Anytime, Anywhere

No matter where in the world you are, your Google Docs can be accessed. This makes working on the go very easy. You can do it at home, during school breaks, or even during travel.

What Was That Word Again?

What kept me with Microsoft Office for so long was the spell check. Even as an English major, there are some words that I simply cannot spell. Microsoft Office highlights my mistakes so I can get everything right. What I didn’t realize was that Google Docs has the same tool plus more. The “define” option has a built in thesaurus, dictionary and even an encyclopedia.

Mobile Work

Google Docs can be used on your mobile device. It is easily downloaded and is perfect for those last minute changes that come to mind. Simply open you phone and get to it before it slips your mind!

Pick a File, Any File

Your Google Docs can be saved to all the common spreadsheets and documents; HTML, DOC, DOCX, CSV and XLS.

Can You AutoDetect me Please?

Putting in full URL’s can be a pain in the backside. With Google Docs all you have to do is add the links and Google will automatically detect them for you. This saves a ton of time and is oh so convenient.

Temple of Templates

Need a specific template for a specific document? It is very likely that Google Docs has something that you can use. There are a wide variety of templates for almost any project from organizing where you sent off resumes to filing your household bills. If you need it, Google has it.

What’s That Fact?

When doing a spreadsheet you can easily insert facts right into it. All the information is gathered from the Google search engine and placed right where you need it.

Shall We Team Up?

Unlike other document programs, Google Docs allows you to work with others on the same document. Simply share your document folder with whomever you are working with and whenever anyone logs into the document or makes changes, the other will know about it so everyone is up-to-date.

Graph it!

In Google Docs you can make use of visual art such as graphs and tables. These things really help you get your points across and Google helps make your points look excellent!

Hook Up with Other Docs

Even though I love Google Docs, I had used Microsoft Office for so long it is like an old friend that I sometimes go hang out with again. That is fine though because Google lets you synch the docs you have with them with your Microsoft files. Use the Syncplicity tool to get this done.

Coloring

For ease of use, color code your folders for fast and easy identification.

Freeze Sucka!

When working on a document with others, you can freeze lines that you do not want touched. This is great because if the others you are working with get a different idea and want to change things up, they have to consult with you first because with this freeze technology they cannot change a thing. I wish I would have had this during my years in undergrad!

Offline? No Problem!

Even if you cannot access the internet you can still access your Google Docs. This is great for traveling when hot spots are hard to come by.

Translate that Please

Use the translation tool offered by Google Docs to check out your work. It is always good to double check when writing in a language other than your first.

What’s My Grade?

On Google Docs you will find a program called Flubaroo. It gives you fast feedback on your work so you have the chance to makes changes and improvements before turning it in for your final grade.

There are many other things that you can do with Google Docs that can make your life easier. Aside from using it for your school work, consider using it for your personal life organization as well!

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Surviving the Zombie Apocalypse

Yes you have read this correctly. At Michigan State University the most popular class of all is called Surviving the Coming Zombie Apocalypse-Catastrophes and Human Behavior. This summer course that spans just 7 weeks is filled up just minutes after enrollment opens so be there early or suffer the consequences of being unprepared for the zombies! This awesome class uses simulations where you must get in a group and figure out how to survive. There are also other possible situations like meteor strikes and plaques of Black Death.

A Course in Ice Cream

If you love ice cream you should enroll in Penn States Cow to Cone class where you learn everything you ever wanted to know about ice cream and how to make a living with it. This is where Ben and Jerry got their start! Of course you get to taste the fruits of your labor once you are complete. Talk about a cool class! You can even say that it is ice cold!

Tree Swingers

If swinging from the branches of tall trees sound like a fun time to you, enrolling in Binghamton University’s tree climbing class is a must. Heavy tree cover surrounds the campus and you never have to worry about falling since you will be hooked to a harness and rope for you safety.

Application Development

New iPhone applications are popping up each and every day. The market for these apps is massive and because of this, teaching how to design them has become an important aspect of careers in technology. At Stanford University there is a class that teaches you all about app creation and development. By the end of the class you should be able to put out your very own application. What’s even cooler is that while you can take the class while attending Stanford, you can also take it as a free downloaded class online!

Scuba Diving

Scuba diving is one of the most exciting past times ever. Most people never get to realize the dream of learning scuba diving, but if you attend the University of Massachusetts at Amherst you can do just that. You begin by learning in the university pool and then move onto diving drips into the ocean on the weekends.

