New College Financial Aid Dates Take Affect October 1

Sep 262016
 

financial-aidParents familiar with the federal financial aid process know that Jan. 1 has historically been the first day to file Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) submissions. But thanks to changes announced last year, millions of incoming college students will now be able to file starting Oct. 1 instead. In addition to the earlier filing time frame, applicants will be required to report income from an earlier tax year.

According to the U.S. Department of Education (DOE), the new time frame is better aligned with the college application process and reduces the need to estimate income information.

When a student is attending college (school year) When a student can submit a FAFSA Income and tax year information required
Previous process July 1, 2016–June 30, 2017 Jan. 1, 2016–June 30, 2017 2015
New process July 1, 2017–June 30, 2018 Oct. 1, 2016–June 30, 2018 2015
July 1, 2018–June 30, 2019 Oct. 1, 2017–June 30, 2019 2016

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  •  September 26, 2016
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6 Ways to Make the Most of Your Internship – John Coleman

Sep 192016
 

6-waysAround 75% of college students, at some point, work in an internship. These experiences can be tremendously valuable, providing young workers the opportunity to build skills for their resumes and meet people who are working in their preferred industry. Increasingly, they are the likeliest route to full-time employment and are even offered year-round rather than only during summer months. But they can also be difficult adjustments for young people who have little to no experience in professional offices. It can be hard for someone to stand out and make the right impression during a three-month stint spent adapting to such a new environment.

How can interns learn what they need to know, impress those they work for, and secure a job recommendation or full-time offer in such a brief period of time? I consulted 20 professionals who have worked with or supervised interns in higher education, business, law, and nonprofits, and compiled the most valuable advice for interns from their stories, my own observations, and management literature. This advice won’t cover everything, but it does offer a starting point for interns.

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Ten Books That Can Help Your Career – Diane Stafford

Sep 122016
 
ten-booksOld standards and newer books provide timeless career advice.

Summertime “best book” lists usually focus on easy, beachy reads — thrillers and bodice rippers that temporarily engage you but are easily forgotten. Here’s a list of career-minded books that should stay with you.

First a caveat: No book offers a sure menu for success. What you take away from reading is only as good as what you practice once you get out of the deck chair.

That said, here’s a totally arguable selection of career advice books that might be of use. First on the list, two old but gold standard recommendations:

“How to Win Friends and Influence People” by Dale Carnegie: This is all about being nice to people, but not so nice that you’re a doormat. It prescribes a non-Machiavellian — or at least subtle — way to get along and yet get results you want without making people hate you.

“Seven Habits of Highly Effective People” by Stephen Covey: Business students the world over can recite the habits. If you don’t know “sharpen the saw,” it might be time to open the Covey toolbox.

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Tech Pros Share Advice For New Computer Science Graduates – Ann Bednarz

Sep 062016
 

Tech Pros ShareComputer science graduates are in demand. Last year, 76% of computer science graduates were working full time within six months of finishing school — the highest full-time employment rate among new college graduates and well above the 58% average across all majors, according to a new report from the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE). But as veterans in the tech world know, earning a degree is just the beginning of a new professional’s education. To help this year’s newcomers navigate the transition from academic life to the professional world, we asked tech pros to share their best advice for computer science graduates entering the workforce. Here’s what they had to say.

Have fun and ask questions

“Find a career you enjoy. There is nothing better than getting up each morning looking forward to your day at work. Once you’re on the job, never be afraid to ask questions. Too many times I see people just starting out who are afraid to admit they don’t know something. I’ve been in technology for 18 years and I’m still learning and asking questions.” – Jacob Ackerman, CTO of SkyLink Data Centers

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