Are you looking for your first job after college? Getting a job after completing a college degree is the goal for every graduate. However, making yourself more employable for the job market is the key. Job hunting requires some planning to secure the right job after obtaining college degree. Although there are nearly limitless techniques and opportunities available to make your student job search after college more successful. There are some simple and easy tricks that will help you make your job search process more refined and take you to the path of finding the job you want.

1. Create Your Resume and Cover Letter

First and foremost, create your resume and cover letter and highlight any relevant skills that you have. Make sure that you resume consists of all the latest information including your college activities, your major subjects and your final GPA. Creating a solid image helps you build a good impression on potential employers. Fresh graduates are advised to put forth your image and skills in a right manner so that your resume truly reflects the skills you’ve gained on your search.

2. Build a Strong Job Network

Another important tip to make your job search easier is to build a strong job network. Networking for jobs is a critical aspect in finding a job after college that could be a great way to search new opportunities that are not advertised. Regularly update your contact list as staying connected with your job contacts after college might help you in getting a job in your desired field.

3. Diversify Your Job Search

Although a fresh college graduate might not have a strong professional network, therefore it is important to use all trusted sources of a job search. For instance, you can diversify your job search by reading newspaper and journals, using employment agencies and websites. Try to research the jobs that interest you more. The website of US Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics is a very useful source in determining desirable qualifications for entry-level candidates. In addition, you can also attend job fairs hosted by colleges, universities and even many websites also list job fairs in different locations of the United States. Job fairs are the smart options that keep you in touch with recruiters, thereby allowing you to find the job that you want.

4. Look for Internships

Consider internships or volunteer opportunities, as this can help college grads to gain valuable professional experience which is required for full-time jobs. Additionally, internships help you build connections with hiring managers and show prospective employers that you have the abilities to succeed in today’s tough job market. Most importantly, doing an internship will most likely help you get a full time job within the same company.

5. Keep the Spirit High

Job hunting can be extremely daunting, but being an aspiring candidate you must keep your spirit level high and have strong enthusiasm. You may not land your desired job quickly. It takes some time, willingness and hard work to be able to obtain your dream job. Stay positive and keep applying to a job every day. Keeping in touch with your contacts and staying productive are some great ways to ensure that your job search after college will surely produce beneficial results.

Considering the above cited smart tricks will definitely help you out in getting your desired job. Good Luck!

Author Byline:

Kelly Gibson is a professional webmaster. Her main area of interest is educational research. Check out her blog for affordable online learning options, useful articles on online education, accredited online schools, universities and much more

Civil engineering is a professional field that deals with designing, supervising and constructing roads, buildings, bridges, sewage systems, dams, airports and many other public and private work projects. If you have interest in designing, constructing and mathematics then online civil engineering degree will be the perfect choice for you. It will provide you with theoretical and practical knowledge of mathematics and physical sciences.

Besides theoretical knowledge, pursuing an online civil engineering degree helps students gain knowledge of specific analysis tool usage, design and read blueprints, alongside characteristics of the area of the work. With regards to career possibilities, grads with online civil engineering degree have lucrative career paths available to pursue. Here are listed a few of them:


     1. Civil Engineering Technician
Pursuing an online associate’s degree helps prospective engineers to gain theoretical knowledge required in conducting tests, analyzing data and estimating costs for a specific project. An online associate’s degree in engineering allows students to get into entry level career positions at construction sites, in architectural firms, government agencies and design engineering companies. Additionally, earning a bachelor’s degree in engineering from accredited online schools qualifies potential candidates for better career options in the specialization chosen.

     2. Licensed Professional Engineer
To work in the public sectors, civil engineers are required to have a professional engineer license. As a licensed professional engineer (PE), you can work in the public, residential, commercial, transportation, roadways or environmental engineering. A Licensed PE can also work for public utility firms, private companies or can work at local, state or federal levels.

     3. Structural Engineer
Earning a master’s degree in civil engineering qualifies individuals to work as a structural engineer. Being a structural engineer, you are responsible to deal with designing buildings and other large structures including designing machinery, vehicles and medical equipment. Structural engineers can work in construction companies, government agencies, public and private sectors.

     4. Environmental Engineer
It is another rewarding career options for potential college grads holding a bachelor’s or master’s degree in civil engineering. As an environmental engineer, you will assess environmental areas such as waste water management, air pollution control, recycling, waste disposal and more.

Job and Salary Outlook for Grads with Online Civil Engineering Degree
Earning an online civil engineering degree opens up various career opportunities for the prospective students. They can work in a variety of areas including private and government sectors. Civil engineers can work as an environmental engineer, structural engineer, development planner, researcher or teacher, design engineer, urban planning engineer and can supervise draftsmen and construction workers. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), career opportunities for civil engineers will grow by 24% through 2018. As far as earning potential is concerned, civil engineers may earn up to $119,320 annually.

At the end of the day, pursuing your civil engineering degree online, gives you an opportunity to gain valuable skills as well as practical experience required for almost all entry-level engineering jobs.

Author Byline:

Kelly Gibson is a professional webmaster. Her main area of interest is educational research. Check out her blog for online college brochures, useful articles on online education, accredited online schools, universities and much more.

If you want to start a rewarding career in the field of science, pursuing an online science degree might be the perfect choice. Online science degrees are available in a variety of specialty areas that provides individuals flexibility in choosing their own area of interest. Online science degree helps you gain fundamental knowledge and technical expertise needed to start a lucrative career. In fact, earning an online science degree enables you to polish your career skills and competencies while qualifying you for different career opportunities.

