Can we Trust an “Eyewitness”?

Yes sir, the light was green, I am positive…or was it yellow….maybe it just turned yellow….ok, now I am not sure…

The exciting field of criminal justice is all about dealing with people; whether in the course of an investigation, arrest, court proceeding, or corrections setting. One of the most frustrating aspects of this occupation is attempting to gather facts in the course of ones duties.

I cannot recall how many times I have performed interviews from seemingly reliable individuals, only to find later that their factual account of an incident was incorrect? Sometimes we are lucky and find those “ideal” witnesses, who seemed to have a clear, unobstructed view of the event, and appear to be completely unbiased, yet when interviewed, they falsely recount even the most simplest of facts.

One such investigation comes to mind that stemmed my interest in this topic area of research. I was performing a field investigation of a possible “jump in” in the claimant’s vehicle.

The claimant was receiving aggressive medical treatment, yet my insured and the police report did not place him in the claimant’s car. I located two eyewitnesses to the event who were standing on the exact corner of this intersection accident; both with a clear view of the loss and of course the claimant’s car. These were ideal witnesses, both were college educated, presented themselves well, and were unbiased, yet when I interviewed them, they could not even provide the correct color of my insured’s car, which was a distinctive yellow hue.

Some of the seemingly “simple” questions appeared inaccurate- weather, clothing etc…Immediately I thought of how unreliable these reliable witnesses were and wondered why they could not provide a clear account of the simple facts of loss. The reliability of eyewitness testimony is not a new topic of research; it has been explored for more than a hundred years by psychologists and legal experts. Let’s take a brief look at the historical development of eyewitness reliability to establish a foundation for our topic.

In his seminal book, “On the Witness Stand” (1908) Hugo Mu¨nsterberg questioned the reliability of witness testimony. He is considered one of the early pioneers of research and development in this topic area of law and psychology. His early research has shown itself to be applicable to many contemporary situations involving testimony. Mu¨nsterberg performed a significant study which supported his theory of witness unreliability. In the study he had a sample group of children and adults view pictures of a farmer’s room, immediately afterward they were asked a mixture of leading and objective questions. These studies revealed that the adult sample was highly misled by leading questions, but the children were not. The younger group seemed to be less resistant to suggestion than adults.

Contemporary researchers such as Roberts & Schneider (2000) have also supported these findings. Can we infer from these studies that the younger witnesses provide more accurate testimony? The research suggests that we can. A similar study by Valentine, Pickering, and Darling (2003) studied the identification accuracy of 640 witnesses from 314 lineups conducted in London. The researchers categorized the age of the witnesses and correlated their findings to accuracy. They found overwhelmingly, that the age of the witness had a significant effect on identification accuracy, with a rate of 48% accuracy in the under 20-year old group as compared to 28% in the 40-plus group. How about the testimony of the claimant or insured, we would think that someone directly involved in the event would be able to provide a clear recount of the occurrence. However, studies have proven otherwise.

A significant study performed by Patricia Tollestrup, John Turtle, and John Yille (1994) focused on how individuals acquire and retain information from an occurrence. They studied specific cases where a suspect confessed to a crime and also involved eyewitness victims and bystanders. The study revealed that bystanders had a more accurate memory of the crime scene than the victims involved. Victim accuracy rate was 40% lower than that of the bystanders. The most significant aspect of the study surrounded the findings that both the bystanders and the victim eyewitnesses chose the right criminal only 48% of the time in a lineup.

This study illustrates that eyewitness testimony is very weak and unreliable. It also shows that if the eyewitness was directly involved in the crime, chances are their testimony is even weaker because of many factors that bias their memory. In the early 1990’s the development and use of DNA evidence in criminal cases was a significant “eye opener” in eyewitness reliability. The revisiting of cases across the world revealed the many criminals that were initially convicted by eyewitnesses were exonerated by DNA evidence. This caused new found interest in reliability.

Tests by psychologists using mock crime scenes has revealed that eyewitnesses are incorrect approximately half (50%) of the time. In 1996, the Department of Justice assembled a panel of leading psychologists to address this reliability issue and develop strategies to assist with gathering more reliable information. They concluded that the interview format can often times have an affect on the outcome of the testimony. That is, they recommended asking very open-ended questions, so as to extract a more unbiased account of events. They also recognized that the less time that elapses between the interview and the occurrence can also have affect on accuracy. So what can we conclude from this research. Many of the studies overwhelmingly revealed that eye witness testimony is highly unreliable; approximately 50% of the time their testimony is inaccurate.

The message gleaned from this article should not be to discount all eyewitness testimony, instead to use the testimony as part of your overall investigative strategy. Actually sir…now that I have thought about it I am sure the light was yellow…I think…

About the Author: J. Michael Skiba, MBA, is a full time special investigations unit manager for a large financial company where he specializes in financial fraud investigations. In addition, he has been an adjunct instructor at the campus and online level for approximately ten years. He is a regular presenter and publisher of fraud related topics, and is currently pursuing his PhD in criminal justice. He is heavily involved with industry associations and holds several executive board seats, including acting President of the New York State Association of Special Investigative Units.

