Five must-have tech gifts for the college bound

If you'll be buying for a college kid this summer, here are five tech gift ideas that can help make their college careers easier, more fun and more memorable. Read More

What working professionals should look for in degree programs

The college experience means different things to different people. An undergrad straight out of high school might consider Saturday football games and fraternity events part of the deal. But if you're a working professional heading back to school, chances are you're going to be a lot less concerned with the extracurricular aspects of college. Read More

Tips for a smooth military transition

Some 39,000 U.S. troops will be headed home from Iraq by year's end. Many will begin the difficult process of transitioning out of military life - including starting a second career. Some cities offer military veterans better employment opportunities than others. Read More

Despite setbacks, swimmer takes head-first approach to reaching Paralympic gold

By 10 a.m., Anna Johannes has crossed more off of her daily to-do list than most strive to accomplish in a week. As a swimmer with her eyes set on the 2012 Paralympic Games in London, every moment of her day counts as she balances training, practice, taking college courses and completing homework assignments. Read More

Registered nurses encouraged to pursue bachelor's degrees

As many industries scaled back and cut resources in the last year, health care continued to grow, adding an average of 26,000 jobs per month, according to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics. This trend is likely to continue as technological innovations and new regulations prompt additional oversight within the health care setting. Read More

Add a dash of creativity in the kitchen

Teaching kids how to find their way around the kitchen is a good way to encourage them to think creatively and get excited about eating well. In addition to imparting practical culinary knowledge to children - including math skills by teaching them about measurements - parents can help foster creativity by letting them "mix it up" a bit. Read More

Five things to consider before sharing photos and videos online

Whether you are an aspiring professional photographer, videographer or just someone who wants to share your unique content with others while still getting credit for it, here are five things you should consider before sharing your work online. Read More

Colleges upgrading technology to improve learning opportunities

Chalk and blackboards just do not cut it in today's schools. Young people grow up exposed to the Internet, smartphones and television on demand - and research suggests that many youth are now addicted to the constant interactions and amusement that technology gives. However, many schools and universities are finding ways to harness technology's capabilities to re-engage students in learning. Read More

Seven websites to inspire the everyday designer in you

Lesser-known health care careers are very rewarding

Have you looked at career possibilities in health care lately? Many positions in the medical arena involve operating room (OR) procedures or patient care. Others require totally different skill sets, such as positions in pharmaceuticals or hospital administration. One unique and rewarding career option involves biomedical equipment technology. Read More

Job outlook positive for diverse accounting-based careers

The need for well-educated accounting professionals will continue as long as business grows. From large to small, domestic or global, all businesses require financial guidance from professionals with accounting knowledge who can prepare, analyze and verify financial documents. Because this vital role comes in many forms, some colleges and universities offer multiple paths toward a specialization in the accounting field. Read More

An apple a day keeps the dentist away

While tooth decay remains one of the most common health problems in children, it is also the most preventable, experts say. Here are some tips on what children and parents can do to protect and strengthen their smiles for years to come Read More

New program helps returning military members bridge the gap between battlefield and backyard

After 10 years of serving around the world in armed conflicts, members of the armed forces are returning home to families, civilian jobs and a life very different from the constant state of readiness they experienced overseas. While most military members and their families will transition easily, others may need some assistance. A new program has been developed to foster positive reconnections between family members and help service members reintegrate into civilian life. Read More

Preparation key to college and career success

Because of the United States' falling rank among developed countries for college completion rates, many lawmakers have recommended efforts to increase the number of young adults with a college degree. Some institutions are already working with high school educators to teach students about the importance of preparing for college. Read More

Need a career change? Nursing needs you

Registered nursing - already the largest health care occupation with 2.7 million jobs - is on a massive growth trajectory. Employment of registered nurses (RNs) is expected to increase by 26 percent by 2020 and nursing was recently ranked No. 1 in the U.S. News and World Report's "Best Jobs" list for 2012. Read More

