7 Careers You Can Explore With A Criminal Justice Degree

A career in law enforcement and criminal justice may be perfect for you, especially if you’re looking to make a change in your community. A criminal justice degree provides many fulfilling career opportunities in the field of law and order. With your degree, you’ll have the option to specialize in investigative work, crime prevention, and behavioral science. 

You found yourself at the right place if you’re looking to know more about the professions you can pursue with your criminal justice degree. Here are some of the top career opportunities you can take, including the usual responsibilities:

  1. Police Force 

The most usual career path for a criminal justice graduate is to be in the local police force. A criminal justice degree may help you maximize the possibility of getting a promotion and speeding up the climb to higher positions too.

The available rankings for the police force depend on the size of your department. Typically, most police departments have a ranking system similar to that of the military. If you aim for higher positions, you need to upgrade your level of education as well. Thus, you may want to check out the best online masters in criminal justice to help you advance your career.

Here, the rankings range from corporal, sergeant, lieutenant, captain, and chief. But, other departments, usually those with a modest size, also offer a position for detectives. 

Bigger departments, on the contrary, have more specialized positions, including but not limited to, canine and harbor patrols. 

Some officers are usually called troopers in other police forces. Although troopers share a similar job description to regular police officers, there’s the addition of state traffic law enforcement and monitoring of interstate highways. 

Troopers also help the local police department if assistance when dealing with emergency cases is needed. In some cases, the court calls on troopers to provide assistance and protection. In other instances, troopers are also promoted to fill the work of investigators. When police officers are called to take a federal level position, the title then changes to ‘agents.’ 

The minimum educational attainment to enter the police force may change, depending on the state you’re from. But, usually, most states look for a college degree. 

In addition to that, you must also complete the police training program or on-the-job training in a local department. On the other hand, federal agents go through supplementary training that’s necessary for the position. This is done through the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center. 

Once you pass all your required training, the federal or state jurisdiction you plan to serve will provide you with special certification and licensure.  

  1. Corrections Officer 

Another career you can take with a criminal justice degree is in the correctional institutions. Corrections officers are the ones who are responsible for supervising individuals who have been arrested. 

If you’re interested in being a correction officer, you can expect to work as a bailiff or a jailer. Either can be stationed locally or in state and federal governments. 

The minimum educational requirement for correctional officers is, at least, a high school diploma and a certification of a training academy. However, specific departments may require you to have, at least, a college degree in any criminal justice-related field. Such departments include federal prisons. In addition to that, many federal departments would also require you to have several years of work experience before you can get started.  

The work environment for correctional officers would require you to have strong decision-making and interpersonal skills. It would be best if you also had self-control and discipline. This is because correctional officers tend to work closely with criminals. 

  1. Legal Science 

If you’d much rather work behind the scenes, then you might want to consider a position in legal science. Paralegals comprise the legal support system.

As a paralegal, your responsibility is to assist lawyers in preparation for court trials, hearings, and other legal meetings. Your particular duty as a paralegal would depend largely on the firm you’re working with. 

However, most paralegals share a standard job description which includes: 

  • Collecting and analyzing facts and data to be used in a case 
  • Legal research 
  • Making report summaries 
  • Drafting of documents 
  • Assisting lawyers in court proceedings

As a paralegal, you have to be adaptable and remain composed and firm in times of complication. On top of that, you must also possess great knowledge about depositions, legal trials, and the preparation of witnesses for questioning.  

If you’re looking to pursue a legal science career, you’ll do well with an associate degree in paralegal studies. However, several firms require a bachelor’s degree. But, if you’re a criminal justice degree holder, you’d still need a specialized certification to start practicing.  

  1. Criminalist 

Another career is to be a criminalist. You’ll be doing crime scene investigations (CSI) which lets you collect, document, and preserve forensic evidence. 

As a CSI, you’re also responsible for recording observations, taking photographs, and drafting sketches. Typically, it’s your duty as a criminalist to conduct laboratory analysis from crime scenes. 

You can also expect to work closely with other law enforcement officers. However, once you earn more working experience, you can specialize in one aspect.  

  1. Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)

Likewise, you can also become a (CISO) responsible for overseeing data security plans and cybersecurity management. You’ll be responsible for establishing protocols to detect security threats and maintain an up-to-date firewall. 

As an ISO, your duty will also include managing both hardware devices and software applications to prevent any unauthorized breach of data. In the case of data breaches, you’ll perform an investigation and security improvement to avoid further attacks. 

  1. University Professor  

Criminal justice degree holders like you can also enter the field of education. After all, without college professors, you’ll leave the next generation of college students without an educator. 

