Category: Online Classroom

You may have heard of elevator pitches from coworkers, professors, or friends. Like many, I had never heard of one until college when my professor stressed how important they were in the world of networking. An elevator pitch is a very short summary of yourself that, from start to finish, is completed in the average amount of time it takes to travel on an elevator, approximately thirty seconds or less. Elevator pitches are so simple, yet can be one of the most vital tools you have in the professional world. In thirty seconds, the objective is to get your point across while inviting the individual you are speaking to ask more about who you are. Consider it to be a sales pitch, but the product being sold is you and your abilities. You should be able to accomplish, without rushing, in half a minute or less.

When composing your elevator pitch, there are a few main points you will need to hit. Keep these questions in mind: Who are you? What do you do? What do you want?

● Start with a greeting, then limit it to one sentence about yourself. Introduce yourself not just by stating what your title is, but what you do. For example, I wouldn’t introduce myself by stating that I write blogs. Instead, I would state that I am a freelance content writer that helps businesses gain more traffic to their websites and social media.

● Write one or two sentences about who your ideal clients are. You may want to write down how your products or services help this group of people.

● Write a sentence or two about what you do every day in your business. If your emphasis is on time-saving techniques, state briefly how your strategies work.

● Make your value be known. Don’t make it sound like you are just listing off your best qualities, flip the narrative to where your best qualities are instead of potential benefits to the prospect.

● Elevator pitches are typically given in in-person situations, such as career fairs, networking events, or even elevators. A fantastic way to get the person you’re giving the pitch to involved is to ask about their business and see if they have a need for someone like you.

● After finishing your pitch, have a business card prepared for anyone that may ask for it. This way, if a prospect liked what you had to say, they now have your contact information for future reference.

The most important advice I can give to you in regard to an elevator pitch is simple. Practice, practice, practice. Writing it down and memorizing it just isn’t enough. You don’t want to come across as a robotic salesman, now do you? Take the time to read it out loud. Record yourself and listen to see how you need to adjust your voice, mannerisms, and timing. When the time comes, you want it to seem like a natural conversation, not a forced sales pitch. And if it doesn’t? Rewrite it! Practice until you’re comfortable enough to try it out. Elevator pitches can be a quick, almost effortless way to not only introduce yourself but to gain the interest of a potential prospect.

So the New Year is here. We often hear about big plans and resolutions, but it’s a little less common to hear of people actually sticking to these goals. Which is completely understandable! Changing parts of your lifestyle overnight is extremely difficult and can be a major part of why some people’s New Year’s resolutions end up ultimately falling by the wayside. I suggest starting small and focusing on one goal at a time. Remember, the best resolutions are the ones you can actually keep. If you haven’t made any resolution yet, no worries! It’s never too late to get started changing your life for the better. If you can’t quite think of what you want your resolutions to be, here are a few ideas.

1. Find a new podcast to listen to. Take the time to decide on a subject matter that you like or that you would be interested in learning more about. Perhaps you want to learn more about ancient Egypt or even learn different cooking techniques. There are millions of podcasts readily available and the opportunities to find a great listen are endless.

2. Set your alarm a minute earlier each day for a month. After 30 days, you’ll have an extra half hour on your hand to spend how you like! This can be a great opportunity to pick up a new hobby, watch an episode of your favorite show, or even listen to a new podcast.

3. Set aside twenty dollars each week. Maybe to make this happen, you need to eat out one time less a week. It may not sound like much, but setting aside that $20 means by the end of the year, you will have saved $1,040! Can’t afford to set that twenty aside? Not an issue. Any amount helps! Just setting aside ten dollars a week will help you save $520!

4. Give someone a compliment each day. Whether it’s your family member, a complete stranger, or even your pet, a small act of kindness can go so far. Tell the woman walking by you that you like her shirt, tell your waiter that they did a great job or just tell your dog that he’s/she’s a good boy/girl. Opportunities for kindness are abundant.

