Education & Training

Finding an Internship as an Adult

Thursday Bram — Fri, 03 May 2013 09:48:34 +0000

Internships have become a standard part of the learning process for many careers — they can be one of the best ways to get on-the-job experience when you don't have a resume that will get you hired for a position. But the stereotypical intern is in college, or perhaps a recent graduate. It can seem like a less useful experience for an adult who may already have a career or two under her belt.

But the reality is that an internship can be a good experience for anyone moving into a new career, no matter your age. (See also: Great Summer Jobs for Kids and Adults)

Avoiding the College Credit Issue

Many companies justify offering unpaid internships by rewarding interns with college credit rather than a paycheck. They can be reluctant to accept interns who aren't eligible for those credits (i.e. enrolled in college). But it is possible to land an internship just the same, provided you have the flexibility to work without pay.

Consider approaching the owner or manager you want to work with directly. It may be easier to make that connection with a smaller company. Let them know why you are looking for an internship and what you're expecting from an internship beyond college credit.

Finding the Best Internships for Adults

The steps necessary to finding an internship aren't that much different for an adult than for someone younger. You'll need to invest some time in your resume, find some great references who will speak well of you to prospective employers, and be prepared to write some persuasive cover letters. The cover letters can be particularly important, as you may need to explain why you're pursuing an internship rather than sticking to your current career.

From there, it's a question of looking. If you can identify a few key companies that you want to work for — the leaders in the industry you want to move into and who happen to be in your area — start there. Even if they don't have official internship programs, it's worth contacting them and checking if they might consider offering an internship to you.

There are also plenty of online job boards devoted to sharing open internships, like Internships.com, InternMatch, and InternshipPrograms.com. However, you may be facing more competition for the internships listed on such sites. It's up to you to be proactive about finding the right opportunity.

One Problem With Internships for Adults

Many internships are structured so that the only payment is college credit. For an adult who has more financial responsibilities than the average college student and who may not be enrolled in classes, it can be difficult to work for free.

There are options, however.

You can specifically target paying internships during your search for opportunities. You may also be able to find a part-time internship or find one with flexible hours that will allow you to work elsewhere for pay at the same time. It's tough to juggle both paying work and an internship, along with your life away from work, but for the right internship, it may be worth it.

Have interned as a prelude to a mid-career career switch? What other strategies have you tried?

Written by Thursday Bram and published on Wise Bread. Read more articles from Wise Bread.

6 Ways to Save on College Tuition

Sarah Winfrey — Thu, 02 May 2013 09:48:34 +0000

It’s the time of year when many people are figuring out how to fund a college education. Whether you’re starting college, returning to school, or looking forward to the next term, paying for college can be intimidating. However, there are some things you can do along the way that will save you money and improve your overall financial outlook through college and beyond. (See also: Degrees of Frugality: 7 Tips for the College Bound)

1. Take College Courses While in High School

Many community colleges will let you take college courses during your last two years of high school. As long as you can pass some basic tests and keep up with your high school work at the same time, this is often a great way to get your basic, prerequisite courses out of the way before you’re even ready to go to college.

Some high schools and community colleges have even worked out ways for you to do this at minimal cost to yourself. If you can take college courses for free (or nearly so), why wouldn’t you?

2. Test Out of Basic Courses

If it’s too late for you to enroll in high school and college concurrently, you can still test out of some of your basic courses. If an AP or IB test is an option for you, you can get your credit that way. Otherwise, you can take a CLEP test in any number of different subjects.

While there are other ways to get out of taking certain courses, taking these tests can actually allow you to get credits toward graduation without taking the courses. For instance, passing the CLEP in biology can earn you six semester units toward graduation at a fraction of the price you’ll pay anywhere.

3. Take More Courses Each Term

When you take more courses each term, you will pay more each semester. However, if you have a plan, and you know what courses you need to take when and how it will all work out, you can actually graduate a semester or two early. That will save you all of the fees and costs that you would have run up in later semesters.

Do make sure you do this with a plan, though. You’ll want to plot out your courses carefully and make sure that the classes you need are offered during the semesters you want to take them. Otherwise, you might end up spending more overall.

4. Plan Ahead and Analyze Your Options

There’s some new evidence that some of the "tried and true" methods for saving money on college (like starting at a community college and then transferring) don’t actually save you money. At the very least, it seems like you need to run the numbers to see if you will save money using these methods.

It’s a good idea to try to calculate your total college costs ahead of time and evaluate how different options will affect your overall financial outcome. This will let you choose your college plan based on what will work best for you and your financial situation.

5. Know Your Loans

Despite your very best planning, you may find yourself taking out student loans. In fact, that can be a smart way to get through school quicker, depending on how much you have to borrow and what your earning potential is upon graduation. However, not all student loans are created equal.

Make sure you understand whether your loans will be subsidized or unsubsidized, and how that might affect repayment in the future. In addition, determine whether your lender puts any special rules on their loans. For instance, some loans are not candidates for consolidation later on, and others only incorporate certain repayment plans.

6. Find a Repayment Plan That Works for You

Speaking of repayment plans, make sure you find the one that is best for you. Some people find that they need to send their loans into forbearance upon graduation, especially if they can’t get hired right away. Even if this isn’t an issue for you, make sure you know your options. For instance, income-based repayment can help many borrowers, but few know that it is an option.

Make sure you have your repayment plan in place well before your loan comes due. Making late payments or missing payments on student loans is a big deal and can hurt your financial outlook for many years into the future.

The most important thing to do to save money on college tuition is to have a plan. Even if you change your plan later on, you’ll be better off for having had it in the first place. And if you’re able to follow through, you’ll not only save money, but you’ll know exactly how much you saved.

How are you keeping college affordable?

Written by Sarah Winfrey and published on Wise Bread. Read more articles from Wise Bread.

Why You Don't Need a College Degree to Succeed

Darren Wu — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 09:48:32 +0000

Most people think that a college education is crucial for success in today's working world. However, many people also lament the outrageous cost of tuition these days. In fact, over the past several decades, tuition rates have increased at about twice the general inflation rate. (See also: 12 Business Founders Who Succeeded Without a College Degree)

Could there be a way to get started — and succeed — in the real world without a college degree? Can you live large without budgeting for college?

Absolutely.

The fact is, there are tons of jobs available that don't require a degree. A high school diploma is all you really need to get started in the working world.

No Degree Required

As part of my research for this post, I did a broad search on CareerBuilder for jobs that only required a high school diploma. Guess how many jobs I found?

