Author: Yerazzz

Ready to Land a Summer Internship? Here are Six Tips to Ensure That you are Headed in the Right Direction!

Post author By Yerazzz
Post date 2 June, 2022

Ready to Land a Summer Internship? Here are Six Tips to Ensure That you are Headed in the Right Direction!

As a Career Coach, I have met a lot of students who put off finding an internship until their senior year of college. Many students believe they are unqualified to apply for jobs like this since they lack experience.

During the summer between their freshman and sophomore years of college, students should begin developing their professional networks and applying for internships. This is an excellent opportunity for students to broaden their connections and gain hands-on experience in their chosen field while also earning a bachelor’s degree. Here are some pointers on how to apply for summer internships:

1. Start the Search Process Early

Internships are a great way to learn about a variety of different career paths! They are a great way for people to discover if they made the wrong career choice. It allows you to make a more informed decision about what you want to do after graduation if you gain practical hands-on experience. The sooner you realize this, the less time and money you would waste switching majors within the first two years of college.

2. Write & Polish Your Resume & Cover Letter

This is the most critical part of the internship application process. One of the many benefits of internships is that they will help you develop more skills and enhance your resume. It is critical to showcase that you have the relevant work experience or skills when applying for a position. Make sure to use chronological formatting and that there are no grammatical errors. Have someone proofread your resume before submitting it.

Although some companies don’t require a cover letter, it is always good to include one. When writing cover letters, I advise students to write their first draft with as much passion as possible. This is an opportunity to emphasize your accomplishments, your ability to express yourself properly, and how your abilities will aid you in your new position. Thus, making a strong case for why you’re the best candidate for the job. Then, edit and polish it to make it sound professional.

3. Network, Network, Network!

An internship is a great way to meet new people and build a network that will help you in the future. Many of the people I know who have landed full-time jobs after graduation have done so through connections they made through their internships or summer jobs. Look no further if you’re unsure of how to proceed. Start by becoming a member of a club on campus that relates to your career goals. Then, reach out to people on LinkedIn or by email if they work for a company or in a profession that interests you.

Another great networking strategy is to ask LinkedIn contacts for an informal phone call to learn more about them, their employment journey, or their organization. In the event that an internship position becomes available or is created at their company in the future, they are likely to reach out to you as a potential candidate. As an incentive, your network can serve as excellent references who can vouch for your work ethic and abilities.

4. Apply To Many Internships

When applying to summer internships it is important to remember to keep an open mind and apply to as many different types of internships. First, start by making a list of companies you would like to work for. Then, visit their websites to learn more about them. Internships and full-time employment opportunities are readily available on the websites of most businesses, particularly for large companies. You may also want to check out sites like University’s Career Center, Handshake, Linkedin, and Indeed.

5. Prep For The Interviews

It is important to go beyond just preparing for the questions you might be asked during the interview. Make sure you do your homework! You should research and be well-informed and knowledgeable about the company. Employers like this because it demonstrates that you have a genuine interest in the company and the ability to prepare thoroughly. Finally, remember to include some examples from your own life. If you lack relevant work experience, don’t be afraid to seize any opportunity to acquire it.

6. Post-interview Etiquette

After the interview, many people fail to express their gratitude and enthusiasm. Because of this, it is imperative that you write a thank you letter or email to each person who interviewed you following the interview. This will help you stand out from the crowd when applying for jobs.

In conclusion, whether you’re a current college student, a recent college graduate, or in the midst of a career change, making a list of industries that best suit your knowledge, talents, and interests may be a good place to start. Having completed multiple internships prior to graduation will make the job search process more seamless. You should now have a better understanding of what employers are looking for in a candidate and will feel more at ease during the interview process.