5. Each night before bed, write down one good or happy thing about your day. It could be that you ate your favorite food, you got a raise, or even that you woke up healthy. By this time next year, you will have 365 little notes of happiness to reflect upon.

As a college student with a busy schedule, it can often be difficult to make goals and resolutions and actually persevere and achieve them because of work, family, friends, and other obligations you may have in your life. With that said, hopefully, I gave you something a little different than your typical New Year’s resolutions like, “eat better”, “get more sleep”, “work harder” – but instead provided resolutions that anyone can easily incorporate into a busy lifestyle and actually stick with. Good luck and happy New Year!

Your years spent earning a college degree are a vital time for learning. Before you go to grab a candy bar to snack on while studying, remember this: students that choose foods that fuel their body and mind are much more likely to prosper. For years, research has found that consuming a balanced, nutritious diet can enhance focus, strengthen memory, and improve critical thinking. Limiting the amount of refined sugar and processed foods that you consume daily and focusing on fresh, plant-based foods can help display more effective problem-solving skills, fact comprehension, and stronger mental recall. Make smart choices by filling your plate with fresh fruits, fresh veggies, lean proteins, and whole grains. Limit the number of high sugar foods you consume.

Healthy snacks are one of the most important components of a balanced diet. This is especially true during the grueling hours spent studying in college. Snacks act as a bridge between meals and can prevent excessive hunger. Snacks also help with portion control and mindful food choices. Mindful snacking also promotes increased energy levels, stimulates metabolism, and stabilizes blood glucose. Snacking throughout the day will keep both your brain and body satisfied and energized, but you have to make sure you’re consuming the right foods.

You might be wondering what the best snacks are to give you energy. The ultimate snacks for studying are made of a serving of quality carbs alongside a lean protein item. Appropriate carbohydrate intake is important for your health. High-quality carbs supply a long-lasting supply of energy. Try to make your study snack fun! Getting creative with your food is an easy way to get excited about being healthy. Below you will find a list of food combinations that will fuel your brain for optimum function and energy.

Snack Options to Fuel You Brain and Body

1. Bake sliced zucchini to make zucchini chips and dip them in salsa.

2. Create a homemade trail mix with ingredients such as whole-grain cereal or granola, raw nuts and seeds, and a small amount of something sweet such as dried fruit or sugar-free chocolate chips.

3. Spread organic peanut butter on celery sticks, apples, or banana slices.

4. Roll up a few cucumber sticks in a few slices of lean lunch meat for a gluten-free snack

5. Dip carrots, sliced peppers, cucumber slices, celery sticks, or cherry tomatoes into hummus.

6. Combine healthy granola with low-fat, high protein yogurt.

7. Toast a piece of whole-grain bread and mash ½ an avocado to spread on top

8. Crunch on some whole-wheat pretzels with a cheese stick or reduced-fat cheese slices.

9. Drop some mixed berries into plain greek yogurt for a sweet snack

10. Whisk together two eggs, add a handful of spinach and bake in a muffin tin to create mini omelets

11. Make whole-grain cracker sandwiches with nut/seed butter (peanut, almond, cashew, or sunflower) butter or reduced-fat cheese.

12. Pair unsweetened applesauce with pecan or walnut halves.

13. Pack cherry tomatoes alongside a hard-boiled egg.

14. Sprinkle shredded reduced-fat cheese onto a whole grain tortilla and microwave for a fast quesadilla.

15. Snack on a cup of cottage cheese and a side of peaches

16. Sprinkle some cinnamon on non-GMO popcorn for a twist on a classic snack

17. Top a whole-grain toaster waffle with nonfat/low-fat yogurt.

18. Spread natural peanut butter on celery sticks and top with just a few sugar-free chocolate chips

19. Freeze grapes to create a snack that tastes just like candy!

20. Make a peanut butter and jelly roll up with a whole-grain tortilla, 2 tablespoons of natural peanut butter, and 1 tablespoon of sugar-free jelly strawberry jelly.

