Student Success Blog Re-Launches!</h1> <article> <h1>Student Success Blog Re-Launches!</h1> <p>Tue, 1 Mar 2011 12:10:07 -0800</p> <a href="http://studentsuccessblog.com/Notes_on_Student_Success/Blog/Entries/2011/3/1_Student_Success_Blog_Re-Launches%21_files/images3Fq3Dstudents2Bsuccess26hl3Den26biw3D118926bih3D56226gbv3D226tbs3Disch-1%26itbs%3D1%26iact%3Dhc%26vpx%3D458%26vpy%3D79%26dur%3D1584%26hovh%3D208%26hovw%3D243%26tx%3D123%26ty%3D107%26oei%3DBrRqTfGSC4nAsAO2zOmoBA%26page%3D1%26nds.jpg"></a>Well, we’ve taken a long hiatus, but now we’re back. Look for posts about academic success tools, test-taking skills, maintaining good grades – and more – roughly every three days. </article> <article> <h1>Relationships that Last a Lifetime: The Advantages of Getting to Know Your Professors </h1> <p>Mon, 4 Oct 2010 05:46:59 -0700</p> <a href="http://studentsuccessblog.com/Notes_on_Student_Success/Blog/Entries/2010/10/4_Relationships_that_Last_a_Lifetime__The_Advantages_of_Getting_to_Know_Your_Professors_files/teacher-and-student2.jpg"></a>This guest post is contributed by Tim Handorf, who writes on the topics of <a href="http://www.bestcollegesonline.net/ocau">online colleges and universities</a>. He welcomes your comments at his email: <a href="mailto:tim.handorf.20@googlemail.com/">tim.handorf.20@googlemail.com</a>. <br/><br/>Unlike in high school, in college, professors are more than just teachers. While their function is essentially the same – they grade your papers and give lectures on a specific subject – they are far more accessible outside the classroom than are their high school counterparts. In fact, it’s part of their job to have office hours so that students can interact with them outside the classroom environment. <br/><br/>If you find yourself struggling with a specific concept in class, it pays to make an appointment to see your professor. Not only will you have an opportunity to clarify something that confuses you in class, but you’ll also be demonstrating to your professor that you are engaged and concerned about your performance. <br/><br/>While in high school, grading is much more standard, in college, your grades are determined in a much more subjective manner. Especially in classes in which papers, participation, and group projects make up a majority of the grading rubric instead of tests, the final outcome of these classes is based by and large on your willingness to engage with the course material. Seeing your professor outside of class shows that you care.<br/><br/>Not only will developing a personal relationship with a professor increase your chances of doing better in the class, you'll also be cultivating a connection that you may need later on as you approach graduation. If you are considering graduate school, then you'll need at least three academic recommendation letters. While many professors will write recommendation letters if asked, regardless of how well they know you, the best reference letters are those that have personal details which can only be gained through out-of-class interaction. And stellar recommendation letters can often turn an otherwise lukewarm graduate school application into an acceptance. <br/><br/>Another reason for meeting with professors outside of class is to gauge future research opportunities. Acquiring an internship for the summer is becoming and more and more competitive process. A great alternative to the traditional summer internship or job is helping a professor with their research. Many universities specifically set aside money for departments to hire student research assistants. However, such opportunities are not necessarily made public; professors often just personally ask students whom they think would be able to help them. Knowing a professor outside of class is a great way to be granted access to such research opportunities.