Category Archives: career colleges

career colleges, internships, Sponsored posts

The benefits of interning as a paralegal

 

paralegalThe paralegal profession has grown dramatically in importance to law firms since the early 1960s. In 2010 the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that there were 256,000 paralegal jobs in the economy and projected that there would be another 46,900 positions by 2020.

The path to a paralegal career requires a college education and, in many states, official certification. Many paralegal programs include a required internship prior to graduation. Other schools offer voluntary internship opportunities that earn credits towards graduation. Either way, paralegal internships are recognized as one of the most effective avenues for ultimately finding a paralegal job. As one writer on the profession noted, internships may be the “golden ticket” to launching a paralegal career.

Finding the right internship can be a challenge. The practice of law covers a wide range of focuses and the first question a student or new paralegal needs to consider is the type of law that interests them. Once a type of practice is identified, there are several steps that internship seekers should follow in their search.

Identify Connections

Networking is the most effective ways to find out about potential internships because law firms rarely advertise for these positions. Brainstorm with school advisers and people in the legal profession. Many colleges actively seek out internships or are contacted by organizations looking for interns. Understand that most internships are unpaid.

Talking to local working paralegals is another way to network. These people often know about upcoming vacancies and opportunities. Local organizations are also a good source for finding out how law firms function and the various roles within a firm.

Look for Internships in Unexpected Places

While the majority of paralegal positions and internships are found with law firms, there are other organizations with legal departments that require paralegal support. Many local, state and federal offices have legal staffs and need paralegals. Insurance firms, medical organizations, real estate firms and non-profit legal services organizations are also great places to research.

Applying for a Paralegal Internship

An internship, paid or unpaid, is a job and requires a formal application even if the internship is offered through a college program. Application packages should include a cover letter and resume prepared specifically for each internship sought. It is also important to ask college instructors for letters of reference and attach the letters to the application package.

Working as a Paralegal Intern

With an internship in hand, it is always appropriate to write a formal thank you letter to the person(s) who awarded the internship.

Successfully landing a paralegal internship is the beginning of another learning process. What students learn in college is a foundation. The actual work performed at a law firm or in a legal department is distinctly different from what is taught in school.

Once in the work environment, it is important to dress, behave and perform duties professionally – it is also an expectation. This is the new paralegal’s chance to learn the ins and outs of legal work. It is a time for asking questions, showing initiative and honing skills.

After the Internship Ends

At the conclusion of an internship, it is helpful for the intern to discuss his or her strengths and weaknesses with their superior. It is also a good time to ask for a letter of recommendation.

The interning firm may or may not offer an intern a job. Even so, write a formal letter of appreciation for the internship opportunity because it is the proper thing to do and because a position might become available later. The most important result of a successful internship is the experience that can be added to a resume.

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Author Bio

Joshua Turner is a writer who creates informative articles in relation to business. In this article, he describes a few benefits of interning as a paralegal and aim to encourage further study through Online Degrees at George Washington University.

career colleges, college guidance, Sponsored posts, Uncategorized

How baby boomers are affecting education choices

 

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baby boomersBaby boomers are people who were born in the late 1940s to 1960s and are defined so because the birth rate increased significantly during that time period. Currently, baby boomers are reaching retirement age and are facing the many ailments that elderly people face. Because of their current condition, the baby boomer generation has influenced the college degree and career choices of the current generation.

Baby boomers have influenced the current generation to receive medical degrees and go into medical professions. More elderly people are in need of healthcare or medical assistance than ever before because of the large baby boomer generation. The nursing and healthcare job market is very stable, as medical professionals are needed regardless of the state of the economy. The job security rate for these professions is currently high because of this, catching the eyes of many young college students.

Jobs in the healthcare industry generally pay very well, with nursing positions on the lower end of the spectrum and doctors at the higher end of the pay scale. This is part of the reason why these positions are so attractive to college students. Another reason is altruism.

The baby boomer generation was inspired by their hard-working, depression-era parents, who instilled realistic goals and a good work ethic, as well as stressed the need for financial and economic security, in their children. These values were then passed down onto their children, along with the encouragement to follow their dreams. Many college students today are a product of the “follow your dreams” generation, and many of their dreams include helping others. The medical industry is probably the best place where one could practice helping others. People from all economic backgrounds, ages, and needs come to hospitals, clinics, and doctor’s offices for medical help and advice, whether their need is dire or not. The notion and opportunity to help a variety of people attracts young people as well because of their interest in uniqueness and diversity.

