All posts by Suzanne Shaffer

careers, technology

The Pros and Cons of a Digital Career

 

digital career

With the Millennials and Generation Z becoming more and more tech-savvy, there’s no doubt that a digital career is something most young people could consider. After all, in a world where people buy, talk, and organize their appointments through the simple principle of clicking their way through the web from their smartphone, now is the best possible time to embrace a digital career – or to study towards one. However, before encouraging your kids down to the path of digital technology, it’s probably a good idea to consider the advantages and inconveniences of studying for a digital career. Given the current costs of studies – including tuition fees and the cost of living – it’s important that you know whether this is the right decision for your child.

#1. Digital careers are trendy

With most things living in the digital sphere nowadays, you don’t need to think for long to understand how trendy digital careers are. While some digital careers seem to have fallen into oblivion, there are still career paths that continue to thrive despite the constant changes in the digital technology. For instance, careers that relate to security, and especially the analysis of potential risks and identification of targets for hackers, are a staple of the digital industry. As long as the information exists online, there will be cybercriminals. Additionally, careers in data management continue to attract newcomers, because it’s a never-ending path. Indeed. With the growth of the Internet of Things, companies collect more and more data, which needs to be interpreted and organized in a meaningful way for business intelligence processes. Data is only valuable if it can be read and understood for future decisions. Additionally, careers that specialize in the design of technology, either from a product’s perspective or in the nano branch will impact on the evolution of our economy and health system in future years.

#2. High-end skills are expensive

However high the demand is for specific digital skills, it seems that the study costs are following the same pattern. In fact, it’s not uncommon for students to struggle with credit debts as they try to manage their tuition fees, the cost of living and the cost of studies equipment. As repair.credit notes, the most effective way to tackle your finances is to accept the debt and consider debt consolidation to manage repayments. So debt is unavoidable unless you come from a wealthy family. But, according to springboard.com a digital career such as digital analyst can be extremely lucrative so that it can help to repay your student debts faster. With an average entry-level salary of $50,000 to $75,000, data analysts are paid well above the median household salary in the U.S. The same argument applies to a variety of technical digital careers, excluding digital marketing.

#3. Digital technology moves faster than studies

Unfortunately, digital technology moves extremely fast, so that it’s likely that your digital degree may be outdated by the time you come out of university. In 28% of graduates feel that their digital study courses were outdated and didn’t prepare them adequately to the expectations of the modern world. Across the world, similar complaints can be heard in the USA, in Europe and Asia. In fact, while studying digital technology opens the path to an exciting career, it is pointless without proper work experience.

In a word, a digital career offers the promise of high-paid jobs, but it comes at the risk of encountering debts and coming across outdated knowledge. Tread carefully on the digital path!

careers

Is Nursing Right for Your Student?

 

nursing

One of the most important things that everyone should do before choosing a career is to look into their chosen field in great detail. This should include the bad and the downright ugly bits as well as just the good stuff. Why? Well, it’s because only by knowing the challenges you will come up against will students be able to determine whether it is truly something that they want to dedicate their life to, or whether their talents are better used elsewhere. With this in mind get your students to check out all three parts of this post introducing nursing,  to see whether it is a good match for them.

The Good

Helping people

Of course, at the top of many students’ lists is finding a career that enables them to help others. Nursing is great for this because not only do they get to provide physical care and aid with people recovery, there is also the aspect of bedside manner. The emotional care that can help people feel better when they are in difficult situations. In fact, this element is often cited as a reason why people chose nursing over being a doctor because they have more one to one time with patients to be able to establish this.

Doing an essential job

Nursing is also a great role, for those that are concerned with doing a job that is essential to society. Nurses are vital and will remain so. Meaning anyone studying in this area can be confident in the fact that they will be doing a useful and meaningful role once they are qualified.

Specialisms

Another appealing facet of going into nursing is that their air many areas that individual can specialize in. From things like wound care, gerontology, and intensive care work, to outpatient rehabilitation and new baby checks. It’s likely that there will be something in this field that is the perfect match for most students.

