• Your one stop for college news and resources!
Business Degrees and Contracts: Exploring Your Career Options

Business Degrees and Contracts: Exploring Your Career Options

Contracts make the business world go round. Whenever a deal is struck, a solid contract should be in place to protect both parties involved from legal risk and financial ruin. Every business major naturally learns the ins and outs of contract management as part of their degree. This helps you develop the business acumen, negotiation, and risk mitigation skills needed to develop strong business relationships and succeed in the working world. Whether you want to pursue traditional career paths in contract management or insurance, or try your hand at entrepreneurship, contract savviness can indeed take you places, professionally exciting and financially rewarding places. The average business graduate earns $69,000 per year, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reveals.

Exploring Career Paths: Contract Manager 

So if you’re majoring in business and want to pursue contract-related work, you could decide to become a contract manager — someone in charge of creating and managing contracts for a business. As a contract manager, the responsibility of contract creation lies squarely on your shoulders, and you’ll make sure the process is as fast and efficient as possible from creation and negotiation through to execution and closure. 

Contract managers are in high demand across multiple fast-paced industries, including government, healthcare, construction, and IT. You can probably imagine why. Contracts can be dense, complicated, and time consuming to read, which is why they’re often not read in full at all. Yet this can be a fatal mistake for businesses. Reading each section carefully is a must to protect the integrity and financial standing of any organization from risk and ruin. That’s where contract managers come in. They thoroughly read the contract over, understand key obligations, terms, and risks, and communicate these points to the business owner or department head. Contract managers are also paid well. In the U.S., the average contract manager makes $100,024 annually, while entry level positions start at $75,007 per year.

Entrepreneurship: Start, Run, and Grow Your Own Business

A business degree and a solid understanding of contracts can also come in useful if you want to launch your own business. In fact, 56% of business owners have an associate’s degree or at least some college behind them. Whether you want to sign a commercial lease to rent out a store, hire an independent contractor to develop your brand, or work with a supplier to purchase office equipment, a contract should be in place to define core details of the business transaction at play and protect your business from potential legal and financial trouble later down the line. 

Yet no matter how confident you may be in your contract abilities, it’s always smart to have a third-party look over the contract, especially as a first-time entrepreneur. An experienced attorney familiar with the law in your state will know what to look out for and how to get you the best terms possible. So get their input on what needs to be changed before signing on the dotted line. Then decide if you want to follow their advice, before getting in touch with your business partner to put forward your suggested changes.

Insurance Underwriter 

Another career route worthy of exploration is insurance underwriter. In this role, it’s up to you to decide who gets insurance and under what policy terms and conditions. Insurance policies are basically legal contracts between the insurer and the insured, which is where your contract knowledge comes in useful. You’ll be responsible for reading them over to understand coverage details, the obligations of the policyholder and insurer, and the risks involved in providing insurance. The power to decide whether or not to accept insurance applications ultimately lies in your hand. Insurance underwriters in the U.S. earn $76,880 on average, which is a significant bit more than the average salary for all occupations, $59,384.

It’s safe to say contracts make the world go round. As a business major with a strong understanding of contracts, you have many fulfilling and financially-rewarding career options open to you from contract management or insurance underwriter to business owner. Whichever direction you go in, a bright future certainly lies ahead. 

SEE ALSO: Beyond the Books: Exploring Extracurricular Learning for College Students

How to Develop a Habit of Reading Regularly

Making reading a regular practice is a skill that can make your life better in this fast-paced, interrupt-filled world. This is an excellent habit to get into for everyone, from beginners to pros to hard-working students. In this digital age, though, where games, entertainment, and web-based platforms all vie for our attention, making reading a regular habit can seem like an impossible job. No need to worry, we will show you how to become a great reader and easily incorporate it into your daily life.

Figuring out the Significance of Perusing

You need to know a lot about critical reading to understand how it affects mental and emotional growth. On the off chance that you can peruse, you can find out a lot of about various things. Perusing makes you more insightful, more compassionate, and better ready to think. Along these lines, you become more mindful of and conscious of the human circumstance. There’s more to reading than just taking in numbers and facts.

Growing Information and Understanding

Reading is essential to research because it gives you a lot of information and facts. Many books, papers, and other types of writing cover many different subjects and teach many different things. You can look forward to new ideas and adventures whenever you turn a page. In this way, you can expect to find yourself when you study literature, history, or the mysteries of legal movements. Our knowledge and views grow when we think about what we’ve done in the past. In turn, this makes us appreciate the complexity and beauty of our world even more. Unimaginable progress and illumination result from the vast field of writing, which provides a fertile ground for reflection. This, in turn, helps ideas grow and plants the seed of academic interest.

Enhancing Cognitive Abilities

Drawing on constructed materials isn’t just fun; it’s a thinking process that uses many different skills. When you read something, whether a profound idea or a strange story, your mind goes on a journey of finding and exploring. Each sentence changes into a puzzle to solve, a blank canvas to paint on, and a tapestry stitched with threads of knowledge and insight. This real-life event will help you learn the skills you need to do well in school, like thinking critically, doing thorough research, and coming to solid conclusions to break down cases.