To be a criminal justice professor, you’d need a bachelor’s degree and another advanced degree such as a master’s in the field you’re teaching.  

  1. Fire Investigation Officer 

Like its police counterpart, as a fire investigation officer, you’d be expected to conduct investigations on incidents involving fire. 

You can also expect to work with several law enforcement officers in a fire accident, especially if it’s deemed to be arson. In such a case, fire and crime scene investigators come together to comprehend the nature of the crime and locate the perpetrator.  

Conclusion 

As mentioned, there are several career opportunities for you. A criminal justice degree also opens a lot of windows for employment growth and development. But, it’s important to note that the specialization you choose right now will largely influence which field in criminal justice you’ll end up in. Thus, you can start specializing in criminal justice programs that you want to have a career in.

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3 Ways to Prepare for a Career in Property Management

If you’re a young person with ambitions of starting a career in property management someday, naturally, you may have some questions regarding what steps you can take now to not only prepare for your eventual career, but also make the right impression on potential employers in the future.

No single blog entry could cover all the ways you can position yourself for success in this line of work. You should strongly consider reaching out to other property managers to ask if they’d be willing to offer their own advice or even become a mentor.

In the meantime, though, the following tips will help you generally understand what a young person should do to improve their chances of becoming a successful property manager. Be aware, while this list is written under the assumption that the average reader will either be a college student, a college graduate, or a young person who plans on attending college in the near future, it is technically possible to achieve your career goals in this industry without a college degree (though it may be more difficult).

If you’re considering becoming a property manager in the future, you should be taking such steps now:

Familiarize yourself with practical factors

You might not be entirely certain property management is the ideal career for someone with your goals and talents. A career in property management may be one of several options you’re considering.

If so, you can start to better determine whether this is a career you’d genuinely be interested in by researching certain practical factors. For example, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2020, the median pay for a property manager was $59,660 per year. Depending on how much money you wish to earn in the future, this may make property management a more appealing or less appealing career option.

You should also review the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ general overview (linked to above) to learn more about what the day-to-day work of being a property manager typically involves. For instance, although most property managers have offices, they may also spend large portions of their time showing properties and performing other out-of-office tasks. Once more, this may appeal to some job-seekers, but not all.

Consider studying business

Some colleges and universities offer academic programs specifically focused on property management. If you truly aspire to this career, and you attend a college with this type of program, you should of course enroll in such programs. However, many property managers simply studied business administration in college.

Keep in mind that, even if you’re not a college student or graduate and don’t expect to attend college, you can still earn a certification in property management. This is another means of ensuring your resume stands out to employers if you don’t have a college degree. Research your options to determine if you should pursue a certification.

Be patient

Once you have the necessary qualifications, you should apply to jobs or internships at property management companies with the understanding that you’ll likely have to accept an entry-level position at first.

When describing how they achieved their career goals, successful property managers often explain how they started in temp positions or as low-level assistants. They were able to climb the ladder by not only consistently impressing their employers through the quality of their work, but also by openly expressing their desire to become a property manager, volunteering for new assignments, and pivoting to new roles at other companies when opportunities for advancement with their early employers were limited.

Again, this isn’t an exhaustive list of the steps you can take to become a property manager. It’s wise to actively research this topic in greater detail. That said, this brief guide hopefully provided you with a sense of what such a career entails, and how you can begin pursuing this career.

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10 TIPS FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS WITH HEADACHES AND MIGRAINES

While typically healthier than people in many other age groups, college students often battle headaches and migraines that are caused by stress, intense studying, lack of sleep, and other issues.

Although the occasional headache can be relatively harmless, intense episodes or persistent pains can interfere with day-to-day life. Certain headache disorders can be debilitating, to the point where some students need to seek immediate medical attention or collect long-term disability benefits.

Whether you’re looking to fight off the occasional mild headache or combat painful migraines, here are 10 tips for college students who suffer from headaches and migraines.

1. Reduce the strain on your eyes

Many headaches are caused by students putting too much strain on their eyes. This can be the result of poor lighting, blinding glares, excessively bright colors, or computer vision syndrome (CVS)—a condition caused when people stare at computer screens, tablets, or phones for extended periods.

Optimize your workspaces so that they put minimal strain on your eyes. Rather than working in the dark, turn on a few lights or remove the shutters from a few windows. Rather than positioning a bright light directly in front of your eyes, move it slightly out of your field of view.

As your school program already requires you to spend a significant amount of time in front of a computer screen, try to cut back on some of the more unnecessary screen time. Also, remember to take frequent breaks in between tasks!

