If you’re headed back to the classroom and haven’t had the time for Facebook and Twitter or only use it to check up on your child or connect occasionally with old high school friends, now’s the time to learn how social networking can help you in school.

Social media can help college students make vital education and career connections, a recent Associated Press-Viacom poll found.

Seven out of 10 students reported that the social media sites are good for creating study groups, working with peers on assignments, and getting information about school activities or assignments.

We see it all the time. On Facebook, students discuss upcoming tests, what they missed if absent, and schedule times to meet up to quick study sessions or all-nighters. That way, you don’t have to try to call classmates to arrange a study group while your kids are wanting a snack or needing you to help them with their homework. Virtual connections are essential during a fast-paced semester!

Students also are using Twitter to keep connected with each other and their professors, some of whom use Twitter to fuel class discussions, too.

If you are unfamiliar with how to use those social media sites, you’ll want to brush up on using social media wisely. If you’re on Facebook, you may want to create a secure group that only your classmates can see to discuss a project or test. If you want to keep your schedule private, message a classmate to plan a study group instead of posting it on their wall. Also, realize that what you’re writing about a certain class could be seen by others (including possible employers), so watch what you’re sharing with all of your Facebook friends.

At the same time, 74 percent of students who responded to the poll say social media is a “good way to distract themselves,” the AP reported.

Keep watch of how much time you spend time on those sites. Jumping onto Facebook or Twitter could be a brief reward you earn after writing a paper or studying a couple of hours. But if you can’t resist checking out the sites every few minutes, you’ll need to come up with a plan for keeping in touch with classmates via social media without harming your GPA.

Donning that cap and gown soon? Here’s another reason to smile: Your chance of getting hired is greater than those who earned their degrees last year.

The good news comes from the National Association of Colleges and Employers, whose recent survey found that employers plan to hire 21 percent more recent college graduates this year than they did in spring 2010. That’s up from a 13.5 percent increase in college hiring that employers said back in August they expected.

Maybe you’re seeing more recruiters on campus, a sign of hiring activity. And if you get an offer, it might be more than your friends were being offered last year. Pay is rising, with the average salary for all 2011 graduates at $50,462, up 5.9 percent from last year, according to NACE’s Spring 2011 Salary Survey.

Engineering majors are going to have a better chance of finding a high-paying job upon graduation. The National Association of Colleges and Employers’ Spring 2011 Salary Survey reported that the 10 top-paid majors for the class of 2011 were:

Chemical engineering
Average salary offer: $66,886

Computer science
Average salary offer: $63,017

Mechanical engineering
Average salary offer: $60,739

Electrical/electronics & communications engineering
Average salary offer: $60,646

Computer engineering
Average salary offer: $60,112

Industrial/manufacturing engineering
Average salary offer: $58,549

Systems engineering
Average salary offer: $57,497

Engineering technology
Average salary offer: $57,176

Information sciences & systems
Average salary offer: $56,868

Business systems networking/telecommunications
Average salary offer: $56,808

Now that you’ve gotten the encouraging news, do something about it! Pursue jobs and network with potential employees knowing that many are on the lookout for well-educated workers to help their companies grow.

-Lori Johnston

The summer before my senior year of college, I took a paid internship in NYC. I don’t remember what the job was supposed to have been, because I basically I spent two miserable months sitting at a desk doing nothing. It was a nightmare. My unpaid senior-year internship, however, was awesome – and it turned into an ongoing freelance gig even now, more than 10 years after graduation.

This is not to say that unpaid internships are the bomb and paid internships are destined to stink. But how do you know which internships will be good ones?

Vault.com can help. The source for employer rankings, ratings, and reconnaissance, Vault.com has released its Top Internship Rankings for 2011 to help you make the best internship decision you can. Each year, Vault’s editors evaluate hundreds of internships and choose the ones that provide the best all-around experience. Many factors are considered in the rankings, including intern involvement and capacity for learning, mentorship availability, career advancement opportunities, industry clout, corporate culture, and, of course, perks and compensation.

Ranking Results
According to the rankings, this year’s top 10 overall internships are (in alphabetical order): Capital Fellows Programs; Deloitte; Garmin International; Google; J.P. Morgan’s Investment Bank; NASA; Nickelodeon Animation Studios; Northwestern Mutual Financial Network; Smithsonian Institution; and The Boston Consulting Group.