Growing career field provides vital support to businesses

Communication is the backbone of all businesses - regardless of size or industry. In the modern business environment, the ability to transmit and store information is vital to productivity - and thus, success. But no communication system runs itself - it's the people behind the scenes who ensure that a business thrives. This means huge career potential for individuals who can design, implement, secure and manage communication networks and keep them running smoothly. Read More

Make a difference with a master's in human services

Graduating? Career trends job-seeking students should know

Students graduating from college this year should expect better job opportunities and salaries than graduates from recent history, but that doesn't mean new graduates will have an easy time finding employment. Competition will still be fierce with hundreds of applications submitted for jobs in many industries, both from new graduates and former graduates still looking for work. If you're planning on graduating soon and seeking career opportunities, here are some employment trends to be aware of. Read More

Accountants the backbone of the business world

When you think about the backbone of a business, it's not the owner, CEO or board of directors who keep everything trucking along. Instead, it's the accountant who leads the finances of small and larger companies into the future. Read More

The rewards of a career as an occupational therapist

What do pediatrics, geriatrics and cardiology have in common? Patients in these three very different branches of medicine can benefit from occupational therapy. An occupational therapist (OT) helps people with disabling conditions to recover or develop daily living skills, such as dressing, cooking and eating. An OT's right-hand man, or woman, is the occupational therapy assistant (OTA). This versatile occupation is proving to be a rewarding career choice for many who are returning to school to heighten employment prospects. Read More

When is a dual-degree MBA worth it?

In the last two decades, more and more business schools have started to offer a dual Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree, in which a student can pair a traditional Master of Business Administration degree with another post-graduate (master's or doctoral) degree. Pursuing two degrees at once may mean more time, money and stress initially, but it can also lead to a graduate who is proficient in business concepts as well as being a subject-matter expert. How can potential students tell if a dual degree is right for them? Read More

Financial tips for new graduates

If you are a new graduate, a college degree is just the first step in the new direction your life will be taking. A new career, potentially a new community to live in and a bit of cash in your pocket to spend - there are a lot of changes happening. Here are some financial tips to help grads get the most out of their new paychecks. Read More

Help kids learn by growing a windowsill garden

A child's awe while watching a seed germinate and grow into a healthy plant with beautiful flowers or a delicious vegetable is something very special. Their sense of accomplishment expands when the flowers they grew are arranged in a beautiful bouquet or their vegetables are shared in a family dinner. Read More

Tips for inspiring young readers

It's never too early - or too late - to help your child discover the joy of reading. In fact, reading aloud to your child helps build important vocabulary and language skills that last a lifetime. Despite the considerable evidence of a relationship between reading regularly to a child and that child's later reading development, six out of 10 babies and five out of 10 toddlers are not read to regularly by parents or family members. Read More

School lunch fuels success for spring sports

Springtime packs a punch for students. Between tests, papers, school trips, extracurricular performances and jobs, finding the energy for spring's after-school sports is often a challenge. Time and energy are at a premium. Eating well can help ease the crush. What makes a good lunch? Here are some tasty and healthy suggestions. Read More

New job skills can increase your chances of being hired

Many Americans are involved in prolonged job searches these days. With unemployment still high, competition among job seekers can be daunting. This is a good time to evaluate your viability in the job market, beginning with an assessment of your skills. Read More

Teachers deserve recognition for all their hard work

Teachers touch the lives of thousands of children throughout their careers. A good teacher can help a child who hates math learn to love numbers, a shy child become a social butterfly or enable a child who can't read to learn the wonder of books. If you have children in school, you know firsthand how hard their teacher consistently works to ensure they learn, have fun and grow. Teacher Appreciation Week is May 7 to May 11 - this is the perfect time to thank your children's teachers for the important role they play in your lives. Read More

Credit management tips for first-time professionals

Generally, people starting out in their careers have one of two experiences with credit: they've either never used it at all, or over used it (in the form of credit cards or student loans) to the extent that they're already deeply in debt. In either scenario, it can be difficult to know what you need to do monitor your credit. Here's what you should know. Read More

Master's degrees help educators navigate changing roles

Education is the second largest industry in the United States, and nearly everyone is impacted by its professionals in some way. Unfortunately, budget cuts have forced many states to cut faculty size and increase classroom size in K-12 schools. These changes have put educators under increased pressure to meet new demands while also staying abreast of evolving industry trends and regulations. Read More

