If you are thinking of attending higher education, then you are certainly thinking about which type of degree is best for you. There are many options today, from online college coursework, to in-person classes. From two-year diploma programs, or an Associate degree, to four-year diploma programs, also known as a bachelor’s degree.

Deciding which program is right for you can involve asking yourself important questions, like the ones listed below. Answers to questions about your short and long-term goals, your lifestyle and the benefits you desire can give you great insight and can give you clarity into whether an associate or bachelor program is best for you.

Short-term Goals: Why Do You Want a Degree?

The answer to this question will vary for everyone. Some may want a degree for personal satisfaction, while others want to get a promotion at work. Other reasons to get a college degree may include making more money, entering a career that requires a degree, or to gain a more satisfying job.

Furthermore, people choose to get a degree to make themselves more desirable to employers, improve specific skills like communication or critical thinking, and for access to more job opportunities.In some cases, having a college degree can offer job stability and benefits that non-degree requiring jobs don’t offer.

Once you decide on your short-term goals, you can evaluate the degree program that helps you reach those goals the fastest. Then you can focus on long-term goals.

Long-term Goals: What Do You Want to Do After You Get a Degree?

Setting long-term goals means looking into the future, far into the future. Ask yourself what you want to do once you have achieved your degree, whether it be an associate’s or bachelor’s degree. In ten or more years, will the degree you earned still be satisfying personally and professionally? Or, do you feel more education will be needed?

Do you see in your future a desire to move higher up the corporate ladder? And if so, will that require more education? Many factors should be prioritized when setting goals, from family and social life, to hobbies and career needs.

Once you set goals and priorities, you can move on to the next question, which focuses on how to reach your goal.

What Type of Degree Helps You Meet Your Goals?

You have determined why you want a college degree. Now you must figure out the best way to reach that goal. For instance, if you are seeking a college degree to get a promotion at work, you will need to meet the requirements of that new job.

If the new job requires at least an Associate degree, then you know you need an Associate degree program. If the job you want requires a bachelor’s degree, then you know a four-year program is needed.

If you are seeking personal satisfaction, you will need to look inward to decide if getting an Associate’s or bachelor’s degree will help you feel most satisfied. You may even choose to get both, starting with an Associate’s and then transferring those credits to a bachelor level program.

Take time to write down your “why” and the steps needed to get there. Then you can focus on other issues that may affect your decision, like your lifestyle.

What is Your Lifestyle?

For some, adjusting lifestyle to meet the demands of college will be easy. For others, many factors must be considered, and college life is not so easily adjusted. Some may choose to be a full-time student. They may choose to forgo working and live full-time on campus, taking a full course load every semester for at least four years until they finish their desired bachelor program.

This may not be the case for you. You may need to work full-time while attending college. You may have children or other family members to care for while taking college courses. You may not even be able to attend classes in person and may need to seek a program that is online.

Prioritizing the elements of your lifestyle will help you determine which type of degree program is best for you. Many associate degree programs are flexible when it comes to when, where and how they offer courses. In addition, you can obtain a degree in a shorter amount of time since they do not require the general education classes that most bachelor’s degree programs do.

So, if you are seeking more flexible options that lead to achieving your goal of a degree in the shortest amount of time, an Associate degree may be the best option for you. Each degree program offers different benefits. It’s up to you to figure out the one that provides you with the most.

Which Degree Gives You the Most Benefits?

There are many advantages to obtaining both an associate’s and bachelor’s degree. Reports state an associate degree program may be more affordable for some. This could be due to fewer classes needed to complete the program.

Associate programs have also been reported to get you into a career field quicker than if you attend a four-year program. And while you may not be in your dream job just yet, you are at least in the field. With an associate degree, the option for furthering your education is always available.

Bachelor’s degree programs are filled with benefits also. Once completed, reports show you can earn more income than if you have a bachelor’s degree, although there doesn’t seem to be a huge difference in some fields.

One of the best actions you can take to help you decide between an associate and bachelor’s degree program is to get to know yourself. Ask yourself these questions and more. What is it you really desire in life? What will make you happy? Give yourself honest answers.

What you want for yourself, your family, and your future will be the ultimate determinates of choosing a degree program.

Research has shown that over 200 resumes are sent on average to corporate job opening announcements. From that pile, only five or six people are chosen for an interview and only one person will get the job.

Becoming that one person who gets the job offer starts with having the perfect resume for the job in which you are applying.

According to recruiting sources, an interviewer will only spend about three minutes looking at your resume before deciding if they want to meet you. In that three minutes, there are resume mistakes that cause an employer to reject your resume.

Resume Mistakes to Avoid

Grammatical errors make reading a resume painful. Since resumes are not that long, there is no reason to have grammar problems. Avoid using texting language where you only spell part of the word or shorten a word. For example, it is not appropriate to write “ur” for “your”.

Furthermore, never use an emoji or clip art, or an email that has an inappropriate address.

If you are on social media such as Facebook or Instagram, and like to post inappropriate photos, delete them. Yes, they may be funny to your friends and family. But to an employer, not so much. And because 70 percent of employers are taking peeks at potential candidates social media pages, what you post could determine if you get the job.

Avoiding those resume mistakes is easy. Now you can focus on the right elements to add to your resume.