Over 100,000. That's a significant amount.

Now, let me guess what you're probably thinking. "Most of these are just sales jobs or entry-level jobs. I don't want to do those jobs forever! I can't get ahead in those types of roles!"

I'll address the issue with entry-level jobs later. But first, let's talk about sales jobs.

Learning how to sell is a valuable skill. We're always selling in some way, shape, or form. In fact, nothing happens in business until a sale is made.

We sell ourselves when we're trying to convince a potential employer to hire us. We sell our ideas when we want our colleagues to take a particular course of action. And we sell our products and services so that we have enough revenue to pay our employees' salaries.

So it literally pays to learn how to sell. And it doesn't need to be a sleazy profession. Selling can be done ethically.

Now, on to the second issue — moving up from an entry level job.

Career Development Via Tuition Reimbursement

If you think you'll be confined to an entry-level position for the rest of your career, think again. You can gain new skills and further your education after you first get your foot in the door. Better yet, you can do this essentially without any money coming out of your pocket.

How?

As a benefit provided to full-time employees, many companies offer tuition reimbursement. This benefit covers educational programs that provide vocational skill development. Why would they do this?

To gain a more effective workforce. The more skills you have, the more valuable you are to the company. And as an added benefit, they also get a tax deduction for this.

Currently you can claim reimbursement for $5,250 worth of courses per year, every year. This, like a 401k matching contribution, is like free money that's too good to pass up.

Drilling down on the previous CareerBuilder search, I entered the keyword, "tuition reimbursement." More than 12,000 job openings showed up.

So what courses should you take?

There are many options, and you can certainly take courses that apply to your current position or likely career path. But I'm going to recommend a somewhat non-traditional class — Dale Carnegie Course: Effective Communications & Human Relations/Skills For Success.

Many successful people, including billionaire Warren Buffett, have taken and recommend this course. In fact, Mr. Buffett doesn't hang his diplomas from University of Nebraska or Columbia Business School on his office wall. He does, however, keep his Dale Carnegie diploma proudly displayed. "It changed my life," he said.

If this course made such a huge difference in the life of one of the world's wealthiest men, what could it do for you and I?

You can usually get this course reimbursed if you take it as part of a certificate program. I'm currently completing the program in Organizational Leadership [PDF].

Skills That You DO Need

I'm not saying that a formal degree isn't required in all cases. Obviously, if you want to enter a specialized profession, such as medicine or law, you'll need the formal training and education.

Many other career paths, however, are not as stringent in their education requirements.

If you have the drive, the focus, the commitment, and the self-motivation, you can succeed in the working world without a college degree.

Have you found success in the working world without a college degree? What worked for you?

Written by Darren Wu and published on Wise Bread. Read more articles from Wise Bread.

Student Loans: The Third Way to Ruin Your Finances

Philip Brewer — Tue, 19 Feb 2013 10:36:45 +0000

I've long said there are two ways people ruin their finances — loss of income or large uninsured expense. I've recently become aware of a third. (See also: Pre-Career Advice)

The new way to ruin your finances is this — take on enough student loan debt to get a college education.

This is new. It used to be that most people who ruined their finances did it one of the old fashioned ways:

They suffered a sharp drop in income (such as by losing a job)
They incurred a large, uninsured expense (such as losing a lawsuit)

I suppose, in a sense, student loan debt is just a special case of the second, with the large expense being the cost of going to college. But student loan debt is special in a lot of ways.

First of all, it's the only kind of debt still out there where lenders will send you money without any regard for how you might be able to pay it back. (And why should they care? Usually, the debt is guaranteed by the federal government. Plus, you can't escape it, even in bankruptcy.)

Another way it's unusual is that the very first loan — often arranged before you even turn 18 — sets you on an irreversible path. Oh, it's not completely unchangeable — you can change your major; you can even switch to a different school — but if you change your mind and decide that you'd rather not go deeply into debt, you're left without the degree that was your main hope for earning enough money to pay the loan back.

It's as if you'd borrowed money to buy a car without realizing that, in practical terms, you'd committed to buying seven more cars over the next four years — and if you decided you'd rather not, your first car quits running but you have to pay for it anyway.

So, what are you're choices? Here are my thoughts:

The Old Usual Route

The standard advice has long been to pick the best college you can get into and borrow whatever it costs to get a good education.

This may still be a good choice — particularly if someone else will pay a lot of the money, so that "whatever it costs" doesn't put you in debt for the rest of your life.

So this is still a reasonable option for plenty of people. In particular, it's a fine option for rich people. (And we're not just talking about the 1% here. Probably the whole top 5% can afford to send their kids to the college of their choice with little or no borrowing necessary, if they want to bad enough.) It may also be an option for people with mad skills in one area — sports, music, anything that catches the eye of someone with scholarship money to dole out.

If this is you, you hardly need my advice. Carry on.

The (Now, Sadly Risky) High-Reward Route

If you really want to do something that pays really well, you can just grit your teeth, borrow the money, and then hope that all goes well and you earn enough money to pay off your debt.

There are a lot of jobs that will earn you enough money to cover those monthly bills. The old standbys of doctor and lawyer have the downside that you come out of college needing several more years of further study, but there are others. Any of several flavors of engineer will do the trick.

Because the truth about student loan debt hadn't been so apparent until the last few years, a lot of people took this route without looking at how much money they could earn with degree that they'd spend all the money earning. This is why there are so many people out there with degrees in English or social work suffering the ungentle ministrations of our modern debt collection system.

If this is you, my advice is that you only go down this route if you really want to do whatever it is you're being trained for. Don't do it because someone said petroleum geologists make good money; do it because you're really interested in rock strata. And then only do it if you're prepared to take the risk. If anything goes wrong — if you don't like the work, if you can't do it, if you guess wrong about there being good paying jobs a few years from now — you're screwed.

The "Not Going to College" Route

If you don't go to college, you can jump right in doing something to earn money.

Of course, that's also the rub. How will you earn that money? If you jump in waiting tables, working at a gas station, or moving furniture, you'll start earning some money, but there's not really much of a path up from there.

If you like the idea, try it for a summer. Then, look around. If you're where you want to be, fine — you're all set. If not, it's probably not too late to go to college.

But what if you have some much more interesting way to earn money? What if you want to do something creative or artistic? What if you have a great idea for starting a business?

In that case, it might well make the most sense to just jump right in and do whatever it is. Maybe you'll be able to make a living at it, and maybe you won't, but it's harmless to try. It's harmless, that is, unless you run up a lot of debt. Then you're screwed just like you'd borrowed the money to go to college, except you don't even have a degree.

