Posts Tagged ‘College’
The Wandering Mind: 529 College Savings Plans Provide A World Of Options
When Kelly Davidson¹ decided she wanted to transition from a career as a high school teacher, she knew she’d have to go back to school to achieve her goal-and it would be costly. She also knew that pursuing a graduate degree would potentially impact her ability to save for retirement, so she met with her Smith Barney Financial Advisor to develop a strategy that would help enable her to return to school in five years.
With time being a key factor, the Advisor suggested that a 529 College Savings Plan-named after the section of the IRS code that authorized their creation-would be the best way to meet Kelly’s education-funding goals. Using the proceeds from a settlement, Kelly set up a 529 plan for herself and launched a systematic investment plan to help her potentially maximize the account’s value. Kelly’s Five Year Plan was well under way, but there was one thing she hadn’t planned for: right before she was slated to return to school, Kelly’s husband, an executive at a multi-national corporation, received a lucrative job offer-in London. Unfortunately, Kelly’s qualifications were not easily transferable, so even if she wanted to continue teaching, she would have to take additional certification courses in England.
Luckily, Kelly had saved for her graduate degree in a 529 account, so she could use the funds at any accredited university in the world. She decided to forgo the additional teachers’ certification courses and apply to business schools instead. Kelly is now pursuing her MBA at the London Business School-one of the top three MBA programs in the world²-and using her 529 plan assets to pay for her tuition and related expenses.
In today’s rapidly globalizing economy, Kelly’s situation is not unique. Each year, thousands of American students either participate in study abroad programs, or enroll full-time in colleges and universities outside of the United States. In fact, according to a recent poll of college-bound students, 55 percent indicated that they are certain or fairly certain they will participate in a study abroad program, and another 26 percent indicated a strong desire to study abroad.³
In response to the high demand, many higher education institutions now offer a number of international learning programs, ranging from semesters at sea to cultural immersion and multi-city programs. However, despite the myriad of international programs available, many students (38 percent) still cite high costs as the top reason for lack of participation in study abroad programs.³ In addition, using financial aid for international studies presents its own challenges: additional eligibility requirements-residency, grades, credit hours, and age, to name a few-must be met, and foreign and US semester schedules differ which can delay loans and other federal aid.
Still, there are options for those who want to finance an education abroad, including 529 College Savings Plans. The plans allow tax-free accumulation of assets and federal tax-free withdrawals for qualified higher education expenses, and the features (flexibility, control, and multiple investment options) which make 529 plans attractive for funding stateside education are also available when the plans are used with accredited foreign institutions.4
Searching for Eligible Foreign Institutions
Anyone can conduct a search for a particular school, or view a list of all eligible foreign institutions by querying the Federal School Lookup database:
Visit http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/FOTWWebApp/FSLookupServlet Select the school year from the drop down box, and select “Search” from the options available In the state drop-down box, select “Foreign Country” to view all eligible schools in other countries, or if the school is located in Canada, Mexico or any U.S. territory, you can narrow your search by selecting the appropriate country
Over 4005 foreign higher education institutions are eligible under the rules permitting federal tax-free withdrawals from a 529 plan. A list of eligible foreign institutions is available in the Federal School Code Lookup database on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) website.
“The test for any particular school’s inclusion is its eligibility to participate in Title IV federal financial aid programs,” says Joseph Hurley, founder of SavingforCollege.com. “Most degree-granting four-year schools, junior and community colleges, and graduate schools will qualify, as will many proprietary and vocational schools.”