Correct Contact Information

No one can offer you a job if they do not have your correct address and phone number. Triple check that your contact information, placed at the top of your resume, is correct. Make sure your name is spelled correctly. Add your mailing address. This is where a recruiter can contact you in letter form via the postal system.

Make sure your email address is spelled correctly. One wrong letter will decline a message. Finally, make sure all the numbers you list in your phone number are correct.

Highlight Your Skills

This is your chance to show the interview committee how you are qualified for the position. Pick out keywords from the job announcement and list the skills you have that can meet their needs. If they are looking for someone who has computer skills, make a list of all the computer programs you can run.

Include skills with word documents, email, internet, spreadsheets, databases and any other computer program that may help in the position. This will also show them you can quickly learn and adapt to new systems.

List Previous Employment Experience

In this section of your resume, you can show recruiters all the work you have done in your past. It is important you list the company you worked for, the dates you were employed for them, and all job duties you were assigned within the scope of your job.

Use bullets to separate job duties, as this improves the appearance of your resume and makes it easy to read. This is also a great place to list rewards and accomplishments you received on the job.

Some of you applying for a job may be just out of high school and have not had the chance to build a lengthy work history. Others of you may have worked ten or more jobs before applying to this one. In either case, it’s important to list what you have acquired to date, from apprenticeships, internships and volunteer work.

Show How You Furthered Your Education

Education can mean any activity that provided you with additional knowledge in a specific area. Attending college and receiving a bachelor’s degree is one way you furthered your education. Taking a two-hour seminar during the summer break is also a way you enhanced your knowledge.

List every activity you have done to improve what you know. Make sure you list the title of the training you received, dates of the training, the location of the event, and what you received in the end (certificate, degree, etc.).

You will most likely be asked to submit transcripts or a copy of your certificate or diploma as part of your application. It’s important you keep good records of all activities showing you attended. You will also want to list any outstanding awards you received.

For instance, if you were valedictorian of your class, make sure you report that on your resume.

Additional Highlights

If there are achievements that do not fit into any previous section, create an “additional information” section to let the employer know what good things you have accomplished.

An example may be that in your spare time you like to play basketball and your team won the state championship. Or, you ride horses in competitions during the summer. Any extracurricular activities you participate in can be showcased here.

These show recruiters that you are well rounded and can succeed both at work, school and in recreation.

The Right References

Almost all companies ask for references, people they can communicate with to verify what your resume says. These are also people who can attest to your character, work ethic and abilities.

When choosing references, don’t just ask three friends. This is not acceptable, and you will likely be asked to add more references. Instead, choose at least one person who can talk about how you are as a student. Choose another who can talk about your work behaviors.

And finally, choose someone who can speak on your personal character. Do not use family or close friends. Teachers, coaches, former bosses and colleagues make great references.

A Few More Tips

Resumes are not designed to be novels. You do not want to tell so much about yourself that the interviewer feels they have received too much information. They do not need to know your favorite colors, habits or thoughts on what is wrong with society.

Keep your resume brief, no more than two pages, and include information that proves you are the best candidate for the job.

Applying to your top college choices can be exciting. Don’t let your excitement get in the way of completing every step necessary during the application process. Missing one step can send your application to the bottom of the review pile, possibly causing you to get denied entry.

Below is a checklist that can help you ensure you do not miss any steps. It can give you confidence that you have done everything you need to do, meeting all the requirements of the college.

Proofreading

Read your answers, then read them again. You want to check for any errors, no matter how small. A simple typo in your address could delay getting communications from the college.

Have a friend or family member go over the application too. They may recognize something you missed.

Proofreading consists of several steps. First, read your answers slowly and silently. Next, read them out loud. Then, you can do a specific search for errors. Finally, ask someone who you know to be good at editing to review your application for you.

Proofreading should be done on everything from the short answers to the essays you include in your application. It not only helps you with misspellings and typos, but also with accidental omissions and inconsistencies.

Resume

Whether you are finishing high school, or are an adult learner applying to college, your resume is very important. Your resume shows the college how well rounded you are. It shows you are goal oriented, hard working and that your work gets noticed. In a way, your resume can reflect what type of student you may be.

There are parts to a resume that are extremely important. One is to make sure all your academic information is listed. Another is to list all your work experience. Do not leave out any information, even if you think it wasn’t a big deal.

Any job you have been paid to do shows you take responsibility and care for what you are tasked to do. From pet sitting to bookkeeping to CEO, all jobs are important and should be listed.

The activities in which you are involved are important too. Even if the activities are not directly related to your educational field, list them. It is good to have a variety of interests, it shows you are a well-rounded individual.

Honors and Awards should be listed as well. The awards you receive show others recognize your abilities.

Transcripts and Test Scores

You will need to contact previous educational entities to ensure they have sent your transcripts to the college to which you are applying. If you have completed high school, then meet with the guidance counselor to make sure they have sent the documents to the right college.

If you have attended other colleges or universities, you will need to have them send copies of your transcripts showing classes you completed, even if it was just one course. Often, college courses transfer and can count towards your degree, saving you time and money when you do not have to repeat a course.

Test scores must be sent directly to the college you wish to attend from the institution who has your test scores. It is a great idea to follow up with them to make sure they sent your scores to the correct colleges. If you have multiple test scores, it is good to check they sent the right scores, the highest and most recent scores.