Why Is Technology So Complicated?

Why is technology so complicated? I don’t understand it already, and I haven’t even gotten started! My kids know more than I do, and I stay away from it so I don’t look ridiculous. It changes so fast, how can anyone keep up?

I recently visited the Kennedy Space Center. Talk about a fish out of water. I don\’t understand the aerodynamics of flight. How is it possible for man to go to that dark, vast, cold place and see remarkable things and return safely to Earth? Talk about team work. How are so many minds able to work together for a common goal without the whole project going haywire?

I’m intimidated by all the knowledge in a place like this. As I walk among the buildings seeing what my fellow countrymen have created, the dreams and aspirations they have realized, astound me. Everyone here didn’t get to walk in space, visit the space station, or have the fame of being the first to walk on the Moon. But everyone did work together realizing that the mission to space was bigger than just one man, or one team, or one department of NASA. I can relate these feelings of intimidation back to my own classroom, to my own students here at Bryant & Stratton College Online.

I see many comments from students saying they are afraid of technology. I hear you and I feel your pain. It wasn’t that long ago for me, and I can still imagine what it is like to open up Excel and stare at a blank spreadsheet wondering what you are supposed to do with each of those little squares (cells). Students know they can perform magic and do powerful things, but it takes knowledge to get there. And it is intimidating when you know the power, but not the process. I know the power of space flight, but not the process. Not yet, anyway. I have never forgotten my days as a new user of technology and software. Yes, today I am technically savvy, but I wasn\’t always. Like you, I had to start somewhere. I remember those early days of being a computer technician working for Kodak in its heyday. I made a lot of silly mistakes. When I would embarrass myself by a mistake, I always swallowed my pride and kept moving forward. I learned from it. I made lots of mistakes, but tried hard never to make the same one twice.

Nothing is too big to understand if you just ground yourself and take it one piece at a time. I can still remember my mother telling me that you can even eat an elephant, if you do it one bite at a time. The imagery was awful, but the message was true. You can conquer anything if you break it down into manageable parts. The best instructors and teachers are those who never forget where they came from, and the journey they took to arrive at the present day. If you can muster up enough inner-strength to make the determination that you will not let defeat rule the day, you can master anything, even Excel spreadsheets or Access databases.

They are actually pretty cool, once you become comfortable with them. Technology isn’t going away. If anything, it will embed itself deeper into our lives, our automobiles, our entertainment, and our very clothing. We can be left behind, we can be intimidated, we can stand here and wring our hands, or we can choose to take the smallest steps in understanding those little pieces we use daily, our smart phones, our computers, and other peripheral devices. As we explore our world and really take a solid look at all the technology everywhere, we realize a choice must be made. Embrace the pieces we choose to use, understand, explore, and experiment – even if we make mistakes.

As my students comments ring in my ears it dawns on me that I am so fortunate to see the transformation from the first weeks of class to the end of class. Most students learn as much about themselves as they do about technology. They realize that technology isn’t to be feared and it was their own misgivings that were standing in their way.

Most want the class to continue for several more months so they can learn everything once they have mastered a few new skills. I get great joy out of watching this transformation. I am a witness to the journey; the journey of education, the journey of self-realization, and the journey of a thirst for knowledge. The best part about teaching technology isn’t the technology itself, (although I love that aspect of teaching), it’s watching the student triumph over something that used to hold power over them and intimidate them, and now is nothing more than circuit boards and software in their eyes.

That is the ultimate rush. I believe I need to come back to Kennedy Space Center next year. I need to learn more. I need to understand the process of space flight. I’ll never be a pilot, and it isn’t the marvel of engineering, or the mathematical calculations that I need to understand.

It’s the drive, the desire, the passion to make a difference, to achieve, to receive knowledge and mostly to learn about myself as I travel on my journey.

About the Author: Ellen J. Divens, MSEd, is a full time instructor at Bryant & Stratton College where she specializes in Technology & Communications. In addition, to holding a Masters in Adult Education, she also holds a Second Masters in Communications & Information Management. She has been teaching online for five years and began her educational journey as a Bryant & Stratton College alumna, earning her Associates in IT in 2001. She is heavily involved with industry associations with a focus on Information Technology, Information Management, and Communications.

Build Your Career. Start Today.

Don’t wait until graduation to start preparing yourself for a career change or advancement. Start taking small steps while you are still in school. This will better prepare you and can help build your career more effectively after graduation. Here are a few actions to consider that can help make you more desirable in a tough job market:

Research what you can do with your degree. As a Bryant & Stratton College student, you have access to a number of research and information databases that are not free to the public. While you are a student, take advantage of this access. Use the Virtual Library outside of your classwork. Research articles on job advancement, different positions requiring your degree, and labor statistics and data in your area.

Build a resume. If you haven’t already, start building your resume. Adding to an existing one after graduation is quicker than designing one from scratch. Take advantage of the Career Services Department and your Career Management Seminar to perfect resume building. The Optimal Resume program available to Bryant & Stratton College students is the perfect place to create and store a developing resume.

