7 Good Reasons to Stay in Education

1. For the joy of it
According to an article by Miles Brignall in The Guardian online, one of the purest reasons to continue studying is for the simple academic pleasure it will give you. “What could be better than spending another year or more studying the subject you love in the company of likeminded people? There’s a lot to be said for putting off the dreary world of commuting, suit wearing and mortgage-slavery for as long as possible – especially as it now looks as though we’ll all be working well into our 70s.”

2. Earn more money
A study by the London School of Economics in 2001 showed that the more qualifications you have the higher your earning potential.
How much qualifications raise your earning power:
Qualification Men Women
Level 1 8.72% 9.92%
Level 2 17.10% 17.60%
Level 3 29.70% 28.80%
Level 4 52.10% 54.40%
Level 5 66.80% 71.60%

3. Get EMA
Education maintenance allowance (EMA) if you are 16 to18. This is up to £30 a week and bonuses if you do well. This is your money paid to you and doesn’t affect any benefits or tax credits your family gets. (Your family income must be no more than £30,810.)

4. A chance to focus on the subject you really love
At school you didn’t have much choice over the subjects you studied. Moving on to college or sixth form is your chance to focus on the subject or subjects that you really liked. With a chance to focus on the subjects that you really enjoy, you’re off to a great start.

5. Pick up new skills that you can transfer into a job
Skills increase your employability. When a company is looking to employ someone they want to be sure that the person has the skills to do the job well. The skills you learn while studying such as working in a team, project working, will help you when applying for a job.

6. Help your country!
According to US President Obama, students play a vital role in the nation’s future. In a speech to Wakefield High School students in Arlington, Virginia, he said: “There is no excuse for not trying. This isn’t just important for your own life and your own future. What you make of your education will decide nothing less than the future of this country. What you’re learning in school today will determine whether we as a nation can meet our greatest challenges in the future.”

7. Moving on to Uni
Staying on a school opens up the possibility of going to Uni (also known as Higher Education). Uni, or the equivalent, is about taking your education to the next level: learning new things and getting to where you want to be. Staying in education is a launch-pad to your future. A higher education qualification could help you take charge of your future by building skills and confidence and opening up new opportunities – whatever stage of life you’re at. Even if no one else you know is thinking about going into higher education, it could still be the right choice for you.

Top Ten Most Popular Careers for 2010 in the UK

In those quiet moments between studying, partying and recovering from partying, you may have though about what kind of career you want after College.

Here’s an insight into what other people are thinking.

The following are the top ten most popular careers courtesy of online careers website http://www.alec.co.uk/

• Data Communications Analysts

More and more organizations now stay in touch internally and externally with other sites via networked communications. Analysts are responsible for overseeing the installation and maintenance of such networks, which are now becoming critical to the economic and social infrastructure.

• Marketing Officer

Once existing solely in the private sector, the marketing function is also now an intrinsic aspect of organizational life in the public and voluntary sector. The development of the Internet has served to add to the marketing role, meaning that marketing opportunities continue to grow.

• Software Engineers

The IT job sector grows in size as technological advances continue to be made. Computerized systems are ever more present in every area of organizational activity. Software engineers, who design and develop new applications to meet specific needs, are in ever greater demand.

• Medical Administrator

There is an increasing need for administrators and clerical staff in the healthcare sector, which continues to grow.

• Community Nurse

The development of primary healthcare sees more nursing activities taking place in the local community than ever before. The openings for community nurses, who perform non-surgical tasks in the home or other local settings, are increasing year on year.

• Advertising Agency Account Executive

The media sector is becoming ever more specialized and complex, with an increasing number of specialist publications, broadcast channels and online media. An increasing level of targeted marketing through advertising is seeing growth in the number of opportunities for advertising executives.

• Customer Services Assistant

The growth of Customer Relationship Management has led to the establishment of many more customer service teams, who are dedicated to responding to customer queries and fulfilling services requested by the telephone or online.

• Information Officer

Digital technology has enabled organizations to store more data more efficiently than in the past. Consequently, more personnel are needed who can offer specialist skills in operating database software and information networks, retrieving and disseminating information as necessary.