In addition to the best overall internships, Vault lists the top 10 finance internships (e.g., Goldman Sachs); top 10 creative/liberal arts internships (e.g., Electronic Arts); top 10 internships with the best perks (e.g., Dell); and the top 10 internships providing the most unusual experiences (e.g., Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences). And, for the first time ever, Vault is highlighting the top 10 nonprofit internships, which include Food for the Hungry, National Women’s Health Network, and the Carnegie Foundation, among others.

Vault also provides a profile of all the top internships, offering inside information about the company, the types of work available, application deadlines, contact details, and tips on getting the gig.

The Internship Advantage
Some of these organizations offer paid internships, but don’t discount the ones that don’t provide a paycheck. Any good internship can offer a competitive edge, which is essential to employment in today’s economy.

Interning is a great way to test-drive a career to figure out if that line of work is right for you. A good internship can also help you prepare for the demands of working in a particular industry, which may lead to quicker advancement within the field.

Not only do top internships look great on your resume, but they can also jump-start a career at that organization, since many employers prefer to hire their own interns rather than taking a chance on an unknown applicant. Plus, the industry contacts you’ll make at your internship can help you advance your career, no matter where you end up working.

Take a look at the internship rankings, and do your research to find an internship that’s a good match for your skills and interests. Because, believe me – all the money in the world can’t make up for a job that stinks.

-Robyn Tellefsen

There are some jobs you can get right out of high school, but according to recent data from the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce, a whopping 63 percent of jobs in the U.S. require some type of postsecondary education. That’s more than double the percentage required in the mid-1970s.

It follows, then, that higher education leads to greater chances of getting off the unemployment line and getting into a job.

How do community colleges fit into the equation? A few ways:

• Affordability. Community college tuition is much lower than private or even public four-year college tuition, which of course makes a huge difference for low-income students.
• Availability. Community colleges are found in your local community, which can significantly shorten your commute and simplify your life.
• Academic Accessibility. Admission to community colleges is typically open to anyone who has completed high school.
• Adult-Friendliness. Most community college students are adults with work and family responsibilities, and community colleges tailor programs to that population.

“For years I have said that community colleges are one of America’s best-kept secrets,” said Jill Biden at the White House Summit on Community Colleges in October. “Well, with the President of the United States shining a light on us, I think that secret is out.” Obama’s American Graduation Initiative calls for an additional five million community college graduates by 2020.

It’s a lofty goal for sure, and students are flocking to community colleges in droves. But none of it matters if they’re not graduating.

That was the specific problem addressed at the Community College Summit held last week, the first of four regional meetings planned to identify promising practices for increasing completion rates at community colleges. Community colleges are committed to creating policies and programs to encourage more adult students to finish school and earn a degree or certificate.

Best Practices
At Tennessee Technology Centers, degree acceleration is the name of the game. At these schools, students sign up for a program rather than individual classes, and they move through the program as a cohort, which increases the level of accountability and support. Plus, programs lasting a year or less decrease dropout rates and help students get into the workforce and draw a decent salary sooner.

And at the “reverse job fair” at Central New Mexico Community College, local small businesses are asked to come to the school and talk about the kinds of jobs needed in their company. Armed with the knowledge of employer needs, the school develops targeted, short-term programs so students can get skilled jobs in these companies. Talk about a college career connection!

The next three Community College Summits will focus on successful transfer programs; partnerships between community colleges and employers; and exemplary programs for veterans, military members, and families.

-Robyn Tellefsen

It’s not easy to get a job these days, even when there are jobs to be had. Case in point: A friend of mine is a nurse manager in the psych ward of a major hospital, and she hasn’t been able to find anyone who’s qualified to be her assistant nurse manager. But that’s another story.

So what does it take to become a viable candidate for a solid, well-paying job? In the IT industry, the answer is clear: certification.

That’s the word from the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) and its recent “Employer Perception of IT Training and Certification” report, which is based on an online survey of business and IT executives who have made a recent IT hiring decision, and an online survey of HR professionals.

Get Certified, Get Hired
According to CompTIA’s research, 86 percent of hiring managers indicate IT certifications are a high or medium priority during the candidate evaluation process. The jobs are out there, but roughly eight in ten HR executives say it’s challenging to find candidates with the right IT skill set. As companies struggle to fill positions, they’re looking for validated skills. Just like my nurse friend, IT managers can’t afford to hire an employee who can’t contribute right away.

That’s where certification comes in. Nearly two-thirds of IT managers (64 percent) indicate that IT certifications have extremely high or high value in validating skills and expertise. Employers regard certified professionals as possessing a proven ability to understand new or complex technologies and engage in more insightful problem solving, both of which lead to higher productivity. And we all know that productivity is the name of the game no matter where you work.