Flexible training life long learning

Nursing is also a profession where you are expected to never give up learning. Always being on the ball with new research in your area as well as being able to do additional training to help you move up the career ladder. In fact, you can even do an Online RN to BSN Degree now. Meaning that you can continue working in your RN position and study for your BSc in a flexible way. Something that can save on cost, and also is much more convenient as you can work on your assignments at home around your shifts.

Lots of jobs

Something else that is most definitely in favor of choosing a nursing career is that it’s a role where there is nearly always a demand for employees. This is great news for students going into the profession because they can be fairly sure that they will have job security. Something that is very important to many, especially when they have bills to pay and a family to support.

Can travel the world

Lastly, in the good section, it’s worth mentioning that nursing is one of those careers that provide you with the opportunity of traveling while you work. This is because nurses are often categorized as essential workers. Meaning that getting a temporary work VISA in another country, and well as emigrating permanently is often a lot easier than it would be if you have another profession.

The Bad

Shift work

Of course, nursing isn’t all roses, and there are some things that student need to know about this profession before they take the leap. In particular, that shift work that can be at night as well as in the day can be a challenge for many. Either because it can mess with their own sleep routine, or it can create problems with relationships and even childcare.

On feet all the time

Nursing is also one of those professions where it’s all go a lot of the time. That means nurses are often always on their feet, with little chance for breaks or rests in between tasks. This can be incredibly exhausting, especially when done over a long period of time. As the body never gets to rest and rejuvenate probably. This can lead to issues with things like plantar fasciitis, back pain, and strains that can be painful, and impede a nurse’s ability to work.

Understaffed and low budgets

Lastly, in the bad section, it is worth noting that depending on the area you work in as a nurse you may come up against issues such as there not being enough staff for the work that there is. This is often a budgetary issue and is more likely in facilities that provide care for those that cannot pay for it themselves.  

Of course m if you do find yourself working in such a situation, it can be stressful as well as rewarding because you will be asked to do so much more, as there isn’t anyone else there that is qualified to do it.

The Ugly

Have to deal with the public when they are their worst

It’s also worth mentioning that while the chance to make an emotional difference in someone’s life is a vital aspect of nursing. It’s not all about mopping fevered brows and offering words of wisdom. Nurses also have to deal with the public, usually, when they are hurt, ill, or in pain. Meaning that they are not always at their best. This can be something that is truly stressful and difficult and is definitely an issue to be aware of before embarking on the profession.  

Strong constitutions

Lastly, being a nurse definitely not a career for students that are faint of  heart. As they have to deal with extreme situations, injuries, bodily fluids and even the fragility of life each and every day. This is something that can be particularly tough to get to grips with, and as nurses are really on the front line with regard to these issues, it should be something that is factored into any career decisions before they are made.

 

academics

Get the Most of College by Sampling College Courses

 

college courses

Going to a college is one the biggest decisions anyone can make in their lives, especially as a young person. College can open so many doors into careers that we couldn’t get otherwise, even if it takes time. If your teen is having trouble finding their way into the major program, but absolutely don’t want to miss out on the university experience, help them consider some of the options below as secure routes that will keep them interested.

Take a Physics Course

If a young person is academically minded and likes the thought of maths or statistics, considering a career in the sciences is probably the best route for them. STEM courses are extremely popular and always looking to take on new applicants, but looking a little further afield to topics on developing new technologies and studying the universe will always have something more to give. It’s also a slightly underdeveloped field in comparison, and you know you’ll be among the cleverest people in the room.

A lot of people are turned away from the sciences at a young age due to their difficulty and the concept of being challenged isn’t considered right for some, particularly affecting young woman. Learn about the natural world around you and how it works in the most in depth way possible? It’s a win win notion when it comes to a physics course as whilst it can be challenging, it’ll set you up for life.

Jobs that take physics degrees and expertise are some of those lucky ones that don’t get hit by the recession. The world is always going to need scientists and engineers to fix its problems, so you’re guaranteed a position that’ll keep on paying. Physics is also incredibly important in medical.