• Administrator

Secretarial jobs may be decreasing as the personal computer changes the shape of office processes, yet administrative jobs are growing, largely due to the centralization of organizational systems.

• Engineer

There is a growing demand for highly trained, skilled personnel who are able to meet the needs of the mechanical, electrical, electronic, automotive, biomedical and civil engineering sciences.

Brought to you by http://www.mkcollege.ac.uk/

Britain’s Top Ten Music Festivals

Although some festivals are over for 2010, take a look at the brilliant music festivals Britain has on offer.

Glastonbury Festival

When: 24th-28th June
Where: Glastonbury, Somerset
Why: Glastonbury is the king of music festivals. As well as an unbeatable line-up of acts including Bruce Springsteen, Neil Young, Blur, Lily Allen and The Prodigy, there’s around 2,000 performances at 50 venues, including music, cabaret, theatre, circus, a fantastic kids’ area and lots more.
Web: www.glastonburyfestivals.co.uk

T in the Park

When: 10th-12th July
Where: Near Kinross, Scotland
Why: In true Scottish style, this is the summer festival that shows the rest of Britain how to have a good time – the nosiest, craziest, wildest festival in the country. Now in its 15th year, T in the Park is Scotland’s major summer music festival. As well as music from the likes of Razorlight, Pet Shop Boys, Lady GaGa, The Killers, Blur and Bloc Party, there’s a fantastic fairground, delicious organic food and drink, and numerous stalls and bars.
Web: www.tinthepark.com

O2 Wireless Festival

When: 4th-5th July
Where: Hyde Park, London
Why: The O2 Wireless Festival is the coolest music festival in London. Held over two days in London’s Hyde Park, it plays host to some of the best bands, artists and DJs around. This year’s Wireless has a rum-’n'-raisin flavour with two distinct sounds over the two days. The likes of The Streets and Paul Oakenfold join the mighty Basement Jaxx to give the Saturday more of a dance vibe, while Kanye West, Flo Rida and Young Jeezy inject some fresh hip-hop beats into the Sunday.
Web: www.wirelessfestival.co.uk

Wakestock

When: 10th-12th July
Where: Pwllheli, Gwyned, North Wales
Why: Wakestock adds a completely new dimension to the rolling-around-in-mud-listening-to-bands formula we know and love. Wakestock adds wakeboarding into the mix to bring you a weekend of high-octane music and excitement. What started as a party in a car park after a wakeboard contest, has grown into one of the coolest music festivals in Europe, playing host to top bands such as Moby, N*E*R*D and Dizzee Rascal, along with the biggest wakeboard competition in Europe.
Web: www.wakestock.co.uk

The Eden Sessions

When: July-August (various dates)
Where: St Austell, Cornwall
Why: Set inside the Eden Project, the world’s largest glass-domed ‘global garden’, Eden Sessions offers a festival experience like no other. You’ll get world class artists such as Paul Weller, The Kooks and Kasabian, in a venue dubbed the 8th Wonder of the World. Jarvis Cocker described Eden Sessions as “no mud, no pushy sponsors, no dodgy burgers, just lots of greenery”.
Web: www.edenproject.com/sessions

The Big Chill

When: 6th-9th August
Where: Eastnor Deer Park, Herefordshire
Why: The Big Chill started life 15 years ago as a series of parties in London. Today it’s become one of the country’s most impressive summer festivals set against the sweeping backdrop of the Malvern Hills. Known for its striking visual displays and New Age character, boasting on-site masseurs, alternative therapists and healers, The Big Chill is an extraordinary place to both listen to top artists and to chill.
Web: www.bigchill.net

V Festival

When: 22nd-23rd August
Where: Chelmsford and Staffordshire
Why: The V festival attracts the big name acts from around the world, such as Fatboy Slim, Oasis and Natalie Imbruglia, as well as acts that don’t usually do the summer festival circuit. The event happens across two jaw-dropping historic venues; Weston Park with its stunning 17th-century stately home and a 1000-acre parkland, and Hylands Park, which boasts a neo-classical Grade 2* listed house set in 570 acres of parkland, including ancient woods, pleasure gardens and a serpentine lake.
Web: www.vfestival.com