Empowering Self-Reflection and Empathy

Perusing writing books and magazines is strong because it can take perusers to different places and assist them with connecting with the characters and circumstances they read about. Imagining another person’s perspective aids us in seeing and worth the exceptional things that make every individual interesting. Reading also makes you think about yourself, which makes you more aware and mindful by letting you see how you work on the inside.

Overcoming Common Challenges

To overcome the common problems associated with starting to read regularly, you must be flexible, sure of yourself, and ready. Everyday tasks often make it impossible to do things you enjoy, so managing your time well will always take a lot of work. Many things can distract you today, like cell phones, online fun, and real-time features competing for your attention.

Time Management

Making time to read daily can be challenging for people with busy lives and many other things needing their attention. Putting off dedicated study time or adding something extra to your daily schedule are two reasonable ways to spend your time that can help you find valuable images of abstract guilty pleasure amid your busy life. When you give reading your full attention and make it a regular part of your life, you can make it something you love.

Distractions and Temptations

Interruptions happen frequently in busy networks. Stay focused on your studies and avoid ignoring online temptations like entertainment and email messages. To prevent interruptions, make your study area suitable for learning, eliminate mechanical distractions, and set time limits for when you want to think about something.

Lack of Motivation

It might be hard to stay on track with the motivation to follow what is being pushed, especially if the content is long or complicated and seems hard at first. Doing essential things will help you get excited about reading again and stay committed to your academic hobbies. You can start by picking and choosing what you read. If you run over something fascinating, you’ll need to get familiar with it.

Strategies for Cultivating a Reading Habit

If you want to make this habit-building activity a part of your daily life, you need a plan for how to start reading. Setting goals that can be reached is essential because it helps people stay accountable and provides a framework for growth. When reading material is expanded, people stay engaged and interested, different kinds and points are explored, and a solid understanding of daily practice is laid out, whether it’s setting aside time every day or adding something extra to ceremonies that are already happening, the habit gets stronger and becomes a part of daily life.

Set Realistic Goals

Before setting reading goals, consider your schedule, hobbies, and how fast you read now. It would help if you also considered how much time you have each day to read, your responsibilities, and other duties. Setting clear and attainable goals is essential, like reading a certain number of pages or parts daily, finishing a book by a specific time, or regularly studying a different genre or author.

Diversify Your Reading Material

The spirit doesn’t like routine, and this rule also applies to how aware you are of your habits. Explore a wide range of types, producers, and points of view to become immersed in the academic scene’s overwhelming variety. Explore worlds outside of what you usually know and get lost in the complex weave of human history. This includes everything from the fantastical worlds of literature to the honest accounts of daily life. Explore the vast worlds of science fiction, dig deep into history, or figure out what’s going on at exciting entertainment parks.

Make an Understanding Custom

Developing a reading habit that goes beyond seeing it as something you do every day is linked to making a sacred place for exploring ideas and feeding your spirit. If you read every day, even though life is busy, you tell your mind that now is the time to rest and enjoy the incredible power of writing. In a world full of chaos and disorder, your reading time becomes a haven of beauty and harmony. It could be the soft, comfortable chair bathed in soft lamplight or the melodic murmur of a train car speeding through the early morning mist.

Join a Book Club, Society or Reading Group

Finding a people group and taking on a job can help you understand things better and support your understanding propensity. Reciting without holding back is an extraordinary method for further developing your understanding abilities, and joining an understanding gathering or club can assist you with meeting other energetic perusers in your space. At these social affairs, individuals will discuss intriguing books, share stories that make you think, and have opportunities to look further into the subjects and subtleties that the books cover.

Conclusion

Making reading a regular habit isn’t just fun; it’s severe and helpful. Through the transformative power of writing, you can learn more about yourself and grow as a thinker. You can escape from reality and begin an excursion of self-disclosure and development when you become mixed up in a book. Perusing assists you with studying yourself and your general surroundings. The way to the unending delights of composing might be loaded with difficulties and issues, yet assuming you stay predictable and secure with yourself, you will track down it. Writing as a hobby for life opens up a world of endless possibilities, where your imagination can run wild, and study is always a new adventure. So, may the strength of the human spirit shine through every book you read, and may the written word be with you on this unique path of becoming more self-aware and changing.

Author Bio: 

Lena Peter is an experienced writer specializing in crafting engaging content for the online marketplace. Lena Peter brings a unique perspective to e-commerce and classifieds, with a keen interest in GratisOglasi.ba.

SEE ALSO: Retro Rides and College Student Pride: The Advantages of Driving a Classic Car on Campus

What is the Wage Gap Between College and High School Graduates in Each State?

What is the Wage Gap Between College and High School Graduates in Each State?

It’s true that getting a college degree can open the door to impressively high-paying jobs, but where in the U.S. do college graduates earn much more than workers without degrees? Career.io delved into earnings data across the country to find out.

For many people across the U.S., going to college is the inevitable next step after graduating high school. But it’s not just an unquenchable thirst for knowledge behind that trend — there’s also the expectation that bagging a college degree will open the door to high-paying jobs, with seven in ten Americans believing that college-educated people have higher earnings compared to high school graduates.

