Northeast Ohio Colleges and Careers

Brainstorm Your Way To Your Career

2011-08-28T07:58:00.000-07:00

Try using a creative approach to thinking about your college major or career.

True creativity is simply making connections between unrelated things. We’ve all heard about famous inventors who came up with hugely successful ideas while in the shower, napping or daydreaming. When the mind is relaxed, it makes connections between things that the working rational mind can’t see.

Businesses use brainstorming techniques all the time to improve their situation; forge new ideas; and to determine the risk and rewards of trying new things. In the same way, you can think of your career like a business opportunity. Isn’t that what it is, after all?

Brainstorming is an easy method for listing ideas and can be done by simply writing them down on a pad or poster. You can brainstorm about your college major or career by working alone -- or with friends. Follow four rules, developed by Alex Faickney Osborn, the inventor of brainstorming:

Focus on quantity: Generate a lot of ideas very quickly. Osborn believed that quantity leads to quality. The more ideas you generate, the greater the chance of producing a radical and effective solution. Any idea can be developed later into something positive.

Withhold criticism: In brainstorming, you should focus on extending or adding to an idea. You’ll critique the ideas later. You will feel free to generate unusual ideas, if you hold off on judging them. Remind yourself and your helpers of these facts if they’re reluctant to jot an idea down. Sometimes, or if they inadvertently discourage someone else with a “knee-jerk” negative reaction; even a non-verbal one, like making a face.

Welcome unusual ideas: Sometimes an idea will pop into your head that doesn’t seem connected to anything else that’s been listed. This is a good indication that you’re effectively brainstorming! Write it down. By looking from a new perspective and suspending assumptions, you might come up with better solutions.

Combine and improve ideas: When you combine ideas, a single better good idea often results. It is believed to stimulate the building of ideas by “association”.

To begin, give yourself prompts: questions to answer by making a list:
What do you to do for fun?
What do you dream about doing?
What would be cool to do?
What kinds of things do other people do for fun that you would like to do? (Think about specific people you’ve heard about or know.)
What kinds of jobs have you heard about that sound cool?

Do not worry about how practical or possible these ideas are! Do not restrict your list by judging how skilled or what resources other people use to do these things.

You are going to expand, develop and revise these ideas in a later step.

When recording your ideas, you can make a list, or a “mind map”, or do “graphic record”, using pictures and symbols, along with words. Do what’s easier and faster. High energy makes brainstorming the most fun and productive! One person could facilitate your group and someone else could record. For an introduction to mind-mapping, watch creator Tony Buzan’s explanation.

Have fun with brainstorming and let me know how it turns out! I’ll write more on the next steps in a future blog.

Make Careful Considerations Before Deciding on a Four-Year College

2011-06-25T07:09:00.000-07:00

In “Other Ways to Win”, Penn State scholars Kenneth C. Gray and Edwin L Herr, tell students to carefully consider whether a four-year college is really right for them and provide many alternatives.

They are concerned that the following facts are not fully recognized:

A college might be easy to get in, but very difficult to get through.

Community colleges often offer an “open admissions” policy. Sometimes, you’ll even see this at a public four-year college. The fact is, though, that in these schools, only about half of students will graduate within six years.

For the foreseeable future, the number of job openings for four-year college graduates is far below the number of those qualified.

Furthermore, on average, technical workers who don’t have a four-year college degree will attain higher salaries than four-year college degree holders, with the exception of the “professional ranks”.

Technical jobs are the fastest growing, most lucrative, sector of the labor force.

And within this sector, the fastest growing, most lucrative, jobs require a two-year associate degree.

Bottom line: A four-year college degree is not the best solution for everyone. Two-year technical education provides many promising alternatives. More on this soon!

Why Any College Major Can Qualify for Any Employer

2011-06-20T04:22:00.000-07:00

Your college major will most likely have nothing to do with what career path you choose, your chances of getting hired, your starting salary level or your professional growth. While in college, though, hone your “soft skills” and learn to make informed decisions about the job market. That will make all the difference in what happens after graduation.

Consider this:

• Most CEOs were liberal arts undergraduates.
• Most new jobs today are being created by small businesses.
• Most employers hire on the basis of “soft skills”, like creative problem-solving and communications.

That’s not to say that a college major has nothing to do with your success. Research shows that some majors are better prepared for higher pay than others. Liberal Arts majors get promoted faster and rise higher than Business and Engineering students hired at the same time at the same organization. And one-fourth of new hires at technical organizations do not have technical degrees.

That said, students who can support the “knowledge economy” with technical and analytical skills are in the best position to command higher starting salaries. A 2006 study at Carnegie-Mellon University found that their newly minted Computer Scientists, Electrical/Computer Engineers, Mathematicians, Economists and Business Administrators pulled the highest starting salaries.

But any management, consulting or sales position is viable for any major; even if it “sounds like business”. Every college major demands critical thinking skills. Demonstrate those during a job interview. If it’s a data-driven employer or industry, play up your quantitative skills, even if you acquired them from a non-science, non-business major. The job title may not specifically require them, but you may be able to get on the short list of candidates, if you have these skills. Giving examples from class projects, as well as internships, will show that you can recognize when these skills are needed on a project, and can offer them.

Advice from Professors to Guide Your College Decision

2011-04-11T04:50:00.000-07:00

Today’s tweet was a New York Times article from college professors discussing ways to make your final college choice. http://nyti.ms/gBrnU4

Here’s my twist on their most important tips. Some of these are from my previous posts.

Look at the majors, minors and interdisciplinary programs. Attend a few first-year classes in your field of study.

What are the instructors’ credentials? Do they have professional experience in the field? Are they leading researchers in the field? Both types of professors have an important role in learning about the realities and trends in your field.
Do you think the teaching style is effective? Your professors should support your professional skill development by stressing analysis and interpretation; not rote memorization.

Send an email to the department chairman and the administrative assistant and request sample syllabi. Are these straight lecture classes or do you get a chance for experiential, collaborative learning that is representative of the workplace?

Talk to recent graduates to learn about their process and success rate of their job search. Did the college help them locate internships and jobs?
Ask the professors what professional associations are most influential in their fields.

Check out the professional associations in your area or nationally to find out. You might be able to get a local member on the phone to ask: “Where did the best people in your field go to college?”

High-Demand Careers in Ohio: Physical Therapy Assistant

2011-03-15T03:43:00.000-07:00

Physical therapy assistant jobs will grow 31.5% in Ohio through 2018. This job requires a associate’s degree and has an average salary of $51,189. Demand for this job will grow for several reasons:
• Improved patient access to physical therapy services, due to changes in insurance restrictions
• Growth in key service areas:
- The elderly population who are vulnerable to chronic and debilitating conditions that require assistance during physical therapy
- Baby-boomers, who will increasingly experience heart attacks and strokes, and need cardiac and physical rehabilitation
- Infant and trauma victim survival; improved rates from medical developments.
Annually, in Ohio, over 220 new jobs will be added in this field, though 2018. However, it will be a very competitive field and most states require:

• Licensure, registration or certification
• A degree from an accredited institution
• Passage of the National Physical Therapy Exam and sometimes a state exam.
• Continuing education credits to maintain licensure.
• CPR certification or a minimum number of hours worked in a clinical setting
Physical therapist assistants have clinical responsibilities and assist physical therapists in treating patients who have had accidents or who have disabilities. The goal is to improve mobility, relieve pain, and reduce or prevent physical disabilities. The physical therapy assistant:
• Helps patients exercise or use equipment
• Provides patient instruction, and therapies such as electrical stimulation, traction, ultrasound and massage.
• Keeps track of and reports patient responses to treatment.

A supporting, even more competitive position, “physical therapy aide”, does not require licensure and is under the supervision of a physical therapy assistant. The physical therapy aide gathers and prepares equipment, keeps the treatment area organized, and transport patients within the facility. Depending on the staffing levels of the facility, the aide or the assistant orders supplies, answers the phone, and fills out insurance forms and other paperwork.
About 75% percent of positions are health practitioner offices and hospitals. Home health agencies and hospitals typically have the best pay scale, although nursing care facilities, and outpatient care centers offer additional opportunities.

How to Find the Best College for a Physical Therapy Assistant Degree

The American Physical Therapy Association’s Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education accredits two-year programs, which are divided into academic coursework and clinical field experience in facilities.

Schools currently accredited in Ohio are:

Cleveland State University
College of Mount St Joseph
Ohio University
The Ohio State University
The University of Findlay
University of Cincinnati
University of Dayton
University of Toledo
Walsh University
Youngstown State University

Courses include algebra, English, anatomy and physiology, and psychology. Clinical work includes certifications in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and other first aid, and hands-on patient experience.
When evaluating schools, I recommend that you look closely at the course listings offered, and talk directly to the professors who teach them to find out where their recent students are working and to explore their teaching philosophy.

Tips for Getting Hired

On-the-job training is considered critical in this field. Experience leads to permanent and better positions. Special skills, such as medical coding and billing, are an advantage in the hiring process. A demonstrated skill as an effective team member with good patient rapport will also be important in hiring decisions. The American Physical Therapy Association also recognizes additional training in specialties, such as geriatric, pediatric, musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, integumentary, and cardiopulmonary therapy.
Acute hospital, skilled nursing, and orthopedic facilities are expected to have the most job growth, particularly in rural areas, since physical therapists tend to cluster in more urban and suburban areas.
As always, What’s Your Major? strongly recommends joining a professional association and attending local or national meetings to get a better understanding of the field and to kick off your job networking campaign. For additional information about a career as a physical therapy assistant, contact: The American Physical Therapy Association, 1111 North Fairfax St., Alexandria, VA 22314-1488. Internet: http://www.apta.org

High-Demand Careers in Ohio: Physician Assistant

2011-03-13T07:34:00.000-07:00

Physician Assistant jobs will grow by 33.5% in Ohio through 2018. This job requires a Master’s degree and has an average salary of $83,886. The expansion of the healthcare industry is responsible for the job growth, with an increasing use of PAs by healthcare establishments for cost containment purposes.

Annually, in Ohio, over 99 new jobs will be added in this field, though 2018. This occupation should not be confused with medical assistants, who perform routine clinical and clerical tasks.

However, the number of jobs is greater than the number of practicing PAs because about 15% of them hold two or more jobs (for example, with a supervising physician and also in another healthcare facility).

PAs work in primary care (general internal medicine, pediatrics or family medicine), or in specialty areas, such as general and thoracic surgery, emergency medicine, orthopedics, and geriatrics. Most job growth will occur in rural and inner-city healthcare facilities, where it is difficult to attract physicians. A possible downside of these locations is the lack of close supervision.

Over 50% of PAs work in physicians’ offices, and about 25% in hospitals. The rest of the positions are in outpatient care centers (like health maintenance organizations), the Federal Government; and colleges or professional schools.
According to the national accrediting commission, physician assistants are prepared academically and clinically to provide health care services under the direction and supervision of a surgeon or doctor of medicine or osteopathy.

PAs make clinical decisions for primary and specialty care, and provide diagnostic, therapeutic, preventive, and health maintenance services. PAs’ work includes primary and specialty care in medical and surgical practice and may include patient instruction and counseling, educational, research, and administrative activities, such as making progress notes. A physician assistant (PA) is a specially qualified health care professional who provides medical care under the supervision of a licensed physician in a variety of health care settings.

As a member of a healthcare team, a PA’s span of control is wide and determined both by state law and the supervising physician. Prospective students should get familiar, and stay current, with the Ohio state law governing the scope of a PAs work. Physicians may delegate to PAs medical duties that are both within the physician’s scope of practice and aligned with the PA’s training and experience and state law.

He or she:

• Takes medical histories
• Examines and treat patients
• Orders or carries out therapy
• Orders and interprets laboratory tests and x rays
• Makes diagnoses
• Treats minor injuries by suturing, splinting, and casting
• Prescribes specific medications
• Performs managerial duties, such as ordering medical supplies or equipment
• Supervises medical technicians and assistants
• Makes house calls or goes to hospitals and nursing care facilities to check on patients, and then report back to the physician.
• PAs who specialize in surgery may work as first or second assistants during major surgery to provide preoperative and postoperative care.

How to Find the Best College for a Physician Assistant Degree

Attending a school accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant is critical to passing the national exam and obtaining a license. PAs are licensed and regulated by the Ohio State Medical Board, the same as physicians. About 80% of programs offer the master’s degree.

Most applicants have a college degree and typically, four years of health-related work experience. Nurses, EMTs, and paramedics often apply to these programs.