Leeds and Reading Festival

When: 28th-30th August
Where: Leeds, West Yorkshire/Reading, Berkshire

Why: Leeds and Reading Festival is Britain’s leading rock, alternative and indie festival, and believe it or not, one of the oldest music festivals in the world with a head-banging history going right back to 1961. Held simultaneously across two locations, the outstanding line-up dash frantically between venues so you get the same top-notch artists such as Radiohead, Kings of Leon and Kaiser Chiefs, no matter which of the two festivals you rock up to.

Web: www.leedsfestival.com/home/index.aspx
www.readingfestival.com/home

CREAMFIELDS

When: 28th-30th August
Where: Daresbury, Halton (near Liverpool)
Why: Creamfields has received endless accolades for getting the fields around Liverpool stomping to the beats of electro, house, garage, acid, minimal and every of type of dance music you can imagine. Stomp around this summer festival to the likes of Mylo, Laurent Garnier, Paul van Dyk and Sasha in the massive outdoor stage area or one of the 10 DJ-only areas. Creamfields has also had massive international success having staged the events in no less than 15 countries – although it’s home will always be our Liverpool!

Web: www.creamfields.com

Bestival

When: September
Where: Newport, Isle of Wight
Why: Bestival is more than just a festival, it’s a philosophy. And there’s no better way to see out the summer festival season than this award-winning three-day boutique music festival set in a leafy country park in the heart of the Isle of Wight. The creative vision behind Bestival brings you not only an eclectic, world-class music, but also unusual experiences such as the Bollywood Cocktail Bar, fancy dress en mass and even a Hidden Disco. It’s this uniqueness that makes Bestival a wondrous world of discovery and a damn good end to summer!
Web: www.bestival.net

Top Tips for Interviews

1. Get the employer to like you
This is the key that unlocks the door. If the employer likes you, you leap to the front of the queue. There is no magic required. If you can smile, be attentive (make eye contact without staring), showing an interest (by asking relevant questions) and look the part then you will make a good impression.

2. What to wear? Look smart!
This will depend on the type of position you are being interviewed for. In almost all instances it is difficult to create a bad impression by looking too smart. When I was leaving school and doing my first round of interviews I confused looking ready for a good night out with looking smart! This gave the message that I couldn’t wait for work to finish so that I could be out clubbing. Therefore ask yourself do I look professional? Tone down make up and jewellery if needs be.

3. Answering questions
Remain focused when answering a question. Keep your answers succinct and on topic. If you don’t know the answer to a question, then say so. Whoever is interviewing you is likely be an expert and will be able to spot a bluff immediately. If there are a number of questions you cannot answer then this is something to learn from and perhaps suggests better preparation is called for.

4. Don’t fall out with the interviewer
Avoid making controversial statements and steer clear of any disagreements. If you find you disagree with what the interviewer is saying then there is no need to challenge them. If you find you don’t like them this is likely to mean that the position they are offering is not suitable for you. After all it is just as important that you feel you can build a rapport with your manager as it is that they feel you will be a good addition to their staff.

5. Be Prepared
It always pays to have done some homework before the interview. The best place to start is the company website. Find out all you can about the company. This will help you prepare questions to ask. It will also cover you for the stock interview question put to all candidates of “What do you know about the company?” The more you know the more interested you appear in the job. This gives the potential employer the impression that you will be keen to learn.

6. Be Positive
Nobody wants to employ someone who is miserable. A miserable person who moans about the job and blames others can have a detrimental affect on the team they are working with. Therefore keep to highlighting positive aspects about yourself. Avoid criticising your school, teachers or any previous employers. Highlight activities where you have proved you can be a reliable part of a team. This could be a school sports team or drama group etc.