Online Science Degrees offers following Fields of Specialization:

• Bioinformatics
• Biology
• Genetics and Genomics
• Human Biochemistry
• Immunology
• Medicinal Botany
• Oncology
• Fire Science
• Mathematics
• Zoology
• Chemistry
• Biotechnology
• Environmental Science
• Psychology
• Aerodynamics
• Anatomy
• Archeology
• Astronomy
• Bacteriology
• Astrophysics
• Anthropology
• Biophysics

What are the Benefits of Getting Online Science Degrees?

Since online science degrees are available in a myriad of specialty areas, therefore you will have option to choose your desired degree. There are various affordable online schools that offer accredited online degrees in science; you can enroll in any of them and earn your online degree. Enrolling in an online degree in science allows you to manage your time and professional commitments, thus providing you flexibility and convenience to fulfill your career goals.

Careers Options for Students with Online Science Degrees

Enrolling in an accredited online school and getting a science degree online enables individuals to qualify for many exciting career choices in the growing field of science. You can pursue careers in different settings such as healthcare, education, environmental conservation and management and more. Grads with an online science degree may choose to become:

• Lab technician 
• Biologist 
• Researcher 
• Cellular biologist 
• Microbiologist 
• Geneticist 
• Biochemist 
• Forensic investigator 
• Agricultural consultant 
• Quality assurance officer 
• Pharmacologist 
• Industrial chemist

Earning Potential of Graduates with Online Science Degrees

Pursuing an online science degree is indeed the best choice as it improves your professional expertise and qualifies you for advanced career prospects. Moreover, it allows potential candidates to pursue better career options with good salary package, thus providing them financial stability.

All in all, earning your science degree from accredited online school will open up many career options. Online science degrees qualify students to build scientific knowledge alongside high level of technical expertise and generals skills needed in their future career. Having awareness and in depth knowledge within particular specialty area will enhance your marketability and make you more employable. 

Author Bio:

Kelly Gibson is a professional webmaster. Her main area of interest is educational research. Check out her blog for online college brochures, useful articles on online education, accredited online schools, universities and much more.

Earning the right degree program can help you pursue a new career with good earning potential. Do you want to start a fresh and rewarding career in 2012? Pursuing an online degree program could help you. The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) reports that employers plan to hire 9.5 percent more new college graduates in 2012 compared 2011. Here are listed 5 best career choices for college graduates that have a great hiring as well as earning potential in 2012 that will turn on your future.

   1. Accountant

Pursuing an accounting career could be an ideal career choice in 2012 because the field of accounting is projected to grow by 22 percent through 2018. As an accountant, you are liable to prepare taxes, evaluate budget sheets, analyze and track important financial information for individuals and businesses. Earning an online bachelor’s degree in accounting will qualify you for entry-level accountant positions. Accountants can have potential to earn approximately $68,960 annually.

   2. Medical and Health Services Manager

Pursuing a career position of medical and health services manager would be the best option for those who want a supervisory role in the growing health care field. It might be a rewarding career for you. Medical and health services managers ensure everything is running effectively and efficiently. They are responsible to plan, direct, coordinate, and supervise the delivery of health care. According to the U.S. Department of Labor the hiring growth for medical and health services managers is expected to increase 16 percent between 2008 and 2018. Earning an online master's degree in health services administration, health sciences, public health, or public administration could prepare you for a career as a medical and health services manager. Pursuing an online bachelor's degree also helps you qualify for some entry-level positions in smaller facilities and departments. According to the U.S. Department of Labor medical and health services manager can earn up to $93,670 annually.

   3. Teacher

Teaching is the best profession for those who enjoy sharing their knowledge with others and mentoring young people. As a teacher you can discover the best teaching methods to help others. You are largely responsible to design lessons plans, lecturing in class, and provide academic support to students. In addition, the job outlook for elementary school teachers is projected to increase by 16 percent between 2008 and 2018. Earning a bachelor's in education and obtaining a teaching license may qualify you for most public school teaching positions. Annual earning of elementary school teachers is around $54,330.

   4. Computer Systems Administrator

Individuals who love for computers and technology could pursue a career as a network and computer systems administrator. Earning a bachelor’s degree in a computers or information technology (IT) program from accredited online schools will make you eligible for various entry-level positions as a network and computer systems administrator. As a network and computer systems administrator you can design, install, and support computer systems. They can earn $72,200 yearly.


   5. Social Worker

Earning an online degree in psychology or sociology may qualify you for the position of social worker that would definitely give you a fresh start in 2012. As a social worker, you can help people deal with various issues including disability, disease, unemployment, relationships, substance abuse, among other things. Social workers can perform their duties in a variety of settings such as hospitals, nursing homes, schools, and courts. Social workers may earn a yearly salary of $52,270.
Considering the above mentioned career choices will surely give you a fresh start in 2012 as well as give you a great sense of career satisfaction.

Author Bio: 

Kelly Gibson is a professional webmaster. Her main area of interest is educational research. Check out her blog for online college brochures, useful articles on online education, accredited online schools, universities and much more

Individuals interested in pursuing rewarding and fast-paced careers or would like to make more money can opt for an online education. There are various rewarding and great-paying careers that can be achieved by obtaining online degree programs. Enrolling in an online degree program helps you choose an exciting career in your field. Below are listed five lucrative and fast-paced careers that can be pursued by enrolling in an accredited online degree.