Recommendation Letters

Recommendation letters are an important part of the application. They tell the college things about you that are not revealed in test scores and transcripts. They show that distinguished people are willing to speak on your good character.

To obtain great recommendation letters, ask in advance. Give the people time to prepare an exceptional letter on your behalf. Teachers are a great source for recommendation letters. They can vouch for what type of student you will be.

Others to ask include employers, coaches, pastors and colleagues. Ask people who are eager to write a letter for you. Avoid sending in letters from people who may not communicate how well you will do as a student.

It is okay to give your references ideas on what to write. You can discuss with them any challenges you overcame, projects in which you succeeded and anything else notable.

Give your references stamped envelopes with the school’s address on it and make sure they know the deadlines. Write thank you notes to your references once you have been admitted.

Additional Information

Many applications allow for additional information to be included. State residency forms may be needed to confirm you do indeed live in the state and can receive the state tuition fees.

Not everyone will have a glowing resume. Sometimes in life, we make mistakes and get into trouble. These mistakes should not stop you from reaching your goals. It is important to be honest about past mistakes.

It is also important to show how you have overcome any negativity and what changes have been made to help you succeed in college. You can learn from mistakes and become an even better person afterward.

If you have any special connections, add this information in your application. Occasionally, who you know can help you. If you have a family member or close friend who works at the college, tell this in your application.

If you have connections to important community figures, provide this information as well. The people you know can help you stand out from all the other applicants. However, do not list people that you have only met in passing. Instead, make sure you list people who can speak to your personal nature.

Just because you met the President, does not mean he should be listed as a reference. However, if your father is the best friend of the President, this should be noted.

Your college application is one way to help you shine, showing admission committees you are a great candidate for their college.

Many reports state students who enroll full-time, even for one or more semesters, in college are more likely to graduate than those who enroll part-time. But not everyone can afford to go full-time every semester. Many students must hold a job as well as attend college.

While attending college online is making it easier for some to pace themselves and complete college in a time frame fitting to their busy lives, others are struggling to find balance.

Life, especially work, can occasionally get in the way of us reaching our educational goals, creating an unwanted imbalance.

This does not have to be the case, however. There are ways you can balance online college with your work. Keep reading to find out what you can do to meet both college and work-related goals.

Support System

Building a support system means to form relationships with people who can provide positive help to you when needed. Some people in your support system may offer you encouragement when you are feeling down. Others may provide transportation to work if your car breaks down.

Support people are those who want to see you succeed in both your education and your work. They want you reach your goals. They respect you and appreciate your efforts to gain knowledge and maintain your own finances by working.

Support systems can include family members, friends, co-workers, teachers, pastors, and anyone else who brings positive influence on your life.

Steps to building a support system starts with figuring out what it is you need exactly. You can’t know who to ask for support until you know the areas that are lacking. Next, be specific in telling your potential supports what you need from them.

Finally, use your support resources. Follow through. Meaning, when you need help, contact your support person. They cannot help you if you do not let them.

Prioritize

There are areas of your life that can be more flexible than others. Socializing at a club every Friday night is not as important as studying for a final exam. It is up to you to figure the specific things in your life that are non-negotiable. Those are your top priority.

Each specific area of your life will also have priorities. For example, your work life will have priorities such as show up on time or get a promotion. Your online college duties can be prioritized as well. From completing courses to getting a diploma, determine what is most important.

Once finished, set up your calendar and lifestyle so that it helps you maintain your priorities. And continue to improve or tweak your priorities as needed.

Sleep

You may be thinking sleep is the last thing you have time to do between work, online college courses, family responsibilities and a social life. Sleep, however, is one of the best ways to help you stay balanced while working and attending school.

Sleep is the time in which the body restores itself. Sleep is a time when hormones are regulated, and healing takes place.

It has been noted that college students do not get the necessary sleep needed for the body. Lack of sleep makes it hard for students to concentrate, impaired mood and can eventually have a negative impact on grades and job performance.

Sleep gives the body a chance to rebalance itself from the day’s stressors, allowing balance in all other areas of your life.

Stay Organized

The more cluttered your schedule, the more chaotic your life can feel. From the very beginning, when you first enroll in online college, start organizing everything. The more structured your life, the better. Many find having set routines are beneficial when trying to balance work and school.

With coursework, write every important date on a calendar as a reminder of what is upcoming. Write down each exam day and time, when projects are due, and even when you need to log into your course.

With work, make note of days on and days off. Compare those dates and times with your college calendar to see if any overlap. Are you scheduled to work at the same time a research paper is due? If so, you may want to reschedule one of these to avoid interference.

Keeping a daily calendar and to-do list can help you feel rewarded each time you cross an item off your list. That feeling of reward is motivation to continue completing tasks.

Self-Care

It’s easy to get caught up in your every day responsibilities. You go to work, complete online coursework, manage relationships with family and friends. What you may not be doing is listening to the needs of your physical and mental health.

Achieving balance within your mind and body is essential to achieving balance in college and work.

Address the areas that need attention. If you are experiencing headaches, you may have too much stress. This stress can lead to poor work performance. It can also lead to skipping classes and failing to complete coursework.

