Category: Campus Life

A school year usually holds many possibilities for students. Of course, these could be either negative or positive. Regardless, students can make the most out of the year through certain ways. One way is creating various goals, including both short and long-term ones.

If you’re considering this, here are some pieces of advice for making the most out of your school year with short and long-term goals:

What to Generally Keep in Mind When Creating Goals

Goals are an excellent means of staying focused and productive during your time in school. Can they be ambitious? Absolutely. However, they should also be realistic. If you create ones that are unrealistically ambitious, this will not only lead to disappointment, but also defeat the purpose of having goals in the first place.

Rewards also help. School years can be difficult to get through, and so often your motivation can understandably fluctuate. Therefore, knowing that a reward awaits if/when you achieve a goal could act as an additional motivator.

Overall, these things are very important to keep in mind when establishing your goals.

How to Approach Creating and Fulfilling Short-Term Goals

Seeing what you can undertake and accomplish within a matter of weeks effectively helps determine what good short-term goals are.

Is there an activity you’ve considered doing more of that could be a goal as well as increase your involvement with your school? For example, if you’re currently a high school student wanting to read more, some high school librarians recommend certain books to students each year. They then have a vote relatively near the year’s end for those who read them to see which one(s) people liked the most.

If this or something similar applies to you, try reading these books. You could aim to finish each one within two weeks. Evidently, this might vary, depending on how much time you can designate for reading. The purpose would be to have these all read when voting begins but approach it with this shorter-term goal by focusing on completing the books individually so that tackling them won’t seem overwhelming.

Other examples are volunteering for events such as talent shows, club bake sales, etc. This is an option if you’d like to be more social.

How to Approach Creating and Fulfilling Long-Term Goals

Creating and pursuing long-term goals would be beneficial for areas you think you could improve on. For instance, if you’d like to have a goal that pertains to your academics, a good idea is increasing a certain grade(s). Say you’re currently at a high “B” in a course and getting an “A” as a final grade remains possible. It’s a meaningful accomplishment you can work towards. Some strategies that could help are adopting better studying methods and/or being extra careful with assignments.

The point of having goals, especially regarding school, is achieving things that are worthwhile. Be mindful when creating them and also ensure they’re realistic. Trust yourself in doing so, as you know your circumstances as well as what you’re capable of. If you consider the suggestions above and want to make the most out of your school year with short and long-term goals, you’ll be well on your way to accomplishing this.

By Avreet Jagdev

Over the past couple of years, LinkedIn has grown immensely as a professional networking tool. It can be very useful for those hunting for jobs, internships, or other opportunities, but also for those looking to build their professional network. Networking can be immensely helpful in opening doors for you as you step into your career – in fact, surveys show that 85% of jobs are filled via networking. This is why your LinkedIn profile is incredibly important: it is your personal brand, and if you build a strong profile, you will be able to attract not only a strong network, but also life-changing opportunities. Here’s how to do it.

1. Upload a profile picture

Studies show that LinkedIn accounts with profile pictures are 40 per cent more likely to be clicked on, so make sure you add a picture of yourself to your page. It doesn’t need to be a formal headshot — as long as it’s professional and your face is framed well, you should be good to go! Bonus points for a smile!

2. Upload a banner picture

The more personalized your profile is, the better! LinkedIn gives you the option to upload a banner picture that sits behind your profile picture, so take advantage of this by using a picture that tells people more about you. You can use your city skyline, an inspirational quote, or display a hobby or personal interest.

3. Write a catchy headline

Your headline sits right under your profile picture and should concisely sum up who you are. Use this space to highlight your current role, or if you’re a student, what you study and where.

4. Write your “about” section

This is your opportunity to add a more thorough summary to your profile. You might choose to write a couple sentences about your current position, your educational background, your passions, and where you hope to take your career. You can also include an email address for connections to reach you at.

5. Add your relevant work experience

The key word here is relevant. LinkedIn is your personal brand, so make sure to highlight positions that you’re proud of. Avoid listing every single job you’ve worked, club you’ve been a member of, or volunteer initiative you’ve taken on. Too much information can make your profile overwhelming, and you don’t want recruiters to have to read through tons of fluff before they get to the good part of your profile.

