Tag Archives: college majors

career colleges, careers, college majors

Why Should You Care About Your Student’s Earning Potential After College?

earning potential

Inflation, rising gas prices, and higher property taxes are placing burdens on American families. Those of you who are looking at an upcoming college bill are concerned about how to get the most for your money with the best return on your investment and the best earning potential.

The college education is a major purchase for families and as tuition rises, more and more students are vying for financial aid. It stands to reason that parents want to make sure their student is getting a degree in a field that will support them after graduation.

Payscale’s College Salary Report can help you and your student when you are researching colleges. The report is based on a comprehensive database. In 2022, their rankings come from the alumni salary data of 3.5 million respondents, representing more than 4,000 colleges and universities across the U.S. 

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careers, college guidance, college majors, college planning

Creating a Career Plan

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career

When you are trying to get your child into college, getting a place seems like the be-all and end-all. However, the bigger picture is that college, while a formative time in a young person’s life, is a stepping stone to securing a role in their desired career field. Indeed, your child will still need support with this as they navigate their way through college. Read on to find out how you can help. 

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college majors, college planning, parenting

The Dreaded U-Turn: What Happens When Your Student Decides to Change Their Major

changes paths

It’s something that we hear so much, that we need to “follow our dreams.” But as parents, we may have fought hard for our children to get scholarships and have started on their college journey, but if they have turned to a different path, this could be a big shock to us. If they choose to change their major it could shock you.

But this may warrant a more important discussion. Do we encourage our children to follow their passions when they’ve worked so hard towards one path in college and suddenly changes paths? 

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college majors

Should Your Student Major in History?

historyWhen choosing a college major it’s important to understand its worth and value after graduation. What exactly does a career with a history degree look like and what are the advantages?

1. A history degree has many job options

It could be archiving items in a museum, becoming a human resources officer or even an information officer–there are plenty of job options that stem from a history degree.

2. Your skills are transferable

One of the big advantages of studying history is that many of your skills can easily be transferred to a different discipline. For instance, your analytical skills are invaluable for many different jobs, your ability to prioritize tasks can also come in handy, and decision-making skills are a much-needed trait among all industries.

3. History lessons teach you to be independent

Since history degrees mainly rely on self-study and research, it helps you develop a sense of independence that can help you grow more independent. It requires a lot of hard work and mostly involves reading and analytical work which can improve your independence and self-sufficiency.

4. Studying history allows you to learn from the past

Whether it’s learning from past mistakes or drawing inspiration from old American propaganda (which we’ve included an infographic about below) there are countless ways to take hints from things that have happened in the past.

 


Design from: Norwich University

career colleges, careers

4 Questions to Ask Your Child Before They Decide to Study Medicine

 

study medicine

There is many a student out there with grand ideas of entering the medical profession, with all the prestige, salary, and pride that goes along with doing a job connected with helping others. However, while you’ll understandably be excited that your child is showing an interest to study medicine and join such a worthwhile profession, it’s important to remember that the cost of putting a child through medical school is expensive. As such you’ll need to make sure your child is fully determined to see the course through if you’re going to part with your cash. Below, we take a look at five questions you should be asking your child before they decide to study medicine; it might make them think twice, or give you all the encouragement you need to fund their education.

1. Why?

It’s easy to fall for the image of being a doctor or other medical professional, but the image and the reality are worlds apart. Your child might have a solid understanding of what is driving them towards the medical industry, but you won’t know until you’ve asked them. If they’re especially interested in helping people, understanding how the body works, and working hard, then it might be the right career choice for them. If they have only a vague desire, then try to draw out of them what they want to do – it might not be becoming a doctor, and you’ll be setting them on the right path.

2. Do They Know the Commitment?

Nothing worth having comes overnight, and this is true for becoming a medical professional. It requires a lot of schooling, right through from the time at college, to postgraduate studies, to getting experience in the hospitals. All in all, it’ll be well over a decade until they’re finished with their studies and bringing home a good income. Are they willing to play the long game to get their dream job?