Certification will be sought beyond 2011, of course. Eight in 10 HR professionals (80 percent) believe IT certifications will grow in usefulness and importance over the next two years, reports CompTIA.

Mo’ Money, Mo’ Money, Mo’ Money
Not only can IT certification give you a leg up in the job hunt, it can also translate to a higher salary. According to the 2010 IT Skills and Salary Report from Global Knowledge and TechRepublic, professionals who had earned an IT certification during the last five years earned an average of $5,242 more than their counterparts ($85,628 vs. $80,386).

But not all IT certifications are created equal. According to the report, the top five technical certifications by average salary are:

1. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) – $99,928
2. Cisco Certified Design Associate (CCDA) – $93,953
3. VMware Certified Professional (VCP) – $91,271
4. Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) – $89,864
5. Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) – $86,454

Don’t underestimate the role of IT certification in the hiring process. If employers are relying on professional certifications to aid them in their hiring decisions, give ‘em what they want (and score a sweet salary in the process!).

–Robyn Tellefsen

Whether you watched Super Bowl XLV to root on the Pittsburgh Steelers or the Green Bay Packers or you only tuned in for the commercials and the Black Eyed Peas’ halftime performance, you’re probably not expecting to advance your career through the event. But – suspend your disbelief – I’ve discovered that pro football players can actually teach us a lot more than how to handle the pigskin. Stay with me for some career advice straight from the hallowed halls of the NFL.

>> Never underestimate yourself.
At 38, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin, already the youngest coach to ever win a Super Bowl, is now also the youngest coach to make it to the Super Bowl twice. As a young African-American man who never played in the NFL, Tomlin could have doubted his ability to lead a team to victory. Instead, he’s making career history.
Career lessons: Maybe the job you’re vying for typically goes to someone older, a member of the opposite sex, or someone of a difference race. But typical doesn’t have to apply to you. After all, just because it’s never happened before doesn’t mean it can’t happen. Get your head in the game and prepare to beat the odds.

>> Emphasize your strengths.
Stats-wise, Pittsburgh QB Big Ben Roethlisberger might not look the best on paper, but at the end of the day, he’s hard to beat. He doesn’t have the accuracy of Tom Brady or Peyton Manning, but he does have certain intangibles (e.g., getting out of the pocket, being tough to sack) that allow him to play a good game.
Career lessons: If your resume isn’t deep enough to beat the competition, your interview is essential. So what if you didn’t go to Harvard or graduate summa cum laude? Prove that when push comes to shove, you’ve got what it takes to get the job done.

>> Be a team player.
Rashard Mendenhall isn’t necessarily a household name, but he’s one of the major reasons the Jets lost in the playoffs. (Sorry, fellow New York fans…) The Steelers running back ran all over the Jets, besting a team that was dying to make it to Dallas. Mendenhall isn’t listed among the greats just yet, but fame isn’t everything – even in the NFL.
Career lessons: Don’t become obsessed with making your mark and therefore step on everyone else to get there. Team players actually have a better shot at success, garnering greater employer recognition. Learn to play well with others – no one wants to work with a “superstar.”

>> Work hard till the end.
I bet the Chicago Bears thought they had it made when they were ranked the number two team in the NFC going into the playoffs. But Green Bay – a wild card – bested the Bears in the last round and snagged their spot.
Career lessons: If you’re up for a new job or promotion, now is not the time to rest on your laurels or previous credentials. You need to step up your game and prove yourself worthy in your interview or performance review. Work hard and persevere until you get what you want.

So as you’re getting over your Super Bowl hangover, start thinking about what you can do to achieve career success. We’re cheering you on!

-Robyn Tellefsen

They’re the four little words you’ve been dying to hear: “You got the job!” If this is the first face-to-face interview you’ve had in months (or years), the question of whether or not you’re going to take the job might seem ridiculous at best. As much as you need a new gig, though, it’s still a good idea to step back and evaluate the job offer itself before you jump in headfirst. Pay attention to these employment package items in particular:

The Fine Print
Your potential employer should let you know a lot more about the job than just your title and start date. After all, titles like “account specialist” and “marketing associate” don’t tell you much about what you’re actually going to do on a day-to-day basis. The job offer should include a complete job description. Don’t skim this – review each item carefully, and make sure the duties fit within your understanding of the scope of the position. Anything that makes you feel uneasy should be addressed now – before you take the job.