1.    Registered Nurse

It is one of the fast growing careers that could be pursued by earning an online bachelor's degree in nursing, associate's degree in nursing, or a nursing diploma. Registered nurse (RN) provide medical care to patients and responsible for conducting and analyzing diagnostic tests and providing treatment and medications. Getting further education can help qualify a nurse to work in an emergency room. Registered nurses can earn Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) certification in order to qualify for the position of emergency room nurse. RNs can earn up to $67,720 annually.

2.    Meeting and Convention Planner

You can also pursue a rewarding career as a meeting and conventional planner who is responsible to perform tasks like finding guest speakers, hotels, and negotiating contracts. Earning an online bachelor’s degree in hotel and hospitality management, business and business administration, public relations, and marketing from accredited online colleges can prepare you for entry level positions. As a meeting and convention planner you can earn an annual income around $48,780.

3.    Cyber Security Worker

Opting for an online degree in computer science, software engineering and computer information systems can help you prepare for a career as a cyber security worker. As a cyber security worker, you are largely responsible for protecting data and computer systems connected to the Internet. In addition, you can also monitor computer systems and develop products that ensure and improve computer security. Cyber security worker have good earning potential and can earn up to $69,570.

4.    Court Reporter

You can also opt for a career as a court reporter by opting for an online degree program in paralegal studies that are being offered by various accredited online schools. As a court reporter you are responsible to create transcripts of legal proceedings, meetings, speeches, and other events. Court reporters require a high level of knowledge, speed and accuracy because they have to ensure the accuracy and completeness of legal transcripts. An average yearly income for court reporters is around $53,270.

5.    Executive Chef

Individuals who have a passion for cooking can enroll in an online degree in culinary arts that can be completed from a few months to two or more years. Pursuing an online degree in culinary arts prepares individuals to work as an executive chef or head cook who are responsible to determine serving sizes, develop menus, order food supplies, and run kitchen operations. As an executive chef or head cook you can earn an annual salary of $44,780.

In a nutshell, if you want to start a successful and lucrative career, choosing an online degree program might be the perfect choice that helps you successfully launch a rewarding career in today’s tough job market.

Author Bio: Kelly Gibson is a professional webmaster. Her main area of interest is educational research. Check out her blog for online college brochures, useful articles on online education, accredited online schools, universities and much more.

Online education is the most flexible and prudent way to increase your knowledge and advance in your career. In fact, earning an online degree from accredited online schools is undoubtedly a convenient option for many who have family and professional obligations and want to jump start their career. Individuals who have a love of television, video, photography, music and film and would like to pursue career in those fields can opt for a variety of online degrees.
You can choose the right online degree program that can complement your interest and career goals. Pursuing an online degree helps students to work in a variety of exciting business areas.

Online Degree Programs in Film and Television

Individuals who want to pursue job opportunities in film and TV industry can opt for online degree programs in film and television. There are many accredited online schools that offer online degree programs in film and television and teach you how to use the common professional tools used in the industry. In online film and television programs you will learn computer graphics, film history, camera technology, film production, film criticism, post production, lighting, audio, special effects, script and story development, directing, acting, and video production techniques.

Online Degree in Music & Audio Production

Earning an online degree in music production is probably the best way to pursue careers as producer, engineer, or sound technician. Individuals pursuing an online degree in a music and audio production might study sound and radio production, music theory, editing, mixing, and learn how to create sound effects for film and television. Moreover, you might learn how to use the latest audio technology, as well as learn the business aspects of the music industry.

Online Photography Degree

Individuals, who love photography and would like to make it your career but could not have enough time to go to a brick or mortar college, can also opt for an online education. There are various online schools that offer affordable online degrees in photography that can help you learn top quality photography tools and build a portfolio of work that can help start your career. In an online photography degree you can learn how to use camera equipment as well as learn lighting, color theory, history of photography, and photojournalism.

Online Graphic Design Degree

Individuals who want to pursue an exciting career in the field of graphic design can opt for an online graphic design degree. It will help you learn design principles, design fundamentals and theory, visual communication, electronic and film media, website design, printing techniques, drawing, and typography. You will also familiarize with key graphic design software such as Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign, Adobe PageMaker, and Adobe Photoshop. Indeed, earning an online degree in graphic design could prepare you for several lucrative career options.

Online Degree in Web Design

Pursuing an online web design degree can help you develop a strong foundation and design skills that allow you to create interactive content and build websites for a variety of businesses. In an online web design degree, you will learn about web page design principles, online marketing, database design and development, web technologies such as HTML, multimedia technologies, image editing, design theory, audio/video editing, digital publishing, typography, computer graphics, and color theory.
So, these are a few flexible online degree options that can easily be pursued by enrolling in an online school and help you transform your passion into a career while helping you achieve professional career development.

About the Author
Kelly Gibson is a professional webmaster. Her main area of interest is educational research. Check out her blog OnlineDegreeTalk.org – which aim to assist you in your journey towards online education.

Are you considering changing your career or feeling stuck in your current job? Don’t worry because now quick online education programs are available that prepare you to purse a new career in one or two years. By choosing the right online degree program you can reach your career goals within just a year. Indeed, it is the easiest way that complements your career aspirations and your schedule. Consider the following online degree programs that could prepare you for better careers.

1. Paralegal Certificate Program
You can opt for a paralegal certificate program if you already have a bachelor’s degree. It will prepare you for the most demanding career as paralegal in less than one year. As many certificate programs just take a few months to complete. In paralegal certificate program, you will likely study legal research and the legal application of computers. The U.S. Department of Labor expects that paralegal jobs will grow by 28 percent from 2008 to 2018. Salary of paralegals ranges from $50,080 to $75,000.