Take a Philosophy Course

Philosophy isn’t just for old fogies, outdated ideas, and cigar smokers. Philosophy contains some of the most interesting concepts known to man. The research opportunities alone are endless, and having a PhD in philosophy looks incredible on a resume. You’ll come across as a thinker and problem solver due to the general belief of philosophy alone: that you can take complex issues and solve them in simple ways.

Philosophy is a science into thinking, and if you’re the type of person to get lost in thought a lot, you might as well get paid to do it. You can also learn to spot common mistakes con men make in their sales, and have a better basis on telling when people are lying. It can also answer your religious questions and help you find faith or put the whole thing aside entirely.

Philosophy is also a gateway into politics. It allows you to better understand party stances and what a leftist or rightist leaning means. You can even prepare yourself against the common mind tricks used on the voting population by governments since time immemorial!  

Take a Law Course

Out of the other options on this list, taking a law course can come in the biggest of forms due to its sheer versatility. For those of you with a social conscience, it will be one of the best decisions you could make if you love the idea of justice and bringing it into people’s hands.

Additionally, if you’re interested in criminal law, and want to be able to take a practical field approach to it,  looking at posts such as What Is Required to Earn a Bachelor of Criminal Justice? can help you find the course you need. Similarly, they give you a comprehensive list of what you need to do to be considered for such a degree.

People who have a criminal justice degree, or even higher, can really reach for the stars with their education. It will help them better with learning real world skills, such as communication in both oral and written form, and how to keep healthy relationships. You’ll also learn temperance more than you would in any other course, so it’s a good suit for restless people with a thirst for knowledge!

Take A Latin Course

Learning Latin can be considered a bit of a wildcard, and it may seem like it won’t do you any good, but is always a talking point whether it’s a casual conversation or a job interview. Similarly, Latin may be thought of as a dead language by some, but learning it is very much possible. Furthermore, if you know how to read Latin, you have a surefire path to walk into the Ancient History and Classics world. A history degree is one of the most interesting and enriched study areas you can choose, and learning about ancient civilizations can teach you a lot about our own roots and society.

A lot of the most common languages in the world have their roots in Latin, so learning more about its functioning and where it came from is the next step in phonics and working on your own language. It cuts your work in half when trying to learn new languages as you’ll already know where to start with pronunciation and meaning. Plus it’s very intelligent to know how to read ancient inscriptions or tombstones when you find yourself abroad on research trips or indulgent holidays. Yes, those will still be possible with a Latin degree!

Latin also goes hand in hand with the sciences, as their terms come from Latin roots. Because of this it can be a gateway into medical degrees or further learning in medical school. By understanding the fundamentals you place yourself in the best position to succeeding in the health sector.

Sampling these courses can help you determine areas of interest and might lead you on a different career path than you had originally imagined.

careers, college majors

Is Your Student Interested in a Digital Career?

 

digital career

 

Let’s face it; the world is changing at a rapid rate. One of the things this has a big impact on is jobs and the labour market. If you choose the wrong career, it could all go horribly wrong if new technologies make your redundant in a decade or so. That’s clearly not something anyone wants to go through. So, you should start looking for a digital career that has legs. That way, you won’t be left behind by the tides of change.

Security Analysts

These days, every company out there is in need of people who understand security matters. It’s a huge issue, and it’s one that is not going to go away anytime soon. When companies have money and information, they are immediately targets for hackers and cybercriminals. This is something that all companies are worried about and thinking about. As a result, security companies are more successful than ever, and security analysts are the one that are most in demand. So, this career path definitely has legs.

Data Management Specialists

Data is a big deal right now, and that’s only going to increase in the years ahead. People who can read and interpret data and make it useful to companies and organisations are increasingly in demand. And that makes data management and data analysis great things to get into if you’re looking for a career path that offers something that is a little different. Access training for Microsoft might be a good place to start if you want to understand more about data and databases. See if it’s something that interests you at all.

Product Designers

This is one career that is not going anywhere. It requires very strong digital skills, and it’s something that companies require as they look for ways to get their products notice in a competitive market. And the great thing about creative careers like this one is that they are not going to be taken away by computers or robots in the future. That’s something that is simply not going to happen, so you won’t need to worry about it at all. Product design might be the ideal future-proof job for you.