Of course, plenty of young professionals straight out of high school have jobs that rake in the big bucks — but by and large, the typical college graduate in the U.S. will make $1.2 million more over their lifetime than someone who hasn’t been to college, and is 3.5 times less likely to experience poverty. Male graduates, in particular, will have the highest salaries.

This got the team here at Career.io pondering: where in the U.S. will college graduates make the biggest salary premium over a local worker who hasn’t been to college? And where will male and female graduates outearn their counterparts without a degree the most?

For every state and the 1,000 most populated cities in the U.S., Career.io used Census data to calculate the percentage difference between the median earnings of local college graduates and high school graduates over the age of 25.

Methodology Behind Study

To determine where college graduates earn the biggest salary premium in the United States, Career.io focused on the 1,000 most populated U.S. cities and each U.S. state.

For each city and U.S. state, they used the U.S. Census American Community Survey (2022) to discover the median earnings in the past 12 months (inflation-adjusted) for the population aged 25 years and over among High School Graduates, High School Graduate Males, High School Graduate Females, Bachelor’s Degree Holders, Bachelor’s Degree Holding Males, and Bachelor’s Degree Holding Females.

The Career.io team calculated the percentage difference in earnings for each location between high school graduates and bachelor’s degree holders. they repeated this analysis for male and female high school graduates vs. bachelor’s degree holders of the same gender.

After that, the study ranked the cities, cities per state, and states based on having the highest salary premium (%) for bachelor’s degree holders.

Results

The analysis of this data is correct as of February 2024.

SEE ALSO: Which U.S. Companies Pay the Most for Entry-Level Jobs?

Which U.S. Companies Pay the Most for Entry-Level Jobs?

Which U.S. Companies Pay the Most for Entry-Level Jobs?

When it comes to salary, why not start as you mean to go on? The job market continues to lean in the job seeker’s favor, and professionals across multiple industries are enjoying a greater choice of prospective employers — and a wider range of salaries to consider — when browsing the want ads.

There were 353,000 new jobs added to the U.S. market in January 2024, with a particular boost in
healthcare, business service and retail roles. Unemployment is at a near-record low of 3.7%, putting
applicants in a strong position to negotiate relocation costs with employers. So, if you’re a new
entrant into the career market or considering a change of industry, it is interesting to note that the
pay for entry-level jobs varies widely, not just from firm to firm but around the country.

To help understand the lay of the land, CashNetUSA analyzed regional job listings and identified the
big companies that pay the best entry-level salaries in the U.S. and each state and major city.

Methodology Behind Study

To determine the best companies for entry-level wages in America, CashNetUSA reviewed publicly
available data on job salaries from Indeed in December 2023 and local area wages from the Bureau
of Labor Statistics.

The team ranked companies based on the percentage of entry-level job listings on Indeed whose
advertised salaries are above the annual median wage for the city in which they are listed. Data on
median annual wage for all occupations is from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and is at the
metropolitan statistical area level.

They included the 100 largest companies by number of employees, the 50 largest restaurant chains
by total sales and the 50 largest retailers by total sales.

Results

Which U.S. Companies Pay the Most for Entry-Level Jobs?

 

The data is correct as of March 2024.

SEE ALSO: Where is the Most Competition for Internship Roles?

Retro Rides and College Student Pride: The Advantages of Driving a Classic Car on Campus

Retro Rides and College Student Pride: The Advantages of Driving a Classic Car on Campus

Less than 15% of college students live on campuses, meaning that more than 85% of today’s students are commuters. When taking into consideration other factors of a modern college landscape — such as the fact that 70% of full-time students work while enrolled — there’s no question that owning a car is a must for many. However, rather than investing in new cars loaded with modern technology, going with a retro vehicle choice instead can bring a variety of advantages to the table. From the financial factor to ease of maintenance, even the social aspect surrounding the classics can provide today’s student with unique advantages.

The Financial Factors

A financial wellness survey that was administered to students in the fall of 2022 dove into the various concerns regarding finances that impacted student’s academic lives. According to the 2022 Student Financial Wellness Survey, detailed in a May report from Trellis Research, almost three in four students experienced financial difficulties in the past year. Furthermore, it’s noted that approximately 48% of students who had experienced financial challenges while enrolled “agreed they had difficulty concentrating on academics because of their finances.” When delving into the price of college tuition, for example, increasing costs can leave many with financial concerns. Between 1980 and 2020, the average price of tuition, fees, and room and board for an undergraduate degree increased by 169%, highlights a report from the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce. In conjunction with other costs — such as academic materials like books, even the rising costs of gas can add to the financial pressures. 

For commuters looking for a car, there is no shortage of financial pressures. The average price of a used vehicle, according to one Fortune article, is $27,297, while the average price of a new vehicle is stated to be $47,338. Both prices, while predicted to drop this year, are still unaffordable for many. On the other hand, Motor Trend highlights several vintage rides that can be as affordable as $5,000, underlining a major difference in price — and highlighting the winning choice for many students to save money on their next ride. The 1954-1966 Pontiac Star Chief, the 1963-1966 Dodge Dart, and the 1965-1967 AMC Rambler Marlin are just a few noteworthy options that made the list.