Make time for yourself, to do something enjoyable. This does not have to be a week-long vacation to the islands. It can be simple activities like going for a walk, getting a massage, or going to lunch with a friend. If you aren’t taking care of your needs, you may start to feel too drained to do your best in school and at work.

Be open with your boss and your support system as to how you are feeling and what you need to feel better. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Go one step further and find a mentor, one who can hold you accountable while also helping you find solutions to problems.

Mentors can also be people who have been through and survived attending online college and working. They can serve as role models, proof that your goals are realistic and achievable.

Most importantly, be proud of yourself for having the maturity to attend both online college classes and maintain a job.

Business degrees are the most common degrees earned among graduates. This is because a business degree is often seen as versatile. Some people who have a business degree work in marketing, while others work in finance.

Some business degree majors find employment as managers for both profit and non-profit agencies. Some choose to be their own boss and become an entrepreneur.

The road to getting a business degree can lead you down many different paths. Depending on your ultimate career goals, the type of degree you earn can vary. For instance, if you desire a job in bookkeeping, clerking in accounting, or even an assistant managing a business, an Associate degree may be all you need.

On the other hand, if you want to work in a manager position or in a lead sales job, you will need at least a bachelor’s degree. Director positions or upper management careers will most likely require a master’s degree in business administration.

Keep reading to learn more about each educational option to help you meet your career goals.

Associate Degree

When you hear associate degree, you can know this typically means two years’ worth of college credits, either online or in the classroom. Sometimes you can choose a combination of both online and in-class instruction.

Often, schools offer associate degrees in the arts, sciences and applied sciences. Business degrees usually fall under the field of the arts. However, this may vary based on the coursework offered at the college you choose.

Associate degrees are perfect for the person who wants to get into the workforce as quickly as possible. Flexibility is a big advantage. Most programs are designed with the non-traditional student in mind.

Classes are offered in the evening, online and in the classroom. Some colleges even offer weekend opportunities for completing course work. You can often schedule classes to meet the needs of your personal and professional life.

Associate degree programs are career focused. Meaning, they are set up to help you gain the most crucial information, in a short timeframe, to help you achieve your career goals.

With an associate degree, you can build your knowledge in the foundations of business administration. You will have a better chance at securing an entry-level job in the business sector of your choice, whether finance, accounting, retail or sales, to name a few.

Once complete, you may choose to seek employment in your field, or work towards a promotion in your field. You may also choose to continue your education and earn your bachelor’s degree.

Bachelor’s Degree

A bachelor’s degree in business administration takes most people four or more years to complete. You will be introduced to more advanced course work than you may find in the associate degree program. With a bachelor’s degree, many people find work in the following industries: healthcare; insurance; finance; retail; and marketing.

Earning a bachelor’s degree in business administration has been reported as one way to increase not only your pay, but also the opportunities available. This makes sense due to the years of extra time and effort you put towards your degree.

Some of the higher paying jobs you may be able to access in the business industry with a bachelor’s degree include accountant, auditor, and analysts in fields such as marketing research and finance.

Many people choose to become entrepreneurs after receiving a bachelor’s degree in business administration.

No matter what you choose, you can feel confident that you will learn skills such as communication, ethics, organizational behavior and management, theories and business concepts.

You may even decide to get a master’s degree, which can lead to more lucrative pay and more power within an organization. Having a bachelor’s degree is a requirement to achieving a master’s.

Master’s Degree

In business administration, those with a master’s degree are usually the ones who run companies. They are the chief executive officers and the chief financial officers within an organization.

The master’s programs are established to help you expand your knowledge and skills in the field of business administration. They are set up to help you become prepared for the higher-level jobs in the industry.

Some of these jobs include managing in the fields of operations, human resources, sales, training, development. Advertising, operations, and even teaching at the higher education level are additional areas for employment with a business administration degree.

The good news, some colleges offer a fast track program to help you receive your master’s degree in business in less time than typical university programs.

Fast-Track Training

Fast-track training means you may be able to receive a master’s degree in 14 to 16 months if you follow the schedule provided by the college.

You can expect a fast track program to be intensive and demand your time and effort for you to be successful. However, the intensity is temporary. The goal of the fast track program is to get you the knowledge and skills you need in the shortest amount of time so that both you and your employer can benefit.

Accelerated courses are sometimes offered year-round so you do not have to wait on the beginning of a typical semester to begin. You can also expect to have access to hybrid courses that utilize the benefits of online and in-class instruction.

Career Options with a Business Administration Degree

It is safe to say that business administration is one area with numerous career options.

The courses you take in college will prepare you for a wide range of business jobs. These may include the following: commercial loan officer, accountant, sales, public relations and marketing. Other jobs may include advertising executive or analyst in the fields of marketing and research.

Almost every industry has a need for an employee with business administration experience. Most employers need someone to help with marketing, someone to help with finances, and someone to help with management.

A business administration degree improves your skills so you can increase your employment options within your field.

Close to twenty million applications are received each year resulting from the completion of the  FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). This may sound like a lot, but reports show there were still millions of dollars untouched by students due to lack of awareness that the money existed.

Even if you think you don’t qualify for financial aid, you should still apply by completing the FAFSA. Some schools include their own aid, scholarships and grants in their searches. Plus, most schools have a financial aid department to help you throughout the process, taking pressures away from you regarding money.