Nanotechnology Specialists

The name might sound cool, but this career path has much more going for it than that. Many people believe it to be the future of everything from engineering to medicine. It’s a very complex field with lots of different strands. It’s thought that nanotechnology will make our lives safer, and could even be used to detect early signs of serious illnesses in the future. So, it’s a great time to start learning more about this and making it your career path of choice. Read more about it and learn what it all means before you decide whether or not it’s something you should consider getting involved with.

As you can see, there are plenty of options out there if you want a modern and digital job that is going to be in demand for a long time to come.

test prep

Improving Your Student’s SAT Reading Score: Becoming an MVP!

 

sat

Can you imagine a young James Harden, dreaming of a future NBA career, saying “I’m just going to wait until I get to college to start playing basketball”?  What about a 16-year-old Tom Brady saying “Coach, these drills aren’t important.  Besides, throwing passes in practice is boring.  I’ll throw touchdown passes when I need to in the championship game”?  It’s crazy to think that anyone becomes skilled without putting in the practice.

Yet, that’s exactly what happens every year as students start applying to colleges and taking the SAT.  They figure they will wait until the “big game” to put their skills to use, arguing that practicing those skills is boring and unnecessary.  Unfortunately, a lot of students end up on the bench as a result.

One of the most important skills that students need is critical reading.  Nearly all courses in most college majors require hours of reading each week, meaning that becoming a capable reader has the greatest impact on college and career success.  But the U.S. Department of Education reports that, in 2015, only 37% of the nation’s high school seniors were proficient in this skill.  Similarly, many students report difficulty answering critical reading questions on the SAT, a test used by colleges for admissions and scholarship consideration.  Clearly, the time to get in the game is before it starts.

In 2015, only 37% of the nation’s high school seniors were proficient in critical reading.

Becoming an MVP takes practice and time.  Becoming a skilled reader requires the same.  There are several things your student can do to improve:

Read.

Sometimes, the most obvious advice is the best.  Students get better not only at understanding what they read, but also at maintaining their focus for longer periods of time, which is a common problem.

Read hard things.

Unless a player’s little brother is Michael Jordan, he won’t become a better basketball player by always going against him on the court.  Players progress by pitting themselves against worthy opponents.  The same is true about becoming a better reader.  Help your student choose material that challenges her, whether it’s Charles Dickens or The New York Times.  She’ll begin to have a larger vocabulary and increased reading speed.

Read things that belong on the SAT.

Most of the reading done in English classrooms is literature.  Although each SAT has one passage that comes from a novel, the majority of readings are nonfiction.  Your student should read interesting articles on websites such as Scientific American and NPR to broaden his knowledge.  He’ll feel more confident about the reading selections he encounters on the test.

Putting in the practice now has the potential to pay off with more college options and financial aid.  Plan like the pros and your student can become his or her own most valuable player.Playing in as many games as they can also increases players’ chances of scoring big.  It’s expensive to take multiple SAT tests, but your student can simulate test day as many times as he likes by using UWorld’s test-preparation materials.  The online program provides practice answering questions over the kinds of reading passages found on the test.  It also lets students time their responses to determine how fast or slow to take each set of questions.

Click the ad on the right and get a FREE 30-day trial of UWorld‘s SAT prep 

 

This post is sponsored by UWorld and written by Suzanne Dilday. Suzanne is a college prep content specialist with UWorld. She was a high school English instructor for 27 years with a BA in English from Baylor University.

admissions, college planning, college prep

How to Handle College Rejections

 

 

college rejections

College preparation can be stressful. A student can have his or her future all planned out, with standardized test dates scheduled, a study plan in place, college tours planned, college applications ready to send out, etc. 

It will soon be time to send out the college applications to the student’s pick of colleges and universities. One day, when the mail arrives, the student receives a letter. Excited, she tears it open, waiting for the best news of her day — and life in general. To her dismay, the letter says she wasn’t accepted to the school of her choice. In tears, she doesn’t know how to handle the news.

