It’s that time of year again, when waves of new college graduates venture out into the real world, looking to land their first job. While it is true that the economic climate is less than favorable for new graduates with little to no experience under their belts, understanding the challenges you will face is half the battle. Below are a few hard truths you should understand when getting ready to search for a job.
- It’s rough out there. In these poor economic times, companies are cutting back in whatever ways they can. This often means fewer entry-level job openings. In fact, according to a recent survey by Rutgers University, only half of recent college graduates are working full-time, leaving the rest under- or unemployed. While this means you may need to get smarter, and ultimately more realistic, in your job search, the best thing you can do is try to remain persistent.
- You’ll need to send out lots of resumes. It can be easy to get discouraged when you are sending out 30 resumes a day with no replies, but keep at it. You only need that one job, and you certainly can’t find it if you don’t put yourself out there. And remember, it’s not just you. There are many other new grads out there facing similar obstacles.
- Your social media presence and profile does matter. It is not uncommon for employers to research an applicant’s social media pages, so be prepared. This may mean cleaning up your pages to put forth a professional image and adjusting your privacy settings appropriately. It’s even wise to start thinking about this in the months before you graduate, so you are already prepared when you start your job search.
- Old interview answers won’t work. While you always want to put your best foot forward and highlight your strengths, in today’s job market, giving formula answers such as the "I work too hard" response to questions about your weaknesses may not be the best choice. Instead, strive to be relatable and honest. Highlighting the ways in which you are working to improve your shortcomings is a great way to do this.
- You’ll face rejection. You may feel like the interview went well and were anticipating better news after being introduced to the smiling faces of the entire department, understand that employers can only select one person for the job. It is not uncommon to face rejection multiple times before finally landing a job. With the market flooded with individuals looking for work, it is important to remain realistic, but, above all, keep at it.
- Networking is key. The vast majority of jobs are filled based on personal contacts. Therefore, it is important to reach out to your personal network about opportunities they may know of at their own jobs or elsewhere. Websites such as LinkedIn have made this type of communication increasingly easy to navigate.
- You may have to settle. It is important to stay realistic in your search, especially when jobs are scarce. This may mean you need to settle for a job that is outside your area of interest, is at a lower pay grade than you hoped, or is only marginally related to what you actually want to do. Most people will not land their dream job right out of college, so be ready to take any opportunities that come your way seriously.
- You’ll contend with entry-level wages. Even when you do land your first job, be prepared to accept that entry-level wages may not be quite what you expected. Also, be realistic in your budgeting. Don’t over extend yourself. Rent, utilities, groceries, car notes, and student loan payments add up quickly, so even though you may be overly eager to strike out on your own, be sure you can afford it first. Many recent graduates have roommates or live at home for a while as they gain their own financial footing.
May 18th, 2012
Traditionally, the Master of Fine Arts has been accepted as the terminal degree for art fields in the United States. However, art doctoral degrees are increasing in availability abroad. Now, art scholars in the U.S. are debating whether or not providing art doctoral programs will be beneficial or harmful to the field and students of the subject. The Chronicle of Higher Education reports that both critics and proponents of the art doctoral degree are trying to answer the question — are art doctorates in the field’s best interest?
Those in favor of the art doctoral degree hope that having a higher level terminal degree will increase job prospects and make it easier for degree-holders to move up the career ladder at colleges and universities. Many art instructors only hold master’s degrees in their fields, which makes it difficult for them to advance their careers toward tenure. The hope is that a doctorate will give these candidates more of an opportunity to advance their careers.
Proponents also argue that bringing the art doctoral degree to the U.S. will keep the U.S. as a strong competitor in an increasingly globalized environment. As it stands right now, doctorates in art are commonly offered abroad, but only a handful of institutes in the U.S. offer advancement beyond the M.F.A.
Those opposed to the doctoral degree argue that the doctorates will replace the Master of Fine Arts degrees, thereby rendering them useless. This could make it difficult for master’s degree-holders to advance — or even keep — their positions. Another opposing argument is that luring students into getting their doctorate degree in art while the field’s job prospects are uncertain is unethical. Institutions cannot promise that art students will benefit from advancing their education. Opposed individuals are also concerned that the scholarship of the doctoral-level programs may take away from creation, instead making art into a uniform production.
Despite the debate, both sides of the argument agree that the availability of doctorate programs at research institutions gives artists the opportunity to cross mediums and explore different areas of study. The Chronicle of Higher Education reports that even critics support a multi-discipline approach to art. The question is, however, whether that benefit outweighs the cons.
Ultimately, arguments both in favor of and against expanding beyond the master’s degree in the field cannot hold back what is beginning to be perceived as an inevitable evolution of the field of art. The Chronicle of Higher Education quotes James Elkins, professor at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and editor of Artists with Ph.D.’s, as saying the eventual progression toward art doctorates "can’t be stopped." The field is producing more scholarships over the subject of doctoral degrees, and institutions like Parsons the New School for Design are exploring the art doctorate option.
As schools begin to consider art doctorate programs, the need to evaluate cost and risk has become stronger. Institutions must determine whether the art doctorate will be worth it for students and universities alike.
