Tag: career

How Business-minded Students Can Get a Head Start on Their Professional Career

Network with professionals to gain valuable insights and mentorship to help you in the future.

Take college courses or read books to gain an understanding of business concepts. 

Find internships to gain hands-on experience and build strong connections in the industry.

Create a personal brand through a website, social media, and involvement in the community. 

Always be proactive about your career by looking for opportunities and seizing them.

Starting your career early can be an excellent decision, especially when you are still a student. It can help you gain valuable experience and make connections that can be crucial for your success in the future. As a business-minded student, you might be considering starting your career early, but you might not be sure where to begin. This blog post will discuss some tips that can help you get started.

1. Start networking

Networking can be an essential part of starting your career early. Attend events related to your field of interest and meet people who work in the industry. Building relationships with professionals can help you gain valuable insights and maybe even some mentorship. You can also use social media to connect with professionals in your field.

When networking, build genuine relationships rather than just asking for favors. Never forget to thank the people you meet for their time and advice. If you make a good impression, they may be willing to help you in the future.

2. Learn more about the business industry

Having a deep understanding of the business industry can help you get ahead. Consider taking courses or reading books to learn more about the industry. There are also plenty of online resources that can help you gain an understanding of business concepts.

Some people also take college courses in business to get a better grasp of the industry. Accountancy, business, and management college courses can benefit those wanting to start their careers early. They are a great way to gain updated knowledge on various business topics and gain valuable skills employers seek.

3. Find internships

Internships can be an excellent way to gain hands-on experience and learn about the industry. They can also help you build your network. Many companies offer internships, and you can also search for internships online. Keep in mind that some internships are paid, while others are not.

However, even unpaid internships can offer valuable experience and connections. Many former interns have landed great jobs in their respective fields. Just make sure to research the company before applying for an internship. You want to ensure that it is reputable and can offer you valuable experience.

4. Create a personal brand

As a business-minded student, you should think about creating a personal brand. A personal brand is how you present yourself to the world and can help you stand out from others. Here are some tips when building your brand:

a. Create a pleasing website

When creating a website, include information about your education, experience, and interests. You want to have a website that is professional and reflects your brand. It would be best to consider investing in a domain name for yourself.

b. Use social media wisely

Social media platforms can be great for your personal brand. Share posts related to your expertise, and engage with other people in the industry. Choose a few platforms that you can be active on and build relationships with other professionals.

c. Get involved in your community

Getting involved in your community can help you gain valuable experience and make connections. Consider joining professional organizations or volunteering for charity events relevant to your field of interest.

d. Develop your skills

Always keep learning and improving your skills. Take online courses to improve the skills you need for your desired job. Focus on developing transferable skills that will be useful in the future.

5. Be proactive

Being proactive is essential for a successful career. Rather than waiting for opportunities, please go out and create them yourself. Some ways to do this include attending workshops and seminars, writing blogs or articles related to your field, and reaching out to people in the industry. Always be on the lookout for new opportunities and take advantage of them.

Starting your career early can be an excellent decision that sets you on the path to success. As a business-minded student, there are many things you can do to get started, including networking, finding internships, creating a personal brand, learning new skills, and being proactive. Remember that your success is ultimately up to you, so take charge of your career and start building your future today.

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Unlocking Your Full Potential: How a Master’s Degree Can Impact Your Career

Obtaining a master’s degree can lead to increased earning potential, job security, and career stability.

Networking opportunities may expand with a master’s program, leading to mentorship opportunities and job offers.

Choosing the right program in the right academic institution is essential for maximizing success.

Creating a realistic timeline and finding a mentor are also important steps to consider.

Finally, remember to prioritize self-care throughout the entire process of earning your degree.

In today’s competitive job market, many professionals are seeking ways to stand out and advance their careers. One option that has gained considerable attention is pursuing a master’s degree. Acquiring higher education can propel you into a higher tax bracket, open doors to new opportunities, and shift your career trajectory in unexpected ways. In this blog, you will learn key ways a master’s degree can impact your career, helping you decide if this investment fits your professional aspirations. Read on to learn more.