6. Add your education

It’s commonplace to add your high school and post-secondary institution to your profile. Anything before that is unnecessary — recruiters don’t need to know what middle school you went to! You can also specify what you studied, and any organizations you were part of at your high school, college, or university.

7. Include any volunteer experience you have

LinkedIn’s volunteer experience section can be great to utilize if you have done volunteer work in the past. Again, it’s not necessary to add every single organization you’ve volunteered with. Stick to the main ones that you’re passionate about!

8. Start building your network!

Now that your profile is up and ready, start building your network by connecting with people you know. You can search for colleagues, peers, and friends using the search bar. You can also follow companies or organizations you’re interested in to stay up-to-date and receive notifications about job opportunities!

Online education  – often called remote learning, online learning, or eLearning –  has been around since the mid-1990s, and the last decade has seen significant growth in this educational method.  The pandemic forcing so many classes and workplaces to shift online for several years has caused eLearning offerings to spike, and now there are more options available than ever before.

Many colleges and universities now provide individual courses, and in some cases entire degree programs, entirely online and remote.  Many businesses have also shifted their employee training and professional development to online courses.  But not every student is suited for fully-online education, and not every type of program or course is suited for eLearning.

A style of online learning called “microlearning” has emerged as a practical and well-suited option for many topics.

The key to microlearning is in the name: short, focused segments that teach a single concept or idea.  Microlearning modules are also different from traditional eLearning because they can incorporate formats other than text, video, and quizzes, such as games, interactive activities, images, and audio.  Lessons are quick to complete, usually only taking 10 or 15 minutes, and can be often be done through an app on your smartphone, as well as regular computer or browser-based access.

In order to get the most out of microlearning opportunities, it’s important to understand both the advantages and disadvantages of this style of online education.

Advantages of Microlearning

1. Fast and Flexible. The short time commitment of microlearning means that it is easy to complete modules in small chunks, whenever it is convenient.  This makes microlearning ideal for people with busy schedules, limited free time, or unusual work hours.
2. Highly Engaging. Between the flexibility and the wider options for the style of the learning content, microlearning is often more engaging for the student.  Traditional text-heavy eLearning can be difficult to focus on for the long periods of time needed to get through the material.  In contrast, microlearning’s incorporation of multimedia elements and “fun” content makes the material easier to digest, and easier to retain what you’ve learned.
3. Our digital devices are more sophisticated than ever, which means that many microlearning opportunities can be accessed on-the-go via your smartphone or tablet, typically through an app or through a browser-based platform.  This has opened microlearning up to many people who may not own or have access to a computer.

Disadvantages of Microlearning

1. Low Long-Term Commitment. The thing that makes microlearning unique – short, focused lessons – can also make it difficult for some learners to stay dedicated to completing the full course.  Having many small lessons means it can be easy to fall behind if you’re not staying on top of completing them, or to procrastinate until you eventually simply never finish.
2. Lack of Complexity and Depth. Microlearning isn’t well suited to topics that are complex or which require a deep analysis and understanding of the material, since the small and quick nature of a microlearning lesson simply does not provide enough time to explain with the necessary detail.  Instead, microlearning is best suited for presenting factual information, or reviewing fundamentals that are already familiar to the learning and only require a refresh.

If you are assigned microlearning modules as part of workplace training, chances are they aren’t optional and you don’t get to choose them yourself.  But if you decided to explore microlearning opportunities for your own personal or professional development, keep the above pros and cons in mind as you choose which courses to take, to make sure you’ll get the most out of the educational experience.

 

Sources

https://elearningindustry.com/what-is-microlearning-benefits-best-practices

https://elmlearning.com/blog/microlearning-pros-and-cons/

Many students are encouraged to go to university or college after high school.  Often this involves moving to a different city to attend their chosen school – but most of the time, they are still in their own province, or possibly elsewhere in Canada.

But there’s another option students should consider, which is studying abroad in a different country.  There are plenty of excellent universities and colleges around the world, many of which boast world-renowned expertise in specific research, academics, or student experiences.

So, when you’re deciding where to attend your post-secondary education, why not aim big and consider becoming an international student?