Add more to your resume. Consider seeking out supplemental experience to enhance your resume. Volunteer at a local organization, research professional groups or societies online, or look into certifications that will improve your marketability. Talk to successful people or employers in your field and ask them what they look for in potential employees.

Practice Interviewing. Ask a friend to go over a mock interview with you. Have them ask you questions that you are not expecting and did not prepare for beforehand. The more you do it, the more comfortable you will be!

Work hard to achieve good grades. Making Dean’s List or qualifying for the Alpha Beta Gamma Honor Society looks excellent on a resume. In a tough economy, these small steps can add value to your degree. Don’t wait until graduation to start thinking about your career and how to be successful in it!

Instructor Blog: The Importance of Instructions

Imagine if you will for a moment, how easy it is to make a peanut butter & jelly sandwich. Simple, right?

I bet you could even show someone how to do it in under a minute. Now, write it down, step-by-step as though someone had never seen bread, a jar of peanut butter, or jelly before in their life. Trust me; it just got a lot harder. Following directions and especially complicated directions can be a very important tool that serves you well throughout your life.

What does this have to do with going to college? College instruction is full of following directions. One of the most common mistakes that most students make is not fully reading and comprehending instructions. Often students skip over the steps of the instruction with the understanding that they know what tasks need to be done. And before long, they grow frustrated because the tasks they performed did not give them the result they wanted.

Why is this a critical skill? Imagine having this skill in the office environment. Your boss rushes in with a panicked look on their face. They have a meeting in the afternoon, and need you to whip up a presentation as they hand you their sketchy notes before they rush off to another meeting. You have no one to ask. You have to do your best with what you were given. Now, relate this back to coursework. Sometimes students feel that instructions for assignments should be written differently, or “better”. Although Instructors try very hard to make comprehensive instructions for students, sometimes they just don’t cover every possible outcome. Students are learning to use their critical skills, and think through the assignment. Move forward, give your best effort, and then learn from the experience.

Can you ask your Instructor to clarify certain points for you? Absolutely. But trust yourself. Many of us do not like to give students examples because students tend to copy exactly what they see, and the creativity that lives in every student dies. Most often, Instructors appreciate the efforts of students who give an assignment their very best effo

Three Reasons To Be Excited to Go Back to School as an Adult

Back to school used to mean new notebooks, a new set of crayons and maybe a new back pack. But for the 37 million Americans with some credit but no degree, going back to school can mean anxiety, fear and worry. Adults are filling out applications for college at a growing rate for a lot of reasons and many of them are finding there’s no reason to fear hitting the books. Plus, there are a number of payoffs to finally earning that degree.

That’s not to say college is all happy times and stress-free living. Anyone who is going back to school needs to seriously consider the financial and time investment school takes. Thinking about the decision to go back to school and how it will affect your (and your family’s) life is important. Yet, there are a lot of reasons to go back to school as an adult.

Increase in pay and opportunities

Several reports and studies show that people who get a college degree are better at career management because they earn more over their lifetime and are less likely to find themselves unemployed than people with lower levels of educational attainment. A college degree isn’t a guarantee of more money and opportunities but it certainly helps. Plus, as an adult with working experience, employers may consider you more employable than someone who has never been part of the workforce.

More committed

When you’re going to school for yourself, your family or to advance your career you are often more committed to school than a typical student. Use that commitment to excel in your degree program. Going to college as an adult is about investing in yourself and achieving what you know is possible.

First step toward change

Filling out that application for college and going back to school can represent changes both big and small. Your schedule certainly will change as you work in class assignments and studying. Your priorities might even change. But the biggest change is you are taking a step toward improving your life. That may mean fulfilling a long-standing goal to go back to school, earning a degree to get that promotion that’s been out of reach or getting the skills needed to completely change career fields. Whatever your reason may be, this is an exciting time in your life and you should embrace it!

If you are considering going back to school and want to learn more about the online degree programs at Bryant & Stratton College, please call 1.888.447.3528 to speak with an admissions representative.

Resume Tips for the 21st Century

Your resume should serve as an organized and concise synopsis of who you are, the education, skills, and experience you bring to the table, and should also indicate where your career is headed. While this has always been true of resumes, the 21st century resume needs to be created using programs that support both traditional printed products as well as digital formats that translate well over the internet. With that in mind, here are 5 resume tips to help Bryant & Stratton students and graduates embark on a successful, 21st century career path.

Use your resources. The internet is a wonderful place to look for resume tips, and to view examples. However, if this is your first or second attempt at creating a professional resume, take advantage of your resources. Bryant & Stratton College offers free career services to our students and alumni. This includes:
Access to Resume Tools, a web-based application that allows you to create a resume, manage and edit it, present it to future employers, etc.
Optimal Interview, a program that allows you to interface with real-to-life, simulated interviews so you can practice and hone your answer strategies.

Some communities offer free career advisement through temp agencies and employment centers. Take advantage of these services as you tailor your professional resume and portfolio.

