By Dixie Somers

When students begin university they sometimes have difficulty deciding on a major. Quite a few of these students will decide to pursue a degree that is fun, such as art history. While this type of degree is interesting to pursue, they don’t often lead to lucrative careers. Subjects like art history can also be learned on the internet and through personal practice outside of college. With this in mind, you might want to focus on pursing more practical subjects that will provide you with marketable skills and knowledge, especially ​those subjects that are difficult to learn outside of a curriculum setting. They will have a much better foundation for career success.



Medicine
One field that will provide you with a foundation for a successful career is medicine. This is a graduate program in which you attend and complete medical school. By getting a medical degree, you will be in position to pursue a career as either a physician, a medical scientist or a teacher of medicine. 


Law 
Students who are looking to pursue a degree program that results in a lucrative career will benefit by obtaining a law degree. Like medicine, law is a graduate degree program in which you attend law school. After completing law school, you will be eligible to take the bar exam. Once this exam is passed, you will then be able to become a practicing attorney. Law is one of the highest paying fields in the labor market as well, so it is worth pursuing. 


Engineering 
One of the most beneficial degrees that a student can earn is an engineering degree. This is the study of applied sciences in a variety of fields. With an engineering degree, you can pursue careers in the medicine, electronics, mechanics, chemistry and planning infrastructure. Therefore, pursuing a degree such as an online civil engineering degree will provide students with marketable knowledge and can lead to a very rewarding career.​


Computer Science
Those who are looking to attain marketable knowledge and skills will want to consider pursuing a degree in computer science. This is the study of computer software, hardware, programming as well as software design and development. With this degree, you will be in position to work in some of the highest paying fields, such as systems analysis, software development and software engineering. A computer science degree will allow you to be competitive in the job market. 


Nursing
Individuals who are looking to get into a lucrative career in the medical field without becoming a physician will want to pursue a degree in nursing. This is the study of providing immediate medical care to patients. You will learn about human anatomy and physiology as well as gaining clinical experience. With this degree, you will be able to get into an in-demand field. 

Anyone who invests the time to pursue a degree in these fields will be in a position to get into a rewarding career. Since these degree programs provide you with knowledge that is in high demand, you will become a valuable employment candidate. You can always learn about things like art, history, or language later. Considering these more technical degrees will ensure that you have stable employment in the future.
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Dixie Somers is a freelance writer. Find Dixie on Facebook.

​By Niki Bridges

Students across the globe often dread group projects. Concern about not being in control of the final outcome of the project may surface, or you may be more comfortable with classes in which the professor gives a lecture, and you individually work on assignments. You may be nervous about being able to express yourself in a group of people from different cultures, in a language that is not your strength. No matter your particular issue, there are some things to keep in mind to help you navigate the group work experience:


1. Find your voice—now
You may be tempted to passively agree with the majority of your group, in the hopes that you will not be called upon or noticed overly much. But this is a grave mistake. Offer your opinion, provide suggestions, and assert yourself when necessary. Introduce your thoughts with phrases like, “I think that…” or, “I see your point, but…” Overcoming your nervousness to become an active and valued participant in your group will decrease the chances that you are taken advantage of. It will also increase the likelihood that you do well on the assignment. Keep the common purpose of a high grade in mind. 


2. Ask for clarification of concepts or phrases that you do not understand
If a member of your group makes a cultural reference that you are not familiar with, or if he or she incorporates slang into informal conversations, it is perfectly fine to admit that you do not understand. Your classmates can serve as a great source of information. As you learn these new ways of speaking, it might be helpful to write them down so that you can use this language in future conversations (when appropriate).


3. Check in with your professor
If there are issues that cannot be solved among the group, it is best to inform your professor. He or she can help the group refocus and return to the task at hand. In the event that there is a serious issue, you can enlist your professor’s help in order to be reassigned to another group or offered an alternate assignment. You may also have additional concerns regarding cultural norms and language barriers. Your professor may be able to direct you to resources that can help you adjust. 


4. Get to know your group members
Chances are that you will be assigned to a team with people you do not know well. When the professor first assigns groups, it is important to have an initial meeting where everyone exchanges contact information, decides on the best way to communicate, determines the frequency of meetings, and recognizes other commitments that may impact the amount of time that group members can spend on the assignment. If you feel uncomfortable with heading part of an assignment by yourself, you can ask to form a sub-group with another person to help you tackle the task.  

As an international student, group assignments can be challenging. Being partnered with unfamiliar people whose culture may be very different from your own may make you feel reluctant to express yourself. Self-confidence, open-mindedness, and a genuine interest in people will go a long way towards building mastery in group settings.


