February 19, 2020
COLLEGE AND CAREERS
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February 19, 2020 | Suburban Newspapers Inc.
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February 19, 2020
Metro Creative Connection
Around 11.8 million people are employed in tech in the Unites States, and 261,000 new jobs were added in the past year.
Tech careers continue to boom
Metro Creative Connection Technology has changed the world in numerous ways, including creating entirely new industries and a vast array of career options that didn’t exist as recently as two decades ago. In its CyberstatesTM report, CompTIA, which publishes a steady stream of new research on IT topics, recently shared some key findings that’s news for those who work in tech. · Around 11.8 million people are employed in tech in the Unites States, and 261,000 new jobs were added in the past year. · Software and web developers make up the largest and fastest-growing segment of tech jobs. · The estimated direct economic output of the tech industry equals $1.8 trillion. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts technology careers are on the rise, with expected growth of 12 percent between 2014 and 2024. Specific fields within the tech industry are expected to experience even stronger growth, as high as 27 percent. There’s never been a better time to work in tech, particularly for those who have a knack or affinity for
computer operations and networks. Here’s a look at some of the promising tech careers, including some of the more lucrative, courtesy of U.S. News’ “Best Technology Jobs of 2019” report. These jobs boast low employment rates and high salaries. 5. Database administrator: A database administrator sets up databases. These highly trained individuals use specialized software to store and organize data. Some key roles include planning, installation, configuration, design, as well as migration. DBAs also will troubleshoot and enhance database security. Median pay is $87,020. 4. Information security analyst: Concerns about security breaches continue to grow as criminals become ever more savvy. Information security analysts find the best security solutions and carry out measures to protect a company’s networks and systems. The professionals maintain systems by updating software and recommending security updates to management. Median pay is $95,510. 3. IT manager: IT managers are in high demand thanks to increasingly digital workplaces. These individuals coordinate all computer-related activities
for an organization. Some jobs include recommending software and hardware needs, securing networks, and searching for new technologies. Median salary is $139,220. 2. Computer systems analyst: A computer systems analyst helps organizations utilize computer technology efficiently and effectively. They make suggestions on new technology. Sometimes called systems architects, computer systems analysts often study existing computer systems and design more efficient options. Median salary is $88,270, lower than some other IT jobs, but there are 54,400 projected jobs in this area. 1. Software developer: A software developer has the highest rate of projected new jobs, and at a median salary of $101,790, it can be a secure career in the tech field. These developers write new code, fix software bugs, find solutions to outdated programs, and must be both creative and technical. Some developers may specialize in one area of computers or serve as generalists who write code for various types of software. No matter the position, working with tecnology involves finding creative solutions in a fast-paced, ever-growing environment.
February 19, 2020
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February 19, 2020
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February 19, 2020
What to know as an adult heading back to school
Metro Creative Connection College campuses are diverse. Newly minted high school graduates embarking on the next stage of their studies might dominate college campuses, but many established professionals who have long since graduated from high school are also among the student bodies at universities across the globe. The National Center for Education Statistics says that one in five Americans enrolled in undergraduate higher education is at least 30 years old. The changing face of higher education should be a comfort to adults who may have been apprehensive about heading back to school. Adults considering a return to school should not allow age to deter them from enrolling. Many people now complete degrees later in life, while others return to school to study subjects they did not study during their first go-rounds as college students. Finding the right fit in regard to a college is different for adults than it is students right out of high school. Responsibilities to family and employers complicate the decision about where to go to school. The following tips can help adults as they decide where to continue their educations. · Choose a school that meets your needs. Look for schools that can accom-
Metro Creative Connection
The National Center for Education Statistics says that one in five Americans enrolled in undergraduate higher education is at least 30 years old. modate priorities other than academics, such as family and work. Many schools now offer flexible schedules and online
classes. Check out schools with strong reputations for working with adult learners.
· Sit down with a college counselor. If you’ve been in college before, pull your transcripts and bring any information about coursework, credits and life experience. This way you can be credited for what you have already accomplished. Counselors can serve as invaluable resources as you navigate a return to the classroom. · Brush up on the skills required of successful students. If you’ve been out of school for awhile, brush up on your study skills, note-taking, annotating, and other skills that can serve you well in an academic environment. · Speak with your employer. Many employers support employees who want to return to school, especially when employees will be gaining skills that are applicable to their existing careers. Some employees may even help their employers finance their educations. According to Matthew Reed, the vice president for learning at Brookdale Community College in Lincroft, N.J., roughly 90 percent of midsize or large employers offer some kind of tuition reimbursement. Even when that’s not available, some employers may have an arrangement with certain schools that provide discounts to their workers, says Reed. Adults returning to school is becoming increasingly common. Planning and making use of resources at your disposal can help you navigate the process of returning to school as an adult.
Learn the best ways to build a college fund
Metro Creative Connection The National Center for Education Statistics indicated that, in fall 2019, roughly 19.9 million students were slated to attend colleges and universities in the United States. Families need to begin thinking about how to pay for college as early as possible. According to the Wall Street Journal, the average college graduate’s student loan debt is $37,172. And the most recent data from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York indicates the overall student loan debt in America alone is roughly $1.3 trillion. The average expense of sending a child to college has been rising at double the rate of inflation for more than a decade, offers CNBC. A robust college savings account can help future students avoid considerable debt. The following are some ways to save for college. · Open a tax-advantaged 529 college savings plan.
