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Leading from the front-2

The idea of being able to succeed in your field is always one’s dream. There is nothing wrong in dreaming one’s own dreams. But you must be willing to put in effort in things you are not aware of. There are a lot of qualities needed when you are striving for success. That requires more than just hard work and studying. Sure they do have a vital role when you are trying to be a good employee and chasing your dreams but when you are actually trying to last in the field for a long time you should be able to adapt and learn things earlier and faster than your colleagues because time is an important factor. And time is a harder criterion to overcome. But you have to remember that no matter if you are in your 20’s,30’s,40’s or 50’s you never are too late. Simply remember, when you decide to change your life around, always start today itself. Tomorrow is too late for anything in your life. If you decide to be a better person or a better leader, take the initiative and decide today itself. And you will neither doubt your decision nor regret it. If you ever see a good result in your actions, do not regret that you didn’t start earlier, just be grateful that you did start before that tomorrow you procrastinate about.

There are some traits you could use both as a person, employer or as a leader. And that includes many of the basic things you already know about or even have. Nonetheless, evaluate yourself when you read on…

As a person who is looking to improve yourself, the first thing you have to remember is that you should have the ability to question yourself. Be honest as possible is the way to go. When improving yourself you should self evaluate what your shortcomings are. Where do you lack? If you really don’t know how to do that, taking an example would really help. We all have role models. Pick a person you look up to and ask yourself, why this particular person is my role model? What are the things that make them a good person and really liked by people? What are the things that make them unique from the other 7 billion in this world? Once you get the answer to these questions, ask yourself whether you have these values that you aspire to have? If so, how can you improve that skill? If not, how can you better them. When you are trying to change, do not forget you don’t really have to be like your aspiration.No human is perfect. Everyone is flawed and so are you. So be the best you, you can be.No one is ideal. The main person you have to impress is not your loved ones, friends or family, it is yourself. No matter what you do, you should be able to be happy with who you are. Being successful and unhappy with who you are would only put your hard work to waste. So be someone you are proud to be. 

How to Prepare to be a Professional: Student Story

As college students, we realize attaining a degree is vital to our careers. What many of us might not realize, though, is that our future employers will expect us to have skills that aren’t always found in our course requirements. For example, I have taken some additional steps, from joining extracurricular activities to pursuing internships, to prepare myself for my future career in business.
Here are some tips to help you learn some of the skills you need beyond your classroom studies: 

Do your research

Your first step is to spend some time researching what specific job opportunities might interest you and what kinds of skills they will require. It can be a little overwhelming, especially if you have numerous options and an open mind, but the right position is out there!

Practice communicating professionally

It is not appropriate to use abbreviations or slang in professional communications. Also, since email is such a widely-used tool for communication, you should create a professional email address if you do not have one already. This should consist of a variation of your first and last name; silly nicknames are not appropriate.

Start building your professional network

LinkedIn is a great tool for connecting with other professionals in your desired field. Here’s how you can make your LinkedIn profile stand out:
  1. Carefully fill out each section with information about your education, work experience and career interests. Avoid skipping sections, as all the information you provide will be valuable for networking.
  2. Your profile picture should be professional (i.e. professional dress, de-cluttered background, no selfies!).
  3. Once you have a complete profile, start connecting with people! Make sure you have plenty of quality connections, so you can re-connect with them about future opportunities.

Join appropriate extra-curricular activities

Throughout my college career, I have immersed myself in some fantastic extra-curricular activities that have provided me with hands-on experience in my field and led to some great networking opportunities. My experience with DECA, an organization for college students interested in marketing and finance, has helped prepare me for my future career in business.
If you don’t know which organizations are right for you, reach out to your career advisor to see what campus offerings might align with your professional goals. Your involvement in these organizations will help you build your resume and will set you apart from other job candidates.

Get experience

Jobs and internships are a great way to gain experience in your field. They can also help you determine if a certain career is right for you. Working at Kay Jewelers, I am getting more experience in sales. This has helped open my eyes to another career path that I could pursue in the future. While I highly recommend searching for an internship opportunity, there are jobs out there that can provide valuable experience as well. Both options can be very worthwhile if you take the time to find the right opportunities.
Start your internship or job search by inquiring about opportunities on campus or talking with your career advisor. You can also try websites like Snag-a-Job or Indeed.com to easily search for jobs or internship postings.
You’re on the right track to a successful future, but it’s important to remember that preparing for your future entails more than just walking across the stage on graduation day. With some extra effort, you’ll be even more prepared to start your career!
Magnolia Ruet (Maggie) is a Herzing University student. She will graduate with her Bachelor in Business Management with a concentration in Marketing in the spring of 2018. Previously, she completed her Associate of Applied Science in Business Management at Gateway Technical College with a 4.0 GPA. Outside of school, Maggie enjoys her job at Kay Jewelers and spending time with her family and friends.