Niki Bridges is a contributing writer for UniversityTutor.com, the world’s largest global marketplace for finding independent tutors.

By Dixie Somers

Studying abroad is one of the most rewarding and exciting opportunities you'll have in your academic career. Many students dream about studying in a foreign country for years. Now that the time is near, there are some pointers you should take to heart before jet setting off to your new home away from home. Here are five simple but powerful ways to make the most of your time while studying in Europe.


Don't Stick to the School
While living with fellow Americans and students makes studying abroad fun, it can also hold you back from truly delving into your new country and discovering all it has to offer. Don't stay on campus, in residential housing or only frequent the neighborhood you're staying in. Sure, there are bound to be a slew of bars and restaurants nearby that offer a great atmosphere and good eats at affordable prices, but they're more than likely touristy. Make a point to visit at least one zone beyond your school and neighborhood per week. 


See the Landmarks Early
Instead of revolving your entire time abroad around tourist districts and famous sites like Big Ben or the Trevi Foundation, aim to live the tourist life your first two weeks and dedicate the rest of your stay to adventuring beyond the city center. You'll gain far more knowledge and memorable experiences seeing the city as locals do than you will drinking overpriced coffees and browsing souvenirs.


Start Learning Customs Beforehand
Americans don't have the best reputation overseas, and one of the reasons is that study abroad students and tourists tend to dominate a foreign country and act the way they do back home. Life in the United States isn't like life in Europe, so make sure you find out things to know before you visit London or another popular study abroad destination. Make sure that you research the culture and customs of that city. You'll not only come off as more respectful to the natives, but you will also spare yourself some embarrassing moments.


Embrace a New Language
If you're headed to a country where English isn't the first language, make sure you truly embrace this fact as an opportunity to learn. Not only can learning a new language help you get around the city, but it will also look great on a resume once you're back home and applying to jobs.
There are certain survival words and phrases everyone should know in a foreign language like "please", "thank you", and "Do you speak English?" But don't stop there. Try to really learn the language so you can ask questions, converse with locals and experience the country as naturally as possible.


Emphasize Culture
While you should enjoy your time overseas, many students studying abroad waste a lot of their time partying and falling into the same bar-hopping routine on the weekends. Don't allow yourself to settle in your new country. You aren't going to be there for long, and the semester will fly by faster than you can imagine. While you absolutely should hit the town and have some late nights with friends, make sure that your entire itinerary doesn't revolve around partying and drinking.
Research the country you're headed to and make a list of places you want to see, restaurants you want to eat at and any other noteworthy experiences you want to have while you're there. Follow the diet of the natives. Shop where they do, learn to cook the cuisine of the country, learn about its history and truly embrace the culture around you.


Make the Most of Being Overseas
You're bound to feel like there's too much ground to cover at one point or another while you're studying abroad, but keep in mind that how you live while you're overseas is just as important as what you're doing there. See all the essentials as early as possible and dedicate the rest of your time to learning as much as you can about another part of the world.
The experience of truly embracing another culture is life changing and will stay with you long after the semester has ended.

Dixie Somers is a freelance writer. Find Dixie on Facebook.

​Teaching English as a foreign language (or TEFL) can be a rewarding career for those individuals who possess the necessary skill set. But how does one know if TEFL is right for him or her? For that matter, how does one identify which age groups he or she would like to work with, or which location to teach in? For those with an interest and ability, teaching English as a foreign language can involve travel all over the world—while working for corporations or school systems, or independently. 


However, teaching is not for everyone. Luckily, there are certain characteristics that can indicate whether or not you would be successful as a TEFL instructor, and you should consider them before you begin to plan your move. Here are five to start with:


1. You can provide accessible explanations
One of the most important skills to possess when teaching any subject is the ability to explain a concept, idea, or process in a simple and accessible way. This is especially true of teaching a language, where elements like grammar and structure can dramatically change the meaning of a word or phrase. Moreover, those who teach English as a foreign language sometimes teach groups of students with varying levels of skill.


If you are wondering whether you would be a great TEFL teacher, consider your ability to explain information to others who may have little or no understanding of the subject. If you realize that you are particularly good at providing easily comprehensible explanations with strong examples, TEFL might be right for you.


2. You are patient
Whether you are teaching children, teenagers, or adults, you will require a great deal of patience. Everyone learns in different ways and at different speeds, which can be challenging in a classroom setting, particularly when students become frustrated with their progress. You cannot simply enter a classroom, teach a lesson, and expect everyone to immediately absorb and remember what you have said. In some cases, you might have to repeat yourself several times, or devise different methods to accommodate those who struggle with the material. Nevertheless, teachers who are able to remain extremely patient in the face of adversity may find the field to be very rewarding.