Get creative! There are no limits to what you can make for a snack. Just make sure you’re being mindful and staying healthy. If you are someone that loves sweets like I am, then find a way to incorporate that into your prepared snacks. Make it fun and study hard.

You’ve spent years upon years working towards your degree, and you’ve finally earned it. But what comes next? With no more all-nighters, no more exams or finals to prepare for, you might be feeling lost. Where should you look for a job? What about an unpaid internship to gain experience? Everyone is different, no one’s journeys are linear. What works for someone else, may not work for you. Let’s go over a few things that may help you decide what your life can look like after you earn your degree.

 

Finances

After graduation, the first thing you need to do is evaluate your financial situation. College is a costly investment, which the majority of people are unable to afford out of pocket. Deciding where you sit financially will determine the next steps you are able to take. For example, I was able to take 2 months off after graduation because I had worked throughout earning my degree and had enough in savings to give myself a much-needed break. During this time, I was able to update my resume, start my job search, and really take the time to figure out what career path I wanted to take. If you are unable to take some downtime between graduation and your first job, you may start working as soon as the week after. If this situation is applicable to you, you need to start your job search 4 months before graduation.

 

Job Search

Now it’s time we circle back to the original reason you’re reading this article. The question is; what are your plans for after graduation? Have you taken the time to think about it? Well if not, then the time is now. Your undergraduate studies have concluded, finals are over, you’ve walked across the stage and accepted your diploma; there is nothing left to do other than answer that question. The reason you earned your degree was so you could use it, and it’s time to do just that.  The first step to doing that is to get a job. Securing your first job is vital for so many reasons. Becoming financially independent is a major step into adulthood post-graduation. However, before you can independently support yourself, you’ll have to have a job to provide a steady income. Graduating, on any level,  is an amazing achievement for anyone, so congratulations.  But now it’s time to get down to business. When was the last time you updated your resume and cover letter?

 

Additional Education

Maybe after some careful thought and consideration, you’ve decided that diving into the job market isn’t your best option, and that’s okay! Another option available is to further your education. For example, if you just earned your associate’s degree, you could then enroll in a bachelor’s program, and so on. If you loved the classes that you just completed, it might be worth it to get a higher degree. Enrolling in another degree program also makes you eligible to defer your student loans. The paths available to further your education are plentiful so you have many options to choose from.  You can go a traditional route and enter into a program on a campus where you’ll attend classes, or you could go for an online program! Earning a degree online is great for those who work or have busy schedules.

 

 

Conclusion

After graduation, you may feel like you’re in limbo, unsure of what to do and that can be a bit scary. If you feel nervous, just remember that there have been millions of people in your place who made it through just fine. Stay level headed and stay open to all options presented to you. Very rarely does anyone come out of college and jump right into their dream job. This is a hectic period for everyone, and your university should have options in place for alumni (because you’ve finally made it, you’re an alum now!). Use the resources around you to learn what your best options are as well as to learn how to manage your money. Stay calm, make a plan, stick to it and everything will fall into place. You got this!

Did you know?

Only approximately 10 percent of all crimes are actually reported to the authorities. Reasons for that include that the crime was not that serious, it is felt that the police can’t do anything about it, or that the victim is worried about not being believed. The judicial response to crime varies greatly from one society to another, even though the crime rates are similar. In Holland, for example, imprisonments account for about 7 percent of all sentences imposed, whereas in the US about 70 percent of sentences involve custody.

Careers with this degree include but are not limited to:

Criminologist, Customs Service, Customs Special Agent, Fraud Investigator, Police Officer, Detective, Parole/Probation Officer, Court Services or Juvenile Case Worker, Federal Agent (CIA, DEA, FBI, US Marshal, Secret Service, etc.)

Job Spotlight: FBI Agents

The career path of an FBI Agent is an interesting one that requires additional training after receipt of a criminal justice degree. FBI agents conduct sensitive investigations for matters such as terrorism, cyber-crime, white-collar crime, civil rights violations, extortion, and other violations of federal statutes. Some of the duties they may perform include: Research, Undercover investigations, Filling out reports, Testifying in federal court.