Before you begin the process, it is important to understand the application. Keep reading for a general guide to completing the FAFSA.

Avoid Common Mistakes

It’s better to learn the mistakes most people make before you begin the process, so you will not repeat them. Mistakes may happen anyway, and that’s okay, but you will do better if you are prepared for potential obstacles.

Many people make the mistake of not completing the entire FAFSA form. Leaving parts of the application blank can prevent you from landing thousands of dollars to help you pay for college.

Another mistake is landing on the wrong website. It’s important you know completing the FAFSA is free of charge. There are companies who will try to charge you a fee to complete the application for you. But with just a little bit of time, you can do this on your own, for free. Just make sure the website you use ends with “.gov”.

As soon as the FAFSA is available (usually on October 1^st) for the year you want to attend college, make sure you complete it then and do not wait. Some of the funds are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. For example, if you are planning to attend college in the Fall of 2019, the FAFSA will be available for you to complete on October 1^st of 2018.

Also, do not miss deadlines. And do not forget to get an FSA identification number before starting. This process can take a couple of days, so get this number first. You will have an easier time applying when you use your FSA I.D. to start the process.

Finally, make sure you read and understand all definitions and instructions before providing answers. The instructions in the FAFSA are detailed. Take the time to read them carefully and you will have a better chance at not making errors.

Now that you are familiar with common mistakes, let’s walk through the FAFSA application.

Creating an Account

Until you create an account, you won’t be able to start the application process. Remember, use your FSA identification number here. It only takes about ten minutes to get one. It can take a few days to get your i.d. number.

However, if your parent is required to report their income information, they can get an FSA number and can begin using it right away.

Start the Application

Don’t wait for school deadlines to apply for funds. As soon as FAFSA makes the application available on October 1^st , start applying then.

Make sure you choose the right school year. If you are renewing your  FAFSA, choose the renewal button and all your previous demographic information will be automatically loaded. This will save you a lot of time.

If this is your first time applying, fill out the demographics sections.

Demographics Sections

The application will require you provide basic information like name, date of birth, and residence. They may also ask where you attended high school, parent names, and social security number.

If your parent is completing the form for you, they need to respond to the questions as if they are you. Once you complete the basic demographics, you will be asked to which schools the application should be sent.

It’s okay to send your FAFSA information to any school you are considering, from community colleges to universities. Even if you haven’t applied to them yet, it is okay to send them your information.

In these sections you will also need to provide information to determine if you are a dependent on your parents or if you are independently filing. If you are found to be considered dependent, you will need to provide further information on your parents and their income status.

Providing Financial Evidence

The FAFSA application will ask about your financial status, such as bank account balances, tax returns, or W2 statements. This process can be simplified by using the IRS Data Retrieval Tool. With just a few clicks, you can connect your tax information from the IRS to the FAFSA by importing the data.

This can save you a great deal of time and effort. The online FAFSA application will provide a link to the IRS data retrieval tool, making it even easier for the applicant.

Complete the Application

There are important steps in completing the FAFSA application. Make sure you sign electronically in every place it asks you to sign. Double check that you have entered the correct FSA identification number.

Make sure you hit the submit button. This ensures your application gets processed. If you do not hit the submit button, it will not be sent through the proper channels and you will likely not ever receive a response regarding funding.

What Happens Next?

You have filled out the application, signed and hit submit. Now what? Well, your application will continue through the processing channels. It will go through many more steps.

Your application is shared with all the colleges you chose to receive your information. It is shared with the financial aid departments within those institutions. It also is sent to the higher education agency within your State.

You can expect to receive information from the Department of Education, the Federal Student Aid department and possibly the colleges to which you are applying. While these communications will not contain information about funds you qualify for, they can offer helpful advice.

Once you make the final decision on which college to attend, you will work with their financial aid officers to determine which funding opportunities are available to you. They will explain how your money will be paid out and when.

They can also help you decide which funding to accept and which to reject, if any, leaving you in control of how you will pay for college.

You have landed an interview for your dream job. Be proud. This can be hard to do, depending on the job. According to Glassdoor, the average job opening attracts over 200 resumes and only two percent of these will get a call for an interview.

Allow yourself to be excited for the opportunity to compete for a single position. With your excitement should come a desire to ace the upcoming interview. To ace it, your work begins long before the actual interview.

Pre-Interview Research

There is a lot to do before the interview. Learning everything you can about the company in which you are interviewing will help you relate to the interviewers. You can personalize your answers by connecting your answers to those like the company.

For instance, if they ask you to define your strengths, you can answer by saying,

“I enjoy helping others, which I notice is one of the core principals of this company.”

Researching each of the people on the interview committee will be helpful also. You can tailor your answers to include the strengths of the committee members. This will show the committee you know how to prepare.

Pre-Interview Practice

Practicing how you will respond to questions will set you up for success in an interview. While you cannot predict which questions will be asked, there are ordinary questions to help you practice. Many interviewers will want you to discuss your strengths and weaknesses, what you can bring to the company, and why this is your dream job.

Pre-Interview Preparation

Be prepared before the interview. What you wear does make a difference. You want to look your best. This is your dream job, after all. Professional attire tells them you take pride in your appearance. This can also tell them you will take pride in how you work for their company.