Less Stress with Simple Maintenance

Investing in a retro car can sound like a costly endeavor, though this isn’t always the case. One Road & Track article highlights several classic car options that are great for those on a budget in 2024. The 1965-1973 Ford Mustang, for example, is just one worth keeping in mind. “Because Ford built so many original Mustangs, prices remain low,” Road & Track notes. “They’re sub-zero cool, simple to work on, and plenty affordable. Best of all, there’s still plenty of aftermarket support, meaning parts are cheap and easy to find.” This synopsis alone underlines the immense value associated with many classic car picks, especially when compared to popular, souped-up vehicles of today.

The lack of technology may be a pain-point for many looking for a vehicle today, though foregoing it can obviously make for a cheaper option. While certain implementations — such as lane assist or a backup camera — can work to make a modern car safer, ‘unnecessary’ components (like WiFi, BlueTooth capabilities, and heated seats) can result in even more to fix when malfunctions or breakage occurs. With that in mind, investing in an older car can allow for the integration of what you want regarding technology (such as the installation of a backup camera), and nothing that you don’t want or need — effectively making for a cost-efficient alternative in the long run. 

Finding Community through the Classic

Finding the right car to drive as a college student can sound like a nearly impossible endeavor — especially when factoring in elements such as financial difficulties and the costs of maintenance. By opting for a retro ride, however, students can find a unique and reliable option that comes along with a strong sense of community. Classic car shows, for example, are a fantastic way for any enthusiast to embrace the lifestyle of the retro ride, and are a great way to show off your own, too — especially if you’ve become invested in the vehicle and its history. 

One of the major benefits of the classic car community is that it extends worldwide, with large shows taking place in various countries. In addition to the many shows throughout the U.S., the Power Big Meet in Sweden serves as one example, while the world’s biggest indoor classic car show takes place at the Techno Classica event in Essen, Germany. While it sounds impossible, shipping your classic car to an international auto show doesn’t have to be an overwhelming endeavor, and can be made a reality with a few important considerations. The cost of successfully shipping a classic car varies depending on a variety of factors, including the type and size of vehicle to the collection and delivery destinations, current economic factors (fuel prices), to highlight just a few. The type of shipping is another element that can impact the price — for classic cars, it’s generally recommended to opt for enclosed car transportation due to concerns associated with unpredictable roads and inclement weather. As such, enclosed car shipping will ensure that your car is better protected, allowing the vehicle to arrive in perfect condition — even so, investing in insurance is always a good call, and can be a great resource to have just in case.

Investing in a newer vehicle is often the preferred route for younger drivers, though opting for a classic is becoming more popular thanks to the numerous benefits involved. From the financial savings to be had to the immense value in finding a like minded community, opting for a retro ride can positively transform your time on campus.

SEE ALSO: The Pros and Cons of Buying a New vs Old Car as a Student

Transforming College Rentals: Innovative Solutions for Outdoor Space

Transforming College Rentals: Innovative Solutions for Outdoor Space

Transitioning to off-campus housing is an exciting endeavor for many college students. As you prepare to leave dorm life behind, it is important to understand what living on your own truly entails. Part of this process includes how to optimize your new space. Though students tend to prioritize the inside of their new homes when decorating, creating an enjoyable outdoor space is important as well.

Getting some sun, connecting with nature, and having a relaxing place to study or nap outside of your bedroom can really make all the difference. Let’s examine some of the best ways to transform your new outdoor space into a mini oasis for you and your roommates.

Picking the Right Furniture

Since outdoor space is likely limited at your off-campus rental, the furniture you use should be multi-functional. Choose seating that doubles as storage and can seat multiple people. Many outdoor sectional sofas have storage under the cushions and take up much less space than using multiple chairs. You can also place convertible tables on your balcony or patio that can be extended or shortened depending on how many guests you have. This is great for outdoor study sessions that turn into dinners.

Including stackable chairs can be helpful to reserve space, especially if you’re prone to having large gatherings. Since they are also easily transportable, you can quickly bring them inside should a big storm arrive.

Other fun furniture options to consider are:

  • A porch swing;
  • A portable fire pit;
  • A bar table with bottle storage.

When purchasing furniture, be sure to choose items that are weather-resistant. Since rain is inevitable, you’ll want furniture that can dry quickly and isn’t easily damaged. Consider purchasing a tarp as well in case you’d like to add some extra protection.

Choosing the Decor

The decor you choose should also be functional while adding life to your outdoor space. Lighting is a simple yet impactful way to jazz up a backyard or balcony. Hanging lanterns are a chic and bohemian choice that adds a sprinkle of whimsy to small balconies. As an eco-friendly option, you can also line your fence, walkway, or garden space with a collection of solar lights. Consider footlights to softly illuminate the ground at night, which adds a pinch of warmth without disturbing your neighbors.

Flowers, plants, and small gardens also liven up a bare outdoor space. Small veggie garden boxes and ornamental gardens add freshness and beauty while giving you a fun weekend hobby to attend to. Opt for easy-to-grow plants that don’t take up much room, such as herbs, peonies, or coneflowers.