529 Plans Support International Learning: Three Ways to Use 529 Plans Abroad Historically, parents have used 529 plans to fund their children’s higher education needs in the US, but children and adults can also use the plans to finance studies abroad. Here are three ways adults can use 529 plan assets to support their own international learning: 1. Turn a hobby into something more. Many people use retirement to dedicate more attention to their hobbies, and using 529 assets is a great way to do so. If you’re passionate about gardening, you could enroll in a horticultural studies program at Agriculture University of Wroclaw in Poland. Or, take your love of cooking to the next level by enrolling in the Ecole Superieure De Cuisine Francaise; you could become a master of French cuisine! 2. Learn a new language-where it’s spoken. As the world becomes a global village, knowledge of foreign languages is becoming more of a necessity. Language books and tapes can be a great help, but there is no substitute for learning a language in an intensive program in its native environment. 3. Continue professional development. Continuing education is one of the cornerstones of every successful career. If you’re seeking to advance professionally in the international arena, you can enroll in continuing education programs, such as those offered at the School of Continuing & Professional Studies at The Chinese University of Hong Kong. Regardless of your hobbies and professional aspirations, there are likely international learning programs and opportunities that may help to enhance and enrich your life. Visit the Federal School Code Lookup database to see a list of eligible foreign institutions.
Is A 529 Plan Right For You?
A 529 savings plan is one of the best tax-advantaged ways to save for higher education-whether you plan to study in the US or abroad. Most plans offer several asset allocation options, and also allow you to contribute via lump sum or through a systematic investment plan such as a payroll deduction. You should consider investing in a 529 plan if you are:
A parent concerned about the rising costs of college, A grandparent who wants to help save for your grandchildren’s future education expenses A retiree who would like to develop an existing hobby into a serious, full-time interest An “Empty Nester” who is still active in the workforce, but needs to return to school to remain competitive A professional who is considering going back to school to pursue a second degree, change careers, or to enhance your professional skills An adult who wants to help a child in your life- a niece, nephew, or godchild-save for future college expenses
As more higher education institutions implement international programs to address the growing demand, opportunities to study abroad are more available than they were twenty years ago. If you already have an education plan, consider whether studying abroad is an option you’d like to pursue in the future. If you need help developing an education plan, a Financial Advisor can help you get started, and can even customize a proposal based on projected costs at the schools you’re considering.
Whether you plan to study stateside or beyond the country’s borders, one thing is certain: college costs are on the rise, so it’s important to start early. The world is your oyster; take advantage of all it has to offer.
¹ This name is a pseudonym. Name similarities to any individual living or deceased are purely coincidental.
² Source: 2008 Global MBA Rankings, Financial Times
³ College-Bound Students’ Interests in Study Abroad and Other International Learning Activities, CollegeBoard.com, January 2008
4 Assets must be used for qualified higher education expenses. However the pursuit of a degree is not a prerequisite for tax-free qualifying withdrawals. Transportation costs are not considered a qualified expense.
5 Search results as of August 15, 2008. Refer to Searching for Eligible Foreign Institutions in this article for search methodology.
Graeme H. Patey is a Financial Advisor with Smith Barney located in Cleveland, Ohio and may be reached at 216-523-3015 and/or graeme.patey@smithbarney.com.
Assets can accumulate and be withdrawn federally tax-free only if they are used to pay for qualified expenses. Earnings on non-qualified distributions will be subject to income tax and a 10% federal income tax penalty tax.
Please consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses associated with municipal fund securities including 529 Plans before investing. The offering statement contains this and other important information. To obtain an offering statement, please call your Financial Advisor or visit www.smithbarney.com to locate a Financial Advisor in your area. Read the offering statement carefully before investing.
Investments are subject to market risk and may fluctuate in value.
Investors should consider, before investing, whether the investor’s or designated beneficiary’s home state offers any state tax benefit or other benefits that are only available for investments in such state’s qualified tuition program.
Smith Barney does not provide tax or legal advice, and it is important to consult with a tax or legal advisor before investing.
© 2008 Citigroup Global Markets Inc. Member SIPC. Securities are offered through Citigroup Global Markets Inc. Smith Barney is a division and service mark of Citigroup Global Markets Inc. and its affiliates and is used and registered throughout the world. Citi and Citi with Arc Design are trademarks and service marks of Citigroup Inc. and its affiliates, and are used and registered throughout the world. Working WealthSM is a service mark of Citigroup Global Markets Inc. Citigroup Global Markets Inc. and Citibank are affiliated companies under the common control of Citigroup Inc.
