College Bound 2021

College Bound - March 18, 2021 • Page 1

College Bound

2021

BANG SPECIAL SECTION

What is a gap year?: Pg. 7 Grad gift ideas: Pg. 12-13

Page 2 • Billings Area News Group - March 18, 2021

Montana State University Billings:

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Whether you are looking for a two-year or four-year tion. You’ll also have the opportunity to take your learning education, Montana State University Billings is the place beyond the classroom with service learning, internships, for you. Nestled below the rimrocks overlooking Montana’s and research opportunities during your time here. largest city, Montana State University Because you’re out in the field learning, “I really value the com- you’ll be ready for a career, not just a job Billings is dedicated to delivering a high munity at MSU Billings. when you graduate. University campus quality and affordable transformative education to all students.

I am always invited to graduates earn $4,500* more than other events and feel included. four-year college Montana graduates and As a Yellowjacket, you will experience Being involved on camsmall class sizes with an average of 14:1 City College graduates earn $5,800* more student to faculty ratio. MSU Billings pus has helped me grow than other two-year college Montana gradufaculty are highly skilled and trained; ates, one year after graduation. both personally and ac88% of faculty hold the highest degree At MSU Billings, you will make strong ademically. The campus in their field. MSU Billings is also one of size has allowed me to personal and professional connections, the most affordable public universities in meet people, take advan- save money while obtaining a high-quality Montana. education, earn more in wages than other tage of resources and Our campus is the place to make strong, elevate my confidence.” graduates, and most importantly be ready to personal connections with your classtackle the real world.

Hissaki Flores mates and the community. With over 60 Class of 2020, Laurel, MT Apply for admission at msubillings.edu/ student organization and clubs, MSU future Billings has a vibrant campus communiContact admissions@msubillings.edu or call 406-657-2888. ty. Inside and outside of the classroom, we have excellent *Source: 2017 Montana Department of Labor and Industry Report student resources to support you throughout your educa-

College Bound - March 18, 2021 • Page 3

Walla Walla University Mental Health Services In this time of COVID, with face masks and social distancing, more people are seeking mental health services. Some are experiencing stress and anxiety from social isolation and the fear of getting the virus, and others have lost their jobs. To protect themselves and their communities, many persons stay home and avoid contact with friends and families which leads to sadness, depression, anxiety, and other mental health concerns. During this time, the Walla Walla University Billings Mental Health Clinic (WWUBMHC) continues to offer free therapy services to those seeking mental health counseling. This was made possible through a quick transition to the use of telehealth. The systems in place for providing telehealth services are HIPAA compliant and confidentiality is assured. Telehealth removes the need for transportation, childcare, and time away from work. The MSW student clinicians at WWUBMHC provide counseling under the supervision of Licensed Clinical Social Work (LCSW) supervisors. WWUBMHC serves individuals, adolescents, couples, and children and does not discriminate based upon race, religion, gender, culture, or ability to pay.

The clinic was originally made possible through funds from the DESTRESS grant received in September 2014 and opened its doors for clients on March 31, 2015. The clinicians meet with their individual and group supervisors once a week throughout their MSW program.

They provide a vital service to the Billings community while they learn the skills necessary to become licensed therapists. The instructors at WWU seek excellence, allowing students to ask questions and providing them with thoughtful answers. The classes challenge and stimulate learning, and expectations are high. I am grateful to have been accepted for the MSW program and for the opportunity to complete my clinical hours at the WWUBMHC. I cannot imagine a better way to gain the skills I need to provide my community with high quality mental health services. If you are seeking free mental health services via telehealth, call the Clinic at 406-2540308; if you receive a message, leave a message and someone will return your call.

Terry Small, MSW Graduate Student, Walla Walla University-Billings Campus

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Page 4 • Billings Area News Group - March 18, 2021

Top Tips for College Entrance Exam Success (StatePoint) College entrance exams remain important, even in these unusual times. Fortunately, there are many ways you can help ensure you’re ready for test day. Here are a few tips to consider: • Know the test format: Be sure you understand the basic format of the test and the types of questions that will be included so you don’t waste precious time on test day managing surprises. By using an up-to-date study guide, you won’t encounter any curve balls.