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Yeraz Benlian

2029 Verdugo Blvd., Suite 728 Montrose,CA 91020
Hours: Monday-Friday (9:00 am- 6:00pm)
yeraz@pathway2careerconsulting.com
(818) 913-9919

Educational Consultant

5 Financial Aid Mistakes Newly Accepted College Students Make

Post author By Yerazzz
Post date 12 April, 2021
No Comments on 5 Financial Aid Mistakes Newly Accepted College Students Make

5 Financial Aid Mistakes Newly Accepted College Students Make

Have you made your final college decision yet? Well, there are several things to take into consideration after informing the college/university of your decision. One of the most significant challenges incoming freshman and transfer students make is not figuring out the cost of attendance and affordability before applying to a particular college/university.

Determining how you or your parents will pay for college can be a bit of a headache. Many high school seniors and community college students do not realize how tedious and time-consuming applying for financial aid resources can be. Being newly admitted to a college/university, you and your parents must take the time to thoroughly go over the financial aid package awarded to you by the institution. Here are some points to consider when evaluating your financial assistance award not to make any unwise decisions.

Mistake #1: Ignoring all college student scholarships

You may believe that just filling out and submitting the FAFSA or CSS Profile forms each year is the only sensible way to obtain financial aid. However, many students do not know that they miss out on other financial resources that they may be eligible to receive. These resources include scholarships that are available through your college/university or other outside organizations. Scholarships can be very appealing to many college students. Most scholarships are known for being based on academic excellence, but scholarships are also scholarships based on race, disability, athletics, interests, hobbies, community, research, and religion.

Mistake #2: Accepting all your financial aid award

Do not assume that you need to accept everything listed in your financial aid award because that may leave you with more debt after graduation. It is essential to understand that federal grants and scholarships are affordable, and you should accept those. On the other hand, student loans need to be paid back; if you need to take out student loans, you choose the one with the lowest interest rate possible. If you are still unclear about your financial aid award, please ask your college/university’s financial assistance office to guide you through the process.

Mistake #3: Not Registering for Courses on Time

If you plan to accept private and other federal student loans, you must educate yourself about the differences between each type of loan. Student loans come in various forms: subsidized, unsubsidized, parent plus loans, grad plus loans, and private loans. We suggest that parents also take the time to obtain information and inform themselves about the interest rates and repayment options for each loan type.

Once you have a brief understanding of what each one entails, weigh out your options and narrow them down to one-to-two types of loans. Students should consider that borrowing federal student loans is the right choice because they are cheaper, more accessible, and have great repayment plans.

Mistake #4: Not Attending Orientation

Many college students believe that it is unnecessary to attend their new school orientation because they are already familiar with college life. Students should be encouraged to participate in an orientation program at their new college or university. It is an excellent opportunity to get acquainted with your new classmates, professors, staff, and campus. Although orientation programs provide an overload of information to incoming students, we encourage you to be proactive by taking notes and asking questions.

Mistake #5: Don’t get ahead of yourself!

Lastly, college students think that they have all the answers, which is a false presumption. Transfer students believe that by attending community college for two years, they already know everything. College students need to learn that there is always room for improvement, whether improving their time management skills or studying for a class. Alternatively, study habits will change once a student transfers to a 4-year college/university. For instance, a biology student would probably spend about five-to-six hours studying for a course and its lab. Still, once they transfer to the university of their choice, they may be spending over ten hours a week for an advanced biology class. We work with our students to determine what study habits, skills, and extracurricular activities they need to reassess once they transfer to a 4-year institution.

At Pathway2Career Consulting, we acknowledge that college students need personalized guidance and a strategic plan for transferring. Our goal is to help you be successful right from the start to the end of your transfer process. The transfer process requires a lot of focus and effort on behalf of the student. Therefore, it is crucial to work closely with our consultants to ensure that you meet with the correct departments, submit the proper documents on time, and have a clear plan for a seamless transition.

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Yeraz Benlian

2029 Verdugo Blvd., Suite 728 Montrose,CA 91020
Hours: Monday-Friday (9:00 am- 6:00pm)
yeraz@pathway2careerconsulting.com
(818) 913-9919

Educational Consultant

5 Entry Level Jobs for Architecture Majors

Post author By Yerazzz
Post date 19 March, 2021
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5 Entry Level Jobs for Architecture Majors

Are you currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture and planning on graduating this year? If yes, then we have some insights to help you navigate the start of your career and succeed in the field of architecture.

