Planet eCampus

There are times, especially during those energy-depleting study marathons, when you might question why you're putting yourself through it all. Here's the good news: A piece of paper on the wall (college degree) equals more paper in your pocket ($$$) throughout your career. Yes, even during a down-turn in the economy; yes, even though you've not yet finished your degree; yes, even though you've accumulated debt. Let's take a look at the numbers. A recent PEW study indicated that when the economy is in a down-turn, declines in employment and wages are more severe for those with only high school or associate degrees. Out-of-work college graduates find jobs more successfully and are not "settling" for lower wage jobs--unlike their less-educated counterparts. So let's say you've not yet finished your degree. Is there an uptrend in the hiring of college graduates or a downtrend? According to The Georgetown University Center on Educatio...

eCore not only provides opportunities to learn, grow, and succeed, but the support provided to students by different areas are second-to-none. Take the embedded librarians for example. From History to Sociology and from English to Psychology, when you absolutely, positively have to know, ask a librarian! eCore is thrilled to now have real, live librarians embedded in our courses (all except STEM and Spanish) that are ready to help you when you need it!  Say hello to Betsy Clark from Georgia Highlands College, who joined us in the Spring 2016 semester as one of eCore's new embedded librarians.  Can you start by telling us a little bit about yourself, your background, hobbies, and what led you to become a librarian? I grew up in South Central Pennsylvania (close to Lancaster County/Amish Country). I have a BA in International Studies from Dickinson College and my Masters in Library and Information Science from the University of Pittsburgh. I specialized in Health Reso...

Sheroni spending time with her husband and their 2-year old daughter at the museum. Sheroni Cunningham Age: 25 Middle Georgia State University Why is completing your college degree important to you? It will help me excel past current barriers that limit me to jobs that require a degree. [Completing my degree] will also help me be a better example to my daughter to finish what you begin, try your hardest, be honest with yourself and do what is best for you. Why did you choose to take online classes through eCore? I am currently a full-time employee at Goodwill of North Georgia, living in Snellville, Georgia. My eCore class allows me flexibility to complete studying at work like a work-study program, allowing webcam interaction with my professor from another wonderful university, who has been extremely helpful thus far. [There is no need to] commute to MGA, which is a two-hour drive from my home and a 3 hour drive from work. I'm able to gain the informati...

What you don’t do in the military: write resumes, interview for a job (normally), and you never negotiate salary and compensation. What you will do during your transition is write resumes, interview for a job and negotiate salary and compensation. Can you imagine negotiating compensation for your next tour of duty? “Ma’am I am really interested in your offer but can you arrange for me to telecommute on Fridays and get me a free membership at the country club?” And that is not the only hurdle you may have to overcome…some employers have a few ill-perceived notions about you and the military: You are rigid. You don’t understand profit and loss. You have had unlimited resources. Leading is easy because you just give orders. These misled perceptions can create barriers, but a well prepared and focused resume will dispel all of these notions and set you up for success. In the latest installment of the eMajor College to Career Webinar Series Randy Blackmon, retired U...

Cathy is a 56 year old grandmother of 8 and is completing her degree online through USG eCore at Dalton State College. Asked to picture a college student who makes up the majority population attending classes and most would describe that person as being "fresh-out-of-high-school" or in the 18-22 year old range. Perhaps up until the year 2000, that picture was (mostly) accurate. But these days, college students are older and have either not attended college or are returning after an absence. The nontraditional student now makes up 73% of all students enrolled in undergraduate programs. The broad definition of an adult learner or "non-traditional" student is anyone who is 25 years old or older. But a ge is just one of the descriptors that captures an ever expanding group (some 8.4 million) of adult students who often have family and work responsibilities as well as other life circumstances that have interfered with their educational goals.  Those who fall ...

What is your title and what is your current non-eCore job? I'm currently an Assistant Professor of English and the Teaching Matters Conference Coordinator at Gordon State College.  I teach composition, poetry, American literature, world literature, and special topic courses. What are the two main reasons you teach through eCore? I am passionate about online education because it provides opportunities to some people who would not otherwise be able to earn a degree. Yet, convenience and easiness cannot be confused; one of the other reasons that online education is so rewarding for both stude nts and teachers is because of its rigorousness. Online education requires more--and continual--dialogue between each (and every) student and the professor. In other words, a student is simply unable to sit in the back of the classroom and remain unnoticed; participation and growth is not only encouraged, it is required. What do you do differently now than when you first started ...

Dress appropriately for the interview.  Much information is available regarding interviewing and how to be a top notch interview candidate, but one must avail toneself of the most relevant information. Knowing the phases of the interview process and some key strategies will help you better prepare and will ultimately put you on the "short" list with potential employers. Seems simple, but you have to be diligent with all 3 phases of interviewing (before, during and after). Before: Preparation is twofold. Thoroughly research the organization, specific department, and the job role. This requires significant time and energy. At the same time, you will be doing some self-reflection to determine if this is a proper fit for you. Prepping the resume for EACH  job that you apply to will help you define and determine your skill sets to see where you may be lacking for the industry or job, and can also help you appropriately articulate your strengths. You know your resume is don...