<br/><br/>Aside from these more pragmatic reasons for meeting with professors outside of class, you will also reap the less tangible benefit of having a future mentor in learning and in life generally. College is the first time that we are separated from traditional mentors like parents and other adult family members. Cultivating a relationship with a professor can help in giving you the adult guidance you may need as you chart those sometimes unpredictable college years. <br/><br/> </article> <article> <h1>Apply Fixes If You’re Not Meeting Academic Goals</h1> <p>Mon, 27 Sep 2010 13:59:40 -0700</p> <a href="http://studentsuccessblog.com/Notes_on_Student_Success/Blog/Entries/2010/9/27_Apply_Fixes_If_Youre_Not_Meeting_Academic_Goals_files/sliding-crescent-wrench-adjustment.jpg"></a>Time for students to look back on the <a href="http://www.quintcareers.com/back_to_school.html#">educational</a> experiences (and outcomes) of the last year or more while making plans to improve performance levels. Doing these things now can help make this coming academic your year to succeed! Success in school – wherever you are in your educational journey and however you define success – provides such a mental and emotional lift, as well as the increased likelihood of greater success in life. You may not be a big believer in goal-setting or monitoring your performance, but typically everyone does these things to some extent – and the steps outlined in this entry – the last of five – simply formalize the process, which in the end should help you better achieve the goals you seek... and helping make this year YOUR year!<br/><br/>Make Adjustments as Necessary. As you review the results from the previous step, evaluate your <a href="http://www.quintcareers.com/back_to_school.html#">performance</a> in terms of your path toward your goal. If your results indicate you may not reach your goal, step back and examine your attitude and behaviors. If you realize you have not been fully committed to the goal, make the necessary changes and wait for the next results period to determine your success. If, however, you are fully committed but the results are not showing it, you can either decide to push yourself even more – or go back and determine if your goal is truly realistic or too much of a stretch. Again, make adjustments as you feel necessary.<br/> </article> <article> <h1>Monitor Your Progress Toward School-Year Goals</h1> <p>Fri, 24 Sep 2010 12:23:57 -0700</p> <a href="http://studentsuccessblog.com/Notes_on_Student_Success/Blog/Entries/2010/9/24_Monitor_Your_Progress_Toward_School-Year_Goals_files/Measure20Progress.png"></a>Time for students to look back on the <a href="http://www.quintcareers.com/back_to_school.html#">educational</a> experiences (and outcomes) of the last year or more while making plans to improve performance levels. Doing these things now can help make this coming academic your year to succeed! Success in school – wherever you are in your educational journey and however you define success – provides such a mental and emotional lift, as well as the increased likelihood of greater success in life. You may not be a big believer in goal-setting or monitoring your performance, but typically everyone does these things to some extent – and the steps outlined in this entry – the fourth of five – simply formalize the process, which in the end should help you better achieve the goals you seek... and helping make this year YOUR year!<br/><br/>Review Interim Results. Check your progress toward your goals at several intervals along the way. For example, if your goal is <a href="http://www.quintcareers.com/back_to_school.html#">better grades</a>, then every quiz, test, paper, or other graded assignment provides information for you on whether you are achieving your goal. Or, if your goal is a job before graduation, you can keep a log of your progress – steps you're taking, such as informational interviews and other networking you've completed, job fairs attended, interviews you’ve had.<br/> </article> <article> <h1>Modify Behavior to Ensure Great School Year</h1> <p>Tue, 21 Sep 2010 12:12:57 -0700</p> <a href="http://studentsuccessblog.com/Notes_on_Student_Success/Blog/Entries/2010/9/21_Modify_Behavior_to_Ensure_Great_School_Year_files/clock.jpg"></a>Time for students to look back on the <a href="http://www.quintcareers.com/back_to_school.html#">educational</a> experiences (and outcomes) of the last year or more while making plans to improve performance levels. Doing these things now can help make this coming academic your year to succeed! Success in school – wherever you are in your educational journey and however you define success – provides such a mental and emotional lift, as well as the increased likelihood of greater success in life. You may not be a big believer in goal-setting or monitoring your performance, but typically everyone does these things to some extent – and the steps outlined in this entry – the third of five – simply formalize the process, which in the end should help you better achieve the goals you seek... and helping make this year YOUR year!