The Cautious Route

Probably the safest thing to do is to minimize your borrowing by getting the cheapest education possible — go to community college for two years, then transfer to a state school where you can pay in-state tuition.

This is not a bad option. It used to be that there were a lot of gradations of schools, with a wide range through the middle, but I think the advantages of a mid-tier school over a bottom-tier school are smaller than they used to be. (For a lot of reasons, beginning with the Internet.)

You don't get a better education by going to a better school; you get a better education by using your time there as an opportunity to transform yourself.

What you get out of going to a top school is mainly better contacts. Unless your plan requires those contacts, don't bother.

Already Down that Road?

If you've already picked a route — or, more accurately, parents and guidance counselors and some high school kid picked a route and now you find yourself on it — your options at this point are limited.

If you're still in college, you're on the "potentially high reward" route. If it's not too late, make it a priority to get a degree that will help you earn the money to pay off the debt.

If you're out of college and — for whatever reason — you're not earning enough to pay your expenses and cover your debts, your options are limited. Do look into options for restructuring the debt. And don't forget that Wise Bread is full of tips on living large on a small budget — which is probably your best remaining option.

Written by Philip Brewer and published on Wise Bread. Read more articles from Wise Bread.

How to Score Extra Scholarship Money for College

Ashley Jacobs — Fri, 28 Dec 2012 01:48:34 +0000

One third of undergraduate college students used scholarships to pay for college last year, with an average of $7,700, according to Sallie Mae’s national “How America Pays for College” study. “There are hundreds of thousands of scholarships available to students, but in order to qualify for any support you first need to apply,” said Joe DePaulo, executive vice president, Sallie Mae. “The good news is that you don’t need to be the class valedictorian or star athlete to be eligible for many awards.”

Sallie Mae recommends students and families follow these tips to help make scholarship searches successful:

Start searching for scholarships as early as possible

You can begin as early as ninth or tenth grade, as scholarships for younger students sometimes have less competition. The key is to start early and renew efforts year after year to take advantage of additional opportunities.

Expand your search

Not all scholarships will be found online: check with local clubs, religious organizations, employers, and your guidance counselor. Local scholarships tend to be less competitive. Also, corporations often award scholarships to their customers.

Don’t be intimidated if you’re not at the top of your class

Scholarship judges love to see leadership and volunteerism, and many don’t ask for GPA or standardized test scores. When applying for scholarships, make sure to showcase commitment and depth with involvement in campus clubs or organizations.

Don’t overlook unusual opportunities

Some organizations offer scholarships to highlight interesting career opportunities, hobbies or products. For example, you could apply for the Duck Calling Contest, American Association of Candy Technologists Scholarship, Scholar Athlete Milk Mustache of the Year Award, or the Stuck at Prom Duck Brand Duck Tape Scholarship Contest, to name a few.

Sign up for a free online scholarship search service

Sallie Mae’s free database lists more than 3 million scholarships worth over $16 billion. Visitors can also register for a chance to win a $1,000 drawing each month.

Search year round

There are many scholarships available all year long, and scholarships due in the winter can have less competition. Treat scholarship searching and applying like a part-time job, as many opportunities come up throughout the year.

Be organized

Stay on top of deadlines, gather all pertinent documents, and make copies of everything you submit. It is a good idea to send your applications by certified mail to ensure receipt.

Be honest

Don't exaggerate your grades, memberships, skills, or qualifications. It is better to focus on the scholarships for which you might be eligible.

Follow instructions carefully

Some scholarships require you to write an essay; others may want letters of recommendation. Send in what is requested and proofread everything. Typos and missing materials can cost you a scholarship.

Get others to review your essay. When you finish writing your scholarship essay, get feedback from others, such as a parent, teacher, or friend. Don't just ask them to look for grammar or spelling mistakes. Ask them to point out any unclear passages and, most importantly, ask if your essay convinces them that you deserve to win the scholarship.

Avoid Scholarship Scams

So you get an unsolicited scholarship application by email. You appear to have the qualifications, and you have time to apply. But as you are about to dive into the application, something holds you back; something doesn't feel right. How can you tell if a scholarship offer is legitimate?

Be alert for services that solicit money in exchange for guaranteed scholarships. Watch out for pitches that boast:

"You're a finalist!" or "You've won!" a contest or scholarship you never entered. Be wary, especially if they ask you for a credit card or bank account number to hold your "winnings." Don't believe it. You must apply for scholarships first to receive them.
"First come, first served." While you do need to get your application in before the scholarship deadlines, the "first come, first served" rule does not apply to scholarships.
"Millions of dollars go unclaimed." Legitimate scholarship awards are predetermined. Sponsors work very hard to find the most qualified applicant.
"It's guaranteed!" Scholarship searches can guarantee search results. They can't guarantee you the scholarship money.
"We'll do the work for you ... for a fee." The fee may be nominal and the offer may come from someone who sounds official. So make sure you do your research before paying anyone to do a search for you.

If the offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Written by Ashley Jacobs and published on Wise Bread. Read more articles from Wise Bread.

How Joe Mihalic Paid Off $90K of Student Loans in 7 Months

Will Chen — Sat, 22 Dec 2012 19:57:40 +0000

Joe Mihalic set a bold financial goal for himself in 2011 — he vowed to pay off all of his student loans, totaling $90,000, in ten months. Even though Joe had an MBA from Harvard and a solid job at a Fortune 50 tech company, he thought he needed to make some fundamental changes in his life to achieve this goal. To keep himself accountable, Joe started the blog No More Harvard Debt to chronicle his debt-fighting adventures. (See also: 15 Ways to Pay Back Student Loans Faster)

Often witty and always brutally honest, Joe’s blog captured the public’s imagination. While most of Joe’s readers have smaller debts and less ambitious payment schedules, nevertheless they identified with Joe’s gutsy determination.

Hundreds of people rooted him on with encouraging messages. “I actually find myself saying this when I’m thinking of buying something I don’t really need, ‘Okay, would Joe do this?’” commented Ryan Field, a fan of Joe’s blog.

In the end, Joe didn’t wipe out his debt in ten months. He did it in seven. Along the way Joe discovered a new, simpler lifestyle he continues to enjoy today. Recently I had an opportunity to chat with Joe about his amazing journey and his new book, Destroy Student Debt: A Combat Guide to Freedom.