2. Certificate in Medical Assistant

Completing a certificate in medical assistant or an associate’s degree in medical assisting from an accredited online school can prepare you for pursue a career in the one of the fastest-growing industries of health. You will develop a variety of skills in as little as one to two years that help you in your new career. As a medical assistant; you'll perform transcription and insurance processing, basic laboratory tests, handle office tasks, maintain record of patient medical histories and more. Medical assistants can earn an average annual income of between $29,450 to $39,970.

3. Online Dental Assistant Certificate Program

An online dental assistant certificate program usually takes approximately one year to finish or you can also complete an associate’s degree in dental assisting in two years. An online dental assisting program will teach you about the clinical, laboratory, and administrative aspects of the position. You will likely to help dentists during procedures, sterilize equipments, process radiographs, taking vital signs, complete insurance claim forms and more. Salaries of dental assistants vary from $34,000 to $47,070 a year.

4. Online Certificate Program in Nursing

It is the best option to pursue a registered nurse (RN) career that can prepare you for rewarding career positions in just two years or less. You can earn an associate’s degree in nursing or online certificate program in nursing in few months. Individuals who already have a bachelor's degree in another field can enroll in an online Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program to earn a degree in less time. The U.S. Department of Labor projects that career opportunities will increase by 22 percent through 2018. As a nurse, you would work with patients, run diagnostic tests, and administer medications. Registered nurses can earn an average annual income ranging from $66,530 to $93,700.

5. Online Certificate in Information Technology (IT)

Earning an online certificate in information technology can take a few months to one year. It can prepare you for a variety of computer-related careers while developing your problems solving skills and professional expertise. You will learn about computer security, networking, programming, web development, database management, security administration and much more. Individuals pursuing entry level career positions in this field can earn an annual wage of $47,360.

So, these are a few quick online degrees or certificate programs that can lead you towards advanced career prospects in one year or less.

About the Author:
Kelly Gibson is a professional webmaster. Her main area of interest is educational research. Check out her blog OnlineDegreeTalk.org – which aim to assist you in your journey towards online education.

Sponsored Listing
Alternative Professor | Joseph Chikelue

Earning the right online degree program could prepare you for management career positions. As it gives you the skills and competencies required to succeed in the workplace. Pursuing the right online degree can help you highlight your drive and desire as well as provide you with the cutting-edge skills needed for job success in a global market. Here are listed a few online degrees that could help prepare you to pursue a management career position.

Master’s of Business Administration
Master’s of Business Administration (MBA) is considered as the best degree option for those thinking about business management careers. In business industry, there has always been a great demand for qualified managers who have the practical knowledge and latest skill-set to plan and manage. Pursuing a master’s of business administration degree (MBA) helps you learn how to manage and make the critical decisions that are a part of every organization. In addition, students will also familiarize with the latest business models and corporate communication techniques. Grads having a master’s degree in business administration can earn an average salary between $50,860 and $92,390.

Human Resource Management Degree
Earning a human resource management degree from an accredited online school is probably the best option for individuals who are thinking to pursuing careers in recruitment. By earning a human resource management degree individuals will learn recruiting and retention strategies, employment law, team-building exercises, diversity in the workplace, benefits and compensation, as well as work productivity. In fact, it is the right degree that helps you find management career positions.

Health Care Management Degree
Stay ahead in today’s competitive job market while pursuing a health care management degree that will provide you with management techniques. Earning a health care management degree can potentially help students develop a strong background needed to lead a department, doctor's office, hospital, or corporation. The U.S. Department of Labor expects that job prospects in health care management will grow by 16 percent through 2016. Moreover, health care managers can earn between $57,240 and $94,780.

Hospitality and Restaurant Management Degree
Several online schools offer affordable online degrees that can help you find fast track career options, a degree in hospitality and restaurant management is one of them. By earning a hospitality and restaurant management degree, you will likely learn how to interact and react positively to all kinds of people and problems, how to juggle many tasks while overseeing your employees and keeping your customers and clients happy. In addition, studying a hospitality and restaurant management degree provides you with practical skill-set required to manage a resort, restaurant, club or catering company. In fact, it prepares you for many exciting opportunities and leadership career opportunities.
Studying these degree options will prepare you for a myriad of management and leadership positions in today’s job market.

Author Bio:
Kelly Gibson is a professional webmaster. Her main area of interest is educational research. Check out her blog OnlineDegreeTalk.org – which aim to assist you in your journey towards online education.

Education and technology for always have shared a link, which became even more connecting with the advancement of information and communication technology. Learning via distance that until a decade back remain unexplored witnessed sudden resurgence on the strength of technological tools. Online education became the catchword among the generation that is considered a natural extension of the learning via distance programs. Undeniably, education technology has brought around a massive change in the learning process of the generation y students and working individuals. Education in 21st century observed a paradigm shift that moved on from the conventional classroom setting to the dominion of the virtual sphere.

Integration of technology in education in recent times laid a platform for the career-oriented individuals of today to build a niche in this age of strict competition. Since, the global corporate world is now searching for performance-oriented knowledgeable individuals, the focus of updating the skill set is crawling into the minds of the young executives wishing to secure a position in the job market. The wonderful concept of studying at your own convenience and learning at your own pace has been the major catch of education technology. It has allowed the students and the professionals on the go to dream again and turn their dream into reality with a greater approach. Distance learning on strength of technology turned a blessing for them.

Well, if all these discussions have led you to think that online education is solely designed for the working executives then, think again. Even, regular students already pursuing a course via traditional learning can consider enrolling in a career-oriented distance-learning program to gain an edge in the professional world just after completing his or her degree qualification. Education technology has helped these career-oriented students immensely offering them a platform of dreaming big about their career. If you are wary of the availability of the courses then, stay assured, online courses are available in a wide range of discipline that includes science, arts, commerce, business, technology, architecture, and many more.