You can pursue your entire degree abroad, or you can apply to a Canadian university that offers its students study-abroad opportunities and do part of your degree in Canada and part of it in another country.

Studying abroad for all or part of your degree isn’t a decision to take lightly, and there are plenty of factors to consider, from the overall costs to the individual student experience.

It’s important to do your research and determine what international school or program you want to pursue, and understand both the pros and cons of studying abroad.

Pros

Affordability: Depending on the school and program, studying abroad can be less expensive than studying in Canada.  This can come both in the form of lower tuition costs, and/or differences in the cost of living for things like rent and food.  Scholarships and grants exist for international study as well, which can cover all or part of the cost.

New Culture, New Experiences: The world is full of amazing people and places, and studying abroad gives you the chance to immerse yourself in another culture.  You’ll have the chance to make connections with other students and local residents, learn or become fluent in a new language, and experience different customs, food, entertainment, and much more.

Personal Growth:  Studying abroad, whether for a semester or several years, will help you discover yourself, build your confidence and independence, and help you understand your place in the world.

Cons

Costs May Be Higher: Some international schools are more expensive than a Canadian school, especially those that are particularly prestigious or which have unique, famous, or in-depth specialty programs.  While financial aid is available, such as scholarships and grants, the application and consideration process is highly competitive and you may not receive enough to cover all your costs.

Culture Shock and Homesickness: “There’s no place like home” isn’t just a line from a movie.  Even if you prepare yourself, you can still experience a lot of culture shock and homesickness while studying abroad.  While international study programs will have both academic and social support for students, the fact remains that you will be far away from home without the ability to visit family or return somewhere familiar for long periods of time – a whole semester, if not a whole year.

Coming Home Can Be Hard:  Studying abroad will change you – in wonderful ways – and you will return home a different person than when you left, which can make it difficult to adjust to being back.  Your old routines might feel strange, and depending on how long you’re abroad, familiar locations might have changed.

There are other considerations, but these are a place to start.  Be sure to do lots of research into programs, costs, and requirements, in order to determine which country and program will be the best fit for you to study abroad.

 

Sources

https://www.ciee.org/go-abroad/college-study-abroad/blog/what-are-advantages-and-disadvantages-studying-abroad

https://www.collegeraptor.com/find-colleges/articles/tips-tools-advice/pros-cons-studying-abroad/

https://www.ucas.com/undergraduate/what-and-where-study/studying-overseas/what-you-need-know-about-studying-abroad

https://www.ucas.com/undergraduate/what-and-where-study/studying-abroad-consider-your-options

By Avreet Jagdev

Whether it’s from high school or post-secondary, graduating school is a huge milestone to be proud of. A lot of work leads up to the big day, but the aftermath can feel daunting and confusing. Especially for those who have recently graduated and are unsure of what to do next, graduating can be an isolating and stressful time.

However, it doesn’t have to be! And although feelings of being lost or confused are completely normal and valid, it is important to not let them hold you back. Here are some pieces of advice to help you navigate these feelings and decide where to go next.

1. Remind yourself that this is normal

Although it might seem like other graduates have their lives together, chances are that most of them are in the same boat as you. Remind yourself of how far you’ve come in your educational journey, and that it’s okay to feel lost or confused about how to move forward.

2. Take some time off

This can look different for different people, since not everyone has the ability to completely take a break from work or other commitments. However, before rushing to find a job or apply to more schools, consider taking some time off to rejuvenate. Remember that rest is productive, and it is important to take care of yourself and your health.

3. Rekindle old hobbies, or find a new one you’ll love

Although the open-endedness that comes with graduating can seem daunting, it’s also a great opportunity to try new hobbies, or pick old ones back up again. Whether you’ve been meaning to get a gym membership, learn how to crochet, or get back to your long-lost love for reading, now is a great time to do so!

4. Consider all of your options

Once you graduate, it can be easy to box yourself up into very specific options, such as finding full-time employment in the field you studied, or considering more schooling.  However, it is important to remember that there are many more options available to you. For example, you might look into volunteering, starting an initiative in your community you’ve always wanted to, taking some time off to travel, or visiting family that lives far away.