Rockets and Instrumentation

Once upon a time, building and playing with rockets was something for kid to do to pass the time. That is no longer true and the proof is in the college classes offering rocket and instrumentation. The most popular program of this kind can be taken at the University of Washington. You will learn physics to help you know how to launch the rockets that you build with your own two hands. How exciting is that?

Beverage Fermentation

The University of Michigan is on a roll when it comes to the coolest college classes. In addition to the Zombie training class, you can learn all about fermented beverages. This class teaches about the anaylization of beer and wine. This is a good thing for college students to learn. Not only is it interesting, it can also help them make wiser choices about drinking as there is part of the class that teaches about responsible consumption of alcohol.

Sex, Politics and Race: Campus Free Speech

With the Occupy movement still fresh in our memories, the class Sex, Politics and Race: Campus Free Speech is a popular one at UCLA. This class is cool in that it gives students an outlet for discussion about controversial topics in a structured environment. It is said of the class that “this class may provide the roadmap for a successful occupy (insert name) movement.

Vote for Pedro

Though this may sound like a lame class, it is actually very cool. For those who are interested in pop culture it is perfect! You will learn about all sorts of art such as Japanese comics, Mexican street art and the rock and drug culture. To take this class you have to attend Washington University.

Lady Gaga

Lady Gaga has been a hot topic for quite some time. Maybe that is why it should not be surprising that she inspired a college class at the University of South Carolina. The class is called Lady Gaga and the Sociology of Fame. You will learn about business law, entertainment law, marketing for celebrities, and other aspects of pop culture.

There are so many more cool college classes out there. Wherever you choose to enroll, do some research to find some cool classes to add to your schedule!

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Nuclear Science and Technology

This class is offered by the University of Pittsburgh. It focuses on design, theory and operation of nuclear reactors. Contempory issues such as the cycle of nuclear fuel and nuclear economics will also be touched upon. This is the perfect class for those that are scientifically inclined but have little to no knowledge or instruction about nuclear issues as it is meant to stimulate and develop these interests.

Engaging Students in Coop Learning

This class is offered by John Hopkins University. This is a foundation class that helps people to learn about cooperative learning and why it is important in real life situations. Theories are discussed and students are motivated to learn how to work well in any working environment. This is the perfect class for those who teach or work in the field of administration as it help to incorporate new idea into their job and teaches more practical ways to approach certain job tasks.

Intro to Sociology

This class is offered by Princeton University. Sociology is a good class to take no matter what your career path in life is. This particular class will go over the basics of sociology in order to help students to better understand their own life experiences and situations. Sociology is also a way to help you relate to situations from other cultures that are outside your immediate scope of knowledge.

Medical Neuroscience

This class is offered by Duke University (GO BLUE DEVILS!). This class is meant to explore the physiology and organization of the central nervous system. While anyone can sign up for it, it is best for students in health profession programs on the graduate level. The basic brain cognitions, sensory systems and motor systems are well covered. This is even a great class for high school students who plan on going pre-med and are already taken AP classes in science.

Archaeology

This class is offered by Brown University. So many people have dreamed of going on an archaeological dig…admit it! Even though this class will not take you on this adventure, but it will get you closer to the knowledge you need if you ever do get to fulfill this dream. You learn just what this career includes. After you take this class, you will never again be able to look down at the ground in the same way again!

These are just a few classes that are offered for free. You can find free classes on art, writing, science, math, and so much more. All you have to do is sign up and show up in order to get involved. Even if you take only one class, it will add some good padding to your resume. If you are planning to apply to college, showing that you voluntarily took these classes will also bode well for you. Even though I go to grad school full time, I also take at least 4 classes per year extra to gain more experience in broader areas. I cannot tell you how much these experiences have helped me.

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1: This is a Useless Class

Professors teach because they want to spread their knowledge to others. No matter what the class is the find it important and the information valid and needed. Maybe the class is really easy. Perhaps it is the class you choose to ensure that you got an easy A. If this is true, never tell your professor. Knowing that you are not there because you are interested in his or her subject and that you think their class is nothing at all to pass will harm the relationship you have with them. It will also affect them personally. Teaching is their life and they don’t want to feel that what they do is pointless. On another note, no A is ever guaranteed. If you don’t do the work  you will get the grade you DESERVE!

2: Did I Miss Anything Important?

If you missed a class for whatever reason, you will of course want to know what happened while you were gone and what you need to make up. It is perfectly fine to ask about what was missed, but do not EVER ask if anything IMPORTANT was missed. It is all important. To think otherwise is an insult to your professor and your education as a whole. If you did miss something (which you will have since every day in class important information is doled out), you should ask if there are any notes your professor to give you. If not, find someone in the class that is willing to share their notes. If there was a lecture (and there likely was), see if it was videotaped or if there is a transcript.