INVESTMENT PRODUCTS: NOT FDIC INSURED • NOT GUARANTEED • MAY LOSE VALUE
Graeme H. Patey specializes in developing customized financial strategies. He employs a consultative approach on the financial and investment needs of high net-worth individuals and financial services to businesses.
Join Accredited Online University Degree Programs
You might be concerned about affording an education through an accredited online college or University. engineering online universities online degrees from accredited universities online college universities bilkent university online academic . Even the basic college experience has been changed dramatically, favoring more elements of an accredited online university than ever before. True Any four year college or university that is accredited to grant an online bachelors degree may do so. Each accredited college and university listed provide a variety of online master’s degree and online MBA programs in many specialized areas. Rather than investigating “accreditted online college degrees,” look into the opportunities available through the nation’s largest accredited university. WGU is the only online accredited university and online college in the U.S.
Join thousands of students who attend class online and earn your accredited degree through Tsinghua University’s online mba degrees. Earning an accredited Tsinghua University graduate degree through their online MBA degrees will contribute to your success and give your career a boost. Earn your degree from an accredited online university. It is a common mistake to search for “online accredited degree programs” when seeking an accredited university.
Founded in 1993, JIU is the first regionally accredited online university providing quality education for busy adults. Founded in 1993, JIU is the first regionally accredited online university providing quality education for busy adults. Founded in 1993, JIUô is the first regionally accredited online university providing quality education for busy adults. Click here to find out more. Founded in 1993, JIU is the first regionally accredited online university providing quality education for busy adults. Founded in 1993, JIU is the first regionally accredited online university providing quality education for busy adults.
CNU is a nationally accredited online distance learning university designed for technical and business professionals. an accredited online university is the fastest growing form of learning today, and its applications are spreading into even the most technical of fields. Perhaps the most important benefit of distance learning through an accredited online university is the ability to communicate and tap into Global business networks. Get your business career in high gear with independent, online study at this accredited university. Join thousands of students who attend class online and earn your accredited degree through Tsinghua Universitys online mba degrees.
Earning an accredited Tsinghua University graduate degree through their online MBA degrees will contribute to your success and give your career a boost. Each accredited college and university listed provide a variety of online master’s degree and online MBA programs in many specialized areas. The rising popularity of an accredited online university is not without its criticism and potential drawbacks. There is also some criticism about the ability to regulate an accredited online university, and fears about cheating to obtain degrees without earning them.
Find an accredited online school or university, and jump start your career today! When people start looking for more information about accredited online university, you’ll be in a position to meet their needs. Queries regarding accreditationBefore opting in for a regular/online university it is very important to check if the university is accredited or not. So make sure you check if the online university is accredited by a recognized body before opting for one. Get your IT career in high gear with independent, online study at this accredited university.
So you can safely end your search for an accredited online university here. It is a common mistake to search for “online accredited degree programs” when seeking an accredited university. Even worse, some schools use terms that give the appearance of being an accredited online university when, in fact, they are not. Founded in 1993, JIUô is the first regionally accredited online university providing quality education for busy adults. Click here to find out more.
Programs with real-world curriculum are taught by scholar/practitioners at Capella University, an accredited online university. If you are a busy working adult on a tight income, independent study at this highly accredited online university is for you! Even the basic college experience has been changed dramatically, favoring more elements of an accredited online university than ever before. An accredited online university increases the opportunities available to executives to realize their education-related goals. Rather than investigating “accreditted online college degrees,” look into the opportunities available through the nation’s largest accredited university.
Its long-term goal is to create an fully accredited online university. * Please note that accredited-online-university.com is not responsible for the validity or opinions expressed by any outside links. engineering online universities online degrees from accredited universities online college universities bilkent university online academic . Now you can understand why there’s a growing interest in accredited online university. http://www.accredited-university-online.com/
Suwat Munpan is The Webmaster Of The Join Accredited
Online University Degree Programs – Quickly and Easily! http://www.accredited-university-online.com/
Life After Business College – Your MBA Cover Letter
An MBA carries with it a great deal of power. Perhaps that’s one of the reasons that you chose an MBA program to begin with. The skills that you’ve developed in your studies are a highly marketable tool once you graduate. Now, persuading a prospective employer to hire you is not unlike trying to impress the admissions board at your college. The business world is extremely competitive. It’s time for you to distinguish yourself from your fellow graduates and land that dream job. And, like preparing a good MBA essay is to impressing a college admissions board, so is writing a stellar cover letter to accompany your resume.
Think back, if you can, to that MBA essay. What was it about what you said that persuaded the college admissions board that you deserved a seat in their program? That’s likely what will also persuade a prospective employer to hire you. That’s what you need to express in your cover letter.
Your resume is something like your business school primary application. It is the place to list all of your educational, work, and volunteer experiences. Your resume needs to be a concise list, and there isn’t much room to expand on your qualifications. If you did, many prospective employers wouldn’t take the time to read it anyway. After all, dozens or even hundreds of resumes may land on the desks of company executives monthly. This is where the cover letter becomes important. While your resume is somewhat generic, the cover letter will target the specific company from which you are seeking employment.
The contents of your cover letter should include these basic elements:
* Customized greeting. Avoid using “To Whom it May Concern” when addressing a prospective employer, if possible. If you are responding to an ad for a particular position, address it to the name of the executive who placed it or is doing the hiring. If there isn’t a name on the ad, do some sleuthing to find out who in a particular company is in charge of receiving resumes and short-listing candidates.
* Know the company you are applying to. Do not send a resume to a company simply because you are desperate for work and you happen to see an ad for employment. Research the company. Get to know exactly what it does and what its philosophy is. Find out what its annual earnings are. Much of this information can be found by Googling the company’s name. Check out the company’s own website, as well as any other information on the web about it. Read its annual earnings report. If it’s a public company, find out what its stocks are currently trading at. This information will help you write a cover letter that is tailored to that company. It shows that you have initiative, and it will give you a chance to share why your skills will benefit that particular company.
* Choose words that are concise but powerful. A good rule of thumb is to limit your cover letter to no more than two pages. More than that, a busy executive may decide he or she simply doesn’t have the time to read it. That means choosing your words carefully. Use as few words as you can and still get your point across. Choose language which is descriptive and packs a punch. Say what you need to say, no more and no less.
* Observe the rules of grammar. By now you should have a good grasp of grammar, even if it wasn’t your strongest subject in college. Few things come off as unprofessional as poor spelling or sentence structure.
* Follow any requests as set out by the employment advertisement. For example, some companies request a hand-written cover letter. If that’s what they want, don’t second guess them.
Remember, your resume is like your college application; your cover letter is like your essay. Your resume, like your application, is a list of your experiences. Your cover letter, like your essay, gives a prospective employer insight into who you are as a person and why you’d make the best employee.
Michael Fleischner is the Managing Director of EssayEdge.com and a marketing expert with more than 12 years of professional experience. He has appeared on The TODAY Show, Bloomberg Radio, and other major media. For help with your MBA Essay or personal statement visit http://www.essayedge.com
Baruch College Offers Post Graduate Programs In Singapore
One of the top business schools in the United States, the City University of New York’s Baruch College has extended its world-class business education to students worldwide. Baruch College currently offers a range of international degree and postgraduate programs, of which some of the most successful programs are located in Singapore, managed in collaboration with leading Graduate School, the Aventis School of Management (Asia).
Headed by Professor Avner Wolf, the Executive Director of International Programs at Baruch College, the partnership has been incredibly successful, offering some of the finest programs in Finance, Marketing, Human Resources and Leadership in Asia. Professor Wolf maintains a close personal involvement in these programs, and is extremely pleased with their outcomes. He firmly believes in taking time to listen to professors, students, the alumni and even people on the street, and using the feedback to refine the courses into a quality business education that is culturally relevant to Singapore.
Baruch College in Singapore stands apart from other business schools in its unique emphasis on practical application. Professor Wolf personally selects the faculty, bringing many of Baruch College’s brightest and most experienced professors from New York to teach in Singapore. Faculty members come from diverse backgrounds and possess real-world business knowledge and experience as CEOs, CFOs or senior executives in their organizations.
Professor Wolf reveals that one of the most rewarding experiences in managing the programs lies in the graduation ceremonies, where he “sees many happy faces of his students”. With a deep commitment to the programs’ success, he personally teaches in some of the courses offered in Singapore, including one this September which he and his students look forward to with great anticipation.
The importance of a quality business education that places high value on business ethics and practical application in today’s global markets cannot be overlooked. Modern businesses now look for graduates with a sound understanding of the dynamic nature of today’s business climate and financial markets, which only top-notch business schools like Baruch College can provide, thus equipping and preparing students for illustrious success in their careers ahead.
Mark Jonathon has an in-depth knowledge on different types of MBA courses offered in Singapore. Check out mba in singapore and master programs singapore.
Selecting An International Business School In Singapore ? Chicago, INSEAD And Baruch College, CUNY
Singapore has become a high flyer on the international higher education scene. Many highly acclaimed international business schools are offering MBA in Singapore for experienced as well as aspiring managers. In addition to the local universities, such as the National University of Singapore and the Nanyang Technological University, many of the world’s leading foreign universities have also established their presence in Singapore. These leading foreign universities have either set up a physical campus (institutes of higher learning) or have joint collaborations/programmes with local universities (local tie-ups).They mould outstanding graduates with internationally recognised degrees. Research and scholarship opportunities are also available to post-graduate students.
Some of the more prominent ones include
University of Chicago Booth School of Management has produced leaders in the world of business. The Asia campus of the Chicago Booth is located at House of Tan Yeok Nee, at the junction of Clemenceau Avenue, which is regarded as the heart of Singapore’s business and government district. This campus is famous for pertaining International Executive MBA in Singapore. In the first ever ranking of open enrollment executive educational programs, The Economist magazine has ranked Chicago as “excellent” giving 4.5 in a scale of 1-5. Its full time MBA program was ranked number one by Business Week in 2008. Six of the faculties have won Nobel Prize, which speaks volume of the standard of faculties. Students of Chicago Booth have access to the latest business concepts. For full time MBA in Singapore in 2008-09, estimated cost for nine months was $78,972. The cost included tuition, health service, health insurance, books, rents and utilities, food, and transportation. In addition, there is $2,000 non-refundable security deposit. For further details:
International Executive MBA Program at Singapore
101 Penang Road
Singapore 238 466
65.6835.64.82
asia.inquiries@chicagobooth.edu
INSEAD is regarded as one of the best business schools in the world. A close tie with business communities, synergy between training and research has developed its integrative general management approach. INSEAD offers full time MBA, part time Executive MBA programme and executive development courses. The full time MBA is a 10-month programme that has been divided into five study periods, each of eight weeks. During the first three periods 14 core business subjects are covered and in the final two, students tailor their degree by choosing among 80 elective courses. The selection process is very competitive. Candidates are expected to have excellent academic qualifications, diverse range of experience, and management and leadership potential. Each campus of INSEAD has two intakes per year, one in January and the other in September. Students over 70 nationalities in two campuses of Europe and Asia also have the opportunity to take elective courses at Wharton School of Business in Philadelphia. Asia Campus of INSEAD is located at:
1, Ayer Rajah Avenue
138676 Singapore
Tel- (65) 6799 5388
Asia campus offers EMBA (Executive MBA), to download the EMBA brochure 2009/2010visit:
http//www.insead.edu/emba/documents/GEMBABrochure20092010_000.pdf or http://www.insead.edu/emba/index.cfm
Tuition fees for September 2009 and January 2010 entries amount to $51,000. There are other education related costs such as books and council fees. Business foundation programme, language course fees and laptop are optional. The estimated monthly expenses other than cost of study include accommodation, meals, transport, telephone insurance and transport that may vary from $2,000 – $3,000 per month.
The City University of New York (CUNY) Baruch College is the largest AACSB accredited business school of America that offers various MBA programmes in collaboration with Aventis School of Management. The Baruch campus at Singapore currently offers the following Executive programs:
Executive Master of Science in Finance
Executive Master of Science in Marketing
Executive Master of Science in Management of HR and Global Leadership
For further details contact:
Aventis School of Management
Baruch College, The City University of New York
ASEAN Representative Office
100 Orchard Road, Concorde Hotel Hotel # 03-08
Singapore 238840
Office: 65 6720 3333
To download brochures and other details, visit: www.cuny.edu.sg
Singapore is regarded in the business world as the gateway to Asia. Highly advanced infrastructure, close economic ties with India, China and comparatively low cost of MBA programmes from international business schools have made MBA in Singapore a highly sought after career option in Singapore.
Mark Jonathon is a teacher of Aventis School of Management. Aventis School of Management offers emba, executive master programs. It also offers courses on financial training. Jonathon also writes articles to help marketing of the website.
Question About My Career? 10 Points For Best Answer~?
I am 23 years old and about to graduate with a finance degree from College. I knew, going into the program that I would NEVER EVER work in finance (I suck at mathematics), but my father said I must study finance for something practical but, after that, he would pay for me to study whatever subject that I want at the postgraduate level.
Now, is time to apply, but I don’t know what to study:
1. MBA Programs – lower-tier programs, not Harvard-type, so that I could work as a Mitt Romney-type business executive; or I was thinking about teaching business at the college level, for which MBA is prerequisite.
2. Journalism Programs – both master’s and college diploma programs. To work as a journalist, but competition is stiff – to be honest I just want to be famous.
3. Teacher’s College. Teach high school business studies.
4. Lastly, even though I am not applying for a Poli Sci program, I would like to enter politics one day.
All three of these pull at certain parts of my personality. I don’t know what to do.
PLEASE HELP ME!!!
MBA ADMISSIONS WITH LOW GPA?
I am taking the GMAT in a few days in order to reach the level of an executive position in my company (a national health care carrier). I am interested in staying in Southern California, doing a part-time program (fully employed), and looking into either USC (top choice), Pepperdine, or CSUN.
Here are my stats:
2.75 gpa (really low, yet I had to work fulltime during my last two years of college to help the family)
7 years full-time work experience, current job has been over a year and a half. Current job involves analyzing numbers and forecasting and all of my jobs involve either banking, bookkeeping, anything with numbers (I want to get into corporate finance).
I’ve been consistently getting higher and higher on my GMAT practice tests and plan on taking 2 more before the test (highest/latest score: 580). I find I am better in the quant section
I have been active in community cultural organizations since I was 17 (holding executive positions for 4 years). I have been in mentorship programs to help high school kids go to college as well as done a voluntary walk for the aging.
DO I STAND A CHANCE AT ANY OF THESE SCHOOLS? PLEASE BE BRUTALLY HONEST!
Top Management Colleges Delhi
In the latter part of 20th century, the Indian economy was far more open to foreign investments. Many Fortune 500 companies came over to India to set up a business venture. India at that time had a wonderful graduates or specialists. What it did lack were managers – youngsters who knew about business management. This accelerated to some top management college in Delhi which started offering certifications in management.
Why Vie for the Top Management Institute
A degree is all that matters for a doctor to practice his profession. The same cannot be true for a management institute however. Many colleges offer tall claims, stating that they would provide 100 percent placement. But, is the job really worth all this effort? — Perhaps no.
Top MBA College don’t think about the placement only. They look for a corporate where the students can hone their managerial skills further. It is also how well the company fulfills the financial and career aspirations of the pupils.
Top B-Schools in Delhi
Top management colleges Delhi are highly recognized in the corporate world. The streams offered in these schools could range from general management, to financial management, IT Planning, Biotech management, and many such more subjects.
Important schools for management studies for Master’s course include NIILM-Center for Management Studies, Indian Institute of Planning & Management (IIPM), Times School of Marketing, and so on.
Management Courses
There are others which offer coveted post graduate diploma courses in management colleges delhi. Some research programs, part-time managerial courses for working executives, and undergraduate courses are also offered in these institutes.
In short, Top Management Colleges Delhi caters to students from all strata.
ISBF has been established to impart quality education with international recognition in the area of Economics, Management & Finance.
Ken Blanchard College of Business Alumni Feature
Grand Canyon University’s Ken Blanchard College of Business is known for generating business leaders who are dedicated to servant leadership and effective leading strategies.
Choosing a College Degree Can Impact Career Opportunities
The statistics are in and it’s clear that the trend toward engineering degrees will continue in the next few years for those who want to bring in the big bucks. Engineering degrees, including chemical, mechanical, computer and civil engineering, all ranked near the top of the charts for earning potential in recent rankings of what college graduates could expect. That’s good news for engineering students who want to graduate and enter the work force with expectations of starting out with a comfortable standard of living.
Engineers are also increasingly entering the upper levels of management after a few years in the trenches. Many companies are paying the tuitions of experienced engineers to enter MBA programs to produce managers and executives with valuable experience. The same goes for law school. More and more firms are interested in that unique combination of practical knowledge and legal skill that can protect their firm’s assets and goals.
What was rather surprising, however, was that pharmaceutical degrees were ranked even higher for both salary expectations and need. So if you have a pharmaceutical degree, you’re going to be in demand and paid accordingly, at least in the short term. This was something that was part of a general shift toward a greater demand in non-engineering sciences such as biology and nursing, which are seeing a rise in salaries, although they have far to go (with the obvious exception of pharmaceutical degrees) before they’ll catch up with engineering. This is good news for college students who consider success in life to be a blend of making an honest living and having a satisfying work life. If you’re altruistic enough that you don’t need a top-drawer salary, nursing, psychology and research are coming on strong and will continue to do so as the general population ages in the coming years.
The only area where there isn’t any real growth in salaries is in the Humanities or Social Sciences. Those students who graduate from college with an English or History degree need to focus on specializing somehow if they want a salary that’s comfortable in today’s economy. Otherwise, these rather general degrees will bring them salaries that are generally below the norm. That’s not to say that these degrees aren’t a good idea. How can college students turn their love of English or History into a thriving career option? Instead of getting a BA in their discipline alone, combine it with a teaching certificate. High school teachers who specialize in a particular discipline are in high demand. If they go on to get their Master’s Degree they are even more desirable.
Interestingly, more and more Medical and Law schools are also looking at college graduates with degrees in the humanities. They see these students as more well rounded, articulate and “human” than some students who are entirely wrapped up in the sciences. If you have a degree in English or History and have toyed with the idea of law or medical school, don’t assume those with scientific or criminal degrees have an edge. Today’s schools are looking for the well-rounded student who is an independent thinker and who can write.
Keep in mind that everything goes in cycles. What may be the hot degree this year could be out of fashion in four year’s time. In the end, your best bet is to find something you love doing and talk to a career counselor about how you can go about making a living with a college degree that lets you do just that.
Andy West is a writer for Online Business Academy and Online Degree Choice.
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