. The best degree is both a job trajectory that your student wants to pursue as well as a degree that employers value when hiring.   However, that combination is sometimes elusive.

One program that has seen a great deal of popularity in the last decade is human resources management.  Many colleges offer specialty certifications in HR, such as the well-known program at Stritch.edu, and your graduate to-be will have plenty of choices if they choose this to go down this path.

Why choose a career in human resources?  Here are 4 reasons for consideration:

1. Companies will always have a need for human resources.  Companies can’t run on machines alone. Although in some industries, automation is a trend, someone still has to be around to ship the products or monitor the machines. A human resources team is needed to pay those employees, manage benefits, handle staffing, etc.  Human resources teams may stay lean in tough times, but they’ll never go away; they’re just as essential as upper management in ensuring that things get done, and HR often picks up the slack where other departments don’t.

2. Human resources departments have jobs for all skill sets.  You might think that you need to be a “people person” to work in human resources, but not all HR staffers spend their time working on direct employee interaction.  HR is now a major technology user itself, for functions like payroll, promotions and review processing, and employee monitoring tools like internet censoring and time cards.  Some HR teams have entire technology teams within them.

HR also needs data entry processors, strategists, and other experts.  Don’t think of HR in typical cliches, as there are plenty of opportunities here. If your student is considering a career here, many companies are usually open to letting them talk with a human resources professional about their jobs, the pros and cons, and other career considerations. After all, career advice is another HR function!

3. Human resources degrees offer many transferable skills.  What a student learns in a human resources program can offer you valuable insights into people skills and technology skills that will serve them well in other careers, such as PR and communications, sales  and marketing.  Many HR specialists often go on to work at companies that offer HR services, such as payroll and software providers, large staffing and recruiting firms, or human resources strategic consultancies.  It is a more versatile degree than some realize.

4. A human resources degree is an excellent base for other master’s degrees.  Is your student considering a Master’s degree as a long-term goal, but you’re not sure what?  A human resources degree is actually the perfect stepping stone for that next step on the career ladder, because of how well-rounded most educational HR curriculums are.

HR graduates can go on to earn their Master’s of Business Administration, earn certifications in accounting or finance, and more.   Less popular is the Master’s of Human Resources, but it is also an option.

For more information about a career in Human Resource Management, visit the industry’s leading website, the Society for Human Resource Management.

 

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Information Technology Careers: Keeping pace with innovation http://www.parentscountdowntocollegecoach.com/2013/06/17/information-technology-careers/ http://www.parentscountdowntocollegecoach.com/2013/06/17/information-technology-careers/#comments Mon, 17 Jun 2013 18:07:01 +0000 admin http://www.parentscountdowntocollegecoach.com/?p=4796  

it careersWe check our bank account online, couple our televisions to our in-home wireless networks, instant message our coworkers, stay connected via social networks, rely on the GPS navigation in our cars, and otherwise depend on information technology for our modern lifestyle. Behind all of these daily conveniences is a team of experts keeping systems up and running, securing our private data, and innovating new IT solutions.

Top IT Careers:  2013 – 2020

Almost every business you come in contact with each day uses information technology. Well-educated IT professionals who possess computer information systems degrees are truly surrounded by a world of opportunity. In fact, 4 of the top 10 jobs for 2013, as selected by U.S. News and World Report, are in the information technology field. These fast-growing, well-paying career choices are:

Computer Systems Analyst

This profession is projected to have a 22 percent growth rate through 2020, with a median salary of $78,770 (2011). It’s an outstanding opportunity for collaborative individuals who can work with system users, information technology managers, and fellow IT experts to analyze workflow and determine how data needs to be processed. Industries with a large demand for computer systems analysts include science, healthcare, banking, finance, and oil and gas.

Database Administrator

Selected for its 31 percent growth rate and median salary of $75,910 (2011), the database administrator career path is increasingly important as more and more data is created and processed with each passing day. Highest-paying markets for database administrators include northern California and the area surrounding Trenton, New Jersey. The profession is in great demand by employers in the computer and communications equipment manufacturing and natural gas distribution industries, along with other private and public sectors.