Leading from the front-1

Being a true leader isn’t the easiest thing in the world, nor should it be the hardest. People can be born as a leader or made one. Irrespective of how you became a leader, the work you put in is important. 

Do you often feel that you are not the leader you aspire to be? If so, that can always be changed.


You are a leader. First of all, what does being a leader mean to you? As there are millions of leaders out there, having their own meaning for leadership, you have to come in terms with your own meaning. You really don’t have to have the same meaning as someone you dream to be. For example, most people would take in what someone who is successful believes in, like Bill Gates. Swallowing his or anyone else’s point of view will surely lead you to a good path but not the best. You have to remember what you believe in has a great impact on your life. Standing on your beliefs no matter how absurd others think it might be, is one of the most powerful things. (unless it is absolutely blundered you are good to go.) Do not forget that, before even Bill Gates became who he is today, he had to believe in things that people back then thought were reckless but later turned out to be inspiring. As a person or greater, as a leader, you always should have yourself to back you up. Our designer while creating us made sure no two humans are the same. So put that to use, Be unique.

    Having the power to stand on your beliefs and decisions is one of the most important things that you have to build when you are a leader because being a leader means you have a lot of people following you. You should be able to believe in yourself so that others can believe in you. Running a jurisdiction of your speciality or not, you should always be able to stand on your perspectives and respect others views too. As humans, we are prone to making mistakes, and it is obvious that what we believe in might not always be completely right, so we should keep in mind that we are obliged to be open to others’ comments and be able to separate the right from the pessimistic-wrong ones. Our motos could be updated, but it should never be changed due to ill-selfish needs. Leadership is something to be honoured. Being selfish and looking for only your benefit will only bite you back. Trust me when I say, being honest will only bring you good. No matter how good the other side looks, always know that you would never be true to yourself if you are dishonest.

The significance of myself stressing on the fact of being able to stand in your belief is that it is the backbone of being a true leader. Being apt to stand on your own, under any circumstance.



5 Survival Tips for Nursing School

Have you ever wondered if you have what it takes to make it through nursing school? Some nurses will tell you that coursework and clinicals are difficult, which can be discouraging for many potential students. Just like any career, becoming a nurse takes a lot of hard work. Here are a few suggestions to help you rise to the challenge and make the most out of nursing school.
  1. Go to class. This sounds easy enough, right? Some students think it’s acceptable to skip class from time to time, but nursing classes move very quickly and your instructor will cover a lot of important information in each session. If you miss a class, you will quickly fall behind in your studies and you might not be prepared for your exams or clinicals. Plan your vacations and extra-curricular commitments around your course schedule and make sure to prioritize your schoolwork outside the classroom.
  2. Be on time. Each state requires that nursing students complete a certain amount of clinical hours. Sometimes, you might have to commute to your clinical site, which can be a hassle in bad weather or on days when you’re running late. But, if you miss a clinical session, you will have to make up those hours at the end of the semester. Trying to make up several clinical hours at the end of the term can be stressful and overwhelming, especially when you also have to study for final exams. It’s important that you complete all your hours on time and make an effort to attend every session. You can carpool with other students to hold yourself more accountable and cut down on transportation costs.
  3. Form study groups with your classmates. Studying in a group makes it easier to set aside time specifically for academics, even when you don’t have a particular exam coming up. Reviewing your notes regularly will make it easier to retain important information so that you can apply that knowledge to your work outside of the classroom. Your classmates will always be available to help you, and they might even become your friends and support system throughout your college career.
  4. Seek help from your instructors. Sometimes, you may need a refresher on the material before a big test. You should always talk to your instructors if you’re confused or struggling with course material. Your instructors are an invaluable resource—they had to survive nursing school, just like you. Above all, they want you to succeed and graduate, so don’t hesitate to ask them for help!
  5. Seek help from a tutor. All college students are expected to master basic math and writing skills, and these skills are especially important for nursing students. (For example, you have to know algebra in order to administer accurate doses of medication). Your college papers will likely require you to write in APA format. Even if you are confident in your writing, you should still ask that a peer or a tutor proofread your paper and double-check your formatting. Every student can benefit from a proofreader for papers—no one is a perfect writer! Plus, your tutor may be able to give you valuable feedback that will help you improve your writing in the future.
Of course, the best advice is to enjoy nursing school. Your years in school will go by fast, and you will learn a lot about yourself. Every student will have a different experience in school, but following these tips will help you make your experience as positive — and rewarding — as possible!
Interested in a nursing degree? Learn more here. Take our nursing personality quiz to discover the best degree options for you!
Michelle D. Metzger is a Registered Nurse who earned her Master of Science in Nursing Administration (MSN) and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in 2013.  She has more than 20 years’ experience in healthcare starting as a Certified Nurses’ Assistant. Michelle is currently the Department Chair of Nursing at the Herzing University Kenosha Campus.  Also, she is currently pursuing her Doctorate in Nursing Practice in Education Leadership.  

