Online education has in no way replaced the brick-and-mortar institutional setting, but it has certainly earned a significant amount of attention and visibility in recent years. The internet plays a valuable in all types of education; in some cases it is used exclusively for research. In others, the majority of class time takes place online and students physically gather only a few times per semester. Still others are solely internet-based, comprised of students all around the country – or world – and never meet each other in person.

With the rise of the internet's presence in education, there has been no shortage of assumptions and opinions about its validity and effectiveness. They range from skeptical to favorable; many are quite accurate but most are entirely unfounded.

For instance, it is a common belief that online courses cannot offer the levels of interaction and attention from instructors that on-site classrooms can. Those who enroll in online courses with expectation are typically quite surprised. Participation requirements often include regular chat sessions, seminars, project presentations, and ongoing discussion forums. Additionally, instructors hold regular office hours, making themselves available online or by phone.

These are in-depth requirements. Students are generally required to post comments and questions on the discussion boards multiple times per week. Furthermore, they are also expected to respond to regular questions regarding the material being covered. Basic paraphrasing of textbook content is unacceptable. Instead, clearly articulated responses must be analyzed and applied to personal experiences.

Another unfortunate myth regarding internet-based education is that in-depth and productive class discussions are nonexistent. They are comparable to traditional classroom settings, however. Again, students are required to participate. Semesters often begin with participants making short, overly general comments. As everyone becomes more comfortable, interactions grow into polite debates.

Perhaps one of the most frustrating assumptions about online learning is that it is effortless, that online students do it the easy way. The work itself is immensely challenging, and the participation requirements are demanding at best. Every week, numerous hours must be dedicated to each online course a given student might have in progress.

As internet-based education becomes more normalized, these and many other unfair myths are likely to be dispelled. Overall, the better option is highly individualized. While one student may thrive academically through online coursework, another may struggle immensely. Each learning environment is unique and beneficial, but must be considered based on subjective needs and desires.

Enrolling in a reputable educational institution and completing a degree program requires a significant investment of time, energy, and financial resources. It is such a monumental life decision, one that will drive your financial future, so selecting the right area of study is crucial.

When considering your career options, you must analyze your current interests and skills in conjunction with the most lucrative industries. The result will be a career path that is personally, economically, and professionally rewarding.

In particular, 10 college majors have been identified as the most likely to lead to high-paying jobs. Geology, with its focus on land, ocean, and atmosphere, is such industry. Geology majors enter the field with an annual average starting salary of $45,000. The approximate mid-career figure is $84,200.

Information Systems is the next option for promising majors. Those pursuing degrees in Information Systems design and implement tools for businesses to manage their payroll and products. Starting salary is $51, 400 and the mid-career salary is $87,000.

A degree in Construction Management will also prove beneficial. To plan, manage, and organize projects, construction managers enter the field making approximately $53,400. By mid-career, they can expect to make $89,600.

Math majors are able to enter any one of a variety of fields, such as insurance, education, banking and finance, and accounting. They launch their careers at $47,000 and can expect to make $93,600 by mid-career.

Biochemistry and statistics occupy the middle of the list of the 10 most lucrative majors. Biochemists work as researchers, lab technicians, and analytical chemists. Their starting salaries are $41,700 and they will likely make $94,200 at the mid-points of their careers. Individuals with statistics majors are skilled in the analysis of matters such as marketing strategies and political strategies. Their early and mid-career salaries are $48,600 and $94,500, respectively.

The field of computer science continues to be highly lucrative. It involves navigating and managing algorithms. Careers are available in information technology, programming, and software design. Individuals entering the field can expect to make approximately $56,400 and $97,400 by mid-career.

Like math majors, physics majors are qualified to enter a wide range of fields. These include education, science, and engineering. They earn more than their peers in mathematics, however, beginning their careers with salaries of $51,100 and earning $98,800 later.

In addition to statistics and math, individuals with economics degrees are knowledgeable in the areas of history, psychology, political science, and social science. Their salaries start near $50,200, and increase to approximately $101,000 by the middles of their careers.

Engineering degrees top the list of the most lucrative industries. Degrees may be focused on chemical, electrical, mechanical, aerospace, industrial, environmental, computer, and civil engineering. Engineers start their careers at $59,000 and, like economics majors, reach $101,000 by mid-career.

People who invest in degrees that promise financial stability position themselves for long-term personal and professional success. With sufficient motivation, any of the above fields of study will produce results.