Paper and Digital. You will want to have your resume available in both paper and digital formats. One copy on MS Word is not sufficient. There are times where MS Word documents do not translate across varying digital platforms. This means your resume may come through with incorrect punctuation or random symbols. You may want to invest in an HTML copy of your resume so you can feel confident it will be viewed as you intended.
Make sure it’s manageable. HR professionals are often inundated with resumes once a job opening is posted. To keep your resume easily scannable, limit the content to one or two pages. Stick to an easily legible business font, such as Arial, Georgia, or Times New Roman. Also, limit your use of bold or italics as these don\’t always scan well. You want your resume to be as easy to read and understand as possible.
Use concise keyword phrases. The Wall Street Journal reports that 50 percent of applicants don\’t have the skills advertised for by recruiters. In order to cut through the fluff, the majority of Fortune 500 companies and other large businesses are using applicant tracking systems to weed out mismatched applicants. These tracking systems are high-tech scanners that only forward resumes with the right skills, work experience-related keyword phrases the recruiters and HR staff are looking for. The more clear and concise you are, using specific job skills, accomplishments, and work experience-oriented phrasing, the better chance your resume has of making the cut.
Use effective hyperlinks. Since so many resumes are digital, you can use hyperlinks to add depth to your content. The resume should be the skeleton of who you are in terms of goals, objectives, experience and accomplishments. Then, you can hyperlink to your website, your LinkedIn profile with stunning recommendations, any published work, etc. within your digital resume. Or, consider using a QR Code next to your name and have it link to an expanded, web-based CV.

Finally, your resume should serve as a marketing document, targeting a specific audience. Be prepared to have multiple versions, each one tailored to a particular sector of the job market. Contact Bryant & Stratton College to learn more resume tips for your 21st century resume.

5 Ideas for Making Your Return to College a Success

There are 37 million Americans who started college but dropped out before they earned a degree. Since a college degree is still important to increasing earning potential and job security some of these people may be considering filling out an application for college and going back to school.

For those adults going back to school, it’s a big step forward. But, it’s not without challenges. The National Center for Education Statistics reports that only 28 percent of adult students (those who are 25 years or older) complete college. So what’s holding these people back from reaching their goal?

There are a lot of factors and everyone is different. A Pew Research Center study found among those surveyed who did not have a four-year college degree and who were not currently enrolled in college, two-thirds attributed the lack of a degree to needing to support their family instead. Other research from organizations like Apollo Research Institute uncovered reasons such as anxiety about not spending time with friends/loved ones, worrying about intellectual ability to complete coursework, and experiencing stress because class interferes with normal routine, as challenges people face in earning a degree.

The top reason college students drop out however continues to be financial. Paying for college is a big undertaking and can seem almost impossible, especially if someone has other financial obligations. Yet, investing in a college degree can still be a great driving force when it comes to getting and retaining employment. According to the Hamilton Project, over a lifetime of work, a college graduate with a bachelor’s degree would earn over $500,000 more than an individual with just a high school diploma.

So, if you’re one of the 37 million people with some college credit but no degree don’t lose heart when faced with the challenge of returning to school. Knowing why you are going to apply for college and keeping your long-term goals in mind will aid your efforts. Here are some other tips that will help too:

Think about why you dropped out initially. Identifying the reason or reasons that prevented you from earning a degree the first time will help you think about what you need to do differently this time around.
Research all your financial options to find financial aid for college including scholarships for returning students or moms going back to school, grant programs and student loans. With student loans be sure you know exactly what you are signing up for and don’t use the money for non-school related purposes.
Ask a lot of questions before you apply for college. Make sure you understand what kind of instructors are at the school, whether they have the right degree program for you and whether there is specific support for adult students.
Start using a calendar. Going back to school while balancing a job or family obligations can be tough. You are going to need all your time management skills to stay on top of things. Use a paper or online calendar to keep track of school assignments, tests and other important items as well as schedule regular study slots so you can stay committed to your degree.
Get your support team onboard. Everyone needs a little bit of help. This could mean asking your spouse or your kids to chip in at home, finding a study buddy in class or talking to your instructors and academic advisor about getting academic support. Wherever you need help, make sure you get it before it’s too late to matter.

Going back to school is a commitment that’s worth making. At Bryant & Stratton College, we offer online classes that are outcomes-based in a flexible and personalized environment which can be a great fit for adult students. If you are interested in learning more about the online degree programs offered by Bryant & Stratton College, please call 1.888.447.3528 to speak with an admissions representative.

Paralegal Career Guide

If you are considering pursuing a career as a paralegal or legal assistant, you’re not alone – according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for this position is expected to grow by 8 percent between 2014 and 2024, resulting in 21,200 new jobs during that time span. While the demand for paralegal professionals continues to grow, the job market remains extremely competitive. Accordingly, it’s important to understand the roles, work environment and level of expectations for paralegals and legal assistants.

Here is a quick run-down of the facts you need to know about what it takes to work as a paralegal.

What does a paralegal do?