<br/><br/>Set/Change/Modify Behaviors. The next step in this process is changing or modifying your behaviors. Again, simply setting a goal – and even having the right attitude – is not enough to achieve your goal. You also must be willing to make some changes in your behavior.<br/><br/>For <a href="http://www.quintcareers.com/back_to_school.html#">students</a>, the two biggest behavior changes are committing more time (or simply managing time better) and enhancing your work efforts. For example, simply devoting more hours to <a href="http://www.quintcareers.com/back_to_school.html#">school work</a> will achieve the goal for some students. For others, it may not be about time at all – but making the best use of their time.<br/> </article> <article> <h1>For a Great School Year, Attitude Should Match Goals</h1> <p>Sat, 18 Sep 2010 12:04:25 -0700</p> <a href="http://studentsuccessblog.com/Notes_on_Student_Success/Blog/Entries/2010/9/18_For_a_Great_School_Year,_Attitude_Should_Match_Goals_files/images3Fq3Dattitude26hl3Den26sa3DX26rlz3D1B3GGGL_enUS254US25426biw3D75126bih3D50026tbs3Disch-1%26itbs%3D1%26iact%3Dhc%26vpx%3D359%26vpy%3D126%26dur%3D102%26hovh%3D216%26hovw%3D211%26tx%3D99%26ty%3D103%26ei%3DfHZxTNuaB42msQP0k5.jpg"></a>Time for students to look back on the <a href="http://www.quintcareers.com/back_to_school.html#">educational</a> experiences (and outcomes) of the last year or more while making plans to improve performance levels. Doing these things now can help make this coming academic your year to succeed! Success in school – wherever you are in your educational journey and however you define success – provides such a mental and emotional lift, as well as the increased likelihood of greater success in life. You may not be a big believer in goal-setting or monitoring your performance, but typically everyone does these things to some extent – and the steps outlined in this entry – the second of five – simply formalize the process, which in the end should help you better achieve the goals you seek... and helping make this year YOUR year!<br/><br/>Align Attitude With Goals. Setting goals for yourself is nice, but if you also don't adjust your thinking – your attitude – you'll never actually achieve your goals. For example, if you're getting pressure from your family to improve your grades, but grades don't really matter much to you, then setting a goal to improve them without an attitude change will result in an unattained goal – and much greater frustration.<br/><br/>If you’re having a hard time adjusting your attitude, try conducting <a href="http://www.quintcareers.com/back_to_school.html#">research</a> or talking with an unbiased friend or mentor to discover the error of your ways. </article> <article> <h1>Set Goals to Make This a Great School Year</h1> <p>Wed, 15 Sep 2010 11:53:22 -0700</p> <a href="http://studentsuccessblog.com/Notes_on_Student_Success/Blog/Entries/2010/9/15_Set_Goals_to_Make_This_a_Great_School_Year_files/images3Fq3Dgoals26hl3Den26rlz3D1B3GGGL_enUS254US25426biw3D98226bih3D50026tbs3Disch-1%26itbs%3D1%26iact%3Dhc%26vpx%3D112%26vpy%3D193%26dur%3D542%26hovh%3D183%26hovw%3D275%26tx%3D190%26ty%3D81%26ei%3D1nNxTIWxNI_AsAPuq-yRCw%26oei%3D1nN.jpg"></a>Time for students to look back on the <a href="http://www.quintcareers.com/back_to_school.html#">educational</a> experiences (and outcomes) of the last year or more while making plans to improve performance levels. Doing these things now can help make this coming academic your year to succeed! Success in school – wherever you are in your educational journey and however you define success – provides such a mental and emotional lift, as well as the increased likelihood of greater success in life. You may not be a big believer in goal-setting or monitoring your performance, but typically everyone does these things to some extent – and the steps outlined in this entry – the first of five – simply formalize the process, which in the end should help you better achieve the goals you seek... and helping make this year YOUR year!