Schools current accredited in Ohio are:
Cuyahoga Community College / Cleveland State University
Kettering College Of Medical Arts
Marietta College
Medical University of Ohio at University of Toledo
Mount Union College (*provisional)
University Of Findlay (on probation)

The curriculum includes medical, behavioral, and social sciences courses that cover health policy and professional practice issues. Students are given an introduction to clinical medicine and patient assessment; and supervised clinical practice.

Classroom and laboratory instruction includes biochemistry, pathology, human anatomy, physiology, clinical pharmacology, clinical medicine, physical diagnosis, and medical ethics.

Only the University of Toledo is included, as number 69, in the U.S. News and World Report rankings of top schools nationwide for physician assistant training. The top-ranked are: The University of Iowa, Duke University, Emory University, George Washington University, The University of Texas at Southwestern Medical Center, and the University of Utah.

In school, physicians, PAs and others provide instruction in a curriculum following the medical school model. Here, the relationship between PA and physician begins. Many accredited programs offer clinical experience, in affiliation with a medical school. PA students share classes, facilities and clinical rotations with medical students.

Physician assistant educational programs usually take at least 2 years to complete on a full-time basis. Most programs are at schools of allied health, academic health centers, medical schools, or 4-year colleges. Some are at community colleges or hospitals, or are part of the military.

When evaluating schools, I recommend that you look closely at the course listings offered, and talk directly to the professors who teach them to find out where their recent students are working and to explore their teaching philosophy. PA programs include supervised clinical training in areas like family medicine, internal medicine, surgery, prenatal care and gynecology, geriatrics, emergency medicine, and pediatrics.

Tips for Getting Hired

PA students sometimes serve in one or more of clinical areas under the supervision of a physician who is seeking to hire a PA. The rotation may lead to permanent employment in one of these areas.

To obtain a license, physician assistants must complete an accredited education program and pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination, which is open only to graduates of accredited programs and is administered by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA). After passing the exam, PAs are “Physician Assistant-Certified.”

To maintain certification, PAs must obtain 100 hours of continuing medical education every two years (as physician must do). PAs must then pass a national recertification exam every six years or complete an alternative program that combines learning experiences and a take-home examination.

Although the physician-PA relationship is critical, in many settings (particularly the growing rural and urban practices), close physician supervision is not possible, as a doctor may only be present a couple of days per week. In such cases, conferences with a supervising physician and other medical professionals are required by law.

According to the commission, excellent soft skills are, therefore, mandatory: “The role of the PA demands intelligence, sound judgment, intellectual honesty, appropriate interpersonal skills, and the capacity to react to emergencies in a calm and reasoned manner. An attitude of respect for self and others, adherence to the concepts of privilege and confidentiality in communicating with patients, and a commitment to the patient’s welfare are essential attributes of the graduate PA.”
As always, What’s Your Major? strongly recommends joining a professional association and attending local or national meetings to get a better understanding of the field and to kick off your job networking campaign. For additional information about a career in Ohio as a physician assistant, contact: the Ohio Association for Physician Assistants, 4700 Reed Road, Suite N • Columbus, OH 43220 Tel: 800.292.4997 • Fax: 614.824.2103 • OAPA@OhioPA.com

For information a list of accredited programs, contact:
American Academy of Physician Assistants Information Center, 950 North Washington St., Alexandria, VA 22314. Internet: http://www.aapa.org

Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistants, 12000 Findley Road, Suite 240, Johns Creek, Georgia 30097. Internet: http://www.arc-pa.org

For eligibility requirements and a description of the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination, contact: National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants, Inc., 12000 Findley Rd., Suite 200, Duluth, GA 30097. Internet: http://www.nccpa.net

High-Demand Careers in Ohio: Athletic Trainer

2011-03-02T05:54:00.000-08:00

Athletic Training jobs will grow by 35.6% in Ohio through 2018. This job requires a Bachelor’s degree and has an average salary of $42,860. Technological advances and an increased emphasis on preventive care (particularly in schools and employment settings) are also expected to increase the demand for athletic trainers. Most job growth will occur in the health industry, like doctor’s offices and ambulatory healthcare services.

Annually, over 29 new jobs will be added in this field in Ohio, though 2018. Both sports and non-sports work setting are common. About 60 percent of athletic trainers work for non-sports employers, like recreational or youth sports teams, colleges and professional schools or hospitals.

Athletic trainers help athletes and clients to rehabilitate from injuries. They assess injuries, and develop treatment plans, and apply tape, bandages, braces and other protective devices. They also educate people about how to avoid injuries through the proper use of equipment. Physicians collaborate with athletic trainers in all of these areas and often supervise athletic trainers’ work to some extent, depending on work setting.

How to Find the Best College for an Athletic Training Degree

Accredited colleges in or near Northeast Ohio are: Ashland University, Baldwin-Wallace College, Bowling Green State University, Kent State University, Ohio Northern University, Otterbein College, The University of Akron, The University of Findlay, The University of Mount Union, and The University of Toledo. A bachelor’s degree in Athletic Training or Sports Medicine includes education in the classroom and clinical settings. Courses include human anatomy, physiology, nutrition, and biomechanics.

Nationally, there is no published ranking of top athletic training programs. The best way to look, if you’re interested in rankings, is to use U.S. News and World Report’s Top Colleges and Universities lists, then search for nationally certified Athletic Training programs, using the listings published by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Programs. Look for schools that offer graduate level education. Resources for these programs should be optimized.
Once you find them, I recommend that you look closely at the course listings offered, and talk directly to the professors who teach them to find out where their recent students are working and what internship support they can provide.

Tips for Getting Hired

Certification and/or licensure are increasing requirments for being hired for certain athletic trainer positions. And about 70 percent of certified athletic trainers have a master’s or doctoral degree. To work in a high school setting, a teaching certificate or license may also be required.

Board certification is required for licensure, registration or both, which is required in 43 states, including Ohio. A bachelor’s degree from an accredited athletic
trainer program is part of the requirement for becoming certified by the Board of Certification.

As always, What’s Your Major? strongly recommends joining a professional association and attending local or national meetings to get a better understanding of the field and to kick off your job networking campaign. For additional information about a career as an athletic trainer, contact: The National Athletic Trainer Association, 2952 Stemmons Freeway #200, Dallas, TX 75247 214.637.6282 Career Center: 1.888.491.8833 Ext. 2029

High-Demand Careers in Ohio: Biomedical Engineer

2011-02-28T05:48:00.000-08:00

Biomedical Engineering is the fastest growing occupation in Ohio through 2018. This job requires at least a Bachelor’s degree to reach the average salary of $79,206, which (like all engineering professions) is among the highest of all college graduates. Research positions sometimes require a graduate degree.

While not the largest field in engineering, it is the fastest growing nationwide, due to the aging of the population and a related focus on health issues. The demand for better medical devices and equipment, and more sophisticated medical equipment and procedures, will correspond with an increased need for cost-effectiveness, particularly in pharmaceutical manufacturing and related industries.

Annually, 29 new jobs will be added in this field in Ohio, though 2018. Engineers in biomedicine apply a knowledge of engineering, biology, and biomechanical principles to the design, development, and evaluation of biological and health systems and products. Science and mathematics principles are applied to scientific discoveries, in order to develop commercial services and procedures that solve medical and health-related problems.

Many biomedical engineers collaborate with medical scientists, to research, develop and evaluate:

• Devices (for medical procedures, automating insulin injections or controlling body functions),
• Imaging systems (such as magnetic resonance imaging),
• Products such as artificial organs, prostheses, and instruments or
• Medical information, health management and care delivery systems.

The work focuses on the specification, design and testing of a product and its components, including the final design, effectiveness, cost, reliability, and safety. Companies producing artificial organs, prostheses, instrumentation, medical information systems, and heath management and care delivery systems are typical employers.

How to Find the Best College for Biomedical Engineering

Common college majors for biomedical engineers are biology, mathematics, engineering and technology. Courses in general engineering, mathematics and the physical/life sciences will be accompanied by a design course, computer and/or laboratory class. Often, general courses in social sciences or humanities, are required.

Most biomedical engineers also need to have a background in another engineering specialty, like mechanical or electronics engineering. Many engineers specialize with the biomedical field, in biomaterials, biomechanics, medical imaging, rehabilitation engineering, or orthopedic engineering.

Twenty-three colleges in Northeast Ohio offer specialized majors in biomedical engineering, biomedical technology or biotechnology. They are: Ashland University, Baldwin-Wallace College, Case Western Reserve University, Chancellor University, Cleveland State University, The College of Wooster, Hiram College, John Carroll University, Kent State University, Lake Erie College, The Laura and Alvin Siegal College of Judaic Studies, Malone College, Oberlin College, Notre Dame College, The Rabbinical College of Telshe, The University of Akron, The University of Mount Union, Alliance College and Walsh University.

I recommend that you look closely at the course listing, and talk directly to the professors who teach them about where their recent students are working and what internship support they can provide.

Top-ranked graduate programs nationally, according to U.S. News and World Report, are: Johns Hopkins University (Whiting), George Institute of Technology, University of San Diego (Jacobs), Duke University, University of Washington (Seattle), Massachusetts Institute of Technology, University of Pennsylvania, Boston University, Rice University and Stanford University.

Tips for Getting Hired

Common job titles in biomedical engineering include Bio-Mechanical Engineer, Dialysis Engineer, or Biomaterials Engineer. Experienced engineers obtain graduate degrees in engineering or business administration to learn new technology and broaden their education.
The engineering technology professional track is centered on practical design and production work, rather than theoretical and scientific development. Engineering technology careers requires focused coursework current issues in the application of engineering principles. Graduates of 4-year technology programs may get jobs similar to those obtained by graduates with a bachelor's degree in engineering, but can not register as professional engineers.
In order to keep up with technology improvements, continuing education is critical.
As always, What’s Your Major? strongly recommends joining a professional association and attending local or national meetings to get a better understanding of the field and to kick off your job networking campaign.

Engineers who offer their services directly to the public must be licensed. Licensed engineers are called professional engineers (PEs). Licensure usually requires a degree from an ABET-accredited engineering program, 4 years of relevant work experience, and completion of a state examination. After graduation, the licensing process requires taking the examination in two stages. The first Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) examination can be taken immediately. After acquiring suitable work experience, engineers quality for the second examination, called the Principles and Practice of Engineering exam.

For additional information about a career as a biomedical engineer, contact: Biomedical Engineering Society, 8401 Corporate Dr., Suite 140, Landover, MD 20785

High-Demand Careers in Ohio: Computer Network, Systems and Database Administrators

2011-02-25T06:14:00.000-08:00

Computer Network, Systems, and Database Administrator jobs are projected to grow much faster than all other occupations nationwide over the 2008-18, and are the highest growth occupation in Ohio. Annually, over 700 new jobs in a wide range of industries will be added in this field in Ohio, though 2018. Average salaries exceed $71,000.

A related field includes web designers, administrators and webmasters.

However, the most lucrative job title within this field is the analyst, who analyzes, designs, tests, and evaluates network systems, such as local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN), Internet, intranet, and other data communications systems. Database analysts also perform network modeling, analysis, and planning. They research and recommend network and data communications hardware and software and may supervise programmers.

How to Find the Best College for Computer Science

Common college majors for network and systems administrators are computer science, information science, and management information systems (MIS).

Certainly, an MBA is an advantage in this field. MIS programs usually are part of a business school or college and include finance, marketing, accounting, and management courses. More technical studies in systems design, networking, database management, and systems security are also common.

Colleges in Northeast Ohio that offer appropriate majors include Ashland University, Case Western Reserve University, Baldwin-Wallace College, Cleveland State University, The College of Wooster, Hiram College, John Carroll University, Kent State University, Lake Erie College, Oberlin College, Notre Dame College, University of Akron, The University of Mount Union, Alliance College and Ursuline College.

I recommend that you look closely at the course listing, and talk directly to the professors who teach them about where their recent students are working and what internship support they can provide.

Top-ranked Computer Science programs nationally, according to the hiring trends tracked by The Wall Street Journal, are offered by Carnegie Mellon University, University of California at Berkely, University of Michigan, Georgia University of Technology, Virginia Polytechnic Institute, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Pennsylvania State University, Purdue University, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and University of Maryland.

(Note: For webmasters, an associate degree or certification is usually sufficient.)

Tips for Getting Hired

Most of these professionals begin as computer support specialists before advancing into network or systems administration positions. Jobseekers can also enhance their employment opportunities by earning certifications, which are offered through product vendors, computer associations, and other training institutions.

As always, What’s Your Major? strongly recommends joining a professional association and attending local or national meetings to get a better understanding of the field and to kick off your job networking campaign. Many associations offer student member rates, job search sites, and opportunities for students to meet hiring managers at professional functions. Contact us for college and career coaching!