What are my options as an entry-level architect?

Entry-level architects’ duties vary from preparing drawings, blueprints, 3D models using digital software, making schematic drawings of buildings, and getting approvals from architects or engineers for the models. As an entry-level architect, you need to assist your firm’s supervisor with each assigned project. In addition to helping the head architect or engineer with a specific task, entry-level architects are responsible for ensuring that all projects adhere to practice standards and meet their client’s needs. Entry-level architects should implement an effective communication system with clients to avoid misunderstandings or issues during a project, whether determining their exact requirements, developing a construction plan, or adhering to building codes and regulations. Becoming an entry-level architect position is an excellent opportunity to learn and develop your skills. Once you have gained enough experience, you may be assigned to more complex projects or even manage them.

Does my degree make me qualified for an entry-level position?

Does my degree make me qualified for an entry-level position? Entry-level architecture positions require a bachelor’s degree in architecture, which takes up to 5-years to complete. The degree program you graduate from is accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB). During your undergraduate years, you should try to gain hands-on experience through internships. Merging your education with a professional background has provided you with the desirable skills to excel as an architect.

By obtaining a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, many students develop a range of desirable creative, visual, practical, and design-based skills applicable to numerous career areas in creative industries. Here are five of the most common entry-level career paths that architecture students pursue.

1. Landscape Designer

Do you have an appreciation for nature, a creative flair, and a passion for working with your hands? Who knew that landscape architects do just that. A landscape architect draws the conceptual plans and coordinates the landscaping projects. Landscape Architects plan and design land projects, but they must consider the cost and their clients’ needs and requirements. They also collaborate with engineers and construction managers to complete tasks. While working on projects, landscape architects have to consider different environmental factors and wildlife when building structures surrounding their habitat. Most landscape architects are self-employed or work for state and federal governments.

Alternative Careers: Urban Planner, City Planner, Residential Architect, Product Designer, and Tourism Planner

Degree Level: Bachelor’s degree

Skills: Verbal Communication, Active Listening, Creativity, Critical Thinking, Reading Comprehension, and Computer Skills [CADD for model preparation and Geographic Information Systems (GIS)]

Average Annual Salary: $73,160

2. Construction Project Manager

Have you always been crafty with your hands, or as a kid, did you always play with Legos? Becoming a construction project manager would be the ideal job for you! Construction Project Managers are unusually overseeing a site construction and are responsible for managing the time, cost, and quality of construction projects. Sometimes they may be asked to work on other projects such as residential buildings, commercial buildings, industrial buildings, roads, bridges, and schools. Being a construction project manager gives you flexibility, such as being self-employed or working for construction management companies, developers, or property owners.

Alternative Careers: Facilities Manager, Site Engineer, Building Safety Inspector, Business Analyst, and Sustainability Consultant

Degree Level: Bachelor’s degree

Skills: Communication, Risk Management, Technology, Negotiation, and Team Management

Average Annual Salary: $103,110

3. Lighting Designer

Do you love attending concerts, shows, and theatres? Have you ever wondered why you had such an incredible experience? This job might be the perfect match for you. Lighting Designers are behind the scene people who bring life into the productions on stage. You need to be actively involved throughout the design process, typically helping with research, attending rehearsals and design meetings, and sharing their inputs on lighting ideas with other production team members. The lighting designer is responsible for color, special effects, safety, fog, floor surfaces, and hanging lighting designs. Lighting designers are also involved in creating lighting charts using computer software to produce a cue sheet for the electrician and a focus chart for each lighting fixture.

