myUsearch blog

So today is Blog Action Day. Thousands of bloggers have agreed to blog for a cause: Eradicating Poverty. Today myUsearch will join the fight by encouraging one of the most effective ways for individuals to break the poverty barrier: A COLLEGE EDUCATION. College graduates overwhelmingly earn more than those without a degree, but unfortunately the barriers to actually getting a degree and securing a job can be overwhelming. Here are a few tips to help you overcome the obstacles to completing your college degree and starting your career:

1. Choose a marketable career path: Although I don’t encourage choosing your career solely because of your salary potential, you should at least consider it. You need to follow your passion and choose a degree program you love, but educate yourself about the financial opportunities your college major will afford you.
2. Choose an affordable degree program: While college prestige, alumni networks and other college benefits may be worth the money — they may not be. There are a ton of really great degree programs that few people have even heard of. And often times, the schools you’ve never heard of are the ones that offer the best education for the least amount of cash. Talk to your high school counselor, ask around and complete an online college search that allows you to specify your budget (myUsearch is our favorite of course) to find the right degree program for you. 
3. Look past the sticker price for college: Don’t just consider the tuition price. Take a look at the financial aid packages, scholarship opportunities and living expenses to determine the most affordable degree program. A lot of pricey private schools may actually be cheaper than public schools. Make sure you do your research.
4. Educate yourself about financial aid and scholarships: Translating the language of financial aid and sifting through college scholarships can be a daunting task. Start early and do your homework!
5. Don’t become a slave to your student loans: Use student loans as a last resort and be very, very careful when choosing them.
6. Start networking as soon as possible: Take every opportunity you can to make connections and network to make sure you get a job when you graduate.
7. Internships, Internships, Internships: I think internships are one of the best ways to make sure you have a job when you graduate. Apply early and be aggressive about getting them.
8. Dress for success: Your appearance makes a big difference when you are trying to find a job, but dressing well on a budget can be nearly impossible. Many career service offices and local organizations like Dress for Success offer discounted or slightly used professional clothing for recent grads. Don’t let a lack of cash prevent you from looking fabulous for an interview.
9. Believe in yourself: I know this is totally cheezy, but if you believe you can do it, you can.

Getting into college, paying for college and actually completing a degree are daunting tasks, but they are totally worth it. If you have any questions or additional suggestions, please let me know.

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