Money, Money, Money, Money … Money
Let’s face it – the salary offer is one of the biggest things that can sway you to either take the job or to shove it. Beyond base pay, you also need to get details on any kind of overtime or bonuses for which you’re eligible. Ask questions if the job offer’s dollar signs don’t add up. Are bonuses guaranteed at certain times of the year? Are these incentives based on your performance or on how well the company is doing overall? How are bonuses calculated? And don’t forget to find out about salary reviews – an important but often-overlooked part of the employment package. Annual reviews are good, but six-month reviews are even better.

Goodies and Freebies
If you’re not covered under a parent or a partner’s plan, health insurance is a critical consideration in the job offer. But if you’re already covered and you don’t need to enroll in the company plan, you might be able to negotiate higher base pay as compensation. Other benefits like pension plans, retirement plans, life insurance, travel insurance, and stock options are great potential additions to the total employment package. Also, be sure to find out how many vacation, sick, and personal days for which you’re eligible, and when your eligibility will begin. And if you’re really lucky, your employment package might even include a transportation stipend, health club membership, child care, or other extra-special goodies.

Learning and Earning
Education incentives can be a good indication of how much the employer values its employees and is willing to invest time and money in them. Some companies regularly send employees to training sessions off-site; others conduct training programs in-house. Find out if these kinds of perks are available to every employee at your company, or if you have to reach a certain level before you become eligible for free training. And if you can get some higher education classes subsidized by the company’s tuition assistance/reimbursement program, that can be a huge incentive to push the job offer into the “yes” pile.

No job is going to be perfect – but if the job offer is one you can’t refuse, take it!

–Robyn Tellefsen

A student I know who is applying for summer internships recently mentioned that she is writing a variety of cover letters to send to potential employers. I was so proud that she recognized a cover letter is essential when introducing yourself to prospective employers and that she needed to send more than a quick e-mail to the companies.

The cover letter is one of the three important letters you need to know how to write for career success. The others are the thank you note and the rejection follow-up letter. Here are some key things to know…

Cover letter

Use a brief but interesting cover letter to sell yourself as a valuable asset to the company.

You don’t want to regurgitate your resume; the cover letter should serve as an introduction to your resume.

Let the employer know what type of job you are interested in, and why you think you would be their best hire. You’ll also want your cover letter also to reflect your personality and work ethic.

Check out Virginia Tech’s Career Services’ division for sample cover letters and other tips. There’s also a paragraph-by-paragraph synopsis of what you need to include in a cover letter on the state of Michigan’s website.

But remember – you have to be accurate. You must spell the company’s name right and the contact’s name correctly. Any spelling errors or poor grammar will reflect poorly on you and impact your ability to land the job.

Thank you letter

Getting a job is all about relationships, and the thank you letter helps show your continued interest in the job and move forward your relationship with a potential employer.

A survey by Northwestern University notes that less than 15 percent of job seekers follow up with thank you letters. So taking the time to write these notes could really help you stand out! Northwestern’s tips include:

• Send the letter within 24 hours

• Mention something discussed during the interview (it helps remind the person who you are, especially in the case of open positions with multiple candidates)

• Briefly reiterate qualifications and skills that could be vital to the position

• Use e-mail to send the letter, but pop a hardcopy in the mail, too

Rejection follow-up letter

If you get rejected for a job, the last thing you want to do is to keep in touch with that company. But if you put aside your pride and write a follow-up letter – not to vent, but to thank them for considering you for the job – it could make a lasting impression that could lead to a job in the future.

One example of a rejection follow-up letter does a perfect job of not seeming bitter about losing out on the job, but keeping the door open to apply for other openings. Monster.com says that “following up can send a powerful message about your resiliency as a professional and your heartfelt interest in the company.”

These three letters are essential to launching a successful job search now and in the future. So start writing!

-Lori Johnston

If you spent any part of 2010 pounding the Internet pavement, you know that jobs are hard to come by. But things are looking up. According to CareerBuilder’s annual job forecast, 13 percent of employers expect to hire part-time employees this year, and 24 percent plan to hire full-time, permanent employees. And the largest growth is projected for temps and contractors – 34 percent of employers reported that they will hire contract or temporary workers in 2011.

It’s really not surprising that temp jobs are on the rise, given the uncertain economy and a desire on the part of employers to save money on payroll taxes, workers’ compensation, insurance, and benefits. But being a temp or contractor confers benefits for you, too – even if they’re not medical.