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career colleges, college guidance, Uncategorized

Is medical school in your college-bound teen’s future?

 

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medicalFor those who have a passion for helping others recover from injuries and sickness, a career as a doctor can be one of the most fulfilling and rewarding, as well as lucrative, available.  This does not mean, however, that becoming a doctor is easy: as little as six years and as much as ten may be necessary before you can provide a single patient with care independently.  Here are some tips to get over the first hurdle: getting into medical school itself.

High School Preparation

Not many high school students may know what career they want to pursue, but for those who are interested in medicine, early preparation will help.  When in high school, spend time thinking about what universities you could get into that would best prepare you due to strong coursework and good reputations.  Ask advisers about universities that have strong medical school placement rates.  Look for scholarships to help pay your way through university, so that you spend less time worrying about paying tuition or working to support yourself.

Apply Yourself In Undergrad

A doctor needs to have many skills, but above all else they need to be very good at remembering information.  Medical school, after all, can be summarized as instructors teaching students the entire book of human anatomy and known diseases.  Thousands of different bits of knowledge need to be committed to memory, so students should begin to work on their study skills once they enter into college.  Show medical school applicant reviewers that your time in a four-year university was well spent by doing your best to succeed in courses.  Pursue a life science degree, such as biology or biochemistry, which will give you prerequisite knowledge for understanding what health and life really means, right down to the cellular level.  You do not need a 4.0, but few medical schools will take applicants that do not get better than a B average.

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career colleges, Sponsored posts

Is your student interested in an architecture major?

 

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architecture

There are a number of things most students don’t know when preparing for architecture school.  The application process can seem daunting at first glance for acceptance into most architecture departments, but there are a few tips to ensure a fairly painless completion.

1.  Start Early 

It is never too early to begin preparing for architecture school.  The application process for most Universities/Colleges can sometimes be a lengthy one.  A prospective architecture student must apply to the University/College first, and then apply to the architecture department.  Along with submitting the application to the school and department, students are required to submit a portfolio.  The portfolio can sometimes require up to 14 original pieces of work, so the earlier you start the better.  The best advice I can give is to create a timeline for application and portfolio completion dates.

 2.  Take Related Classes

While drafting and architectural design classes are definitely worth taking, students should focus more on classes that inspire creativity.  Drawing, painting, photography, woodwork, pottery, and any other art classes will be extremely beneficial to getting into architecture school.  But you don’t want to limit yourself.  If your high school or middle school offers art history classes, then definitely take them.  Take Literature (English) classes to gain inspiration.  If you can take a Physics class, definitely do so; it will help you later on.

3.  Understand the Importance of the Portfolio

The portfolio is one of the most important pieces needed to get accepted into architecture school.  It can often be the make-or-break part of the process.  If you have poorer grades than your peers, but your portfolio trumps all others, then you’ll be more likely to be selected.  Just remember, when building your portfolio, don’t fall for the same mistake that many prospective architecture students fall for.  Most architecture departments are looking for the creative capabilities of the student (shown through drawings, paintings, photography, etc.).  Many students turn in portfolios filled with CAD work or building designs.  Some CAD is alright; but a display of your creativity is better.  Remember, they do not want to see how good of an architect you already are; they will teach you that part.

4.  Know the Differences of Architecture Programs

This is probably one of the most confusing aspects of searching for a University/College.  There are three types of architecture degrees: Pre-professional, Professional, and Post-professional.  A Professional architecture degree is required by most states in order to obtain licensure to become an Architect.  Professional degrees are approved by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB).  Some Universities/Colleges offer an NAAB-approved architecture program as both a Bachelors and Masters (you only need one).  Other Universities/Colleges offer a Pre-professional degree for a Bachelors and a Professional degree for the Masters. In the case of the latter, the student must complete the Masters degree before receiving licensure as an Architect. Post-professional degrees are sometimes pursued by individuals who want to teach.