Zones with Purpose

Zoning is a crucial component of optimizing your outdoor space. One way to do this is by adding a pergola to your patio space, which can double as a means of shelter from rain. Pergolas are also great for balconies as well. Consider adding a small patch of faux grass to add dimension under the pergola if you only have a balcony and not a backyard.

You can also create specific spaces for lounging, eating, and studying. Think about keeping the area under the pergola for studying, since shade is required for viewing your laptop and is necessary for extended work sessions. Place lounging furniture and accessories, such as a hammock, over a place in the yard that is naturally shielded by trees.

Plants and gardens can also help you create these zones. Adding a planter with a trellis can separate your lounging and dining areas. This is also quite easy to dismantle when moving. Using freestanding box hedges can also visually aid in creating specific backyard zones.

Things to Keep in Mind

Styling a beautiful space for you and your roommates is essential, but there are factors you should keep in mind while decorating your new home.

Budget

Since many college students choose to move frequently, it is important to stick to a strict budget when outfitting your new outdoor space. Try searching online marketplaces for secondhand items or visiting your local thrift store. If you’re purchasing new items, consider getting low-cost furniture and decor that can be easily resold if you decide to move and cannot take them with you. Be sure to discuss with your roommates how everything will be divided and paid for before getting anything for your balcony, backyard, or patio.

Renovation Capacity

Many apartments will not allow you to perform significant work on your space during your lease. However, if you are renting a house, the property owner may be a bit more flexible. If you are thinking about tackling a renovation project for your long-term rental, it should make sense for the duration of your stay and your free time.

Beware of addressing any projects that require electrical work as well. You should generally avoid DIY electrical work, as you may not be able to do renovations that are up to inspection codes and may end up creating additional fire hazards. Always consult your property manager if you come across any electrical hazards during your stay.

Also, tread lightly when it comes to adding outdoor fixtures or appliances. If you’re going to be renting the space throughout your college career and you drive an electric vehicle, for example, it’s tempting to add a charging station. At the average home’s electricity rate of $0.16 per kilowatt hour, you’re looking at a cost of $16 to charge the car. This will save you money when you’re driving to school. It doesn’t hurt to ask the homeowner — a charging station could add value to the home as well.

Your Neighbors

Even if you’re moving into a neighborhood that primarily consists of other students, you should always be considerate of other residents. Many living situations can require you to share an outdoor space with other tenants. Before making any significant changes, update your neighbors and be sure they are comfortable with the alterations. This is especially relevant if you plan on adding a garden space, as folks can have specific allergies that can prevent you from growing certain plants.

Transforming your new outdoor area into a small luxurious space can be easy with a bit of imagination and collaboration. Decorating your backyard and balcony can be a fun bonding opportunity with your new roommates. It can also make a huge difference in turning your new space from a mere short-term rental to a comfortable, temporary home.

SEE ALSO: Tips to Build Your Professional Network as a Student

The Impact of Gamification on Students' Engagement and Motivation

The Impact of Gamification on Students’ Engagement and Motivation

Games have always been a favourite pastime, whether during travel, leisure or even at work, capturing the attention of people worldwide. The concept of gamification has recently expanded beyond just entertainment, grabbing the interest of scholars, educators and industry experts in various fields like information technologies, public health and even governmental institutions. 

Unsurprisingly, research by Taylor & Francis shows that a significant 67% of students find courses delivered through gamification more motivating than traditional methods, highlighting the transformative potential of gamification in education.

Gamification is a fascinating blend of social and technological elements that offers many benefits for college students, including enjoyment, social interaction and increased engagement. This article explores the diverse impact of gamification on students’ engagement and motivation, going beyond academic outcomes.

Understanding Gamification

Riding the wave of digitalisation, many institutions are transforming mundane tasks into engaging, game-like experiences, a trend known as gamification. 

The gamification approach incorporates game elements into non-gaming contexts to captivate and motivate users, primarily to enhance their intrinsic motivation – or their natural desire to learn. 

Different from traditional methods that predominantly use external rewards, gamification makes learning an interactive process, departing from passive teaching methods and enriching students’ engagement and motivation. 

Gamification is designed to improve the psychological outcomes of users, which in turn influences their actions and how much they value the learning experience. Basically, even though the way the system is set up might affect their feelings and behaviours, the developers of these gamified systems – educators and psychologists – can adjust them. By making these adjustments, they can ensure the system helps learners to study better and find more value in what they’re doing.

Ways Gamification Effects Students’ Learning Engagement

What are some effective strategies and their real-world applications to better grasp the gamification impact?

Strengthens Intrinsic Motivation

Gamification makes learning both enjoyable and rewarding, which enhances your motivation from within. For example, imagine a language app that awards points and badges for completing vocabulary exercises and motivates you to engage more deeply, seeking rewards and recognition. 

Promotes Active Involvement

Unlike the passive nature of traditional lectures, gamification requires active participation. An interactive science platform, for instance, might simulate experiments, allowing you to explore concepts like circuit building or chemical reactions firsthand. This active learning approach makes the subject matter more engaging and comprehensible.