Here is a quick look at some of the major highlights of education technology that has benefited the world of distance learning greatly -

• Tech-integrated learning creates a better learning environment, as it helps in maintaining a better communication with the instructor and other students independent of time and distance.
• Live conferencing and video conferencing helps in sharing information and delivering knowledge at mutual convenience of student and instructor.
• Internet technology in learning has opened doors of opportunities, as it helps recreating a traditional classroom setting over the virtual world promoting learning, as it was with better flexibility.

Education technology in delivering learning over the web has made learning flexible and accessible. Discussion boards, online chat forums, video conferencing, and e-mail are some of the tech tools that simplifies communication and information exchange. From submitting assignments, communicating with the instructor, to logging on to classes, implementation of technology in distance learning has turned education digital. You can now enjoy the convenience of accessing your online class anytime anywhere. Additionally, this has also helped the educational institute attain a global exposure in reaching students beyond all borders. All support services related to admission, counselling, and information are now available online.

Education technology in the realm of distance learning has helped institutes reach beyond the tradition set-up to offer the students with a better learning environment. In 21st century, you no longer follow the classroom; the classroom follows you whenever wherever.

You can always refer to the Wikipedia resource on Education Technology for gaining a better insight and comprehensive understanding.

Education in times of change has witnessed a massive turnaround holding hands with technological development and advancement. Distance learning that until a decade back prevailed on the postal service delivery of knowledge soon carved a space in the digital world with the dominance of Internet technology over the world and especially the learning sector. The programs of learning via distance under the influencing trend developed better flexibility, convenience, and accessibility making the courses available anytime and anywhere. Distance education under such influencing trends though maintains an easy approach require a lot of effort to sustain through the course successfully.
It requires great motivation, hard work, and commitment on your part to taste success with distance learning degree. Since, this approach to learning allows you to create and design a learning schedule according to your own pace; you must always keep in mind not to take the courses lightly. Since, distance education in recent times incorporates flexible learning; you must follow a methodical approach towards this learning bag a degree of worth and value.
Therefore, to achieve success, you must follow some tips on education keeping in mind the distance learning approach. Here is a look at some of the following tips-

• You must build a strong desire to pursue the course followed by an interest
• You must have a dedicated study area that will help you stay focused to the course
• You must maintain a organized learning schedule to achieve success through the course
• You must maintain a self-disciplined approach and be committed to complete the course
• You must possess the required computer knowledge and technical skills to assess your course
• You must participate in the learning process be responsive as and when required for the course
• You must put in extra effort to reap benefits through the course, as these are student-centered
• You must maintain a cordial relationship with your instructor and develop a friendly approach

Following these tips on education, you will be able to reap the benefits of a distance learning program and come out in flying colors.

Some people like studying alone. Others feel it’s easier to learn if they’re part of a group. A formal study group offers the opportunity to not only express your own opinions but to listen to and absorb the thoughts of others. If you’re open minded, you will realize that not everyone thinks the same way, so finding out how other people approach a problem and solve it can be beneficial to you. Starting a study group isn’t difficult, but there are some things to keep in mind. Following are a few tips on how to start a study group.

Make a Plan
The first step in starting a study group is to make a plan. Decide what you want the group to accomplish. Define your goals. This is also the time to begin finding people who you feel will not only be an asset to a study group, but individuals that you will be able to get along with. Have at least an idea of the types of subjects you’ll be discussing and whether or not there will be limitations on subject matter. You don’t want your study group to include discussions on quantum physics if all the members but one are majoring in engineering.

Rules and Regulations
No one wants to be burdened with unnecessary rules and regulations, but some structure is required or the study group could go off on any number of non-productive tangents. Fooling around should be kept to a minimum. As college students, it’s pretty much a given that a little steam needs to be blown off intermittently, but the group should act as its own regulatory authority and keep it under control. If you’re too formal, the group probably won’t be productive, but at the same time, chaos is counter-productive.

Group Size
Realistically, the optimum number of people for a study group should be limited to five or six students or less. The reason for this is that larger numbers may lead to unnecessary disruptions if more than one person wants to speak at the same time. A study group should be structured enough to remain in control of itself, but not so regulated that it becomes stifling or boring. If more than the optimum number of students wants to be included in a group, then you may want to consider breaking up into a couple of smaller groups. If you do this it may be a good idea to interchange members within those groups from time to time. It will not only prevent one group from being stronger than another, but it will allow everyone to experience the opinions of everyone else.

Diversification
Your study group need not be limited to your circle of friends. Although you know you will be able to get along with your friends, allowing others to join your study group will open you and them up to new ideas and methods of problem solving. Schools of higher education pride themselves on the diversification of their student body. Your study group could benefit from the same thing. Having people from different areas of the country, or different backgrounds, could help your study group arrive at varying methods of learning and retaining that knowledge--and you may make new friends.

Formalization
Your study group should have a defined identity. Giving the group a name will provide a distinct personality--something for the individual members to identify with. You should decide on a regular meeting place and a time that is convenient to all the members.

Meetings
At your first meeting, everyone should be asked to let the other members know what they believe their strengths and weaknesses are. If you have a couple of people that need a lot of help with math, then your group needs members that are good at math. Everyone has some areas that they’re better in than others, so the math whizzes will benefit from other people’s knowledge and skills. In subsequent meetings, it would be a good idea to let everyone take a turn as leader of the group. One person would lead a study period or subject and other people would take over for other periods or subjects. It will be the job of the leader to keep the conversation on track.
Guest post from Quinn Green. Quinn writes about accredited online degrees for OnlineDegree.net.