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This is a sponsored post from Luke Glasscock, the author of Get Accepted Into Architecture School and founder of My School of Architecture (informational website).  He attended the University of Oregon’s NAAB-approved Professional Architecture Program.

 

career colleges, college majors, Uncategorized

Is your student considering a career in public safety?

 

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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.

 

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career colleges, college majors, college planning

Information Technology Careers: Keeping pace with innovation

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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:

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career colleges, college guidance, college planning, community college

Is community college the right choice?

 

community collegeMany young people dream of going off to college—leaving home, living in the dorms, exploring an exciting new city, and exercising new found independence. Because of this, community college is often an over looked option.

However, in our struggling economy, going to college isn’t just a rite of passage. It’s also a strategic investment that will affect our children’s financial success and achievements for the rest of their lives. Like any other investment, parents and students are looking to minimize costs while maximizing their returns. For some, community college can be a great way to accomplish this.

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career colleges, college guidance, college majors, college planning

5 In-demand college degrees

 

college degree

Soon enough your son or daughter will be off to college so that they can pursue their dreams and professional lives. Job recruiters and college admission officers say that one of the best ways for your child to know what he or she wants to do with their life career-wise is to find out what some of the most in-demand jobs are. It just makes sense to pursue those degrees since jobs after graduation are often difficult to find; if your student has an in-demand college degree they are more likely to get hired.

Here are 5 in-demand degrees for your college kid to consider in 2013.

1. Computer Science

With the rise of digital technology, computer science is one of the most popular degrees in 2013 and will be for the foreseeable future. In fact, over 56% of students who are studying to acquire some sort of computer science degree already have jobs. The need for qualified and diligent programmers and application developers is widespread in almost every business sector. If you want to have a stable, long-term career, computer science is your answer to a satisfying professional life with job security and a potentially large income.

2. Business Administration

Business administration is another degree that is quickly becoming more and more in-demand. During 2013, business administration degrees are seeing a peak, because despite the sluggish economy, businesses need employees that see the big picture and have an overall knowledge of the business environment. Venture funded technology start-ups are popping up with open positions. Many of these companies need qualified business administrators.

3. Accounting

Because the economy is the way it is, accounting is another degree that is seeing a rapid rise in popularity. Either you start your own private accounting firm and work on people’s taxes to find ways for people to save money on their returns, or you work for a government agency to help crack our major multi-trillion dollar deficit. Wherever you end up, a strong knowledge of tax calculators will help. 

Accounting positions are always in demand because every business needs them. It’s also one of the best fields to pursue for continuing education; it’s fairly easy to obtain a bachelors of accounting for working adults.

4. Nursing

Next, nursing degrees are also hugely in-demand. However, it used to be that you could get by with a registered nursing degree or an RN, but now it is recommended that you get your BSN, or a Bachelor’s In Science and Nursing degree. It’s important that you enter an RN to BSN program. Many hospitals across the country are choosing nurses with a BSN over an RN degree. A bachelor’s degree communicates that the person has had more education and is better qualified.

5. Engineering

Lastly, engineering, will make you qualified for a host of jobs that span almost every business sector. If you get your civil engineering degree you can help plan your cities basic infrastructure, from highways to traffic lights and more. Other engineering jobs are widely available in the military, Silicone Valley, the medical field and anywhere else you can think of that needs the advanced thinking of an engineer. An engineer will also help build machines, creative devices, and devise solutions to help us live our lives more efficiently.

career colleges, college guidance, college majors, college planning, college transfer

Transferring colleges

 

transferring collegesIt can be very difficult for students to choose the school that is going to offer them the best chance for future happiness and career success. And even with the input of parents, counselors, and peers, students occasionally discover that they’ve made the wrong decision and ended up at a college that really can’t offer them the program or coursework they need to get where they want to go. Plenty of students also change their minds about what they want to do after they’ve had a chance to take a few classes and see what their dream job actually entails. Then there are issues like cost and location that may lead students to seek an education at another institution. And many students go from community college to a 4-year institution. There are any number of reasons why students might consider transferring colleges. Here are a few things to consider when helping them make the transition.