Higher Earning Potential

One of the most tangible benefits of obtaining a master’s degree is the potential increase in earnings. According to a study by Georgetown University, holders of master’s degrees earn an average annual salary of $17,000 more than those with just a bachelor’s degree.

Over the course of a lifetime, this could equate to an additional $1 million or more in earnings. The study also highlighted that the pay gap between those with and without master’s degrees continues to widen – making this investment even more attractive for those looking to maximize their financial success.

Improved Job Security and Career Stability

Given the competitive nature of the job market, job security is more important than ever. With a master’s degree, your employment prospects and ability to maintain a stable career may significantly improve. Employers often view professionals with advanced degrees as more valuable, as they have demonstrated their commitment to their chosen field and possess a deeper understanding of the industry’s challenges and opportunities.

Furthermore, a master’s degree may open the door to careers that require advanced certification or licensure, providing a buffer against economic downturns and job market fluctuations. In some industries, such as education, healthcare, and engineering, a master’s degree isn’t just helpful in securing a stable career – it’s a necessity.

Expanded Network and Collaborative Opportunities

Another significant advantage of pursuing a master’s degree is the multitude of networking opportunities that become available to you. While attending graduate school, you’ll be surrounded by like-minded professionals who share your passion for learning and commitment to personal development. These connections can lead to valuable partnerships, mentorship opportunities, and job offers.

Additionally, many master’s programs use a cohort model, in which you progress through the course sequence alongside your classmates. This creates ample opportunities for group projects, teamwork, and collaboration, fostering a solid support system that can endure long after graduation.

Tips for Pursuing a Master’s Degree

Now that you know some of the potential benefits of a master’s degree, here are a few essential tips to keep in mind when embarking on this educational journey:

Choose the right program in the right academic institution

Many academic institutions offer a variety of programs, and not all of them are the institution’s specialty. It’s essential to research and find an institution that specializes in teaching the program you’re interested in, as this often leads to better job placement and career opportunities.

A good example of this would be OEd Post Grad’s specialty in tech-related courses. They have outstanding programs in Computer Education, Information Technology, and Computer Science. This academic institution is based in the Philippines, but they also offer courses online so you can pursue your dream even from a distance.

Or, if you’re really interested in pursuing a career in tech, you can go to the country and pursue a Master’s in IT program in the Philippines. This can really open a lot of doors for you, as the country is experiencing rapid growth in its tech sector. But of course, this is just an example – make sure to do your research and find the right program for you.

Create a realistic timeline

Graduate school can be an intensive commitment, so it’s important to set a clear timeline for completing the program. Think about how long it will take you to complete coursework, research projects, and internships, and plan accordingly.

Find a mentor

Having someone to provide guidance as you navigate the coursework can be a great asset. Seek out faculty members or alumni who have gone through the program themselves – they can offer invaluable advice to help you get the most out of your experience.

Prioritize self-care

Pursuing a master’s degree is no easy feat, so don’t forget to care for yourself. Ensure you get enough rest and engage in activities that help you relax and recharge.

A master’s degree can have an incredibly positive impact on your career. From increased earning potential to improved job security and stability, there are myriad benefits that come with advancing your education. With the steps in this blog taken into consideration, you may be able to unlock even greater success by pursuing higher learning.

What are some best hacks to switch careers?

Just saw this post on Quora. Reblogging it here in case the original post gets deleted.

Quite interesting advice, with a nice name of “monkey bar technique”.

My PhD advisor once gave me the advice to use the “monkey bar technique”.

If you have achieved success in field X, and want to move into field Y, then you really don’t want to have to go back down to the bottom again and have to work your way up. Instead, a better approach is often to use your skills in field X to get a job that allows you to build expertise in field Y.

Sometimes you might need to take several steps to get where you want, where in each step you use your current skills to get a job that allows you to build new skills. This is similar to the way a child moving across the monkey bars holds onto one bar while reaching out for the next one.