• Get comfortable with your calculator: During your preparations and practice tests, be sure to use the same calculator you’ll be bringing with you on test day. Getting familiarized with the tool’s full functionality will help you be speedy and accurate when it matters most. When the clock is ticking, it’s best to be holding a calculator with an easy-to-use interface, intuitive icon-based menu and natural textbook display, such as the scientific and graphic calculators available from Casio.

To ace the science and math portions of the test, your pre-test preparations can also include checking out the webinars and resources available on the Casio education site: casioeducation.com.

• Find study buddies: You don’t need to feel alone during test preparations. Remember, your friends are going through the same thing as you. Consider getting some pals together for a series of remote study sessions. Your group can work together to address lingering questions and concerns, share test-taking

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strategies and more. You may also want to consider signing up for a virtual test prep courses or getting paired with a remote tutor.

• Read as much as possible: While memorizing vocabulary lists is one strategy for pulling out all the stops on the humanities portions of the test, the best way to adopt good grammar, boost reading comprehension and hone writing skills is to be an avid reader. This is especially effective if you select a range of reading materials, including fiction, biographies, journalism and more.

While a lot has changed about education this past year, much about college entrance exams has stayed the same, and you can still get a leg up by ensuring you’re well-equipped and ready to succeed on test day.

College Bound - March 18, 2021 • Page 5

Returning to school as an adult Education opens many doors. Sometimes life throws a person a curveball and education gets put on the back burner. Even if school plans have been derailed for several years, one can explore how to return to school as an adult.

Adult students are often described as nontraditional students, while traditional students are those who enroll in a college or university or go on to trade school immediately after graduating from high school. Nontraditional students are those who return to get their degrees as adult learners. According to a 2013 National Study of Prospective Adult Students by the higher education marketing group STAMATS, students over the age of 25 are the fastest-growing segment in higher education.

For those people resolving to return to school this year, these tips can help them confront any uncertainty they may have about cracking the books after a long layoff.

• Recognize you’re never too old. If you have the time and the means to attend school, you can likely find a program that can benefit you regardless of how old you may be.

• Remember that education can help you get out of a rut. No matter your age or experience, it’s easy to get stuck in a rut. Going back to school can help a person get out of that

rut and on a path to something new. A return to school can help professionals earn more money, update their skills or learn a new trade.

• Ask for the support of friends and family. Students’ success often depends on a strong support network. Be sure to discuss plans to return to school with a spouse, family members or others who can lend a helping hand. Schooling will take time out of a schedule and certain responsibilities you handled may have to be taken on by family members.

• Explore accessibility. Now more than ever schools are adapting to the changing times by offering an abundance of classes online. Remote learning became a necessity in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, but it may be an increasingly popular method of conducting classes in the future. For adult learners who worry about juggling time inside of the actual classroom with work and home responsibilities, virtual programs can be the perfect fit.

Goals for the new year may include returning to school. Whether a person is completing a diploma program, finishing a degree or learning new skills, there’s no wrong time to continue your education.

Page 6 • Billings Area News Group - March 18, 2021

How to learn more about new virtual internship programs (BPT) - It's not news that the COVID-19 pandemic has put a damper on learning opportunities for high school and college students. Unfortunately, that's been especially true for underrepresented students, who often face roadblocks in accessing professional opportunities.

One glaring issue is that the in-person internships so crucial to on-the-job experience have been largely unavailable in this time of remote learning. As a result, students are missing out on the chance to participate in real-world work settings, gaining practical new skills, networking with other professionals and growing further in their careers.

That's a big deal, given the importance of that experience to both employers, who are seeking to hire future leaders, and job applicants. Prior to the pandemic, a 2019 survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers found that 58% of graduating college seniors who received full-time job offers had completed internships - and notably, they received 16% more job offers than those not privy to internships.

The good news? Nonprofit organization The Center for Excellence in Life (TCEL) has stepped up to launch the first-ever paid virtual internship program geared specifically toward underrepresented students and uniquely focused on nurturing students beyond job skills in a specific field. This program already has served more than 80 Black, Latinx and Asian students in the U.S. in 2020.

And with help from new supporters, its founders hope to provide many more with valuable work experiences throughout 2021 and beyond.