Your role and responsibilities as a paralegal will likely vary depending on your place of employment. However, paralegals and legal assistants are generally responsible for supporting lawyers by maintaining file systems, doing legal research, and drafting cover letters and other legal documents. Developing your administrative, organizational and communication skills is a must. You also will likely serve as the first point of contact for new clients to your organization, so being personable is an additional helpful skill to have.

Where do paralegals work?

By and large, paralegals work for law firms and legal organizations. However, there are also a variety of paralegal positions available in legal departments for corporations. Banks, insurance companies and real estate agencies are just a few examples of companies that often hire paralegals and other legal professionals in-house. According to the BLS, most paralegal positions are full-time.

What level of training and education is required?

Currently, there are no concrete training or education requirements for paralegals – this will vary from organization to organization. Most paralegal professionals have an associate’s degree or a certificate in paralegal studies, which can be earned via traditional schooling or an online degree program.

You may also choose to become certified through a national paralegal organization, such as the National Association for Legal Assistants (NALA). Paralegal professionals can earn their certification by successfully completing the exam offered by the association. Some associations, like NALA, offer an advanced exam in addition to the basic certification – earning an advanced certification allows you to specialize in a particular area of law.

What is the job outlook for paralegal and legal assistant positions?

While employment for paralegals and legal assistants is expected to continue to grow in the coming years, it is still a very competitive field. Professionals who are experienced and formally trained will have the best chance of finding a job.

Thinking of pursuing a degree in paralegal studies? Bryant & Stratton College offers an associate’s program for paralegal studies, in addition to a variety of online degree programs. Want more information? To speak with an admissions representative, call 1.800.895.1738.

Bryant & Stratton College Launches EmployableYOU™

Bryant & Stratton College announced that it will roll out EmployableYOU™ this winter — a focus on employability providing a guided experience that prepares students for the dynamics of the changing workplace.

EmployableYOU goes beyond traditional academic theory and textbook learning by enhancing important workplace capabilities such as teamwork, persistence, managerial potential, fiscal responsibility, technology skills, and literacy skills. EmployableYOU embeds these competencies into the curriculum for all students and provides students with ample opportunity to learn, master, and demonstrate these important work skills within every course in their program of study. Bryant & Stratton College has developed EmployableYOU in response to a critical need to create more meaningful connections between higher education and the workplace.

According to a 2013 survey by Bryant & Stratton College and Wakefield Research, 80 percent of 18-34 year olds believe they are job-ready and possess all the skills, experience, and education needed to advance in their desired career path or obtain their next job. In contrast, a study by McKinsey & Company found that almost 40 percent of employers planning to hire have had openings for six months or more. These employers attribute their inability to fill the openings to a lack of skills, qualifications, and training in entry-level applicants.

“Employers expect applicants to be job-ready in their knowledge and use of technology and in their communication and critical thinking skills,” said Cindy Susienka, President and CEO of Bryant & Stratton College. “However, employers tell us that many students entering the job market are behind in these important attributes. That is why we created EmployableYOU.”

By integrating career-related connections with classroom study, Bryant & Stratton College draws a powerful correlation between the classroom and the authentic work of each discipline. The newly launched EmployableYOU combines course content across the College with real-world activities and workplace competencies to develop skills that will help students to be successful in their careers.

“EmployableYOU is so much more than writing a resume and doing mock interviews. This experience is embedded into the curriculum. It builds tighter connections between theory-based learning in the classroom and the real-world needs of the workplace,” said Beth Tarquino, Chief Academic Officer.

“While career readiness has been at the heart of Bryant & Stratton College’s mission for the past 160 years, EmployableYOU addresses the needs of employers by putting academic study in the context of on-the-job career requirements in every class. EmployableYOU helps students gain confidence in their ability to articulate and demonstrate essential workplace knowledge, skills and abilities leading to success at every step.”

Under this fully integrated classroom-to-workplace experience, students develop and assess their career-related skills and embedded workplace capabilities by immersing themselves in their field of study. In this safe learning environment, students continue to practice and hone their skills while completing required courses. Students transfer their learning to employment preparation activities including portfolio preparation, mock interviews, resume writing, and internship/practicum experiences while leveraging placement resources.

To ensure that EmployableYOU is aligned to current workplace needs, Bryant & Stratton College has actively solicited the input from the employer community. The College’s commitment to fostering these critical relationships was evidenced by last month’s Employability Summit, where Bryant & Stratton College convened educator and employer stakeholders to create actionable solutions to the challenges employers are experiencing around workforce development.

To view a webcast of Bryant & Stratton’s recent Employability Summit, visit https://www.bryantstratton.edu/employability-summit/. To learn more about Bryant & Stratton College and EmployableYOU, go to https://www.bryantstratton.edu.

About Bryant & Stratton College Bryant & Stratton College is a private career college that provides career relevant education with a focus on employability and student success in a personalized environment. The College is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, which is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education, and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. Bryant & Stratton College has campus locations in New York, Ohio, Virginia and Wisconsin, as well as an Online Education division, and a Professional Skill Center. For 160 years, Bryant & Stratton College has offered students access to career relevant education leading to bachelor′s degrees, associate′s degrees and professional certificates in the fields of business, criminal justice, design, financial services, healthcare, hospitality, human resources, paralegal studies and information technology. General information can also be found on the College′s website at https://www.bryantstratton.edu.