Become a Temp
If you want to become a temp, you’ll need to head down to a local staffing agency and pass tests that evaluate your software skills and typing speed. Once that’s done, you can usually get a job in a matter of days. If your computer skills are up to snuff and you’re not picky about assignments, you could even have a job in a matter of hours.

Temp jobs typically range from one-day assignments to those lasting four months or longer if you get in good with the company. If you like meeting new people and traveling to different offices regularly, temping could be a perfect fit.

The Beauty of Temping
Temping is a great way to make cash quick while you’re looking for another job, but don’t burn bridges in the meantime. Do a good job, and the company will ask for you again. Do a bad job, and once your temp agency gets wind of it, it may not send any more work your way.

Plus, as a temp, you can get an inside perspective on the organization and see for yourself if it’s a place you want to work full time. The powers-that-be are watching, and they could decide to keep you on as a full-fledged employee. And even if the company isn’t one where you see yourself long-term, keep your networking hat on. You can still use the experience to garner good references or even leads for a job at another company.

Temp vs. Contractor
Neither temps nor contractors are employees of the company, but there is a difference between the two. Independent contractors (like freelance writers, for example) are hired by a company to do a specific job or project. Contractors are 1099 workers, which means they’re responsible to get their own insurance and pay their own taxes. (But don’t think contractors can skip out on paying Uncle Sam – the company that hired them reports the amount paid to the IRS, so there’s no getting one over on the man.)

Temporary workers, on the other hand, are W2 employees of a staffing agency. The temp agency acts as the contractor, covering temps’ liability insurance and workers’ comp, and withholding taxes.

When you become a temp, you can get your foot in the door of a decent organization, make some fast cash, and buy yourself time while you figure out what you want to do long-term. What have you got to lose?

-Robyn Tellefsen

If you’re looking for a new career, or want to see if you made a good choice with the career field you’re in, a great place to look is U.S. News and World Report’s list of the 50 Best Careers. The annual report provides job outlook data and advice on landing a job in these career fields.

Just think, that’s a whopping 50 career fields where people are hiring, and where career education will prepare you to excel! Here are five of those fun and fast-growing jobs where career education is essential:

1. Film and video editor: Check into training from film schools to learn the skills and degrees to snag work as a film and video editor. The magazine reports that jobs are expected to grow by 3,000 between 2008 and 2018, but “only the most skilled, persistent, and adept at using technology will land salaried positions or attract enough work to freelance full time.” Many make more than $50,000, and there’s also some jobs in the six figures.

2. Commercial pilot: Soar into a successful career as a commercial pilot with training from a professional flight school. The magazine reports that a 19 percent growth is expected in commercial pilot jobs from 2008 to 2018. The duties can range from flying people and cargo from place to place, or dusting crops, or working in rescue situations, or test flying planes, the magazine says. It cites government data showing the median 2009 income for commercial pilots was $65,840.

2. Dental hygienist: One of the many health care-related jobs on U.S. News’ list of 50 best career is dental hygienist. It reports that there are an estimated 30 accredited dental hygiene programs, many of which grant associate’s degrees for dental hygienists. Graduating from an accredited dental hygienist school will help you earn your license to practice, too. There’s plenty of focus in career education on dental hygienists because of the demand for professionals. Job growth is expected to jump from 174,000 in 2008 to 237,000 jobs, the magazine reports, citing government data. Median annual earnings are about $67,000, the magazine says.

4. Radiologic technologist: Learn how to take X-rays, MRI scans, CT scans and important tests like a mammography from radiology technology schools, and you’ll be on the track to landing an in-demand career. The magazine reports that there will be a 17 percent increase in radiology technician and radiologic technician jobs from 2008 to 2018, and the median 2009 salary was $53,240 while top paid professionals earn more than $75,000. You’ll find programs offered by colleges and universities, and vocational and technical schools with associate degrees as well as the opportunity to earn your bachelor’s or master’s degrees for career advancement.

5. Biomedical engineer: The biomedical engineer job will have the most job growth of any jobs (wow!) over the next decade, the magazine reports. It cites government data projecting a 72 percent growth in jobs from 2008 to 2018. It’s no surprise, really, since there have been and people want more advances in the field of health care. So as a biomedical engineer, you can have a role in coming up with the technology, equipment and devices so we can live healthier and longer lives. The jobs pay well, with $78,860 in 2009 median annual wages, according to the magazine’s data. Accredited biomedical engineering colleges offer undergraduate degrees and also the opportunity for graduate degrees.

These and other careers on the list might have you thinking about new opportunities that could be professionally and financially rewarding!