Software Developer

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, software developers are experiencing a 30 percent growth rate in their chosen field. Median pay of $90,530 (2010) makes the career path that much more desirable. Developers are needed to create, upgrade, and customize programs and apps for an endless array of uses, from gaming to shopping to research and beyond. The greatest number of opportunities exists at companies that publish software and design computer systems. Top pay can be found in California and the Northeast.

Web Developer

Any web site, including this one, has a developer who programmed the functionality of links, videos, sound, animation and more. Projected growth for this career path is 22 percent, with a median salary of $77,990 (2011). Web developers are in demand at large corporations, government agencies, consultancy firms, health systems, e-commerce companies, and all other organizations that require a strong online presence.

Information Security Professionals are In Demand

Information security is another rapidly growing career area, as demand for degreed professionals continues to exceed the available supply. It’s an evolving IT specialty as well. There are many trends driving the growth in information security careers:

  • The huge jump in the number of companies that are now storing their data in “the cloud” versus in-house servers.
  • The movement toward BYOD – Bring Your Own Device – where employees are connecting their personal devices to the corporate network.
  • The proliferation of using mobile devices to access proprietary systems and data as employees work from anywhere in the world there is Internet access.
  • The increased awareness of cyber threats from profit-minded criminals, disgruntled employees, and “hacktivists.”

The greatest threat to information security is cybercrime. Security breaches can be targeted by device or deployed network-wide, with sophisticated efforts going unnoticed for days. Cybersecurity career opportunities are prevalent at defense companies and other large government contractors that have access to sensitive data regarding the U.S. armed forces, foreign militaries, surveillance and intelligence activities, and top secret projects.

What’s Next?

The next big trend for information technology professionals is the “Internet of things,” which is the term used to describe the interconnectivity of devices and objects to the Web. It goes beyond mobile devices and televisions to include home automation technologies, cars with dashboard apps, smart watches, wearable computers, and more. It certainly seems that the opportunities of the future are already here today!

Sources

http://money.usnews.com/money/careers/articles/2012/12/18/the-best-jobs-of-2013 http://bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/home.htm http://www.atelier.net/en/trends/articles/despite-high-demand-industry-lacks-it-security-professionals

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Author Byline:
Laura Mingo writes in the field of higher education. This article aims to offer career advice for university students in relation to IT and promotes the benefits of advanced study regarding an online master’s in CIS.

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The Benefits of a Marketing Degree http://www.parentscountdowntocollegecoach.com/2013/06/17/the-benefits-of-a-marketing-degree/ http://www.parentscountdowntocollegecoach.com/2013/06/17/the-benefits-of-a-marketing-degree/#comments Mon, 17 Jun 2013 17:36:12 +0000 admin http://www.parentscountdowntocollegecoach.com/?p=4787  

marketing degreeWhether you are in the middle of your education or you are planning what to study when the time comes, a marketing degree will give you a solid background for many different careers. The knowledge and skills that you learn when you study marketing can be applied to careers in business, advertising, sales, economics, social sciences and many other areas. You will find the study of marketing includes ideas and practical applications from several different disciplines. You will graduate well-rounded and prepared for success. If you are trying to decide between a marketing degree and something else, consider what you will gain from the marketing path.

Audience

One of the most important aspects of marketing is understanding your audience. You will not be able to successfully market anything without knowing everything you need to know about the potential customers and clients you will try to reach. Whether you are marketing a product or a service, you need to know who your buyers are. An education in marketing will help you figure this out. You will learn how to analyze demographics, read statistics and anticipate exactly who will pay attention to your marketing outreach efforts. If you go into another field such as business or politics, the skills you obtain in learning to understand your audience will also be useful.

Communication

A large part of marketing is communication skills. Writing well, speaking well and knowing the best ways to talk to diverse audiences will help you reach many more people than those who do not study marketing. A marketing degree will improve your writing skills, help you fine tune your interpersonal abilities and train you in making fast judgments on what might be the best way to communicate with specific age groups, cultures and other demographics.