3: I Didn’t Know it was Due!

College is NOT  high school. In high school you are constantly reminded about assignments, tests, papers and most of all, due dates. In college you are handed a syllabus at the beginning of the semester and it is totally up to you to know what you have to do, when you have to do it and when you have to hand it in. It is not your professor’s job to babysit you because you are now living in the adult world. You are totally responsible for yourself now so excuses in college simply do not fly. There is no “my dog ate my homework”, “I was up late with my friend because her boyfriend broke up with her and she was upset” or “I DIDN’T KNOW IT WAS DUE”! By not being prepared you are telling your professor that you have not grasped the material and that you cannot be relied on to be a grownup. You do not want this to be the message that gets put out when you are supposed to be an adult.

4: Did You Respond to my Email Yet?

This question is just downright stupid and disrespectful. If you emailed your professor you can expect that he or she responded in a timely manner. By asking if they have responded yet you are telling them that you are too lazy and irresponsible to have simply checked your inbox to see for yourself. You are telling them that the response is not all that important, and in essence saying that what their response was wasn’t important. Professors are busy people that do their best to support and help all of their students. Show them some respect by recognizing this fact.

5: Sorry My Assignment isn’t Ready, I was Busy

This is the ultimate slap in the face to a professor. No matter how much work you have in your other classes, you have to make the time to do the work for all of them. Do not choose a class you don’t deem that important and just skip it. By telling your professor that the work for their class took a back seat to another class, you are telling them that their class does not matter as much.

Overall, think before you speak. You are an adult so remember to act like one and your professors will treat you like one.

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1: Money

As we already discussed above, good money is a definite plus in a job. Know what the average pay for your job is and add that with your experience and you will know what “good” money is.

2: Balance

A job that allows you to balance your life well is a good job. If your job is flexible than that is a major plus! Any job that allow you to telecommute is also a sign of a good job. Most of us live very busy lives. We have kids, school and several other responsibilities to take care of. As a parent myself I can personally testify about how difficult it is to get time off of work every time my kids had a doctor appointment or became ill and needed to stay home from school. It is not only difficult but it is a good way to endanger your employment status. Having a job that allows for a flexible schedule or allows you to work at home is likely a good job.

3: Opportunity for Growth

No one wants to enter into a job knowing that they will stagnate in the same position for the rest of their lives. When a company provides the opportunity for advancement then it is probably a good job choice. Knowing that even if you begin in an entry level position you can climb the ladder to the top will make you feel better about your job and give you a great deal of motivation.

4: Charity

A good company to work for is a company that helps others. Do research on the company you are considering applying at to see if they do any volunteer work, are involved in any community outreach programs or give part of their profits to charity. A company that is willing to do any of these things is more likely to provide well for their employees than other companies are. While it is true that they may give just to make them seem like a good company, this is not true of the majority.

5: Benefits

When you think of a good job, benefits are usually something that comes to mind. While you may have to take whatever job you can find due to financial circumstances, it is always best to find one with benefits. Employee benefits are a sign of a good job; maybe even a great job. Offering good employee benefits for a reasonable price is the mark of a company that cares about their workers and wants to keep them happy.

6: Perks

If you can find a job that offers perks then you have hit the good job jackpot. The more perks that a company offers, the happier the employees are, and a happy employee is a productive employee. Companies that offer good jobs know this and do all they can to provide the best for their employees. There are many companies that offer excellent job perks (and benefits). One great example is SAS located in Cary, NC. Click here to see all the perks and benefits that they offer to all of their employees, from those in management all the way down to janitorial workers.  This is the perfect example of a good job!

In the end, it is your own personal needs and wants that will decide what a good job looks like. However, the above examples are definitely things to look at and consider during your search. Your job is a big part of your life so you want to make sure it is the best it can possibly be for you and your family.

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Meetings With Techies

Get involved with all the tech meetups if you wish to get your foot in the door of a startup. Becoming a regular presence at these types of meetings helps you meet all types of people, and let’s face it, you cannot make it in today’s job market without putting yourself out there in a big way. The name of the game for the startup business is networking. By hitting meetings you are finding a great way to network and this will help land you a job quicker than anything else.

Be Persistent

When it comes to a job search, persistence is always key no matter what type of job you are trying to land. However, this is especially true for startup companies. The reason for this is that when it comes to the hiring process, the majority of startup companies are extremely unorganized with resumes, phone messages, etc. getting lost or misplaced. If you keep being persistent then you will stand out and be remembered. Even if you do not get the job you are after, at least you know that they got a look at you before they said no! Plus, hustling like this will grab the attention of any startup because that is exactly what they are in need of in an employee.