An insight to Obesity and why is it a growing concern ?


Obesity is a medical condition where people have a BMI above 30. Often people get confused with the terms \’obesity\’ and \’overweight\’. There\’s a slight catch to it. If a person has a BMI between 25 to 30 he would be called overweight and the ones above 30 would be called obese.


Now, what is BMI? BMI is defined as the ratio between the weight of the body and the square of its height. The statistics show that 30% of people worldwide are obese. That\’s a whopping 2 billion people. India has around 5%, obese people. 

Obesity can be caused by a variety of factors. For instance, a normal person might be obese because of an excessive amount of food intake and a lack of physical activity. Though there are a few cases that have pointed out to genetic reasons for the case of obesity. 

Now, let\’s take a deep dive and discuss the various factors in detail. Common causes of obesity include: 

• Binge Eating: Irregular eating habit is a kind of eating disorder which may have an ill effect on the body. Eating disorders include excessive or insufficient intake of food, and in the long run, it can damage a person\’s state of health. The usual forms of eating disorders include Bulimia Nervosa, Anorexia Nervosa, and also binge eating disorder. One may not realize when he/she grew too close to eating hence it\’s important to keep a check on it right from the teens. Eat to fulfill your hunger and not your taste. Hence it\’s important to control yourself right from an early age. 

• Sedentary living style: This lifestyle can be defined as a type of lifestyle where an individual does not receive regular amounts of physical activity. Today, surprisingly most of us live a sedentary lifestyle. The person may not meet the standards as specified by the Center for Disease Control (CDC). A sedentary lifestyle is a major cause of the obesity epidemic. It has been found that living a sedentary lifestyle which includes sitting for longer than four hours per day, greatly increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. It\’s said that it can cause much greater damage than smoking itself. 

• Genetics: It\’s discovered that people whose parents are obese have an increased risk of being obese. However, there have been cases where people with obese parents are fit and healthy and may not show any signs of obesity even later in life. 

• Physiological influences: For some people, emotions influence eating habits. Many people eat not because they are always hungry but in response to social feelings like sadness or stress. There was even a popular show run on the discovery channel on TV by the name –\’ My 600lb Life\’, where they depict the real lives of obese people. But as the show progresses it\’s shown how they recover themselves after a long battle with obesity. But case studies show that almost every overweight guy or gal experience the same psychological disturbances just like any other person. 

• Weight history: A weight-history discussion is a full clinical and physical assessment to identify metabolic, genetic, and hormonal factors as well as medications that may be the reasons for weight gain. 

• Pregnancy: When a woman gives birth to a child, she may gain extra weight post-pregnancy. It\’s important to note that the extra weight gained during pregnancy is the result of feeding not yourself but your baby as well. It takes time for a woman\’s body to return to normal after pregnancy. The fact that it takes nine months for the uterus to expand to accommodate the baby, it\’s not surprising if it takes much time to return to normal. Hence, patience is a virtue, and it\’s quite beneficial for women trying to lose weight. 

• Drugs: Various drugs like steroid hormones and drugs used to treat psychiatric conditions can increase weight. For example drugs like Benadryl, Antidepressants, Beta Blockers, Prednisone, Seizure Drugs, Mood Stabilizers, Insulin & Other Diabetes Drugs.