"Today's students are our future workforce and leaders, but even with hope on the horizon for COVID-19, the negative consequences for underrepresented students can be long-lasting," notes TCEL founder Mary Stutts. "At TCEL, we seek to help students understand what is possible and achieve their goals, by providing access, connections, exposure, and development of the 'whole person.'"

Here's what you should know about the program, whether you're a prospective intern, a company wishing to participate or a donor interested in providing financial support for underrepresented students: Internships are available in multiple fields. TCEL arranges remote learning opportunities in disciplines ranging from STEM fields to communications, finance, life sciences, fashion, digital entertainment and more. The internships are structured so company mentors regularly work online with participants to help them experience practical, real-life settings and situations, as they develop the multifaceted skillsets and perspectives the future workforce needs.

And the program is intended to be accessible to all - for example, in 2020, 13% of the TCEL interns without access to a computer completed the program using only their phones.

Supporting the "whole person" is key. For TCEL interns, education goes beyond specific career tracks, with every intern participating in the "Whole Person" track. Access to this unique training teaches interns how to define a personal brand, build a career while balancing multiple interests, better understand personal finances and care for their mental health.

"The TCEL interns I spoke with wanted to better understand financial topics," notes John Clay, a vice president at Morgan

Stanley and TCEL mentor. "As a result, I joined forces with TCEL to continue providing financial mentoring sessions for all cohorts, to build foundations for future interns' personal and professional successes."

Mental health struggles are at a dangerous high for young people.

More than 90% of TCEL's 2020 interns wrote in their application essays of experiences with anxiety and depression, which have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, racial and social unrest, and a lack of opportunity. That's why Kaiser Permanente became a TCEL sponsor. Its mental health professionals will provide mental health-focused mentoring sessions - so that participants are more equipped to help themselves and others.

Would-be interns should apply now. Because the goal is to impact students early in their education, interns can apply as high school juniors and seniors or college freshmen and sophomores. In 2021, internships will be available in the spring, summer and fall.

Throughout the program, students receive stipends to help cover expenses as they work, since unpaid internships present a barrier for some students.

"My goal is to serve as an ambassador for the United Nations, and I know that there's a great need for more women and people of color in ambassadorship roles," notes TCEL intern Kaylyn Goode, a George Washington University sophomore studying international affairs. "The TCEL internship provided me with important connections and knowledge as I work to achieve great things."

Donors and supporters are needed. To thrive, TCEL needs more financial support from individual and corporate donors who believe in the importance of supporting underrepresented young people and helping to build paths to success. Additionally, TCEL is actively searching for industry leaders and companies willing to share their expertise.

Recently, TCEL was one of the first nonprofits to receive a contribution from Life Science Cares, a newly formed consortium of Bay Area life science companies leveraging employee expertise and corporate profits to tackle society's greatest social issues including pervasive racial and socioeconomic inequalities.

The program arose from humble beginnings. Stutts, a foster child from a young age, credits her foster mother (a special education teacher) with teaching her that all people are valuable regardless of their labels. While achieving a successful career in the biotech industry, Stutts developed a passion for nurturing underrepresented youth and founded TCEL to cultivate creative, academic, professional, entrepreneurial and life skills. She and her daughter Loren created the TCEL internship program to address disadvantages from the combined forces of the pandemic and racial injustice.

Supported by major corporations such as Blue Shield, W2O Group and others, the virtual internship program has been enormously uplifting. Donors and supporters can visit TheExcellentLifeCenter.org for more information.

TCEL's overall mission is to mentor, inspire and empower youth and adult professionals in the pursuit of excellence. Potential participants in the TCEL Virtual Internship Program are encouraged to apply at TheExcellentLifeCenter.org.

College Bound - March 18, 2021 • Page 7

What is a gap year? And should grads take one?

Members of the class of 2020 have many decisions to make in the coming months.

Many high school students enroll in trade schools or colleges after graduation, while college graduates start their careers or begin their pursuit of advanced degrees when their undergrad days draw to a close. But more and more high school and college graduates are taking gap years.

According to the American Gap Year Association, a gap year is defined as an experimental semester or full academic year taken between high school and college grads in order to deepen practical, professional and personal awareness. Students often take a break from school as a chance to travel or gain some professional experience. Others use gap years as a chance for personal exploration before moving on to the next chapter in their lives.

Gap years may once have been looked at unfavorably, but they have evolved from such perceptions into opportunities to volunteer abroad, learn a new language in a foreign land, visit one’s ancestral homeland, or work as an intern.