Show Your Passion

People who are passionate about what they do and what they want are the people that startup companies are after. Use your passion to your advantage by putting your foot in the door of a few companies that bring out your passion. Contact others who work there for networking purposes and if all else fails you should ask for the opportunity to do an internship. Even if you aren’t getting paid for it, the experience will do you good and if you do well then the next paid opening will be yours!

Blogging

Blog your way into the position! When there is nothing else to do, write in a blog. Write about your skills and passions and share your blog with anyone and everyone. It may not get far, or it may end up in front of the eyes of someone who can help you into a career.

Interview Skills

To land a job at a startup company you should practice your informational interview skills. This is the type of interview that you can expect when going for a startup job. Of course you should learn about other interview tactics as well just to stay on top of things.

Overall, you should be ready and willing to start off at the bottom of the ladder. This means that you should let the startup know that you are willing to do anything, anything at all, to get into the company. Anything is better than nothing and if you start at the bottom then there is always a way up to the top.

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The Erotic Mail

Some couples like to keep things fresh by sending each other erotic messages or pictures during the work day. While this is a lovely idea (after all, what relationship cannot use a pick me up at some point or another), your company computer is not the mode of transport for such things. If you are on your break and want to send a sexy message, do so on your own phone because even on your break your work computer is off limits for such things.

The Job Application Mail

There is no law against searching for a new job while you are still employed by someone else. What you do not want to do though is send applications, resumes or information requests from your work computer. Even if your boss knows that you are looking for another position, it is totally unprofessional to use your time at your job to look for another one. It is also  something that can quickly get you booted. If this happens you can look on the bright side of things; at least you have more time for your job hunt!

The Office Gossip Mail

Office gossip can cause unprecedented drama at work. Not only is it unprofessional but it is completely childish. It may be killing you to know that the girl in the next office is having an affair with the boss, but resist the urge to send that email and wait until you’re on a break; or better yet, wait until you get off of work if you must talk about it. However, the best thing you can do is not spread gossip about the people you work with and/or for. This can quickly lead to trouble even if it was not spread through cyberspace.

The Boss Gripe Mail

Let’s face it, no matter how great your boss is, once in a while they will do something to tick you off. When this happens you should never talk about it in an email. What many people do not understand is that their work computers are monitored and once in a while the big wigs do email audits. This is when they go through your email box to see what you have been up to. Of course you do not want them to see any of the other types of messages, but you definitely don’t want them to see a message badmouthing them.

In addition to staying away from personal emailing from your work computer, you should also steer clear of using Facebook, Twitter and any other personal network that should be used in your own time at your own home on your own computer. This may seem unfair but if you really think about it, by using the company computer for personal correspondence and during work hours, it is just like stealing from the company. Money is not the only thing employees can steal from work-time can be stolen too and this is exactly what is happening when you send emails from work. So, keep your personal time personal and keep your job!

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1: Is This Really What You Want?

The first thing you should always do before making a big step is to consider if it is something you really want to do. Never enroll in college on a whim. It is something you must think about carefully because you do not want to waste your time or your money. Also consider what you want to major in. This is something that is especially important because you do not want to get half way into your major just to figure out it is not what you wanted after all. Trust me, this happened during my first half of graduate school!

2: Is the School Worth It?

Before committing to any school, find out if it is accredited. Even if it says that it is, check for yourself because if it turns out not to be then you have really wasted your time. Without accreditation your education is not worth a darn thing. Also make sure that if licensure is required that the school offers the proper documentation for you to get a job once you have completed your program. Also, along the lines of “is it worth it”, ask yourself if you really need the higher education to do the job you want to do or have the career you want to have.

3: Is it Affordable?

College is expensive no matter how you cut it. What can you afford to do? Is getting federal aid a possibility? Can you get a scholarship? Do you have a college fund? Is your family able to contribute, and if so are they willing to do so? These are important questions to ask yourself. Remember that if you get federal aid that you have to pay it back with interest even though you do not have to start making payments until six months after you graduate. And even if you do get federal aid will it be enough to cover your expenses? If not will you able to get personal loans? If so at what cost will this money come?

4: Should I Go Traditional or Online?

This is a question that more and more people are asking themselves before enrolling in college. However, you really have to question yourself before making a choice like this. Online college is a fantastic thing but it is not a good choice for everyone. Do as much research as you can before making this big decision. And remember, if you feel like you made the wrong choice you can always change courses if  you absolutely feel that it is a must.