In my case, I started out with a PhD in programming language implementation, which led to a job as a research scientist at Intel where I learned about the web, which led to a job as a software engineer at Google where I learned about product design, which led to a job as a product manager at Google and then Quora.

Rob Ennals, Product Manager at Quora, Former PM at Google, Parent.
Answered Dec 24, 2015

Source: https://www.quora.com/What-are-some-best-hacks-to-switch-careers

Students about to major in Biology / Lifescience, read this first

Many countries (including Singapore) promote Biology/Lifescience as a very good major with plenty of jobs after graduation. However, students may want to read some opinions from multiple sources to get a balanced viewpoint.

According to most of the answers, it is recommended that students truly love biology to pursue it in university. Also, many answers comment that a Bachelor Degree is usually insufficient for a good job in Biology/Life Science, and even people with advanced degrees can face problems finding relevant jobs.

Quora: https://www.quora.com/I-want-to-major-in-biology-Can-I-get-a-brutally-honest-opinion-on-this-major

You asked so I will give you an honest answer. I am a 64y old career biologist. I can speak freely. I could not with a clear conscience recommend biology as a career. It might sober you up that I got tenure one month after I turned 60y old. I am not being a snob. I am a first generation graduate. I do admit I have had a long and interesting career but at the cost of no wife, no children, no family and no job security before becoming too old for such domestic things.

  • One of the answers at Quora

College Students Career Guide

Just to share a career guide, for those students about to graduate. Hope it helps!

Launch Your Career with Salesforce Award-Winning Recruitment Programs for College Students

It is never too early to start building your career, especially if you have certain goals you intend to achieve by certain landmark years. It is therefore important to look for a place where you can feel challenged to grow in your career and as an individual in a stimulating and supportive environment. Well, the good news is that Salesforce has not only one but also two programs that you can plug into to get your career moving.

Award-winning recruitment

These are not your ordinary, run-of-the-mill types of college recruitment programs. Both programs have won the Best Places to Work for Recent Grads awards three times (2011, 2012 and 2014) and the Indiana Intern.net Employer of the Year award twice (2011 and 2012). However, what are these programs that I’m harping about here?

First, you have the Catapult Rotational Program. This is a summer internship for undergraduate and graduate students. How does it work?

  • You choose a track that you would like to receive training in; whether in Business, Technology or Consulting (your college degree should give you a hint here).

  • Then you rotate among three teams for three months each where you will develop your main professional skill along with obtaining valuable experience in related departments.

  • At the end of the nine months, you will be absorbed into a full-time, permanent position in your specific department, where you will enjoy all the benefits of being a full-time employee of the ExactTarget Marketing Cloud (there’s dental too)

The other program is the Slingshot Internship program,which also runs during the summer for graduates and undergraduates who are in their sophomore, junior or senior year in college. This offers a real-world feel of what you can expect in your field of expertise.

You will have the opportunity for some hands-on work like working on the Salesforce metadata api and you will be required to complete two projects worthy of being included in your resume within the stipulated time of internship. You get the opportunity to network with the executive team and shadow an individual in your preferred career.

It’s not all work though. There are social events and philanthropic outings plus you receive a house stipend and competitive pay for all your hard work.

Not a dull moment

Regardless of the program that you choose, you have a guarantee that no two days will be the same. These programs expose you to the reality of life in your chosen career and get you more than ready for what is to come. It is very high octane and you are going to love it!

How do I get in?

Application for the programs begin in August and as you can imagine they fill in quite quickly so it is advisable to keep tabs on when the application process opens so that you can get yours in as fast as you can.

As expected, there are also certain qualifications that you have to meet and you can take a look at them on their website or through their college recruitment program FutureForce which has accounts on Twitter and Instagram.

It is an overall excellent opportunity that you should certainly look into.

Author Bio

Brennan Booth is a careers blogger in the field of technology. She is trained as a software engineer with lots of experience in the industry. To read more about Salesforce metadata api click the link.