2. Invest in an ergonomic chair

Bad posture can also be a cause for certain headaches. Unfortunately for college students, they are often required to sit in rigid classroom and library chairs for long periods.

To improve your posture, consider investing in an ergonomic chair for your own personal study time. Not only will an ergonomic chair help you correct some of the minor postural issues that go undetected but it will also provide a greater level of comfort.

3. Monitor your caffeine intake

While caffeine certainly has its benefits—improving memory, increasing alertness, temporarily decreasing fatigue, and even relieving certain headaches—it can also be the cause of headaches when not used in moderation.

When you consume caffeine, the blood vessels surrounding your brain narrow. When you stop consuming caffeine, those same blood vessels expand and put pressure on the surrounding nerves. This can cause what is often referred to as a “withdrawal” headache.

Rather than relying so heavily on caffeine to stay awake and be productive, carefully monitor your caffeine consumption to avoid painful withdrawals.

4. Stay hydrated

For many students, headaches are simply the result of dehydration. Even during simple tasks that involve very little physical activity, your body is constantly losing fluids that need to be replenished.

After a few glasses of water, most dehydration-related headaches are resolved within three hours. While you may choose to drink coffee, tea, soda, and other beverages throughout any given day, be sure to drink plenty of water in between.

5. Maintain a routine

One of the most effective ways to manage stress is to create a daily routine and stick to it. A routine provides you with a complete picture of what needs to be achieved, and subsequently, gives you the confidence to achieve it.

Besides potentially eradicating headaches and migraines, lower stress levels can also improve both your mental and physical health across the board—putting you at lower risk for certain conditions and illnesses, such as depression, anxiety, and heart disease.

6. Create a sleep schedule

It’s not unlike university students to study well into the night when completing an assignment or preparing for an exam—forfeiting much-needed rest in pursuit of a good grade.

Unfortunately, sleep deprivation can be the source of headaches and migraines. Not to mention, it can actually have a negative impact on academic performance. Instead, create a sleep schedule that allows you to get 7 – 9 hours of rest at a consistent time each night.

7. Improve your diet

Sticking to a healthy diet can also eliminate certain headaches and migraines. According to one study, 42% of adults reported that eating a vegan diet or removing certain dietary triggers helped with their migraines.

Even if you’re unwilling to adopt a vegan diet at this time, most students can improve their diets significantly by preferring fresh foods—such as fruits and vegetables—to foods that are packed with preservatives and unhealthy sugars.

If you live in an apartment or suite, consider preparing your own healthy meals rather than resorting to takeout and fast food. If you’re on your college’s meal plan, consider selecting the healthiest options that are being offered whenever possible.

A healthy diet also requires you to refuel at the right times. Avoid the temptation of skipping meals when you’re studying for a test or using conventional meal times to catch up on sleep.

8. Exercise often

For students whose headaches and migraines are related to stress or lack of sleep, physical activity can often be the solution.

Exercise not only improves blood and oxygen circulation throughout the body, including the brain, but it also allows individuals to fall asleep more easily at night. Additionally, physical activity causes the body to release endorphins—hormones that are known to relieve both pain and stress.

9. Make your school aware of your condition

If your experience with headaches or migraines has become a legitimate disability, it’s wise to make your college or university aware by filing disability accommodation paperwork.

Although not required, it might also be worth discussing your condition with your professors directly. If severe, debilitating pain ever causes you to miss a lecture or assignment, a professor might be more understanding than if he or she had no knowledge of your disability.

10. Reevaluate your workload

Particularly for those who are working jobs while attending college, headaches and migraines can be the result of extreme stress.

Consider whether or not your heavy course load is contributing to your condition. There’s no shame in curbing the amount of work you take on each semester. In fact, doing so could even improve your academic performance.

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What Is Academic Writing? Do’s and Don’ts for Students

Academic writing is a formal style of writing that is used by the academic community. For example, academic writing is used by universities and academic journals. If you want to publish your article in a peer-reviewed journal, you should stick with the academic style. Students need to use the academic style when writing research papers, dissertations, literature reviews, essays, and other types of academic assignments.

In the opinion of betterwritingservices.com, the vast majority of American students avoid the stress of writing academic papers and prefer to buy them online from legitimate essay writing companies.

In this article, we will consider some specific features of academic writing in more detail and take a look at the main dos and don’ts of formal writing.

The Key Features of Academic Writing

First of all, academic writing should be unbiased and formal. All your claims must be based on evidence, and you cannot build your arguments around your personal opinions or assumptions. You can make your writing unbiased by presenting research results accurately, acknowledging the limitations of your own research, and addressing opposite viewpoints. The formal style of writing requires you to make your paper consistent in terms of logic and structure. Besides, you should avoid colloquialisms, clichés, and contractions.