Now the question comes if obesity can be controlled? Well with the advancements in science and increased awareness it can be controlled. All it takes is small and consistent efforts by your side. It would take a while but one can win. Before heading on to the various habits you can inculcate and various efforts you can put, it\’s important to bust up some myths floating around us. 

There are myths like : 

• People with poor self-control will remain obese throughout their life. 

• Your genes are entirely responsible for your obesity. 

• Lack of access to fresh fruits and vegetables is responsible for the obesity epidemic

• Quick weight losses are likely to be gained back. 

• Joining gym classes right from play an important role in the prevention of childhood obesity. It\’s important to distance yourself from these myths. 

Now the various ways to avoid obesity is : 

• You must say goodbye to your old lifestyle and start living an active lifestyle. Try to do simple chores like going out to buy some vegetables, using a staircase instead of an elevator. 

• You won\’t return to balanced health overnight. But putting up small efforts like these would catalyze the process. 

• Have a balanced eating diet in your schedule. The recommended daily intake of calories is 2000 for a healthy diet. Eat foods that contain fewer fats and more nutrients and avoid having high sugar content. Make sure you follow that religiously. Also, ensure that you eat only when you feel hungry. Filling your tummy unnecessarily will only put your efforts in vain. 

• Drink as much water as you can. This would clean and detoxify your body which is good in the long run. 

• Make sure that you keep junk food out of your house. It would take a while to control your love for junk food but if proper steps are taken you can surely avoid them. 

• It\’s very important to keep track of your progress and for that, you must keep an eye on your weight and get yourself a medical check-up regularly.

• And lastly do not forget to exercise regularly. Your consistent efforts would be the key to attain a healthy body.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCzOJDJZHoBttdHAjJsnN9w?sub_confirmation=1

5 Tips for Boosting Productivity

Twenty-four hours is often not enough time in the day to knock out everything that’s on your to-do list, especially when distractions are nearby. However, being productive is essential for success. This semester, significantly boost your productivity by keeping these simple tips in mind:

Avoid multitasking

Many people are under the impression that multitasking actually helps them get more things done faster. However, the opposite tends to be true. The American Psychological Association found that the brain isn’t designed for multitasking, especially when one of those tasks is complex. Instead, concentrate on one thing so it gets your full attention.

Exercise

When you have a lot to do, exercise may not be your top priority. However, you may want to make some time for a quick workout. The Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine has reported that exercise could actually help improve productivity. The good news is, you don’t need an hour workout in order to reap the benefits. Take a walk outside to get your blood pumping so you can come back to your to-do list with a fresh mind.

Plan

Before you jump into everything you have to do for the day, make a plan for yourself. What are you going to accomplish first? Do you want to knock out the easy stuff and leave the complex tasks for later? Or would you rather start on the harder to-dos? You may be less stressed about getting your work done when you have a game plan for exactly how you’re going to approach each assignment.

Think about your workspace

The place you sit down to get your work done can have a big effect on your productivity. For instance, you might have a desk at home, but if you live with someone, you could get distracted. Try working elsewhere, whether it’s putting in some headphones and studying at your favorite coffee shop or heading to the library where it’s nice and quiet.

Keep interruptions to a minimum

It’s going to be tough to avoid every single distraction that may arise during the day, but there are certain things you can do to keep them to a minimum. For instance, turn your phone on silent and put it away so you’re not getting interrupted by constant calls, texts and notifications. You may also be less tempted to pick it up if it’s not right next to you. Avoiding distractions could also be as simple as closing a door so people are less likely to stop and chat.

Why You Should Consider a Degree in Human Resources

Most organizations need to have a human resources department because effectively managing employees is critical to their success.
Employees are not only a company’s most valuable asset, but they are also the most significant cost and liability. A human resources professional will know how to successfully create and implement programs that capitalize on human assets, minimize costs and address potential liabilities.

Administer salary and benefits:

Salary and benefit programs typically incur the most significant costs for an organization. However, this is also the area where human resources professionals can help an organization achieve a competitive advantage. A generous salary and benefits package will attract and retain well-qualified employees who bring considerable value to the organization.

Oversee recruitment and selection:

A human resources professional often plays a key role in developing an organization’s recruitment and selection strategy. In addition, integrating employee recognition programs, training and development strategies and promotion-from-within policies can bolster employee motivation, resulting in lower turn-over and higher retention.