Career Insight: Hospitality Management

Hospitality management careers are exciting, fast-paced and have a variety of paths. Many hospitality management jobs involve traveling, anticipating customer needs, entertainment, as well as juggling every detail of an event, the customer experience and facility operations. Few of these jobs are 8 – 5; the hours are long and the work week is rarely limited to weekdays. However, hospitality managers enjoy many employee benefits during time off, like travel, lodging and meals at extremely discounted prices.

One area in this industry that is expanding is meeting, convention and event planning.

“Applicants for our scholarship program for event services has grown from a handful a few years ago to a huge number every year,” said Julie Pingston, President of the Event Service Professional Association.

“A bachelor’s degree in hospitality management is becoming required for jobs more and more, but people can also transfer in from other fields,” she said. With that, the pay has also risen. Larger organizations have more positions that offer opportunities to grow from [frontline management] to middle management and even executive level,” she said.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for meeting, convention and event planners was $46,840in 2015 and the job outlook for the following 10 years is 10%, which is faster than the average growth rate of all other occupations. http://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/meeting-convention-and-event-planners.htm

These professionals usually work onsite at hotels and convention centers to coordinate all aspects of professional meeting and events, such as choosing meeting locations, arranging transportation and planning activities.

“What makes this so attractive to me is that every event has something unique about it I can solve. One day I may find a player piano for the venue, on another day I might resolve a very complicated parking situation and on another day I might have to create the perfect menu at the right price,” Pingston said.

Other careers in hospitality management include:

Lodging Managers. For a median annual pay of $45,810, they ensure that guests have a pleasant experience at hotels, resorts, boarding houses and other lodging establishments while running the establishment efficiently and profitably. About 39 percent of them were self-employed in 2012 and there will be little or no change (1 percent) in employment in through 2022. http://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/lodging-managers.htm

Food Service Managers manage the daily operations of restaurants, hotel, schools, etc. This includes, inventory, preparation, safety compliance, budget and customer service. The median annual salary in 2012 was $47,960 and about 40 percent of them were self-employed. The job outlook, at 2 percent, will barely change. http://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/food-service-managers.htm

Travel and Tourism Managers hold jobs like travel agents, cruise directors and tour managers. They oversee all aspects of travel such as, booking trips, entertainment, staff, budget, sales, etc., for an annual pay between $32,000 and $124,616, according to hcareers.com. http://www.hcareers.com/us/resourcecenter/tabid/306/articleid/573/default.aspx

Casino Managers, the most lucrative in the industry, manage all operations of casinos, including customer relations, facility management, entertainment, security, etc. in states where gambling is legal. The annual salary, according to hcareers.com is $124,618 and up. Most of these managers work their way their way up through the ranks into management. http://www.hcareers.com/us/resourcecenter/tabid/306/articleid/573/default.aspxThinking of pursuing a degree in hospitality management? Bryant & Stratton College has several hospitality programs to get you started. Want more information? Click here to learn about a degree in hospitality.

Four Practices for Prioritizing Your To-Do-List

When you’re enrolled in online school or working at your job (or maybe both), one of the key tenets to good time management is being organized.

Typically this means creating a to-do list. But, if you’re like most people your ongoing to-do list can get to be multiple pages (or screens) long. Sometimes it can be long enough that you simply throw in the towel and decide to catch up on you DVR full of The Bachelorette instead. But a tiny twist to your approach could help. Making your list is step one, but learning how to prioritize that list is just as important. Try out some of the ideas below and you’ll be surprised how much you get done in one day.

Be honest Understanding the difference between what you think is important and what is truly important is, well, important. We’d all like to think we’re Superwoman (or man) but there is only so much you can truly get done in one day. Figure out what absolutely has to get done that day and make sure it’s at the top of your list.

Tackle the tough first If everything on your list is equally important then work at the most difficult, least enjoyable task first. This “eat the frog” approach encourages you to do the toughest task first because then the rest of your projects for the day will seem easier.

Start with speed and ease Alternatively, you can look for the items on your list that will take five minutes or less (an important note here: be sure to write down everything, no matter how brainless. Sometimes the most obvious tasks are the most important). By starting with these easily accomplished items you can build the momentum and energy needed to complete other pieces of your list.

Email time limit We all love email. It’s a quick and easy way to communicate, but it can be a real black hole for productivity – especially at work. Since we’re all connected 24/7, it can seem like you have to respond to every email immediately when it lands in your inbox. But, you’ll be able to stay more focused on your to-do list and be more productive if you set specific times of day to check and respond to emails. By making email less of a priority, you’ll be able to concentrate on what really matters. One of the biggest excuses for not going back to school is lack of time. But, maybe by putting in to practice the tips above, you’ll find room in your schedule to finally take the next step in your career by earning a degree.

If you are interested in finding out how online school makes it easier to earn a degree while balancing a job and family responsibilities, call 1.888.447.3528 to speak with a Bryant & Stratton College Online admissions representative.