Academic writing should also be precise and clear, which means that you must avoid vague phrases and statements that can be interpreted in different ways. Besides, you should avoid words like “perhaps” or “likely” because your arguments should be specific, and you should present them with confidence. We recommend that you read academic journals to familiarize yourself with the writing style and vocabulary.

Last but not least, academic writing must be well-structured and well-focused. Your arguments and all the information that you provide must be perfectly relevant to your general topic. The overall structure may vary depending on the type of paper and word count, but the structure of the content should meet some common requirements so that your paper will be easy to comprehend. For instance, each of your paragraphs should focus on a specific idea expressed in a topic sentence. Use transitional phrases to connect different paragraphs and include transitional words in sentences to indicate the connection between different ideas.

As you can see, academic writing is all about precision, clarity, and credibility. Therefore, you should also select reputable sources. While you might feel tempted to use any sources that support your opinion, you must make sure that your sources are actually credible and relevant. Use your university library and academic databases. Don’t forget to cite your sources according to the necessary citation format.

The Do’s

 

  • Write clearly
    Even though your academic papers might be dedicated to complex topics, you should make sure that they are easy to read. Your readers should understand exactly what you’re saying. Always start paragraphs with topic sentences and keep your sentences brief. Avoid complex terms if you can deliver the same information in a simpler way.

 

 

  • Stay objective
    Academic writing must be based on facts and logic. It should also be precise and not influenced by emotions. You need to present information in an objective and impersonal way. To stay objective, you must only use reliable academic sources and support all of your arguments with data. Avoid clichés because they will damage the overall clarity and make your writing less specific. Besides, you should only write in the third person.

 

 

  • Use various sentence structures
    Academic writing can easily become boring, especially when your audience needs to read the same long sentences over and over again. Moreover, long, overcomplicated sentences may make your audience think that you’re unable to formulate your ideas in an easy-to-understand way. In contrast, if you use short sentences only, you won’t let your readers reflect on the overall meaning, creating a sense of a rush. We recommend that you choose a well-balanced approach, using both long and short sentences.

 

 

  • Use technical vocabulary
    All academic subjects have a certain jargon, and you can use it to communicate your thoughts precisely. However, you should only use specific terms when you actually need them. Don’t try to impress your readers with complex words because this way, you will just make your text difficult to read.

 

The Don’ts

 

  • Avoid a personal language
    Although you may use the first person when writing admission and narrative essays, the use of the first person is generally prohibited in academic writing. Besides, one of your main goals is to stay objective so there’s no place for your personal perspective.

 

 

  • Avoid colloquialisms
    When writing academic papers, you should be especially careful with your word choice. While conversational English enables you to use some slang words and informal phrases, you should never use them in academic writing. We recommend that you read your paper once you’ve finished writing, and replace any colloquial language with appropriate forms.

 

 

  • Don’t use the wrong verb tense
    Students often change the verb tense by mistake, switching from one tense to another, even though different actions may take place within the same timeframe. You should always be careful with the verb tense because it indicates whether something happened in the past, present, or future. We recommend that you always check the verb tense when editing your papers.

 

 

  • Avoid inappropriate fonts and formatting
    When it comes to formatting, you should follow clear guidelines. There are different formatting styles used in academic writing, such as APA, Chicago, MLA, Harvard, and others. Every style has certain requirements regarding margins, fonts, and other details of formatting. Before you start to write your academic paper, make sure to check the rules of the required citation style and determine what fonts you can use, as well as what your headings, citations, and main content should look like.

 

Final Thoughts

Academic writing requires you to stick with the formal writing style and to express your thoughts in the most precise and objective way. All students have to be familiar with academic writing and use it when writing assignments. Even though academic writing is much more difficult than informal conversational English, it’s easy to master once you’ve familiarized yourself with some clear rules. We hope that this guide will help you avoid some common mistakes and write academic papers that will be appreciated by professors.

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What Are the Signs of Sexual Abuse in Teens?

As the parent of the teen, one of your first fears might be that they are abused in any way, including sexually. Unfortunately, sexual abuse is a reality, and perhaps one that’s more prevalent than you might think.

There are often stories of sexual abuse that happens to both male and female teens, and the perpetrator is often someone who is trusted, such as a teacher or school official.

The CDC estimates 1 in 6 boys and 1 in 4 girls will experience sexual abuse in the U.S. before they’re 18.