Sometimes, the best laid plans do not work out. As a student, you could feel like your world is ending because you didn’t get in your dream college. As a parent, you want to help your child feel better and realize that even this situation has a reason behind it and its own silver lining.

If your student is rejected from her first choice college or any other college on her list, here are some tips to keep in mind when dealing with those college rejections.

Realize that you have other options.

One rejection letter or email is not the end of your college career before it has even begun. Make sure you apply to other schools and to other programs that suit your career aspirations. Look at the pros and cons of each. You may not have gotten into the school you wanted, but you could end up being where you need to be — somewhere that is a better fit for you. Focus on your other “yes” and “maybe” letters and aim for those universities. Realize that your self worth does not come from the college you attend (although it may seem like it right now).

Let yourself get angry — and then get over it.

Get mad for a little bit. Work through all of the stages of rejection. Don’t suppress your anger and associated depression after the anger subsides. Get it all out. Talk with friends and family. Manage your stress. If it gets to be too much, talk with a mental health professional near you or on BetterHelp. They will help you work though your college-preparation and rejection stress. Letting the feelings come to you naturally will help you get past the situation more quickly.

Don’t give up.

While it could be easier to just give up, if you have a dream school in mind, and you feel like the representatives didn’t make an adequate choice, then you have the right to appeal. While some schools do not have appeal processes, see if your school of choice does, and then go through the process. If you have received a better SAT or ACT score or submitted something in error, you could be eligible for a second review of your application. You can also decide to try again next year if you didn’t make the cut this time around. You could always transfer after you have a year at another university under your belt.

 

careers, gap year, graduation

Exploring the Options After Graduation

 

graduation

As exciting as college is for high school graduates, it’s terrifying for parents – especially when your child is the one who wants to dash across the country to another school.

For some, college is a chance to spread their wings as far and as wide as they can go. The chance to live in another state and meet entirely new people is exciting and can be life-changing, especially if you’re already from a small town. But, what if your teen isn’t sure what they want to do post-high school graduation? What if they have no idea the options available to them? What if going away to college is too daunting, too much to handle? This is the job for parents. You need to all sit down together and talk about the options ahead of them after high school and how those options can affect their choices in later life. College is an important stepping stone into an ideal career and if you harness their creativity and passion when they’re young, they’ll thank you for it later. So, what options are on the table for your teenager?

College.

Okay, so obviously the first option out of high school is going to be college. Whether that’s studying in college thousands of miles away, or doing an online MBA program at home instead, college is the first and most preferable option. Finding work without a degree can be difficult and if your teenager has specific ideas of what they want from their future, it makes sense to walk them through college application time. They don’t have to go to the opposite end of the country when there are local community colleges and the option to study online at home.

Work.

Working right out of high school is an option that some take over going directly into college with their friends. This option may be a temporary one, but they could also secure a position at the bottom of a company doing an internship with the promise of progression through the ranks. It’s not a bad option to think about, especially if your teen needs a break from studying to earn money toward tuition.

Travel.

A gap year between high school and college that is filled with places to see and things to do is a popular option among students. Some kids work their way through high school, saving every penny they make so that they can have an adventure around the world and gain some cultural experiences before they settle into their studies.

Whichever way your high-school graduate chooses to go, as a parent you must support their exploration of all the options and while you can help and guide, the decision cannot be yours. College is a time for growth, and not just for the kids.

college costs, financial planning

Preparing for the High Cost of College

 

high cost of college

It’s no secret that college is expensive, and most parents will spend their working lives post-children saving for it. Unfortunately, there are no fixed costs when it comes to college, and fees and other expenses can rise and fall in line with the economy. Knowing what to expect when it comes to college expenses will help you and your child be prepared for the high cost of college, as well as be able to budget.

The rising cost of college

The cost of college has risen in recent years, and the same applies to universities all over the world. If you Google ‘the cost of college,’ you could be in for a bit of a shock. According to Forbes, going to an elite college could cost as much as $334,000 ($68,000 a year) by 2018, with four years at a public college costing up to $28,000 a year and private colleges $59,000 a year. While college has always been expensive, you might not have been expecting costs to be this high.