Search for acceptable alternatives

In truth, there is little difference between applying for college initially and transferring to a new school except that you’ll need to get more transcripts sent. So the first thing you and your student should do is start looking for acceptable alternatives. The nice thing is that you’ve been through the process once before so you should have a better idea of how to get started, such as by reading reviews and seeking out schools that offer the type of program your student is interested in. If the major study hasn’t changed, you may even be able to repurpose some research on schools that didn’t make the cut the first time around but came in as second- or third-place options. However, if your student is considering a new major, you’ll simply have to begin again with schools that meet the new criteria.

Determine if current credits will transfer

Of course, there may be a few snags to contend with. On the upside, your student has likely completed some credits, which means he/she should have an easier time gaining admittance to a new school. This is especially true of students entering a new institution as juniors with their general education units completed, not to mention those who have managed to earn a high GPA thus far. However, you could definitely face some problems when it comes to transferring those credits. Although most accredited institutions will accept college credit from other such schools, an apples-to-apple transfer is not always possible.

For example, students going from a semester to quarter system, or vice versa, can face problems based on the number of units granted per class. And certain courses may not have an equivalent at a new school, rendering them virtually useless. Plus, every school is bound to have different requirements concerning prerequisites for specific majors. So you should address this issue right off the bat in order to find a school that will offer your student the best opportunity to continue along an educational path rather than having to backpedal and make up units.

Take a look at financial aid

If your student is receiving financial aid via merit scholarships from their current college they will lose that money if they transfer. Transferring students rarely receive any type of merit aid. Do your research and determine whether or not the new college will provide merit aid to your student, even though they are transferring. This might be a strong case to reconsider staying at the current college and finding a way to make it work.

Whether your student is interested in Ivy League institutions like Duke or Brown, state schools like UCLA or the University of Cincinatti, or even technical colleges, transferring colleges can be a trial. But with proper planning and attention to detail you can help to ensure that your kids find that right schools for their wants and needs, even if they’re already on the collegiate path somewhere else.

career colleges, college guidance, college majors, college planning

College degrees for music enthusiasts

 

music degrees

When it comes to a particular career path that tends to get quite a bit of media attention, it would have to be the field of music—not just when it comes to famous performing artists, but also producers, arrangers, composers and so many other professions that help to keep everything (pardon the pun) right on beat.

If you consider yourself to be a music enthusiast and you would like to know what kind of college degrees are available that specifically cater to your love for the craft, we have a list of a few for you below. Depending on the kind of music career that you desire, one of these college degrees for music enthusiasts should be able to assist you with getting closer to reaching your goal.

Bachelor of Music. A four-year degree that many people who want a music education will enroll in college to get is a Bachelor of Music. One thing that attracts individuals to this degree is that there are many majors available in this department from performance and theory to music history and technology.

Bachelor of Arts. Those who would like to have a four-year degree in liberal arts with a concentration in music, may decide to go with a Bachelor of Arts. This is one that combines a series of music classes with some liberal arts courses as well. If you choose this particular option, two popular majors that are offered are music administration and music business.

Bachelor of Fine Arts. A lot of people who perform in stage plays and even go on to win Tony Awards have this particular four-year degree. Although a Bachelor of Fine Arts is quite similar to a Bachelor of Arts, the main thing that makes it unique is that the focus tends to be on music theatre. So, if you’re interested in earning a degree in how to perform on stage strictly in a theatre environment, this would be the one for you.

Bachelor of Music Education. If a musician uses a press kit template to create their press packet and they decide to list their college education, there’s another kind of degree that you might see listed. If you are someone who has a deep interest in not just music performance but you also want to be equipped with the kind of information that you will need in order to someday teach it to elementary, high school or college students, then a Bachelor of Music Education would be an ideal fit for you. As a matter of fact, many schools who are looking for teachers will require this degree in their list of qualifications. By having one, you can perform and also have the option of teaching too.

Master of Music. After you have completed your undergraduate education, if you want to get a masters, many colleges have what is known as a master of music degree. The focus in this program is many including commercial music, composition, music education, church music, pedagogy and performance. Some even graduate from that and get their doctorate in music so that they can perform or teach music on a collegiate level.

As you can see, there are many avenues to pursue of your student is a music enthusiast. Investigate all paths and follow the one that best fits your talent and future interest.