Planet eCampus

As we move into the final weeks of class and into the holidays, many online students look for opportunities to reconnect in person and make a community impact. The holiday break is an excellent time to engage in volunteer opportunities that can boost resumes and provide personal fulfilment.  If you are working through the holidays or struggling to balance it all, consider starting small. Even a donation or a call to an elderly visit or friend is a powerful start. And as an online student, you have likely developed unique skills that can make you effective in both virtual and in-person community endeavors. Following are a few ideas for holiday volunteer work in Georgia: Ring the Bell. You can become a holiday Salvation Bell Ringer and help raise funds for disaster relief, homeless shelters, and anti-human trafficking efforts. You can sign up for as little as a two-hour shift in your local area. Share the Feast. The Big Gobble (Columbus, LaGrange, and Albany) is one of many organiz...

Your elevator pitch is a 30-second summary of who you are and how you impact others. It’s called an elevator pitch because it’s a statement that you could use to introduce yourself in the time that it takes to ride an elevator. Sounds simple? Not necessarily. Even when our career goals are clear in our minds, it can take some practice to introduce yourself in a brief yet impactful way. Why You Need an Elevator Pitch An elevator speech is really all about first impressions. You’ll use it in networking. Networking occurs not just in formal situations such as career fairs, but also when you meet a new person in a social or academic setting. Sometimes, these new connections lead to jobs or career leads. You’ll also use a version of your elevator speech in job interviews. This may be when you first meet an interviewer or after the interview begins and you are asked to tell about yourself. In many USG eCore and USG eMajor online classes, you’ll have an introductory discussion post to help yo...

A priceless benefit of being a student at a college or university in the University System of Georgia (USG) is the opportunity to attend job fairs. Job fairs often attract companies to campuses who are eager to hire upcoming graduates. Taking advantage of these events while still a student can provide you with opportunities that may be harder to find later. Even if attending a job fair doesn’t lead directly to employment, the experience of networking and talking to recruiters will be beneficial. Below is a list of just some of the job fairs scheduled for Fall 2024 across the USG.  If you’re institution is not listed, check the career services page on your institution’s website. New information for fall fairs may be forthcoming. Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College What: General career fair with employers, internships, and graduate schools When: November 6, 2024, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. For: All ABAC students Where: Tifton Campus Albany State University What: General career fair with ...

Jasmin Khan recalls the unease she felt when working at a hospital as a Human Resources Assistant during COVID-19. Like so many, Khan found unexpected challenges when the pandemic brought physical and emotional hardships to most Americans. Acknowledging the “chaos in her life” caused by the pandemic, she left the job she loved to take a remote role.  While remote work felt safer, she soon realized that her lack of a four-year degree limited her career opportunities. When considering pursuing a promotion, she became concerned that she had the skill set but was lacking the required level of education. No matter how impressive her experience, career progression was difficult without a bachelor’s degree.  And as a busy mother of two young children, she found flexible and affordable options for returning to school very limited. The Search for Flexibility and Quality Then she discovered Georgia Southwestern University’s online programs through USG eCampus. “It felt like a breath of ...

Fall semester in college represents new beginnings. For those just starting college, it’s a wildly exciting time with some serious adjustments. For returning students, it’s a time to build on past success or move on from previous challenges. In spite of all the advice you may receive, success really comes down to three simple things. And with USG eCampus (eCore and eMajor) online courses, you have committed partners in your instructor and support team. Believe that You Will Succeed The first step to success is to truly believe that you will succeed. No matter what courses lie ahead or what has happened in the past, envision yourself doing well. Research indicates that mindset is closely related to college success. And this sometimes means letting go of strategies that didn’t work for you in the past. For example, if studying in your room proves to be too distracting, consider going to a library or a coffee shop. If waiting until the last minute to post an online discussion leads to you...

You're faced with that five-page paper or 300-word discussion post online. Like many students, you use long sentences with unnecessary words to fill the space. Even worse, you are repeating the same ideas. There is a time for an overabundance of words . These include expository writing, letters of apology, certain types of poetry and Shakespearean-style scripts. But filler words don’t typically belong in your everyday writings. Use these tips to quickly strengthen your short papers, your cover letters, and your online correspondence. You're faced with that five-page paper or 300-word discussion post online. Like many students, you use long sentences with unnecessary words to fill the space. Even worse, you are repeating the same ideas. Note this word of caution. Concise and crisp writing isn’t easier or “dumbing down.”  In fact, it can be harder to write in a style of plain language that makes it easier for others to read. Editing is an art in itself. Tips for Plain Language ...

Here we are nearing the middle of another magnificent summer in Georgia. Bright sunny days and beautiful scenery are great reasons to take a road trip and see the state’s stunning colleges and universities. Following are a few events hosted by Georgia’s universities over the coming weeks.   Friday, June 21 Archery Date Night. Located in the heart of Statesboro, Georgia Southern University is the host of Archery Date Night . Designed for those who “want to learn a new life skill while having fun with your special someone,” this is certainly not your typical date night. Things that will be covered: Safe handling of a bow and arrow Proper grip How to successfully release an arrow How to aim Basics of the National Training System All equipment will be included. Saturday, June 29 Cody Johnson Performance.  The ACM entertainer of the year nominee will perform at Fifth Third Stadium at Kennesaw State University on June 29th. The stadium is home to the Kennesaw State Owls footbal...