3. Will they be Happy with the Work/Life Balance?

Working in the medical industry isn’t so much about having a job as it is adopting a lifestyle. For instance, asking “how much does a Radiologist make?” is a good question to ask, but it’s important to weigh he potential income (which is high) against the number of hours worked. The good news is that doctors do tend to get more free time as they get more experienced, but the early years can be particularly draining.

4. What Branch of Medicine?

Obviously, the medical field is massive, and as such there are many jobs that a person going down the medical route could end up doing. They could become a surgeon, general hospital doctor, a cardiologist, radiologist, or a whole host of other options. It’s not so important that they pick which discipline they’re most interested in before they start, but it’s good to keep an eye on which jobs will be safe for the future; doctors will always be in demand, but some surgeons might see their procedures automated.

If they can answer all these confidently and positively, then you might have a future doctor on your hands!

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.

career colleges, college majors

Is Your Student Interested in a Career in Communicative Disorders?

 

communicative disordersCommunication is an important part of a person’s daily life. While there are many ways people communicate with each other, verbal communication is the most prevalent means of conveying needs and wants. For people with communicative disorders such as speech problems and hearing loss, giving and receiving basic information can be a challenge. These individuals need the assistance of trained professionals to provide them with tools and resources to help them navigate their daily lives as easily as possible.

A career in the communicative field can be incredibly rewarding. If you’re considering this career path, here are a few examples of jobs you can apply a communicative disorders degree towards.

Speech Pathology

A speech therapist, also called a speech-language pathologist, diagnoses, treats, and works toward preventing communicative disorders. These disorders may or may not be related to the following factors:

  • Cognitive communication
  • Fluency
  • Swallowing
  • Language
  • Speech

As a speech-language pathologist (SLP), you may work with individuals who cannot produce sounds or do not produce sounds in a clear manner. Examples of voice disorders include stuttering, inappropriate pitch, and rhythm difficulties.

Many different organizations hire speech therapists such as schools, private businesses, and therapeutic groups. Whether you work for an organization directly or have a private practice, this particular area of the communicative disorders field has plenty of opportunity for career growth. Keep in mind that a master’s degree is almost always a requirement for most positions in this field.

Deaf Education

A career working with deaf or hard-of-hearing students is rewarding on many levels. Did you know that according to the Hearing Health Foundation (HHF), 1 in 5 Americans have some hearing loss in one ear? Also, 3 out of every 1,000 children born in the United States are born hard of hearing or deaf.

Do these statistics shock you? Do they make you wonder what it is like for people who, on a daily basis, struggle to communicate with their peers and family members? If so, you may want to consider a career in deaf education. Here are just a few of the many jobs that are directly related to individuals experiencing hearing loss:

  • Sign language interpreter
  • Audiologist
  • Social worker
  • Child care worker
  • Employment counseling

As you can see, the types of jobs that appeal to people interested in deaf education are varied. Some jobs provide direct service to individuals with hearing loss while other jobs may focus on educating hearing people about the struggles that their non-hearing counterparts face. These particular jobs focus on finding solutions to make it easier for deaf or hard-of-hearing individuals to function in a hearing world.

Audiology

The audiology professional is continuously growing and has many career opportunities. One of the reasons for the increased need for professionals in this industry is the growing geriatric population. Baby boomers are entering the later stages of their lives and with this comes hearing loss that can make communication difficult.

Audiologists strive to improve the quality of life for their patients and take on many different roles. Some audiologists provide rehabilitation services while others monitor and prevent hearing loss. Places that hire audiologists include the following:

  • Private, medical practices
  • Public health services
  • Long-term care facilities
  • Rehabilitation facilities
  • Public and private schools (educational audiology)
  • Health insurance providers
  • Research facilities
  • And more!

For a successful and lucrative career in the audiology field, you’ll need to complete as many as 8 years of schooling. The field is slowly transitioning into a doctoring-level profession, which includes an additional year of internship study.

To learn more about the opportunities in the communicative field, work closely with your counselor to find an educational path that will help you fulfill your career goals.

