Students blog

The ability to form relationships with others in both education and business settings not only allows people to learn from others and trade information but serves as a path to form life-long relationships with mutual benefits.

So what exactly is networking?

Networking can be defined as a mutually beneficial interaction that involves exchanging ideas and information between individuals who are connected by a common career, industry, or interest. Networking shouldn’t be transactional; it doesn't have to take place only when you need something from someone else.

Where to network?

LinkedIn is one of my personal favorite platforms to network with others on. The website allows for users to search for people who work at specific companies or have certain occupations and then can filter down to those who went to the same college/high school or who have worked at similar companies as those searching. LinkedIn has a messaging feature where direct messages can be sent to connect people with each other. Oftentimes, the direct messages can lead to exchanging emails or phone numbers and continue to develop relationships.

It’s important to also look out for networking events that are held in larger cities or at universities. In-person networking events are a great way to build self-confidence and conversation skills while meeting new professionals that could potentially turn into long-term relationships. A lot of the times, colleges will bring in alumni to network with students (look out for different alumni events like alumni weekend throughout the year) or cities will have networking events with registration open to the public where various professionals come together to share information and meet each other.

Networking with peers

Networking can happen between people of ALL ages. As a college student, my “network” consists mainly of my peers along with some adults (mainly Ohio State alumni) who I have connected with throughout my time at university. Fellow students are great to network with because they’re often in similar places in their career, acting as a support system to help others grow and develop. It’s important to foster student relationships because in the long-term those could turn into professional development and career opportunities.

Networking with professionals

Being a student of any kind is very beneficial because often people love to help students! A good starting point to networking with professionals would be with alumni of your college/university. It’s easier to connect with people who share something in common. An example of a message to send to a school alumnus is as follows:

“Hi, Montana! I noticed that you also attended Ohio State University and have a range of experience in the fashion industry. I am a current OSU student looking to break into the NYC retail industry for a summer internship. I know you have a lot of experience in the space, and it would be great to connect and chat about the dos and “don’ts” as I begin the recruitment cycle. Thanks!”

Alumni understand what it’s like to be in our shoes as students and want to help others succeed. It never hurts to reach out over email or LinkedIn, at the very least someone will not respond, but more likely than not people will be willing to connect and offer any advice they may have!

Do you have a compelling story or student success tips you’d like to see published on the Pearson Students blog?  If you are a college student and interested in writing for us – click here to pitch your idea and get started! 

Taking a leap of faith may sound terrifying to some, but for me, it was the solution to conquering my fear of taking risks. Jumping out of a plane was the most exhilarating experience of my life. Skydiving had always been a life goal of mine, but I never had the courage to go through with it. However, when the opportunity to go skydiving arose, I knew it would be now or never. Putting it off for so long, I finally decided to book my ticket.

Entering the skydiving office, I was a nervous wreck, as I navigated through several waivers and safety videos. The agonizing wait followed, along with the second thoughts. I kept thinking, “it’s not too late to turn around.” However, I knew I needed to follow through with this. After hours of waiting, the moment of intense anticipation was here as we counted down and jumped.

Plummeting to the ground at 120 mph, every thought I had before exited my brain. The only thought I had through my mind was how beautiful the Earth looked from 14,000 feet in the air. The fear others have towards skydiving seemed insignificant compared to what I had just experienced. This experience was more than checking off a bucket list item, it gave me confidence. Doing something that most people are afraid to do made me feel like I have missed out on so many other life opportunities due to fear. I know now I can do anything if I can jump out of a plane.

Do you have a compelling story or student success tips you’d like to see published on the Pearson Students blog?  If you are a college student and interested in writing for us – click here to pitch your idea and get started! 

In 2008, a small, wide-eyed child would enter her first Kindergarten classroom. She would fall in love with the sights, the smells, the people, and the atmosphere. Her teachers would inspire her to be just like them when she grew up. Over the years, she would learn about the joys of reading, writing, and mathematics and anxiously wait for each school year to start again. Each teacher would plant a seed in this child’s pre-elementary school mind that would grow for the rest of her school career.

That child was me.