Sometimes the culture of the company is not suit and tie. Do your research to learn the culture so you can know how to dress the best for that company.

Clean up your social media profiles. Organizations are looking at online profiles to see what you do in your spare time. If you post pictures of yourself getting drunk at parties, companies will be less likely to hire you. If you share pictures of your volunteer work, you become more attractive to the committee.

Make extra copies of your resume to take along with you just in case they need extras.

During the Interview

You can ace the interview. Arrive early to your interview by at least ten minutes. Be polite, professional and shake hands with everyone. In addition, sit up straight, listen well to what the members are saying, and do not interrupt. Be able to reflect what you are learning from the committee about the job.

When answering questions, answer as concisely as possible. Don’t take ten minutes to answer a question and do your best not to go off course, rambling about topics unrelated to the interview questions.

Do not take your cell phone into the interview. If you must take it in, turn it completely off. If you are distracted by the ring or vibrations of your cell phones, this will not impress company members.

Remaining calm during an interview is key. Keep in mind that even though this seems like a dream job, it is not the only dream job out there. Remind yourself that it is not the end of the world if you do not land the job. Remembering this can help lower your anxieties because you are not placing all your bets on this one job.

Take time before you answer questions. Answering rapidly can come across as nervous. You want to get the answers right, not fast. Have questions ready so that when they ask you if you have questions, you have them.

Do not ask questions about vacation pay or how often you can take leave. This will tell them you are already thinking about not working. Instead, ask why the position is open, how your performance will be evaluated and the management and culture of the organization.

If you find yourself feeling excited about the job, don’t be afraid to let the committee see your excitement. Your enthusiasm will impress them, if you don’t overdo it.

Post-Interview with the Company

Many people think that if they haven’t heard from a hiring committee soon after the interview, they will receive unwelcome news about the job. This is not true, however. It can take committees weeks and even months to complete interviews and decide on who to hire.

Following up the interview committee must be done within a few days after the interview. Follow-up does not require a formal letter or phone call. Instead, send them a brief email.

Your follow-up should thank them for the opportunity for interviewing. More importantly, a follow-up can give you a chance to offer information about yourself that you may have forgotten to say in the interview.

You can also offer ideas you have for the position that came to you after leaving the interview. This shows them you are still thinking about the job and how you can make it better.

Post-Interview with Yourself

Self-reflection after your interview is just as important as following up with the company. Ask yourself questions to see if this is still your dream job or not. Occasionally, an interview can change your views on how great a job really is. So, is this still your dream job?

Other questions can focus on whether the job will use your talents and skills, whether you will be able to complete the tasks required, and if the job will offer the right amount of challenge.

Further areas to reflect on include whether the job will meet your financial needs. Also, will you be able to contribute to society and will this job help you meet personal and professional goals?

With these tips, you will be better prepared for your interview, getting you one step closer to landing your dream job.

You know the industry in which you would like to be employed, but you do not have the qualifications yet to enter that field. There can be multiple ways to enter a career field.

If your career requires higher education, or training past your high school diploma, then you will need to attend college.

There are more options today in how you earn a degree. One way is to enroll in a degree program and another is to enroll in fast track training.

Knowing the difference between the two can help you decide which path will help you meet your goals.

What Does it Mean to Get a Degree?

Obtaining a college degree typically means you attend a Community College, College or University where you can receive a diploma in a field that matches your career choice.

The school you attend plans your entire curriculum from start to finish and there may be classes you must take as a pre-requisite to another course.

Associate degree programs are set up to be completed within a two-year time frame and bachelor’s degrees within four years. These timelines are based on a person attending full-time, or at least four courses, every semester.

Some students can shorten this time frame by attending summer courses or by taking more than four courses during a semester. Many people, however, take a longer time completing a degree program due to conflicting work schedules, financial or personal obligations that may interfere with them taking a full course load.

Obtaining a full-time job in your career field happens once you have completed the degree program since having a diploma is a requirement set forth by the employers in your field. Sometimes the requirements are set forth by the State. For instance, a physician must have a medical degree, license and pass state board exams before practicing medicine.

Some students choose a fast track training program to help them get into the workforce sooner.

What is Fast Track Training?

Fast track training programs usually take no longer than one year to complete. Some can be completed in less than a year.

Fast track training is not offered for all fields of study. But it is offered for some careers, including jobs in the business, healthcare, technology and law industries.

Fast track training has a goal of getting you to work as fast as possible. While it cannot get you into the upper level careers, it does get you started toward that goal. Fast track training allows you to land entry level jobs in your field of choice.

There are characteristics of both fast track training and degree programs you can consider before making a final decision.

Course Formats

Degree programs are typically completed with students attending classes in person and run by a qualified professor. The professor provides multiple learning opportunities through lectures, hands-on activities, group work and more.

Degree programs do not begin adding practicums and internships until most of the coursework is completed.

Fast track training programs are focused more on giving the student as much on the job experience and course material as possible in the least amount of time. Meaning, you will be attending labs, workshops and practicums while also attending classes.

Completion Times

Degree programs are established to help students progress from introductory level courses to more in-depth courses. These classes are built on top of one another, giving students the basics at the beginning and advanced instruction in the final courses.

At SBBCollege, Associate degrees generally take a little under two years, and bachelor’s degrees are just over three years.