Manage employee relations:

Another function of a human resources department is to identify and resolve workplace issues. Implementing a workplace investigation process and enforcing fair employment practices are two components of an employee relations program.

Direct employee training:

Human resources professionals are often responsible for creating training and development programs that prepare employees to take on greater responsibilities within the organization. Succession planning, internal promotion policies and performance management are all factors that help an organization cultivate and retain top talent.
Human resources professionals play a critical role in managing the successes and failures of an organization and its employees. However, to become a human resources professional, you’ll need to obtain your bachelor’s degree in human resources management. For more on Herzing University’s Human Resources Management degree, click here: https://www.herzing.edu/business/human-resource-management-degree
Jack McCallum has been with the online business department at Herzing University since 2011. When not teaching, she serves as the President/Principal Consultant for HR Balance LLC—a consulting company specializing in human resources management, organizational development, leadership coaching, and training/development. She started HR Balance LLC in 2003 after years of serving in a leadership capacity for a variety of for-profit and non-profit organizations. A keynote speaker and presenter, Jack has served as an industry expert for radio and print media.

BENEFITS OF READING NEWS ONLINE

               Now-a- days everything is available in online and we are so much dependant on internet, we cant think of our future without internet. We are now entering into a digital future where newspaper may be going to be replaced by online news.

                Online news is very convenient as we get news in real time and we don’t have to wait for news till the next day to read from the newspaper.Even newspaper cannot cover every insight or content about any topic,whereas in online we can go deep inside a topic ,get update and deep insights and everything about our topic of interest.Online news is updated every second ,ever minute in real time.The good thing about online news is that it is free of cost provided we should have a internet facility to access the information.Most importantly online news saves trees in result saves the environment whereas newspaper is the reason for cutting of millions and millions of trees and mass destruction of forests and ecosystem.This leads to global warming and far reaching consequences in present as well as in future.Its obvious that newspaper cannot cover every news going on in the world for which they have to selective in publishing content but in online news there is no such boundaries,every big and small news across the world is right within our fingertips.Even we have a lots of news apps for both android and ios in which we get notifications of news happenings across the globe which is a cool benefit of online news.Morever the newspaper printing companies also publish their newspaper online so that people can access them more easily and conveniently.
               Traders can incredibly get benefit from the online news about the stock market details ,rise and fall of shares whenever they want.We can also use the newspaper buying cost in a more productive and constructive way.Online news is also a big opportunitiy for the advertisers.They can publish their offers and advertisements in the breaking news or any popular news where they can reach a bigger number of  audience.As the era of internet ,digital marketing has a rich future  as it helps small businesses to grow and develop when it comes online.They can advertise their products and services in the page of news headlines. Newspapers fail to give us details about any topic but in online we can get each and every details,clarity and update about any topic.People now are slowly ,gradually abandoning traditional newspaper and coming to the online platform for news and magazines,posts etc.
              Also, reading newspaper is also hectic for some people as they don’t have the patience to read long boring paragraphs. So it becomes impossible for people to cover or read everything in newspaper whereas in online news its precise ,contains gist headlines summary which is  easier to read and grasp more information in less time.Another good thing about online news is that it contains additional links and related information ,so that we can access and get more information about the concerned topic.Morever , in newspaper we can access to only few articles published that day but in online news there is no such limitations regarding how many number of articles  we can read.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCzOJDJZHoBttdHAjJsnN9w?sub_confirmation=1

TOD in India

 Indian cities face a multitude of issues such as severe congestion; deteriorating air quality; increasing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the transport sector; increasing road accidents; and an exploding growth in the number of private vehicles (largely motorcycles). With the urban population projected to more than double in the next generation, the situation could easily get out of control and thwart India’s economic development efforts unless remedial measures are soon taken. 

The state of public transport in the majority of Indian cities has degraded over the years. Rising population and underdeveloped mass transport has led to a rapid rise of personal vehicles, traffic congestion and an increase in pollution levels. Moreover, the majority of people do not use public transport simply because of the lack of it and inaccessibility to the transit. Therefore, while augmenting public transport, planning for accessibility is the need of the hour. Increased density and improved connectivity through TOD can help achieve that. But one of the most important reasons for thinking about TOD for Indian cities is the recent emphasis on public transport at all levels of government. Scholars have argued that transport sector in India is extremely energy intensive and needs massive investments in mass transit to quell the rise of private motorized mobility. 