3. You are interested in other languages and cultures
One of the primary qualifications of a TEFL teacher is a mastery of the English language. After all, your job is to teach that language to others. But some of the best teaching methods are based on a two-way exchange, rather than a one-directional lesson. For example, if you are teaching English to a student from China, it could significantly improve your lessons to knew some things about Chinese culture and the languages of the country. Not only does this demonstrate an investment in the students, which can be very motivating, it also makes the learning experience a collaboration in which you and the student can learn from one another.


4. You are flexible and creative
As previously noted, everyone has a different learning style. This means that while you may have a plan in mind for how you will teach a given lesson, that plan can easily change. You would then have to develop a second plan on the fly. For those individuals who tend to be more flexible and creative, these situations can be very productive. They can also lead to exciting and beneficial learning experiences. On the other hand, if you are not the kind of person who can adapt to unexpected changes, teaching a foreign language in a classroom of diverse learners could be very challenging.


5. You are organized and communicate effectively
Being well-organized and articulate can be an asset in most jobs, but it is particularly important for teachers. In a TEFL class, you may teach people from various countries, and you would need to be able to articulate your lessons in different ways so that everyone can follow along easily.


If you are the kind of person who tends to be very orderly and has no trouble expressing your thoughts and ideas in different ways, you would probably make a great TEFL teacher.  


David White is a contributing writer for UniversityTutor.com, the world’s largest global marketplace for finding independent tutors.

By Dixie Somers

When you start college, it's easy to imagine the career you'll have afterward. Even if you started off as a clueless undeclared major, you still have the firm notion you'll figure out what you want to do with your life over the next four years and find a career right after graduation.
Unfortunately, most of us realize after we graduate how difficult the job hunt can be, even for those who graduated at the top of their class. Regional location, prior work experience and other factors wind up making even the most diligent student worried about how they'll actually use the degree they worked so hard for.
Don't feel bad if you're having a hard time finding a job in the field you studied; you're not alone, and the good news is that while you may not be able to see a clear use for your degree at this exact moment, there are plenty of ways it can come in handy, five of which we're about to tell you right now!


1. Become an Influencer

Having a college education is a wonderful achievement. Not only should you feel proud of yourself, but you should also use your degree as a way to inspire others. It sounds braggy, but when applied in the right circumstances, having a college degree can turn you into a role model for someone else.
If you don't have any young people in your life to talk to about the importance of higher education and hard work, programs like Big Brothers Big Sisters of America can always use volunteers to work with youth and be a positive influence in their lives.


2. Use Your Knowledge to Learn a Technical Skill

You might have been dismayed reading through job postings and realizing the positions you want require a bunch of skills your college classes never covered. That's okay. If you already have a solid foundation for your future career, you can use that to be successful in online classes.
You can get certified in many skills online, or just teach yourself crucial skills that look great on your resume and might make the difference between getting hired or not. Check out sites like Coursera, edX and Mediabistro to explore the wide range of digital marketing, project management and technical skills job recruiters are looking for today. 


3. Work with a Non-Profit for Practice

It might not pay anything, but using your degree to help out a non-profit organization will look great on a resume. Willingly offering your education and time to a non-profit shows recruiters that you have passion and are truly dedicated to your field. You'll gain hands-on experience and get to understand what your future career might be like and get to network with other professionals.
It's also an emotionally gratifying experience to know that your knowledge is doing some good.


4. Find an Internship

You may have done one or more in college and think you're beyond interning, but there's no real age cap on being an intern, and this could be a foot in the door. The fact you're already graduated will make you favorable in the eyes of the recruiter, and your willingness to start at the bottom as an intern and work your way up demonstrates determination and humbleness necessary to thrive in many work environments.
You can also look for internships in other fields or industries you never considered; consider it a chance to use your degree while still exploring all your options.


5. Use it to Further Your Education

The only way to get into a master's program is by having an undergraduate degree, and you're already there! Consider furthering your degree and giving yourself a competitive edge. For example, if you have a degree in biology, you could earn a CLS degree online. You can also explore other options and wind up studying a subject you never considered before.
Going to graduate school can also put you in touch with career advisors, alumni and fellow students who can encourage your studies and help you find that dream job. Your bachelor's degree is something you need to get a job most of the time, but your master's can truly be all about your passions and studying something you love.


Stay Confident

Don't lose hope or feel like a failure just because you're stuck working the same job you had before you graduated. Even if you're nowhere remotely close to the career you envisioned, you've already achieved something wonderful by simply getting a degree.
Now, it's all up to you how you use it.

Dixie Somers is a freelance writer. Find Dixie on Facebook.