___________________________________________

USU - Heather Jensen[5]Heather Jensen is an Audiologist and Clinical Assistant Professor for Utah state University.  She received her Doctorate of Audiology from Arizona School of Health Sciences in 2004.  She has been an adviser for the student academy of audiology organization at USU for 11 years.  Before coming to USU, she owned her own private practice, but decided she wanted to give back to the field of audiology by teaching students.  When she’s not working she spends time with her four children, she also enjoys doing hearing related humanitarian missions.

college majors, college planning, Penn College

Degrees That Work: Planning for a Career, Not Just a Job

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careerWouldn’t it be great to graduate from college with a career and not just a job? Students all over the country dream of graduating from college with a job. Penn College students graduate with a career.

During my time on campus I spoke with students from all career concentrations and the overwhelming response was, “This education is preparing me for a career, and for a career that I love.” That’s the key—students at Penn College don’t just earn a degree; they discover their true passion and learn the skills to pursue it.

There’s no better way to see the impact of this college than through the words of its students and the companies who employ them.

94% of graduates responding to a survey were employed, continuing their education, or serving in the military within one year of graduation.

“I will … not be left with what so many college graduates are left with … uncertainty about the future. All the degree programs at Penn College prepare students for having a job and take away the uncertainty.” — Matthew Stoltz, Physician Assistant

“My major was a mix of theory and lab … that’s why I came here (Penn College). The reward for completing this major is job security.” —Jorgette Grosso, Systems Application Engineer, Schneider Electric Co.

“In this field (Building Automation Technology), you can write your ticket before graduating … I couldn’t have picked a better place to go.” — Adam Yoder, Service Energy Analyst, Honeywell International

“Throughout each day I am faced with a very wide variety of troubleshooting issues. From networking and communication, to PLC programming, to component and other circuit issues, Penn College has prepared me for it all. I would not be as successful as I am today if I hadn’t made the decision to get my degree from Pennsylvania College of Technology.” –Francis “Dave” Nevill, Controls Engineer, First Quality Enterprises, Inc.

“The hands-on education from Penn College allowed me to hit the ground running from day one on the job. I was able to contribute to my company with the technical skills I’ve learned from college.”—Zachary Brook, Pennsy Corporation

“I attribute the hands-on, strong, and practical work ethic I received from Penn College as the building block to my accelerated career path.”—Sean Stabler, Business Development Engineer, Arkema, Inc.

“Industrial and technological change is inevitable and these changes require a deeper understanding of asset procurement, integration, and organizational-change management … take advantage of the diverse curriculum and extracurricular activities at Penn College to advance in industry, as well as in life.”—Robert Blauser, Manufacturing engineer leader, Harley-Davidson Motor Company

In 2013-14, more than 75 employers participated in on-campus recruiting information and interview sessions, 34 Fortune 500 companies recruited Penn College students and alumni, and 367 employers offering more than 5,200 jobs attended the Penn College Career Fairs.

“We are proud that we have added another Penn College graduate to our team.” — Roger Kipp, Vice President-Engineering, McClarin Plastics, Inc.

“Pennsylvania College of Technology has provided Synthes, USA with a valuable talent pool of manufacturing engineers, engineering technicians, and CNC machinists over the past eight years … In fact, our #1 source for manufacturing engineers over the past several years has been Penn College alumni.”—Mike Sticklin, SPHR, Human Resources Manager, Synths USA Brandywine Plant

Penn College is providing its students with more than a college education. It is preparing them for a career coupled with a unique college experience, a college with all the offerings of any four year university, and a faculty committed to giving their students a hands-on education.

Check out the other articles in the Degrees That Work series: Degrees That Work: One College’s Best Kept Secret; Degrees That Work: A Working World Within a College

career colleges, careers, college guidance, college planning, Uncategorized

Stay Employed With These College Majors

 

college majorsLook to the future and what do you see? Flying cars? Steampunk kids riding hoverboards? Downtrodden dystopias with Harrison Ford-alikes running around in long brown overcoats?

Well, while these visions of the future might never happen, one thing is certain – some jobs will be obsolete, so you have to make your education count.

It’s a tough call to make. But some jobs will always be vital, no matter what era we live in.