Q: Why did you decide to pay off your student loans so aggressively? What are the major emotional benefits of doing so?

Joe: I wanted peace of mind. One day in August 2011, I looked at my student loan balance and realized if I continue making only minimum payments, it would take me 15 years to pay it off. That fact blew me away. So I challenged myself to make some big changes.

I learned to live below my means — which is what I continued to do even after paying off my school loans. My life is now simple and stress-free. It’s a lifestyle I’ll never walk away from. The feeling of security and freedom I have right now is incredible.

Q: In your book you mentioned that you saved 75% of your income while you were paying off your debt. What are some steps you took to save money?

Joe: I learned to make things last longer and repaired things around the house on my own. I used duct tape on my car to patch a hole. When I went out with my friends, I brought a flask to cut down on alcohol expenses. I always brought my own lunch to work and I continue that frugal habit these days. I didn’t go to any movies and I didn’t buy new clothes. My favorite pair of shoes had holes in them but I kept on wearing them. I still haven’t even replaced them yet even though I have the cash to do so.

Q: Did you also take steps to increase your income?

Joe: I tried finding extra work on the weekends, like pedi-cabbing, which didn’t quite work out. But I didn’t let that set back discourage me. I kept trying different things. My buddy and I started our own landscaping business on the side, which enjoyed some moderate success. I got two roommates from Craigslist. I also sold a bunch of stuff on Craigslist, like my iPod, second car, motorcycle, bicycle, and a pair of Burberry reading glasses I had since graduate school.

Q: How did you manage to stay positive while making these lifestyle changes?

Happiness is something we choose. If you think about it, most Americans have it pretty darn good. We’re a prosperous nation. It’s easy to compare yourself to other people around you and think other people have it better than you based on what they have, and that you don’t deserve happiness until you are driving this car or going on this luxury vacation. But at the end of the day if you have your health, and your basic living needs are met, what is so bad about life? Why can’t we choose to be happy?

Q: Was it hard finding friends who understand your frugal mission to pay off your student loans?

Joe: Not at all. My friends all stuck with me. They understand I’m going on a new journey.

Q: How about dating? Did you have to make any adjustments?

My debt payment experience improved my dating life. I used to take dates to expensive restaurants — it was kind of a crutch. But now I focus more on frugal shared experiences, like hiking, swimming, getting some bagels or just hanging out. I no longer rely on expensive restaurants to impress dates. This change has forced me to be more vulnerable and open, making me a better date. As a result I’m meeting great people who share my values.

Q: In your book you talked about how Facebook could be bad for you wallet. Can you tell us why?

Joe: Some people treat Facebook like a product catalog. They use it mainly to post about stuff they own or stuff they want to buy. These people are overly concerned with consuming to keep up with the Joneses. Don’t fall into that trap. Try not to focus on those status updates on Facebook.

Instead, you should use Facebook to share experiences. For example, one of my favorite hobbies is rowing, and I love posting a picture or a status about a great practice on the water. I like sharing the fact that I had a great experience exercising with friends in the beautiful outdoors, and that I did something that made me happy. Sharing my happiness about this simple experience feels much better than posting a picture of an expensive gadget or a luxury vacation.

Q: Let’s say someone wants to get started on the same journey as you did. What is the very first step they need to take?

Joe: Decide why you want freedom — imagine your life without debt. Consider all the concrete benefits of a debt-free life. Would you act, think, or feel differently if you didn’t have a huge loan payment every month? Don’t just think about it. Actually sit down and write a list.

For example, my personal list of why I wanted to be debt-free included:

Avoid paying all that interest.
Save for my future kid’s college education.
Have the freedom to get off the corporate rat race and maybe open my own business.
Get more out of life by traveling (frugally, of course!).

I thought about this list often while I was paying down my debt and referred to it whenever I needed a bit of extra will power.

Q: Where did you get your best financial tips from?

Joe: My parents. They are great role models. When I was five they gave me a long list of chores and paid me a small allowance. If I wanted to buy a toy I had to save up my own money. I had a savings account when I was seven, and when I turned 12 they told me to invest in CDs for a better ROI.

Earlier I talked about fixing things around the house. I got that from my dad. He does most of the home repair work himself — plumbing, electrical work, woodwork, you name it. He taught me to be self-sufficient. My mom was an expert grocery shopper. She would spend entire Saturday mornings cutting out coupons out of the newspaper. She also refused to buy me name-brand clothing. All of this stuck with me. They taught me that saving money is not rocket science.

Q: Here’s one of my favorite quotes from your book:

“My mission to pay down my debt was not a means to an end, but a means to a beginning. I didn’t become debt-free so that I could take a vacation for the rest of my life. I paid off my debt so I could better understand my true purpose in life.”

Can you tell us more about what true purpose you’ve found in your life?

Joe: Absolutely. This whole experience has given me a new mindset about my life and my relationship with money. I love my life and I love my work.

I’m no longer a guy who works 80 hours a week, always looking for a promotion, trying to make money so he can go out and buy more stuff. Now I work 50 hours a week at a job I love, and this change has allowed me to enjoy my life — which is something I wouldn’t have done if my debt didn’t force me to rethink my priorities in life. My frugal life style allows me to draw a clear line between work and life. I’ve reached a good balance.

This interview excerpt only provides a brief overview of Joe's journey. If you want to learn more about Joe’s debt fighting strategies, I highly recommend his book Destroy Student Debt: A Combat Guide to Freedom. It is only $2.99 and free for Amazon Prime members. It is one of the best personal finance books I've read this year.

How did Joe pay off so much debt so quickly? Joe shares his debt-fighting secrets.

Title for Newgrads Slider:

How Joe Paid Off $90K of Loans in 7 Months

Written by Will Chen and published on Wise Bread. Read more articles from Wise Bread.

How to Get the Most Help From Your College After Graduation

Mary Davis — Fri, 14 Dec 2012 10:31:35 +0000

After working hard for the past four years or more, you’ve come away from your college experience with a diploma and knowledge of your field. However, you may also have found yourself without a job in your major. If so, you’re not alone. According to the U.S. Department of Education, the unemployment rate for new college graduates ages 20 to 24 was 6.2% in September 2012. While this statistic is less than ideal, keep in mind that unemployment for those without the benefit of college experience is 18.5%. Things are also looking up for the future — according to the Job Outlook 2013 survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), employers anticipate hiring 13% more students from the upcoming class of 2013 than were hired in 2012.