Alternative Careers: Set Designer, Stage Designer, Exhibition Designer, Fashion Designer, Interior & Spatial Designer

Degree Level: Bachelor’s degree

Skills: Technical skills, Ability to work under pressure to tight deadlines, Good communicator, Excellent color vision, Lighting, and Computer software

Average Annual Salary: $61,020

4. IT Architect

Are you intrigued by computer programming and technical communications? Why not become an IT architect? It might be the perfect career path for you. IT architects work at different companies and organizations to ensure that their computer networks are protected and maintained correctly. IT architects are responsible for analyzing and implementing risk management techniques, system design assumptions, and other information system issues. They use computer design software to model and test network plans before finalizing and implementing them. Such computer software allows IT architects to resolve technical problems, change routers or focus on advancing existing computer networks. The IT architect must also work with the project management team to make decisions promptly and keep each project on track.

Alternative Careers: PR & Communications Specialist, Tech Founder, Architectural Photographer, Teacher,

Degree Level: Bachelor’s degree

Skills: Strong communications skills, Problem-solving skills, Relationship skills, Negotiation, and Communicate complex technical information to all stakeholders of a project

Average Annual Salary: $109,020

5. Game Designer

Have you always been fascinated by video games? Do you want to turn your dreams of playing video games such as Call of Duty, Rocket League, NBA 2K20, Grand Theft Auto, and Halo into a potential career? Then, consider merging your interests into a career that fulfills your interests! A game designer works with other team members to develop and design video games. They play an integral role in creating and designing characters, levels, animations, and more. To become a game designer, you need to be highly skilled with various computer programming languages and software.

Alternative Careers: 3D Visualization Artist (modeling & rendering), User Experience (UX) Design, Graphic Designer, and Web Designer

Degree Level: Bachelor’s degree

Skills: Creativity, Computer software and systems, Communication, Collaboration, and Project management skills

Average Annual Salary: $105,950

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Yeraz Benlian

2029 Verdugo Blvd., Suite 728 Montrose,CA 91020
Hours: Monday-Friday (9:00 am- 6:00pm)
yeraz@pathway2careerconsulting.com
(818) 913-9919

Educational Consultant

5 Mistakes Students Make During Their Transfer Process

Post author By Yerazzz
Post date 5 March, 2021
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5 Mistakes Students Make During Their Transfer Process

Transferring from a community college to a 4-year college/university is a big stepping stone. College students don’t realize the complexities that come with the transition process. From fulfilling requirements to a wave of emotions, college students feel overwhelmed when navigating the transfer process. We at Pathway2Career Consulting are here to help you avoid these five mistakes throughout your transfer process.

Mistake #1: Not Having Transfer Courses Evaluated

One of the most common mistakes transfer students makes is forgetting to get their transfer courses evaluated. Transfer course evaluation is a crucial final step to take before transferring and sending a final copy of your transcript to your chosen institution. If you’re planning on transferring to a CSU, then your college needs to provide you with the CSU Breadth certification on your official transcript. On the other hand, if you’re transferring to a UC, your transcript needs to be IGETC verified. Depending on where you are transferring, your new institution follows different levels and types of course equivalencies. We work with each student individually to determine the requirements they need to fulfill during their transfer process from community college to a 4-year college/university.

Mistake #2: Not Submitted FAFSA & CSS Profile Forms on Time

The second mistake most college students make is not completing the FAFSA or CSS Profile forms completely and on time. These financial aid applications can seem tedious and time-consuming. However, many college students think they qualify for them without understanding how to fill and complete the forms correctly. In some cases, students forget to submit either one of the applications on time and suffer the consequences of late submission. Due to situations like the one previously stated, obtaining financial aid will become difficult during your first semester or quarter at your school. That is why we at Pathway2Career Consulting will work closely with you and your family to ensure that you have completed every section of both financial aid applications and submitted it correctly and with ease.

Mistake #3: Not Registering for Courses on Time

Once a college student has been accepted to a 4-year college/university and has decided to attend that institution, they have to create a login and complete their onboarding checklist before orientation. However, many students forget to complete their intake and onboarding process for admissions at their new institution. Students fail to attend transfer advising during orientation and fail to register on time for their upcoming semester or quarter by not completing the enrollment steps. We will work with each student to ensure that all stages of registration are complete.