Fast track training programs are just that, fast. They are developed to prepare a student for work in less than a year. In nine to twelve months, students obtain all the course work and hands on experience needed to obtain an entry level job in the field of their choice.

Employment While in College

Many students today need to work while attending college. Whether you are an adult learner or just graduating high school, you may need to work to support your educational goals.

Degree and fast track training programs are both structured formats. However, they both also allow you to work while attending. Keep in mind, working while taking college classes can extend the length of time it takes to graduate.

To get the best of both worlds, fast track training can help you get started in your chosen field. Then you can work in a job you love while also obtaining an associate or bachelor’s degree to help you rise to a higher level in your career.

Your Preferred Educational Style

Your best learning style can help determine which type of education to pursue. If you are strictly a hands-on learner, who needs to implement what you learn to retain it, then fast track training may be for you.

Fast track training has much more kinesthetic applicability. On the other hand, degree programs consist of mostly in-class instruction, with some practical hands-on experiences towards the end of the program.

Your Short-Term vs. Long-Term Goals

Your goals for your career are important when choosing between a fast track and degree programs. If your short-term goals include working in your field of study as soon as possible, getting real world job experience and avoid being in college for an extended period, then fast track training is perfect for you.

If your long-term goals are to be in top management, or to receive top pay in your field, more education will be required. This means you will be expected to earn a degree.

Asking yourself simple questions can help you clarify these goals. For instance, do you want to be a medical assistant, or do you want to be a physician? You can fast track to be a medical assistant, but a physician requires a degree.

To further help you decide, reach out to a career counselor or an academic advisor. They are trained to help you make decisions like choosing between a fast track or degree program.

When you think back over the lessons you have learned throughout your life, how many of those came from a lecture only environment? How many came from reading it in a book? How many came from participating in hands-on activities?

Most likely, you stored more hands-on experiences in your long-term memory than you did lectures or reading textbooks. This is because hands-on experience uses more of your senses, giving you multiple opportunities to make the information meaningful enough to store it for life.

Hands-on instruction uses kinesthetic and tactile methods, where touch, feel, smell, taste and hearing can enhance the learning experience. This type of multi-sensory learning enriches the mind and helps you retain what you learn for much longer than lectures or reading alone.

Hands-on experiences can reinforce what has been taught through lectures. Students have individualized learning styles. By combining hands-on activities with lectures and text readings, a professor can provide opportunities for all students to better retain information.

Curriculum retention is one of the many benefits of hands-on experience in the classroom.

Curriculum Retention

Purdue University conducted a study in which they tested two groups of students on how well they grasped knowledge. One group was lectured, and one group was taught through hands on experience.

Many college students use memorization skills to study for tests. Memorizing information works, but information is not always stored in a person’s long-term memory. This means the information they memorize is lost after a certain period, anywhere from a few days to a few years, unless the information is repeated over and over.

Hands on experiences take the information in textbooks and lectures and brings it to life, making it more meaningful, and helping students store it in their long-term memory. This is one of the best ways to retain curriculum.

It is also a terrific way to increase student engagement.

Increased Engagement

Increased engagement means students are showing an interest in the material being taught. It means they are curious and interested in learning the material.  It means they are motivated and eager to understand more.

It’s important that students believe they can learn. Hands on activities show students they have this talent and are capable to learn and make knowledge meaningful. Faculty members are essential to making learning a positive experience for students.

Reports show students are driven by four goals: satisfying their need to work with others and build relationships; the need to feel successful and rewarded; the need to understand what is being taught; and the need to be creative and original.

Hands-on activities can help students meet these goals through practice on a regular schedule.

Practice for Student and Professor

Practice leads to improvement. The more you can practice an activity, the better your performance. This is true for both students and professors. Practice is not about being perfect, however. It is important to recognize mistakes will happen. Use them as learning moments.

Practice is about committing time to solving a problem with any tools and materials available. Doing so allows students and professors to build a partnership and become better coaches for future learning opportunities.

Practice can also lead to students improving their abilities to solve problems.

Improved Problem Solving

There are specific steps that happen in problem solving. These steps, when implemented in hands on activities in the classroom, make solving problems easier.

The first steps are to identify what the problem is. This may sound like common sense but sometimes people get eager to get to the finished product and skip this step altogether, wasting time and effort. The second step is listing all the viable solutions, then analyzing those solutions to select the best one.

Once everyone agrees, the last step of completing the activity is done. To go beyond this step, you can evaluate how you did in each step.

Often, problem solving will require creativity. Hands-on activities encourage creativity from students.

Fosters Creativity

Creativity is a skill you can learn. It is also a skill you can teach. Creativity involves cognitive processes help students understand subject matter. It can even go beyond that, helping students find new and more powerful ways to learn.

Creativity can lead to inventions or finding new ways to solve old problems. In a college class, and through hands-on experiences, students can use critical thinking skills to develop solutions. This is one skill that can set them apart when in the real world.

Creativity also allows students varied outlets to express themselves and the work they are doing, as well as making connections to others through their creative works.

One thing that can further a student’s creativity is constructive feedback from the professor.

On the Spot Feedback

Once a student graduates from college and begins a career, they will need to be able to accept criticism from authority figures in the workforce. They need to be able to accept criticism and use it to make improvements.