7. Find out if the job is right for you
Don’t forget that you are also interviewing the company and you have to make sure the job is right for you as well. Therefore you should also be prepared to ask specific questions about the job you will be doing, any training you will receive and what the career prospects are. This also shows interest in the position. Make sure you find out what you are letting yourself in for. There is nothing worse than a shock on your first day as your new boss says “What do you mean, you didn’t know the job also included cleaning out the executive toilets”?!?

8. It goes without saying!
Turn up on time. In fact turn up 10 minutes early. If a receptionist is busy or unable to locate the interviewer then it may appear that you were late even when you were on time.

9. References
If you have written references or even a glowing school report then take these with you. As the interview reaches its conclusion, offer to show these to the interviewer. Any small points like this can work in your favour and clinch the job for you.

10. Don’t oversell
I have also sat on the other side of the table and interviewed my share of quivering wrecks. One of the biggest turn offs I found was if someone oversold themselves and made it sound like they were way overqualified for the job. This may sound good, but an employer wants someone who sees their job as a bit of a challenge rather than something that will bore them after a week or two.

I know I said there would be ten tips, but I’m on a bit of a roll and I think these last two are important. Look on them as a bonus for reading this far!

11. The employer wants to give you the job!
If you suffer from a lack of confidence when attending interviews then always remember that the interviewer wants to give you the job. Interviewing takes up time, so they do not want to reject you and start searching all over again. On top of this the interviewer also wants to find an excellent candidate. Therefore if you are that excellent candidate, outshining all previous applicants then the interviewer will be delighted. The likelihood is that he or she will have selected you for interview in the first place and by being the outstanding applicant you have proved to them what sound judgement they have, helping to make them feel good.

12. Learn form any mistakes
If you do not get the job after an interview it is a good idea to run through the interview with someone and try to help them to identify any areas where you could have done better. There will be other opportunities in time and any failed interviews should be looked upon as part of a learning process. Don’t forget that performing well at interview is a skill and it can be learnt and improved with help and practice.



Top 10 Most Useless College Courses

10. David Beckham studies – Staffordshire University, UK

It might sound like a joke, but the squeaky-voiced soccer star actually has a degree course dedicated to him. The course, which is technically classed as “Football Culture”, has been defended by its founder, who argues that degree courses must keep with the times. Celeb-style degrees can also be found in the US, with Madonna studies injected into the Gender course at Harvard (no less) and Oprah Winfrey studies at Illinois.

9. Parapsychology – various colleges

This degree is perfect for starting a career with Ghostbusters. Oh wait, Ghostbusters are fictional – that’s four years wasted. Nevertheless, this course dedicated to the study of the paranormal (Slimer and haunted houses included) is popping up in universities and colleges worldwide. Coventry, Edinburgh, Northampton and Liverpool in the UK, plus Belford and Flamel in the US all offer the course, which makes you wonder if people are watching too many Most Haunted episodes.

8. Doctorate of Philosophy in Ufology – Melbourne University

In August this year, Aussie Martin Plowman became the first student to become a real Dr Who after passing his studies of unidentified flying objects. After his major in culture and communications, he decided he wanted to do something a bit different, so he chose little green men. However, despite his new status, he remains open-minded about things: “When I meet someone who says they’ve seen something strange, that’s fair enough, because maybe they have. I don’t know what it is, though,”

7. The Phallus – Occidental College

It’s difficult to get to grips with the exact nature of this course – if you’ll pardon the pun. It’s cited as studies  “between the phallus and the penis, the meaning of the phallus, phallologocentrism, the lesbian phallus, the Jewish phallus, the Latino phallus, and the relation of the phallus and fetishism” but is actually a survey offered by this distinguished college’s department of critical theory and social justice.

6. Surfing Studies – Plymouth/Melbourne

Gone are the days of dumb surfer dudes riding the waves without a care. Now, surfing means business. With Plymouth Uni in the UK offering a BSc (Hons) in Surf Science and Technology and Southern Cross University in Australia offering Surf and Sport Management, is seems the seaside slackers want to be taken seriously. What next? Wrestling degrees?

5. Philosophy – various colleges

Philosophy, like sociology and psychology, is one of those degrees that people do when they’re not quite sure what vocation they want to follow. It’s a fun-time four years, open to stoners, egocentrics and those that love the sound of their own voice, who will finish the course even more confused at what they want to do in life and probably end up working at a convenience store.