While many students take gap years prior to entering college, even college graduates can benefit from taking time off after earning their degrees.

Gap years are now seen as a way to improve a curriculum vitae and gain relevant work experience in a particular field.

The resource GapYear.com indicates employers actively employ people who have taken a gap year, prefering candidates who have real-world experience.

Preparation is necessary before diving head first into a gap year.

Students can speak with people who have already taken gap years and ask questions. Graduates should approach the decision of whether or not take a gap year just as they would any other large, life-changing decision. Experts say that it can take between nine and 12 months to plan a gap-year itinerary. Finances are a consideration, and gap years require ample savings and a carefully

constructed budget in order to be transformed from a dream into a reality.

Gap years are a growing trend that can help students improve their résumés, see the world and gain invaluable experience.

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Page 8 • Billings Area News Group - March 18, 2021

College Bound - March 18, 2021 • Page 9

Page 10 • Billings Area News Group - March 18, 2021

The role of occupational therapists

Now more than ever, professionals are considering careers in the health care industry thanks to the seemingly endless opportunities and the stability that comes with them. When evaluating potential careers in health care, individuals must first have an understanding of what a career entails and which strengths and skills are necessary for success.

Compassion is needed in various health care scenarios and is one of the key traits of an occupational therapist.

The online career resource Indeed says occupational therapists commonly work alongside physical therapists and other providers to offer therapeutic and rehabilitative treatment to patients. The goal of an OT is to use therapeutic approaches to help a patient perform routine tasks and activities that are common in daily life. These include tying shoes, getting dressed, combing hair, or actions involved with work. According to the College of Occupational

Therapists of Ontario, OTs help people to: • learn new ways of doing things • use materials or equipment that makes life easier • regain skills or develop new ones • adapt their environment to work better for them.

OTs work with a team of professionals to get people with injuries or health obstacles back to participating fully in life. Physical therapists may help people restore physical function, while occupational therapists focus on how that function affects the ability to do things.

Regis College advises that an OT will evaluate a patient’s condition and needs. Then specific goals will be established and a treatment plan to address needs will be made. By assessing a patient’s home and work environments, an OT can recommend adaptations to improve patients’ quality of life. An OT also can train patients and their caregivers regarding the use of special equipment.

OTs can work in various capacities, such as helping children develop handwriting or computer use to working with stroke patients to treating cognitive impairment. OTs work in schools, hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, recreation centers, and private practices.

It can take two to four years to earn a degree in occupational therapy. Indeed says occupational therapists are generally required to hold a minimum of an associate’s degree to work as a certified occupational therapy assistant (COTA). Others have a bachelor’s degree along with their occupational therapist certification.

Occupational therapists play vital roles within the health care industry.

College Bound - March 18, 2021 • Page 11

The various ways to pay off student loan debt Students and families invest heavily in higher education. Many students rely on student loans to finance their educations. In fact, students amassed $1.56 trillion in student loan debt by 2020.

According to Forbes, American student loan debt is now the second highest consumer debt category, exceeded only by mortgage debt. The Institute for College Access and Success says the average student loan debt is $32,731, while the median student loan monthly payment is $222.

Some students feel like paying off student loan debt is impossible. Many loan repayment schedules kick in shortly after graduation, and certain borrowers may not yet be making enough money to afford even the minimum payments on their student loans. Thankfully, there are ways to get out from under student loan pressure.

• Investigate income-driven repayment. IDR will lower student loan payments based on your income, and some plans even promise to forgive any remaining balance once the repayment period is up. That period can take between 20 and 25 years.

• Make a move. The Rural Opportunity Zone program encourages Americans to move to rural Kansas to help discourage population decline and to give others the benefits of a lower cost of living. Seventy-seven Kansas counties have been authorized to offer student loan payment incentives.

• Work in public service. A Public Service Loan Forgiveness program, or PLSF, enables student loan forgiveness in exchange for working for a nonprofit or working in government.

• Refinance the loans. Graduates may not be aware that they can refinance their student loans at a lower rate or choose new loan terms, including variable or fixed rates. Maturity dates can even be renegotiated in certain instances. It’s possible to save thousands of dollars in interest by refinancing, particularly if borrowers have a credit score of at least 650.