May 18th, 2012
In a time when the cost of higher education is pricing some students out of college, state grants and scholarships are increasingly going to wealthier students, according to a report by the Brookings Institute. The report, "Beyond Need and Merit," says 70% of state grant funds were assigned based on financial circumstances, a drop of 20% since 1992-93. This may be because 13 states have established non-need-based grant programs within the last 20 years. Although the percentage of allocated has decreased, states are spending about three times as much on need-based programs than they were 30 years ago, according to the report.
The report also cites 13 states, including West Virginia, Utah, Louisiana, and Georgia, that allocate less than 50% of their aid money based on financial need. For example, 16% of Louisiana’s state grant money was given based on financial circumstances. However, 35% of recipients of the state’s grants in 2009-10 were from families who had incomes of more than $80,000. These students received 45% of the state’s grand budget, according to the report. Georgia assigned none of its grant money based on financial need and 64% of students from the highest quintile of income received an average of $2,900 in 2007-08, while 54% of those from the lowest quintile were given an average of $1,800.
The problem is that low-income students face the greatest barriers to getting an education, and the increasing cost of tuition makes affording school more difficult. To that end, the report says states should move away from merit-based and need-based aid and instead implement simplified programs that reach students with financial need with appropriate expectations for college success. These programs should be easy for the student and his or her family to understand, and they should be designed to encourage success after the student begins their college career.
Although grant programs differ from state to state, the Brookings Institute suggests a clear model for grant allocation. Aid would be handed out based on family income. Students from families who make $20,000 or less would receive $4,000 while those who make more than $55,000 would get $500. The cutoff for aid would be at $60,000. The report says the advantage to this system is it is simple and people will know how much aid they will receive. It also provides the greatest amount of funding for low-income students. However, the Brookings Institute says grant programs should include incentives to motivate students to complete college in a timely manner, and states should aggressively implement innovative pilot programs to see if they’re more effective than the programs already in place.
May 18th, 2012
If you thought a desk job is less dangerous than field careers where you’re out in the elements or performing physical labor, you thought wrong. As it turns out, your daily office routine, and even the office building itself, could be damaging to your health — and if not remedied, could even increase your chances of disease and shorten your lifespan. Luckily, there are some simple solutions to keep your body in tip-top shape, even when you’re sitting in front of a computer all day.
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Problem: Sitting too long and general inactivity. Sitting around all day at your desk does not do you any favors when it comes to your health. According to a report published by PLoS One, more than 292 million Americans do not get the minimum level of exercise required for good health. Since the 1960s, jobs that require moderate physical activity have dropped by 28%, and it is no coincidence that the number of those suffering from weight-related issues has climbed since then as well. This is not only bad for your waistline, but your overall health as well because leading a too-sedentary life can lead to health issues like heart disease and diabetes.
Remedy: Exercise during lunch, or at least once during or before/after work. While it may be a challenge at first, simply finding a way to get some exercise into your day can go a long way. You don’t have to start running marathons either. Something as simple as taking a walk on your lunch break can give you huge health boosts. Also, simple things like standing and stretching a few times throughout your day can reduce the strain on your back, elbows, hands, and other joints.
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Problem: The air in your office is contaminated. Perhaps one of the most shocking hazards you will encounter at your desk each day involves one of your body’s most instinctive tasks: breathing. In 1984, the World Health Organization released a report that up to 30% of newly built or remodeled office buildings were found to have a number of complaints regarding the indoor air quality. These included everything from poor ventilation to serious chemical and biological contaminants. In fact, a term was coined for offices plagued by with such issues: Sick Building Syndrome. Unfortunately, many of these buildings received little to no updates and still house workers on a daily basis. If that’s not enough to worry you, consider the fact that printers and copy machines can emit high levels of toner particles, and even ozone, into your workspace.
Remedy: Get out more. While most people can’t drop everything and find a new job (good for you if you can), taking the time to go outside and get some fresh air during the work day can go a long way. Also, regular aerobic exercise can boost your immune system. This can help your body fight off the gazillions of recycled germs being spewed from your office’s air conditioning system throughout the day.
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Problem: Commutes increase your chances of auto accidents. If your commute involves a long, daily drive, then your chances of being in an accident naturally increase. However, according to a recent Gallup poll, individuals who face long commutes are not only more likely to become involved in a car accident, but they’re also less happy than those who commute less and long commuters tend to suffer from neck and back conditions.
Remedy: Find alternative modes of transportation. While it’s nearly impossible to get away from relying on your vehicle every day, even carpooling a couple of times a week can reduce stress significantly by not having to be behind the wheel. While it may not be possible for everyone, finding ways to telecommute instead of making the trek to the office can go a long way too. Commuting expenses can also contribute to elevated worry levels.
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Problem: Your boring job can trigger a heart attack. Contrary to popular belief, a lack of regular stress can actually increase your risk of heart attack, especially in men. A study performed by Dr. Harry Hemingway of the University College London Medical School showed that dull, steady work decreases your heart rate variability (HRV). In short, HRV measures your heart’s ability to adapt to current circumstances. Over time, your heart becomes less able to adapt to drastic changes in stress levels, so when the pressure is on, your heart may not be up to the task. Studies also show that being bored on the job can increase your risk of a work-related accidents too.