4. Queer Musicology – UCLA

Due to seemingly popular demand, the UCLA have actually combined queer theory – the study of gender, feminism and gayness – with the science of music, to produce a very open-minded course within their Herb Alpert School of Music. The LA Times reported that the course will introduce debates like: “the idea that if you’re gay, then music by gay composers such as Benjamin Britten will sound different to you than it would if you were straight.”

3. Star Trek – Georgetown University in Washington

It’s a degree, Jim, but not as we know it. The Georgetown faculty of Philosophy argues that “Star Trek is very philosophical. What better way, then, to learn philosophy, than to watch Star Trek, read philosophy, and hash it all out in class?” The Trekkies have also landed at Indiana University, who curiously combine their Star Trek Studies with religion. If only there were more vacancies for professional dorks…

2. Golf Management – University of Birmingham / Florida Gulf Coast University

Here’s another useless sport degree spreading through Universities across the world, but this one lands the number two position because it’s not even fun. There’s nothing much duller than playing golf apart from studying golf, so why these two Universities have offered courses covering the psychology of golf; equipment technology; financial performance and coach education, is a mystery.

1. Art History – various colleges

What career would you ever get with a degree in art history? Maybe an art gallery curator, but how many of those does the world actually need? Most art history courses consist of a selection of well-to-do teenagers and arty-hippy types deliberating over the same Dali and Magritte paintings for four, even five years straight. It’s time to move on!

Top Ten Free Days out in UK

Courtesy of Enjoy England

1. Blackpool Pleasure Beach
Ok, so the rides aren’t free but the golden mile is and there’s no cost to go in and soak up the atmosphere. If your budget can stretch to it there are 145 rides and attractions at Blackpool Pleasure Beach. Major rides include the famous 235ft Pepsi Max Big One – the biggest, fastest and scariest coaster at Blackpool Pleasure Beach. There’s the adrenaline-packed Big Dipper wooden rollercoaster, the ride that forms the park’s iconic skyline. You can travel through a whirlwind water experience on Infusion, a suspended looping rollercoaster, or journey through fire and snow on the world’s biggest indoor dark ride, Valhalla. There’s also the Grand National, which has been thrilling riders since 1935 with its competing double track, and Steeplechase, where you can ride your own horse! Hold on tight!

2. Albert Dock
Britain’s largest Grade I Listed historic building. A restored four-sided dock which includes shops, bars, restaurants, entertainment, marina, the Maritime Museum, Tate Gallery and the Beatles Story Museum. Entry is free. For more information visit www.albertdock.com

3. National Gallery
If you’re feeling cultured, why not visit this free gallery which displays Western European paintings from about 1250-1900. It includes work by Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Rembrandt, Gainsborough, Turner, Renoir, Cezanne and Van Gogh. Best not talk about it too much down the pub though.

4.Tate Modern
If Modern Art is more your cup of chai, head on over to the Tate Modern, Britain’s national museum of Modern Art. Housed in the former Bankside Power Station, on the banks of the River Thames, the gallery displays the world famous Tate collection of international modern and contemporary art, including major works by Matisse, Picasso and Rothko and contemporary work by artists such as Matthew Barney, Chris Ofili and Gerhard Richter. And it’s free to get in.

5. Eastbourne Pier
For something a bit more refined, find a sunny day and head on over to this fine example of a Victorian pier. It  opened in 1872 and now has an amusement centre, night club, sports bar and a Victorian bar serving food so you’ll not be short of things to do. Boat trips are also available from the pier. The pier also has a newly restored camera obscura and new fish and chip restaurant. Yummy!