Housing

Some college fees will include the cost of housing and meals that make it easier for you to work out how much you’ll be paying for the basics. On average, you could expect to pay between $8,000 and $11,000 a year for this – depending on whether you go to a public or private college. If you choose a meal plan, this means you won’t have to worry about how your child will eat for the next four years when you say goodbye and can feel happy knowing that this has already been covered.

Housing costs, of course, can vary, and if your child is paying these costs themselves, they may not necessarily want to live on campus. Off-campus housing can often be cheaper, as there is a wider choice of properties available that they could share with friends and fellow students during their time.

Books

Books are another cost that can be unexpected when your kid goes to college. Book costs will vary depending on what they choose to study, but the average is around $1,200 and up to $200 a book. This is of course if you buy all of the books brand new, which is unnecessary in most cases.Many textbooks can be accessed online, and most college libraries will carry the books you need if you can get your hands on them.

Computers

Computers and other equipment are other costs you’ll want to factor in when working out the total cost of college. While it’s likely your child already has a laptop, it may be due for an upgrade by the time they leave for college. A laptop should last the four years of college, although it might be wise to invest in some insurance as well in case of theft or accidental damage. Another idea is to lease a laptop as a way to save money and to get an upgrade after two years without spending much more than it would have cost to buy the computer outright.

Entertainment and other expenses

Entertainment is another cost that will need to be factored in and might be where you draw the line at what you’re willing to pay for as parents. There are many hidden costs of going to college, including laundry and nights out. For these expenses, your child may need to consider a part-time job, or you could set them a monthly budget for these costs. This is the part that will teach them the most about managing their own money, and if they want to enjoy a more active college lifestyle than you are willing to provide – they will need to think about how they’re going to cover those costs.

Financing college

There are many ways you can finance college. While many colleges will offer a scholarship with their acceptance, you need to be prepared for the possibility that they may not. You can find ways to fund college without a scholarship and might want to consider grants, loans and payment plans to cover it.

For many parents, funding college will come out of your income. This will mean certain sacrifices while your child is at college such as vacations, a new car or home improvements. If things get tight, you might need to seek options for a larger payday from time to time. It might be a tough four years, but it will be worth it when your child earns their college degree.

Going to college is a huge achievement for your child, and for you as parents. The cost can be worrying, but there are other parents in your situation who have survived and made it through. Once you’ve worked out how to pay for college, you can look forward to this special time in your child’s life knowing that you’ve been able to help them on their way.

academics, college prep

Back to School? Here’s What To Do!

 

back to school

The summer vacation is almost over and back to school your kids must go! But what do they need ahead of a new semester? And how can you help prepare them for a new school year? We’ve pulled together some handy tips to ensure students can make the most of what’s to come.

Follow these useful tips – and work with your son or daughter to ensure their upcoming school year is the best yet – and in no time at all you’ll witness them receive their hard-earned diploma.

Make a Date with the School Counselor

If your child hasn’t met their school counselor yet, maybe it’s about time they did. Face-to-face conversation is the way to go, as the counselor really will make your son or daughter make sense of the school year and their choices for the future.

Apply for SAT/ACT

Even if your child’s already taken a standardized test like this, there’s no harm in taking it again. Many students opt to improve their scores a second time around, bettering themselves ahead of their next academic or career step.

If your son or daughter is yet to take the tests, there’s plenty of time to register. It isn’t a requirement to submit SAT or ACT scores by any means, but it may improve your child’s chances of a better career later down the line.

Put Some Prep Time in Now

If your child is worried about their performance in a particular school subject, it can make sense to put some preparation time now – while they’re not up against it during the semester. The vacation is a perfect opportunity to dust off those books and get ahead for the new school year.

Discuss Finances

School can come with costs; from books and stationery to bus and food money – but if you have the conversation with your child now, they’ll be more than prepared when the new semester comes around. Will they need to take a job during the vacation, for example, to earn some extra funds? If so, encourage them to look for the right job, which will ensure they can get out of the house to meet new people, and save some much-needed school money.