For additional information about a career as a computer network, systems, or database administrator, contact:

The League of Professional System Administrators, 15000 Commerce Pkwy., Suite C, Mount Laurel, NJ 08054.

Data Management International, 19239 N. Dale Mabry Hwy. #132, Lutz, FL 33548.
Association for Computing Machinery (ACM), 2 Penn Plaza, Suite 701, New York, NY 10121-0701. Phone: (800) 342-6626.

Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA), 1815 S. Meyers Rd., Suite 300, Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181-5228. Phone: (630) 678-8300. Fax: (630) 268-1384.

IEEE Computer Society , 1730 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20036-1992. Phone: (202) 371-0101. Fax: (202) 728-9614.

Institute for Certification of Computing Professionals (ICCP), 2350 E. Devon Ave., Suite 115, Des Plaines, IL 60018-4610. Phone: (847) 299-4227. Fax: (847) 299-4280.

National Workforce Center for Emerging Technologies (NWCET), Bellevue Community College, 3000 Landerholm Circle SE, N258, Bellevue, WA 98007-6484. Phone: (425) 564-4229. Fax: (425) 564-6193.

Success After High School: Whose Job Is It?

2010-11-07T05:27:00.000-08:00

Many students don’t go right to college and also don’t have vocational training. Once graduated, they’re “off the radar screen”.

According to a December 2009 study by The Public Agenda, post-secondary students have complex issues that undercut their ability to completion their education and training:

• Among students in four-year schools, 45 percent work more than 20 hours a week.

• Among those attending community colleges, 6 in 10 work more than 20 hours a week, and
more than a quarter work more than 35 hours a week.

• Twenty-three percent of college students have dependent children.

They are desperate for enhanced guidance and we are desperate to give it to them. In an article for the National Career Development Association, Dr. Janet Wall points out that the US ranks 20 of out 28 in high school graduation rates and 12th in college graduation, the likely long-range impact to our economy is frightening.

It’s not academics that hold these folks back; according to research, it’s stress, problems with work/life/school balance and costs. They don’t lack potential; They lack support.

And the problem starts early: It’s no secret that high school counselors are overworked; particularly in public schools. In private schools, they often focus on admission into prestigious colleges. Few have the resources to intervene with the average student, who may not know how to advocate for him or herself; who doesn’t know the job and college/training options that are out there. They can’t even ask the right questions to get actionable information.

How criminal that they often must struggle only to fail and leave training with a greater, not lesser, burden: student loans

But they can tell us what they need: They need college and training to be more convenient and more affordable. A great majority say part-time financial aid and flexible course scheduling would be key to their success.

Many of us can help: Rather than dropping this societal issue in the laps of high school counselors, the whole school staff should be focused on it. Employers, community, politicians, parents, foundations, nonprofits share the vision and can share programming resources.

Contact us for college and career planning.

What is Academic Coaching?

2010-08-01T10:30:00.000-07:00

The best coaches listen actively to a student's concerns and ask powerful questions to help him or her:

• Get ready to learn
• Leverage strengths and learning styles
• Address weaknesses
• Use emotional and social intelligence to excel at school and work
• Think creatively and critically
• Understand the global landscape
• Develop and fulfill goals in learning and life.

How is Coaching Delivered?

We offer one-to-one coaching and affordable training workshops for parents, teachers, and counselors. Both formats offer a complete coaching experience, built on activities, reading and writing assignments.

For Students:

Manage resources, match your abilities and interests to career fields, understand the global landscape, rebound from setbacks and prepare for the real world of work.

For Parents, Teachers and Counselors:

We train professionals who are serious about making major improvements in K-12 education through coaching, district seminars, parent sessions and teacher training to:

• Improve their interpersonal (and managerial) effectiveness using coaching skills as a primary communication and motivational tool.
• Utilize the LifeBound line of books and curricula, giving teacher training sessions and developing your own coaching practice with students, parents and faculty.

Contact us for our individual and small group coaching and training!

Overcoming the First Obstacle to Attending College: Money

2010-07-16T06:16:00.000-07:00

Whether you’ve saved for college or not, don’t let your financial limitations stop you from considering college; any college. There are many colleges and universities that offer different educational experiences and they charge different prices. The majority of college students get financial aid to help pay for college costs. Much of that aid is based on financial need rather than grades. But grades are a big consideration in the type and amount of the award. Being knowledgeable and proactive will help you overcome the obstacle of money for college.

Working with the Admissions Department to Budget for College

If costs are a great concern, you should inquire with the admissions department about “nontraditional”, “articulation”, “early college” programs and scholarships; all of which can reduce costs significantly.

If you’re a desirable student, due to your grades, “legacy” status or athletic record, you may have more options.

Every institution has “recruitment goals” and you might fit the profile of what it’s looking for this year; particular if you are a “first generation” or “diverse” (minority or international) student.

If you’re very clear about your major, and you have good grades, make sure you let the faculty of your future academic program know about your interest in the college. Talk with them by phone or meet with them in person, and send them an email. Then, send a copy to the admissions departments, who usually keep track of your level of “expressed interest”. This may have some influence on the admission or financial aid decisions.

Communicate with the Financial Aid Department to Maximize Your Award

Soon after the admission decision is made by the college, the financial aid award will be determined. The financial aid awards begin right after January 1, The college’s federal aid allocations start to get tapped then, so apply early for the best chance to maximize your award.

Some colleges offer a special rate if you commit early (called “Early Decision”) to attending. However, this may affect your ability to compare aid packages from several institutions.

The financial aid policy of the school could become a major factor in your final college choice. Some schools will not meet all of your eligibility for financial aid, leaving you with an unmet need and requiring you to tap more of your family’s resources. Ask the financial aid department for its average “merit-based” (scholarships) and “need-based” financial aid award statistics, or look them up online. Merit-based awards are usually determined by the Admissions department, so it’s important to keep talking with your contacts there, too.

What You Can Control: Planning Your College-Related Expenses

The first step in preparing for a financial aid discussion is to gather your personal expenses and transportation costs. The obvious yearly college expenses are tuition, books and travel or relocation costs. These costs are on the rise for families but the “net cost” of college is actually decreasing. Get a true cost for these by itemizing them.

Beware of hidden costs, such as computers, laundry, parking, gasoline or bus fares. Costs for cell phones, entertainment, groceries, toiletries, clothing and entertainment are often underestimated. Books and supplies for some college majors cost more than others. Other easily forgotten costs include:

• Loan fees
• Study abroad costs
• Dependent care expenses
• Disability-related expenses
• Cooperative education program costs

“Free Money” Sources for College

Many students attend college at no cost; with the help of grants. Grant aid is available from a variety of providers. It’s much better to look for all the grant aid available – and especially to ask about each college’s “institutional grant” practices. Possibilities for grants and federal loans should be exhausted before you borrow money to go to school.

As mentioned, scholarships can be found at each college, but you can search for local or “special interest” scholarships for specific student groups. These may be easier to get, and are not always driven by your grades.

If the college has decided that it wants you, and understands that the costs are out of reach for you, they may offer a “tuition discount”. This practice has become more popular among private schools, as well as public universities.

After you’ve put together these expenses and reported them to your colleges, let the financial aid officer know about any “special circumstances”, especially related to recent changes in family or health status, or job losses. Colleges sometimes offer more financial aid if your family is paying for private high school tuition, nursing-home bills, or the funeral of an immediate family member.

“Independent student” status usually allows for a more generous financial aid package, but it’s only possible if the student is 24 or older, married or a parent, a soldier on active duty, a veteran, or an orphan or ward of the court. However, a “dependency override” is possible if a student has been abandoned or abused by parents.

Middle income families can realize some tax benefits. If you’re not qualified for financial aid, you can still focus on maximizing the tax advantages of saving for college, such as saving in the child's name and gifting capital-gain assets.

If costs still seem insurmountable, you could consider working while going to college. But limit it to 15-20 hours a week, if you’re in college fulltime. Otherwise, research shows that it may take you longer, and cost you more, to complete your degree. Working ten hours or less, though, has been associated with better grades in many cases! You need to keep your academic performance up to maintain or increase your financial aid award.

By law, the college must take all of your resources into account when determining your financial aid awards, including grants/loans, work eligibility or need-based loans. In some rare cases, working can actually reduce your grants or scholarships in your financial aid package. So the best policy is for you to eliminate or reduce your work or loan commitments first, before negotiating your financial aid package.

If you wind up going into the workforce first, you can keep college on your radar screen. You may be able to earn college credit for your employment and life experience. Some schools administer their own tests and standards, while others allow you to take College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) tests for college credit.

Contact us for help with college and career planning, academic coaching, teacher training, and resources.

See the Forest AND Your "Decision Tree" for Your College and Career

2010-07-02T05:04:00.000-07:00

One of the first big decisions you’re going to make on your own is what to do after high school. Like all major life decisions, your choices will have results: it will open the door to new opportunities. But it will also have “consequences”. How can you clearly see both the forest (the possibilities) and the trees (your choices)?

The expression “time is money” is never more true than when it comes to choices about college and work. You’ll have to walk away from other things that you might have enjoyed, and that might have been worthwhile. Going down the wrong path wastes your time, costs you money and shakes your confidence. If you’re not happy in college or work, you can always start over, but it gets increasingly expensive to do so.

The major opportunities and limits in your decision-making are easy to understand. Certain choices will be within your range of possibilities for what you’re willing to do, and what you can afford.

But what makes college and work decisions difficult are all the secondary, related questions about work and college: the tradeoffs that you have to make.

As you think about what exactly you can gain, and what exactly you will give up, to pursue your goal, you must be very specific, and the choices are less clear.

Have you answered all of these questions fully?

 Is it better to work first or go right to college? (How do you define “better”?)

 Should I get a two-year or four-year degree?

 Can I get a two-year degree first, get a better job, and then continue my studies later for a bachelor’s degree? Will a two-year degree get me anything?

 Should I live at home with my parents, get my own place or live on campus?

 (What does “should” mean to you?)

 Which of the colleges that I know about are the best ones? What other colleges should I consider? How can I know what college is best for me?

 (What does “best” mean to you?)

 Should I consider transferring from one college to another?

 How can I pick a major? How can I compare the major at one college and another?

 Can I handle the demands of my college studies at this school? Am I ready for college-level work? What if I do ok at first, and then it gets too tough when I’m a junior or senior? What kind of help can I get with my studies?

As you can see, these questions often lead to more questions. The answers turn out to be something like: “It depends”. And that can be frustrating and discouraging. Reflection can be lonely.

Whether you’re headed for a job or to college, an academic and career coach can help you take the fastest path toward work you love and the lifestyle you desire, to recognize your progress, stay encouraged. If you’re highly motivated, you can create a decision process for yourself, too. Either way, as you proceed through this exciting passage in life, remember:

1. Good answers to the right questions will come to you when you take the quality time needed to explore them fully, do some research, and then reflect.

2. Making effective decisions will build your confidence and motivation.

3. Research shows that confidence leads to success in school and work.

Finding your future happiness is worth the effort. YOU”RE worth the effort.

Good answers to the right questions are really what will get you to your life’s goals most quickly. Contact me for coaching help with answering the right questions.

College Major “Clusters”: A Straight-Away Path to Job Planning

2010-07-01T05:04:00.001-07:00

According to some experts, high-demand jobs tend to come from a few “college major clusters”; only about 15% of all majors offered. While there are over 300 college majors to choose from, available within 3000 colleges, ultimately leading to over 30,000 job titles, it’s no wonder that so many college-bound students and parents are overwhelmed.

Money isn’t everything, but employability will probably rank high in your mind when you choose a major. Your major won’t get you a job outright, but having it on your resume with a favorable grade point average sends a signal to employers that you’ve got what it takes to do the job successfully.

Your choice of major, though, has some influence on your options in the job market. Down the road, when you choose a related career field in which to pursue a job, you’ll also consider the lifestyle, work conditions, salary, advancement opportunities, and even your own interests.

In the field of academic advising, “college major clusters” are broad categories of academic interest. Getting familiar with “college major clusters” will help you zero in on field of study and improve your chances off success in your academics AND your eventual career. Through surveys or reflection, you can find out what clusters you fit into.

If you’re undecided about your major, it’s a good idea to start by identifying around four clusters. According to Michael Voillt’s “Great Colleges for the Real World,” examples of college majors clusters with high-demand jobs are: “applied quantitative”, “analytical/computational” and “quantitative”.

College majors themselves are more specific so you’ll have to do some research. Look carefully at the coursework. Talk to the professors who teach the classes during your college visit or on the phone. Ask to see the textbook and syllabus. Consider carefully if you can, and want to, do what’s required to good grades in this major and graduate on time.