Mistake #4: Not Attending Orientation

Mistake #5: Don’t get ahead of yourself!

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Yeraz Benlian

2029 Verdugo Blvd., Suite 728 Montrose,CA 91020
Hours: Monday-Friday (9:00 am- 6:00pm)
yeraz@pathway2careerconsulting.com
(818) 913-9919

Educational Consultant

How Has COVID Affected The Application & College Transfer Process

Post author By Yerazzz
Post date 22 February, 2021
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How Has COVID Affected The Application & College Transfer Process

Who thought the COVID-19 pandemic would have a significant impact on the college admissions process? Changes are still happening to admissions procedures as the rest of the world is trying to figure out solutions for managing COVID-19.

COVID-19 has impacted the college application process in numerous ways. Many higher education institutions have had to learn to adapt and evolve with the pandemic. This forced colleges and universities to re-access their admissions standards and requirements for the 2021-2022 applications. For instance, California’s public 4-year universities and several Private institutions decided to go “test-blind” by removing the SAT/ACT standardized test scores. Since college students are no longer required to submit test scores, many 4-year institutions have experienced an increase in applications during the 2020-2021 academic year.

Pass/Fail Grades

One of the issues community college students face is whether their pass/fail grades from the 2020-2021 academic year will transfer. This leaves many higher education institutions with some leeway to accept pass/fail grades only for the spring 2020 semester. As colleges and universities continue to adapt to the pandemic, some 4-year institutions have been unclear about pass/fail grades acceptance for the fall 2020 semester. Grading criteria are evolving with the pandemic’s impact, and the pass/fail option seems to place a great deal of pressure on community college transfer students.

Gap Year & Deferment

The economic downturn has hindered graduates and current students’ ability to find employment to pay for classes or even pay off student loans. College students have had to consider different factors when deciding to take a gap year or defer their enrollment. A valid issue that students have brought up is the difficulty of self-isolating oneself in their home to take online classes and study. While the “traditional” gap year is unavailable due to the pandemic, many students have learned to explore new virtual opportunities. Students can also explore new projects such as developing an app, creating a new product, finding study solutions and learning a new language. By deferring their enrollment, some students may be able to improve their knowledge and acquire extracurricular activities that they otherwise would not have if they had not taken a gap year.

Hopefully, the pandemic will encourage many colleges and universities to make great strides in creating a fair and inclusive college admissions process. Institutional stakeholders need to collaborate with different departments to fuse physical and virtual learning to enhance students’ experiences. Postsecondary institutions should understand that students who are taking a gap year or deferring their enrollment believe that their degree will not be in demand by future employers. With these struggles in mind, higher education institutions should focus on creating an admissions process that respects the boundaries set forth by the pandemic.

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Yeraz Benlian

2029 Verdugo Blvd., Suite 728 Montrose,CA 91020
Hours: Monday-Friday (9:00 am- 6:00pm)
yeraz@pathway2careerconsulting.com
(818) 913-9919

Educational Consultant

Does Accreditation Really Matter When I’m Transferring to Colleges & Universities?

Post author By Yerazzz
Post date 14 February, 2021
No Comments on Does Accreditation Really Matter When I’m Transferring to Colleges & Universities?

Does Accreditation Really Matter When I’m Transferring to Colleges & Universities?

Brief Description: Have you or your family considered accreditation when choosing which undergraduate institution you will attend after community college? If not, have you ever pondered on whether your bachelor’s degree has any value? Then it’s time to start thinking about how accreditation plays a major role in the transferring process.

Accreditation is “the process of external quality review created and used by higher education to scrutinize colleges, universities, and programs for quality assurance and quality improvement” (Eaton, 2015, p. 1). In California, most colleges and universities are accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), while other regional accreditation associations recognize out-of-state institutions. College students should care about accreditation because it can affect their credits and their undergraduate degrees.