Read!

As well as getting ahead by putting in some time to study, students can improve their knowledge by reading. Find relevant books, or even novels, and help your child create a reading list that will benefit them when they go back to school. If they’ve shown an interest in a specific subject or discipline, do some research together to find books featuring great success stories from those who’ve followed a similar path. That way, they’ll have a role model in mind when completing their studies, giving them even more reason to put the time and effort in.

Have Fun, Too!

While the summer vacation should be spent planning the new school semester, it isn’t all work and no play. A vacation is just that, after all – and your son or daughter should also find plenty of time to relax and have fun. That way, they’re more than ready to tackle whatever the new school year has to throw at them.

Consider Extra-Curricular Activities

As well as the books we mentioned earlier, there’ll be a whole host of fun and beneficial extra-curricular activities available for sign-up during the summer vacation. Are there any seminars on, for example? Or maybe there’s a useful team-building summer camp, or motivational day to consider? Anything your child can do now to get ahead will stand them in good stead later.

Did you enjoy this blog post? What are your top tips to prepare your child for their upcoming school year? We’d love to know.

campus security, college housing

Keep Your College Valuables Safe With This Genius Parent Invention

I can’t tell you how excited I am to share this great invention from the parent of a college student. Sometimes necessity becomes the mother of invention. And that’s just what happened with this student and her father.

If you are sending your child to college this fall or in the near future, this investment can save you money and heartache over the next four years by keeping your student’s college valuables safe. Read their story and get yourself a BunkTrunk today!

________________________________

When our daughter went off to college in the fall of 2015, we were excited for her and she was ready to begin the next chapter in her life. While there are many things that are “known” with respect to the college experience, there are also many “unknowns.”

It turns out, that one of the “unknowns” was the genesis of an idea that led to the start of a small business. It turned out that our daughter had a roommate that grew up not having a need to lock, or even close doors. So when she moved into my daughters dorm room there was some immediate tension.  My daughter was worried about losing her laptop or some of her expensive textbooks, because so many times she would come back to an opened or unlocked dorm room.

After trying to remedy the situation with her roommate and several calls home to express her frustration, I decided she needed a secure storage solution. Since we’re dealing with an 18 year old who’s just moved away for the first time I realized any viable solution would have the following requirements:

  • It had to be easy to use or it wouldn’t be use
  • It had to be big enough for her laptop and some of her expensive textbooks
  • It would be a bonus if she could put her purse, medication, and jewelry in it
  • It could not take any desk space or floor space, because she had none to spare
  • It could not be ugly because, lets face it, that just would not fly for a girls’ dorm room
  • It could not require screws or bolts or other types of fasteners, because the college would not allow anything but command strips for hanging, mounting, or attaching anything to college property / furniture

So, after scratching my head for a while, I realized the best option for locating a storage device was the space above her bed (she was on the top bunk) and the BunkTrunk was born.

After a few revisions, driven by our experience with early prototypes, we finalized a design (see picture below) that met all the requirements and provided additional value.

With her laptop and phone locked up while charging inside, she was feeling much better about her dorm situation. She also had room to lockup her expensive textbooks, purse, medication, jewelry and more. But, with the door to her BunkTrunk opened, it also made a great work surface.  So when she needed to study late into the night, and didn’t want to bother her roommate by studying at her desk with the light on, she could now study on her bed.

Because she was on the top bunk, she didn’t have a nightstand next to her bed and the BunkTrunk makes a pretty good nightstand.

So we went from:

  • Fall 2015 – “Dad, I have a problem” & first prototype created
  • Winter 2015 – Provisional patent filed, design finalized and website goes live
  • Spring 2016 – a new small business is started
  • Summer 2016 – Patent filed and BunkTrunks shipped to over 20 colleges

We are now in our second year and expect to ship between 200 and 300 BunkTrunks.

August 2016 marked another milestone for us, as we filed our patent with the U.S. Patent Office.

And there you have it! Necessity is indeed the mother of invention, and in our case, led to a new small business too! Who knew…

If your college student is experiencing similar frustrations, have them check out the BunkTrunk.