According to the FBI’s website, there really is no such thing as a “typical day” for an FBI agent. Agents in the field offices could be testifying in federal court one day and executing a search warrant and gathering evidence the next. Over the course of a week, they might meet with a source to gather intelligence on illegal activities; make an arrest; and then, back in the office, talk with their squad members and catch up on paperwork. Some agents also work in specialized areas across the FBI such as training, fingerprinting, lab services, and public affairs; many also serve as supervisors or managers. Special agents are always on call to protect their country and may be transferred at any time, based on the needs of the FBI.

How much can I earn?

The BLS reported that police and sheriff’s patrol officers earned a median salary of $61,380 in 2018. Victims’ advocates earned considerably less, according to PayScale.com, which reported a median salary of $35,228 in 2019. Finally, private investigators and detectives earned a median salary of $50,090 in 2018 (www.bls.gov).

Is a Criminal Justice degree a good fit for me?

Do you spend your weekends watching “Criminal Minds” or “CSI”? Do you wonder what it would be like to walk in your favorite character’s shoes? Or do you just simply want to keep people safe? A criminal justice degree could be perfect for you! There are so many job opportunities available to those in the criminal justice field, it’s just about finding the right fit for you!

Did you know?

In 2011, 59 million Americans over age 25 earned a bachelor’s degree…but only 12 million were business majors. Those who held degrees in business found it easier to secure full-time, long-term employment. The average starting salary of business degree holders exceeds $54,000. Today, more than 40 percent of business students are over the age of 25.

Careers with this degree include but are not limited to:

Accountants and Auditors, Appraisers and Assessors of Real Estate, Budget Analysts, Claims Adjusters, Appraisers, Examiners, and Investigators, Compensation and Job Analysis Specialists, Cost Estimators, Fundraisers, Human Resources Specialists, Insurance Underwriters, Labor Relations Specialists, Loan Officers, Logisticians, Management Analysts, Market Research Analysts, Event Planners, Personal Financial Advisors, Purchasing Managers, Purchasing Agents, Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents

Job Spotlight: Event Planner

An event planner organizes events, coordinates all of the moving parts, and makes sure everything goes as planned. Also called convention and meeting planners, they do everything involved in making sure these events go fluidly, including choosing locations, hiring caterers, entertainment, and other vendors. They may also arrange lodging and transportation for attendees. An event planner’s salary can vary depending on a number of factors, including location, experience, and whether they work independently or for a company. The median salary for an event planner is $49,370 with the top 10% of earners making more than $89,400.

How much can I earn?

Employment of business and financial operations occupations is projected to grow 7 percent from 2018 to 2028, faster than the average for all occupations, adding about 591,800 new jobs. Globalization, a growing economy, and a complex tax and regulatory environment are expected to continue to lead to strong demand for accountants and auditors. In addition, increasing usage of data and market research in order to understand customers and product demand, and to evaluate marketing strategies, will lead to growing demand for market research analysts. This median annual wage for business and financial occupations was $68,350 in May 2018, which was higher than the median annual wage for all occupations of $38,640.

*Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook

Is a Business degree a good fit for me?

Did you grow up knowing exactly how you wanted your wedding to look? Or did you want to help your parents plan all of your birthday parties so they would be perfect? If you love to be organized and have the desire to make other people’s visions come to life, then a career in Event Planning may be perfect for you! The first step? Earn that business degree!

 

Students, prospective students, and even our college partners interact with DLSI employees every day. Whether you’re scheduling your next class with an Academic Advisor, speaking to a Program Administrator to get more information on our program, or trying to schedule a meeting with our CEO, you’re interacting with one of the wonderful team members of Distance Learning Systems. If you’ve ever wondered who’s on the other side of the phone, here’s your chance to get to know a few of us!

Meet Tom!