• Make more than the minimum payment. Financial advisor Dave Ramsey says making the minimum payments on student loans will not get them paid off fast, and the interest could pile up as well. By paying more than the minimum payments, you can pay down the principal more quickly. Designate tax refunds and salary increases to pay down student loan debt.

• Ask for help. Speak with your boss about whether he or she can help pay off student loans. Some employers offer conditional student loan repayment to employees.

These are some of the ways that student loan debts can be repaid quickly, efficiently and creatively.

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Page 12 • Billings Area News Group - March 18, 2021

Gift ideas for high school grads High school graduation is a significant milestone in the lives of teenagers. The moment a teenager receives a high school diploma marks the culmination of years of hard work, and many parents and extended family members reward that hard work with gifts.

The transition from high school student to college student or working professional is significant, and various items can help make that transition go as smoothly as possible.

• Travel gear: Whether it’s utilized during road trips with roommates or on those handful of occasions when students come home on holiday breaks, travel gear can make for a useful gift for new high school graduates. A sturdy backpack/duffel bag combo can be ideal. It’s great for college students who might not be ready for more expensive luggage, and it can be ideal for high school students taking gap years to do some overseas traveling before enrolling in college.

• Coffee machine: A pot of fresh coffee can make late-night cram sessions or hours spent typing research papers into the wee hours of the morning more manageable. For students who will be living in crowded dorm rooms, opt for small coffee machines that don’t take up much space, such as those that are traditionally found inside hotel rooms.

• Television: Parents want to imagine their college-bound teenagers spending hours holed up in the library. But college kids watch plenty of television, too, so a new television can make for a great gift that figures to get ample use.

• Academic planner: College course loads tend to be considerably more demanding than high school coursework. An academic planner can help new college students manage the rigors of their coursework by encouraging them to plan their days and weeks, ensuring no classes are missed and no assignments go unfinished.

• Cash: Cash can make a great gift whether a grad is heading off to college or entering the workforce. Cash can help college students pay for their books and help those entering the workforce purchase a reliable car that will help them get around.

Gifts for newly minted high school graduates can help them transition to the next phase of their lives, whether that will begin on a college campus or in the workforce.

College Bound - March 18, 2021 • Page 13

Gift ideas for college grads College students on the cusp of graduation have a lot to look forward to. With their degrees in hand, college graduates can take their first steps in what will hopefully be fulfilling careers.

Many families mark this very special occasion by throwing parties for newly minted graduates.

Guests invited to such parties might want to give a gift that illustrates how proud they are of the new grad, and the following are some items that can help grads as they take their first steps into the professional world.

• Attire: It might not seem flashy, but college graduates often need to upgrade their wardrobes as they search for their first jobs. Men and women may not have much in the way of professional attire, so a gift certificate to a local tailor or clothing store can make for a great gift.

• Computer: This gift will likely stretch some gift givers’ budgets, but family members can pitch in and make a new laptop or tablet a group gift. It might be best to avoid desktop computers, as industry insiders note consumers favor mobile devices, including smartphones and tablets, over traditional desktop computers. In fact, a recent survey from eMarketer found that adults in the United States spent close to four hours per day on their mobile devices. New grads are more likely to reach for such devices when looking for jobs, so a new smartphone or tablet can make a great gift.

• Briefcase/attaché case: A briefcase or attaché case may seem old school, but many working professionals still use them. And they can be especially useful for modern professionals who use laptops that they take to and from the office every day.

• Luggage: According to the Global Business Travel Association, 405 million business trips are taken in the United States each year.

Chances are many new grads will join the masses of on-the-go workers, so a new set of durable, high-end luggage can help young professionals prepare for such trips while helping them make a strong impression with their colleagues.

College graduates can benefit from being given various items that help them prepare to make their initial forays into the professional arena.

Page 14 • Billings Area News Group - March 18, 2021

The vital role of psychiatric mental health nurses Nurses play various roles within the health care community.

Nurses are often viewed through the lens of helping people overcome physical ailments, but they can be just as vital to people with mental health issues.

Psychiatric mental health nurses provide specialized care to patients who have been diagnosed with psychiatric disorders. People are drawn to the field of nursing for a variety of reasons, not the least of which is the desire to help people. Anyone considering a career in nursing can look to the field of psychiatric nursing as a means to help people overcome the challenges posed by psychiatric disorders.

