COLLEGE LIFE(Balancing a Family, Full-Time Employment and School)

Having a full-time job, being a student, and completing a degree program is a big challenge. As a matter of fact, it’s a challenge that can only be successfully managed by learning one very important skill – time management. There are only 24 hours in a day and in order to really achieve your goal of earning a degree while still being a full time job holder, you must master this necessary skill.  This may sound simple, but any students knows that at any given day a calm moment can turn into chaos. Take, for instance, juggling PTA meetings, taking care of a bruised knee; all while you’re trying to remember how to solve that last algebra question in your online quiz.  Here are some helpful tips to mastering time management.

1.      PRIORITIZE:

Make a list of your priorities for the week. This can be done by writing them on a calendar or simply writing them on a sheet of notebook paper and sticking it on the refrigerator. All these can be done with determination.

2.      PLAN:

Make sure to tell your family and friends about your schedule so that they are aware of your availability and your commitment. Have open conversations about how they can best support you while you are earning your degree. For instance, while I was in school my brother would watch my house for a few hours on Saturdays while I used the time to study.  It was a great way for me to stay on schedule for my courses and for my son to spend valuable quality time with my family. 

3.      PATIENCE:

Remember that you are only human. Have patience with yourself and ask for others to do the same. You are not able to be in all places at the same time, nor should you try.  It is okay for you to learn how to say “no”.  You may be able to get the notes from the PTA meeting from a friend, which allows you to have more time to study.

Delegation is a key tool for having time management skills.  There may be laundry that needs to be done and dishes that need to be washed.  Ask for help so that you will have time to study, also.  Involve the family members in some of the household chores so that you can bond with them while staying on schedule.

4.      PERSISTANCE:

Stick to the schedule that you have created as best as you can.  There are times when we all fall short of our goals, and if that happens, make sure to persist in your effort to try.  It may involve having to adjust your schedule or focus on prioritizing, planning, or having patience. 

5.      BALANCE:

Maintain balance and make sure to reward yourself.  According to a first term student at Oakland university, exercise and prayer keeps her grounded and motivated.

If you make sure to follow these simple steps then you will be well on your way to mastering time management and successfully earning your degree.  There are only 24 hours in a day, but if you stick to your schedule, then you may find time to enjoy them all.

COLLEGE LIFE(Benefits of college internship)

Participating in a college internship can be a great way to earn real-world professional experience to not only boost your resume, but help you land a job after graduation. Most employers look for candidates with relevant experience, so having it under your belt can up your chances of getting a job in the field of your choice. 

Competitive careers, like those in marketing and sales or design, often expect internships on their prospective new hires' resumes. An internship can help you get experience iin your prospective professional area, even if the position isn't exactly what you had in mind or directly related to what you want to do. As long as you have work experience in a professional environment that teaches you some of the skills necessary for your job, you should be able to advance later on in your career.

An internship can provide valuable contacts in the industry you enter. For example, if you're in a graphic design degree program, an internship with a design firm can position you to connect with in-field practicioners, thus creating great future employment opportunities. Managers and coworkers who you have worked with during your internship can offer you advice and show you what it's really like to work in a given industry.

Additionally, many companies offer future careers for their interns. They could set you up with a position right after you graduate, so you won't have to waste time looking for a job elsewhere.

An internship can teach you practical skills beyond what you could learn in the classroom. Even though professors aim to keep you up-to-date on what's happening in the field, you may find that the only way to get hands-on experience and understanding is by becoming part of the industry. If you're unsure of exactly what you want to do, you could try out a couple of different internships and see if the job is what you're looking for.

Whether your internship is paid or unpaid depends on the company you intern for. An unpaid internship is worth it, as you will still gain valuable experience. Have questions? Ask a career placement advisor to help you find something that fits your career goals.