Valarie R. Austin's Blog, page 5

The College Career Center – A Hidden Gem during the COVID-19 Pandemic

By Valarie R. Austin, September 14th, 2020, 1:00 PM EDT

(Previously Published on LinkedIn)

For recent college graduates, finding a job after graduation is not a hit or miss proposition. The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged many graduates in their search for employment as unemployment claims have reached astronomical levels. A September 2020 Bureau of Labor Statistics news release estimated that, in August, 24.2 million individuals had been unable to work because their employer closed or lost business, and about 5.2 million people were not in the labor force because they were prevented from looking for work due to the pandemic (https://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/empsit.pdf). In these uncertain times, however, college graduates have access to several valuable resources to obtain employment or explore careers. These resources include family, friends, professional colleagues, professors, academic advisors and academic departments. Additionally, college graduates can examine and use online job search websites. For instance, CollegeExpress.com discusses the merits of Indeed.com, LinkedIn and Monster.com to find employment (http://bit.ly/CollegeExpress_Jobsearchsites). With all of these avenues to employment, graduates should not overlook the college career center. It is dedicated to helping current students, recent graduates and alumni in their career pursuits.  The college career center is a hidden gem and a one-stop resource for career advice and assistance.  

Undergraduate students can tour the career center or receive flyers about its services during their initial student orientation. Countless young adults have limited job-hunting skills, networking connections, methods to identify career paths and knowledge of the tools necessary to find a job. The college career center can assist with writing resumes, cover letters, self-assessment surveys, and interviewing techniques. Students may also take advantage of the college career centers’ vast array of employer listings in their database to research companies. Research, asking questions and on–the–job experiences are the best means to determine the best fitting career path and potential employment. In addition, some of the job postings are exclusive because employers are seeking cutting-edge knowledge and skills that students acquire while in school. While attending school, students should make visits to the career center as consistent as meetings with their academic advisor, which should be at least once per semester. After graduation, the college career center is available in a similar fashion to the college’s alumni association. Current students and graduates should have their college career center’s website bookmarked because of the abundance of available career information and valuable resources. Students can always use an advantage in the job market, which the career center certainly offers. 

During COVID-19, college career centers are open for business. They are hosting career fairs, interviewing workshops, and resume writing along with posting jobs for alumni and campus departments looking for candidates to hire part-time, full-time, or as interns. The career center’s database contains resumes of current students and alumni making it easier for employers to recruit new talent. In preparation for students’ employment interviews, some centers offer career clothing closets and advice on professional dress. Many of these career services have moved online through webinars and chats but they are still as effective as in-person services. In a blog article, a career strategist stated reasons an individual should “hire a career coach” included 1) “You’re Flat-Out Stuck,” 2) “You’ve Sent Out (Insert Big Number Here) Resumes Without Success,” 3) and “You’d Rather Have a Root Canal Than Deal With Networking (https://www.themuse.com/advice/5-times-a-career-coach-is-well-worth-the-splurge).” The phrase that stands out in the blog article is “hire a career coach.” Through their college career center, students and alumni are getting career advice and other services free of charge.   

College and university career centers are staffed with trained and experienced personnel. When considering which school to attend, students and parents should review each college career centers’ website and/or visit the offices. A career center’s staff and resources are as important as college instructors because it speaks to the college’s seriousness in assisting current students and graduates with employment. Many college centers staff consists of a Director, an Employment Relations associate, Recruitment Programs Team, an Internship & Employment Team, and a Career Specialist Team to provide expertise on a diverse number of topics. Although students can seek employment on their own, the college career center acts as a safeguard, providing guidance and protection against wrongful acts by recruiters and employers who they expose to their students.  

In the competition for employment, current college students and alumni have a winning hand by using the resources at their college career center. Students should take advantage of this golden ticket to potential jobs and careers of their dreams. Do not waste the opportunity! Put it on your calendar to seek out your college career center resources at least once a year. When students use college career services, they are maximizing an available advantage in their job search, employment and career fulfillment. 

Be well and stay safe!