Evolving Why

Deciding that I wanted to be a teacher was easy. I watched other kids bounce back and forth between a doctor or an astronaut or a lawyer, but my career choice has remained unchanged. However, the reason for my choice has evolved. At first, I thought teachers were just people who knew more than everyone else and had all the answers. As an adolescent, I wanted to be “smart” and share my knowledge with others. As I entered adulthood, I began to understand that, while teachers are incredibly intelligent, they are just regular people who want to make a difference. Not to mention, they are intelligent in a way that is far more valuable than what can be taught in textbooks. Teachers must have immense emotional, social, and situational intellect in order to work effectively with students. Now that I’m in college, I strive to be as well-rounded of a teacher as those I've been lucky enough to learn from when I was in grade school.

Evolving Who

Overall, I knew, one day, I would end up at the front of a classroom. Determining what age-group and subject I wanted to teach was not defined so early. As I moved through each grade, I always ended the year saying I wanted to teach the grade I had just finished instead of the previous grade. That came to a screeching halt when I reached high school. I enjoyed the challenge of high school subjects and liked the material that I was learning more than I ever had before. I then knew that I wanted to teach high school... but I still hadn’t picked a subject.

Evolving What

I loved reading while in elementary school. You could always find me somewhere flicking the pages of a book like I just couldn’t wait to get to the next chapter. Throughout middle school, I thought I had my mind made up that I would major in English in college. Easy. Done. But not quite, because when I got to high school, I fell in love with my math courses. It probably helped that I had some incredible teachers for Geometry, Pre-Calculus, and Calculus, but there was something addicting about finding that one right answer to a problem. I still enjoy reading and writing and loved my English courses too, but I knew that I didn’t have the same passion for it as mathematics.

So, career? Teaching. Age group? High school. Subject? Math. I felt like I had all my questions answered and I was excited for the future.

There are times where I doubt my abilities or wonder if I am good enough to be an educator, especially in a subject as difficult as math, but then I remember the unwavering confidence that my teachers had in this one child. If they believe I can do it, then so should I.

Do you have a compelling story or student success tips you’d like to see published on the Pearson Students blog?  If you are a college student and interested in writing for us – click here to pitch your idea and get started! 

What an exciting feeling it is - tossing your cap into the air as everything you’ve worked for your whole life feels like it’s starting to pay off. You sit at your graduation ceremony accompanied by a mix of excitement and uncertainty that will follow you into the next phase of your journey: life after college. Graduation marks the end of an era and the beginning of a new one filled with opportunities, challenges, and endless possibilities. However, navigating this transition requires extreme preparation and foresight.

First and foremost, it's essential to reflect on things in which you are passionate about, and values that you hold. Take the time to explore different career paths and industries that align with your interests. Whether you're passionate about technology, healthcare, or the arts, identifying your professional aspirations will serve as a compass to guide your post-college endeavors.

If there is one thing I have learned in college, it is that networking is an invaluable asset as you transition into the workforce, and also many other things in life. Attend career fairs, alumni events, and industry conferences to connect with professionals in your field of interest when they are available to you. Building relationships with mentors and peers can provide valuable insights, guidance, and even job opportunities down the line. It is important to remember that networking is not just about exchanging business cards; it's about fostering genuine connections and nurturing professional relationships.

While academics may have been the primary focus during your college years, don't underestimate the importance of developing essential life skills. Skills such as financial literacy, communication, and time management will empower you to thrive in many aspects of your life.

Furthermore, consider pursuing internships, part-time jobs, or volunteer opportunities to gain real-world experience and expand your skill set. These experiences not only enhance your resume but also offer valuable insights into your chosen field and help you build a professional portfolio. This can be handy if you ever decide to try different positions in your field or want promotions; you’ll have the experience to back up your qualifications to take on the role.

As you embark on this new chapter, embrace a mindset of growth and be open to learning and adapting along the way, as life after college is a journey filled with twists and turns, successes, and setbacks. Embrace the challenges, celebrate the victories, and never lose sight of your dreams. These are what pushed you to get through school, after all.

In conclusion, preparing for life after college is about so much more than securing a job; it's about starting your personalized journey of self-discovery, personal growth, and professional development. By reflecting on your goals, networking, developing essential skills, and embracing a growth mindset, you will have plenty of experience and ability to navigate the transition and embark on a fulfilling and rewarding career path.

Do you have a compelling story or student success tips you’d like to see published on the Pearson Students blog?  If you are a college student and interested in writing for us – click here to pitch your idea and get started! 

Late nights with your friends from all over the world, cramming for exams, going to on campus events, laughing, crying, and spending college are all things that will be tough to leave once graduating from college. College has been a time filled with very high highs and low lows, but the experiences that college has brought for me is something that I will always remember and be grateful for experiencing.