Remedy: Find some time for a little excitement. Finding ways to break the monotony of your daily routine is key. Setting daily completion goals and prioritizing levels for your daily workloads can not only help keep you focused on the task at hand, but also increase productivity. This will help keep stress levels more constant. Also, regular exercise can help elevate your HRV and reduce the risk of a heart attack caused by sudden stress.
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Problem: Your stressful job can trigger health problems too. Even more dangerous than a lack of stress in the office is too much of it. According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), more than 40% of workers say their job is extremely stressful, while 25% viewed their jobs as their No. 1 source of stress in their lives. Other stressors like violence in the work place, longer hours, increased workloads, and stress related to job security (or a lack thereof) have skyrocketed as well. Stress can lead to a score of health issues, including unhealthy weight gain or loss, insomnia, fatigue, and headaches.
Remedy: Find a way to blow off steam. If you’ve ever thought about taking up mixed martial arts, there has never been a better time to start training. Okay, so you don’t have to take things to that extreme, but things like regular exercise or yoga after you leave the office can do wonders when it comes to releasing work-related stress. Over time, it can also to help you manage it throughout your day. Also, getting enough sleep, combined with a healthy diet, helps keep your body and mind in tip-top, stress-blocking mode. Lastly, if you feel the pressure mounting, doing something as simple as finding a quiet place to sit with your eyes closed for 10 minutes can release tension.
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Problem: Working too many hours. Think you are setting a good example in front of your bosses by showing up early and working late? Think again. In reality, you could just be hurting yourself. Studies have shown that employees who put in work weeks longer than 48 hours on a consistent basis do so out of compulsion, rather than having too much work to complete during regular business hours. Over time, putting in too many hours can lead to health problems that can include musculoskeletal disorders, heart disease, fatigue, stress, depression, and also increases your risk of infection.
Remedy: Focus on quality over quantity. Rather than rotting in front of your desk during daylight hours only to slip out of the office and into the night like some sort of word processing, number-crunching Dracula, focus on getting as much done as possible during regular business hours. Career advice expert Penelope Trunk points out that people don’t lose jobs because they aren’t working unpaid overtime, but rather because they didn’t perform their best during important projects.
May 10th, 2012
The law school of Washington University in St. Louis announced that it would begin to offer an online master’s degree (LL.M) in partnership with education technology company 2-tor. Inside Higher Ed reports that Kent Syverud, the dean of Washington’s law school, and Melissa Waters, a Washington University professor who will direct the online LL.M program, believe online education technology has progressed to a point where the quality of the curriculum does not vary between the virtual and physical classroom.
"I believe that we’re trying to create extremely high-quality course work online that is consistent with the quality we give for in-person programs, including the J.D.," Syverud told Inside Higher Ed. Syverud will be teaching a course within the new program when it launches in January.
The program is intended for lawyers practicing overseas to build on the law school’s internationally recognized postgraduate law degree program, according to the Washington University Law’s announcement. "We don’t know where the students are going to come from exactly," Syverud said in a New York Times article. "But we believe there is demand abroad for an online program with the same quality that we deliver in St. Louis, accessible to people who can’t uproot their lives to come to the United States."
According to its announcement, Washington University intends to keep the classes on a small scale of no more than 15 students at the start of the program in January, and instruct four groups a year at more than 100 students. New York University Law School’s online Executive LL.M in Tax program enrolls more than 100 students, according to the New York Times article, a program available online since 2008. This, as both Inside Higher Ed and the New York Times point out, is in contrast to the expanding online programs like computer-engineering, which attract thousands of students per semester.
Inside Higher Ed reports that the small, synchronous online classes are a hallmark of 2tor, an education technology startup founded in 2008. 2tor has collaborated with University of Southern California, Georgetown University, and the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill to produce online degree programs prior to Washington University Law’s online LL.M.
Washington Law is not the first law school to offer an online master’s degree in U.S. law. Florida Coastal College of Law has offered an LLM since 2010, and the New York University Law School, the Loyola University Chicago School of Law, and the University of Alabama School of Law have offered fully online degrees in specific areas of U.S. law for years as well, according to Inside Higher Ed. But Washington University, at No. 23 in U.S. News & World Report’s "Best Laws Schools" 2013 report, ranks higher than previous programs.
The course is not designed to prepare students for the bar exam, according to Syverud, as the American Bar Association rules prohibits approved law schools from counting more than 12 credits of distance education toward a Juris Doctor degree. However, since each state regulates its own bar exam, those with an online master’s degree from a bar association-approved law school could be eligible to take the bar exam in California, as the New York Times confirmed with Gayle Murphy, senior executive of the California committee of bar examiners. Syverud told Inside Higher Ed that he predicts the best schools will begin the shift in law education, which may lead to ABA-approved online programs. "I think if we can deliver legal instruction online to people at a level of quality that mimics what we’re able to do in the classroom … [then] it’s going to be a change agent over the coming years, even if people don’t want it to be."
May 10th, 2012