Reduces Fear of Failure

Public failure is the worst nightmare of a young student. Gamification reframes failure as a normal part of the learning journey rather than a defeat. For example, a math gaming app might allow infinite attempts at solving problems without negative consequences, encouraging you to resolve challenges and learn from errors. This approach, especially when applied to groups of college students, fosters resilience and a positive attitude toward learning.

Creates Personalised Learning Paths

Gamification tailors learning experiences to your individual performance. Let’s imagine an adaptive learning tool that might adjust the difficulty of math questions in real-time, ensuring that tasks remain appropriately challenging. Personalised platforms together with AI in higher education prevent you from feeling either overwhelmed or under-challenged, enhancing overall learning effectiveness.

Provides Immediate Feedback

Instant feedback is a hallmark of gamified learning, allowing you to quickly learn from your mistakes. A history quiz app, for example, might immediately indicate whether an answer is correct, clarifying misunderstandings and reinforcing knowledge instantaneously. Immediate feedback loop accelerates learning and deepens understanding.

Tracks Progress and Sets Goals

Gamification enables you to monitor your own progress and establish goals, giving you a clear view of your achievements and future objectives. A language learning platform could display advancements in various language skills, encouraging you to set specific goals like expanding your vocabulary. Tools like progress bars or points further motivate college students to continue improving.

Fosters Healthy Competition

Incorporating leaderboards and challenges introduces a healthy competitive element, spurring you to excel. A reading app may rank you and your groupmates by the number of books read and quizzes passed. And we all know what power competition has to boost academic success.

Encourages Regular Study Habit

Gamification can help build consistent study routines through daily challenge quests or streaks. For instance, a language learning app, like a well-known Duolingo, might reward you for hitting a 7-day learning streak with extra points. This encourages daily engagement and discipline, making regular study sessions more appealing and rewarding.

Enhances Collaborative Learning

Some gamification platforms introduce team-based challenges, where students work together to achieve common goals. For example, an online project management course could use a game where students form teams to complete a simulated project, earning points for collaboration, problem-solving and timely completion. This way learning becomes more interactive and allows you to develop communication and networking skills.

Offers Customisable Avatars

Allowing students to create and customise their avatars for use within educational games or platforms adds a personal touch to learning. A math puzzle app, for example, could let you design your character, which evolves as you progress through levels or achieve milestones, enhancing the connection between you and the learning material.

Final Thoughts

Gamification is a powerful and user-friendly method, offering various tools to make learning enjoyable for all, including students, teachers and even parents. Everyone likes to play games and gamification taps into this universal enjoyment.

The great thing about gamification is how it encourages everyone to take part. It turns competition, achievement and reward into fun activities. Even when someone fails, gamification makes it easier to try again, promoting persistence and resilience, creating a welcoming environment for learners and motivating you to keep trying and improving.

Considering these benefits, why not explore gamification further? It could transform how you learn, or engage with other college students, making every experience more rewarding and productive.

SEE ALSO: Successfully Navigating Your First Year: The Advantages of Hiring a Private Tutor as a Freshman

Successfully Navigating Your First Year: The Advantages of Hiring a Private Tutor as a Freshman

Successfully Navigating Your First Year: The Advantages of Hiring a Private Tutor as a Freshman

Roughly 25% of first-year college students don’t return for their second year to any school, and about 35% don’t return to the same school, according to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center (NSCRC). While reasons for dropping out can vary from student to student, striving for academic success is the overarching goal for many. Whether you’re in need of valuable study skills or are finding it challenging to navigate online classes, a private tutor can help greatly during your first year on campus — from helping to develop healthy academic skills to bridging the gaps of online learning.

Developing Valuable Skills

The pace of college life can be a major shock for many, with a healthy dose of responsibility resulting in challenges such as improper time management, stress overload, and learning to successfully balance a social life with academics. As a result, students may find themselves quickly falling behind in class, regardless as to the subject. A 2021 Inside Higher Ed post delves into the findings of the Beginning College Survey of Student Engagement that year, which noted that 53% of first-year students reported “a substantial increase” in both mental and emotional exhaustion. Of these, it’s pointed out that nearly 70% indicated “high expectations of academic difficulty,” compared to 42% of their peers who didn’t experience greater exhaustion.

A private tutor can help greatly when looking to address specific problem areas, though additional benefits should also be noted. Generally speaking, improving academic performance, encouraging self-directed learning, and even helping a student to improve their attitude towards learning are all advantages of hiring a private tutor, according to Oxford Learning. For college students, a private tutor can also help in developing valuable academic skills that can be carried throughout their time on campus. For many first year college students, lacking basic academic skills that may not have been developed in high school (like knowing how to effectively study for an exam) can be a great reason to hire a private tutor. One Florida State University page highlights the value of study skills tutoring, a specific type of tutoring that can offer students assistance in several key areas, such as learning proper time management, effective study and motivation strategies, and addressing challenges such as anxiety, stress, and procrastination.