Safety in the workplace has become an expected aspect of most people's work. When initiatives to increase safety and well being are undertaken by a company or mandated by government agencies, the influence can often take workers by surprise. Whether one is in the construction industry and has OSHA on-site to provide enhanced work place safety (as excellently evidenced in this infographic of OSHA's historical effects on construction workplace safety), or they are working in a scientific laboratory, safe conditions are always of paramount concern to all involved.

One of the key aspects of working in a safe lab is having the proper tools, lab supplies and equipment. Without the right tools for the job, the incidence of accidents and mishaps increase dramatically. Maintaining the proper levels of supplies is equally important. Having to reach for, or leave the area of an experiment in order to retrieve additional stirrers, microscope slides, or titration supplies increases the chances that something could get nudged, knocked, spilled or otherwise disturbed enough to create an accident.

Much of the responsibility for creating and maintaining a safe working environment falls onto the shoulders of the lab workers. An on-going working understanding of how to prevent laboratory accidents is integral for the scientists success and generally considered a basic requirement by most employers.

Familiarity with conditions and equipment in the lab, as well as changes which tend to occur over time, are all important aspects that the well-informed lab worker need make an everyday priority.

There are also legal ramifications to ones actions, especially regarding lab safety. Having proper working equipment, tools and supplies, while the responsibility of the employer, needs still to be on the forefront of the worker's mind. When supplies run out or equipment is damaged or malfunctioning, the employee must make the effort to bring this to the attention of their supervisor or upper management, where appropriate.

Hazard recognition is a major aspect of working with volatile chemical compounds. As such, understanding the class of compounds required for specific research and experimentation is expected to be a part of the lab worker's repertoire.

The importance of this knowledge cannot be overstated. Understanding the potential to cause damage must be constantly considered. Then proper procedures need be chosen, applicable protective equipment and correct supplies made readily available to ensure experiments are safely performed.

In order to eliminate or reduce potential hazards, consider the following tips:

• Substituting less hazardous reagents, where possible, can greatly reduce or eliminate the chances of accidents occurring in the laboratory.
• Minimize risk by modifying the reaction scheme with additional administrative controls.
• Using the appropriate personal protective equipment should be considered standard lab safety procedure.

Other considerations often overlooked in relation to laboratory safety are cost factors. Many renewable supplies like gloves, masks disposal boxes and temporary lab coats, while important and often necessary, can increase operating costs.

Being diligent when using some of these temporary supplies is important. At the same time, the validity of the experimentation needs to be kept in mind. Balancing the number of times one uses and replaces latex gloves against the need to protect samples and processes should be considered. Where possible, continue using a supply but at the same time ensure accuracy in one's work.

Most workers have reasonable expectations to safety in their workplace. Even high-risk jobs in fields like skyscraper construction, have systems in place to ensure working conditions are conducive to safety and production.

Lab safety is both the responsibility of the professional scientist and technicians as well as the employer or educational institution. Working in the lab, the scientist must pay attention to following proper procedure as well as being cognizant when equipment or supply challenges might cause an increase in laboratory accidents.

First, congratulations on deciding to pursue this noble career. The work of a nutritionist allows people to achieve higher levels of health and well being, and in today’s rushed, highly stressed environments, good nutrition may well be just what the doctor ordered. To wit, according to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control), conditions such as heart disease, hypertension, diabetes and, of course, obesity are some of both the most common and most preventable/treatable medical issues in America today. A commonality among these diseases is the role that poor nutrition plays in them, and the role the effect of good nutrition can have. Healthy nutrition, in many cases, alleviating aforementioned conditions.

The process of actually becoming a nutritionist can be an enjoyable one. Perhaps you’ve always enjoyed cooking; something as simple as a pleasant pastime can evolve into a career that is both based on sound science and that is emotionally enriching. A service beneficial to one personally and to a population in general.

Nutritionists are basically experts in food, diet and health who help a person become healthier. Or, ideally, help to prevent various medical conditions exacerbated by poor eating habits in the first place. Nutritionists can be found in various work environments, from gyms to hospitals, and their responsibilities can include anything from a basic consultation to a detailed treatment plan.

Though you can become a nutritionist upon the completion of an accredited training program, obtaining a bachelor’s degree in the nutritional sciences is a more thorough, long term approach to your profession. In either case, classes in biology, psychology, sociology and microbiology are suggested. If completing your bachelor’s in nutrition, you will have a practicum in which you are immersed in your future profession just before graduation.

And after graduation from your college or accredited training program either one, you will be required to take a certification test to cement your credentials in the nutritional field. Once you’ve become certified you will be ready to apply your skills in the clinical setting of your choice. Though initially guided by more experienced professionals, you will soon be in practice independently, caring for patients whose health may, in fact, be dependent upon your skill set. You now have the ability to both treat and prevent, good luck to you, good health to your patients.