If you can recognize the warning signs of abuse, you may be able to stop it before it happens or do something about it quickly if it already has.

The signs of abuse in teens can be challenging to identify, however.

The following are things to know about red flags of sexual abuse that are often seen in teens, and also more details about what you can do if you’re a parent.

Physical Symptoms

You may wonder if there are physical symptoms and the difficulty in identifying sexual abuse is that there often aren’t. If there are, your teen may hide them from you. If there are physical symptoms, a medical professional might bring them to your attention as a parent, but these tend to be things that can easily be misdiagnosed.

If there were going to be physical signs or symptoms, they might include unexplained bruising or symptoms of sexually transmitted diseases.

Behavioral Symptoms

You are more likely to start to see there’s a problem by the way your teen behaves, but again, that can be challenging because teens tend to be moody and unpredictable regardless of the circumstances.

In girls, in particular, some of the symptoms that may occur when they are a victim of sexual abuse include:

  • Eating disorders: A lot of parents don’t understand the links between an eating disorder, particularly one that seems to have developed recently, and sexual abuse. Eating disorders can include anorexia but also bulimia and binge eating. A lot of times, sexual abuse survivors will feel a sense of shame or guilt, and they may try to deal with that by punishing themselves with food-related behavior.
  • Substance misuse: When a teen starts to use drugs or alcohol, there’s a tendency to automatically think they’re doing that because their friends are or they want to have fun. What a lot of parents and even educators don’t understand is that teen substance misuse is often masking something else that’s happening, and one of the things that it could be covering is sexual abuse. Research has found significant links, particularly in females, between substance use and sexual abuse at some point in their lifetime.
  • Depression: Depression, along with other mental health conditions, including anxiety, are common signs of sexual abuse.
  • Self-harm or self-destructive behavior: If a teen is cutting or harming themselves or talks about suicide or attempts it, there may be something else happening, particularly if this behavior has just seemed to come out of nowhere.
  • Some parents may notice that their teen seems to be very sexual or have an advanced level of sexual knowledge for their age. They might not even realize they’re sharing this with their parents.

Sometimes the signs of sexual abuse can be different in males versus females. A male may become aggressive, for example, while that’s less common in females.

Boys who have been sexually abused may show signs like inappropriate sexually related behavior and physical problems like pain in the genital area.

With both boys and girls, changes in sleeping or eating habits can also be indicators that something isn’t right.

If you do see anything that you as a parent feel isn’t right, it’s important to try and talk to your teen about it because they may be honest with you.

If your teen comes to you about it, you should first and foremost tell them that you believe them and thank them for being honest.

If your teen comes to you to tell you this, rather than asking questions, just let them speak.

From there, you will need to get professionals involved.

Contacting the Authorities

If you find out, as a parent, that your teen has been sexually abused, no matter what your child says they want, you have to contact the authorities. This is important not only for your child but for other children and teens who could be victims.

You are obligated to report it, and there are safeguards in place to prevent your child from being retraumatized in a court situation.

You may also need to talk to a medical professional and also a counselor or mental health professional.

Dealing with Your Own Feelings

As a parent, your first priority will undoubtedly be helping your teen in any way possible, but eventually, you will also have to deal with your own feelings about the situation.

You may feel extreme anger, guilt, shame, or so many other emotions. It’s normal to feel this way, particularly since as a parent, you want to protect your child more than anything.

You first have to avoid showing these emotions around your teen because it’s probably going to heighten their own similar feelings.

You can talk openly and honestly with your teen, but don’t let your emotions become so outwardly escalated that you add to the stress or trauma your child is feeling.

You may benefit from participating in a support group or talking to a counselor yourself as well.

The reality is that a trauma like teenage sexual abuse can affect your child for the rest of their lives, but at the same time, their life is far from ruined, and the next steps you take can make a world of difference.

Long-term therapy and emotional support are going to be two of the best things available for your child.

Don’t pressure your teen into anything they don’t want to do, and take the process as slowly as they need it to be.

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5 of the Reasons Why You Should Learn Spanish as Part of Your Education

There are many students who never have the opportunity to learn a foreign language. Their school may not require them to learn one at any level, regardless of whether they’re in middle school, high school, or college. They also might not necessarily have the inclination to learn a foreign language on their own.

However, learning a foreign language can come in handy more than you might anticipate. There are dozens that you can take, but if you do have the opportunity, you may find that Spanish is the best way to go. Let’s discuss a few of the reasons why you may wish to learn it if you ever get the chance.