5. Utilize your resources

Being a fresh grad can definitely feel lonely and isolating, but chances are that you have some useful resources available to you, so take advantage of them! Look into the institution you graduated from, to see if they offer career development programming or job boards for recent grads. You can also look for resources at your local public library, and even on websites such as LinkedIn or Indeed!

6. Prioritize your mental and physical well-being

Unfortunately, stress, burnout, and anxiety are all too common among students, and something you might’ve experienced yourself. To ensure that these don’t continue into your post-grad life, make sure that you prioritize your mental and physical health. This means getting fresh air, taking breaks when needed, and eating healthy. Remember that you have your whole life ahead of you, and that you don’t need to feel pressured to figure out everything right away.

Time and again, it’s been said that marketing is the true engine of business success. However, most companies often acquire a myopic view of how to efficiently market by turning their focus solely on marketing success stories. Sometimes, it helps to turn one’s focus on those that didn’t quite make it. This way, you gain a clear understanding of avoiding those mistakes. In addition, in some cases, the same company may have its fair share of both success and failed marketing strategies.

Take for example, Dove. In 2004, Dove was a trailblazer when it comes to placing diversity and inclusion front and centre in their marketing campaigns by launching Dove’s Real Beauty campaign. This campaign featured everyday women instead of models and did not utilize professional makeup or retouching or any photography filters, as well as made sure the models were also more diverse and inclusive than other marketing campaigns at the time.

However, Dove did make a misstep which it now learned from. Back in 2017, committed to the Real Beauty campaign, the company released packaging of its products, from shampoos to conditioners to body wash and skincare line, that depicted female bodies in different shapes. This did not sit well with not just marketing experts but with women as well whom the company were supposed to champion. Dove had no choice but to do damage control, and thankfully, it managed to surmount the adversity.

This is just an example that marketing success is dependent on the four Ps of marketing: Product, Price, Promotion, and Place.

And these days where the Internet rules, it’s high time that companies embrace digital marketing because web site ads and having a strong social media presence have loads of benefits. Digital marketing strategies are instantaneous, offer a more precise reach than any other platform, and are easily measurable. If this is something that interests you, a career in digital marketing may be in the horizon.

What Is a Digital Marketer?

The most apt definition of a digital marketer perhaps is the one from the Digital Marketing Institute: In general terms, a digital marketer is responsible for using a variety of digital channels to generate leads and build brand awareness. Digital channels include company websites, social media networks such as Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram, search engines like Google and Bing, email marketing, mobile apps like TikTok and WhatsApp, online display ads, and blogs.

A digital marketing specialist often works with a marketing team to plan, set up, launch, and optimize campaigns across various paid channels. They should also have knowledge on measuring the success (or lack thereof) of launched campaigns to see if they are meeting their target goals.

Digital marketing professionals are equipped with a degree or diploma in Business, Commerce, or Marketing. Search engine marketing/pay-per-click (SEM/PPC) experience is often an asset, as well as extensive knowledge of  HTML, SEO, Facebook Ads and Google Analytics (including Google Tag Manager).

According to Payscale.com, a digital marketing specialist can earn a salary of $52,000 to $72,000, while those in management level can earn a salary of $68,000 to $91,000.

Challenges in Digital Marketing

With the heavy focus on social media marketing, it’s more difficult now for digital marketing teams to make campaigns using the basics (SEO, website, and blogs) work. While influencer marketing does offer its advantages, SEO-optimized content ensures that websites rank high on Google searches, therefore boosting its visibility.

Another challenge is the constant changes in technology and applications. For example, before TikTok, there was SnapChat and Vine. So being adept at utilizing the new apps will ensure they don’t get left behind.

There you have it, a brief look on how to launch a career in digital marketing. Remember, for digital marketing success, a multifaceted insight on how to execute effective marketing campaigns will help achieve your targeted results.

 

Sources 

https://www.entrepreneur.com/growing-a-business/avoid-these-5-pitfalls-in-your-digital-marketing/444665

https://www.payscale.com/research/CA/Job=Digital_Marketing_Manager/Salary

https://digitalmarketinginstitute.com/blog/what-does-a-digital-marketer-do

https://www.indigo9digital.com/blog/dovemarketingstrategy

https://www.businessnewsdaily.com/marketing-fails