College After University: A Few Things You Should Know

As many students are facing large amounts of debt as well as a difficult time finding jobs after university, enrolling in a college program after university is a viable option. Below is a sponsored post from Westervelt College which provides career college programs to help you get an edge in your job search with career specific skills.

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As many students are now finding, a university degree no longer guarantees you a great job with good pay and benefits. More and more graduates are having to consider going back to school to learn more practical skills in order to find a job. This means that they are taking on more student debt, and spending more years in school before starting their career. Part of the trend is that a college diploma, degree, or certificate imparts the skills needed to land that first job in your industry, while a university degree will be useful for career advancement later.

collegeafteruniversity

College also tends to be much less expensive than university. When faced with thousands of dollars in student loan debt, the last thing many students want to consider is paying another dollar in tuition. Fortunately, a college program tends be shorter and less expensive than taking another university degree. Paying lower tuition fees for fewer semesters makes going back to school seem a lot less daunting!

When choosing a college, keep in mind what your previous education and your interests are. For example, if you enjoyed the creativity of writing, you might consider taking a Marketing or Communications program. Your college education will compliment your university education, giving you a more well-rounded education that includes the skills necessary to get the job you want

While how you learn will largely depend on the program you choose, look for a program that focuses on practical, marketable job skills. Your university degree probably gave you a solid foundation of knowledge to build on. College should be about learning how to apply what you know in the workforce. Programs taught by people working in the industry you’re interested in and programs that feature practicums are a great way to gain some hands-on experience. These work placements are also a great way to build relationships with people in your industry, which can help you land a job after graduation.

During a college program, you might find yourself spending more time on campus and in class than you did while in university. You might want to take this into consideration while considering college, by choosing a college where you enjoy the campus environment and feel comfortable. Also take into account the class sizes. It’s not unusual for a university class to be as large as 200 students. When looking at colleges, you’ll want to find one that offers small class sizes. This is more important at college because learning hands-on skills requires more personal attention from your instructor.

For years, going to college carried a sort of stigma among parents who thought that university was the only option for a “good” career. Unfortunately, university usually doesn’t focus on the practical skills that will get a graduate a job in today’s job market. Going to college after university can give you the edge you need to get started in your dream career.

Westervelt College is a career college located in London, Ontario, offering programs in the Faculties of Business, Healthcare, Technology, Law and Service.

 

 

Letter to A Graduate

Letter to a Graduate

Within recent weeks I have seen countless posts on Facebook with friends graduating from university, their joy, plans for great adventures and their overwhelming sense of relief for having finished their 4 years (or more). The last few weeks of college or university are filled with nostalgia, recounting all the memories over the last few years the good and the bad. So I’ve decided to write a letter to a graduate, all of you out there.

Also I want to say congrats to all of those who have graduated in 2013, I hope to do the same next year and can’t wait for the relief as I walk out of my final university exam.

The Stress is over…sort of

Now I know that as soon as you finish your last exam and realize, holy crap I’ve completed my undergraduate degree you’re going to be relieved, happy and excited for the future. The stress of having to scrounge around for a few dollars to afford that night out or to pay for your last grocery bill may be a thing of the past. But there are a few things in what we like to call the real world that might get you a little stressed. I’ve decided to compile a list of things to remember, keep in mind and also some tips that will help you on your way to financial success in the future. Now keep in mind these aren’t perfect, I don’t know everything, but definitely think about these things when you plan your around the trip around the world or maybe just to Europe, start applying to graduate school or even when you sign your first lease.

Write out your goals

This one isn’t just financial but it’s important to write out your goals for your finances, personal well-being, career etc. Put it down on paper, make a word document, slap sticky notes up on your mirror..whatever works for you. It’s really important to write it down whether it be virtual or on paper. The more concrete you make these goals the better.

Make a Plan…sort of

I’m the first one to say..make a plan, plan, plan, plan. But yes life should be spontaneous once in a while. I definitely want to go to the airport one day and just buy a random airplane ticket and go. But there are some things in life that unfortunately require our more mature side like career choices, picking a place to live, and then basically everything that has to do with banking and saving money. You really need to figure out whether or not you really can afford to live away from home during the first few years of your career. It never makes sense to spend 50%+ on rent/housing if you can help it, really consider if you should live with your parents for a few years post graduation..you do have all of those pesky student loans to pay off don’t you? Saving is really important as well, and it sucks that we have to start thinking about it, but the earlier you start saving for retirement the better, even though you know…you’re just starting to work. It is crazy to start thinking about when you will stop working when you’re old and grey, but the more you save earlier the earlier you can stop working…works out nice in the end doesn’t it?

Sort out Your Finances

First things first, the current bank that you are with is going to start charging you to have a chequing account, and they probably won’t notify you that they’re doing it!

Switch to a no fee bank account like PC Financial and you won’t have to deal with any fee’s.

Another thing to do is to check up on all of your current loans whether they be credit cards, student loans or lines of credit and figure out a plan to pay them off or find a way to reduce your interest fees.

Find A Career Path That You Love

The rest of this has been pretty, you know..serious and money focused. But one thing I always say is, make sure that whatever path you choose make it one that you want to be on. As college or university graduates we have the slight luxury of not having to work in any job just so you can survive and eat the next day. Yes, if you choose not to work then you probably wont have any money to afford food or housing but you get the point. Really pick something that you love, you don’t want to be counting down every day until 5pm.

Final Thoughts

Once again congrats on graduating, enjoy all of the adventures that you go on, the paths you follow. Just please make sure to make financial choices that won’t leave you panicked later in life. I hope this letter to a graduate resonates with all of you, and you realize there are a lot of big choices after grad that you need to focus on to make sure your life is a lot less stressful and chaotic.