Providing hands-on experiences in the classrooms allow students to receive critiques from their professor. They learn to take the critiques and turn them into positive applications.

Constructive criticism is a form of communication that helps students think about the job at hand and create a solution to your problem. A critique in the classroom is meant to be a positive, encouraging statement to better your situation.

It is not meant to be taken offensively, but in appreciation for assistance in helping you become better at your job. Feedback is something you will receive often when working in the real world. It is better to learn how to process and use it to your benefit before graduating and entering a career.

The value of hands on experience benefits students far beyond the classroom. An employer will be eager to hire someone who already knows how to retain information, develop solutions to problems quickly, shows creativity to improve their work, and who sees constructive criticism as a way to become a much better employee. At SBBCollege, we believe in setting graduates up with the practical skills they need in the future.

Salary may not be the first thing you consider when thinking of a long-term career. You may be thinking you want to participate in work that sounds fun or exciting. Or, you want to make a difference by helping others. At first, you may even just want a job that will pay your bills.

While you do not need a college degree in some fields to be considered financially successful, it has many advantages, especially when considering salary.

According to reports, those with a college degree have seen an increase in jobs, higher than those without a college degree. In addition, salaries have increased by 51 percent for those with college degrees.

Not only do salaries increase, you can have more career options too, depending on the field.

More Options With A Degree

Training and staying up-to-date on trends in a business is expected by many employers who hire those with college degrees or certifications. Promotions happen for a variety of reasons, the growth you have made for the company is one.

Higher education can give you opportunities for higher paid positions.Depending on the degree you receive, your knowledge and talents can open doors for you in a wide range of jobs.

For instance, having a degree in Social Work can qualify you for jobs in criminal justice, psychology, drug and alcohol counseling, security work, juvenile justice and more.

Having options is great, and so is being able to earn more money.

Everybody Wants More Money!

A recent article in Chronicle states those with a college degree can earn up to $400 more a week than those with only a high school diploma.

This means the return on investment you receive for acquiring a college degree can offer upwards of $20,000 annually. Depending on your field of study, it could mean even more.

Money does matter when it comes to employment. It is okay to want a higher salary. With a higher salary you can achieve personal goals such as giving to those less fortunate, traveling, or becoming debt free.

Some reports show the more education a person has, it is likely the more income they will accrue. Examples of incomes associated with jobs that do not require a college degree include waiters and waitresses earning less than $20,000 a year, and construction workers earning close to $30,000.

Those with associate degrees, like paralegals earn close to $50,000, dental assistants earn over $67,000, and web developers earn an average of $77,000 annually.

Those with bachelor’s degree, such as accountants, can earn $60,000 or a more each year. And finally, those with even higher education degrees can earn well over six figures. Some examples include attorneys, engineers and surgeons.

Salaries may include many benefits and perks.

The Other Benefits and Perks

Health benefits are one of the most appreciated benefits by employees who work full-time. This benefit alone can save an employee thousands of dollars each year. Having health insurance provides employees with security that when something goes wrong, they have help.

This is also true for companies who count disability and life insurances in their compensation packages.

Other employee benefits can include company vehicles. This allows employees to travel as needed without wearing down their personal vehicle. It is also great promotion for the company. Memberships to fitness clubs, discounted tickets to events, tuition reimbursement, travel reimbursement, and meals are additional perks offered by many employers hiring staff with a college degree.

Paid vacation and sick days should be included when determining how a degree can impact salaries.

Retirement statistics among Americans are frightening. CNBC reports Americans are not saving for retirement like they should. Experts recommend a retiree have one million dollars in savings. Americans today are reporting they only have a median of about $120,000 at retirement age.

Many companies will match or contribute fully to employees, especially in jobs where a person holds a degree.

Family health benefits are expensive. But there are many jobs out there, especially for those who have earned an Associate degree or higher, that provide benefits for your family and you.

Salaries that include perks such as these can mean greater job satisfaction.

Upping Your Satisfaction

For some, earning what you are worth can lead to satisfaction on the job. When you are satisfied with your job, you become a more valuable team player. In turn, you may be noticed for promotions and increases in salary.

Earning a college degree sets you apart from others. You are chosen above others for a job due to your degree, experience, and abilities. This is the employer’s way of showing you just how much value you add to the company.

Feeling valued, along with a good salary, is satisfying for many. Satisfaction can come from other things a degree offers, that are not related to money.

Benefits Money Can’t Buy but a Degree Can Give You

Networking is a privilege in some industries. It is the ability to connect with other professionals to improve your job, move to better jobs or gain assistance in some way. Networking is seen mostly in jobs where some form of college degree is required.

The Center for Disease Control reported people with college degrees show an increased lifespan of nine years longer than those who did not earn a college degree.

Studies have shown those who earn a college degree are living healthier lifestyles. Habits they engage in more often include healthy diet and exercise. The report also stated that those without a high school diploma had mortality rates comparable to smoking.

Earning a college degree can offer you confidence both personally and professionally. Feeling good about yourself in all areas of your life can also motivate you to give back more. In fact, those with college degrees have been known to volunteer and give back to their community more than those without a college degree.

Investing in yourself by getting a college degree can impact your personal and professional goals, as well as your salary.