To get you started, here is a list of 100 descriptions of majors. Try to get down to five majors by a process of rank ordering your preferences. Friends or family could make suggestions based on the list that falls under each of the clusters you identified. Remember that quite a few majors will be compatible with your career interests. But some majors are lead to a very specific occupation (like pre-med or pre-law)..

Picking the major is just the first step. You still have to evaluate the jobs that are associated with it. Will you be successful? If the tasks of the job appeal to you, and the lifestyle fits your needs, again, your chances of success are greatest. But that’s another article!

Here is a neat site that shows the career options that connect with majors at University of Tennessee, including potential employers, specializations and strategies for your plan of study.

Bottom line: Careful planning and reflection when you choose a particular college’s program will pay off. Making the right choices will motivate you and your confidence will grow even more as you succeed in your coursework. And that confidence will lead to success in the workplace.

Contact me at http://www.whatsyourmajor.netfor personal coaching for academic and career success!

It’s Decision Time! Tips from Smart Shoppers about Choosing a College

2010-06-25T06:56:00.000-07:00

The smartest college shoppers (meaning, students who are picking a college), might just be those who have experience and those who conduct research that is beyond the typical agenda of a campus visit.

Here are some tips from the trenches:

As I’ve reminded readers many times, many students aren’t sure about their major. In a perfect world, you’d pick a college based on the quality of a particular academic program and the quality of life you expect to experience on campus. But even if you’re “extremely” or “very” certain about your major and how much you like the campus, yes, even you could change your mind.

Be proactive when visiting a college.

You won’t find all the critical information about a college in a brochure. And you may have to ask for favors beyond what the typical campus visit offers. Call ahead and see if you can accomplish as much of this as possible during the visit:

College shopping at its best is “qualitative research”. You can only find out by asking the right questions to faculty and students. How you feel after the visit is going to be the main influence on your final decision. Record your impressions and key data points. How you feel may even outweigh your financial considerations.

First, conduct in-depth research on the faculty in your major:

Talk to several faculty of your chosen program. If you’re going to a research-driven university, which can be an unparalleled learning opportunity, find out about the teaching philosophy of the instructors of the upper level required classes in your major. If the instructors are absorbed by their research projects, will you be able to assist them? How do they make themselves available to advisees who need career help?

There can be a big difference between an instructor who teaches from the basis of their own practical experience in the field, versus one who is a research scholar, and both have positive attributes. Maybe the right situation for you is to have a blend of such instructors available.

If they aren’t around during your campus visit, call them later. Ask them about the teaching and learning styles in their classroom. A college is a collection of individuals; and instructors are no different.

Second, seek out students and specific classes:

Is this campus more collaborative or competitive? Every college has a campus culture that influences the classroom. The learning styles of students – the “norms”, if you will – can be very different in different majors. Seek out junior and senior students in your interest areas. Ask them for examples of typical classroom experiences. Don’t let them generalize. Ask them to describe a recent class they attended.

Every college offers a chance to sit in on a class. Ask to visit the classes of particular instructors who are legendary among their students. What are their teaching methods: straight lecture, experiential or both? Ask to see the syllabus for the class. This is the best way to see for yourself what makes THIS academic program at THIS college special.

Another data point to ask for:

Students who “transfer in” to a college after starting somewhere else might be the smartest shoppers of all! What can we learn from them? If a college as a higher-than-average rate of transfer-in students, something good could be going on. Ask the admissions folks for this data and an opportunity to talk to a transfer-in student.

Contact me for workshops and coaching on student success and career planning.

The Yellow Brick Road of Career Planning: Four Tips to Get You Out of the Muck and Back on the Path

2010-06-23T07:11:00.000-07:00

Students: Do you ever feel like you’re stuck in Oz, searching for the Wizard?

Someone who can help you make the best decision about your career?

What’s most important, anyway?

Best-selling career books will encourage you to think about any number of things:

- the emerging “green” jobs
- the international job landscape
- the trades
- your personality
- job security
- the healthcare industry
- the service economy
- job security
- the IT industry

So with all this advice about good opportunities, how do you finally decide where to start?

First, realize that almost half of college students switch majors; at least once. The best planning can’t account for “happenstance”. In other words, along the “yellow brick road”, you’re going to meet people and experience things that will change your thinking about jobs. And that’s a good thing.

Second, don’t let your career indecision drive you into debt. Take a pause, if necessary, to get clarity; especially if you’re a junior or senior and still really uncertain about your major. The longer you take to find a major that fits; the longer it may take you to get a job in that field; if that’s your expectation.

Third, get some help! Where?

If you’re a college student:

Go to the career center of your college, talk to your advisor AND another faculty member you respect about what recent graduates in the major are doing; what their job titles are and what career paths they’ve taken. The more talking you do, the more information you’ll gather.

If you’re a high school graduate, but not a college student:

Get the same kind of advice from a “one-stop” employment center. They offer assessments and advising at a very low cost; and sometimes, no cost, depending on your circumstances. If you can afford it, find a career coach (someone like me). They help you fact-find, set realistic goals and keep you on track. Many coaches offer a sliding fee scale, making this service very affordable.

Fourth, get some field experience:

An internship (paid or unpaid) -- or a series of informational interviews, professional association meetings, networks on Linked In, job shadows, or lunch dates, with people in jobs that you find intriguing.

Maybe you could spring for coffee or lunch; although many people will gladly “go Dutch” in the interest of helping a young person get started in a career. Everyone likes to talk about themselves; including the details about their successes and failures. It’s human nature!

Contact me for more help. Your first in-person or phone coaching session is free.

Stuff Happens! Be Open When Choosing Your College Major

2010-06-19T13:22:00.000-07:00

With 3000 colleges to choose from, you’ll certainly find a “match” for your lifestyle preferences, what you can afford, and the academic rigor. And there are plenty of books and counselors who can help you find a college that “fits”.

But once you’re at college, your decision about your major is your next hurdle. Even if you have chosen a major, you should verify your decision as a freshman or sophomore.

And one thing is sure: What you think is going to happen to school, won’t.

I coached a seventeen-year-old young lady this week, bound for Tufts University. Kaitlyn is very focused on majoring in biomedical engineering and took all the AP classes she could. In our “Wheel of Life” exercise, she really didn’t want to talk about her career direction; and was sure that this was already taken care of. She’s motivated and focused.

During our coaching session, I was plagued by a question: “Can Kaitlyn really know what’s going to happen when she gets to college?” So I asked her: “Kaitlyn, how open are you to new ideas about your field of study?”

Kaitlyn’s thinking could certainly change once she makes new friends with different ideas. And most colleges offer unique courses, even in the core program, with professors who can inspire and challenge your thinking.

With so many college majors -- and so many job titles -- out there (over 31,000!), you’re doing yourself a disservice if you get too focused too soon.

Freshmen and sophomore college students find themselves torn between finding a major that gets them a good-paying, reasonably secure job; and one that promises real, personal satisfaction.

Furthermore, the real connection between college majors and job titles is fuzzy, at best.

What To Do??

To make a “happy” decision about your college majors, you must know the facts, and know yourself as well. Talk to anyone you know who is in a satisfying job and ask him or her how they made decisions.

And do you own fact-finding; either by yourself, or with a career coach. You’ll have to:

1. Connect the college major with a career area, and then a job title.

2. Think about the job prospects: salary, growth, number of openings and where to find the jobs. (In my previous posts, I talked about the Occupational Outlook Handbook as the source for this information.)

3. Put your SELF first. Reflect often: What types of things do you like to do? WHY do you like to do them? What type of environment would be fun to work in, and what type of people would be cool to work with? What’s important to you?

I’ve talked about career clusters and how to find the fit between you and the World of Work. So remember:

• Your personality is likely to stay constant over the years, but your values could change.

• Most of your interests (abilities and skills) TRANSFER to job skills but you may have to think CREATIVELY about them.

What’s Your Major? coaching and workshops can guide and encourage you through the process. We also offer academic coaching to help you build social and emotional intelligence; and creative and critical and leadership skills: the skills that employers value most when hiring. We’re affiliated with LifeBound, and offer many resources for middle, high and college students, on our site.

You can do much of this research on your own. However, a coach will help you extend your thinking and stay accountable to your goals.

A workbook like Ed Colozzi’s Creating Careers with Confidence presents a thorough and methodical approach. You’ll have to make some trade-offs along the way to come up with a practical college and work plan. The challenge is that there are so many choices. But that’s the good news, too.

Several good guides can help you start the conversation about college majors:

Michael P. Voillt’s College Majors that Work
Paul Phifer’s College Majors and Careers
Laurence Shatkin’s Quick Guide to College Majors and Careers and 50 Best Majors for a Secure Future
Terry Ward’s Major Decisions: A Guide to College Majors

Contact me for personal help with your academic skills and career plans!

Six Ways to Be Strategic with Your Internship Search

2010-03-13T05:38:00.000-08:00

An internship is supposed to help you enter the workforce with a likelihood of success and happiness. So don't treat it like "any old" part-time job search!

Plan ahead and develop an internship strategy. The first time, you could invest a few months into research, reflection and planning. If you do this once, you'll be able to do it faster the next time. Finding the right internship is like a real job search. You must match your skills and learning need to the employer's needs. And you have to be good at demonstrating that match in an interview.

So, to make an internship meaningful, don't wait until the last minute. You can get help from several resources below, but be prepared to do all of the leg work yourself.

1. Think about your long-term goals. What type of company of industry would you like to work in? What area of a company are you looking to get experience in? What type of duties would related to your long-term career goal?

2. If you're a college student, work with your faculty or advisor to put together a list of typical job functions, Many internship dutueis are negotiable for the top candidates.

3. Do some online research about the top employers in your area. Learn about their missions, business focus and news. Find the employers' annual reports on their web sites. Read the Chairman's Lettera to learn about the companies' current plans, successes and challenges.

4. Post your resume on the employers' sites. Include a career objective with keywords on your resume. Employers often look here first when searching for candidates.

5. Create a new job alert on sites like jobs.nuAlerts, nuResume, Indeed, SimplyHired, and Jobster. Answer the basic questions, select your areas of interest and join your favorite employers’ networks.

6. Professional associations are always looking to students to get involved as volunteers or in competitions. Attending their local functions as a visitor will get you direct exposure to hiring managers. Ask your college faculty which professional associations are most popular with specific employers in your area.

The more knowledge you have about the company and its goals; and the better you'll be to prove your fit for the job in your cover letter, get selected for an inteview, and convince the employer that you're the right person for the job!

Graduate Assistantships and College Teaching Jobs: Stop-Gap Employment and Career Step-Up for Any Master's Degree

2009-11-23T05:27:00.000-08:00

Opportunities in part-time college teaching and college teaching assistantships are growing significantly. Best of all, any master’s degree holder could qualify.

On the up side, college teaching jobs nationwide are expected to grow 22.9% through 2016. The pay isn’t high; beginning wages are only $15,660 and median annual earnings are $28,060.* But remember, this is usually part-time.

If you have a graduate assistantship, you’d be expected to be enrolled fulltime in the institution’s graduate study program. Assistantships frequently offer discounted tuition if you are pursuing a graduate degree. So career changers and “student scholars” should take this option seriously. Actual salaries range significantly by the type of institution: national, state or private; large or small.

However, before investing yourself into this career direction, you need to be strategic in looking into whether your field, and your geographic region, does indeed present these opportunities. The most likely opportunities in your area will be in colleges and universities that have high-growth, “big” (large enrollment) programs or those that offer a well-established career-technical or professional development tracks, like a certificate program.

Researching college teaching jobs take time and thoughtful self-evaluation. What’s your long-range goal? To teach? To change careers? Those questions are likely to come up in interviews. You might be expected to write a “Statement of Teaching Philosophy” when you apply. And if you’ve never taught before, you should think about what your teaching philosophy will be, and why; as well as talk to experienced professors to understand the issues in higher education teaching today.

Teaching assistants assist a department chairperson, faculty and professional staff by teaching lower-level courses and preparing course materials and examinations and participating in research.*

Adjunct and part-time college teaching opportunities are often sporadic (based on the current course enrollment and other course planning issues). The pay rate is "by the course". If you think you'd love teaching, you should pursue teaching a class, reflect on the experience, and then decide if you would want to stay in the profession. Then, networking with the department faculty and staff at each college is the best way to get on the list of part-timers. Your career as a college teacher may grow slowly, but if you've taking it this far, it's likely to be very satisfying in the long-run.

“The Teaching Professor” blog and web site is a great resource for learning about the realities of college teaching.

* Source: “50 Best College Majors for a Secure Future” by Laurence Shatkin.

Series: High-Demand College Majors in Ohio, Part 4: Pharmacist

2009-11-17T04:32:00.000-08:00

Jobs for pharmacists are expected to grow 21.7% nationwide through 2016, although slower in Ohio at 15%. The greatest number of openings will be in social assistance and the non-store retail industries.