Staff Spotlight: Megan VillaReale, Associate Admissions Representative

Her role as an Admissions Representative means that Megan VillaReale spends quite a bit of time connecting with students on a daily basis.

However that hasn’t prevented her from enjoying one of her favorite hobbies away from work. Megan has amassed an impressive rotary phone collection over the past few years. While she doesn’t have a specific reason for her fascination, she gives a lot of credit to the phone she consistently used at her grandmother’s house.

“There are so many different styles and colors of rotary phones that it’s almost a challenge to find new ones,”

Megan said. Megan’s interests do extend well beyond her phone collection, however. She’s a movie buff who also loves to get out and camp whenever the opportunity presents itself. Her love for DIY Pintrest projects and the holidays hints that her home is probably sports the coolest decorations on the block each year. In fact, Megan went full-DIY last year at Halloween, making her own Rubik’s Cube costume for the holiday.

Favorite thing about Bryant & Stratton College: I work with a great group of people who are supportive of each other and it\’s a great feeling knowing you\’ve helped people achieve their educational goals.

Favorite Student Story: One of the best feelings I’ve had while working with Bryant & Stratton College Online is when I saw my first student on the graduation list. I clearly remember working with her and how much she wanted her degree to start a new career and life for herself so couldn’t help but be so proud of her and glad I was able to share in her success.

Advice for new students: NEVER be afraid to ask for help!! It is better to make an educated decision than just taking a shot in the dark.

Career Insights: Q&A with a Paralegal

Thinking about entering the paralegal career field? Now may be a good time. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ 2014-15 Occupational Outlook Handbook, the field is projected to grow by 8 percent at pace with the average growth rate for all occupations.

That translates into 21,200 jobs between 2014 and 2024.

How Much do Paralegals Make?

Generally, entry level positions in this field require an associate’s degree and the median annual salary is $48,810. For new paralegals, the salary is lower but there is plenty of room for advancement for anyone willing to put in the time and effort.

Is Paralegal a Good Career?

To catch a glimpse of what this great career really has to offer, we contacted Loretta Calvert, JD, the 2012-2013 President of the American Association for Paralegal Education (AAfPE) and Paralegal Studies Director at Volunteer State Community College.

Q: Why is the paralegal field an exciting one?

A: People are drawn to the legal field because it is interesting and always changing. Just today I received two notices about updates to different areas of law I practiced in. It is a challenge to stay on top of your field. Also, paralegals get to stand right beside attorneys when cases unfold and get to help people who might not have known their rights without the guidance of a lawyer.

Q: Where are the jobs?

A: Everywhere! There are jobs at law firms, in-house at companies, administrative agencies like the EEOC, state agencies like Department of Labor or Insurance, federal courts and federal asset forfeiture, healthcare, and so much more. The important thing is to realize that the job title does not always say paralegal.

Q: What kind of work do paralegals perform on a day-to-day basis?

A: There is a good portion of dealing with clients whether it is intake for new clients or updating current clients. There is drafting legal documents, researching statutes and procedures, and organizing evidence. Some law firms divide up duties based on a paralegal’s abilities and other law firms divide up work based on the attorney who uses the paralegal.

Q: What are the most important credentials and skills for paralegals?

A: Attend a program approved by the American Bar Association so you have more opportunities! Usually, taking a credentialing exam requires that you graduate from an ABA-approved school. Some job listings will also specify ABA-approved programs. Besides that, look for extra computer training. If you have IT skills and paralegal skills, you open up an entirely new set of job possibilities. There are companies that devote their services to running and restoring deleted files from computers, iPads, and telephones. Even law firms now want IT skills to help set up websites and manage webpages and cloud computing.

Q: What must-have advice would you give those who want to enter into this field?

A: Take a personality test like the Myers-Briggs and figure out what your natural inclinations are before you plan a career. The insights can help you figure out what jobs are a better match for you. If someone is an introvert then he/she will probably not want to work the front desk at a law firm. I would tell the introvert to look for jobs where he or she will review documents and manage databases. However, the extrovert will love working that front desk and greeting clients, getting the intake forms completed, and making people feel welcome.

Q: What myths are there about this field and what are the realities?

A: I often hear people say they want job stability and a lot of money. Job stability is unheard of in our current economy. People no longer stay at the same job for 20 years. As far as money, new paralegals are not rolling in the dough. Do what you love and the money will follow. Also, many paralegal students think they will be able to go to court with the attorney. Only seasoned paralegals accompany attorneys to court to assist with documents and technology during trial. Pay your dues and develop a good network, then you can roll around in the dough.

If you want to learn more about paralegal career options, contact the Admissions office at Bryant & Stratton College.

From Combat Boots to the Corporate Ladder

By: Josh Galle, Veterans and Government Recruiting Lead and Kelly Young, Human Resources Program Manager at Humana Like many corporations, Humana has recognized the value that military veterans bring to the workforce. From strong project management skills to punctuality and extensive travel experience, Veterans are an attractive candidate pool. However, finding practical ways to translate your military experience into layman’s terms as someone transitioning out of the Service can be difficult. Here are some tips to help you sell your military experience in the corporate world.

