During any economic rough spot, studies of previous downturns and recessions start popping up all over the place. Sometimes they offer a little light at the end of the tunnel, but some new studies show just the opposite for recent graduates. Entering the worst job market in 25 years isn’t the only cross to bear for these recent grads, studies are showing that the effects of the recession could last for 15 more years before getting back to normal. (more…)

Over a few pints at a local brewery, a friend and I began to talk about education. He’s worried. Now, it seems like there’s a lot of worry going around. These are toughening times for colleges, universities, students, and public education. The budget, though, was not his main concern. What got him all riled up was his belief that America has fallen behind the rest of the world in math and science. (more…)

Higher Education & Salary Potential
The relationship between higher education and salary is well documented.  The more formal training you have, the higher your earning potential.  But have you ever wondered what that potential actually is?  How does a bachelor’s degree in computer programming compare to an associate’s degree in massage therapy?  And how much does an extra year of training affect either of these two fields?  How much more can you make with one degree over another?

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Self-Learning Is Great.  Formal Education Is Better.
I’m a big fan of experience, trial & error, and self-learning.  When you work your way through problems and challenges, you master a much broader range of skills than if you have someone sit down and show you all the shortcuts.  In many ways, those who pursue personal, informal education often learn more than those who receive formal instruction.  However, degree holders rule the world. Politicians, lawyers, engineers, programmers, teachers, doctors, and entrepreneurs rarely get to the top on “can-do” dedication and sacrifice alone.
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Non-Working Spouses Who Live abroad Can Still Learn
If you’re a spouse who lives abroad but can’t legally work, you might have difficulty finding ways to fill your days.  After awhile, novelty of living abroad begins wearing off, and you won’t always have a network of friends with whom to visit museums and have “power lunches.”  If this sounds familiar, consider what an online degree can do for you, both professionally and socially.
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Is It Better to Have Two Associate Degrees or One Bachelors?
Moving incrementally up the ladder, is it better to have two associate’s degrees or one bachelor’s?  Two bachelor’s or one master’s?  Two master’s or one doctorate?  If you’re looking for a one-size-fits all response, you might be disappointed.  As with most things in life, the answer is never simple.  The number and type of degrees that you pursue ultimately depends on what you want to do with them.
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How Much Should Your Boss Know about Your Education Plans?
Continuing education (especially online) is becoming an increasingly popular career-advancement tool for thousands of professionals across the country.  Whether you want to change jobs or move up the ladder, an additional degree or certification can sometimes make all the difference.  But how much information should you share with your employer?  Well, the answer is not as simple as you might believe.  There are instances where full disclosure might be a wise decision.  But there are also cases where telling your boss might only make things more difficult for you.
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Public School Teachers: Gatekeepers of America’s Future
Kudos to the tens of thousands of public school teachers out there who get up every morning, rush off to school, and work with unmotivated students using out-of-date textbooks in overcrowded classrooms.  You do all of this for 5-8 hours every day, only to take home papers, tests, and quizzes to grade every evening.  Thereafter, you map out some more lesson plans and get ready for bed to repeat the process again tomorrow.  At a median salary of $44K a year, you are missionaries of academia, grossly underpaid for the sheer volume and importance of the work that you do.  It’s time to turn your missionary status into mercenary status.
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Some Artists Seem to Have Plenty to Eat. Why Is That?
The myth of the starving artist has been depicted in books, film, television, and of course, art. And although it serves as a powerful vehicle for storytelling, this myth might need some serious reworking in the digital age. For whereas demand for still-life portraits might be on the decline, graphic designers, animators, and related workers should find demand for their skills holding steady or rising. Much of this growth stems from the rapid increase in advertising spending and digital media. For every commission that Picasso may have received 100 years ago, there are probably 100,000 magazine covers, billboards, movies, commercials, and logo requests in today’s world.
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Should Education Go at the Top or Bottom of your CV?
When building your resume, should you include education before professional experience or vice versa? This is a problem that confronts many job seekers, and unfortunately, everyone seems to have his or her own take on the situation. There are pros and cons to either arrangement, so it really depends on a number of factors (industry, job, HR rep, etc). Below are some quick pointers to aid you in your CV design:
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