<br/><br/>Set (Realistic, but Aspirational) Goals. Regardless of your past academic achievements, your first step should be setting goals for what you wish to achieve this school year. Don’t settle for what you've done in the past; instead, set goals that push you to work hard, achieve more. Goals can cover outcomes (grades), process (<a href="http://www.quintcareers.com/back_to_school.html#">study</a> habits), and just about any other issue of concern – such as choosing a college, major, or grad program; working better in teams; better relationships with teachers/professors; finding an internship or <a href="http://www.quintcareers.com/back_to_school.html#">job</a>.<br/><br/>Some sample goals:<br/> • Improve grades to earn spot on dean's list.<br/> • Obtain a job prior to graduation.<br/> • Set aside a daily two-hour block for studying/school-work.<br/> </article> <article> <h1>Seek Internal Validation, Not External</h1> <p>Sun, 12 Sep 2010 11:42:53 -0700</p> <a href="http://studentsuccessblog.com/Notes_on_Student_Success/Blog/Entries/2010/9/12_Seek_Internal_Validation,_Not_External_files/images3Fq3Dgood2Bgrades26hl3Den26rlz3D1B3GGGL_enUS254US25426biw3D98226bih3D50026tbs3Disch-1%26itbs%3D1%26iact%3Dhc%26vpx%3D494%26vpy%3D186%26dur%3D1108%26hovh%3D207%26hovw%3D208%26tx%3D121%26ty%3D162%26ei%3Dk3BxTIGDLIW8sQP6sq3S.jpg"></a>Whether good economy or bad, no one should ever rush into the decision on attending graduate school – whether for a master's, professional, or <a href="http://www.quintcareers.com/graduate_school_reasons.html#">doctoral degree</a>. Graduate programs are designed to enhance, augment, and fine-tune your existing skills and experience, preparing you for more advanced jobs and work. Going into a graduate program on a whim or without a strong vision of your future career will seriously dilute the value of your degree – and perhaps even hurt your chances of landing a <a href="http://www.quintcareers.com/graduate_school_reasons.html#">job</a> upon graduation. With these issues and concerns in mind, when is it time to go to grad school? This entry is the last in a series discussing four wrong reasons to go graduate school.<br/><br/>Seeking Further Self-Validation Through Good Grades/Professor Praise. If you're a good student, then next to your family, there is nothing better than to get praise from your professors – and for some people, it can almost become an addiction. While receiving praise from family and professors is a wonderful thing, life is about internal self-validation, and continuing your education for the sake of external validation only sets you up for greater failure and disappointment once you leave school.<br/><br/>Choosing to earn a <a href="http://www.quintcareers.com/graduate_school_reasons.html#">graduate</a> or professional degree for the right reasons can provide you with much success and rewards, but pursuing graduate <a href="http://www.quintcareers.com/graduate_school_reasons.html#">studies</a> for the wrong reasons will almost inevitably hurt you personally and professionally. Have you taken advantage of all our <a href="http://www.quintcareers.com/grad_school.html">graduate school resources</a>? Find everything you ever wanted to know about locating and attending graduate school – as well as jobs for job-seekers with advanced degrees. </article> <article> <h1>Top 5 Online Tools for Students </h1> <p>Fri, 10 Sep 2010 11:13:31 -0700</p> <a href="http://studentsuccessblog.com/Notes_on_Student_Success/Blog/Entries/2010/9/10_Top_5_Online_Tools_for_Students_files/clipart-2893.png"></a>This is a guest entry by Louise Baker:<br/><br/>Being a student isn’t exactly easy. It takes a lot of hard work. Most students are probably desperate to find ways to make completing all those tough assignments every semester a little easier. Here are five great online tools to make the job of being a student a little bit easier.<br/><br/>1. <a href="http://www.bookfinder.com/">Book Finder</a><br/>Some of the worst hidden costs of a college education are the prices of books. These prices can fluctuate greatly. The books for some classes may be relatively cheap. Others, however, may cost hundreds of dollars at the campus book store.