Average starting salary is $73.010 and median annual earnings are $100,480, which depends on length of experience, geographic location and employer.

In Ohio, The University of Toledo offers a program in Pharmaceutical Sciences: http://bit.ly/3BNfmo Specialization is possible in three distinct disciplines: Pharmacology/Toxicology, Pharmacy Administration, and Industrial Pharmacy.

Pharmacists compound and dispense medications, using prescriptions from physicians, dentists or other practitioners.

In Ohio, there are about 330 openings for pharmacists each year. By 2016, employment is expected to grow 15% to reach 11,540 jobs.

Sources:
The College Board
“50 Best College Majors for a Secure Future” by Lawrence Shatkin.
http://www.projectionscentral.com/lt_search.aspx

Series: High-Demand College Majors in Ohio, Part 3: Physical Therapist

2009-11-13T03:49:00.000-08:00

Jobs for physical therapists are expected to grow 27.1% through 2016, with the largest openings in acute hospitalization, rehabilitation and orthopedic settings.

Average starting salary is $48,530 and median annual earnings are $69,760, which depends on length of experience, geographic location and employer.

Schools must be accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). Schools in Ohio that offer a program in Physical Therapy are:

Cleveland State University (A4, D6, F1, PU)
College of Mount St Joseph (A2, A4, D6, F1, PR)
Ohio University (A4, D6, F1, PU)
The Ohio State University (A4, D6, F1, PU)
The University of Findlay (A1, A6, D6, E3, F3, PR)
University of Cincinnati (A1, A4, D6, E5, F1, PU)
University of Dayton (A4, D6, F1, PR)
University of Toledo (D6, D7, F1, PU)
Walsh University (A4, D6, F1, PR)
Youngstown State University (D6, F1, PU)

Physical therapists improve mobility, relieve pain, increase strength and decrease or prevent deformity from disease on injury. Ambulatory health care service providers are expected to provide the greatest job growth through 2016 (44.2%).

In Ohio, there are about 250 for physical therapists each year. By 2016, employment is expected to reach 8510 jobs.

Sources:
www.apta.org
The College Board
“50 Best College Majors for a Secure Future” by Lawrence Shatkin.
http://www.projectionscentral.com/lt_search.aspx

Series: High-Demand College Majors in Ohio - Registered Nurses

2009-11-10T17:42:00.000-08:00

The nursing field is going to be on the rise for some time to come; 23.5% growth is expected through 2016. The average starting salary is $42,020 with median annual earnings of $60,010.

RNs with a bachelor’s degree have better job security than those without one. Four advanced specializations: clinical nurse specialists, nurse practitioners, nurse mid-wives and nurse anesthetists, who serve as primary care providers, are in highest demand. These specializations require post-basic education.*

There are 69 RN nursing programs in Ohio. Seven of them are in the Cleveland area:

Bryant & Stratton College, Parma
Case Western Reserve University
Cleveland State University
Cuyahoga Community College, Metro and Western campuses
Lorain County Community College
Ursuline College

Typical duties include:

- Monitor, record and report patient symptoms and changes in patient conditions.
- Maintain accurate, detailed patient records and reports.
- Record patient medical information and vital signs.
- Many others!

In Ohio, there are about 4430 openings for registered nurses every year. By 2016, employment is expected to reach 138,640.**

* “50 Best College Majors for a Secure Future” by Lawrence Shatkin.
** http://www.projectionscentral.com/lt_search.aspx

Series: High-Demand College Majors in Ohio - Physician Assistant

2009-11-09T04:23:00.000-08:00

You can land a well-paid, high-demand job as a physician’s assistant by first attending a school accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant*.

This is a high-growth job with 27% growth expected through 2016. Average starting salary is $46,750 and median annual earnings are $78, 450**.

Schools accredited in Ohio are:

Cuyahoga Community College / Cleveland State University
Kettering College Of Medical Arts
Marietta College
Medical University of Ohio at Toledo
Mount Union College (*provisional)
University Of Findlay

Physician assistants diagnose and treat medical problems. Program applicants are usually required to have previous health care experience and some college education. The typical applicant already has a bachelor's degree and about four years of health care experience. Nurses, EMTs, and paramedics often apply to the programs. Continued education is required after graduation. ***

In Ohio, there are about 60 openings for physician assistants every year. By 2016, employment is expected to reach 1950 jobs.****

* Princeton Review
** “50 Best College Majors for a Secure Future” by Lawrence Shatkin.
*** http://www.aapa.org/education-and-certification/physician-assistant-programs
**** http://www.projectionscentral.com/lt_search.aspx

For more information, contact jill@whatsyourmajor.net

Three Questions to Ask Yourself to Find a College Major and Lasting Employment

2009-11-07T04:37:00.000-08:00

Finding a college major that will result in a long-term job requires you to set a criteria:

1. Are you looking for a major where you have a good chance of being hired in your region; jobs that are high in number or growing fast?

Or, is salary more important to your definition of security?

Once you think about those questions, then set your criteria for your perfect college:

2. Should it be local? Lowest cost possible?

3. Now, before going further, take a pause. What will really make you happy while in college? And then, later, when on the job? What type of lifestyle are you looking for from both situations? What do you value? What type of students and coworkers, and school and work setting, study topics and duties will get you excited?

These questions aren’t at all easy to answer. First job experiences and networking are ways to help you answer them. But if you’re willing to research your opportunities thoroughly before making a decision, you’ll have a better chance of making the right choices.

When you’ve answered these questions, it’s time to start shopping for colleges and jobs. The following resources will help you zero in on a major and job, the job opportunities in your region, and the colleges in your region that offer the right major:

“50 Best College Majors for a Secure Future”, by Lawrence Shatkin
College Matchmaker search engine from The College Board
The Occupation Outlook search for job titles and growth projections in your region

For more help, email jill@whatsyourmajor.net

Two Fun, Easy Tools Will Guide You To Your College Major

2009-09-27T06:45:00.000-07:00

The gigantic World of Work is a daunting concept for most students. Two easy and fun tools developed from the research of John Holland,: the RIASEC codes and Career Clusters can alleviate much of your confusion.

According to Holland, you can plug into the World of Work through your personality and interest in working with either data or ideas, and then and people vs. things. For many students, this is intuitive. You just “know” whether you’d rather work on spreadsheets or concepts for new products, when given a series of choices in an assessment.

Holland also theorized that you can make a match between job, and appropriate work environments using six RIASEC codes. Career Centers often do an exercise called “The Career Party” because, again, this process is pretty intuitive. You already know what type of people you’d like to work with, when you read the descriptions of a Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, or Conventional personality. You might fit into one or more of the codes. More structured assessments do this, too.

Career centers might give you a list of job matches that fit your codes. But I find that this idea unfolds more naturally when you visually overlap Career Clusters over your RIASEC codes, such as assessment provider Lawrence Jones explains.

So you’ve taken over 30,000 job titles and chopped your list down to 5000. Progress, right? Now the ball is back in your court. You’re now going to decide if college, other training or work is your next step. Each path has an “opportunity cost”, because you have to give something up when you follow it. But there are gains too, of course. Which decision fits you best? That’s another blog entry!

Info@whatsyourmajor.net

Sizing Up Campus Culture

2009-09-20T04:43:00.000-07:00

The best time to dig deep into a college's culture is after you've determined that the college meets your academic and financial and practical needs, and you've visited once. When you're ready to put together your final list of eight to ten colleges that meet all of your basic criteria, you need to further evaluate your chances for success at them:

1. Read about the college‟s mission statement, strategic plan, and President‟s message on the web site. Ask to see the most recent student satisfaction survey, which should be on file in the President's office.

2. Don't assume that a college that is affiliated with a religious institution will express that heritage in daily campus life. The influence of that institution may or may not be dominant on campus.

3. Ask the tour guide and college representatives about the social tone, campus culture (or campus climate) and to provide examples of how they experience it.

4. Visit your final choice colleges a second time, after you‟ve been accepted, but before you accept the financial aid offer. On this visit:

- Pay attention to verbiage used in event posters, student newspapers and presentations. And ask random students on campus for their opinion about the campus climate.

- Take advantage of overnight stay programs that are commonly offered by the Admissions Department.

- Have your child visit or call the residence halls, explaining that he/she is a prospective student and ask the same questions that you asked of the tour guides and official representatives.

5. To fully understand how diversity and collaborative learning impacts daily campus life, take the extra effort to interview faculty members (especially those in your child‟s field of study). Be sure to ask for specific examples or data about the following questions:

- How does the institution encourage activities where students from different backgrounds meet and work together? Ask for examples where the activities impacted the majority of students, not just members of club or academic program.

- How often do students work in teams to complete assignments, solve problems or apply course content?

- How frequently do students engage in service learning or take part in community-based projects to fulfill class requirements?

- How many students collaborate on research with faculty members?

- How many interdisciplinary courses are offered? Are they open to all students?

- How many students are involved with living and learning communities? How is the faculty involved with these communities?

7. Since retention and graduation rates are correlated with student satisfaction, look them up on the College Board College Matchmaker, or other, college search engine, and compare your final choice colleges.

8. Consult student-written guides and forums about campus life, which are available for selected campuses. The most popular guides are:

“The Insider‟s Guide to The Colleges,” The Yale Daily News
“Students‟ Guide to Colleges”, The Penguin Group
“The Big Book of Colleges”, College Prowler

Visit online forums, where you can read comments and pose questions to experienced parents and students:
www.collegeconfidential.com
www.campusdirt.com

9. You may want to have a discussion with your child about the importance of campus diversity and culture to his or her happiness as a student. But don‟t expect tremendous insight. Your child‟s personality is still in a formative stage and he or she has a limited worldview.

10. Resist the urge to judge the campus morals and values, superficially. What you think is best for your child might not, in fact, be best. Listen beyond what your child says about a campus. He or she wants to please you and may be telling you what you want to hear. Look for signs of genuine enthusiasm.

2009-09-17T04:39:00.001-07:00

RT @scotherrick Resume Tip: three Steps to Writing Your Action Statement http://bit.ly/wE91K

2009-09-13T11:45:00.001-07:00

21 colleges in OH offer agriculture & related sciences. How do u choose?

2009-09-13T06:22:00.001-07:00

Rankings vs. Reality: How do you assess your college choices? http://tiny.cc/vZBrM

2009-09-13T06:15:00.001-07:00

Rankings vs. Reality: How do you assess your college choices? http://ping.fm/4kOtz

Rankings vs. Reality: How Do You Assess Your College Choices?

2009-09-13T06:11:00.000-07:00

College rankings publishers are getting smart about answering students’ real questions about what makes for a great higher education experience. Whether you use or believe these rankings, or the methodology used, the newer, more creative rankings publishers, can open students’ minds about what might really be important in their college decisions.

Look on the home page of any college web site. If it made the cut on one of the U.S. News and World Report or The Princeton Review’s favorable lists of distinctions, it will certainly be promoted there. U.S .News and World Report rankings are developed by peer ratings from college administrators, while The Princeton Review’s come from student surveys.

So, despite the controversy over rankings, colleges care about them.

Most students make final college choices on the basis of some reality: financial, career or just how the campus “feels” to them. However, it’s also worthwhile to look at how the college might impact you as a person.

Some publishers have responded creatively to new and different issues raised by the public, the media and even higher educators themselves about what makes for a great college experience. Since 1996, Colleges That Change Lives (CTCL) , a non-profit organization, has member schools who are recognized as having “students heavily involved in cooperative rather than competitive learning, and a faculty of scholars devoted to helping young people develop their powers, mentors who often become their valued friends."

And this fall, the Washington Monthly evaluated schools based on:

- “Social mobility” - the recruiting and graduating of poorer students
- Research - the support of scientific and humanistic study, by producing PhDs and by the winning research grants
- Service – the school’s effectiveness at giving back to the country, through either military or civilian service

One can certainly imagine the positive impact on character that would come from a collaborative learning experience in an environment that focuses on social impact. Ask creative questions of your prospective faculty on these matters when you whittle down your college list.