For many students, making an oral presentation in front of a number of other teachers and students can be somewhat of a scary task. Adding to that, the prospect of demonstrating your computer skills in front of a live audience can make the presentation an even more daunting task. However, when utilised effectively, a presentation using Microsoft PowerPoint can actually assist you by helping to put across points that may have been difficult to convey otherwise. The key is to prepare well in advance and make sure that, at the very least, you know the start of your presentation inside out as most people feel comfortable in completing a presentation when it starts off well. In any case, here are 3 ways to improve your PowerPoint presentation skills:

Create a Systematic Structure

The arrangement of your presentation is key to its success and this should be one of the first things that you look at since a presentation that flows better will be much easier for your audience to follow). Before creating your slides, break down your presentation and think about the message that you want to get across. You can then use this to create an order for your slides. In addition to this, the following can also help to make your presentation flow better:

• The first page should clearly display the title of the presentation
• The second page should briefly outline what you will be talking about
• Consider a slide with a sub heading every time a new topic is started
• Finish with a slide that summarizes your presentation

Bear in mind that you are not trying to include all of your content within your slides. Your slides should serve as a visual guide on what you intend to talk about. Avoid using complete sentences in your slides and try to make your point using short phrases or statements. You can then expand on these statements yourself during the presentation. As a general rule, you should not exceed 30-50 words per slide. Remember, you want your audience to listen to you and not have to spend all of their time reading your slides.

Use Visual Aids

A visually appealing PowerPoint presentation will keep your audience interested and shows that you have put some thought into your presentation. When done correctly, it can also help to convey your intended message to your audience. Microsoft PowerPoint 2010 has a number of built in features that allow for an interesting and aesthetically pleasing presentation to be created. Make use of these features as they will keep both your audience and your examiner interested. Rather than displaying statistical or numerical data in a text format, consider making use of charts or graphs. Not only will this improve your presentation visually but it can also help to show trends as well as allowing for two pieces of data to be compared. Carefully chosen, relevant images can help to prove a point and can even be used to create a theme within your presentation. Impress your audience with the use of the various built in themes and transitions that Microsoft PowerPoint 2010 has to offer but be careful not to overdo it as this can result in a distracted audience who are more interested in your visuals than the point you are actually trying to make.

Engage your Audience

If you are able to engage your audience by getting them involved, it will help to keep them interested in what you are saying and there is also a higher chance that they will remember what you talked about after your presentation has finished. You could make use of the built in animations within PowerPoint to create a quiz or you could start a small discussion during your presentation. Engaging your audience is one of the things that most students find difficult so if you can pull it off, this will surely get you noticed by your examiner.

Remember, this is your presentation so make it your own by injecting your creativity and flair into it. Carefully make use of the presentational aids that are built into Microsoft PowerPoint and prepare well in advance for a successful PowerPoint presentation.

Author Bio:
Rashed Khan holds an MSc in Software Engineering and regularly guest posts on technology related topics. Rashed is currently guest posting on behalf of Phoenix Software who are offering huge discounts on Software for pupils and Software for teachers within the UK.

If you're a teacher or the parent of a student having a tough time with spelling or vocabulary, Scrabble is the perfect indirect learning tool to teach all kinds of word skills. Indirect learning is any teaching method that doesn't seem like a learning experience to a student--Scrabble is a fun board game that combines crossword puzzles and traditional board game play.

Playing Scrabble is fun, and if your students have a competitive spirit, they'll really get into the ins and outs of the game without realizing they're learning something.

Science vocabulary words can be particularly tough to learn. Often made up of many different word parts, science vocabulary requires an understanding of prefixes and suffixes and often has to be learned through simple memorization.

One quick way to use Scrabble to teach vocabulary is to place certain words on the Scrabble board and have students modify those words with their Scrabble tiles to score points. For example--if you put the word "organ" on the board, students may quickly realize that they can spell lots of science vocabulary words using organ as a base. Organism, organic, organ system, etc. For multiple part words, you may want to modify the basic Scrabble rules to allow for multiple word phrases. Another example would be "root"--students could write root part, root hairs, primary root, etc.

Using your imagination, its easy to come up with ways to incorporate indirect learning into the teaching of science terms. Old board games you have in your classroom or at home can easily be modified to become indirect learning methods for students in science class.

I have found that a Jeopardy!-style game is a great way to teach science vocabulary or vocabulary words of any sort. If you have an old Jeopardy! home game lying around, simply write your own question cards and let the students play rounds of Jeopardy! to learn their vocabulary.

Indirect learning works because it uses games and other fun methods of teaching material that may otherwise seem boring. Using Scrabble and other board games to teach classroom concepts gets your student's minds off learning and distracts them from the routine of the classroom.

About The Author
Will Roby is a Scrabble enthusiast and content writer at Scrabble Pages. Check out his post on Toys R Us coupons for advice on saving money on your next Scrabble game.

This is a Guest post by Will Roby, if you want to write for science decoder as well click here

Lab safety image 

Safety should be paramount on the mind of anyone who enters a laboratory. While some interesting and useful outcomes have occurred due to mishaps in the lab serious injury and even death are always a possible outcome of working in unsafe and unclean lab conditions.

Who is responsible for lab safety and cleaning?

The simple answer is anyone who enters a laboratory setting should understand the inherent dangers associated with the particular type of environment they are in. Beyond this, there are the technicians, project managers, student teaching assistants and instructor/professors who must be responsible for what happens inside their work spaces.

Depending upon the type of lab in question and the work or research performed there, safety and cleanliness can be the most important factor associated with keeping lab workers free from serious injury or death. When working conditions are convoluted due to a lack of cleanliness, for instance, those attempting to produce quality research can have their efforts hampered. Additionally, quantifiable results can be seriously questioned when the lab is considered unsafe from a lack of cleanliness.

What is involved with maintaining a safe, clean lab environment? The following seven tips will provide a basis for where most laboratory workers or students should begin.