<br/><br/>You may be wondering if there is a way to get the books you need and also make sure you are paying the cheapest prices possible. With Book Finder, you can do just that. It allows you to compare the prices of over 120 million books. It also makes price comparisons between nearly 4,000 different merchants. Chances are you will be able to find the book you need at the cheapest price possible.<br/><br/>2. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/">WorldCat</a><br/>Often, finding the correct sources for a paper can be quite a headache. Your school’s library may not have the books or journals you need, and you have no idea where else to look. WorldCat is such a great website because it gives you access to thousands upon thousands of library catalogues across the United States and the world. Chances are you will be able to find the book you need and be able to request it via an interlibrary loan.<br/><br/>3. <a href="http://verbalearn.com/">VerbaLearn</a><br/>This is one of the greatest tools available to English second language students. This tool helps you build up your English vocabulary and shows you the correct pronunciation for each word. What’s even better is that this is a program that actually learns. It will keep track your progress with the study sessions and pinpoint areas that need more work.<br/><br/>4. <a href="http://www.zotero.org/">Zotero</a><br/>Zotero is a helpful Firefox add-on great for composing papers. It works with both Open Office and Microsoft Word. What it does is help you create your works cited page. It will keep track of all your references as you find the books, journal articles, or websites you need. It will then help you compose all that information into a very neat looking works cited page.<br/><br/>5. <a href="http://www.google.com/google-d-s/b1.html">GoogleDocs</a><br/>This online tool available from Google is fantastic for group writing projects. To implement GoogleDocs, everyone from the group may be at home or in different dorm rooms. The conversations on what to do with the paper can be performed over an instant messaging program. Using the editing ability of GoogleDocs, the different team members can then edit a document together in real time.<br/><br/>Louise Baker writes about <a href="http://www.zencollegelife.com/">online degrees</a> for Zen College Life. She has recently also wrote about the <a href="http://www.zencollegelife.com/the-top-10-best-online-schools/">best schools online</a>.<br/><br/><br/> </article> <article> <h1>Don’t Go to Grad School to Avoid Career Cluelessness</h1> <p>Thu, 9 Sep 2010 11:33:20 -0700</p> <a href="http://studentsuccessblog.com/Notes_on_Student_Success/Blog/Entries/2010/9/9_Dont_Go_to_Grad_School_to_Avoid_Career_Cluelessness_files/clueless.jpg"></a>Whether good economy or bad, no one should ever rush into the decision on attending graduate school – whether for a master's, professional, or <a href="http://www.quintcareers.com/graduate_school_reasons.html#">doctoral degree</a>. Graduate programs are designed to enhance, augment, and fine-tune your existing skills and experience, preparing you for more advanced jobs and work. Going into a graduate program on a whim or without a strong vision of your future career will seriously dilute the value of your degree – and perhaps even hurt your chances of landing a <a href="http://www.quintcareers.com/graduate_school_reasons.html#">job</a> upon graduation. With these issues and concerns in mind, when is it time to go to grad school? This entry is the third in a series discussing four wrong reasons to go graduate school.<br/><br/>Continuing Education Because Have No Clue About Career. One of the biggest wastes of your time, effort, and money is continuing on to a graduate program simply by inertia because you have no clue what you want to do with your life. A graduate program will not provide you with career clarity – perhaps just the opposite. Instead of applying to graduate programs, use that time and energy to obtain career counseling (from professors, campus career center, career coaches) and/or for conducting self-assessment exercises.