She Informs

Tag: lifeaftercollege

  • How COVID-19 Has Affected Education System

    How COVID-19 Has Affected Education System

    Image by David Mark from Pixabay

    When the COVID-19 pandemic came about in 2020, it hit everyone like a ton of bricks, including myself. I was actually in my last semester of undergrad, 2 months away from graduation to be exact. But that’s another story. I want to talk about how covid had affected education, how it has changed since then, and what it could be for the future.

    More Virtual Options

    Online programs were available before, but since the pandemic, virtual school and online programs have become more widespread across the country. Over the years, graduate and professional schools have extended the fully or partially online program options. Which could possibly be the future of education. This makes it easily accessible and more compatible for students who may be struggling, working, or that have family obligations.

    how covid has affected education
    Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

    This has also opened the door for more virtual job opportunities.

    According to Pew Research Center, of roughly six-in-ten U.S. workers who say their jobs can mainly be done from home, 59% are working from home all or most of the time.

    Is Education Needed To Become Successful?

    Although the four-year degree has been a default for many, since 2020, a lot of people have decided that it’s not the right path for them.

    Trading school, skill certificates, and entrepreneurial roles have all become a more popular thing. With the internet being so accessible, it’s easier than ever to start a business and even more resources for it to take off.

    At the end of the day, everyone has their own definition of success. So it all depends on what you define as success. What works for you may not work for others.

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    The Economy Has Made College More Expensive

    College was already a questionable move for those who do not have the proper resources to go to college straight out of high school. Since 2020 and inflation, tons of people aren’t able to afford education, let alone gas or groceries.

    The cost of living is at an all-time high, gas prices are fluctuating, and groceries are not as affordable these days, which makes college the last thing on the agenda for most people.

    Unless you have the option to go to school for free or are able to pay out of pocket, it just does not seem doable.

    People are taking apps like Tik Tok and Instagram to fill their pockets and become what they use to call an “overnight sensation” and what we now call “viral”. And once you become viral, opportunities start knocking at your door. School can become the last thing on your mind when you feel an ounce of success without it.

    Is it worth the long-term debt?

  • Job Hunt Tips That Are Guaranteed To Be Helpful

    Job Hunt Tips That Are Guaranteed To Be Helpful

    Image by @magnetme on Instagram

    Are you having trouble landing that dream job? Haven’t heard back after you’ve submitted multiple job applications? Let’s put an end to that dreary process…its important not to give up while trying to find the right job. These are the most effective and helpful job hunt tips that can speed up the process. In this post, I will cover:

    • Resumes/Cover Letters
    • Responses
    • Experience
    • Follow-ups
    • Relationship Building

    Resumes are vital, and CVs are even better.

    Image by Biljana Jovanovic from Pixabay

    Your resume is a very important part of the job hunt process; it’s what grasps the recruiter’s attention, reels them in, and helps them determine if they’ll move forward. A cover letter is your chance to actually introduce yourself and explain why you are a great candidate for the job. It probably isn’t if you feel your resume is not up to par. I would recommend getting it fixed by a professional. It is a great investment, and it gives you an idea of what your resume should look like for future references.

    Always tailor your resume for the specific job. If you are applying for a sales job, it should not be the same version as your resume for a teaching job. They are two different industries that require specific qualifications. The same thing goes for your cover letter. Each employer is looking for specific qualifications, so you must emphasize in some way that you exceed these qualifications.

    Once your resume is restored and you have a well-written CV, you should have no problem getting to the next step, which is the interview.

    Do not expect a response right away…

    Job hunt tip #2… Just because you applied on Monday does not mean they will respond by Tuesday. I’ve had companies get back to me the next day and/or months after I have already accepted an offer elsewhere. They will respond on their own time unless you decide to consistently follow up. Unless you know for sure you got the job, don’t rely on just one interview.

    Did you submit your application? Great! They haven’t gotten back to you? Well…here are a few reasons why that’s happened:

    1. They’ve chosen someone else.
    2. You’re in consideration in case the other person doesn’t fall through.
    3. The employer is unorganized/dealing with other things.
    4. They are still interviewing candidates and going through the hiring process. Apparently, it can take more time than we expect.

    After the interview, they picked the candidate, but they haven’t sent you your rejection letter. You might be next in line if that said person decides not to follow through. They won’t fully reject you if they may end up needing you in the long run. Things may get out of hand or pop up, and they may have put a hold on the hiring process.

    The hiring process might take a little longer than you expected if the job is in high demand. Sometimes, the employer might be going through a busy season and hasn’t necessarily gotten around to it. This is why it’s important to apply to multiple but similar jobs and not just submit one application.

    Need help to ace the interview? Grab the Ultimate Guide to Job Interview Answers, and get your dream job quickly!

    After your interview, send a follow-up thank you letter.

    It is a good look and can set you aside from the other candidates. Grammarly has the best examples of follow-up letters.

    Experience over credentials…

    One of my least favorite job hunt tips is that if you do not have experience but have a master’s degree, it does not mean you are obligated or always guaranteed the job. Many people I know who earned a master’s degree but do not have the experience have gone through this process repeatedly. This brings me to ask the next question… is a school degree worth the debt? I believe it should definitely be something you’re passionate about, or else you probably shouldn’t pursue it.

    A good reference is important

    Building relationships is important because you never know when you might need someone. I can count on more than one hand alone how many people I can write down as a reference, whether a supervisor, a former coworker, or an old classmate. I can count on these people to give me a positive review for my next job. If you leave a job, always leave on a positive note. Being a good employee for one job can get you into an even better door. NEVER burn bridges!