 

You Can Communicate with the Locals if You Ever Go on Vacation

Talking Spanish with native speakers is one thing that you can do if you ever go on vacation to a Spanish-speaking country. If you go to Spain, then they obviously speak Spanish there. There are several great cities worth visiting in Spain, such as Madrid, Salamanca, Barcelona, Ibiza, or Seville.

You could also head south of the border to Mexico, where they speak Spanish as well. You might visit Mexico City, Oaxaca, Puerto Vallarta, San Miguel de Allende, or Punta Mita.

There are some other countries you might visit where they speak Spanish or at least a version of it. The natives speak Spanish in Columbia, Bolivia, Chile, Costa Rica, Uruguay, Venezuela, and many more.

When you arrive, you can communicate easily with the desk attendant at your hotel. You can ask for directions at the airport, or you might talk to your tour guide if you decide to go out on a guided tour. Your Spanish knowledge will doubtless impress all of them.

 

You Can Speak to Various Contractors You Might Hire

It’s also highly likely that you might encounter contractors somewhere in the US that speak Spanish. You might hire a gardener, roofer, plumber, electrician, or other workers who speak Spanish primarily.

You also may need to hire a nanny, a website designer, mechanic, or many other positions where the candidate speaks more Spanish than they do English. If this is true, then you can talk to them about what you need done and get some idea about whether they will be the right fit for the project.

They will also likely appreciate your knowledge. You encounter many Spanish-speaking individuals in Texas, Arizona, and New Mexico, but you might run into them virtually anywhere across the US.

 

You May Have a Spanish-Speaking Person in Your Family One Day

It’s also definitely not outside the realm of possibility that you may have someone in your family one day who speaks Spanish fluently. Since there are so many different Spanish-speaking countries, you might easily meet and fall in love with someone who speaks Spanish, either as a first or second language.

If that happens, they will be happy that you can communicate with them in multiple languages. That will make things easier when you meet their parents or other relatives.

It’s also possible that someone else in your family might fall in love with a Spanish speaker. You might end up having a Spanish-speaking step-parent, or perhaps your brother, sister, cousin, etc., may bring a Spanish-speaking person home. If this occurs, they will like speaking to you in Spanish, and that will certainly make them feel more welcome and comfortable.

 

You Can Put Spanish Speaker on Your Resume

It’s also nice when you’re applying for a job, and you can put on your resume that you speak fluent or even a little Spanish. There are many jobs where the company will appreciate that skill.

Your boss might speak Spanish, or some of your other coworkers may speak it. You can understand what they want from you if you’re about to start a new project or you’re meeting them at a job site.

If you speak a foreign language, that might be what a would-be employer notices on a resume that can set you apart from some of the other candidates. If you can have a brief conversation with them to prove that you do indeed speak Spanish like you say you can, they may even hire you on the spot.

 

You Might Find that You Enjoy Learning Foreign Languages

One more reason why you may enjoy learning Spanish is that you might find out that learning a new language is a lot of fun. The more of a new language you understand, the more you will feel like you are broadening your horizons.

You might start with Spanish, but you may decide to learn some others as well, like Portuguese or French. There are also many Chinese and Japanese speakers abroad, and if you travel often, you may discover that the more languages you speak, the easier of a time you will have.

Aside from the reasons we mentioned, you may learn that you can help people in more situations than you might envision or expect. You might find a person lost in an airport, and if you speak their language, you can assist them.

You may come across a person who’s in trouble, such as if they are having a medical emergency. If they are not a native English speaker, you can give them a hand.

The reality is that people speak so many different languages, and with America being the melting pot that it is, you never really know when you’ll need to whip out your new linguistic skills. If you pay a tutor to teach you a new language, you will definitely find that the cost is well worth it.

If you speak more languages, then you will appear more worldly as well. You can impress the strangers who you meet, and they’ll realize that you’ve lived a rich and exciting life. Some of the world’s greatest travelers, inventors, and other historical figures were also bilingual or even multilingual.

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How to Choose a Field of Study

Image Credit: Pixabay

Determining what field of study you are going into is an extremely difficult decision. Not only are you likely deciding while you’re young, but there are also many factors to consider. Additionally, you likely have several schools and majors to choose from, further complicating the process. For example, do you want to go to an out-of-state college to become an occupational therapy assistant, or do you want to attend an in-state school to learn how to become a teacher? So how exactly can you narrow down your decisions and ensure that your final choice sets you up for future success? Here’s how to choose a field of study. 