Focus on transferrable skills It may be that your military job doesn’t directly translate into a job in the corporate workforce. (Who knew there would be a limited market for bomb technicians in corporate America?!) In that case, focus on the skills you have that are generally transferrable to business roles- things like team leadership skills, project management, your proven ability to work with individuals from different cultures and backgrounds, strong accountability and execution skills, etc. Be sure to have experiential examples to back up each of these qualities, and reference them in interviews.

Minimize acronyms and jargon The average recruiter may not be familiar with the military jargon and acronyms that are second nature to those in the Service. Have someone without military experience review your resume, checking for use of acronyms and jargon. When in doubt, spell out the acronyms and translate the jargon into layman’s terms. For instance, spell out Corporal instead of CPL and when possible substitute with a corporate title, i.e. Squad Leader can be displayed as Security Supervisor or Manager.

Network with other Vets Don’t underestimate the power of your military network. Stay connected via social media sites like LinkedIn and Facebook with others you’ve met or worked with during your military career. Talk with other Vets in your area to see if their employers are hiring. Often, valuable referrals can come through friends, neighbors, and former colleagues who know that you are looking for new opportunities post military career.

Seek out Veteran-friendly employers Many organizations now have targeted recruiting efforts to source Veteran talent. Check out the Top 100 Military Friendly Employers listing and this listing of Federal Contractors and other vet friendly employers.

Interested in finding out more about Humana’s Veteran’s Hiring? Be sure to check out our Veteran’s Talent Network. In addition to competitive benefits that focus on health and well-being, one of the best resources available to veterans and military spouses once they join Humana is the Veterans Network Resource Group. This group, which meets both in-person as well as has an online community through our enterprise social media site for military veterans and military spouses, helps veterans and their families transition to civilian life and share common experiences. This group also supports community service for veterans and provides input to Humana on how we can better serve our military and government members.

To learn more, visit http://careers.humana.com/ Josh Galle is a Recruiting Lead at Humana, focusing on recruiting for Government business and leading the organizations efforts on hiring and retaining Veterans and in Humana’s workforce.

Josh is a decorated Veteran who served 8 years (Active & Reserve) in the United States Marine Corps and has a passion for helping Veterans and their families. Josh is also a co-author in a recently published book, “An American Crisis: Veterans Unemployment” available from Inspired Authors Press and on Amazon.com.

Kelly Young is a Human Resources Program Manager at Humana. Kelly is responsible for coordinating enterprise learning and developing the talent of professionals within the organization. Josh and Kelly have partnered various times to write publications to help support Veterans who are re-entering the corporate workforce.

Instructor Blog: Tips on Preparing for Midterms

Part of being successful academically and professionally is tackling major assignments and projects early. While midterms can seem daunting, a thorough approach can help you feel more confident in the expectations for the assessment.

The first step to preparing for midterms is to figure out what information is available about the midterm for your particular course. Some midterms are available at least a week early, and there should be at least a basic description of the midterm in your tracking calendar. If you would like to know more about your midterm, ask your instructor. He or she may be able to provide you with the material early. However, if you are not able to obtain further information, I recommend viewing the midterm on Sunday so you can see if it is a timed assessment or essay.

This allows you to look over the material and email your instructors any questions you might have. success

It’s also useful to think about the purpose of a major assessment overall. A major assessment is designed to test your knowledge of the course material, and possibly to apply the knowledge to a work-related scenario. With this in mind, consider your progress in the course. Do you thoroughly understand the lecture and textbook reading? How are you performing on the weekly activities? Has your instructor indicated an area you might need to improve or an idea you might not understand correctly?

A great way to make sure you really understand a concept is to explain it to a friend, and think about how you will use the knowledge in the workplace. Take the initiative to read the supplemental reading provided by your instructor (located in the tracking calendar) as well as your own research. Once you feel that you have an understanding of the course material, it’s time to think about the midterm itself. If it is a timed exam, you will need to ensure a block of time is set aside in your schedule.

Consider the circumstances that will contribute to minimal distractions. Do you need to leave the house, or do you have a lunch hour where you will be able to concentrate and work uninterrupted? Upon taking the exam itself, look carefully at the content. Pay attention to any “action words,” such as “explain,” “identify,” or “analyze.” Pay close attention to any word count or research requirement. A common error I see as an English instructor is students not including research, or the research included is not scholarly enough. If a rubric is provided, be sure you have read it and understand how you will be graded on the assessment. Lastly, before submitting your work, read it over to look for areas where you might have rushed. Are your ideas explained thoroughly?

Are there any grammatical errors you might have overlooked? If the midterm has several components, check off each component to ensure that it is addressed. When you feel like the midterm is your best work, submit! Midterms and all major assignments can be stressful, but it’s helpful to remember there is a purpose. It is essential to understand the concepts related to your major.

This is knowledge that will be used in your field either directly or indirectly. Each major assignment is an accomplishment of being closer to your goal of being not only in your field, but successful and competitive!

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