Planning Ahead

As graduation draws near, college seniors are soaking up the last minutes to make the most out of their college experiences. For myself, there are many things that I am doing to preparing for the nerve-wracking time that is rapidly approaching. Here’s what I am doing to prepare from a social and professional standpoint which I think are both important.

Staying in Touch

As for the social aspect, I want to maintain the friendships I have created throughout my college years. The friends that I have made along the way are truly like no other and have been there with me through the ups and the downs of my college career. I don’t want to let the last few stressful months diminish any relationships, so I am making the most out of the time I have left of being able to see some of my very good friends every day.

Thank Your Employer

College was a time I prepared in many ways for my life outside of college. Working jobs and internships have been some of the ways I have gained professional experiences that have changed my life. As a senior, I have been preparing to wrap up my time as a college worker for my two jobs that I have had. From this I think it is important to thank your employers for the experiences that they have assisted you with and may have provided you with. This can be an email or handwritten letter, but I think maintaining professional relationships can be very powerful and no matter what the job was make sure they know it was impactful for you as a student. I have been reaching out to my past employers and making sure I am able to stay in touch with them. I believe jobs can give you experiences that can affect you as a person no matter how small or large the job or internship was.

Everyone has a different story when it comes to their higher education story, and this can determine how you wrap up your time as an undergraduate student. Making the most of your time at your university is important and don’t forget to cherish your last few weeks as a college student.

Do you have a compelling story or student success tips you’d like to see published on the Pearson Students blog?  If you are a college student and interested in writing for us – click here to pitch your idea and get started! 

Did you know Vector Space Axiom #5 states that for all x included in a vector field V, 1•x = x? Well, I didn’t either prior to using Pearson+ Flashcards. That is just one axiom out of eight that I had to memorize for my Linear Algebra Class. For me, memorization is hard. It takes me a lot of time, energy, and concentration to memorize even just a short list of definitions. I find that making flashcards is a great way to practice and make sure I’m ready for my next exam, and where better to turn to than Pearson+!

Efficient Active Learning

With Pearson+ flashcards, I can engage in active recall. Active recall is essential for long-term retention, and flashcards make for efficient, targeted learning for busy college students! There are numerous ways to practice with these digital flashcards including selecting from multiple-choice options, typing in an answer, or the traditional “flip” to view the answer. The options vary each time you practice a set to guarantee you master your vocabulary! You can even have some fun and play a matching game!

Self-Paced Learning

Everyone learns at a different pace – no need to fear timers or alarm bells! I love that I can take my time with each flashcard and think about my answer before checking if I’m correct. Since flashcards allow for instant feedback, I can focus on the material I find most challenging and review it until I reach a point of mastery, creating a more personalized learning experience. And don’t worry, you can always add, delete, or edit your flashcards with exact about of information as you see fit!

Portability

The best feature of all is that no matter where I go, I can take my flashcards with me! Rather than having to carry around different sets for all my classes, everything is now in one place and just a click away. Whether I’m sitting on the bus on my way to class or looking for a way to pass the time between classes, I can conveniently access my flashcards on my computer, tablet, or phone.

Check out this helpful video on Pearson+ flashcards and make your studying easier by taking your flashcards to the next level with Pearson+!

Do you have a compelling story or student success tips you’d like to see published on the Pearson Students blog?  If you are a college student and interested in writing for us – click here to pitch your idea and get started! 

College is an exciting time for many young adults. For most, it’s their first time away from home and they have an opportunity to explore the world on their own. However, with this newfound freedom can come some negatives as well. One of those negatives might be the loss of productivity. But making just a couple of changes could help students maximize their daily productivity.

As I mentioned before, college is a time where most people finally venture out on their own. They are away from their parents and gain this whole new feeling of freedom. However, this feeling of freedom can sometimes lead to students becoming unproductive. This freedom allows them to make decisions on their own such as skipping class, sleeping in, saving their homework until the very last minute, or maybe even scrolling on TikTok for hours on end. These choices can lead to very unproductive days, and those days can turn into weeks or even months.

There are quite a few ways you can maximize your productivity in college, the following two examples have worked for me. The first is waking up early. Waking up early allows you to get up and get going without feeling like you’ve already wasted half the day in bed. Something that has helped me wake up early has been taking eight a.m. classes to force myself out of bed in the morning. The second action I take to feel productive is to build in a daily time go to the gym. Going to the gym or exercising in some other way gets you moving and for me, makes me feel motivated to tackle the rest of my day.