<br/><br/>Choosing to earn a <a href="http://www.quintcareers.com/graduate_school_reasons.html#">graduate</a> or professional degree for the right reasons can provide you with much success and rewards, but pursuing graduate <a href="http://www.quintcareers.com/graduate_school_reasons.html#">studies</a> for the wrong reasons will almost inevitably hurt you personally and professionally. Have you taken advantage of all our <a href="http://www.quintcareers.com/grad_school.html">graduate school resources</a>? Find everything you ever wanted to know about locating and attending graduate school – as well as jobs for job-seekers with advanced degrees. </article> <article> <h1>Postponing the Inevitable by Going to Grad School Isn’t Wise</h1> <p>Mon, 6 Sep 2010 16:07:04 -0700</p> <a href="http://studentsuccessblog.com/Notes_on_Student_Success/Blog/Entries/2010/9/6_Postponing_the_Inevitable_by_Going_to_Grad_School_Isnt_Wise_files/images3Fq3Dthe2Breal2Bworld26hl3Den26rlz3D1B3GGGL_enUS254US25426biw3D75026bih3D50326addh3D14026tbs3Disch-1%26itbs%3D1%26iact%3Dhc%26vpx%3D160%26vpy%3D123%26dur%3D454%26hovh%3D180%26hovw%3D180%26tx%3D66%26ty%3D49%26ei%3DxbltT.jpg"></a>Whether good economy or bad, no one should ever rush into the decision on attending graduate school – whether for a master's, professional, or <a href="http://www.quintcareers.com/graduate_school_reasons.html#">doctoral degree</a>. Graduate programs are designed to enhance, augment, and fine-tune your existing skills and experience, preparing you for more advanced jobs and work. Going into a graduate program on a whim or without a strong vision of your future career will seriously dilute the value of your degree – and perhaps even hurt your chances of landing a <a href="http://www.quintcareers.com/graduate_school_reasons.html#">job</a> upon graduation. With these issues and concerns in mind, when is it time to go to grad school? This entry is the second in a series discussing four wrong reasons to go graduate school.<br/><br/>Staying in School to Avoid Life/Real World. Finding a job in any job market can be a long, tough, and humbling experience – not to mention all the other stresses related to living on your own. Thus it's understandable why some folks like to stay in the cocoon of college, shielded from the realities of life, but all this strategy does is postpone the inevitable. The solution is to face your fears and move further into adulthood.<br/><br/>Choosing to earn a <a href="http://www.quintcareers.com/graduate_school_reasons.html#">graduate</a> or professional degree for the right reasons can provide you with much success and rewards, but pursuing graduate <a href="http://www.quintcareers.com/graduate_school_reasons.html#">studies</a> for the wrong reasons will almost inevitably hurt you personally and professionally. Have you taken advantage of all our <a href="http://www.quintcareers.com/grad_school.html">graduate school resources</a>? Find everything you ever wanted to know about locating and attending graduate school – as well as jobs for job-seekers with advanced degrees. </article> <article> <h1>Don’t Go to Grad School to Wait Out Bad Job Market</h1> <p>Fri, 3 Sep 2010 16:01:06 -0700</p> <a href="http://studentsuccessblog.com/Notes_on_Student_Success/Blog/Entries/2010/9/3_Dont_Go_to_Grad_School_to_Wait_Out_Bad_Job_Market_files/job-search.jpg"></a>Whether good economy or bad, no one should ever rush into the decision on attending graduate school – whether for a master's, professional, or <a href="http://www.quintcareers.com/graduate_school_reasons.html#">doctoral degree</a>. Graduate programs are designed to enhance, augment, and fine-tune your existing skills and experience, preparing you for more advanced jobs and work. Going into a graduate program on a whim or without a strong vision of your future career will seriously dilute the value of your degree – and perhaps even hurt your chances of landing a <a href="http://www.quintcareers.com/graduate_school_reasons.html#">job</a> upon graduation. With these issues and concerns in mind, when is it time to go to grad school? This entry is the first in a series discussing four wrong reasons to go graduate school.