Post the announcement of mission based programs like Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) in 2005, Atal Mission for Rejuvenation, and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) and Smart Cities in 2015, there has been huge emphasis on investments in public transport. Transit systems like metro rail and Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) have found their way into many cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai. Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Rajkot, Surat, Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad, Hubli Dharwad, Lucknow, Kochi, Jaipur, Bhopal and Indore among many others. 

Some of these cities have gone on to leverage the huge potential accorded by the massive investments in public transit and prepared TOD plans for their cities. In western countries, TOD was used for densifying certain areas but in India the cities already have higher densities. Hence TOD in Indian cities should be looked at as a tool for improving quality of life and financial means to provide infrastructure facilities. India is taking steps towards achieving the TOD guidelines and designing a well-planned city for its people, making itself sustained and pedestrian friendly.

Why Business Students Need Data Analysis Skills

While you’re working — or playing — online, every transaction, mobile download or click you make becomes a data point. It’s no surprise, then, that businesses are keeping track of that data so that they can understand their customers better.
But many businesses lack the time and the resources necessary to understand the vast amounts of data that they collect. That’s a real problem, since those numbers could provide valuable insight into how well an organization is meeting its business goals.
Here are three reasons why it’s important for business students to develop strong data analysis skills:
  1. All businesses collect data. Whether you own your own business or work for a large corporation, you’ll need to understand the fundamentals of data collection and analysis. Data serves an important function in many parts of a business, including marketing, accounting, sales and customer service. It’s important for you to understand not only how data is compiled, but also its value in helping your company meet its goals.
  2. Businesses use data to make better decisions. Data-driven insights can inform important business decisions, such as when to launch a new product or how to improve the bottom line. Tracking sales trends helps businesses understand their customers’ buying behavior and is usually used to inform marketing strategy. Cost and revenue analysis can help you determine where your organization can improve productivity and become more profitable. No matter what type of organization you work for, developing and implementing a data strategy is often essential for business success.
  3. Proficiency as an analyst can advance your career. Successful data analysis requires attention to detail and critical thinking—two skills that are highly valued by employers. In fact, data analysis is quickly becoming another core competency required for many entry-level jobs. Exceptional data analysis skills are extremely important for digital marketers and business analysts and can help you advance to leadership and management roles within your organization.
From finance to marketing, data analysis is an essential practice for any type of business. By having good data analysis skills, you’ll differentiate yourself from other job candidates and help bring valuable insights to your organization.

How to Network Effectively

Attending a networking event can seem daunting, especially if you’ve never been to one before. Nevertheless, networking skills are essential to your career development and success. Making the effort to talk to and connect with other professionals in your field can open the door to new and exciting opportunities. After all, sometimes finding the perfect job is as much a factor of who you know as what you know.
The first step is to find networking events, such as through professional associations or chambers of commerce. Look specifically for ones that encourage college students and young professionals to attend. These events will help you make connections with potential employers and learn about opportunities in your chosen field.
Here are a few tips to help you make the most of any networking event:

Be prepared 

Before attending any networking event, it’s important to consider what you hope to gain from the experience. What opportunities in this profession interest you the most? What aspects of your field would you like to know more about? You should also be prepared to answer questions about your interests, strengths, accomplishments and goals. Practice responding to these questions with a brief (20-30 seconds) introduction — this is often referred to as an “elevator speech.” Lastly, be sure to bring any useful materials with you, such as business cards (it’s OK to make some for yourself even if you don’t have a job) and a pen/notepad or a device on which you can take notes.

Ask questions

Remember, networking is about getting to know others! While you should be prepared to speak about yourself, you don’t want to dominate the conversation. If you’re notified of the attendees ahead of the event, make a list of the people you most want to meet. Research the person and their organization and prepare a few questions that will help you engage in meaningful conversations about that person’s work and experience. Also, it’s not all about how they can help you – find out how you might be able to help them, possibly by introducing them to someone you know.

Take initiative

 It’s natural to be nervous when you’re walking into a room in which you don’t know anyone. But remember — everyone is there for the same reason you are. Don’t be shy to talk to others. Prepare an icebreaker question, or use your elevator speech to introduce yourself and start a conversation!