Whether you are a new student or well into your college career, creating a schedule can be challenging. There is a multitude of classes available. Many are required, and many have potential to fill elective requirements. Some will appear absolutely captivating, and others will sound completely dull. Then there are instructors and meeting times to consider, as well as how each option can help you reach your long term goals. Following a concise list of guidelines can assist with the selection of the most interesting, relevant, and beneficial academic classes.

Familiarizing yourself with the course catalog and the requirements specific to your program of study is the first step of the process. There is no need to memorize every detail, of course, but you should be somewhat familiar with this information. Review the core requirements, as well as which classes you will be expected to take for your major. You should also understand how to register: the necessary information you will need, the deadlines, and whether you should prepare backup options should your desired classes fill quickly.

Next, find a writing course, which will serve as a refresher for basic sentence structure, rules of grammar, and composition guidelines. This should be a top priority, even if your major doesn't require it. Mastering preferred writing skills early in your college career can help you excel in your coursework throughout its duration. Professors not only expect rich content to be present in their assignments – they also insist on the clear delivery of well-developed ideas. Both of these components require writing skills.

Your writing course may not be required, but there will be a host of specific classes you must take to earn your degree. Consider registering for these courses as early as possible. These are likely to include math, science, and a foreign language. Also expect to enroll in classes that cover health and physical education, as well as cultural diversity. Once you get these out of the way, you can focus on work that is directly related to your major.

As you navigate the experience of scheduling classes, be sure to seek the assistance of an academic advisor, who can help you strategize the most efficient way to reach your educational goals. An advisor can also speak with you about the importance of managing the demands of coursework. For instance, he or she can help you pair some of the more intense classes with the more basic ones, so that you are neither too overwhelmed nor lacking challenge. This person will be a valuable resource throughout your career as a university student.

By carefully perusing and selecting the best mix of college courses, you can ensure an optimal academic experience. This basic set of guidelines will help you streamline the process.

When it comes to trying to landing your first job fresh out of graduate school, you must surpass plenty of competition and meet some rather high standards. Companies are interested in individuals who display unique perspectives and skills – something that sets them apart from everyone else. You can demonstrate excellence to prospective employers by showcasing the following characteristics.

• Adaptability: Adaptability refers to your response to change and your propensity for looking into the future. You are a capable leader that is prepared to construct and implement detailed strategic plans designed to grow business despite challenging economic times. During your interview, describe a time in your life when you successfully facilitated a significant change. Perhaps, as a high school student working a summer job delivering newspapers, you created a standard procedure for a complex paper route that ensured timely delivery, every day. Explain the value of this asset and provide a scenario that illustrates how your adaptability will be useful in the firm.
• Intuition: Teamwork is a vital component of most operations. The ability to intuit others' feelings and attitudes will help you interact as harmoniously with them as possible. Communicate your sensitivity and insight to interviewers by highlighting how you work with others – particularly in terms of conflict resolution. Participation in athletics and different clubs, or doing volunteer work, are ideal examples. For instance, mention an incident in which an acquaintance agreed to go to a sporting event with friends, but did so without much enthusiasm and after attempting to offer excuses for being unable to go. Explain how you intervened and suggested doing something else you thought might be more favorable – much to your acquaintance's delight.
• Crisis Management: Competency in times of crises is an invaluable resource. Show up to an interview with plenty of scenarios in mind of crises you have navigated and resolved. The more details, the better. Think about a possible incident in which a friend was badly injured in a car accident. Explain how you called for help, soothed your friend, made sure no one else was hurt, and gave a detailed police report. For an even better impression, list the ways you manage your own stress. This may include exercise, deep breathing, and eating well. Maybe you had to conscientiously take slow, deliberate breaths while on the scene of the car accident, and needed ample time in the subsequent weeks to meditate, since your ability to concentrate was affected by the experience
• Enterprise: This refers to your ability to work independently, as well as your knowledge of business dynamics. Overall, you must be able to prioritize tasks, be creative, identify niche markets, manage time, and maintain commercial awareness. Your use of effective negotiation and subtle persuasion should shine during an interview; the act of securing a job is a business endeavor. You must sell your strengths and value without being too forceful or generic. It requires careful strategic planning.

If you are trying to land your dream job, remember that there will be countless other candidates vying for the same position. They will have the same education and qualifications as you. Their resumes may even be more impressive. To stand out in the crowd, you should not only be in tune with your intuition, crisis management skills, enterprise, and adaptability. You should be able to demonstrate your excellence in these areas.