7 Safety and Cleanliness Tips For Every Lab Worker

1. Know the Rules: Most lab procedures require one to be exposed to and demonstrate a thorough understanding of the rules and regulations specific to the lab in question. Be sure to understand and adhere to any and all rules laid out by management or school officials.
2. Preparation: Be sure to understand what processes are going to be undertaken when entering a lab to perform work or research. If questions arise as to proper procedures, seek the answers from qualified sources prior to actually performing the day's lab functions.
3. Work Neat: A hallmark of good science is being able to reproduce results, as well as report accurately activities which brought one to those results. Cleaning up as one goes, taking care of inadvertent spilling, or other messes should help one reduce the incident of accidents in the lab.
4. Wear Proper Protective Clothing: Every year deaths occur during laboratory accidents as a direct result of victims not donning proper protective clothing, eye wear, non-flammable aprons, etc. In one of many tragic lab accidents, the Chemical & Engineering News, Science and Technology division reported that, "[the victims] clothes [caught on fire]. She was wearing nitrile gloves, no lab coat, and no one remembers if she was wearing eye protection."
5. Safety Goggles: They usually aren't the most stylish things to wear, however, eye protection can provide a lab accident victim with the ability to see where first aid and eye/body wash facilities are located.
6. Safety Equipment Locations: Having clear knowledge of the location of such items as fire extinguisher, first aid kits, broken glass waste containers, and the like are paramount. Additionally, know where emergency exits are located in case of a smoke filled room presents boundaries to leaving a dangerous situation.
7. Some Serious Do Not Dos: Regardless of how humorous it seems on TV or movies, don't eat or drink in a laboratory setting. Contamination of ones food and drink presents a serious risk of poisoning. Be careful where and when to dispose of used chemical reagents. Most lab chemicals should not be poured down the drain of a sink. Get proper disposal information before discarding anything of question in the lab. Just say no to playing pranks or jokes while in the lab.

Lab safety and cleanliness is the responsibility of everyone who comes in contact with the inside of the work space. Safety should be on ones mind from the moment they enter until after they have left the lab. Working in a clean and organized manner should become second nature, especially when considering how the alternatives could affect yourself and others around you in the lab.


About The Author
Vern Marker is a freelance writer and science geek at heart. His areas of expertise include lab equipment and chemistry.

This is a Guest post by Vern Marker, if you want to write for science decoder as well click here

Should I Go to College?

Most persons ask this question based on different point of views. Some students think that college is probably a waste of time, while others think it’s the only way out. Well both of these views are wrong, college isn’t the only way out and college is definitely not a waste of time.  Here I’ll be showing you 5 ways in which college is a necessity and 5 great alternatives to college.

Why go to College?

  

1.       When you’re through with college and provided that you have acquired the necessary requirements to move on it will be allot easier to get a job. Most employers before giving someone a job will ask for certain requirements such as college certificate, recommendation etc. But seeing that you have the requirements getting a related job shouldn’t be difficult.

 2.       It is the most reliable way out. Though college may not be the only way to get a job, it is yet still the best way out. There’s a greater chance of someone going to college and getting  a job than someone not going to college.

 3.       College prepares you for the world of work. Going through college gives you an idea of the type of job you’re going to be in, it allows you to know more about your job before actually working and also gives you better knowledge of the jobs to choose from.

 4.       Others will acknowledge you. Knowing that you have gone through school and acquired your dream others will be proud of you and see you as a role model for other students.

 5.       More than one chance and choice. Finally when having your qualifications and failed to get a particular job there are allot more to choose from, and some are probably just waiting for you to apply.

Alternatives to college: 

1.       Becoming an entrepreneur. Starting your own small business can get you an even larger business. Though you may not have certain requirements to get a job, these requirements don’t apply to you having your own business, seeing that you are the boss.

 2.       Working online. This is probably the easiest and best alternative to college. Making your own website and publishing it with ads can earn you enough to support you and your family. You can also write for sites such as Triond and get paid for every page view you get.

 3.       Mixing talent with work. If you have a skill or talent that is applicable to a job, then you can always apply for that job, this is a great way to get employed.

 4.       You can always try. Applying for a job without the requirements doesn’t mean you don’t have a chance, so you can always try, employers might find something special that you have which is of good use to the job.

 5.       Don’t try to “skip” college. Try your very best to get into to college, I couldn’t even find a fifth alternative to college, this shows that your chances of getting a job without going to college are limited.

Are exams difficult?  

There is no one answer for this question, but they aren't impossible to pass. Working hard and having a strong determination are two important things you need to consider. Before doing an exam you need to be well prepared, focused and have a mind set to pass. Just reading through your notes isn't enough to pass an exam,

Wondering which subjects to choose in school?
There are a number of things to consider before choosing your subjects. You should take into consideration whether or not you will enjoy this subject. You should thing about the long term effects of choosing this subjects, does this subject has anything to do with what you
want to become? Does this subject contrast all other subjects you're doing?. All these are things you should take into consideration.

One of the worst things a student can do is to choose a subject simply because his/ her friend chose that subject, this is total nonsense and can cause allot of problems in the late future. Lastly you should not chose a subject because someone else wants you to, you should be the one to decide who you want to become, but please chose wisely. All these and more are considerations you should meditate upon before choosing your subjects.

 Are your school notes killing you?, are you looking for ways to make studying easier? are you at that point of your life where you think you can't go on any further? well your at the right place here I'll be sharing with you ways to make your studying a little easier. Studying may seem stressing at times, but at the end of the day you will feel pleased with your self knowing how hard you have worked. And believe me when i say this the grades you will be receiving will be very pleasing. Studying isn't something you do over night but rather a daily ruitine which requires hard work and determination. But not to fret there are ways of easing this stress of studying: