If you’re a prospective student, you’ll want to determine if SNHU is really the school for you. There are a total of 44 New Hampshire colleges, so you might be wondering what exactly makes SNHU a standout. In this review, we’ll be covering the pros and cons of SNHU, along with a comparison of other New Hampshire universities. The following key points are what you need to know about SNHU before submitting an application.

Background

As a private, nonprofit, accredited institution, SNHU boasts more than 3,000 on-campus students and over 135,000 online students — that’s what they claim on their website anyway. SNHU has been around since 1932, but it was formerly known by many names: New Hampshire School of Accounting and Secretarial Science, New Hampshire College of Accounting and Commerce, and New Hampshire College. SNHU’s Business program is highly praised because the founder developed a program that focused on accounting, bookkeeping, and secretarial tasks. Even back then, the flexible day and evening courses were accessible to both young and older adults.

The current president of SNHU is Paul LeBlanc who’s been in charge of growing the student population from 2,800 students to the current number since 2003. Thanks to him, SNHU has become one of the fastest-growing and largest nonprofit institutions for online students.

Rankings

Numbers speak for themselves, especially with rankings. For us, SNHU ranks 21st on our list of the most affordable New Hampshire colleges. The school is pretty far down the list, but our numbers are based on out-of-state tuition costs, which tends to be more expensive than in-state and online. SNHU has also been named one of the “Most Innovative Companies of 2012” by Fast Company, beating out Tesla Motors and the NFL that year. Fast Company reasoned SNHU’s honoree status “for relentlessly reinventing higher ed[ucation], on and off.” Washington Monthly recognized SNHU as one of the “Best Colleges for Adult Learners” in 2019 with a 12th rank. Other publications have named SNHU as one of the most innovative colleges in the U.S., which, if we’re looking strictly at numbers, is a proven fact given their rapid campus expansion and student population growth.

Pros and Cons

Here’s where we lay out the truth about SNHU on the table — the good and bad. We pored over many reviews from previous and current SNHU students and picked out common praises as well as complaints. Paired with thorough research on SNHU, our findings are outlined in the following pros and cons:

Pros

• Huge online curriculum: With more than 300 programs under their belt, SNHU doesn’t play around when it comes to online classes. They offer over 200 career-focused online college degree programs and more than 100 online Bachelor’s degree programs and concentrations.
• Lots of Business programs: As we mentioned earlier, SNHU’s Business programs shine the brightest. There are a ton of majors to choose from and the professors are some of the best at SNHU.
• Sort of diverse: Diversity at SNHU doesn’t mean ethnic diversity. The student population is predominantly white. SNHU is more diverse in age groups and geographics. In fall 2019, 26% of undergraduate students were under 24 years old while 74% were older than 25. Nine percent were from in-state while 89% were from out-of-state. The out-of-state numbers most likely come from online students from across the country.
• High acceptance rate: SNHU is one of the academic institutions that are the least selective in admitting new students. With an acceptance rate of 88%, prospective students have a higher chance of being admitted to SNHU. This comes with the fact that SAT/ACT scores are optional.

Cons

• Semester academic calendar: This may or may not be your cup of tea — it depends on whether you can handle the coursework within an eight-week period with few breaks in between each semester as an undergraduate. For graduates, they have a 10-week term.
• Less-than-enthusiastic professors: Sometimes there’s a rotten apple in the bunch, and for SNHU’s faculty, the phrase rings true. There’s a lot of praise for professors in SNHU’s Business programs, but outside of that, you might end up with a professor who ruins the class experience for you. This is especially the case if you’re an online tech student — you’ll be thrown in the pool and expected to learn how to swim.
• On-Campus and online binary: As much as SNHU receives accolades for how fast they’re growing as a private, nonprofit college, on-campus and online programs are very much separate. Students can’t mix on-campus courses with online courses — it’s one or the other. This can be a hurdle if one of the majors you want to study isn’t offered as an on-campus option or an online option.
• Overcrowded classrooms: Because of the high acceptance rate, SNHU’s on-campus classrooms have one too many students. Overcrowding in physical classrooms will always be detrimental to students’ relationships with professors. There’s less focus on the student as an individual and more priority on lecturing a full classroom.

SNHU seems to bank on their online programs to compensate for small-sized on-campus classrooms. With an eight or 10-week term, it puts pressure on both students and professors to teach and learn the coursework in a short period of time. SNHU may be easy to get into, but your experience varies greatly depending on your major and the professors you end up with.

SNHU in the News

In the years since LeBlanc stepped up as SNHU’s fifth president, the school has received a major advertising push for SNHU’s enrollment numbers. LeBlanc hopes to reach 300,000 enrolled students by 2023. There’s more emphasis on their online programs, which is why the online student population significantly outweighs the on-campus student population.

During a recent interview with PBS, the host revealed that LeBlanc has plans to keep lowering tuition even after the pandemic. LeBlanc openly advocated for online learning rather than face-to-face. He also clarified that cutting expenses isn’t going to be easy, but that changes within the school’s structure and systems would be much faster to achieve.

Another news site detailed LeBlanc’s new on-campus model of a $10,000 tuition rate. While this was originally intended for the 2020-2021 academic year, with the pandemic still underway, it’s safe to say that LeBlanc’s plans to have the same tuition rate for on-campus and online students have been delayed.

Campus Life

There are more than 75 recognized clubs and organizations at SNHU. From Greek organizations to special interest clubs, SNHU’s campus life remains lively for on campus students who want more interactions with each other outside of the classroom. Their residence halls are varied, whether it’s apartment-style living or larger suites. In 2018, SNHU opened up their very own athletic stadium, Penmen Stadium, which seats 1,500 spectators. This bodes well for the school’s 20 NCAA Division II teams.

As far as campus safety goes, SNHU stays traditional with Public Safety officers who follow a set of standards during suspicious activities or emergency events. SNHU is located near two police stations, so they have an extra security blanket for when things go awry. In the event that an emergency occurs, students and faculty can sign up for SNHU Alerts to receive instant texts and emails.

Campus life at SNHU is a mixed bag — it solely depends on the individual who either actively seeks or avoids the school’s on-campus facilities, clubs, and organizations. Students tend to feel safe, maybe a little bored, but that’s what happens when the priority is online enrollment.

Online Experience

As much praise as SNHU gets for their online programs, students still struggle with juggling coursework completed over discussion boards and submission portals while virtually reaching out to professors for support. There’s room for improvement, but as it stands, students either love or hate SNHU’s online curriculum. The main goal of online learning at SNHU is based on the Three A’s: Affordability, Accessibility, and Achievability.

There are plenty of online resources, including a writing center, tutoring services, career services, academic advising, technical support, an online accessibility center, an online library, a wellness center, and an online bookstore. Many of these resources are also accessible on campus — the only difference is the “online” part.

The same can be said for clubs and organizations. Through SNHUconnect, an online student union, online students are meeting in a digital lounge to discuss interests, discover upcoming events, and network with other students. Some students fully engage in the lounge and others lose interest quickly.

SNHU vs. Other New Hampshire Institutions

Applying for colleges means there’s going to be more than one that you’re interested in. The best way to weigh your options is by comparison. For SNHU, we picked out the University of New Hampshire at Manchester and Plymouth State University to compare. The chart below offers a glimpse of what each college offers.

The University of New Hampshire at Manchester and Plymouth State University are both four-year, public universities. The latter is cheaper than SNHU for undergraduate, in-state, on-campus tuition and has a larger population. SNHU and Plymouth State University are similar in a lot of aspects, including the high acceptance rate and number of programs offered. The University of New Hampshire at Manchester, on the other hand, is on a smaller scale with no online classes offered and a lower acceptance rate. Given the fact that it’s the urban and satellite campus of University of New Hampshire, the Manchester-based college’s student population is significantly smaller than the other two colleges.

For a strict “no partying” scene, University of New Hampshire at Manchester is the place to be. Plymouth State University has won over students with their beautiful and scenic campus while also allowing social gatherings. If you’re looking for a bit of both, SNHU has got you covered — if you’re an on-campus student, that is. Despite SNHU being a private university, it shares a lot of similarities with Plymouth State University, a public university. The University of New Hampshire at Manchester looks like an outlier, but considering that it’s in the same city as SNHU and has similar undergraduate tuition rates, it’s comparable. Overall, SNHU seems to offer the best of both public universities while racing ahead with their online programs.

Closing Thoughts

As one of the fastest-growing universities in the U.S., SNHU seems to focus a lot more on their online programs than their on-campus counterpart. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, but the school is trying so hard to bump up their enrollment numbers via their online programs that on-campus students are left in the dust. If you’re eyeing their Business program, then you’ll get the most value out of your time at SNHU. Although their programs are varied, the professors can either make or break your learning experience. When it comes to higher education, we think it’s vital that professors are on the same page about providing challenging yet engaging courses while supporting students. All in all, SNHU does have its perks, like flexible and affordable courses, but if you’re not an online student, a business student, or both, you won’t have as much of an enriching experience.

Scoreboard

• Admissions: 8/10
• Cost: 8/10
• On-Campus Programs: 8/10
• Online Programs: 8/10
• Faculty: 7/10
• Campus Life: 8/10
• Clubs and Organizations: 8/10
• On-Campus and Online Resources: 9/10
• Final Score: 7/10

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History

Founded in 1932 by Harry Alfred Benjamin “H.A.B.” Shapiro, SNHU was originally named the New Hampshire School of Accounting and Secretarial Science where there were fewer than 10 day students and 35 evening students. One-year courses focused on bookkeeping, accounting, and secretarial courses, which qualified graduates for entry-level positions such as secretaries, bookkeepers, and junior accountants. The program sought to challenge students on the underlying theory of the tasks they performed.

In the 1960s, the school earned accreditation and degree-granting authority and was renamed New Hampshire College of Accounting and Commerce. It was later shortened to New Hampshire College after becoming a nonprofit institution. In 1995, the school launched its internet-based distance learning program, which is now called SNHU Online, and quickly grew to 8,000 enrollments within just six years. By 2001, the school changed its name to Southern New Hampshire University after rapid campus expansion.

Under the direction of Paul LeBlanc who is the fifth and current president of SNHU, the institution now has over 135,000 online students, making it the largest nonprofit provider of online higher education in the U.S. SNHU’s mission statement hopes to challenge the status quo and provide support in higher education, expand access to education by creating high quality, innovative pathways to meet the unique needs of every learner, and achieve success from learners’ successes.

Programs and Majors

There are more than 300 programs offered on campus and online at SNHU. Popular majors include Business, Liberal Arts and Humanities, and Psychology. In 2019, there were more than 10,000 SNHU employees across the U.S.; the student-to-faculty ratio was 22:1. In the table below, programs and majors are outlined with degree specifications. There are over 200 career-focused online college degree programs and more than 100 online Bachelor’s degree programs and concentrations.

Southern New Hampshire University Degrees Offered

Degrees and Certificates Offered

Undergraduate and graduate students can earn a variety of degrees and certificates at SNHU. In 2019, more than 21,000 degrees were awarded at SNHU’s 87th Commencement, which hosted four ceremonies. Most awards earned are four-year Bachelor’s degrees. The graduation rate is 51% for students who graduated within eight years of entering SNHU for the first time. Sixty-three percent of first-time, full-time undergraduates returned to SNHU after their freshman year.

SNHU offers the following degrees and certificates:

• Less than one year Certificate
• Associate’s Degree
• Bachelor’s Degree
• Postbaccalaureate Certificate
• Master’s Degree
• Post-Master’s Certificate
• Doctor’s Degree

Graduates’ salaries range between $25,700 and $71,500. The lower end is based on a Culinary Arts and Related Services Associate’s Degree while the higher end is based on a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research, and Clinical Nursing Bachelor’s Degree. These earnings are not conclusive but shows the average annual earnings of former students one year after graduation.

Enrollment and Admissions

The enrollment total for fall 2019 was 113,514 students, with 92,902 undergraduates, 11,801 undergraduate transfers, and 20,612 graduates. The total number of applicants for fall 2019 was 25,019 with an acceptance rate of 88%. SNHU President LeBlanc hopes to reach 300,000 enrolled students by 2023.

The application process for SNHU is split between on-campus and online students. There are some variations for undergraduates, graduates, transfers, and international students.

Process for submitting an application as a prospective undergraduate freshman:

• Complete Common Application
• Submit the following documents:
  • Official high school transcript (or GED)
  • One letter of recommendation from school counselor or a teacher
  • SNHU is test-optional. Standardized test scores are not required for admission. SAT School code is 3649 and ACT School code is 2514.
  • For Music Education applicants, an audition is required prior to enrolling.
  • For University Honors Program applicants, an additional essay and completed Honors application are required.
• Explore financial aid

Process for submitting an application as an online student:

• Complete online application
• Speak with SNHU admission counselor who will walk you through the rest of the process
  • Undergraduate:
    • Full application
    • Transcript Release Form for any schools you’ve attended
    • Electronic Attestation Form stating that you’ve graduated from high school or received your GED
  • Graduate:
    • Full application
    • Transcript Release Form for any schools you’ve attended
    • Graduate Attestation Form with your undergraduate GPA and conferral date

Process for submitting an application as an on-campus graduate:

• Complete application
• Submit college transcript
• Admission review process takes 2-4 weeks
• Look at financial aid options
• Confirm enrollment and submit deposit online
  • Resident student: $500
  • Commuter student: $300

SNHU accepts rolling admissions with application deadlines either before Feb. 1 for fall admission or before Dec. 1 for spring admission. Undergraduate attendance in fall 2019 consisted of 29% full-time and 71% part-time. Seventy-four percent of undergraduate students were over the age of 25 while 26% were 24 and under. Only nine percent of undergraduate students were from in-state while 89% were from out-of-state.

Tuition Costs

SNHU has one of the lowest online tuition rates with an average annual cost of $9,500 for online undergraduate (30 credits) and online graduate students (15 credits). Most SNHU Bachelor’s degrees require 120 credit hours, Associate degrees require 60 hours, and Master’s degrees require 30 to 45 credit hours. As seen in the chart below, costs vary by type of student and program; costs are subject to change annually.

Southern New Hampshire University Estimated Costs

SNHU’s current plans involve a new on-campus model of a $10,000 tuition rate, which is a 61% decrease from its current rate. Model development is for the 2020-2021 academic year. SNHU is also offering a one-time scholarship to all incoming campus freshmen that covers 100% of tuition for the first year.

Financial Aid, Grants, and Scholarships

At SNHU, 77% of undergraduate students received financial aid with 71% being grant or scholarship aid while 65% accepted student loans during the 2018-2019 year. The average amount of aid received for undergraduates was $3,913. The average amount for pell grants and student loans was $2,879 and $7,303, respectively.

There are several ways to lower the cost of attending SNHU. Applying for student loans, grants, and scholarships are common routes for a more affordable higher education.

Process for submitting an application for FAFSA:

• Must meet the following requirements:
  • Enroll as a degree-seeking student
  • Be a U.S. citizen or an eligible non-citizen
  • Maintain satisfactory academic progress
  • Not be in default on a federal educational loan
  • Not owe a refund on a federal educational grant or loan
  • Register with Selective Service (if you are a male born on or after January 1, 1960, over 18 years of age and not currently in the Armed Forces)
  • Possess a high school diploma or equivalent
• May need parents’ information when completing the application
• Federal Student Aid ID required
• Student Aid Report (SAR) required
• Submit additional documents if needed

The following grants and scholarships are available for students to apply at SNHU:

Online Students

• Grants
  • Federal Pell Grant
  • Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant
  • Children of Fallen Heroes Scholarship
  • Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
  • State grants and UNIQUE
• Merit Scholarships
  • Phi Theta Kappa Transfer Scholarship
• School of Business
  • Finlay Family Scholarship
  • Hassa Jadvani Memorial Scholarship
  • Matthew Stuart Van Kleek
  • School of Business Scholarship Fund
• General
  • Alumni Leadership Scholarship
  • Dr. Jeanette A. Ritzenthaler Scholarship
  • Martha Van Hyland Scholarship
  • Online and Continuing Education Scholarship
  • The Continuing Education Scholarship
  • The Elaine I. Routhier Costigan and Ronald J. Costigan Scholarship
• Veterans
  • Veterans Scholarship
  • Edward Nassar Veterans Memorial Scholarship
• International
  • Li Xu Scholarship Fund

On-Campus Students

• Grants
  • Federal Pell Grant
  • Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant
  • Children of Fallen Heroes Scholarship
  • Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
  • State grants and UNIQUE
  • SNHU Need-Based Grants
  • SNHU Sibling Grant
• Resident Scholarships
  • New Hampshire Governor’s Scholarship
• Merit Scholarships
  • Presidential Scholarship
  • Quill Scholarship
  • Penmen Scholarship
  • Phi Theta Kappa Transfer Scholarship
  • Regional Community College Scholarship
  • Honors Program Scholarship
  • Academy of Finance Scholarship
  • Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) Scholarship
  • DECA scholarship
• School of Arts and Sciences
  • James D. Walter Memorial Scholarship
  • John P. Fleming Memorial Scholarship Fund
  • Kimon and Anne Zachos Scholarship
  • School of Arts and Sciences Scholarship
  • The Walter Zimmerman Scholarship Fund
• School of Business
  • Dr. Marty J. Bradley 3-Year Business Honors Scholarship
  • Hawaux Foundation Scholarship
  • Dr. Jacqueline Mara Scholarship
  • Economics/Finance Endowed Scholarship
  • Finlay Family Scholarship
  • Frank & Eleanor Barnes Alumni Scholarship
  • George Teloian Scholarship
  • Hassa Jadvani Memorial Scholarship
  • Henry W. Bloch Scholarship Fund
  • Matthew Stuart Van Kleeck Memorial Scholarship
  • Ronald L. Woodward Memorial Scholarship
  • School of Business Scholarship Fund
  • Scott Caswell Memorial Scholarship
  • Tony Lambert Scholarship Fund
  • William Trueheart Scholarship
  • Culinary Scholarship Fund
  • Ernest Iamundo/Labatt USA Scholarship
  • Hector Boiardi Scholarship
• School of Education
  • Stephen F. Knapp Scholarship
• General
  • Alumni Family Scholarship
  • Alumni Leadership Scholarship
  • Athletics Scholarship Fund
  • Athletic Scholarship Program
  • Dow Scholarship
  • Educational Continuum Scholarship
  • Findlen-LeBlanc Travel Scholarship
  • Fisher Family Scholarship
  • Housing Scholarship
  • John & Betty Miles Scholarship
  • Kappa Chi Scholarship
  • Kappa Delta Phi Scholarship
  • Kappa Sigma Scholarship
  • Michael DeBlasi Scholarship Fund
  • Phi Delta Psi Scholarship
  • Polly Popek Memorial Fund
  • Resident Assistant Scholarship Program
  • Assistant Resident Director Scholarship Program
  • Student Ambassador Scholarship
  • The Christine Zimmermann Memorial Scholarship Fund
  • The Edward S. Wolak Scholarship
  • The Richard and Joanne Gustafson Scholarship Fund
  • Traditional Undergraduate Scholarship
  • William S. Green Scholarship
  • Women’s Faculty Scholarship
• Veterans
  • Veterans Scholarship
  • Edward Nassar Veterans Memorial Scholarship
• International
  • Li Xu Scholarship Fund
  • Charles & Barbara Bickford International Scholarship

More information about each grant or scholarship and the qualifications are outlined on SNHU’s website. During the application process, SNHU encourages students to speak to a financial aid counselor to figure out the best course of action for an affordable and accessible higher education.

Recap

Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit, accredited institution with one of the lowest online tuition rates. The school accommodates students by offering flexible schedules with day or evening courses as well as on-campus or online learning. There are more than 3,000 on-campus students and over 135,000 online students across the U.S who are attending SNHU. More than 300 programs are offered, with 100 of those being online degree programs. SNHU has an acceptance rate of 88% and 63% of first-time, full-time students return to SNHU after their freshman year. By 2023, SNHU President Paul LeBlanc aims to have 300,000 students enrolled online. Learn more about SNHU in our full review.

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Communications

Communications can be thought of as the overarching canvas, with broadcasting being an essential part of the picture. Majoring in communications, you will learn how to devise innovative strategies for effectively conveying messages, write in different styles (creative, descriptive, journalistic, persuasive) depending on the subject, and integrate video, audio, and imagery into assignments. In addition to a variety of communication classes, other supplementing required courses may include anthropology, philosophy, economics, sociology, political science, and psychology.

Some specialized fields that communications students eventually go into include:

• Media graphics
• Visual communications
• Sports reporting
• Web design
• Written journalism
• Video journalism
• Radio & cable TV

Those graduating with a Bachelor’s in communications can qualify to become:

• Public relations specialists – write press releases, organize press conferences and events, work for public relations, advertising, and marketing agencies or for government agencies, corporations, and nonprofits
• Technical writers – show how a product works by creating diagrams, instruction manuals, journal articles, how-to guides, and other supporting documents
• Blog writers – help business owners establish reputable online presences by writing regular blog articles relevant to their service(s) or product(s)
• Film/video editors & camera operators – control camera equipment in-studio and on-location for film and TV, as well as video broadcasts and recordings, and edit footage using special software
• Reporters & broadcast news analysts – inform the public about current events happening internationally, nationally, and locally via websites, newspapers, television, radio, and magazines
• Broadcast & sound engineer technicians – set up, operate, and maintain electrical equipment used for radio programs, concerts, sound recordings, movies, television broadcasts
• Social media managers – represent companies across social media channels by being the sole voice of the brand and establishing a strong online presence (respond to comments, create content, come up with campaign ideas, etc)
• Event planners – coordinate all moving parts to events and make sure everything goes smoothly (hire caterers, location scout, plan for entertainment, etc)
• College alumni & development officers – support & organize events and programs through an alumni relations office, handle promotion of special events through word of mouth and social media, plan/develop projects, and oversee events
• Human resources specialists – recruit, interview, and place workers, and handle tasks related to compensation and benefits, training, and employee relations
• Business reporters – collect facts about newsworthy events and report/write stories for a newspaper, radio, or TV
• Health educators – teach people about behaviors and habits that promote wellness by implementing strategies to improve people’s health
• Brand managers – adopt a brand strategy for a company’s target market and maintain brand integrity across all company communications and marketing initiatives

The earning potential with a communication’s degree is endless! If you’ve got some entrepreneurial spirit, you could even become a business owner and determine how much you make, rather than work for someone else.

Broadcast Journalism

Those going into broadcast journalism are interested in everything a communication’s major has to offer, but are keen on delving deeper into their refined focus. They know they want to get into news reporting, writing, researching, and airing news, or being part of a production. The broadcasting major will also prepare young adults for work in technical operations. This means they’ll be taught how to run everything from live productions to videography, editing, camera operations, and generating computer graphics.

Typical broadcast journalism major courses in college are:

• Broadcast news
• Media & society
• Reporting & news writing
• Electronic media production
• Communication theory
• Introduction to broadcasting and cable
• Mass communications law

Some entry-level positions in broadcasting include:

• Videographer – manage small scale productions including but not limited to documentaries, commercials, training videos, live events, short films, weddings, and legal depositions
• Video editor – assemble recorded raw material into a finished product and get it ready for broadcasting by putting together camera footage, dialogue, graphics, special effects, and sound effects
• Program producer – oversee video production on a TV program
• Podcast producer – manage a podcast, record and edit episodes, and participate in behind-the-scenes interaction(s)
• Broadcast news or entertainment reporter – interview numerous sources and write news stories related to current entertainment events

Which Major is Right for Me?

Both communications and broadcast journalism majors and their career paths will require strong writing, public speaking, persuasion, and relatability skills. Students in these fields must be attentive to detail and be able to see & understand the big picture.

Ultimately, your decision about whether either of these majors is right for you will depend on your individual interests, values, skills, and what you want to learn. Hopefully, after reviewing the key differences between the two majors and getting an idea of required coursework and potential career options, you can decide for yourself which is best for you!

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Social workers often work with children and adults in vulnerable or disadvantaged situations. They especially make significant impacts on young children’s lives with their compassion. Without their help, numerous children would have no support and guidance needed to grow up healthily and lead a fulfilling life.

The Role of a Social Worker

Behind every family or person going through a difficult time in life is a social worker waiting to help. Whether someone is dealing with addiction, abuse, a disability, poverty, mental illness, discrimination, unemployment, or something else, social workers are ready to step in and work diligently to relieve suffering. They don’t do all the work themselves, though. Social workers work closely with their clients to help them come up with innovative ways to cope with or resolve the challenges they’re facing. They empower and provide them with the knowledge and skills needed to build a better life. If the circumstance calls for it, social workers can also provide useful resources or refer clients to specialists for further assistance.

How to Become a Social Worker

Do you have a passion for helping others, especially those in dire need? Are you patient, understanding, and kind? If so, you could become a professional social worker after obtaining a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree in social work or service. There are a required number of fieldwork hours you must complete as well. Once all requirements are met, you can become a social worker in one of the following settings:

• Public agencies
• Military
• Prisons
• Private agencies
• Mental health clinics
• Hospitals
• Schools
• Corporations
• Private practices
• Anywhere there are people in need!

Summary

Does playing an active role in bettering society and being a voice for those who are vulnerable sound like something you’d like to do? Social work may be the ideal career for you! These days, colleges offer a variety of social science degree programs designed to equip students with the knowledge needed to be successful as a social worker in today’s complex society. Speak with your school’s academic counselor today to learn more about this field and its requirements!

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Start Early

Procrastination is the bane of a college student’s existence, especially when multiple assignments for various courses pile up over time. That being said, it is never a bad idea to start early. In fact, it’s one of the easiest things you can do to help ensure success in your writing! Pencil in due dates, and jot down intermediary deadlines for important steps in the writing process. Allow yourself time to choose a topic (if it’s not already provided to you), conduct research, organize your thoughts, create a rough draft, revise, and so on. Remember to keep the goals realistic so that you are more likely to stick to them.

Identify Your Audience

There are a plethora of factors to consider before writing. Who will be reading what you write? What is the topic or subject at hand? Depending on the assignment, you may even need to research, interview people, and collect data to back up your points. The first step to writing a strong article is knowing your audience. From there, you can decide the appropriate tone to use. In most cases, it doesn’t hurt to err on the formal side when it comes to college writing. Save the everyday slang, abbreviations, and overuse of punctuation for texts and emails with your friends.

Organize Your Thoughts

Once you’ve identified your audience and established the tone you’re going to use, it’s time to gather your thoughts and make an outline of the points you’ll be discussing in your paper. Unless otherwise instructed, it’s safe to start with an introduction, followed by a body consisting of a couple supporting paragraphs, and a conclusion. The more detailed you make your outline, the easier the writing process will be later on because you can easily reference to make sure you’ve included all your important points.

Another thing to keep in mind is, plagiarism is a big no-no in college. You can get in big trouble if ever caught, and it’s just not a good thing to do! Research papers in college require proper citations. As you do your research and create your outline, be as specific as possible with these so that you don’t have to fumble around trying to find the source of your findings later on. Create a system of easy referencing for yourself, so that your writing process remains smooth and efficient.

Write Succinctly

Use “big” words when appropriate, but avoid stuffing the paper with them as that can get overwhelming and come off inauthentic. You want to deliver your point in an intelligent and straightforward way. Complicated sentence structure may not only deter you from making your point clearly, but it also doesn’t improve your paper if the reader can’t understand what you are trying to say. In addition to keeping grammar in check, it’s crucial to be mindful of structural errors. If you are having trouble getting started with your paper, don’t hesitate to just write what’s on your mind for the sake of getting going. It’s totally okay if your first draft isn’t perfect. That’s what editing is for, once you’ve got a rough draft done!

Revise, Revise, Revise

After finishing your first draft, the editing process begins. Work on revising paragraph by paragraph, fixing any grammatical, spelling, run-on sentences, and other structural errors and inconsistencies. It may help to read what you’ve written out loud to ensure that everything sounds right and makes sense. Don’t rush this process, and feel free to take a break and get back to the paper in an hour or even a few days. Reading a paper with fresh eyes can help you detect errors that you didn’t catch before.

Get a Proofreader

So you’ve put in your very best – now it’s time to have another set of fresh eyes to read your masterpiece! This is a fantastic way to get a third person’s point of view and perspective on what you’ve written. Perhaps there was something you wouldn’t have caught if someone else didn’t bring it to your attention. While this step isn’t totally mandatory, it can really help you hone in on your writing skills and find areas of improvement. If you finish an essay or research paper early, it’s always smart to get a proofreader to read it once through before you turn it in. This could be a trusted family member, a roommate, or even your teacher’s assistant! Getting feedback will provide you with the opportunity to make final tweaks and know what to improve on next time.

Believe in Yourself

The most important thing in writing, and college in general, is to be confident in your abilities to succeed. Self-doubt never feels good, and believing you can do it is half the battle! Often, students don’t give themselves enough credit for simply doing their best.

Final Thoughts

As with anything in life, practice makes perfect. This means that the more you write, the better you will become at it. So, don’t be discouraged if you struggle in the beginning. College writing can be tough! But by taking the initiative to start early, organize your thoughts, write thoughtfully, revise several times, and get feedback, you’ll be surprised at how quickly your writing improves.

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Eager to get a glimpse of some things they don’t tell you in freshman orientation? Here’s what you need to know before beginning your freshman year:

Do Research on Professors

As silly as this may sound, the truth is who you pick as a professor can have a significant impact on how well you do in a class. If you want to succeed and avoid unnecessary stress, we recommend taking some time to do research on professors before committing to a course.

These days, it’s easy to look up any professor on the Internet and see what others have to say about him/her. Popular professor rating websites include Rate My Professors and Pick a Prof. Get first-hand advice and insight from undergraduates who have already “gone through it” so you can save yourself some trouble and avoid certain professors at all costs if many seem to have had nightmare experiences with them.

Hold Off on Buying Books

It’s only natural for an eager student to come super prepared, and that’s generally a good thing. But what a lot of freshmen don’t know is that not every single book on the syllabus is going to be used often, and you may be able to find some used copies or rentals for a steeply discounted price. Waiting until classes officially start and verifying the books you’ll actually need will save you lots of money. Trust us, the cost of books adds up fast!

Another way to save money on books is, make a friend in class and devise a plan to share or swap books. Or, if you know of a roommate taking the same class and already bought the books, you could discuss sharing with him/her or making copies for the few pages needed if it’s a book merely for reference.

If you are open to digital media, eBooks and PDF versions are often available for a fraction of the price. Having books on your iPad or computer can be an excellent way to not only hold onto your cash, but also save valuable space in your dorm room and backpack!

Be Wary of “Freshman 15”

Chances are, you may have heard about the dreaded “freshman 15” already. It refers to the 15 pounds that many new college students gain as a result of a hectic first year. Your orientation leader may not advise you in practicing portion control or eating healthy, but these are important to ensure optimal health. Without good health, it can be really difficult to do well in school. This is not to say that you need to stress about what to eat every meal, but avoiding 2 AM pizza runs and not drinking too many sodas or alcohol can go a long way in keeping your weight and health in check. Keep junk food to a minimum, and your wallet and body will thank you!

Keep Your Door Open

By “keep your door open,” we mean both literally and non-literally. If you are in your dorm room relaxing or eating lunch, it’s a good idea to leave your room door open to welcome interesting conversations and meet new people. Even if you are shy or introverted by nature, connecting with others will give you a stronger sense of community and belonging. Plus, you never know who you’ll encounter! You could meet your new best friend or other life-changing and lifelong connections.

In addition to keeping your room door open, it’s crucial to also keep your mind open. This will make it easier for others to relate to you, and help you make friends faster. Remember that everyone is going through drastic changes in this stage of life, and college is a time for young adults to truly discover themselves. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try something new. Take a class you’ve always been intimidated to take. This is the time to take risks and make opportunities for yourself!

Be Mindful of Timing

In high school, you’re used to walking from one class to another without needing to worry about going a far distance, or making sure that your classes don’t overlap. They are simply one after another for 7 hours each day. In college though, students get a whole lot more flexibility. With increased flexibility comes a need for strategic planning.

When signing up for classes, carefully map out each one, and consider mandatory discussion and laboratory sessions that may come with each class. Ensure that none overlap, and that there is plenty of time for you to get to the next class if you plan to schedule back-to-back. Avoid overscheduling as you’ll also need time to study, complete assignments and projects, and have time to yourself!

Keep in mind that some students live off-campus or in a dorm room far away from their classes. If this sounds like you, it would be a smart idea to walk to all your classes ahead of time before they start so that you get a feel for where each one is located, and the best paths to take to save time. Gotta drive? Give yourself plenty of time to avoid parking illegally and to find a parking spot.

Finally, if you have plans to visit the counselors or financial aid offices, it’s smart to go on a day where you have a lot of free time in between classes or have already completed classes for the day, as these spots are typically jam-packed during the first week of school.

Lanyard = Freshman

If you don’t want to stick out like a sore thumb and walk around campus screaming “freshman alert!” without actually screaming, we’d advise that you ditch the lanyard attached to your student ID. There’s nothing wrong with being a freshman, but if you want to seem a little more integrated, then consider putting your student ID in your wallet, or at least get a unique lanyard so you aren’t wearing the same exact one as every other freshman.

Use Downtime Wisely

Believe it or not, you’ll have plenty of downtime in college, despite the rigorous classes. It’s up to you to make your time count, so manage wisely! You’ll find that some days may be more packed than others. On the more open days, consider picking up an intramural sport or participating in another extracurricular activity, working out at the gym, socializing, and getting homework done.

If your body is telling you that you need rest, then honor it. Naps can boost productivity when not overdone. The bad thing is though, a lot of students fall into the nap trap where they may become a recluse. This is dangerous especially for freshmen because it’s a critical time to be out and about and putting yourself out there. Remember that the less time you spend inside your dorm room, the more well-rounded and memorable your college experience will be!

Remember to Lock Your Door

Your orientation leader may have briefly mentioned this because it’s a super important safety measure, but it doesn’t hurt to have another reminder. We can’t emphasize enough the importance of locking your door! Doing so when you are away from your dorm room or sleeping not only gives you privacy and peace of mind, it also prevents theft and keeps unwanted intruders out. While college dorms are pretty secure and you think you can trust your hallmates, you just never know when a stranger will come in and possibly steal your belongings. It may sound extreme, but it’s always better to be safe than sorry!

Summary

Freshman orientation is a fantastic way to learn about campus activities, scheduling classes, basic rules, and the ins and outs of your school, but there are just some things that are either simply glossed over or never mentioned. Hopefully with these pointers, you’ll enter college a little more prepared than you were just coming out of orientation. Bring it on, freshman year!

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Here are some tips on how to keep those friendships strong and evolving:

Reach Out

The first step to maintaining friendships of any kind is to take the initiative to reach out, especially if you haven’t heard from someone in a while. If nobody takes charge, a friendship can die off. Make it a habit to connect with old friends at least every couple of weeks. You never know who’s day you’ll make, or who is silently needing someone to check in on them.

There are many ways you could go about doing this. You could simply send a text or give a ring, write an email, or if you’re feeling up for it, snail-mail! Exchanging handwritten letters can be a fun way to not only keep your friends far away up-to-date but also give the mind a break from school, too.

Start a Group on Social Media

It’s pretty safe to say that most people are on social media these days. If you have a group of close friends, starting some sort of group to include everyone on social media or a text thread can be a good way to share day-to-day casual happenings, send and receive pictures, and hear about what your friends get up to.

Get Caught Up

Before delving into your new exciting life, don’t forget to ask how your friends are doing, find out where they are in life, and how they are enjoying their new experiences. You want to be a friend that others look forward to sharing things with, and talking too much about yourself all the time may be off-putting.

Share Updates

After listening to your friends share their life updates, feel free to share yours, and maybe even relate to something that they’ve shared with you. This is a great way to stay connected and bond over a shared experience.

Be Accepting & Understanding

Keep an open mind, knowing that change is inevitable as people get older and discover themselves. Change can be good or bad, but if you want to keep a friendship alive, then you’ll have to accept your friends for who they are and who they become.

Your high school best friend may no longer be an avid shopper, and another studious friend may be curious and dipping toes into the party scene. Unless someone has changed too much to the point where it’s become toxic and you can no longer sustain a friendship, then always make an effort to ask questions and grow with your friends.

Don’t Forget the Non-College Friends

Not everyone graduating from high school is going to college right away. Some may never go, some may go to community college first while gaining some work experience and saving money, and some may work full-time and consider college later on in life. Regardless of the situation, part of being a good friend is being sensitive about these friends. Check-in on them and avoid overwhelming your non-college friends with too many details about your college life if you want your friendship to survive.

Visit Each Other

Once everyone has settled into their new lives, you can start discussing amongst each other about future visits. Take turns visiting and exploring each other’s campuses. This is not only a wonderful way to play catch-up in real life but also have a fun weekend away. For friends visiting, it’s a good idea to come up with specific plans for the weekend so that they feel welcome. You can give them a campus tour, introduce them to your new friends, and show them what’s around in your new city, for example.

Plan a Trip Together

Traveling with friends is an exciting way to catch up while experiencing new cultures, seeing new sights, and growing together. Traveling far during the school year can be tough as schedules may not align and classes are rigorous. However, a week-long holiday break like Spring Break is the perfect time to go on a trip together with your high school friends and reunite. It’s never too early to start planning. Having a future trip in mind gives you and your friends something to look forward to after finishing a semester!

The Bottom Line

Friendships, like all other relationships, require consistent effort. You can’t expect a fire to keep up if you don’t tend to it. The good news is, there are small things you can do once in a while to keep in touch with your hometown friends and maintain healthy friendships. When in doubt, you can never go wrong taking the initiative to reach out, asking engaging questions, offering to visit, and sharing updates with each other.

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Let’s take a deeper look at the different aspects Ridgetown College at University of Guelph has to offer.

Admissions

Ridgetown College at University of Guelph boasts an enrollment of 625 full-time students.

Tuition

The estimated one year cost for attending Ridgetown College at University of Guelph is $8,347. This estimate was formulated by the institution based on their 2019/2020 fees, but actual costs may be greater. For example, room and board can make the grand total vary depending on where you live (on-campus or off-campus).

Here’s how the grand total breaks down:

Location

Ridgetown College, University of Guelph is conveniently located an hour from the United States-Canada border at Windsor, and three hours west of Toronto, Ontario. The campus is 6 kilometers south of Hwy 401 (Exit 109) on County Road 17, or 6 kilometers north of Morpeth if you are traveling from Hwy 3.

Ridgetown is a small town with a population of only 3,450. Yet, students have access to many of the essential amenities they’ll need in college like a grocery store, two drug stores, gas stations, several restaurants, two banks, and an arena. For those wanting to venture out, Ridgetown is only 30 minutes from Chatham, where students can shop in malls and watch a movie at a theatre, among other larger city activities.

Housing

Students have the option of either living on-campus or off-campus when studying at the Ridgetown Campus at University of Guelph.

On-Campus

Living on-campus comes with great perks, especially for incoming freshmen. You get to stay connected and meet new people easier, while enjoying several comforts of home. While living on-campus can be more expensive, it may be worth the investment at least for the first one or two years. By choosing on-campus living, you will be conveniently situated near athletic facilities, dining halls, classrooms, and your classmates.

Ridgetown Campus’ Steckley Hall features dormitory-style living with approximately 190 spaces in double rooms. Single rooms are available by request at an additional cost. It’s a non-smoking facility, staffed 24 hours each day while students are present. Entrances are controlled after 11 pm everyday to ensure safety. It’s a co-ed facility, so students can meet a variety of different people while living on campus. Quiet times begin at 11 pm to promote positive sleeping experiences, and a quiet wing is available for those looking for maximum study time.

In the campus residence, students can take advantage of high-speed, wireless internet, a kitchenette, coin-operated laundry machines, a fitness center, student lounges equipped with cable TV and pool/ping-pong/football tables, and vending machines.

Are you highly considering on-campus living? If so, be sure to apply by the residence application deadline found on the website. Based on the institution’s 2019/2020 rates, a double occupancy room (with a roommate) averages out to $1,297.50 per semester, while a single occupancy room averages out to $2,595 per semester.

Students living on-campus are required to purchase a meal plan, which includes 14 meals per week from Monday morning breakfast through Friday lunch. It’s an all-you-can-eat meal plan, so students pay a flat rate for every 13-week semester. The meal plan cost per semester comes out to $1,518.25.

Off-Campus

Undergraduates also have the option to live off-campus, which many end up doing after their first year. Ridgetown Campus has a free service for students attending the school to locate off-campus housing. The fees, amenities, included appliances, and rules vary depending on where you choose to live. Some may require you to sign a long-term lease, while others may be more open to short-term rentals. Check out the current listings to find your perfect home while you’re studying at Ridgetown College, University of Guelph!

If you are planning to bring a car, parking is available on campus for $30 to $120 per year depending on the location. You’ll need to purchase current tags from the campus administration.

Academic Programs

There are a few different programs students at Ridgetown College, University of Guelph can choose from.

The Associate Diploma programs are either 2 or 3 years in length, and involve focused, hands-on training in a specific field. The fields include:

• Agriculture
• Environmental management
• Equine care and management
• Horticulture
• Veterinary technology (alternative or conventional)

Another program available to students is called the Apprenticeship Program. It’s two years long, and gives undergraduates the opportunity to learn a skilled trade on the job under the direction of more experienced employees. Additionally, they must complete classroom instruction as part of their training. Currently, a dairy herdsperson apprenticeship is available through the Ridgetown Campus.

Finally, if you’re crunched for time, you can always consider a Certificate Program at Ridgetown College, University of Guelph. It’s a one-year program that provides practical training and prepares you for the workforce with focused and relevant knowledge to apply to your career. Currently, students at the Ridgetown Campus can get a certification to either become a performance horse handler, or work in a veterinary office administration.

Scholarships

Higher education is expensive, yet more important than ever these days with a growing competitive workforce. Ridgetown College realizes this, and awards more than $100,000 in financial assistance each year to its students to help offset tuition and other college expenses.

The Student Awards program consists of scholarships, bursaries, in-course awards, academic proficiency awards, need-based scholarships, and graduation awards. Students should get the Student Awards Handbook via email in mid-to-late August with the anticipated award availability for the academic year.

From there, they can begin the application process. The process may vary depending on which award you’re applying for. For example, some require a student-written letter, a completed, error-free OSAP application, and/or a Needs Assessment Form that’s sent out by the Awards Coordinator. There are also some awards where students are automatically considered for based on committee nomination or academic proficiency.

Athletics

At Ridgetown College, University of Guelph, the athletics scene is quite impressive. Students can build new friendships while maintaining their fitness by participating in intramural sports, or by trying a workout in the campus fitness center located in the basement of Steckley Hall.

Fall sports include:

• Badminton
• Ball hockey
• Indoor soccer
• Hockey
• Soccer
• Softball
• Volleyball

Winter sports include:

• Basketball
• Broomball
• Bowling
• Curling
• Dodgeball
• Yoga

Student Life

There’s a whole lot more to college than going to classes, studying, and taking exams. Being well-rounded is not only necessary for optimal health and sanity, but also teaches you how to balance work and play! With that said, stay active on campus while you study. At Ridgetown College, University of Guelph, students have plenty of options for fun and relaxation on and off-campus. For example, they can participate in intramural sports, go to the on-campus fitness center, and get involved in campus life by partaking in special events, joining clubs and committees, taking advantage of leadership opportunities, and more!

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What is Senioritis?

A common struggle for high school seniors is “senioritis,” or the lack of motivation to continue doing their best in the final semesters. This is because colleges and universities begin sending out decision letters, and students start slacking off thinking they’ve already “made it.”

Luckily, there are ways to avoid the downfall of senioritis. Second-semester seniors are encouraged to develop a new set of academic and personal goals so that they stay engaged and maintain a strong work ethic required for success in college. Having a good attitude until the very end is key when it comes time for students to graduate from high school and start college.

Here’s our formula to cure senioritis if you feel like you might be getting sucked into it:

Crush It Before It Starts

Of course, the best way to avoid senioritis is to crush it before it starts, or at the onset of symptoms. If you feel like you’re starting to get a bit lazy in classes and not studying as hard for tests, you should take a moment to evaluate your goals. If it’s graduating high school on a high note and going to your dream college, then you’ll need to pick up the slack and start working harder. Do what you did to earn that college acceptance, so that you don’t risk losing it after years of hard work!

Stay Sharp

Remember that college will be a lot more demanding than high school. Allowing yourself to fall behind could cause your core scholastic skills to “collect dust.” That being said, even if you’ve finished all or most of your required classes, challenge yourself during your final semester and take at least one class that could transfer over as a general education course in college. Many schools offer AP classes in subjects like history, writing, math, and science. Having even one difficult class among a lot of fun filler ones can work wonders in keeping the brain active.

Get Involved

By getting and staying involved in various activities like joining clubs, participating in after-school sports, or engaging in a debate team, you not only keep yourself busy, you also get to stay competitive and meet other people. Remember that you won’t be a high schooler for much longer, so don’t be afraid to do something you’ve been wanting to do but haven’t had the chance to because of hectic class schedules. As a high school student, it can be easy to overlook the plethora of opportunities to get involved. Now that you have more time, take advantage and have some fun! You never know where the experience and new connections could lead you in your college years and beyond.

Live in the Moment & Enjoy It

With most of the required classes for graduation completed and out of the way, high school seniors are granted a lot more freedom when it comes to class choices. Use this wisely. Rather than choosing to take no class at all because you don’t have to, why not pick up a fun class that could allow you to exercise creativity and pick up a new hobby or skill? For example, if you’ve always been interested in taking pictures, you can take a photography class to learn introductory camera and editing techniques. At the end of the day, the goal is to keep busy and continue challenging yourself, without stressing out too much. Have fun!

Start Early

Another way to stay sharp and fight off senioritis is to get a head start on college! Many high schools these days allow juniors and seniors to take community college classes and get some general education classes out of the way. This is actually a smart way to save some money too, because these classes are typically free or offered at a low cost. By getting some of these classes out of the way, you’ll be steps closer to tackling your major classes and potentially graduating from college earlier.

If taking community college classes don’t appeal to you or aren’t an option, then you can always consider taking up an internship in your prospective major. This will not only give you an idea of what you can expect with your future college studies, but also allow you to gain some work experience and learn how to work with others professionally. An internship goes a long way in resumes too, when it comes to applying for a real job later on.

Final Thoughts

Soon before you know it, you’ll be done with high school. So rather than waiting and wishing for it to be over, make the most of it. Take a fun class you’ve been wanting to take. Join a club or participate in a sport of interest. Dip your toes in the “college life” by taking a community college class, while working to chip away at those college general education requirements. There’s a lot you can do to keep your mind active, so there’s no reason to let senioritis beat you down!

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The MBA experience is surely a fulfilling one and can help young individuals realize and reach their career goals on an elevated level. However, before jumping into it, let’s take a moment to go over the benefits of having an MBA, and some things to consider before making the commitment.

Benefits of Having an MBA

An MBA is a significant investment that not everyone is meant to make, but the rewards can be substantial. The degree can help you advance in your career, develop an international network, gain effective communication and leadership skills, and much more. Here are some of the common reasons why people pursue an MBA:

Grow Your Network

Participating in a world-class MBA program will inevitably expose you to a wide range of individuals from all over the world. You will get the opportunity to connect with a plethora of reputable professors, local business owners, and of course, other MBA students. Needless to say, you’ll be connected with a big international community.

This alone can be the main reason why someone decides to go for an MBA. The saying, “it’s not what you know, but who you know,” holds true today, especially in a highly competitive job market. Networking within your industry and related fields can go a long way especially for prospective and current business owners wishing to push the limits to success!

Become The Boss

Do you feel like you’ve hit a plateau at your current job? Do you not see yourself working for someone else the rest of your life? If you have dreams to become a boss and entrepreneur, a strong MBA program can help you acquire new skills and knowledge to get you to the next level.

Learn About Managing People

In your undergraduate years, you may have picked up some leadership skills and learned how to stay self-motivated. But, you get very few classes in managing people. By enrolling in an MBA program though, you’ll have the opportunity to manage big teams and realize just how crucial being able to manage people will be to your career.

Gain International Exposure

An MBA program can be a wonderful environment for students to gain exposure to other perspectives and cultures within the classroom. Students and faculty come from all around the world, so future and current business owners looking to add an international component to their career and thinking processes would benefit greatly from getting an MBA. Some business schools even offer students the opportunity to get international experience through a consulting project or an internship!

Attain New Skills & Knowledge

Sometimes, undergraduates get out and into the workforce, and find that they lack the skills they need to get the positions they want. Going back to school to earn an MBA can be the perfect way to gain these skills. For example, an engineer may have really strong technical skills that makes him good at what he does, but lack the business skills to really take his work to the next level.

Things to Consider Before Working Towards an MBA

The decision to earn an MBA involves thinking about a variety of factors like timing, return of investment, and program reputation.

Timing

Are you fresh out of college with an undergraduate degree ready to jump right into pursuing your MBA? Or have you been out of school and in the workforce for a number of years? If you are currently employed, will you be going for a part-time program, or possibly quitting your job to pursue an MBA full-time? These are just some of many variables to consider when it comes to timing.

If you have just finished your undergraduate degree, you’ll want to think about whether you want to gain a few years of work experience first and get an MBA later on, or dive right into it. While part-time and online programs allow more flexibility for you to keep working, it will most likely take longer to complete. On the contrary, full-time programs are very rigorous and will pull you away from the job market temporarily. That being said, it’s important that you take time to evaluate and decide whether the return on your interment will justify the money you’ll lose out on while you’re in business school.

Return of Investment

The reality is, not everyone gets a good return of investment with an MBA. Generally speaking, it can increase your chances of a more competitive salary and the odds of you getting a promotion. And yes, you’ll definitely enrich your educational endeavors if you give it your all. However, an MBA is expensive to pursue, requires time commitment, and yet, can have a minimal impact on your salary. It all really depends on the field you’ll go into. So, before committing to additional years in school, it’s a good idea to do some research and really think about whether an MBA degree will help you reach your long-term career goals!

Program Reputation

Not all MBA degrees are made the same, nor are they equal in value. If you have decided to pursue an MBA degree, it’s time to research and make a list of reputable programs. Ensure that it’s accredited and will actually benefit your career. Picking the right program will make a difference in your marketability as a potential employee after graduation. The last thing you want to do is shell out a ton of money for an MBA from a school that isn’t accredited or well-respected.

Conclusion

Is working towards an MBA right for you? The answer to this will be different for everyone. Hopefully after considering the benefits of an MBA degree and considering important factors like timing, return of investment, and program reputation, you’ll be able to make an informed decision for yourself. If you’ve already decided the answer is “yes,” enjoy your time in business school and make the most of it!

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