2009-09-13T06:09:00.001-07:00

Washington Monthly ranks colleges by social mobility, research and "giving back" to the US. http://ping.fm/VJGHw

2009-09-13T05:49:00.001-07:00

Do the trades offer "more" job satsifaction than college? http://tiny.cc/UF1UU

2009-09-13T05:43:00.001-07:00

Slate reviews the popular college guides. http://tiny.cc/p8kQw

2009-09-13T05:35:00.001-07:00

Slate reviews the popular college guides. http://tiny.cc/p8kQw

2009-09-13T05:22:00.001-07:00

Teen aptitude tests should be repeated often. http://ping.fm/TS3g3

2009-09-09T18:38:00.001-07:00

New career & college articles - national scope: High-demand majors/careers, more! http://ping.fm/czQt4

2009-09-09T06:53:00.001-07:00

Any college major can pay well if you have passion! info@whatsyourmajor.net

2009-09-08T16:26:00.001-07:00

Would juicy sounding college courses reel you in? http://tiny.cc/HI39f

2009-09-08T16:16:00.001-07:00

Here we go again! Payscale's high-pay college majors list. Filter this 4 yur region! Ask us how to find programs. http://www.pop.ly/2u16

2009-09-07T20:19:00.001-07:00

Ashland U - More majors/smaller college! hotel/rest mgmt, radio/TV, int'l studies, tox/environ. science, sports med.! http://ping.fm/paZkD

2009-09-07T07:56:00.001-07:00

Gates Foundation "College is knowledge"-- DMC for getschooled. Watch the video: http://bit.ly/8qxLH education

2009-09-07T06:49:00.001-07:00

Best way to visualize how you fit into the world of work: www.careerclusters.org

2009-09-06T07:27:00.001-07:00

You Control the "You Factors" in Career Planning!
http://ping.fm/UJ5Ay
Info@whatsyourmajor.net

You Control the The "You" Factors in Career Planning

2009-09-06T06:35:00.000-07:00

Don’t know what you want to be when you grow up?

If you’ve already graduated from high school, you may not know yourself well enough to give a career counselor all the information he or she needs to help you.

He or she will probably suggest one or more of the most reliable career assessments: perhaps the Strong or Campbell Interest Inventories. They’re quick, a good investment and the results statistically represent your age group results. Or, a career counselor could use a values assessment, to determine what’s important to you and where you could find those qualities in a job.

These assessments work on the premise that you will be successful at things you like, and believe in. That’s very true, but how do you know what you COULD be good at, and interested in, if you never get exposed to new ideas and get a chance to try them out? For young adults, in particular, assessment results are limited to what they’ve been exposed to up until now.

The most sophisticated tests used to guide career planning are available through a psychologist or someone trained in tests of personality, ability (like the DAT for PCA) and intelligence. Still, the results here are somewhat fixed, and speak only to the potential for you to fit a career. They’re more apt to help an employer make decisions, not you.

Even if you could get interested in a new skill, there is a ticket to admission into this career path: Your skills may have to be developed. Should you go to college, or to a career center? Or somewhere else?

Discouraged? Please don’t be!

Yes, these decisions are expensive, both in time and money. And, like any service, even a medical doctor, your career counselor needs your direction and thoughtful responses to their questions. No one can give you all the answers.

The thing to remember is that you are in charge of this process; not the professionals. And it’s a lifelong process. That’s why so many college students change majors; many more than once. And so many college students are undecided about a major. Many college graduates never pursue the job that they went to college for. Any many adults change careers.

As you move through your work life, you will make better decisions when you understand all the factors that uniquely drives your satisfaction in a job: interests, abilities, personality, and values. You’ll be more motivated and confident about the investment you might need to make in training or education. Our Career Explor-a-tion workshop might just be a good place to start! Write to info@whatsyourmajor.net

2009-09-05T06:47:00.001-07:00

Job security depends not just on college major; also region & employer. But start here: http://ping.fm/3xUS8

2009-09-02T04:23:00.001-07:00

Ohio families: Get smart about financial aid strategy! State assistance is down almost 50% FYs 2009-2011 http://www.aicuo.edu/Graphs%20-%20Financial%20Aid.html

2009-09-02T03:26:00.001-07:00

Siegal College (Cleveland) Jewish Studies - academics, adult, continuing ed - graduate, adult, distance: http://ping.fm/hYIkW

2009-09-01T04:53:00.001-07:00

Youngstown State University accreditations in business, education and engineering: www.ysu.edu

2009-09-01T04:45:00.001-07:00

Youngstown State University accreditations: Business (AACSB); Education—
NCATE; Engineering—ABET http://www.ysu.edu/
info@whatsyourmajor.net

2009-08-31T03:12:00.001-07:00

New @ University of Akron: 3 programs 4 top students in polymer science & engineering! Get graduate degree in 5 yrs! http://tiny.cc/Vduxb

2009-08-30T08:00:00.001-07:00

Academic counseling matters! Northeast Ohio community college study - a great start: http://ping.fm/Elj9O

2009-08-29T06:39:00.001-07:00

Career pathways to pharmacy from www.neucom.edu reaches 1800 students in 40 cities! http://ping.fm/xIscb

2009-08-29T06:34:00.001-07:00

Career pathways to pharmacy program from CVS and www.neoucom.edu
reaches 1800 high schoolers in 40 cities!http://ping.fm/rLNYo

2009-08-26T14:03:00.001-07:00

Slash tuition costs! 40 degrees thru Lorain County Community College's University Partnership Program! http://ping.fm/kCFoj

2009-08-26T03:25:00.001-07:00

Slash tuition costs! 40 Bachelor's/Master's degrees thru Lorain County Community College's University Partnership Program! http://ping.fm/kn4lG

2009-08-25T04:32:00.001-07:00

5 college majors lead to high-demand jobs! http://ping.fm/nsFoJ

2009-08-25T04:26:00.001-07:00

Slash tuition costs! 40 Bachelor/Masters degrees thru Lorain County Community College's University Partnership: http://ping.fm/r0RK9

2009-08-22T06:46:00.001-07:00

This week's national news on academic programs:
http://ping.fm/57ClP

National Academic Programming News!

2009-08-22T05:57:00.000-07:00

New academic programs were announced this week at:

• Arcadia University - graduate certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis, a technique used to help those with autism and communication disorders.
• Chicago School of Professional Psychology - Ph.D. in organizational leadership.
• Hudson County Community College, (NJ) - associate degrees in hospitality: hotel and restaurant management, entrepreneurship, and travel and tourism

• University of Houston-Victoria - master's degree program in publishing.

Source: Inside Higher Ed

Write to us at What's Your Major? sm for advice and workshops for college planning and success!

Jill Bernaciak Linked In Profile

What's Your Major? sm

2009-08-21T04:37:00.001-07:00

Students now prep for professional dance @ expanded prog @ Lakeland Community College: http://ping.fm/EJhqn
www.whatsyourmajor.net

2009-08-20T06:05:00.001-07:00

Lake Erie College majors @ 33: new equine entrepreneurship, human resources mgmt, criminal justice, finance, poly sci.: www.whatsyourmajor.net

2009-08-19T05:55:00.001-07:00

Kent State’s new MBA program for health care executives rated top-tier by CEO Magazine:
http://ping.fm/oLuDE
www.whatsyourmajor.net

2009-08-18T11:21:00.001-07:00

Hiram College offers students hands-on exp with bacterial genome (DNA) research!http://ping.fm/1of7t
www.whatsyourmajor.net

2009-08-17T03:58:00.001-07:00

Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C) has 2 new health care career cntrs! Finish programs in wks for jobs earning $10-16/hr
http://ping.fm/dhfrv
Info@whatsyourmajor.net

2009-08-16T05:37:00.001-07:00

Five “Simple” Steps to Find High-Demand Jobs and High-Demand Majors
http://ping.fm/LEV5z
info@whatsyourmajor.net

Five “Simple” Steps to Find High-Demand Jobs and High-Demand Majors

2009-08-16T05:25:00.000-07:00

When deciding among over 20,000 job titles and over 3000 colleges, it’s important to best your best advocate. No one can tell you what’s right for you. The following steps sound easy, but will require you to do some reading and thinking about your own interests, values and skills before making final decisions. And you’ll probably have to back-track through these steps several times before you have information that feels actionable to you.

You’ll also have to carefully consider what you’re willing to do to attain these jobs. And realize that “everything depends”:

- on what you’re willing to do to get the job (including taking steps to increase and broaden some of your natural skills), and

- on the specific opportunities available from the specific employers in your area, and their hiring criteria.

Once you’re armed with the facts and a plan, you’ll be more motivated and confident, with the greatest chance of meeting your goals.

1. Research the high-demand jobs and high-demand majors can be researched for each state at http://www.bls.gov/oco/oco20024.htm

The Department of Labor currently publishes projections for growth, number of openings, and salary levels through 2016.

2. Once you know the projections for your state, you can read about the job requirements in the Occupational Outlook Handbook by plugging in the SOC code.

3. Learn about job requirements, including education by reading the job description.

4. If you’re college-bound, use a search engine like College Board’s Matchmarker to plug in the type of degree you need to get the job. If you register at this site, you can also create and save a list of potential colleges, using your criteria for cost, location, and many more factors.

If you’re not college-bound, or want to make a career change without returning to college, look into training programs at your local community or career colleges, or certifications available through professional associations.

5. Talk to faculty, not just the admissions folks, at the colleges or programs that you’re considering. Share your research and questions with your prospective instructors and get their reaction. The really “connected” faculty will be approachable and knowledgeable about where recent students are working today.

Remember, most hiring decisions are based on “soft skills,” so you must polish up your communication and team work skills. Nearly everyone thinks that they have these skills, but you must be able to show specific examples of your work style during interviews.

Write to us at info@whatsyourmajor.net for advice and workshops for college planning and success!

www.whatsyourmajor.net

Jill Bernaciak Linked In Profile

2009-08-15T05:28:00.001-07:00

A Class of One @ College of Wooster! “Creative adventure” sr. capstone - self-discipline & self-discovery”: http://ping.fm/LctoJ www.whatsyourmajor.net

2009-08-14T03:53:00.001-07:00

NOCHE colleges, businesses confer in Environmental Sustainability work grp to create “Green Collar” jobs, education in OH: http://noche.org/134

2009-08-12T16:59:00.001-07:00

GREEN majors and courses now at 30 % of business and 22 % of engineering schools! http://www.newsweek.com/id/210906 www.whatsyourmajor.net

2009-08-11T05:27:00.001-07:00

Cleveland State University ranked #2 for city management/urban policy grad prog: http://ping.fm/flWAo
www.whatsyourmajor.net

2009-08-10T04:52:00.001-07:00

Music study for Grades 11-12 leads to informed career choices. See Young Artist Program @ Cleveland Institute of Music: http://ping.fm/klGX7
www.whatsyourmajor.net

2009-08-09T09:44:00.001-07:00

Nifty video from Cleveland Institute of Art w/student POV re: job opportunities!
http://ping.fm/kQeBd

Nifty Admissions Video from Cleveland Institute of Art

2009-08-09T09:09:00.000-07:00

The Cleveland Institute of Art (CIA) is one of the top ten professional colleges of art and design in the country.
On YouTube, CIA offers a innovative student point of view about life on campus of this intimate community of 500 students; and the professional opportunities that lie ahead for its graduates of sixteen studio majors in four “learning environments” : Design, Material Culture-Craft, Visual Arts and Technologies, and Integrated Media.
http://www.youtube.com/user/CIAMakingArtWork

Write to us at info@whatsyourmajor.net for advice and workshops for college planning and success!

www.whatsyourmajor.net

Jill Bernaciak Linked In Profile

2009-08-07T05:26:00.001-07:00

New $8000 scholarship for NE Ohioans from Chancellor U! http://ping.fm/guDRf

2009-08-05T04:45:00.001-07:00

Engineering Graduates Command Highest Salaries
http://ping.fm/qWsAG

Engineering Graduates Command Highest Salaries

2009-08-05T04:37:00.000-07:00

According to NACE's Summer 2009 Salary Survey,. engineering majors claim four of the five college majors that get the highest starting salary offers. Like any field, the actual salary depends, in part, on the industry. For example, the average starting salary offers by engineering discipline are:

• Petroleum engineering = $83,121
• Chemical engineering = $64,902
• Mining engineering = $64,404
• Computer engineering = $61,738
• Computer science = $61,407

Salaries are driven up by a surplus of jobs for new graduates in these fields, even in today’s tight economy, says NACE officials. And, while the salary is high, the actual number of jobs available is not particularly exceptional, so it’s still a competitive field.