Follow Your Passions

One of the best pieces of advice to follow when trying to choose a field of study is to simply follow your passions. Many people say that you should enter into a field with lots of job opportunities that provides you with a high salary, but that isn’t always the case. You have to actually enjoy what you’re doing for a living. If you choose a path you’re not interested in, finding the motivation to study and earn your degree will be extremely difficult. Even if you pull it off, you’ll have to work the rest of your life in an industry or field that you don’t even like. A common saying is, “When you love something, it doesn’t feel like work,”  implying that you’ll have a much easier time holding a job you enjoy doing. Before you choose a field of study to enter into, make sure that it’s one that you have an interest in or are passionate about. 

Analyze Job Prospects

Although choosing something that you like doing is important, you also can’t completely neglect the money aspect of a career either. College is expensive, and for most people, it will leave you with thousands of dollars in debt. That debt needs to be repaid, regardless of what field you enter into. If you enter a field of study that is extremely difficult to find a job in or doesn’t pay that well, then the investment you make into college won’t really be worth it. You may love art, but if you’re not confident in that study’s job market, then you may be better off pursuing another one of your interests. Choosing a field of study is all about finding a perfect balance that allows you to enjoy what you’re doing but can also set you up for future success. 

Look at Potential Programs

When choosing a field of study, it’s extremely important to look at potential programs and what they offer. For example, if you’re passionate about biology and medicine, you may find schools that offer a fast-track to medical school. Alternatively, those fascinated by business and marketing may find schools that allow for a completed bachelor’s degree and an MBA in just five years. Finding a program that can help you build a career and establish a professional network is extremely important and can set you up for future success. If you find a really great program that aligns with your interests and has plenty of great opportunities, then you should strongly consider entering that field of study.

Make an Educated Decision

Perhaps the biggest mistake that a prospective student can make is deciding on a field of study based on extraneous conditions. For example, you shouldn’t choose a field of study and program simply because the university is located in a beautiful town with great weather. You also shouldn’t choose a school or field of study based on things like athletics or parties. When deciding what university to go to and what field of study to enter, you should solely look into your interests and your future. Any outside influence from extraneous factors could lead to you making a bad decision that will be costly to correct. 

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How to Stay Healthy and Stress-Free During Your College Years

Now that you’re in college, the last thing you are concerned about is your health. There are so many new people to meet and adventures to experience, besides you’re still young, what could go wrong, right? Wrong. Due to the simple fact that you are now in college, you need to take your health a bit more seriously than you have in the past. Here are a few quick and easy ways to do just that.

Remember to Wash Your Hands

In these times of mysterious viruses, it is more important than ever to keep your hands clean. Your hands pick up a significant number of germs throughout the day, and by touching your hands to face or other parts of your body, you are exposing yourself to those same germs. While you don’t have to wear mittens to stay alive in college, you should wash your hands on a regular basis, especially coming back from public spaces.

Feeling Stressed? Talk It Out

Stress can cause not only mental issues such as anxiety, but it can slowly break your body down as well if not acknowledged and treated. You may be embarrassed to talk to a doctor in person, but there is really no reason to be. However, if you can’t seem to muster the initiative to visit a doctor’s office, most campuses offer telemedicine appointments, especially with COVID restrictions still in place. If you are feeling physically ill, you can speak with a real doctor about your symptoms and possibly even get a prescription. 

If you are feeling depressed, you can talk about things with a licensed therapist. No matter how you look at it, practicing self care tips for college students is a great way to stay both physically and mentally sound during these unique times. Remember, the better you treat your body, the better your body will treat you, so follow these tips and make sure you are placing taking care of yourself as priority number one.

Watch What You Eat and Drink

This should be obvious, but it is still one of the main reason’s college students fall into ill health. It is very easy to get caught up sustaining yourself on nothing but greasy food and alcohol. However, that is also a sure way to run yourself down and possibly flunk out of school. Try and work in as many fruits and vegetables as you can and keep the beers to a bare minimum. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and you can avoid the brain fog to which so many students fall prey.

Get All of Your Shots

No matter what you may read to the contrary, it is very important that you get all of your vaccinations, including the flu shot. If you qualify to receive it, you should get the COVID-19 vaccine as well. With some vaccinations, you may not be able to hold certain jobs While you are in the telemedicine session with your doctor, ask them if there are other things that you need to take into consideration.

Stop Smoking

The headline pretty much says it all. If you are still a user of tobacco, it is time to quit. This will be one of the most beneficial things that you can do for your body.

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5 Ways to Advance Your Digital Marketing Career

Everyone wants a fulfilling career. If you are a digital marketer, you need to work hard to stand out. Making a successful career as a digital marketer has never been easy, and there are numerous frustrations along the way. However, you’ll get there eventually with some hard work and determination. Below are five tips to help you advance your digital marketing career.