Downshifting careers for a more fulfilling life

When 60-plus-hour weeks, expensive professional suits and excessive stress become too much, many high-power professionals trade in their high-paying careers for a more fulfilling life. Called "downshifting," the move allows former CEOs and company presidents to find more balance between work and life. Read More

Job-seeking tips for designers: How to appeal to potential employers

For college graduates entering the design fields, in particular aspiring interactive media and Web designers, a job search that ends well starts with socializing. Communicating and networking - in person, not just social networking online - is an important way for students to start building a foundation for their careers. Read More

Educational programs empower patients with lung diseases

Complications associated with lung diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and cystic fibrosis (CF) account for millions of emergency room visits each year. Many of these complications occur because the diseases are not being properly managed, which many - including several advocacy groups -- believe may be related to a lack of understanding and knowledge on behalf of the patient. For this reason, patient education has become increasingly important in managing lung diseases. Read More

Certification can improve your career prospects in a shrinking job market

The importance of marketing your soft skills in the job search

As many Americans continue to search for employment, everyone is looking for ways to make the most of every interview opportunity. Of course, a good resume will reflect your technical training and experience. However, there is more to your overall qualifications than that. Your soft skills are an important part of the whole package. Read More

Slash college bills with tax benefits

Other than buying a home and automobile, a college education is one of the biggest investments Americans typically make. On average, in-state tuition and fees at a four-year public college increased by more than 8 percent to $8,244 for the 2011-2012 academic year, and room and board now averages more than $17,000 per year. Fortunately, you may be able to cut your college costs at income tax time with a variety of credits, deductions and savings plans. Read More

Get biking to help stop diabetes

Biking is a very popular form of exercise and transportation for Americans. Cities continuously update and add trails, and families look for a way to cut back on gas prices, while also spending time together. Read More

The ABCs of virtual school success

While every family has its own reasons for choosing full-time virtual school, the majority have children who are simply not thriving, for whatever reason, in a traditional classroom setting. Families interested in full-time online school should consider the following "ABCs" of successful virtual schooling to determine if this form of education is a good fit. Read More

Why technology careers are in such high demand

Technology professionals continue to be in high demand across a wide array of industries. Health care, technical consulting and computer system design are just a few of the growing career directions grads can choose with a technology degree. Read More

For career success in today's tough economy learn the G.L.O.W. method

Good is just not good enough for many employers today. As companies look to do more with less, hiring managers are drawn to those job candidates who stand out from the crowd and clearly illustrate the value they bring to an organization. Read More

Why your social media habits are just as important as what's on your resume

You may have spent hours making sure you are using just the right action verbs in your resume, and crafted the perfect cover letter to catch the attention of your future employer, but if you haven't spent the time to clean up what's on your Facebook page, all that work could be for naught. Not only do social media sites like Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn allow you to connect and network as you search for a job, but they give you a platform to sell yourself - or shame yourself - to future employers. Read More

The art of navigating corporate culture

Learning to navigate your career while grasping the culture of a company is one of the greatest challenges a new employee will face. Whether you're a recent college graduate, or at a crossroads in your career, steering your way around a company's 20,000 or 1,000 employees and figuring out the unwritten rules of corporate culture can be challenging and confusing. Read More

Why surgical technology is a growing career in health care

Today's health care industry offers a wider variety of positions than ever before. This is in part due to the expanding health care needs of about 78 million aging baby boomers. Surgical technology can be a rewarding career choice for those looking to enter the health care arena. Here's what you need to know. Read More

Start early when talking with children about staying smoke free

Sometimes negative influences and unhealthy choices keep children from growing up to their healthiest potential. Choosing to smoke is one of these unhealthy decisions. So how do you help protect your children from these influences and encourage them to make healthy choices? Read More

Professionals find passion, paychecks in sports business industry

Decades ago, the sports industry was a combination of talented athletes and mom and pop business owners. But now, in an economic time when many industries are hurting, sports business is one that is thriving and growing. Read More