<br/><br/>Killing Time Waiting (and Hoping) for Job Market to Improve. In a weak economy, it’s certainly very tempting to simply continue in school, hoping that the additional couple of years for graduate school will give the job market enough time to improve. The problem with this strategy is that there is no guarantee the job market will be better by the time you complete your graduate studies – and even if the market is better, with little or no work experience, you can price yourself out of jobs because employers feel obligated to pay job-seekers with a master's degree more than those with just a bachelor’s – but they often value experience over a graduate degree with no experience.<br/><br/>Choosing to earn a <a href="http://www.quintcareers.com/graduate_school_reasons.html#">graduate</a> or professional degree for the right reasons can provide you with much success and rewards, but pursuing graduate <a href="http://www.quintcareers.com/graduate_school_reasons.html#">studies</a> for the wrong reasons will almost inevitably hurt you personally and professionally. Have you taken advantage of all our <a href="http://www.quintcareers.com/grad_school.html">graduate school resources</a>? Find everything you ever wanted to know about locating and attending graduate school – as well as jobs for job-seekers with advanced degrees. </article> <article> <h1>Grad School Can Help You Pursue Your Passion</h1> <p>Tue, 31 Aug 2010 15:57:03 -0700</p> <a href="http://studentsuccessblog.com/Notes_on_Student_Success/Blog/Entries/2010/8/31_Grad_School_Can_Help_You_Pursue_Your_Passion_files/images3Fq3Dpassion26hl3Den26rlz3D1B3GGGL_enUS254US25426biw3D100426bih3D49526tbs3Disch-1%26itbs%3D1%26iact%3Dhc%26vpx%3D567%26vpy%3D164%26dur%3D139%26hovh%3D224%26hovw%3D225%26tx%3D146%26ty%3D164%26ei%3DkLdtTPvvAYvWtQOCz5jACw%26oei.jpg"></a>Whether good economy or bad, no one should ever rush into the decision on attending graduate school – whether for a master's, professional, or <a href="http://www.quintcareers.com/graduate_school_reasons.html#">doctoral degree</a>. Graduate programs are designed to enhance, augment, and fine-tune your existing skills and experience, preparing you for more advanced jobs and work. Going into a graduate program on a whim or without a strong vision of your future career will seriously dilute the value of your degree – and perhaps even hurt your chances of landing a <a href="http://www.quintcareers.com/graduate_school_reasons.html#">job</a> upon graduation. With these issues and concerns in mind, when is it time to go to grad school? This entry is the last in a series discussing the five main reasons for attending graduate school.<br/><br/>Achieving Self-Actualization/Pursuing Your Passion. If your true motivation is learning for the sake of <a href="http://www.quintcareers.com/graduate_school_reasons.html#">learning</a> – for the intrinsic value and reward that additional studies and degrees provide – then it makes sense to continue your <a href="http://www.quintcareers.com/graduate_school_reasons.html#">educational</a> journey (for as long as you can afford it). Education is a powerful and life-enhancing tool – one that can improve your feelings of self-worth while boosting your ego and self-image.<br/><br/>Choosing to earn a <a href="http://www.quintcareers.com/graduate_school_reasons.html#">graduate</a> or professional degree for the right reasons can provide you with much success and rewards, but pursuing graduate <a href="http://www.quintcareers.com/graduate_school_reasons.html#">studies</a> for the wrong reasons will almost inevitably hurt you personally and professionally. Have you taken advantage of all our <a href="http://www.quintcareers.com/grad_school.html">graduate school resources</a>? Find everything you ever wanted to know about locating and attending graduate school – as well as jobs for job-seekers with advanced degrees. </article> <article> <h1>Grad Degree can Assist with Career Change</h1> <p>Sat, 28 Aug 2010 15:52:28 -0700</p> <a href="http://studentsuccessblog.com/Notes_on_Student_Success/Blog/Entries/2010/8/28_Grad_Degree_can_Assist_with_Career_Change_files/images3Fq3Dcareer2Bchange26hl3Den26rlz3D1B3GGGL_enUS254US25426biw3D100426bih3D49526tbs3Disch-1%26itbs%3D1%26iact%3Dhc%26vpx%3D316%26vpy%3D34%26dur%3D567%26hovh%3D264%26hovw%3D191%26tx%3D86%26ty%3D131%26ei%3DVrZtTMKTNoT4swP9u6CC.jpg"></a>Whether good economy or bad, no one should ever rush into