At Florida State University, study skills tutoring is noted to be located alongside coursed-based tutoring in the Learning Studio during open hours, with study skills tutors available by appointment or walk-in. While this type of tutoring may not be available at your institution, hiring a tutor that specializes in such skills can be a major advantage. General study skills, problem solving in regard to academics, and gaining confidence for an upcoming exam or assignment are all advantages that can come from a university tutor. It’s worth noting that when a tutor is a college student themselves, developing a peer-to-peer academic relationship can also be beneficial when aiming to pick up on valuable skills that will serve a student well throughout their time on campus.

Addressing the Pitfalls of Online Learning

In recent years, online classes have been a staple for college students — though the virtual classroom can present academic challenges on its own. “Many college students find themselves disappointed with the quality of the academic instruction they receive via online lectures,” highlights a post from Child & Adolescent Behavioral Health. “Some students report that they have very little direct instruction from professors, relying instead on reading material, pre-recorded lectures and written assignments.” Due to the nature of online learning, many may find it difficult to retain information, while the learning style itself can present a major adjustment when it comes to the style of asynchronous classes that limit real-time participation. For example, students who typically thrive from live feedback, classroom discussion, and the ability to ask questions in the moment can find it challenging to succeed in a virtual environment.

A private tutor can help immensely by bridging the gap that online learning methods bring. Meeting with a tutor once a week while taking an online class, for example, will provide the in-person element that many may crave, though it can also serve as an opportunity to ask questions, receive feedback in real time, and supplement ‘unhelpful’ methods with those that a student can utilize to their advantage (having a tutor walk you through an exercise, for example, can be more helpful to some than listening to a pre-recorded lecture). Meeting with a tutor in person can also give you the chance to dive deeper into a topic, have meaningful and thought-provoking discussions, and address any questions that may come up immediately, highlighting the many benefits for those who may struggle with online instruction.

Finding the Right Tutor

When looking to find a tutor while in university, contacting your school’s student services is a great place to start — this can be especially helpful when determining whether or not your school has qualified tutors or a tutoring program available. Asking other students or even your professor can present additional resources, while finding a tutor online is another option that can allow for flexibility when managing a busy schedule. When it comes to selecting the right individual, determining your goals ahead of time will allow you to communicate what you’re looking for, whether it’s help with one subject, general study skills, or something else entirely.

When looking to hire a private tutor that is not associated with your school, carrying out a few simple steps can help ensure that you’re hiring the right individual. The right qualifications, experience, and a positive demeanor are all necessary characteristics, though assessing additional factors — such as safety — should be a top priority. A simple online search and criminal background check, for example, will help you to determine that a tutor is who they claim to be, though an interview is equally as essential in ensuring that a candidate is fit for the job. Apart from providing the space to address any concerns or questions, an interview can help you determine whether or not a good working relationship can be established depending on whether a good rapport is present. Additionally, holding at least one interview before hiring a private tutor will help in revealing any red flags (if there are any), such as showing up late, last-minute cancellations, or refusing to answer any important questions. From there, arranging a second, more informal preliminary meeting can be used to discuss money and fees, additional costs, and logistics.

Enlisting the help of a private tutor may sound unnecessary to many first year college students, especially when aiming to successfully balance academics on your own. However, private tutoring can make a world of difference, from better navigating the academic ins and outs of college life to addressing gaps that may need to be filled when taking online courses.

SEE ALSO: How to Build Marketable Skills Alongside Your College Studies

Tips to Build Your Professional Network as a Student

Tips to Build Your Professional Network as a Student

As a student, you might think that building a professional network is something you do after graduation. But did you know that you can start building your network right now? Yes, even while you’re still studying! Forming a solid professional network can open doors to exciting opportunities, internships, mentorship, and future job prospects. Here are six tips to support your networking:

Get Involved in Student Organizations

One of the best ways to start building your professional network as a student is by getting involved in student organizations related to your field of study. Whether it’s a club, society, or association, these groups provide excellent opportunities to meet like-minded individuals and professionals in your field. Attend meetings, participate in events, and don’t hesitate to introduce yourself and initiate conversations. You never know who you might meet and what connections you can make.

Attend Networking Events

Keep an eye out for networking events happening both on and off campus. These events unite students, professionals, and experts in various industries. Attending these events can significantly expand your professional network, whether it’s a career fair, panel discussion, or industry conference. Take advantage of the opportunity to mingle, exchange contact information, and follow up with people you meet afterward.

Consider creating digital business cards to share your contact information efficiently. Digital business cards are digital alternatives to traditional business cards, making it convenient for others to connect with you after the event. Include your essential details, such as name, email address, university, and LinkedIn profile, in a concise and professional format.

Utilize Social Media

Within the digital space, social media is a powerful tool for networking. Websites like LinkedIn provide a professional space to connect with professionals, join industry groups, and showcase your skills and achievements.

Ensure your LinkedIn profile is up-to-date and professional-looking, and don’t hesitate to contact professionals for informational interviews or advice. Additionally, consider using Threads and other social media platforms to follow industry leaders and participate in conversations about your field of interest.

Seek Out Mentorship

Having a mentor can be invaluable for your personal and professional growth. A mentor can guide, advise, and support you as you continue on your academic and professional journey. Reach out to professors, alumni, or professionals in your field and ask if they would be willing to mentor you. Alternatively, your university may have a formal mentorship program that pairs students with experienced professionals. Don’t be afraid to ask for help or guidance – most people are more than happy to impart their knowledge and expertise to aspiring students.