  • Continuous learning

With changing technology trends, continuous education is necessary. A digital marketing leadership graduate certificate on top of your marketing degree cert is a great place to start. Continuous learning equips you with the skills and knowledge you need to serve better. If you want to grow, you must embrace learning. Be sure to take courses from accredited schools to make your resume more professional. If you decide to take an extra course, here are some factors to consider:  

  • Where to take the course
  • The cost of the course
  • The reviews on the school
  • Your availability 

  • Keep up with the trends

Staying current on trends helps you become a better marketer. If anything, trends are here to make work easier. When you are up to date, your clients get assurance that you are offering them the right services. You can keep up with digital marketing trends by following blogs, podcasts and following opinion leaders in the industry.

  • Have a strong digital presence

If you cannot market yourself, you will never convince anyone that you can market them. A strong digital presence will help you convince prospective clients that you are the best candidate to market their services or products. Update all your social media pages with decent images. Add strong content and make meaningful posts. Avoid unnecessary comments that may be offensive. You also need to regularly post about your services on your social media. 

  • Personal branding

Personal branding is one way to stand out from the crowd. Grow a personal brand by showcasing your abilities in digital marketing. You do not have to post on every social site available. Find one where you have a great following and use it for your gain. Post consistently, and grow your following as much as you can. Do not forget to engage your audience by answering questions and attending to your inbox and comments. 

  • Understand and make use of data

When you understand data, you can make better decisions. Data analysis can be a hard nut to crack for many. However, you must understand data so you can decide what that means for you and your career. Clients want to see ROI and metrics when they hire you. If you cannot prove that there has been an improvement after campaigns, they will have a hard time keeping you. Learn how to collect and analyze data. Consider taking a short course in data analysis. 

Endnote

Enhancing your digital marketing strategy requires the right tools, and using an AI picture maker to stand out from the crowd can help you create eye-catching visuals that set your brand apart. You can grow your digital marketing career with the simple steps above. If you want to go further, look for a mentor and network. Everything is always easy when you have the right guidance to see you through. 

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Want to Work Abroad? Here Are the Best 3 Degrees to Get You There

Do you envision yourself visiting faraway places? Do you dream of diving into a culture and getting an authentic experience? Imagine yourself chatting in French to an intriguing Canadian at a café in Montreal while watching the snow falling outside the steamy windows. Maybe you would prefer ordering a bagel and lox at an authentic New York deli and feeling like a real city dweller. 

For those with fantasies of traveling the world, a career as a flight attendant or pilot used to be the perfect match. However, with travel being limited and job retrenchments happening at every turn, the outlook for a career in hospitality or tourism is uncertain. This doesn’t mean that you can’t pivot your plans and maintain the same trajectory to maintain your goals of working abroad. If you are always dreaming about going overseas and working abroad, then have a look at our list of the best three degrees to get you there.

Education

Teachers are needed the world over, so getting a degree in education will allow you to work almost anywhere on the planet. Specializing in a particular area will be advantageous when applying for a working visa in your country of choice. This can either be done through a Master’s in Education program or through on-the-job training. Depending on where your passion lies, consider the following specialties:

  • Curriculum development
  • Leadership in education
  • Adult education
  • Elementary education
  • Early learning
  • English as a second language
  • Secondary education
  • Music
  • Art and design
  • Physical education
  • STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math)

A TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) Certification can also get your foot in the door to get teaching positions, but your options of countries that will accept this qualification for obtaining a working visa will be more limited than if you had a degree.

Engineering

Engineering offers massive scope for being able to work abroad on a contractual or permanent basis. As you become more specialized, you will be able to pick and choose your placements and likely work in some incredibly remote parts of the planet. In addition to earning a fantastic salary, you can have the opportunity to make a lasting impact in the places you work. Examples of engineering specialties where foreign positions are often available include:

  • Petroleum engineering
  • Environmental engineering
  • Industrial engineering
  • Manufacturing engineering
  • Geophysical engineering
  • Biomedical engineering
  • Agricultural engineering
  • Chemical engineering
  • Material engineering

Nursing

Nursing has always been a highly sought-after and versatile profession. It is now possible to do an online study for registered nurses, which can have you working in various fields when combined with practical training. You might see yourself as a care home nurse, live-in nurse, or based in a hospital. You may also wish to specialize in oncology, pediatrics, or tropical health in years to come, depending on where life takes you.

We can’t plan for every possibility in life, but we can work towards our chosen destiny. After all, the difference between a dream and a goal of working abroad is just putting measures in place. A degree in the above fields will open up doors to the world and be a giant leap in the right direction.

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