With demanding class schedules, exams, term papers, and an array of responsibilities, college can be a fruitful yet stressful time. If you are overwhelmed by these matters, in addition to any financial, emotional, and social stressors with which you may be dealing, you may lose sight of self-care. Individuals who neglect their own needs are at increased risk of physical ailments, anxiety and depression, poor concentration, strained social relationships, and more. Focus on your well-being and ensure a successful college experience by following these guidelines.

• Nurture your mental health: Do this by maintaining a trustworthy support system, which should include friends, family members, and perhaps a counselor or therapist. Also remember that stress is inevitable and that you can't control everything or please everyone. Learn how to do your best despite extenuating circumstances, and decline others' requests and demands when necessary.
• Get sufficient rest: Late nights may be a stereotypical norm in the college environment, but they are neither healthy nor especially productive. Sleep approximately 8 hours per night, and try to maintain a consistent sleep schedule. Try not to nap, eat, or drink too much before bed, either. Your sleeping area should also be cool, dark, and quiet. If you have roommates, negotiate these matters with them so you can come to a reasonable compromise.
• Stay active: Whether you are running, biking, visiting the gym, or playing another sport, exercise is essential to physical and mental health. Walking to class is the perfect opportunity to practice physical fitness. Remember to stretch prior to exercise and use safety equipment when necessary. Incorporate different types of workouts into your routine as well, such as cardio and strength training. Bring your friends along and have fun.
• Eat well: Pay attention to what you are eating; college students often eat either too much or not enough. Learn which portion sizes are right for you, and replace junk food with fruits and veggies as much as possible. Two things you should always remember to consume are breakfast and water. Skipping breakfast is a popular, but highly unhealthy habit. There are countless benefits associated with drinking water, and sharper concentration is among them. Limit sugary, alcoholic, and caffeinated beverages as well.
• Mind Your Sexual Health: Of course it is always best to use protection, but consider getting available vaccinations and routine testing as additional measures. If you have any concerns or are feeling pressured, don't hesitate to address them with your partner or someone in your support network. Garner a thorough understanding of consent as well – there are seeming countless myths surrounding the circumstance of sexual assault. Any and all sexual activity must be completely consensual; individuals who are highly intoxicated are unable to give consent.
• Take Care of Yourself when Ill: The chances of battling some type of cold or stomach bug are highly likely, so take as many preventative measures as you can. Wash your hands frequently, wear appropriate shoes when using public showers, get the flu shot, and avoid others who are sick. When you are suffering from some affliction, remember to drink lots of fluids. Use over-the-counter medications to ease your symptoms, and visit your doctor if they persist. To avoid further spreading the illness, avoid going to class until you are feeling better.

There are many other ways to practice self-care. Take breaks as needed and make time to engage in hobbies. You might even consider participating in yoga and meditation classes. Understand the difference between manageable stress and the brink of crisis. Stress is normal, and can even be beneficial if it is managed carefully. It is a motivating force. When your usual means of coping with it become ineffective, however, you will find yourself in the midst of a crisis. If you are suddenly and exponentially overwhelmed, reach out for help. Your college career is sure to be challenging, with a wide range of academic and social adjustments and demands. If you manage them carefully, and monitor your reactions to them closely, you can ensure an enriching and unforgettable college experience. The guidelines described here constitute a fundamental basis for doing so.

Beginning your college career is certain to be exciting, exhilarating, and probably even nerve-wracking. These feelings are normal, but they can also be overwhelming – the time spent obtaining a higher education is life-changing, identity-impacting era. You can keep your anxieties under control by preparing thoroughly for this new chapter of your life.

To begin, pack carefully, yet sparingly. If you are leaving home for college, trying to figure out what you should bring is a stressful experience in itself. You will probably be afforded small living quarters, and you will be challenged to use them judiciously. Use storage bins that can fit in a closet or under your bed, and consult with your roommates-to-be about items that can be shared.

Having roommates at all may prove to be a significant transition. Sharing space is not easy, particularly when it comes to visitors, noise, and cleaning issues. For the best possible relationship, set some ground rules as soon as possible. Discuss your personal limits, create a cleaning schedule, and perhaps even the instatement of quiet time. You don't need to agree on every matter, but negotiating a reasonable compromise will certainly promote harmonious living.

Your next step is to create a budget and stay faithful to it. You may be well aware of the high cost of your education, in addition to living expenses, books and other supplies. Many other costs aren't so obvious. Nights out with friends, for instance, quickly drain bank accounts. Keep track of your expenditures by recording everything you spend. Minimize costs when possible, too. A great opportunity to do so comes in the form of textbooks. The average college student spends more than $600 on course materials per year, and investing in used items can substantially reduce this number. You may even be able to borrow some books from the library or your professor – free of charge.