Practice making a good impression

 First impressions matter and they can make or break your networking experience. You only have a few minutes to talk with each person, so make sure that you appear engaged and enthusiastic. Smile, shake hands, make eye contact and make sure to thanks others for taking the time to speak with you. Also, dress appropriately for the event.

Follow-up

Networking is all about relationship building. Collect business cards throughout the event so that you can follow up on opportunities or continue to build a professional relationship. One ideal follow-up task is to connect with your new contacts on LinkedIn.
Although you might be a little nervous for your first networking event, remember that this is an opportunity to get to know some great people and learn more about your career interests! Relax, be yourself and prepare ahead of time so that you can make the most of your networking experience. You’ll be glad you did.

3 Ways Online Learning Made This Cop’s Dream a Reality

Online education has transformed the way students are able to learn and reach their career goals. Some might assume that the average online student is a college-aged male or female working toward their bachelor’s degree, but that isn’t always the case. In fact, according to CollegeAtlas.org, the average online student actually ranges from 25 to 29 years old. On top of taking online courses, this person often works full-time and balances other priorities such as family. Mike Tusken was no different.
Mike had advanced as a leader in the Duluth (Minn.) Police Department and when the chief of police was set to move to a new position, Mike was ready to take his place. There was only one issue: He needed a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice before he could advance to chief. Luckily, he found Herzing University’s Badge-to-Grad initiative, which allowed him to reach his goal.
Here are a few benefits of online education, and how they helped Mike advance his career:

Creates More Time with Family

When students have to attend a traditional four-year school out of town, it means they’ll get significantly less time with their families. Losing family time is especially difficult for parents such as Mike. When he was looking into how he would earn his bachelor’s degree, he didn’t want to travel to a campus that was hours away from his wife and three kids.

Allows Continued Career Development

Instead of traveling to an out-of-town college campus, Mike went to Herzing, where he could earn the bachelor’s degree online and still work full-time at the police department. He was able to learn on his own time when it was convenient for him, whether that meant working during lunch breaks or staying up late to focus on school.

Targets Specific Learning Goals

When working toward a bachelor’s degree in a traditional school, students may be required to take a lot of general education courses, as well as basic-level ones in their major. In Mike’s program, he was able to get credit for what he had already learned in his ongoing law enforcement training. Instead, he focused on the newest and most progressive aspects of criminal justice.
Online education provided the flexibility that Mike needed. He was able to earn his criminal justice degree on his own time and In May 2016, less than a month after graduating, he was appointed chief of the Duluth Police Department.
“The education and instruction I received at Herzing were top-notch,” he said. “The university was attuned to my timeline and career goals and diligently worked with me to meet them.”

What Does a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing Mean to You?

If you are a registered nurse with an associate degree (ASN), you might be feeling some pressure to obtain your bachelor of science in nursing (BSN). In 2008, the Institute of Medicine released a report recommending that 80 percent of the RN workforce have a BSN by 2020, causing many hospitals to reevaluate their criteria for hiring new nurses. If you work in a hospital that is seeking Magnet recognition, you have probably noticed that Magnet hospitals usually hire only BSN prepared nurses or those who are committed to going back to school.

“Why is this so important?” you ask. “I’m a good nurse!”