Marketing Strategies

As you may have noticed, a lot more marketing is taking place online than every before. Digital marketing is explosive and extremely successful. When your education plans include a marketing degree, you will get the most up to date information on which marketing strategies are best. You will learn traditional marketing strategies that have helped companies and brands establish themselves as leaders for decades. You will also learn the tools of new marketing strategies; how to reach customers through social networking, blogging and digital advertising. This education will also be valuable to you if you choose a career path that has less to do with marketing and more to do with some other field. Staying current on technology is essential.

Networking

A large part of marketing is networking. Learning to reach out to other people is an important part of success, whether you pursue a career in marketing or something else. Perhaps you will decide to go into sales or public relations. If you do that, a marketing degree and an expertise in networking will be helpful in closing your sales and reaching out to new customers. Face to face networking includes meetings and seminars; you will learn what can be gained from joining local business groups and attending events. You can also network online and through professional organizations. Networking is important to every industry; you get trained how to do it with a marketing degree.

Deciding what to build your education around is a serious decision that takes time and sometimes, trial and error. A marketing degree is a good way to ensure you have a broad base of skills and knowledge to call upon. If you pursue a career in marketing, you will be trained and prepared. If you decide to go another way, you will still have a great toolbox filled to the brim with tools and resources that will help you succeed in any field.

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Author Bio

Ryan Ayers is a writer who creates informative articles in relation to education. In this article, he describes information learned in an MBA marketing online.

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4 Reasons to Consider a Business Degree http://www.parentscountdowntocollegecoach.com/2013/06/07/4-reasons-to-consider-a-business-degree/ http://www.parentscountdowntocollegecoach.com/2013/06/07/4-reasons-to-consider-a-business-degree/#comments Fri, 07 Jun 2013 02:02:23 +0000 admin http://www.parentscountdowntocollegecoach.com/?p=4767  

business degreeNarrowing down the best major is often difficult. Some students choose the wrong path and end up regretting their degree program. Likewise, other students choose degree programs with limited job opportunities. Choosing to enroll as a Cardinal Stritch business management student, for instance, can open the door to several career opportunities in the future. If your student is on the fence and can’t decide between a business program and another degree, here are four good reasons to pursue a business degree.

1. Better Job Security

There is no guaranteed way to avoid a job lay off. However, obtaining a business degree can provide greater job security. Education level can impact unemployment, as well as the type of education. Business is an in-demand degree, with many graduates able to find stable employment upon completion of their degree.

2. Higher Starting Salary

The average starting salary for someone with a business degree is between $40,000 and $50,000, which is slightly higher than starting salaries in other fields, such as education, fine arts and social work. What does this mean for you? A higher income upon completion of a degree program provides the opportunity to get your finances in order. There’s more disposable income to pay down student loan debt, plus there’s the opportunity to get your own place and create a financial cushion. The less money you earn, the harder this becomes.

3. More Career Opportunities

As a business management student, you’ll take a variety of courses that pertain to business. These include classes in marketing, economics, business ethics and administration. This gives you more occupational choices when you’re ready to enter the workforce; especially if you minor in communications, English, operation management, or computer science. You can apply for jobs in sales, marketing, hospitality, finance and human resources. A business degree also makes you a good candidate for a project manager position, or perhaps a management trainee program. This can lead to greater responsibilities, in which you can command a higher pay. If you’re looking to move up the corporate ladder, a business degree can point you in the right direction.

4. Skills to Start Your Own Business

Maybe your long-term goal is to start your own business. While you don’t need a business degree to be an entrepreneur and start your own company, the skills and knowledge you acquire in school can help you run a successful business. A lot goes into starting a company. And if you don’t know the ins and outs of running a business, your venture might fail.

With a business degree you will learn how to write a business plan, create effective marketing strategies, handle business finances, deal with employees, as well as management skills and business ethics.

Not sure whether a business degree at Cardinal Stritch or any other university offering this career path is right for your student? Familiarize yourself with the school and talk to counselors/professors in the business department. Understandably, this is a major decision, as there are plenty of majors to choose between. A business degree can be your ticket to an exciting career, which can give your family security and stability.

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