In the meantime, you may be surprised to learn that there are several ways your alma mater can help you improve your job prospects right now. Resources such as Career Services, Alumni Affairs, and Academic Advising have staff specifically trained to provide students with the information they need to navigate their academic journies — including getting that first job. Given that these departments are underutilized by current students, it’s understandable if you haven’t even considered going back to your school for help in your job search. But as a former academic counselor at a community college, I can tell you that you can and should take advantage of these resources. Let’s take a look at the individual departments that can assist new graduates in improving their career situations.

Career Services

The most obvious campus resource to go to for job advice is your career center. To start, make an appointment with Career Services to take a look at your resume and cover letter. Honing these two documents just a bit can help to get you through a potential employer’s door.

What you may not be aware of, however, is that these offices offer so much more than resume critiques, and they can truly benefit new grads. For instance, if you’re having trouble getting hired, it may be due to difficulties in the interviewing process. A career counselor can take you through mock interviews, pointing out areas in which you can improve and teaching you ways to really stand out to the interviewer.

College and university career centers also often maintain databases of local and out-of-state employers who are looking to hire new graduates. Ask your school’s career adviser if such a database is available. You can add your resume for employers to search utilizing certain keywords, making you easy to find. You can also peruse employer listings to find a possible match for your talents and skills. Many institutions also allow alumni to attend sponsored job fairs and workshops for free.

Alumni Affairs

The next logical resource to look into is your school’s Office of Alumni Affairs. The staff here can often help connect you with alumni who are currently working in your field. Connecting with someone in your intended profession can be invaluable to gaining insight into your profession and its specific job market. It’s one of the best networking strategies out there.

Mentoring programs are commonly seen at alumni offices across the country. These programs match recent graduates with alumni mentors who are working in a desired profession in order to provide guidance, answer questions, and give encouragement to new professionals. While the purpose of mentors is not specifically to help students find jobs, their knowledge and insight can give you the advantage you’re looking for to stand out from the crowd.

Many alumni offices are beginning to develop online communities as a way for alumni to connect. There are also in-person networking events and social activities sponsored by university alumni departments.

Academic Departments

An all-too-often untapped resource is the staff of your academic department. Did you have a favorite professor or academic adviser? Make an appointment to visit him or her. As a student, these professionals were your go-to source. They don’t stop helping their students upon graduation.

Department staff can offer insider advice into your industry and may be able to provide you with a potential employer contact. Some departments even have an informal network of alumni with which to get involved.

Financial Aid

The majority of today’s students receive financial assistance of some kind. Many student loan programs require students to begin repayment six months after graduation. This can cause anxiety and add a sense of urgency if you are currently unemployed or working a low-paying job. A call or visit to financial aid can help. There are ways to defer or postpone repayment of your financial aid. You may even be able to set up income-sensitive payments.

Navigating the repayment process can be tricky. Seeking the advice of qualified financial aid professionals or your loan servicer will help you take advantage of the option that is the best fit for your current situation. Because the process can be so confusing, don’t hesitate to ask lots of questions. You may even wish to speak with the director of the department to be sure you are receiving the most accurate information and that you have a clear understanding of the details. There’s no reason to feel intimidated. The staff is there to help you. Be persistent and explain the importance of speaking with someone who can explain your options to you in a relatable and comprehensive way.

Graduate Studies

Depending on your field of study, the current job market, and your ability or willingness to relocate, pursuing a graduate degree may be something to consider. Don’t enroll in a graduate program as a way of escaping the pressures of looming student loans or financial obligations, though. Students have been known to take this step only compounding their financial troubles.

However, for some students, it may make sense to pursue further education. The graduate studies personnel, in combination with career services, can give you information on the possibilities. You’ll want to ask about the kinds of jobs available to professionals with advanced degrees in your industry, as well as the various concentrations offered. It’s possible to construct a graduate program that very specifically meets your desired job outcomes. Many graduate programs combine academic study with real world internships, giving students an edge upon graduation.

Enrolling in an advanced degree program for a couple of years may work to your advantage by allowing you to further your education and graduate into a more friendly economy. This is obviously a risk. No one can guarantee that things will be better jobwise in two years, but going to grad school may be an option worth considering, depending on your profession.

As you can see, there are a number of ways to get help from your alma mater. Don’t let yourself get discouraged. Taking the proactive step to reach out and find assistance can be very empowering and can alleviate much of your worry and stress. By approaching the professionals who were there for you as a student, you’ll likely come away armed with the information you need to improve you current situation.

Find the best ways to access free career and financial services from your college.

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Written by Mary Davis and published on Wise Bread. Read more articles from Wise Bread.

Learning Without the High Cost of Higher Education

Darren Wu — Fri, 09 Nov 2012 10:37:01 +0000

Lots of college students graduate with an overwhelming amount of student loan debt. And to make things worse, they then struggle to find a job that'll provide for their basic living expenses as well as the repayment of that debt. I think it's safe to say that the myth of guaranteed success through a college degree has been exposed. Fortunately, you have opportunities everyday to learn and improve yourself outside of a traditional degree program. And that improvement will open the door to new career opportunities.

So how can you acquire useful skills outside of a college setting without having to pay enormous sums of money? Here are four ways. (See also: 15 Free Ways to Learn Something New)

Read Good Books

There's probably no better way to increase your level of success than to read quality books.

What are you interested in learning and doing? Whatever it is, there's a book out there that can help you do it better.

If you really want to take a college class, find the syllabus online and see what textbooks they're using. Then get the books yourself, and learn on your own time.

Remember, if cost is an issue, the library is always available.

Improve Your Communication Skills

No matter what career or business you pursue, you must be comfortable presenting your ideas. Being comfortable doing this in front of an audience will do wonders for your confidence and self-esteem.

One way to improve your communication skills is to join Toastmasters. Give a talk about what you're learning. Not only will you get over your fear of public speaking, you'll also develop leadership skills.

Another way to improve is to take a training course from Dale Carnegie. They offer courses in areas such as Human Relations, High Impact Presentations, and Sales Success. Best of all, the first session is free.

Learn a New Language

You don't need to go to college to take Spanish 101 or French 201. There are many audio programs available that'll teach you how to speak a foreign language on your own. Two of the popular ones are Rosetta Stone and Pimsleur.

And using your driving time is a great way to learn. It's been said that if you drive 25,000 miles each year at an average speed of 46 miles per hour, you'll spend the same amount of time in your car as a typical college student spends in a classroom. What are you doing with that time?

Create Your Own Health and Fitness Program

Success is never about just making money. If you don't take care of your body, you won't have the energy you need to do great work.