Source: https://www.chea.org/regional-accrediting-organizations

Source: https://thebestschools.org/online-colleges/accreditation-regional-vs-national/

Accreditation ensures that the college or university you plan to attend has established a set standard for academic quality. Accreditation can have an impact on the college admissions process in one of two ways. First, it can affect a student’s ability to receive financial aid (FAFSA), which is a critical decision factor for many students as to what school they will attend. Another factor is whether a student will receive course credit towards their new college or university. Therefore, students must ensure that their previous institution, such as community college, has some form of agreement with other institutions and is regionally accredited.

After a transfer student gets admitted to the university of their choice, the registrar’s office will process the student’s transcripts and application, which will take approximately two weeks. During this process, institutions check to see that the student has completed a certain number of units to grant them credit for lower-division courses. For instance, if you are a college student enrolled in one of the many California Community Colleges (CCC’s) and plan to transfer to a public university, you are granted up to 70 semester/105 quarter units of credit. Contrarily, if you are moving to a private institution, then you are granted up to 30 semester/ 45 quarter units of credit. A recent example is when most Cal State universities went through the quarter to semester transition, which affected many college students, lost credits, affecting their time to degree completion.

Furthermore, the institution you intend to transfer will also take into account your letter grades. Most colleges and universities will accept transfer credit courses as long as it is a “C” or better. Another general transfer policy that many postsecondary institutions must adhere to is evaluating the student’s transfer GPA. The GPA includes repeated courses, grades of “F,” and non-transferable classes. Unfortunately, transfer credit is sometimes not awarded for independent study, practicums, and remedial/developmental education courses.

Educational consultants help college students understand degree requirements, prerequisites and facilitate the transition to a 4-year college or university. Pathway2Career Consulting prepares students to excel in the college application process by ensuring that students are taking transferable and accredited courses. We also consider that special programs and majors have different admissions requirements that must be met before applying to transfer institutions. At Pathway2Career Consulting, we understand the different transfer policies of various higher education institutions and our goal is to make college students’ transition easier and seamless.

References:

Eaton, J.S. (2015). An overview of U.S. accreditation. Council for Higher Education Accreditation.

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Yeraz Benlian

2029 Verdugo Blvd., Suite 728 Montrose,CA 91020
Hours: Monday-Friday (9:00 am- 6:00pm)
yeraz@pathway2careerconsulting.com
(818) 913-9919

Educational Consultant

Take the Stress Out of College Admissions & Hire an Educational Consultant

Post author By Yerazzz
Post date 15 January, 2021
1 Comment on Take the Stress Out of College Admissions & Hire an Educational Consultant

Take the Stress Out of College Admissions & Hire an Educational Consultant

The Purpose of Educational Consultants

Do you feel overwhelmed about the whole college admission process?

The purpose of an educational consultant is to ease the college application process.Whether you are uncertain about which college or university to attend or what major to pursue, an educational consultant can help guide students through the process. Educational consultants play a vital role in clearing most students’ ambiguities before starting their college journey. Their primary focus is on advising members of the local community on new post-secondary education policies, admissions requirements, student achievement, and much more.

Benefits of Hiring Educational Consultants

Educational consultants work closely with each individual to determine their interests and empower them to find their own educational journey. Although not everyone believes that it is financially feasible to hire a college admissions consultant. There are many benefits to hiring educational consultants, and here are just a few of the reasons:

Educational consultants focus on the individual student as a whole, understanding the demands of getting accepted to the best-fit college or university.
Educational consultants understand that time is of the essence, so they shed light on making essential decisions with students for the academic year.
Educational consultants alleviate parents’ stress when they fear that their child is not prioritizing their current and future educational goals.

Numerous factors play into effect when deciding which college is right for each student; therefore, educational consultants can help create a seamless college application process. If and when you choose to hire an educational consultant is the right choice for you, we at Pathway2Career Consulting are here to address all your consulting needs.

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Yeraz Benlian

2029 Verdugo Blvd., Suite 728 Montrose,CA 91020
Hours: Monday-Friday (9:00 am- 6:00pm)
yeraz@pathway2careerconsulting.com
(818) 913-9919