Attend Workshops and Seminars

Many universities and colleges offer workshops, seminars, and guest lectures on various topics related to professional development. Make it a point to attend these events whenever possible. Not only will you learn valuable knowledge and skills, but you’ll also have the opportunity to network with guest speakers, fellow students, and industry professionals. Be proactive in raising questions, participating in discussions, and introducing yourself to speakers and attendees. You never know where these connections might lead.

Follow Up and Stay Connected

Forming a professional network is not just about making initial connections – it’s about nurturing and maintaining those relationships over time. After attending networking events or meeting someone new:

  1. Send a thank-you email or LinkedIn message.
  2. Keep the conversation going by sharing helpful articles or resources, asking for advice, or simply checking in to see how they’re doing.
  3. Remember to stay connected with your network regularly, even if it’s just a quick message or update every few months.

Takeaways

Building a professional network as a student may seem daunting at first. Still, it can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience with the right approach and mindset. By participating in student organizations, attending networking events, utilizing social media, seeking out mentorship, attending workshops and seminars, and staying connected with your contacts, you can lay the foundation for a strong and diverse network that will benefit you throughout your academic and professional career.

SEE ALSO: The Pros and Cons of Acquiring Student Credit Cards

The Pros and Cons of Acquiring College Student Credit Cards

The Pros and Cons of Acquiring Student Credit Cards

Student credit cards are specialized financial tools designed for the needs of students pursuing higher education. These cards offer a gateway to financial independence and responsibility, but they also come with risks. Before diving into the world of credit, it’s essential to understand the requirements, perks, and pitfalls associated with student credit cards.

Student credit cards typically require applicants to be enrolled in a college, have an independent income, and often have an 18-to-21-year-old age requirement. Understanding the pros and cons is essential for making sound financial decisions during college and beyond.

Pros of Acquiring Student Credit Cards

Pro 1. Building Credit History

Student credit cards provide an excellent opportunity to build a positive credit history early on. Your credit history reflects your capacity to manage debt responsibly, which is vital for future financial decisions such as renting an apartment, buying a car, or even applying for a mortgage. Using a student credit card wisely and making timely payments can stabilize your financial future.

Pro 2. Financial Responsibility Learning Opportunity

For many independent college students, managing money is a new experience. Student credit cards offer a hands-on opportunity to learn about financial responsibility. From creating a budget to tracking expenses, students can learn essential money management skills that will benefit them long after graduation. Students can cultivate healthy financial habits early in life by understanding the importance of living within their means and avoiding debt.

Pro 3. Rewards and Benefits

Student credit cards often come with enticing rewards and benefits customized to the needs of young adults. Cashback programs, rewards points, and discounts on purchases can help stretch a student’s budget further. Whether it’s earning cashback on groceries or receiving discounts on textbooks, these perks add value to everyday expenses. By taking advantage of these rewards responsibly, students can maximize the benefits of their credit cards while staying within their financial means.

Pro 4. Emergency Funds Access

Having access to emergency savings can provide much-needed relief in unexpected financial emergencies. Student credit cards are a safety net for unexpected needs, such as medical bills or car repairs. Knowing you have a line of credit available can offer peace of mind and help alleviate stress during challenging times. Students can navigate unexpected situations by using credit responsibly for emergencies only without derailing their financial goals.

Cons of Acquiring Student Credit Cards

Cons 1. Temptation to Overspend

One of the significant drawbacks of student credit cards is the temptation to overspend. Many young adults need more experience managing credit and may succumb to impulse purchases or extravagant spending habits. Students need to understand budgeting and financial responsibility to avoid accumulating debt beyond their means. Students need to exercise self-discipline and restraint when using credit cards to avoid falling into the trap of overspending.

Cons 2. High-Interest Rates

Student credit cards often have high-interest rates of up to 27.09%, especially for those with limited or no credit history. Interest rates determine the cost of borrowing money, and carrying a debt on a credit card can rapidly accumulate substantial interest charges. Students who fail to pay off their balances in full each month may find themselves trapped in a cycle of debt, struggling to keep up with mounting interest payments. Understanding the implications of high-interest rates is critical for responsible credit card usage and avoiding long-term financial consequences.

Cons 3. Potential for Damaged Credit

Late or missed payments on student credit cards can negatively impact credit scores. Payment history is a significant component in assessing creditworthiness, and negative marks can linger on credit reports for years. Damaged credit can limit future financial options, such as getting loans, renting an apartment, or securing employment. Students must prioritize timely payments and responsible credit management to safeguard their credit scores and long-term financial health.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, student credit cards offer valuable perks and benefits but also carry inherent risks and responsibilities. It’s essential for students to weigh the pros and cons carefully before applying for a credit card and to approach credit usage with caution. By building a credit history, practicing financial responsibility, and leveraging rewards wisely, students can reap the benefits while reducing the risks.

SEE ALSO: Is Your College Town Safe? Building a Safer Community for Students