In addition to taking care of your finances, take care of yourself too. This may seem obvious, but it can be especially challenging when you are balancing social, educational, and sometimes emotional demands. Be sure to maintain a consistent routine, and get sufficient rest, nutrition, and exercise. Cultivate a trustworthy support network that includes friends, family members, a doctor, your academic advisor, and possibly a counselor or therapist. Relaxation activities like deep breathing, meditation, and yoga are particularly effective.

Then think about which extracurricular activities interest you most. If a particular sport or club captures your attention, learn as much as possible about it. Find out about meeting times, requirements, and financial needs. Consider whether they might interfere with your academic responsibilities. Greek life is another option with which you may be presented, so balance the pros and cons of this as well.

Take advantage of technological opportunities as well. With such busy schedules and so many accounts to manage (banking and financial aid, program and class requirements, social activities, etc.), new developments in educational technology have never been more useful. Most institutions have applications available for managing obligations, which can be downloaded on most mobile devices.

Finally, get to know your professors and their office hours. Meeting individually with your instructors may not be required, but it is highly beneficial. Office hours are prime opportunities for getting clarification on assignments and discussing grades, for instance. Professors appreciate these visits as well, and cultivating relationships with them opens doors for support and resources that can last well into the future.

Preparing for your freshman experience is the perfect way to start your college career on the right foot. Being aware of and utilizing available resources, following a budget, setting personal boundaries, and taking good care of yourself are just some of the ways to pave the way to a positive, life-altering experience.

The majority of college students graduate not only with degrees, but with tens of thousands of dollars in debt as well. Unfortunately, budgeting and financial management are not skills everyone has upon beginning their college careers. Whether you are an incoming freshman or several years into earning a degree, there are some fundamental pieces of information you should know to keep massive debt at bay.

Budget! Maintain a list of your monthly income and expenses, and respect them. If you know your rent, utilities, and transportation and food costs exceed your allowances, it's time to make some adjustments. If you can manage these bills with some money left over, that's great. However, think carefully about how you will spend it. You may ration it out to use for a restaurant dinner every week, for instance, or you might opt to save it for one fantastic night out at the end of the month. Saving it for potential emergencies is not a bad idea, either.

One useful option that facilitates budgeting is the envelope system. Designate and label various envelopes to individual expenses, such as rent, gas, and groceries. Put the necessary amount of money in each envelop and don't touch it unless it is to be used for its intended purpose. Once the money is gone, it is gone for the week, month, or whatever increment of time you are using. Actually seeing the money dwindling helps you keep track of it and minimizes the likelihood of overspending.

Embrace financial aid opportunities. Explore your options for financial assistance awards, scholarships, grants, student loans, and employment. If you find that you must borrow, do so in moderation. It is tempting to accept loans that you may not need, but will provide a nice cushion. This results in unnecessary spending, though, and it is money you will ultimately have to pay back anyway. Also, find out which expenses aren't mandatory; meal plans may be sacrificed if cooking is cheaper and recreation fees might be bypassed if you exercise elsewhere.

Use your student discounts. They are everywhere – especially in college towns. With just your student ID, you can enjoy discounts on meals at many establishments, reduced rates for laptop repairs, and even see movies at low costs. Overall, the idea is to be frugal. Don't be afraid to furnish your dorm room or apartment with used items, for example.

Approach credit with caution. Neglecting this rule, more than anything else outlined here, is dangerous. You may have credit available, but that does not mean you can afford using it. You will be riddled with service fees and interest rates, not to mention how easy it is to spend frivolously when you can't really see the charges multiplying. Poor credit lasts for years.

If you must rely on credit cards, do your research. Do not accept just any offer that comes your way; shop around to find the lowest possible interest rates and the most reasonable fees, terms, and conditions. If you are careful, establishing and building credit is beneficial. To build a solid credit history, make one small charge per billing cycle. Then pay off the balance completely. Keeping the account open but cutting up the actual card is an excellent way to ensure that you won't be tempted to make an impulse buy.

Overall, the best way to settle into a stable financial situation is to be mindful. Know your options, be aware of what you are spending, and exercise caution when dealing with potential risks. College years are incredibly vulnerable with regard to spending. By taking these suggestions, you can ensure financial safety and security.

Many recent graduates initiate their career paths by exploring employment opportunities, crafting high-quality resumes, honing their interview skills, and applying for their dream jobs. In many cases, they have trouble landing those first employment opportunities – even when they do get called and interview well. One reason for this is lack of experience.

Sure, they excel at research and technical writing. They know the origins of various business models. They understand the importance of diversity and ethics. The knowledge is there, but they haven't yet applied it to real life experiences.