There are two components to health and fitness: the quality of your diet and your physical condition. Improve the quality of your diet by reading a good nutrition book. I recommend "You: Staying Young" by Michael Roizen and Mehmet Oz.

To improve your physical condition, get some exercise everyday. It doesn't need to be a lot. You don't even need to join a gym. Do pushups and pullups for your upper body, crunches for your midsection, and use a jump rope for your lower body.

Demonstrate Your Expertise

This last step is important; the knowledge that you gain is useless if it stays inside your head. Give a talk about what you're learning at your Toastmasters club. Or start a blog and demonstrate to the world what you know.

Do all these steps, and you'll be amazed at the quality of education that you receive — an education that expands your options and enriches your life.

Written by Darren Wu and published on Wise Bread. Read more articles from Wise Bread.

Best Money Tips: Go to College for Free

Ashley Jacobs — Tue, 16 Oct 2012 10:00:42 +0000

Welcome to Wise Bread's Best Money Tips Roundup! Today we found some stellar articles on going to college for free, tips to save on Thanksgiving airfare, and measuring career success.

9 Fun Activities to Help You Tighten Up Your Work Skills

POPSUGAR Smart Living — Thu, 04 Oct 2012 10:24:41 +0000

After a few months of Summer Fridays or hitting the blacktop for weekend road trips, it can be tough to reel your brain back from the beach into office mode, so now's a great time to invest some energy in tightening up your work skills. Trust falls and "two truths and a lie" might be common workplace team building games, but these nine activities will improve your office aptitude while adding a fun and fulfilling twist to your daily routine.

Do a Puzzle

Even your train commute can be a setting for work skills improvement. Whip out the daily crossword puzzle, carry a Sudoku book in your bag, or tap the word puzzle app of your choice and flex that powerful muscle in your head. Puzzles can broaden your vocabulary as well as your ability to problem solve by forcing you to think differently about the task at hand.

Enroll in a Public Speaking Class

For some people (including myself), standing before a room full of people — or even three — can be more petrifying than skydiving or swimming with sharks. Begin to overcome those fears by joining a public speaking class or club where you'll learn to orate like a politician, improve your overall communication skills, and network with other like-minded folks.

Play a Team Sport

Get involved in your local rec league or simply gather some friends together for a regular soccer afternoon at the park. Not only will you feel the physical and emotional benefits of exercise, playing a team sport will help you hone your teamwork and leadership skills while thinking on your feet.

Hang Out With the Kids

When your sister asks you to babysit her brood, don't turn her down! Playtime not only gives your inner child the green light to imagine, but it also allows you to observe how kids work through disagreements in order to cooperate...without the burden of office politics.

Clubs and Organizations

Plan to attend the next alumni association-sponsored tailgate, Junior League event, or PTA meeting. Joining clubs and organizations that align with your hobbies or stage of life can be a great way to meet new people and network over common interests. You can volunteer to head up a committee to gain valuable leadership and project planning experience.

Take an Improv Acting Class

Enrolling in an improv acting class could lead to other thespian career paths, but it can also teach you to think on your feet and anticipate your co-worker's next move through unscripted role play.

Volunteer

Whether you donate your time to an organization or another person in need, volunteering has to be one of the most personally rewarding activities in which one can participate. It's also another great venue for learning teamwork and leadership skills, improving communication, and even picking up new abilities that could be beneficial in your office environment.

Attend a Networking Social

Many professional organizations host socials, giving people from different companies a chance to rub elbows over cocktails and ice breaking activities. Sign up for a few and master the art of small talk!

Yoga and Meditation

Great for the body and soul, yoga and meditation can improve your posture, poise, and confidence. They also allow you some private time to mull over prickly office encounters or think through tricky work dilemmas.

Want to improve your resume and general workplace awesomeness? Try taking on one of these fun (and surprisingly useful) activities.

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Written by POPSUGAR Smart Living and published on Wise Bread. Read more articles from Wise Bread.

10 Great Jobs for College Students

Camilla Cheung — Tue, 25 Sep 2012 10:00:42 +0000

September is coming to a close, you’ve moved in to your dorm room or apartment, and you’ve probably settled into the routine of your classes. Now perhaps you’re wondering how to score a little extra cash so you can go on a dinner date instead of eating cereal for dinner as usual. Better yet, how can you make a little money but learn some valuable skills at the same time? The following jobs offer a flexible schedule as well as the potential to add some meat to your resume. (See also: The 5 Best Credit Cards for College Students)

1. Tutor

Tutoring is an excellent job for a college student. The hours are usually flexible, and the pay is often excellent. In addition, you can learn some valuable presentation and communication skills by teaching a child or teenager — if you can explain algebra to a 16-year-old, what can’t you do? You may tutor a pupil one-on-one in their home or teach larger classes at a learning center.

2. ESL Teacher

If you can speak English, you can likely teach it. Consider getting certified in Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL classes are usually available on a part-time basis or through intensive summer courses), which will allow you to work for a language school either at home or abroad. This part-time work can be parlayed into a summer job or full-time job after you graduate, and even if you don’t pursue it further, you’ve gained important presentation, public speaking, and communication skills.

3. Yoga/Fitness Instructor

Passionate about yoga, Pilates, or some other fitness program? Instead of paying to go to fitness classes, why not get paid? If you have enough experience under your belt, consider going through a part-time instructor certification program that will allow you to teach classes at your local gym or studio for a few hours a week. You may even be able to turn it into a career later on, or at least supplement your income if you find yourself in a pinch.

4. Social Media Guru

Who knew that those hours spent on Facebook and Twitter would pay off? As a tech-savvy young person, your social media networking skills are in high demand. Many types of businesses, from real estate to event planning to club promotion, hire young people to tweet and post about the latest happenings in the field. Get a job tweeting in your area of studies, and you may gain valuable connections for after you graduate as well.

5. Small Business Owner

It’s never too early to start honing your entrepreneurial skills, especially when a large body of relatively cheap labor (read — other college students) is at hand. Start a painting or moving company or an after-school tutoring program, or start using your artistic skills in a photography or web-design business. Even if your business doesn’t end up enormously lucrative, you’ll have an amazing learning experience to add to your resume.

6. Nanny

You might have thought that your days as a teenage babysitter were behind you, but college is actually a great time to take babysitting to the next level. You are older and more responsible, and if you have a car, you are perfectly equipped to pick kids up after school and hang out with them till their parents get home. You can also command a higher hourly rate and show future employers how responsible and trustworthy you are. Becoming an au pair is also one of the best ways to travel around the world after you graduate while having your room and board paid.