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission says a 529 is a savings plan designed to encourage saving for future education costs. The person funding the account pays taxes on the money before it’s contributed to the 529 plan. Funds can be used for education expenses. There are two types of 529 plans: prepaid tuition plans and education savings plans. The prepaid plans allow account holders to purchase units or credits at participating colleges and universities. With education savings plans, account holders open investment accounts to save for qualified future higher education expenses, including room and board. · Invest in a Coverdell Education Savings Account. A Coverdell account is a tax-advantaged method to contribute up to $2,000 per year to a child’s account. Individuals need to be under a certain income level to contribute. The funds will grow free of federal taxes. · Consider a Uniform Transfer/Gift to Minors account. This is a custodial account that holds and protects
assets for beneficiaries, who are typically donors’ children. The custodian controls the assets until the minor reaches legal age. The money will not grow tax-free, and it can be used for purposes other than school expenses. The account also may count against the student and parent when applying for financial aid, which is something to keep in mind. · Open an IRA. IRAs are often associated strictly with retirement savings. However, they also can be used for qualified college payments as long as the contributions have been made for at least five years, advises Nationwide Insurance. · Use a standard savings account. Even though it may not grow as quickly as investment accounts, routinely saving money in a savings account can be another means to saving for college. Starting early can give families ample time to save substantial amounts of money for youngsters’ college educations.
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Be aware of all of the costs for college Metro Creative Connection College is often met with excitement and interest by students pursuing their passions and what they hope will be fulfilling, lucrative careers. And the rising costs of college, coupled with the growing number of students taking on substantial debt to finance their educations, make it necessary that prospective students consider their earning potential when deciding on a major. According to the College Board, the average cost of college tuition and fees for the 2017-2018 school year was $34,740 at private colleges, $9,970 for state residents at public colleges, and $25,620 for out-of-state residents attending public universities. Canadian citizens studying in Canada can expect to pay $6,571 per year, according to Statistics Canada. The cost of tuition and room and board may catch parents’ eyes, but there are some lesser known expenses associated with college that can make attending school even more expensive. According to Cappex.com, a website offering ideas on how to pay for college, the extra costs of college can cost between $250 and $500 per month. The following are some lesser known expenses that college students and their families may need to budget for this school year. · Transportation: Commuter students will need to drive to and from campus, which involves budgeting for gas, repairs and auto insurance. Students who live on campus may be subjected to a high fee for a resident student parking pass. Colleges in the United States earn
Metro Creative Connection
According to Cappex.com, a website offering ideas on how to pay for college, the extra costs of college can cost between $250 and $500 per month. an average of $4 million to $5 million in parking revenues each year, according to the most recent rate study from the National Parking Association. A typical fouryear college or university in the United States charges about $635 per space for the school year. Other students use public transportation or ridesharing services to get
around. Those fees can quickly add up, too. Students attending school far away from home also need to budget for plane tickets home during the holidays and other breaks. · Fraternities and sororities: Many students join Greek organizations to fully immerse themselves in the college experience and make new friends. Many of these groups charge fees to prospective pledges and then semester dues once students are accepted. Parties, trips, living expenses, and other expenses may come up as well. · Added fees: Many colleges and universities charge technology fees, sports center fees and activity fees. Exploring these fees in advance of the school year can help families create accurate budgets. · Dining out: Families spend hundreds of dollars on campus meal plans per semester, but students also like to visit local eateries during the school year. Snacks, lunches and dinners purchased from such establishments can cost hundreds of dollars per year. Farmer’s Financial Solutions, a division of Farmer’s Insurance, says off-campus dining expenses cost an average of $770 a year. · School supplies: A new laptop or tablet, textbooks and other supplies a professor requires can cost thousands of dollars. The College Board estimates students spend $1,300 on books and supplies in a typical school year. The cost to attend college extends beyond tuition and room and board. Many additional expenses can stretch families’ budgets.
Planning a graduation party? Here’s some tips
Metro Creative Connection
Graduates and their families should pause to celebrate and recognize the hard work it took for grads to earn their degrees.
Metro Creative Connection Graduation is a milestone moment worthy of celebration. Whether newly minted graduates will be pursuing further education after donning their caps and gowns or embarking on their lives as professionals, come commencement season, graduates and their families should pause to celebrate and recognize the hard work it took for grads to earn their degrees. Graduation parties provide perfect opportunities for grads to unwind and celebrate their achievements. People tasked with planning such festivities can heed the following tips to make sure the party is one grads won’t soon forget. · Personalize the affair. Much like birthday parties, graduation parties are celebrating a particular guest of honor. As a result, planners should not hesitate to personalize graduation parties so they reflect the grad who’s being honored. If the guest of honor just earned his or her law degree, order a cake in the shape of Lady Justice. Planners tasked with honoring college grads on their way to medical school can ask guests to don scrubs or white coats. Such personal touches can add fun to the festivities while still honoring the new grad. · Ask grads before devising the guest list. Since the
day is all about the recent graduate, let him or her provide input about the guest list. Some grads may be uncomfortable serving as the focal point of a large soirée, while others may prefer family gatherings or less formal affairs with only friends. The goal of the party is to celebrate the new graduate, so make sure they’re comfortable with who is in attendance. If grads choose a friend-heavy guest list, plan a dinner out with family on another night. · Invite teachers. Some graduates form strong bonds with teachers who helped them get through difficult coursework or provided invaluable advice during their academic careers. Make sure these people, who may include teachers past and present, are invited to the party, and recognize their role in helping the guest of honor achieve his or her academic and professional goals. · Speak with other parents/planners. Graduation season is a social time of year. Planners and parents can speak with one another to ensure that parties are not scheduled on the same day. This allows all graduates to enjoy their moment in the sun and ensures friends won’t miss the chance to celebrate one another’s accomplishments. Planners and parents can even coordinate parties together if graduates express a desire to do so.
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