Contact Jill@whatsyourmajor.net for career and college advice and workshop registration. www.whatsyourmajor.net

2009-08-04T04:26:00.001-07:00

Read w/caution re: top 10 college majors: not correlated with top jobs: http://ping.fm/c6rAK Info@whatsyourmajor.net

2009-08-03T06:48:00.001-07:00

Cleveland Institute of Art: Information Design program for stem cell research: http://ping.fm/iomP4 Visit www.whatsyourmajor.net & http://ping.fm/qJrVF

2009-08-02T06:23:00.001-07:00

Scholarship at Case Western Reserve University helps science & math majors become hs teachers. Info@whatsyourmajor.net & http://ping.fm/oOuW3

2009-08-01T06:10:00.001-07:00

New Ohio State Agriculture BS includes AS in Vet Tech (for natl cert) & animal sciences minor: http://ping.fm/9QtA5
whatsyourmajor.net

Ohio College Tours

2009-07-31T10:21:00.000-07:00

2009-07-31T05:26:00.001-07:00

Urban docs trained by Cleveland State and NEOUCOM: post-bacc 2-yr & BS/MD Info@whatsyourmajor.net

2009-07-28T13:12:00.001-07:00

WSJ: The global/tech job market pays best for skills NOT learned in college. http://ping.fm/QQHPm
Info@whatsyourmajor.net

2009-07-25T05:23:00.001-07:00

Best employers in Ohio for quality of workspace (SHRM): http://ping.fm/Pnjpg

2009-07-24T06:07:00.001-07:00

30% of college students will change majors more than once. info@whatsyourmajor.net

College Graduates, Avoid Job Shortage: Choose a High Demand Career and a High Demand Major

2009-07-19T06:46:00.000-07:00

Here are ten tips for picking a high demand major and the right academic program:

According to the US Department of Labor, only 13% of jobs will require a bachelor’s degree by 2016. This means that there will be over 1.4 million college graduates with a job supply of only 670,000. Selecting a college is tricky, even if you have a major in mind. If job placement is a critical consideration, do your research!

1. Make the connection between high-demand jobs and high-demand college majors. Take some time to read deep into several interesting job categories published the Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH). Read a few of the job descriptions and you’ll get the hang of how it’s organized.

2. Make sure the job projections published in the OOH reflect a larger than average growth rate and a higher than average number of jobs projected. Of course, if your job growth isn’t higher than average, it doesn’t mean this isn’t a good field for you. Your personal passion and preparedness is really what makes you employable. But it’s good to know how intense the competition for jobs will be!

3. Check further in the OOH information about the regions of the country where you want to work. Is there growth expected there too?

4. Compare the OOH descriptions of training and education required to the academic programs offered by the top colleges you’re considering. The descriptions won’t match perfectly. But you’ll ask better questions in class the more quickly you pick up the “lingo” of the field that you’ll be working in.

5. Check out the coursework offered in the majors. The course catalog is probably online and will describe what each course will cover. Do the classes teach you what the OOH says you need to know to work in this field? Not sure? Call the instructors or ask to speak with them when you’re on a campus visit!

6. Learn about the hiring trends in the industry you’ll be working in. Locate an appropriate professional association and read the blogs and white papers from the leading experts in the field. What are their insights about where the field is going?

Finally, find out about the reputation of your top majors at your top three colleges:

7. Where did the faculty graduate from?

8. Are any colleges cited in the trade or professional association web site?

9. Where did the top industry experts go to college?

10. What awards, publications, student/professional activities and/or research is your college professors involved with? Will you have a chance to work with people in your field while you’re a student?

You might be able to shortcut this research process, if you’re willing to pick up the phone and call people who are working (preferably, hiring) in this field. Explain that you’re a student seeking career advice and you may be surprised at how much information you can find out!

Contact me at www.whatsyourmajor.net for more information.

Please See My New Article at Next Step Magazine! Help your student find the right college fit

2009-06-26T14:39:00.001-07:00

Help your student find the right college fit - page one

Shared via AddThis

Five Simple Steps to Picking a Major!

2009-06-09T06:46:00.000-07:00

When you’re down to your final choices of a college, it’s time for you to really scrutinize their academic offerings (courses and majors).

Purchase an easy search tool like “Major Decisions”, published by Wintergreen Orchard House to take with you on college visits. In an easy- to-read and easy-to-carry thin handbook, it describes 150 of the most popular majors and describes the plan of study in plain English.

Compare your college’s offerings with the core subject areas and typical course titles described in the book. This can help you make your final college choice, and to ask better questions when you visit all of your top college choices.

Again, make sure you talk to the faculty of the academic programs, if you have a major field or fields picked out. However, if you’re one of the 30% of freshmen who don’t know what your major will be, at least understand what’s offered and make plans to further explore the majors and career paths, as you enter college.

The college (faculty, your advisor or the career and academic advising departments) can help you get clarity, as you move into your freshman and sophomore years. “Major Decisions” lists career possibilities. Explore them with your career center, and also talk to people in those professions to truly understand the quality of life that you can expect in this job.

In these conversations with the college and working professionals, prepare the right questions to ask. For example, “Major Decisions” tells you what skill areas are critical for success in the major and career. If this field is a passing interest and not a passion, and the skills required seem daunting to you, you need to think carefully about whether this is the right path for you. Consider taking an aptitude assessment such as DAT for PCA to verify your skill level in specific areas like math or language. The career center or psychology department at your college may be able to refer you to a testing center.

You can approach your search for a major three ways:

- A limited search (to learn about all the majors in a given field, such as psychology or engineering).
- An extended search (to also learn about the entries in the “related majors” sections of the “Major Decisions” handbook.
- Or just random reading - to get acquainted with the scope of majors in the Table of Contents and then read deeper into areas that sound interesting.

Linking Majors and Careers was Never Easier! (Still, You Have to Do Some Legwork)

2009-06-02T06:12:00.000-07:00

It’s never too soon for students to explore careers; and conversely, it’s never too late for an adult. You can learn about the types of high school and college coursework needed, and -- whether or not you go to college -- the types of jobs that you can prepare for, in each cluster. At the States Career Clusters Initiative, there are 16 Career Cluster Plans of Study; and 81 Pathway Plans of Study across them.

According to the site, “A Plan of Study can serve as a guide, along with other career planning materials, as learners continue on a career path.” Course recommendations should be individualized to meet each learner’s educational and career goals and each school’s entrance and graduation requirements.

Knowledge and Skills Charts are available at the links provided for each Cluster and under the "Resources" tab on the site. Secondary and post-secondary coursework is detailed “across the disciplines” of math, science, social studies and English/Language Arts. Other required courses, electives and learner activities are also provided.

Since many professional jobs these days don’t require a college degree, coursework in both career and technical programs and degree major courses are provided for each cluster. A sample listing of job titles gives you an idea of the types of jobs that can result from following these study programs. For example, in the Marketing, Sales and Service cluster, common job titles include:

►Copywriter/Designer
►E-Commerce Director
►Entrepreneur
►Field Marketing Representative
►Forecasting Manager
►Interactive Media Specialist
►Inventory Manager/Analyst
►Logistics Manager
►Merchandise Buyer
►On-line Market Researcher
►Public Relations Manager
►Promotions Manager
►Retail Marketing Coordinator
►Sales Executive
►Shipping/Receiving Clerk
►Telemarketer
►Trade Show Manager
►Warehouse Manager
►Webmaster

Armed with this information, you can jump over to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook to learn about salaries, what the jobs are like, and the growth projections in your region. Contact me at jill@whatsyourmajor.net for help with streamlining this process.

Look and See! Use the New Interactive College Search Tools to Understand the Intangibles

2009-06-01T04:18:00.001-07:00

Data are great, but when push comes to shove, your choice of college will most likely be based on intangibles: a feeling of connection that's hard to describe.

When your college meets your hard academic, financial and logistical requirements, AND just feels right, you've found your "best fit".

College search road trips can be physically and emotionally exhausting. Prepare yourself with a "look and see" approach before getting in the car:

1. Start with the usual list of 20-some schools on your consideration list. You'll wind up with fewer than ten at decision time. Contact me at http://www.whatsyourmajor.net/index.php/Contact-Us.html for free advice about how to compile your list.

2. Use student-directed interactive tools to develop an understanding about what life is really like at your first 20 choices.

US News and World Report, for example, now offers online videos of 150 campuses, with student commentary and blogs .

Collegeconfidential.com offers a topic-specific forum where parents and students can share impressions and experiences openly. You can submit a question about your colleges and someone with experience is very likely to respond quickly.

Some printed college guides are written from a student's point of view, such as "The Insider's Guide to the Colleges," and "Students' Guide to the Colleges". These are great places to do a first screening of your list of 20 colleges.

3. Visit five to ten schools on your list during the first go-around. Through the visits, you'll find yourself developing the criteria for the intangibles that matter to you: The social culture on campus, the teaching philosophy of the faculty you will meet, and more.

4. If a faculty presentation is not on your campus visit agenda, make sure you make an appointment with a faculty member from either the core curriculum or your field of interest. Ask about the teaching philosophy on campus and how it's realized in the classroom. Inquire about job opportunties and hiring trends in the field.

5. Don't omit any colleges from your list based on indirect internet or book resources. Look and see for yourself! But be sure to get details from college officials about any areas of special interest or concern.

Happy Hunting!

College Grads: Rally Your Enthusiasm During Job Interviews

2009-05-31T06:11:00.000-07:00

In a job interview, a recent college graduate was asked what she thought of the opportunity.

Her answer: "It wouldn't be my first choice."

The result: No job offer

Author Barbara Pachter says that many millennials limit their job options by making poor choices in etiquette (http://barbarapachter.blogspot.com/2009/05/mistakes-to-avoid-when-looking-for-work.html)

The graduate above was essentially insulting the interviewer by demeaning the job, in telling the "truth".

It's not necessary to lower your career goals, but it is important to show that you spent your time well right after graduation. You need a job as soon as possible to provide proof of your ambition.

If you're going to accept an interview, make sure that you prepare, demonstrate openness and a positive attitude and followup in a way that keeps everything going in your favor. Don't assume anything about the position you're interviewing for, or the person doing the interview. He or she may even have other "unadvertised" opportunities.

True,

Your first job may not align with your college major.

It may be a hourly rate and not a salary.

It may be part-time.

It may not pay what you think you're worth.

But, in today's job market, you're competing with experienced professionals. They know something that you don't know.

1. Any seemingly great job offer can turn out to be disappointing, once you get there. And..

2. A position that seems inadequate at first can produce unforeseen opportunities, once you get there.

When your expectations about your first job are too lofty, you won't take interviews seriously, you won't get a job offer, and -- worst of all -- you will undermine your own confidence. Handle the interview well, and you're sure to get a boost in your self-image.

In an interview, it's best to focus on evaluating the job positively, thinking of ways it can help you, instead of assuming that it's not what you're looking for. Keep your options open. You don't have to make a decision until you get an offer!

Once you get a job, learn as much as you can while there, build professional friendships that will help you build your future; and create a reputation for reliability and expertise. You'll soon be in a position to control your own destiny.

A College Major is not a Career Choice! Get Out from Behind Yourself and Talk to People

2009-05-29T04:39:00.000-07:00

In today's economy, many professional jobs do not require a four-year degree, and there is an oversupply of college graduates. This changes the equation for what the payback of a college education really is, and, the kind of investment you need to make to get the best results.

Many students, and certainly, their parents, say that they choose a major with the expectation of a particular job. The folly of this is that, too often, they act on incomplete information: what someone told them. They omit the critical step of finding out for themselves.

First, most professional jobs accept a variety of training options. College may not even be required.

And, if you are a college graduate, a variety of majors will be viewed by employers as applicable to your job of choice. You might be competing with more applicants that you planned on.

The only way to prove out your expectations for work after college is to use the principles of job shadowing that you learned about in high school: Talk to people!

Seek out people who are employed in the profession. How did they get there? What specific types of education, on-site training and networking would they recommend to you? If you don't know anyone employed in the field, go to the library or search online and find the professional trade association. Locate someone in your area and email them or ask for an in-person coffee meeting (your treat, of course).

College students, remember: You're the "customer" of your college. Use the faculty as a career resource. You're entitled to free access to them. Your instructors know the emerging trends in the profession and, best of all, they are connected. They know people who make the hiring decisions. They can assist you with your search for an internship, which is the best way to try on a job, before continuing to pursue it.

College is not just a monetary investment. It also occupies critical years of your life. Don't let that time produce lost opportunities.

If You Choose Your Academic Program Wisely, It Just Doesn't Matter Where You Go To College

2009-04-04T07:11:00.000-07:00

Many students don’t realize that it isn’t their choice of college, or choice of major, that will determine success at college. They should consider your happiness first.
But what does that mean, exactly?

We tell students: If you can engage in the “community,” you will be more likely to optimize your experience, socially and academically, and be satisfied with the “value for the money” from your choice of college.

But the hidden secret of college shopping, is that your WILL depend of your choice of academic program within a college. It’s the “program” that you should be shopping for, once you’re sure that you will be comfortable with the social environment of top choice schools.

The latest National Survey of Student Engagement uncovered that 90% of the variance in student satisfaction campus quality is explained by students at the same schools not having the same experiences. The study reported that there are differences across academic programs at the same college when it comes to important factors like “social support”, “interactions with students from other ethnicities”, and “active and collaborative learning”.