the decision on attending graduate school – whether for a master's, professional, or <a href="http://www.quintcareers.com/graduate_school_reasons.html#">doctoral degree</a>. Graduate programs are designed to enhance, augment, and fine-tune your existing skills and experience, preparing you for more advanced jobs and work. Going into a graduate program on a whim or without a strong vision of your future career will seriously dilute the value of your degree – and perhaps even hurt your chances of landing a <a href="http://www.quintcareers.com/graduate_school_reasons.html#">job</a> upon graduation. With these issues and concerns in mind, when is it time to go to grad school? This entry is the fourth in a series discussing the five main reasons for attending graduate school.<br/><br/>Making a Career Change. One of the most powerful tools for facilitating a career change is additional <a href="http://www.quintcareers.com/graduate_school_reasons.html#">education</a> – often in the form of a professional or graduate degree. You'll still need to obtain experience and networking contacts in your new field, but a graduate program should assist you with both of these issues. Again, research is critical in uncovering the best program and degree for the career change you seek.<br/><br/>Choosing to earn a <a href="http://www.quintcareers.com/graduate_school_reasons.html#">graduate</a> or professional degree for the right reasons can provide you with much success and rewards, but pursuing graduate <a href="http://www.quintcareers.com/graduate_school_reasons.html#">studies</a> for the wrong reasons will almost inevitably hurt you personally and professionally. Have you taken advantage of all our <a href="http://www.quintcareers.com/grad_school.html">graduate school resources</a>? Find everything you ever wanted to know about locating and attending graduate school – as well as jobs for job-seekers with advanced degrees. </article> <article> <h1>Grad Degree Can Lead to Higher Pay</h1> <p>Wed, 25 Aug 2010 15:48:11 -0700</p> <a href="http://studentsuccessblog.com/Notes_on_Student_Success/Blog/Entries/2010/8/25_Grad_Degree_Can_Lead_to_Higher_Pay_files/salary-negotiation_965853.jpg"></a>Whether good economy or bad, no one should ever rush into the decision on attending graduate school – whether for a master's, professional, or <a href="http://www.quintcareers.com/graduate_school_reasons.html#">doctoral degree</a>. Graduate programs are designed to enhance, augment, and fine-tune your existing skills and experience, preparing you for more advanced jobs and work. Going into a graduate program on a whim or without a strong vision of your future career will seriously dilute the value of your degree – and perhaps even hurt your chances of landing a <a href="http://www.quintcareers.com/graduate_school_reasons.html#">job</a> upon graduation. With these issues and concerns in mind, when is it time to go to grad school? This entry is the third in a series discussing the five main reasons for attending graduate school.<br/><br/>Seeking Higher Salary/Better Paying Jobs. There's no question that people with a graduate degree earn more than those with a bachelor’s degree. While it certainly depends on your occupation and the type of program and degree, studies show on average, workers with a <a href="http://www.quintcareers.com/graduate_school_reasons.html#">master's degree</a> earn about 30 percent more than those with a bachelor’s. For folks in business considering an MBA, salaries can jump 50 percent – or higher – depending on the MBA, industry, and previous work experience.<br/><br/>Choosing to earn a <a href="http://www.quintcareers.com/graduate_school_reasons.html#">graduate</a> or professional degree for the right reasons can provide you with much success and rewards, but pursuing graduate <a href="http://www.quintcareers.com/graduate_school_reasons.html#">studies</a> for the wrong reasons will almost inevitably hurt you personally and professionally. Have you taken advantage of all our <a href="http://www.quintcareers.com/grad_school.html">graduate school resources</a>? Find everything you ever wanted to know about locating and attending graduate school – as well as jobs for job-seekers with advanced degrees. </article> </main></body></html>