Understandably, college graduates don't have much job experience simply because they haven't yet had opportunities to obtain any. The phenomenon contradicts itself, which truly seems unfair. There is an expansive gap between college graduation and the professional world, and not all universities sufficiently prepare their students for work skills. Furthermore, any valid experience they may have usually isn't enough.

As a result, many former students become discouraged and question the value of higher education and the significant investment of resources it requires. Fortunately, there are effective means of responding to this issue. Perhaps the most meaningful and far-reaching possibility is for universities to expand their roles in this area.

It would arguably be a worthwhile investment for colleges to dedicate entire departments to work skills. They may offer classes in which the realities of the professional world are explored, such as maintaining a work-life balance, salary negotiation, strategic networking, navigating office politics, and conflict resolution. Admittedly, internships do shed some light into some of these areas, but they by no means thoroughly reflect corporate culture. Furthermore, many areas of study do not require students to complete internships at all.

If universities hosted programs dedicated to work skills, these departments can then forge relationships with prospective employers, eventually facilitating connections with students. This not only benefits the students, but the employers as well. With a wide pool of prospects before them, they need not waste resources scouring the internet for candidates and recruiting elsewhere.

Universities that don't currently operate such programs would also benefit. Based on programs' design and effectiveness, the schools would attract a plethora of potential students and donors. With the solution of bridging the gap between educational institutions and the workforce being academia-based work centers, all parties involved could expect to enjoy some perks. Most importantly, graduates would be prepared to step into the professional world with the experience they need to excel.

College is demanding. There is no shortage of due dates, exams, term papers, required reading, financial stressors, social obligations, and more. With so much pressure, it is no wonder that students can so quickly become overwhelmed and burned out. Many struggle to the extent that they feel withdrawing from school is the only possible option.

With some organizational skills and, more importantly, familiarity with some effective time management techniques, these seemingly monstrous stressors can be tamed and handled appropriately. In doing so, students facilitate social, academic, and even emotional success. They can maintain a consistent performance in school without sacrificing much time with friends and significant others. This ensures sufficient time for relaxation and enjoyment while still benefitting from the challenges of coursework.

To get started on your time management regimen, prioritize your list of responsibilities. Identify all the things you need to accomplish during a given week. This includes school assignments, athletic events, personal appointments, bills to be paid, and social engagements. Categorize them based on how important they are, and begin with the most pressing items. If you find that your obligations are too extensive, think about what you can reschedule or possibly even eliminate all together. For example, a routine dental cleaning is something that can wait, but a research project worth 50% of your final grade isn't.

As you meet your responsibilities, remember to pace yourself. Balance the tasks you have to complete with the time you have available. Estimate how long each duty will take and schedule it accordingly. Be sure to allow time to take breaks for self-care! Do not neglect the importance of adequate rest, nutrition, or exercise. These are the things that enable you to function efficiently; without them, you will not be able to perform to your full potential.

While you are formulating a plan of action, take advantage of the opportunity to get organized. Greater organization equals greater ability to manage your time. In your designated work area – if you don't have one, you should – separate your books, papers, and other documents and place them neatly into accessible, labeled areas. Then use calendars to outline the time you have scheduled to fulfill your obligations, as well as when they are due. Consider allotting deadlines to duties that don't already have them, and color coding the categories on your calendar will make it easier to interpret. School-related tasks can be written in red, for instance, while social plans are written in blue and personal appointments in black.

Prepare for the unexpected. Do not manage your time so rigidly that unforeseen events are liable to jeopardize the whole system. Relationship issues, sickness, family troubles, financial difficulties, and countless other dilemmas can arise at any time. Your schedule should be flexible enough that it can be adjusted as without risking catastrophe of your entire time-management strategy falling apart. If you are struck with the flu, for example, but have no time to visit the doctor because you've scheduled hours of vital study time to close to your final exams, you will either be unable to get the care you need or inadvertently sabotage your hard work throughout the semester by doing poorly on your tests.

Remember to reward yourself for what you've accomplished. This is important – meaningful rewards remind you that you are progressing, and motivate you to continue. Furthermore, you deserve them! They might entail shopping trips, attendance at your favorite sporting events, indulging in your favorite desserts, or whatever else you find enjoyable.

These strategies need not only be applied to academia. They can be implemented far into the future, whether for the purposes of managing a business, a household, child-rearing duties, or an array of other endeavors. Over time, your time-management efforts will seem less like efforts. They will become habitual actions that enable a lifestyle conducive to success.