The role of psychiatric mental health nurses

The American Psychiatric Nurses Association notes that psychiatric mental health registered nurses develop a nursing diagnosis and plan of care, implement the nursing process, and then evaluate their plans for effectiveness. Psychiatric mental health nursing is a subcategory of nursing, and professionals working within that category may serve in various capacities. For example, the APNA notes that psychiatric mental health advanced practice registered nurses (PMH-APRNs) employ a full scope of therapeutic skills to assess, diagnose and treat individuals and families with psychiatric disorders.

Are there specialties within psychiatric nursing?

Psychiatric mental health nurses can specialize in various areas if they so desire. Some areas of specialty include child and adolescent mental health nursing, gerontological-psychiatric nursing, which focuses on caring for older adults, and substance abuse disorders.

How much education is required to become a psychiatric mental health nurse?

According to the APNA, students interested in a career in psychiatric mental health nursing can pursue various degrees on the road to taking their registered nurse licensing examination.

Programs vary, but students can consider two-year programs that focus on earning an associate’s degree in nursing, three-year programs that focus on earning a diploma in nursing or fouryear programs at colleges or universities that lead to a bachelor’s degree. Graduates of each of these programs are eligible to take the RN licensing exam. However, students interested in advanced roles within psychiatric mental health nursing, such as the PMHAPRN role, should plan to enroll in advanced masters or doctoral degree programs.

The field of psychiatric mental health nursing is challenging and rewarding. Anyone considering a career in nursing can visit www. apna.org to learn more about the vital role psychiatric mental health nurses play in modern health care.

College Bound - March 18, 2021 • Page 15

Want a better career?

STEM online programs can help you get there (BPT) - As the job market increasingly calls for STEM professionals (science, technology, engineering and math), more online programs are emerging that can help students study for such careers.

While some educational institutions are struggling to figure out how to effectively teach science-based classes and labs in times of social distancing, a select few have created programs that allow for even lab work to be completed primarily at home.

That's a win-win for employers and employees alike. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that careers related to STEM will display the highest rate of growth - 10.9% between 2016 and 2026 - to produce a million new jobs. Not only are those jobs available in a variety of fields, ranging from engineering and social sciences to medical fields and technology, but 75% of the top-20 highest-paying careers in the U.S. are in STEM fields.

In 2020, of course, COVID-19 spurred an even greater need for skilled employees with expertise in health and technology.

Consider these suggestions when exploring how such a job trajectory may fit with your goals, regardless of your age, career background or level of social isolation.

Research online learning opportunities. In recognition of the need to train and educate more STEM workers, institutions such as Arizona State University offer courses of study that can be completed online. You can secure additional certifications, a bachelor's degree or a master's degree in a STEM field while seldom (if ever) having to leave your home for your coursework.

How is that possible? ASU Online allows students to complete most lab work remotely by delivering high-grade tools and equip-

ment directly to their homes and offering innovative virtual reality lab simulations.

ASU now offers more than 85 STEM programs online tailored toward real-life, in-demand careers; including 21 new programs released in fall 2020, such as Astronomical and Planetary Sciences - the only online program of its kind worldwide.

Bring all your skills to the table. You may have studied for or worked in non-STEM-related jobs in the past. That knowledge, group of skills, and range of experiences are a benefit, as you can apply many of them to a new role in a STEM field. It's true that past projects or accomplishments that have a quantitative or scientific focus could be particularly helpful as you move forward, but most STEM roles also need people with different assets such as emotional intelligence, acumen in diversity/inclusion, interpersonal communication skills and critical thinking skills. Don't rule out a career change just because you started in a different field or direction; instead, stack your credentials and start thinking of yourself as a "master learner" capable of pivoting within your career path as needed.

Create an action plan. Evaluate your background and skills, and determine what you need to add to your resume to achieve your target STEM job. You may be surprised to discover you have fewer gaps than you think, and a STEM position may be well within your reach with additional training, certification or a degree. If you need help forming a plan or exploring different options, ASU offers its online students a full range of support services.

Learn more about the 85 STEM degrees available online through ASU at asuonline.asu.edu.

Page 16 • Billings Area News Group - March 18, 2021

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