Tom is the Manager of Academic Services and has been with DLSI for 11 years. Tom handles curriculum development and is the manager of Distance Learning Systems’ overseas staff. Tom says the best part of his job is knowing that he is contributing to the student’s success. As an animal lover, Tom was actually a vegetarian for three years.

Meet Scott!

Scott is entering his fourth month of employment at Distance Learning Systems. So far, his favorite part of the job is the people he works with. He is the Director of University Partnerships. Simply put, Scott works with colleges across the country to secure partnerships for the courses DLSI provides. In the four months Scott has been with us he has created 4 new partnerships! In his free time, Scott enjoys restoring older homes to enhance and showcase their original and one of a kind beauty.

Meet Lucy!

Lucy is one of Distance Learning System’s Academic Advisors and is the ACE Specialist. When a student calls in, there is a good chance Lucy will pick up the phone. She helps with scheduling courses, managing grades and is in charge of all things ACE. Lucy loves the company culture of DLSI and says the fun atmosphere is what she enjoys most. A fun fact about her is that she can recite every preposition from memory.

Meet Betsy!

Betsy is the Contract Manager at DLSI and has been with the company for over 15 years! She processes all enrollments, works with employers/facilities for referrals/payments, and processes all addendums when transcript reviews are complete. She also negotiates contracts with vendors, processes all incoming mail, and pays the bills. Betsy loves her coworkers and says that they’re the best part of the job! Betsy learned to play the violin in elementary school and played all the way through high school.

Meet Amy!

Amy has been with DLSI for 6 years and she is currently our Online Academic Coordinator. She runs all online courses, provides tech support to students, and communicates with our instructors to ensure smooth online operations. Amy loves her coworkers and says they’re her favorite part of her job. She enjoys sewing and crafting during her free time. Amy is a wonderful mom to her toddler son and is expecting his baby girl sibling this Spring!

Sometimes it feels as though college students can never catch a break. It can feel as though you have the weight of the world on your shoulders. Student loans, essays, exams, studying, balancing work and school, and social life? At times it may seem impossible.

When I was a student, the smallest things would bring me joy because I was constantly dealing with the everyday stresses that came along with earning my degree. So when I was asked “Are you a student” at a restaurant or business, my face would light up!

With that being said, here is a list of restaurants and businesses that will offer you a discount when you show proof that you’re a student.

1. Amazon: Students are eligible for free two-day shipping for 6 months. This is perfect for when you need to order school supplies or textbooks!
2. Jo-Ann Fabrics: Are you an art student? Or perhaps you need supplies for a class project. Jo-Ann fabrics offers a 10% discount, but only when you sign up for their student rewards program.
3. Apple: Have you been eyeing a new MacBook to assist you with your studies? Apple offers a 20% off select products for students.
4. Spotify: Only $5 a month to make as many study playlists as you need!
5. Forever 21
6. Chic-fil-a: show your student ID and get 10% off your meal! Just remember they’re closed on Sundays!
7. Arby’s: You are eligible for a 10% discount when you show proof you’re a student!
8. Dairy Queen: Enjoy a creamy blizzard with a 10% discount when you show your student ID. (You can get any menu item with the discount, but we can all agree Blizzards are the bomb!)
9. Chipotle: Thirsty? Chipotle will give students a free drink!
10. Kroger: Not big on eating out? Kroger offers 5% off an entire purchase for students who like to cook their own meals!
11. Wingstop: Save a whopping 15% on all combos from 2 pm-6 pm Mondays-Fridays!
12. Qdoba: Feeling spicy? Qdoba offers a $5 burrito deal that comes with a free drink for all students!
13. Express: Do you need some office approved clothing for a new internship? Swing by Express for 15% off their non clearance items.
14. Kate Spade: If you’re looking for a new planner to start your year off right, Kate Spade has plenty available, and for 15% off with your student ID.
15. Adobe: Students will receive 60% off of Creative cloud.
16. PINK: Take 15% off your entire purchase at VS PINK.
17. Goodwill: Getting an even better bargain at thrift stores such as Goodwill? I’m in! Goodwill offers 10% off your entire purchase, but only on Thursdays.
18. Amtrak: Going home for the holidays? Save 10% on tickets as well as earn points for travel.
19. The New York Times: You will receive a discount code (varies by state) when you provide a student email.
20. Geico: Commuting for work? Are you a B average student? You could qualify for 15% off select rates!