6. Willen Lake and Park
One for the MK faithful, who fancy a little something closer to home. This beautiful lakeside park offers something for adrenaline junkies and those looking to chill-out. You can choose between windsurfing, sailing, canoeing, water-skiing, wakeboarding, cycle hire, fishing, miniature railway, seasonal attractions and funfairs. And there’s even a Peace Pagoda. Ohmmm

7. Tring Museum
Discover the fascinating range of animals collected by Lionel Walter Rothschild in this beautiful Victorian Museum. It is home to the world-class research and collections of the Natural History Museum’s Bird Group, and it’s only a stone’s throw away from Tring train station. Entry is free and there are six galleries to choose from. Apparently there’s even a flea dressed as a Mexican, according to Hannah in our office anyway.

8. New Forest
Get some fresh air and head to the forest. The New Forest to be precise. Only a few miles down the M3 from London, Britain’s newest and smallest national park is also one of its busiest, but don’t let that put you off. You can bike, walk or trot around over150 miles of car-free trails. Or if that sounds too strenuous, just chill out and take in the beauty of Mother Nature. Watch out for the ponies though!

9. National Museum of Photography, Film & Television.
This one’s for movie buffs and TV fanatics. Explore the 10 free interactive galleries where you can ride on a magic carpet, read the news or look back at your TV favourites from yesteryear. While you’re there take in an IMAX film on a gigantic screen so huge that you actually feel like you’re part of the action.

10. Sennen Cove, Cornwall
If it’s sunny weekend and you fancy a road trip, the popularity of Sennen Cove in the far west of Cornwall is an ideal spot. It’s a really lovely sandy beach, with clear blue seas and attractive rural surroundings. Facilities at the beach are also good. The west-facing beach regularly offers great surfing conditions. Surfing lessons and surf equipment hire can be arranged at the beach, and it’s also well known as a place to enjoy impressive sunsets. Sennen is well signposted from the A30. Follow the winding, rural roads down and enjoy.

Tips on How to Survive College

1.    Find the ideal place for you to study – It may be your room at home or a cosy corner of the library, but find a place that works best for you to get your work done, while avoiding as many distractions as possible.

2.   Go to class – Obvious, right? Maybe, but sleeping in and skipping that 9am class will be tempting at times. Avoid the temptation. Besides learning the material by attending classes, you’ll also receive vital information from your tutors about what to expect on tests, changes in assignment deadlines, etc.

3.    Meet with your tutor(s) – There are only upsides to getting to know your tutors/lecturers, especially if later in the semester you run into some difficulties. Tutors schedule office hours for the sole purpose of meeting with students – take advantage of that time.

4.   Seek a balance – College life is a mixture of social and academic happenings. Don’t tip the balance too far in either direction. Study hard so that you can play hard.

5.    Get involved - A big problem for a lot of new students is a feeling of not quite belonging. A solution? Consider joining a select group of student organisations, clubs or sports teams. You’ll make new friends, learn new skills and feel more connected to your College.

6.    Strive for good grades – Another obvious one here, right? While good grades could have come naturally to you at school, you will have to earn them in college and that means setting some goals for yourself and then making sure you work as hard as you can to achieve them.

7.    Take advantage of the study resources on campus - Just about all colleges have some sort of library and learning resources centre. If you’re struggling with an assignment or project, these resources are another tool available to you. Another idea – form study groups.

8.    Make time for you – Be sure you set aside some time and activities that help you relax and take the stress out of your day or week. Whether it’s playing a sport, watching your favourite television shows or writing in a journal, be good to yourself.

9.    Don’t feel pressured to make a hasty decision about a career - It doesn’t matter if it seems as though everyone else knows what they’re doing with their lives – believe me, they don’t – college is the time for you to really discover who you are, what you enjoy doing, what you’re good at and what you want to be. It’s not a race; take your time and enjoy exploring your options.

10.    Take responsibility for yourself and your actions – Don’t look to place the blame on others for your mistakes; own up to them and move on. Being an adult means taking responsibility for everything that happens to you.

11.    Make connections with students in your classes – One of my best students said his technique in the first week of classes was to meet at least one new person in each of his classes. It expanded his network of friends and was a crucial resource at times when he had to miss a class.

12.    Be prepared to feel overwhelmed – There’s a lot going in your life right now. Expect to have moments where it seems a bit too much. As one student says, be prepared to feel completely unprepared. The trick is knowing that you’re not the only one feeling that way.