You probably are! Even so, you should consider getting your BSN. Here’s why:
  1. Job security. In order for an institution to qualify for Magnet status, all nurse managers must have their bachelor of science in nursing. While Magnet status does not require staff nurses to obtain their BSN, 49 percent of registered nurses employed at Magnet facilities are BSN-prepared, compared to only 30 percent of registered nurses at non-Magnet facilities. In addition, research shows that hospitals with higher percentages of BSN-RNs on their nursing staff produce better patient outcomes. That means that aspiring Magnet hospitals are likely to hire more BSN-prepared nurses, and you can increase your chances of employment—or feel more secure in your current job—by getting your BSN.
  2. Higher income. It is true that getting a BSN is more expensive than getting your ASN. However, it has been shown that nurses with higher-level degrees earn higher incomes, so you can expect a better financial return on your investment if you choose to pursue your bachelor of science in nursing degree. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary of a registered nurse is $70,000 per year ($33.65 per hour) and registered nurse positions are expected to grow 15% from 2016-2026. The average salary of a BSN nurse will trend higher than nurses with an associate’s degree only.
  3. A global perspective. While your associate degree prepared you well for hospital nursing, it did not address national and global health policy and issues. As nurses navigate new cultural landscapes and bureaucratic challenges of the 21st century, it is crucial that they develop a broad understanding of their role in the community, national and world health.
  4. Community involvement. Unlike BSN programs, associate degree programs do not require community nursing coursework. As the focus of patient care shifts from acute care to prevention models, a nurse’s role expands to health education and advocacy, community care, agency collaboration and political and social reform. Even if you never plan to be a community health nurse, it is essential for you to understand your evolving role in the community and how you can provide holistic care for your patients.
  5. Leadership skills. Good leaders aren’t born—they’re made! A bachelor of science in nursing prepares you for future leadership roles by introducing management and organizational theories that will allow you to take initiative in a variety of roles. In addition, you’ll learn about quality improvement, cost-wise decision making and outcomes evaluation, which are all essential skills for today’s nursing leaders.
  6. Evidence-based practice. Do you know how to translate research into practice? Your bachelor’s degree gives you the ability to critically evaluate new research, thus making you a more effective nurse. Nancy Bergstrom’s multi-site study of the Braden scale is an example of how nurses can use research to affect patient care practice. Through her research, Bergstrom found the Braden scale was an effective strategy for predicting pressure sore risk. Today, the Braden scale is widely used to prevent skin breakdown.
A bachelor’s degree in nursing will open more career doors for you so that you can do what you are good at—being a nurse! There are many different types of nurses and many unique nursing career specialties to choose from, whether it’s becoming a pediatric nurse, oncology nurse, neuroscience nurse, travel nurse, etc., and grow into advanced roles like family nurse practitioner or nurse educator.
Herzing’s RN-BSN program is completely online, enabling students to complete the program at their own pace. Herzing also offers a flexible transfer credit policy, competitive program pricing and a dual credit option that allows students to earn credits toward their MSN degree while completing their bachelor’s degree. That’s a great time and money saver!
Get more information on Herzing’s RN to BSN online program.
Susan Austin, MSN, RN is the Program Chair for Herzing’s RN-BSN Online. She has been with Herzing University for 10+ years, most recently at the Akron Campus, where she was nursing faculty and the Nursing Department Chair. She graduated in 1987 an MSN from Case Western Reserve University where she had a Nurse-Midwifery concentration. Subsequently, she practiced as a Certified Nurse-Midwife for 20 years and taught in various diploma and Bachelor’s degree nursing programs prior to coming to Herzing.

What is Data Warehousing and Why is it Important?

Cloud-based technology has revolutionized the business world, allowing companies to easily retrieve and store valuable data about their customers, products and employees. This data is used to inform important business decisions.
Many global corporations have turned to data warehousing to organize data that streams in from corporate branches and operations centers around the world. It’s essential for IT students to understand how data warehousing helps businesses remain competitive in a quickly evolving global marketplace.

What is data warehousing?

A data warehouse is a system that stores data from a company’s operational databases as well as external sources. Data warehouse platforms are different from operational databases because they store historical information, making it easier for business leaders to analyze data over a specific period of time. Data warehouse platforms also sort data based on different subject matter, such as customers, products or business activities.

Why is data warehousing important?

Data warehousing is an increasingly important business intelligence tool, allowing organizations to:
  1. Ensure consistency. Data warehouses are programmed to apply a uniform format to all collected data, which makes it easier for corporate decision-makers to analyze and share data insights with their colleagues around the globe. Standardizing data from different sources also reduces the risk of error in interpretation and improves overall accuracy.
  2. Make better business decisions. Successful business leaders develop data-driven strategies and rarely make decisions without consulting the facts. Data warehousing improves the speed and efficiency of accessing different data sets and makes it easier for corporate decision-makers to derive insights that will guide the business and marketing strategies that set them apart from their competitors.
  3. Improve their bottom line. Data warehouse platforms allow business leaders to quickly access their organization’s historical activities and evaluate initiatives that have been successful — or unsuccessful — in the past. This allows executives to see where they can adjust their strategy to decrease costs, maximize efficiency and increase sales to improve their bottom line.
There are many exciting career paths available for students who are interested in working with data warehouses or within the larger field of business intelligence (BI). BI professionals include data architects, database administrators, coders and analysts, among others.
BI professionals have a wide variety of educational backgrounds, but most employers look for a degree in information technology. Learn more about Herzing’s IT programs here.