7. Administrative Assistant

A part-time job spent answering phones, filing documents, and doing general office work can turn into a more lucrative job as you move up the corporate ladder. Although you may primarily be doing secretarial work, you’re also in contact with professionals at your company who may be able to help you get a head start in your chosen career, be it in publishing, advertising, law, or finance. In addition, you’ll learn how to behave professionally, get organized, and provide stellar customer service — and you’ll earn a pretty good paycheck in the meantime.

8. Brand Ambassador

Being a brand ambassador is a great way to get a “marketing” entry on your resume. Nowadays companies are hiring more college students than ever to promote brands to their peers. You’ll give away free samples and organize events and promotions while being paid in cash, perks, and swag. If the commercialization of campus life doesn’t bother you, you might be able to make a nice little supplemental income.

9. Bank Teller

Working at a bank is a great way for college students to get experience in the field of finance, albeit at a low level. Hours are often flexible, many bank tellers work on a part-time basis, and a degree is not required. Later on, you may also be able to advance your career within the bank.

10. Paid Intern

Never underestimate the power of an internship. I know of many college students who interned at a company in their field of study and went on to be hired full-time at that company. In competitive fields, this may be one of the best ways to gain connections and get your foot in the door in your profession. Unfortunately, many internships today are unpaid, but often, the learning experience is worth it.

What job did you have in college, and how did it help you?

Written by Camilla Cheung and published on Wise Bread. Read more articles from Wise Bread.

Best Money Tips: Things You Need to Know About Financial Aid

Ashley Jacobs — Fri, 21 Sep 2012 10:00:43 +0000

Welcome to Wise Bread's Best Money Tips Roundup! Today we found some awesome articles on things you need to know about financial aid, must-have millionaire habits, and getting financially fit.

News & Events

Be sure to check out our News & Events Calendar to see all the awesome upcoming events in the personal finance world!

Also, PopSugar is doing a special series with First Lady Michelle Obama! Readers can submit questions to the First Lady about any range of topics – from fashion and healthy living, to the tough important issues facing voters today. Head on over to the announcement post to submit your questions!

Written by Ashley Jacobs and published on Wise Bread. Read more articles from Wise Bread.

15 Free Ways to Learn Something New

Jennifer Holder — Wed, 19 Sep 2012 10:24:42 +0000

If you're still paying off your student loans (or soon will be), learning might feel like more of a chore than fun. The good news is that learning can be fun and free. Below is a list of 15 ways to learn something new at no cost. So take a look, go forth, and expand your mind! (See also: 20 Great Frugal Skills — and How to Get Them)

1. Lowe’s and Home Depot Classes

Both home improvement headquarters offer free classes. Past classes at Home Depot have included lawn maintenance and bathroom workshops, and Lowe’s has partnered with Habitat for Humanity for Women Build — clinics dedicated to teaching women home improvement tips and tricks. Lowe’s also has a Build and Grow clinic geared toward kids. Check out your local store to see what they have coming up.

2. Grocery and Kitchen Store Classes

If you’re anywhere near a Williams -Sonoma, you’ll have the most options. They offer complimentary technique classes for everything from knife skills to braising. Of course, they’re trying to sell you a product, but you’re still going to learn something. Oh, and you’ll get a 10% discount in-store the day of the class. As for other grocery and kitchen stores, ask the manager if they have any events coming up or check out their website. Most of Publix’s classes are at a cost, but they might have a few for free!

3. YouTube

YouTube is probably the easiest (but at times, the worst) place to learn on the Internet; people are really into YouTube tutorials nowadays. You can learn to play the ukulele, apply makeup, or sing like Lady Gaga, all in one convenient place. Of course, YouTube has its downsides (like if the person trying to teach you doesn't really know what they're talking about), but anything has to be better than Phoebe’s method of guitar lessons. And if you can't find something that strikes your fancy, just stay on the TEDTalks YouTube channel and let the ideas roll.

4. Foodie Sites

If you like to cook (or would like to like to cook), get on the internet and check out the bevy of free culinary classes. Head over to Allr ecipes, Food Network (to learn from ole Alton sans cable), or Better Homes and Gardens (there are also decorating videos as well as food!). Epicurious has a pretty boss “cooking school” from the Culinary Institute of America, but after the first class, you have to pay. It is, however, a one-time fee, so if you’re passionate about being a better cook, it would be worth it. Try it out and see!

5. Coursera

Here’s the skinny on Coursera — two awesome Stanford computer science professors started this website with one specific goal in mind — education should be available to everyone for free. Classes are designed and taught by professors from Stanford, Princeton, the University of California at Berkeley, the University of Pennsylvania, and the University of Michigan. But this isn’t just a bunch of online lectures to watch (and potentially snooze through). These classes come with time restraints, a syllabus, homework, and in some cases, a certificate of completion. You’re not losing anything by not “attending,” but you’re gaining everything by not having to pay hundreds of dollars a month afterward.

6. edX

edX has courses from some of the Ivy League schools missing from Coursera — Harvard, Berkeley, and MIT. Their classes are also free and online, and you get a certificate of completion for them. For fall 2012, there are seven courses offered, but bookmark the site if you can't find something you like right now. And in the meantime, the Harvard Extension School Open Learning Initiative has quite a few videos for learning at your leisure.

7. PechaKucha 20x20

PechaKucha’s premise is simple — 20 pictures, 20 seconds. The event started in Tokyo as a way for young designers to network, but it turned into a way for people around the world to learn from each other. Each speaker has almost seven minutes to tell a story, whether it be about a business or an adventure. Most events are free, and if there isn’t one in your area (most likely there is — they’re everywhere!) you have the option of either starting one or watching one of almost 500 presentations online.

8. Parks and Recreation Classes

No, I don’t mean my favorite show (although you could learn a bit about politics from Leslie Knope). I mean, of course, the best part of city government across the world. Classes range from identifying edible plants to arts and crafts to, well, recreation classes. Some do cost a small amount of money, but many are free.

9. Libraries

Libraries, of course, offer a wealth of information in the form of books, but most also offer courses. Turn to your local library and see what’s available, whether it be computer classes, basic life skills, or languages.

10. Volunteering

When I was volunteering at a recent event, the director of the organization I was volunteering with said the best thing. Someone made a comment about not having anything to give away, and the director said, “Yes we do — knowledge!” And there you go — when you volunteer, you can learn something. A great example is Habitat for Humanity — you can help someone own their own home AND learn how to fix yours. There are also tons of community gardens when you can learn all about fruits and vegetables. Check out volunteer opportunities in your area, and learn something!