Now I’m not saying that sleeping past eight in the morning, skipping class occasionally, or even taking a personal day now and then makes you unproductive. What I am saying is that it may be a contributing factor to you feeling unproductive. If you often feel as if you are unproductive or maybe unmotivated to conquer the day, start by making a couple of small changes and build from there.

Do you have a compelling story or student success tips you’d like to see published on the Pearson Students blog?  If you are a college student and interested in writing for us – click here to pitch your idea and get started! 

The weight of an exam creeping up can be daunting. We spend so much time in our classes, and seeing the effort paying off is a rewarding feeling for any student. Setting ourselves up for success doesn’t need to be a negative experience. Sometimes it may be hard to push ourselves to do the work, but there are some steps that I’ve found to be beneficial when studying.

The first thing I like to do is to plan what I need to cover each day. Find out what content will be covered in your exam and try to spread it out over the number of days you have to study evenly. For example, you know chapters 1-4 will be on the exam, and your professor has given you a practice exam. You have 5 days to prepare. Study one chapter per day, and on day 5, do a practice exam or get extra practice on a topic you may feel weaker in. This makes it so that you’re not cramming and that you don’t feel overwhelmed at the last minute. It’s nice to have enough time to feel confident in the material you need to know.

Another way to avoid distraction is to declutter first to promote focus and lessen environmental distractions. Try setting time aside before you complete any studying to ensure you give yourself a clean, neat environment to concentrate in. When a space is clear and well-kept, you’re less likely to feel distracted by things that may be out of place. Deep into your studying session, you’re less likely to procrastinate by cleaning if your space is already clean.

It can sometimes be hard to motivate yourself to sit down and focus on what you need to do. There are so many other things that feel way more fun compared to studying. It could be playing games, baking, going out to eat, watching shows, or reading a fun book. I like to use those things as motivation. These fun activities can be powerful drivers towards a goal if they’re things you really look forward to. When I finish a certain amount of studying, I might reward myself by watching a couple episodes of a show I like. Doing this has personally helped me feel like I have control and balance with schoolwork and life. Preparing for a test doesn’t have to be all or nothing, and you can still have time to yourself. By using fun things as a reward, there doesn’t need to be guilt over not getting things done. It encourages you to focus for a certain amount of time, then to fully enjoy things you enjoy afterwards.

Finally, talk to yourself with kindness. Be your best hype man. Maybe you have a lot of material you’re going over. Try to appreciate all that you’re learned and how far you’ve come. It feels a lot better than approaching a difficult situation with dread. If you’re stressed, don’t forget to breathe. Find calm, then continue with what you were doing. Through finding calm when dealing with stress, we can be resilient.

Do you have a compelling story or student success tips you’d like to see published on the Pearson Students blog?  If you are a college student and interested in writing for us – click here to pitch your idea and get started! 

As a college student, I have found that it can be challenging to find a balance between my academic and personal life. Now as a student in my final year in college, I have learned the importance of prioritizing both aspects of my life. The following three tips have helped me be successful in the classroom while also making time for important people and hobbies in my life.

Knowing when I am most productive

Something that has helped me academically is recognizing what time of the day I am most productive. For me, I am most productive in the morning. To work on this strength, I wake up earlier to start getting work done. This allows me to get most of my work done and then have more time in the day for myself.

Scheduling time with friends but also alone time

Spending time with important people in my life is something that keeps me motivated when it comes to academics. I enjoy going to get coffee with friends, studying together, and going out for dinner. I’ve also realized that I sometimes need to have time to myself. Some activities I enjoy doing by myself include going on walks and reading. Giving myself this alone time helps me to feel more present when I am with my friends and family.

Making a prioritized list

Having a planner and staying organized is something that has helped me throughout my four years in school. On Sundays, I fill out my planner according to my class schedule and personal activities. I also have found it helpful to make a to-do list and prioritize the list in order of importance. For example, an assignment with a due date quickly approaching will be at the top of my list. I then continue to add to the list the tasks that must get done.

It is important to recognize that these tips may not be effective for everyone. Find out what works best for you and your lifestyle. Sometimes school can feel overwhelming, and it feels like there is so much to get done. Finding what helps you balance your academics and personal life can help ease those feelings. Next time you have those feelings, I hope you can try one of these tips or find something that works for you.

Do you have a compelling story or student success tips you’d like to see published on the Pearson Students blog?  If you are a college student and interested in writing for us – click here to pitch your idea and get started!