5: How Much Can I Handle?

Ask yourself how much you can handle as far as your course work goes. Can you handle going to school full time or is a part time college career a better choice for you? Sit down and really think about how you can budget your time to fit everything in. This may not seem like an important aspect right now but it will be once you get started.

Overall, you should question everything about your college decisions. They are all important and should not be taken lightly.

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Much of what needs to be done now should have been planned out before your graduation. Resumes should have been sent out. Housing options should have been explored. Networking should have already begun. Assuming that all of these things are underway, the following are suggestions on what to do and how to handle certain things.

First….

When you go to your new job, do not expect to be told what to do every second. During your school years you had some degree of reminders. Even your parents gave you this comfort. You do not have this luxury anymore. You are now responsible for yourself. Ask your employer questions when you must, but do not wait for them to tell you what to do. You need to know what is expected of you and do it on your own. This shows responsibility and that goes a long way.

Second….

Always be on time for work. When you were in college you could give plausible excuses for being tardy. Your real world boss will not care what your excuses are, no matter how good they are. This is the time in your life that you must learn to take 100% responsibility for yourself no matter what the situation is.

Third….

Make out a budget. This is perhaps the most important thing that you can do. Money management is something that many new graduates struggle with. Many have never had to pay bills and keep up with money so carefully. Now that they do a budget is vital. It will be a learning experience and one that will hopefully stick with you for the rest of your life. Even people who have lived on their own for years and years still have issues with managing money. Do not let yourself fall into this category.

Fourth….

Market yourself. Now that you are on your own there is no one to build you up but you. You went to school for a purpose so put that purpose on all networking sites you can think of. Social media is perfect for this. Another fantastic tool is LinkedIn. In order to make people in your chosen field know about you, make it easy for them to find out! In addition, use volunteer work to get your name out there. This will make you look good and on a personal note, it will make you feel good as well.

Fifth…..

Build a support network. As a first time adult you may feel alone. This does not have to be so though. Reach out to friends, family and colleagues. This will not only help you with your peace of mind and emotions, it will also continue to help you develop yourself as a working professional and a serious adult. Your support network can offer you all types of support, not just emotional.

In all reality, life is hard. Nothing that is worth achieving or having is ever easy. This may not be something you think is true until after you graduate but please believe me now so you will be better prepared. Everyone’s situation is different, but the things mentioned above are basics that every new adult needs to know and apply to their lives.

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Communication Skills

Communicating with your students is the most important aspect of being a skilled professor. There are so many different types of students that a skilled professor must understand how to communicate with every type of personality. Proper communication allows students to feel comfortable in their learning environment and comfortable to initiate communication with you. This is something that takes practice but learning how to go back and forth between different communication methods is important for all professors.

Be Available

Back in the day professor’s had specific office hours and many old school professors still do. While you cannot be available 24/7, you have to allow for a more flexible availability. Students need to know that they can count on you to be there when they need you. Get to your office at least thirty minutes before class is scheduled to begin and stay thirty minutes after the class end if possible. Provide your students with your contact information such as email address, professional cell number, etc. They may not contact you “after hours” too often but just knowing they can is a good and safe feeling for them.

Student Teaching

In the world we live in today, student teaching is an absolute must. Long ago those who wanted to teach never had to have any “practice” in order to get hired for a job. This was never a good idea though as they need to learn the skills it takes to be a good professor. Without student teaching they will have to learn on the job and it will take much more time to develop the skills that are needed to do the job right. In fact, this is now a requirement to graduate and get a job.

Make Observations

Observe skilled professionals at work. This is one of the most important things that you can do to develop your teaching schools. Make it a regular practice to sit in on more experienced professors classes so you can see what they do that you should be doing; and on the flipside, see them doing what you should not be doing.

Using Technology

Getting back to the old school professors…technology can be very imitating. However, technological skills are a major necessity for today’s professors. If you are uncomfortable with using new technological devices, take some continuing education classes at your local community college. This will help put you more at ease and help you to better help your students. After all, you cannot work with your students on something that you yourself cannot properly understand.

Interaction

Interaction is an essential skill for professors to know. Get to know your students so that they can feel comfortable and secure in the relationship they have with you. Classroom interaction is also very important. Those professors who sit at their desk at the front of the class and teach in a mundane way will not get through to their students. Make things fun and interesting in order to grab their attention and help them succeed.

If you can get a grasp on these skills you will be a much better professor in the long run!

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