What is listed above is a small fraction of the businesses out there that will give students a deal. If you’re ever at a restaurant, store, or any business that doesn’t advertise a student discount, ask! More than likely they do. Students have a hard enough time as is, and they often need a break. These businesses are looking to give them just that.

As you enter the professional world, you may often hear LinkedIn referenced in talks of networking. If you’re unfamiliar with LinkedIn, they define themselves as

“the world’s largest professional network on the internet. You can use LinkedIn to find the right job or internship, connect and strengthen professional relationships, and learn the skills you need to succeed in your career.”

 

According to their website, LinkedIn is an online social network like Facebook or Twitter but dedicated to professional networking and communication. A LinkedIn user’s profile page is similar to an online resume. Users can share their contact information, career summary, complete work history, professional skills, formal education details, and more. LinkedIn is primarily used to network with professional connections but has evolved over time into a job search platform. Recruiters use LinkedIn to look for candidates for their open positions and job applicants browse available positions.

 

Why you should join

LinkedIn is a great tool to network and connect with those around the country and the world in your professional field.

 

To date, LinkedIn has approximately 690 million users in countries across the globe. It is one of the most widely utilized tools used by professional recruiters to find potential employees. You may not be actively searching for a new job, but LinkedIn allows for recruiters to seek YOU out.

 

How to Create a LinkedIn Profile

Head to the LinkedIn website at https://www.linkedin.com

At the top of the first page you will see a ‘Join LinkedIn Today’ section. You will be prompted step by step to make an account.

 

Picking a Profile Picture

Although this is a small step, it is one of the most important. If you leave your profile photo blank, your profile is more likely to get skipped over by recruiters.

 

When choosing your photo, less is more. You want to stand out, while still looking professional. Don’t choose a picture from a beach vacation of you in your swimsuit. Choose a photo (preferably no selfies) in natural light, where you’re dressed in what you would wear to an interview. Photos from the shoulders up (headshots) work best.

If you want to go above and beyond, try having professional headshots taken.

 

 

Headline

Located next to your profile picture, your headline offers a minimal 120 characters to allow you to highlight who you are. This is your chance to create an eye-catching, attention-grabbing bio.

 

You do not need to fill in your headline, as LinkedIn will assign your job title and your employer as your headline. However, you should always fill this section in and keep it up to date. It is just another way to grab the attention of potential recruiters and employers.

 

Experience

This section will look very similar to your resume. However, it is acceptable to write in paragraph format on your LinkedIn profile, compared to your resume that will contain bullet points and highlights of your career.

 

You can even use this space to acknowledge your achievements in your past work history.

 

Education

In the education section of your profile, make sure to include graduate and undergraduate details, certifications, and awards earned while attending those institutions. Again, leave out what is not relevant.

 

Recommendations

This is where you’ll find recommendations from your LinkedIn connections. Try to get at least one, if not two, recommendations. Below is LinkedIn’s guide to requesting a recommendation:

 

Head to your profile and click the down arrow to the right of the button near your profile picture.

• Click Ask to be recommended from the drop-down menu.
• Follow the prompts to request the recommendation.
• Click Send.

 

Skills

In this part of your account. You will select skills from a prewritten list. Make sure to only select skills that are actually applicable to you. Try to focus on your career history and the job you want and work from there. Don’t make your list too long, it will look like you did not take the time to select carefully.

 

Now You’re Ready!

Now that you’re all set up and ready to go, it’s time to utilize LinkedIn as much or as little as you would like. I would recommend checking in at least once a week to stay up to date with who contacts you and what job opportunities are available. Good luck and happy job hunting!