11. Podcasts

I never quite dipped into the land of podcasts before this year, but I tell you what — there are some very educational ones out there. From podcasts made by universities to podcasts made by public radio, there are multiple options to get your brain juices flowing. And if your brain needs a break, there are a ton of comedy podcasts. Check out the store section in iTunes, and get to downloading.

12. Skillsharing

From online to in-person, Skillshare is a website dedicated to just that — sharing skills. Unfortunately, not too many of the classes offered on the site are free, but they can be found.

13. Cuppings, Wine Tastings, and Beer Tastings

This is a very specific category. If you love consuming caffeinated or alcoholic beverages but aren’t sure what you’re talking about, be sure to go to the free cuppings, wine tastings, and beer tastings sometimes offered by local groceries, liquor stores, and coffee shops. While you’re there, ask every question you can think of.

14. From Your Family

A great, possibly untapped resource is your grandparents. Your grandfather probably changed his own oil, and your grandmother can probably sew up a storm. Take a minute to sit down with them and find out what they know. You’ll have a chance to learn something new and bond with a loved one.

15. From Your Friends

Along the same lines, tap into your friends! I recently hung out with an old roommate in North Carolina, and while we were waiting for a table at a restaurant, we ventured into a yarn store. She picked up an unfinished scarf and two needles and finished the row. I had no idea she was could knit — I could have learned so much while we were living together. Oh yeah, by the way, at Knitting Help, you can learn how to knit for free.

How do you learn for free?

Written by Jennifer Holder and published on Wise Bread. Read more articles from Wise Bread.

Best Money Tips: Ways to Save Money on College Textbooks

Ashley Jacobs — Mon, 10 Sep 2012 10:00:41 +0000

Welcome to Wise Bread's Best Money Tips Roundup! Today we found some awesome articles on saving on college textbooks, never wasting money on spoiled food again, and surprising times when your credit counts.

The Benefits of Apprenticeships

Thursday Bram — Thu, 30 Aug 2012 10:24:41 +0000

An apprenticeship sounds old-fashioned — something young people did a few hundred years ago in order to learn crafts before there were community colleges and entry-level jobs. But the reality is that there are still apprenticeships being offered today, and they provide a valuable level of experience that new workers are unable to find anywhere else. (See also: Should You Wait to Go to College?)

Today, an apprenticeship takes a recognizable form — an apprentice will start out doing basic work for an employer while learning the specific skills needed for her trade. In many companies, apprenticeships include both on-the-job training and theoretical education at a local school. After training is complete, it’s expected that the apprentice will continue working with her employer for a certain period of time. The deal is great; the apprentice gets both education and a guaranteed job after her training, while the employer gets a trained employee who will stay with the company for the long-term.

Ryan Thewes, an architect based in Nashville, completed an architecture degree in 2000 and followed it up with an apprenticeship. Thewes found an opportunity to learn from a former apprentice of Frank Lloyd Wright. That connection has lead Thewes down a path of working with different architects: “I think it is the combination of my two apprenticeships, one with Don Erickson and one with Bart Prince, that has allowed me to forge my own path and style within the profession and have given me the tools needed to execute it and make it a reality.”

The experience that Thewes gathered during his apprenticeship differed from that of his fellow graduates. “Many graduates go straight to work in big offices and rarely deal with clients or builders. They spend the first few years of their careers drafting details and staring at computer screens,” notes Thewes, who was able to learn how to actually deal with both clients and builders. “In class, it is easy to design interesting and creative buildings. In reality, budget drives most design decisions, so buildings begin to look the same and fall into a rut. This especially holds true for residential architecture. Most builders are only interested in knowing what they already know. It is safe and comfortable for them and not much risk. When something unusual comes up, prices go up. One valuable thing my apprenticeship was able to teach me was the way to work with clients and with builders in a way to ease the fear of ‘different.’”

Many companies, big and small, are using apprenticeships to ensure that they have the workforce they need. Companies like Siemens operate local apprenticeship programs in partnership with community colleges, like the Apprenticeship 2000 program.

Such programs have made it easier to find apprenticeships, but in most career paths, it’s up to you to find the right fit. Thewes knew he wanted to work with architects with a certain style, and he sent resumes to a whole list of them. He made phone calls and arranged meetings just to find out more about well-known architects, and he jumped on the opportunities that resulted. Thewes describes how he landed his apprenticeship: “During my final year of school, I received a magazine that featured the work of Don Erickson. Mr. Erickson was with Wright from 1948 to 1951. I was fascinated with his work as it was organic in design, but didn't directly copy Wright. I immediately called him up to ask if I could go up to Chicago to meet him. My intention was just a visit, and not an interview. Once I got there, we hit it off. I was in awe of his approach to architecture and he was smitten by my enthusiasm. He asked what I was doing after graduation next year and asked if I would like to come work for him for the summer. I immediately accepted. Long story short, one summer turned into a couple of years.”

Employers do look for different characteristics in apprentices than in entry-level employees. A commitment to a specific craft is key. Nicholas Yeager ran a specialty bookbinding business in New York City, where he trained five apprentices over six years. His apprentices all expressed interest in the craft, beyond just looking for a job: “Some were graduates of book arts programs, others had craft skill and an interest in bookbinding...I tried hiring people that didn't have the commitment and interest, and they didn't work out well. When I focused on a different class of worker, my results were improved quite a bit because they were fully engaged with the craft, not the paycheck.”

Yeager had learned his trade through an apprenticeship as well. The value of the apprenticeship system made itself clear. “I paid for my training in classes at night and had short-term work situations where I assisted my instructors. This slow method of learning wasn't conducive to building craft skills, as I didn't have a space to work all the time. I spent six years doing binding part time. Then I got work at a library followed by a specialty production shop where I did repetitive work and built up my skill set. The importance of doing an action a few thousand times cannot be taught in a class setting. It can only be assimilated at the workbench.”

The apprentices who passed through Yeager’s shop have gone on to have a variety of careers. While several have gone on to work in book binderies and library preservation departments, at least one has built a career as an artist, pulling her knowledge of bookbinding into such projects as a series of woven books.

No career training program is guaranteed to turn students into successes, but the in-depth training that apprentices receive, from the actual skills of their crafts to how to deal with clients and how to run a shop, certainly improves the rate of success.