And, this week, Forbes Magazine urged the 3.3 million newly minted high school graduates to save themselves pronounced anxiety by bargain shopping for their educations. Author and recent grad student/blogger Joie Jager-Hyman says that what's most important is a student’s “willingness to engage…, commit to learning and actively take part in classes that challenge…”.

Source: http://www.forbes.com/2009/03/26/college-admission-officer-opinions-contributors-decision.html

Coming up! Workshops on College Essay Writing and Career Exploration (May 2), Register at http://www.whatsyourmajor.net/Jill Bernaciak at Linked In

Pursuing The Value-Add of a College Education

2009-03-22T07:27:00.000-07:00

Marty Nemko's opinion-editorial in The Chronicle of Higher Education last spring raised challenges to both colleges and families to each create the "value-add" of a college education. Nemko contended that college students who have weak high school records often drop out from college without gaining much. They often leave the college experience with "devastated self-esteem, a mountain of debt, and a job they could have obtained without college."

Nemko, US News and World Report's contributing editor on career and college issues, cited several notable studies of low satisfaction with college among graduate and lack of preparedness for the work force. Among his proposed solutions: College view guides should include detailed scorecards on student progress.

In his blog, Nemko urges families to save money by making the most of college and to make college selection decisions accordingly:

"Choose professors carefully; for example, read online student reviews of them. Pick the professors most likely to teach you to think and write better and who will inspire you.

Take writing-and reasoning centric courses: for example, rhetoric.

Participate in extracurriculars such as debate, student govt, and student newspaper.

Take classes that expose you to a wide range of political perspectives.

Search out great peer and adult mentors."

Coming up! Workshops on College Essay Writing and Career Exploration (May 2), Register at http://www.whatsyourmajor.net/
Jill Bernaciak at Linked In

Four Northeast Ohio Colleges offer Human Resource Specializations, with Job Growth Exceeding 18%

2009-03-01T17:01:00.000-08:00

Baldwin-Wallace, Cleveland State University, Ursuline College and Chancellor University offer Human Resource Majors; with job growth exceeding 18% in some specializations.

Generally, with a median salary of $88,510 and job growth exceeding 11 percent through 2016, the human resource profession is a broad category with lots of potential for the well-prepared job seeker. According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, job growth approaching 18% is expected in specialties in employment, recruitment, and placement; compensation, benefits, and job analysis specialists; and training and development, whose job holders can seek areas of specialization, for example, as:

- Compensation and Benefits, where managers plan, direct, or coordinate compensation and benefits activities and staff of an organization. They can specialize in areas such as pensions or position classifications. For example, job analysts collect and examine details about job duties and prepare job descriptions that explain the duties, training, and skills that each job requires.

- Training and Development, where managers perform duties similar to the above and may also plan, direct, or coordinate the training and development activities and staff of an organization, a key employee benefit.

Four northeast ohio colleges offer programs leading to a bachelor’s degree in personnel, human resources, or labor relations:

Baldwin-Wallace College – Human Resources

Cleveland State University – Management and Labor Relations

Ursuline College – Human Resource Management

Chancellor University (formerly Myers University) - Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Human Resource Management

Beyond those four, courses leading to a career in human resources management may be found in departments of business administration, education, instructional technology, organizational development, human services, communication, or public administration.

Coming up! Workshops on College Essay Writing (March 28) and Career Exploration (May 2), Register at http://www.whatsyourmajor.net/
Jill Bernaciak at Linked In

With Passion for Fashion, Kent State Students are Well-Prepared to Compete in the Global Industry

2009-02-22T05:56:00.000-08:00

There are two strategies that Northeast Ohio college students can take to choose a college major that ensures employment:

- Find a profession with largeness and growth and/or
- Find a school that’s the top in its field

Employment in the fashion design and fashion merchandising is not just a glamour job. Self-employment is common. Most jobs are highly competitive and located in New York and California. Job growth is slower than average, according to the Occupational Outlook Handbook.

However, with top local training, students have the best chances of success.

Since 1983, the Shannon Rodgers and Jerry Silverman School of Fashion Design and Merchandising at Kent State University’ has been turning out graduates who go on to lead their professions. Guided by a strong advisory board, students work side-by-side with top industry professionals from JCPenney, Sears and Simplicity Pattern Company, among others. Students consistently win national competitions sponsored by the Council of Fashion Designers of America and Target.

Recently, the fashion school received a $1 million gift from the Margaret Clark Morgan Foundation. that provides “world-class quality leadership” for the next ten years from Elizabeth Rhodes, an exceptional industry visionary leader, according to Rick Kellar, the foundation’s president.

Over thirteen full-time faculty use hands-on and real-life experiences with over 700 students. Study tours to Europe and Asia are offered on a regular basis. Facilities include a studio in New York City, an international school in Florence, Italy and study opportunities in Hong Kong, London and Paris.

The NYC Studio is a new 4500-square-foot space with lecture room, computer lab and world class design studio, located in the heart of New York City's Garment District, where one-third of all clothing manufactured in the USA is designed and produced and home to America's world-renowned fashion talent.

The Kent State location has several CAD (computer-aided design) labs for digital fabric printing. pattern-making and 3-D merchandising. It houses world-renown library and museum.
A Bachelor of Arts in Fashion Design is available on two tracks with different emphasis:

- Conceptual design with illustration

- Problem solving and technical design skills with strong construction skills.

In Fashion Merchandising, a Bachelor of Science in Fashion Merchandising and a five-year MBA are available.

Basic coursework includes color, textiles, sewing and tailoring, pattern making, fashion history, computer-aided design (CAD), and design of different types of clothing such as menswear or footwear.

In addition to general admission requirements, applicants to the fashion design program must submit a skills assessment, including drawing and machine stitching samples, and a letter of intent and ‘statement of honor”. The school offers Academic Discovery days and shadowing for high school students for an in-depth exploration of the program.

Visit http://www.fashionschool.kent.edu/for more information

Median annual earnings for salaried fashion designers were $62,610 in May 2006. Earnings in fashion design can vary widely based on the employer and years of experience. Starting salaries in fashion design tend to be very low until designers are established in the industry. According to the Department of labor, some fashion designers also combine a fashion design degree with a business, marketing, or fashion merchandising degree, especially those who want to run their own business or retail store.

Coming up! Workshops on College Essay (March 28) and Career Planning (May 2)
Register at http://www.whatsyourmajor.net/

Jill Bernaciak
See my Linked In Profile

Are You Efficient and a Strong Leader? Many Northeast Ohio Colleges Can Prepare You to be a High-Paid Administrative Service Manager

2009-02-15T04:39:00.001-08:00

One of the only ways that a company can grow in today’s economy is to optimize the efficiency of its operations.

With the right degree and experience, you could be a key player as an “Administrative Services Manager”; which will be a higher-demand, high paid job through 2016 (and probably beyond).

While the job title is about as nondescript of an occupation as you could imagine, it pays an average of $67,000 annually and will have 276,000 people employed by 2016. This is an almost 12 percent increase from 2006.

Relevant majors depend on the work environment and include:
- Business (specifically finance or human resources)
- Engineering
- Architecture
- Construction management
- Facility management

What’s this Job Entail?

You don’t need to be an expert in the functional areas that you’d supervise, but you do need to demonstrate strong leadership and communication skills, which is why lower-level experience is so vital. You must enjoy working with details, and a wide range of people; from managers, supervisors, and professionals, to clerks and blue-collar workers. You must be flexible, decisive and effective with meeting deadlines and managing multiple activities at once.

Administrative services managers coordinate and direct a broad spectrum of services that keep a company running smoothly. According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, they can oversee:

- Secretarial and reception services and mail
- Administration and payroll
- Conference planning and travel
- Information and data processing
- Materials scheduling and distribution
- Printing and reproduction
- Records management
- Telecommunications management
- Security, parking
- Energy consumption
- Personal property
- Procurement, supply, recycling, and disposal

Specific duties for these managers vary by their level of responsibility and authority. Some advance to upper level positions, such as vice president of administrative services.

Experience and Courses Required

Managerial and industry-specific experience is the key to attaining this position. You might have to start in a non-managerial position and work up the ladder. Your chances for promotion to this position can be enhanced by earning the Certified Manager (CM) designation offered by the Institute of Certified Professional Managers (ICPM), along with the right experience and education.

The degree required depends on the work environment. In less complex organizations, a high school education and experience could suffice. But other employers, such as in contract administration or facilities management, require a bachelor’s degree. In facilities management, many managers have a background in real estate, construction, or interior design. Courses in office technology, accounting, business mathematics, computer applications, human resources, and business law would be expected, regardless of industry.

Sources: Occupation Outlook Handbook, 2008-09

Building a Career? Look into Construction Management and Cleveland State University

2009-02-09T16:45:00.000-08:00

Economic forecasts aside, the long-run job prospects in Construction Management are much better than average, from the perspective of salary and chance of hire.

The number of construction management jobs will grow 15.7% between 2006 and 2016. The median salary in 2006 was $73,700.

A bachelor’s degree in construction science, construction management, building science, or civil engineering or architecture are preferred and work experience is also expected, whether through an internship, a cooperative education program, or a job in the industry. The traditional path to advancement begins with long-term experience as, for example, carpentry, masonry, plumbing, or electrical installation.

In Northeast Ohio, five colleges have relevant four-year programs that would qualify you, after work experience, for a construction management opportunity:

Case Western Reserve University
Cleveland State University
Kent State University
The University of Akron
Youngstown State University

For example, Cleveland State University’s Engineering program has made “large investments have been made in new labs and the renovation of classrooms and office space…” Its co-op program enables students to alternate between classes and work at many (related) “prominent companies”.

According to the Dean’s report in spring 2008, 63% of the faculty graduated from the top 26 engineering schools in the United States, including MIT, Princeton, Carnegie Mellon, Purdue, Texas A&M and a variety of others. The Visiting Scholar program has hosted scholars from Carnegie Mellon University and internationally from Myong Ji University and Dankook University in South Korea, Fujian University and Shanghai Polytechnic University in China, Federal University of Sao Carlos in Brazil and JNTU in India.

In the Cleveland marketplace, there are an estimated 970,000 construction management positions, with an average hourly wage of $42.55 and an average annual salary of $88,510.

According to the Occupational Outlook, construction managers “plan, direct, coordinate, or budget…activities concerned with the construction and maintenance of structures, facilities, and systems”. Construction managers help conceptualize the development of a construction project and organize, schedule, and implement related activities with the help of supervisory subordinates. Specialties such as carpentry or plumbing are included in this profession, and job titles include general superintendents, project managers, and constructors.
The biggest employers of construction managers include petroleum and related wholesale, investment pools or funds, and travel accommodations. Most managers are involved with nonresidential, residential, building equipment, foundation, structure and exterior contactors.

Sources: Occupational Outlook Handbook, http://www.csuohio.edu/engineering/

Case Western Reserve University -- and several others in Northeast Ohio -- offers Best Odds for Hiring and High Pay in the Computer Science Field

2009-01-25T07:36:00.000-08:00

Northeast Ohio has always been a tough job market. Unless you have a rich uncle -- it's paramount to have a solid strategy for your college education and career.

If you take the trouble to identify a top-paying occupation early in your college career, would you also want to know about where you can find a top-rated academic program, locally?

-- Or, would you also be interested in finding a top-rated program, locally and at the lowest cost?

Answering these questions may seem unwieldy.

You could define your "best fit" college by finding one that gives you a top education in a top paying, promising field. Of course, for most students, it's not quite that crystal clear. Your college lifestyle is also an important consideration.

In Ohio, Case Western Reserve University and The Ohio State University both offer a top rated program in Computer Science, according to both The Gourman Report and Rugg's Recommendations on the Colleges. (The Gourman report was acquired by The Princeton Review in 1997.)

Rugg's includes Denison University in its best Computer Science majors list in the "most selective" category.

Hiram College and Kent State University are also included, although considered by Rugg's to be "very", not "most" selective in admitting students.

Baldwin-Wallace College and Mount Union College also make the cut in the more general, "selective" category.

Majors in computer and information sciences, computer systems analysis, networking and telecommunications or information technology can leads to a position as network systems and data communications analyst, the best job for college graduates, as defined by Laurence Shatkin.

Shatkin and Michael Farr, authors of the "200 Best Jobs for College Graduates", say that Systems analysts design, test and evaluate systems such as intranets and local area networks. The average starting salary is $40,100 and there will be over 35,000 openings for them annually, through 2016.

Sources: Forbes, 1/9/09
Rugg's Recommendations on the Colleges, 2006
The Gourman Report, 1997