So here are a few future-proof college majors for you to study, whether we move into a glistening or a downbeat future.

The children are our future

Despite declining birth rates in the western world, the need to look after and understand the needs of children is greater than ever.

But that doesn’t exclusively lead you towards childcare. For high wages and the chance to work out your brainbox, try studying for a degree in child psychology. Relative to other medical fields, psychology itself is in its relative infancy, making the possibilities for unique advancement high.

Knowing the inner workings of a child’s mind will never go out of style.

Digital love

You can see the impact of the internet on businesses already. As high street stores close their doors and indie retailers struggle to stay afloat, internet giants like Amazon dominate the marketplace.

The future is now in the digital world. As the tech for the internet unfurls before us, the reality is clear – the net is going nowhere.

As such, there are now countless avenues of study for a life in the digital world. Web development, computer programming, app design, game design – the list goes on. Some colleges even offer the chance to study the cultural impact of the web on society.

Not only is the world of the web putting convenience at our fingertips – it’s giving us the jobs of the future.

Get arty

We’ve all dreamed of it in some form or another – wearing a beret on the south bank of the Seine, Paris, you pen your latest novel, pursing a cigarette between your lips and living the life of the moody artiste.

But the successful artist – be they pretentious poet, literary heavyweight, beard-stroking filmmaker or agent provocateur raconteur – is usually one in a million. Yet however precarious a career as an artist might be, it will never go out of date. While the modes of distribution might change, the need for art won’t.

A degree in fine art, illustration or any other creative subject, won’t guarantee you a job straight off the bat. However, many people learn to combine a side job with their artistic aspirations. Creation may not pay amazingly – but it’ll never age away.

academics, admissions, college costs, college majors

Payscale’s 2015 College Salary Report

 

salary reportWith college costs rising, along with student debt, it’s more important than ever for parents and students to look carefully at college ROI (return on investment) when creating the college list. Payscale recognizes the importance of choosing a college major that will be a good return on investment and has released their 2015 College Salary Report.

Following are just a few of the categories covered in the data:

Majors That Pay You Back (Associate and Bachelor’s Degrees)

When somebody tells you they are headed to a college or university, whether it’s for an associate degree, bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, MBA or PhD, the first question out of everybody’s mouth is “Where are you going to school?” In reality though, the choice of major can have a much bigger impact on your future earnings than the school you attend. PayScale ranks the top college majors by salary to help you figure out how much you can earn after graduation.

Most Recommended Majors (by alumni)

What makes graduates recommend their major to students trying to pick a major today? One look at this list of most recommended majors shows us that the majors that people rave about are the ones that allow them to easily find a job in their intended field. It’s not necessarily how much money a person makes, but the likelihood that they can find work doing what they want to do.

Best schools for particular majors (by earning potential)

Choosing a college and deciding to get a degree are big decisions, so do your homework and choose the degree and school that will set you up for the career of your dreams. PayScale’s 2015 College Salary Report ranks undergraduate and 2-year colleges by the highest earning graduates.

Common jobs for particular majors

Choosing a college and deciding to get a degree are big decisions, so do your homework and choose the degree and school that will set you up for the career of your dreams. PayScale’s 2015 College Salary Report ranks undergraduate and 2-year colleges by the highest earning graduates.

College Comparison Tool (compare up to 5 colleges side by side)

Trying to decide which college or university to attend? PayScale has alumni salary data about more than 1,000 schools. Select up to five schools and see how they compare based on earning potential and more.

Most Meaningful Majors

When it comes to choosing a career and picking a college major that will help you achieve your goals, money isn’t everything. Job meaning counts for a lot too. That’s why PayScale asks everybody who takes our survey if they feel like their job makes the world a better place. This list ranks 207 college majors by the percentage of graduates in each major who answer that question with a resounding “yes.”

Here’s an article published in Money Magazine, “Choosing a College Major by Age 16 Pays Off”, proposing that students should think about choosing a major early to avoid spending more for the college education than necessary.

A college choices isn’t all about the money, but it should certainly factor into such a large financial investment. Parents and students should do their homework, just as they would if purchasing any other big ticket item.