Abroad U: Getting Your Masters Degree Outside of the US

Going to graduate school is a huge decision. Determining where to go to graduate school is potentially an even bigger decision. There are lots of considerations – cost, location, program offerings, job prospects after graduation – it’s enough to make your head spin! As the world becomes more interconnected, more and more students are looking at international options to earn their masters degrees. As Liz Elfman from The Muse points out, there are plenty of “pros” for this option. Of course, there are a few “cons” to take into account, as well.

On the positive side, getting your degree abroad will really stand out to employers. You would get a ton of excellent professional skills, and the ability to give concrete examples of your global understanding. Plus, programs abroad are generally significantly cheaper, and have a shorter duration.

However, it’s important to keep in mind that the resources at the school will be geared toward their resident students, so it may be more difficult for you to find an internship or other opportunities to build your network. There also is a considerable learning curve as you adjust to not only being a graduate student, but a graduate student who isn’t native to that particular country!

Elfman outlines other things that she considered before she determined she was going to study abroad for graduate school. You can read her story here. What other things would you consider before determining where to go for graduate school?

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Why Wawa (or Weis, or Walmart) Matters

“I don’t have any direct experience, I only make food at Wawa.”

“I’m just a cashier at Walmart, I don’t really do anything.”

“Weis is Weis. It’s not impressive, you know?”

Sound familiar? Many times, when meeting with a student, they get self-conscious or frustrated because they feel like they have nothing to offer an employer. But you know what, you have  A LOT to offer an employer! You just need to frame it in a different perspective.

When you make food at Wawa, you are preparing items to order in a timely manner. So you’re able to follow directions and work quickly.

When you are a cashier at Walmart, you need to be a responsible person and make sure your drawer is balanced. You also need to stay calm and professional when there’s a huge rush of customers.

When you work any role in a grocery store, you need to have a solid knowledge of where products are in the store, plus be able to give clear directions on how to find said products. All while providing friendly customer service.

All of these skills are important in the workplace, right? As you write your resume, don’t focus on your job title. Focus on the skills you gained from the experience, and how useful those skills will be to an employer fortunate enough to have you work for them!

A Lasting Last Impression

I know we often stress the importance of sending a thank you note after the interview, and I think it’s information that is always worth repeating.  Everyone knows that more often than not, your resume and cover letter are your first impression with an employer.  In turn, your thank you note after an interview is potentially your last impression- so shouldn’t it be a good one? Education Week makes some great points about how to make sure your thank you notes leave your last impression as a positive one!

http://blogs.edweek.org/topschooljobs/careers/2014/08/following_up_post-interview.html?utm_source=feedblitz&utm_medium=FeedBlitzRss&utm_campaign=careercorner

 

Give Yourself A Boost!

Give Yourself A Boost!

There are some people on this planet that exude confidence.  Whenever they’re faced with a challenge, they smile and take it on full force.  They never seem to doubt themselves.  That’s a great characteristic to have! However, for the vast majority of people around the world, confidence doesn’t necessarily come as easily.  That’s why I think it’s important that everyone take a moment to read this wonderful article written by Christina DesMarais, a writer for Inc.com and Forbes.  Building confidence can take many years and lots of various experiences, but there are six quick things anyone can do to give them an instant confidence boost whenever it’s needed:

1. Don’t slouch.  Slouching is a big nonverbal tip off that you lack confidence in yourself.
2. Understand most people aren’t thinking about you.  It’s normal to believe “oh no, everyone heard me stumble through that last slide!” when most likely the people listening were more focused on what they would order the next time they head to the coffee shop.
3. Stop with the negative self-talk! Telling yourself “I’m going to do the best job I can possibly do” will certainly give you more faith in yourself than “I know I can’t do this.”
4. Lighten up.  Make it a point to smile more.
5. Handle mistakes with grace.  They happen to everyone.  Just look at the big picture and decide “will this really matter in six months?”
6. Be open to feedback. Don’t be afraid to approach professors and classmates for feedback after a presentation.  Make a point to attend campus events that will connect you with alumni and other professionals.  These opportunities will further develop your communication skills and in turn, feel more confident interacting with others.

The Water Slide

Sometimes, standing at the top of the water slide can be scary. You think to yourself things like “But I’m so high up!” or “What if I get stuck?” or “But I can’t see all the twists and turns!” That’s normal! Everyone has those thoughts because fear is normal! But unless you push yourself, you won’t have the accomplishment. You have to go for it, otherwise, you’ll never know what it’s like to have that success. So remember what Tina Fey says (and really, who doesn’t love Tina Fey quotes?) and push yourself to stop thinking and just go for it!