Valarie R. Austin is the author of The Student’s Comprehensive Guide for College & Other Life Lessons. She has a wealth of knowledge on the subjects of career and college preparation. She also conducts career and college readiness workshops for high school students and parents. Check out her author’s pages on https://www.linkedin/in/valarie-r-austin, https://www.goodreads.com/valarie_r_austin and https://www.amazon.com/author/valarie_r_austin. A Youtube.com review of her book can found at https://youtu.be/xy_GSHlJsa0. The article was edited by Raffie Johnson. Copyright 2020, Vauboix Publishing LLC.

The Student's Comprehensive Guide For College & Other Life Lessons
La Guía Comprensiva del Estudiante para la Universidad & Otras Lecciones de Vida

Money for Postsecondary Education during the COVID-19 Pandemic

By Valarie R. Austin, September 7th, 2020, 12:30 PM EDT

(Previously Published on LinkedIn)

Financing post-secondary education is often a major concern for high school students and their families. This fall, money for school is as important as staying healthy and safe from the COVID-19 pandemic. The current health crisis is linked to massive unemployment, an eviction tsunami, business closures/bankruptcies and household financial vulnerability across the nation. Into this economic insecurity, parents and students must determine the best method to pay for higher education. Outside or private scholarships from local civic organizations, employers and religious institutions often provide a small percentage of the money to pay for school. Instead, the largest pool of financial aid funding comes from filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA opens up access to federal, state and institutional (technical school/college/university) financial aid in the form of scholarships (based on merit/community service/financial need), grants (typically need-based), work study (typically need-based) and loans. Except for loans, not all types of financial aid have to be repaid. Another FAFSA benefit is sixty-three percent more high school seniors who complete the FAFSA are more likely to enroll in post-secondary education according to a 2018 Hechingerreport.org article (http://bit.ly/Hechingerreport_Federal_Aid). In addition, FAFSA funding is flexible because it can pay for vocational/trade school, technical school and colleges/universities. Every student along with their parent(s) should complete the FAFSA application regardless of income level.

The FAFSA form is available on the Federal Student Aid website (https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa) or the myStudentAid mobile app. It is best to complete the form online but a paper application can be downloaded and returned by mail. The College Board website emphasizes that between August and September is the perfect period to gather financial documents needed to complete the FAFSA (http://bit.ly/CollegeBoard_Financial_Aid). The FAFSA application process starts annually on October 1st and runs through June 30th for the next academic year. Generally, the FAFSA form asks for tax and other financial information from the previous two years. FAFSA’s compilation of the data illustrates the family’s financial picture. For academic year 2021-2022, students attending school and their families would jointly start filling out the FAFSA this October 1, 2020, using data from the 2019 tax year. To be clear, students and parent(s) apply for financial aid at least one year before they will actually need it. The FAFSA submission rate should be 100% for high school seniors; however, data shows approximately sixty-five percent of undergraduate students filled out the FAFSA for the 2018-2019 academic year according to Finder.com (https://www.finder.com/fafsa-statistics). The 2016 National Postsecondary Student Aid Study indicated that undergraduate students miss out on more than “10 billion in grants and other gift aid” because they do not file the FAFSA (http://bit.ly/Missing_out_on_filing). In contrast, the Center for American Progress reported $1.5 trillion in federal student loan debt and $119 billion in private student loan debt in 2019 (https://www.americanprogress.org/issues/education-postsecondary/reports/2019/06/12/470893/addressing-1-5-trillion-federal-student-loan-debt/). Many students and families take out loans because they think they have no other options. Well-informed families explore all available financial aid resources for their child’s post-secondary schooling by submitting the FAFSA.

Completion of the FAFSA generates an Expected Family Contribution (EFC) score that is assigned to the family. Many factors produce an EFC number including the number of children within the family attending college, income, dependency status, medical expenses, family size, etc. Using their own formulas, the institutions take into account families’ EFC scores, the students’ year in school, the cost of attendance, students’ eligibility for the aid, or submission of additional financial forms. Each post-secondary school then determines the financial aid amount to offer newly admitted and returning students. Financial aid comes from the institution along with federal/state financial aid allocations each school receives and administers. Scholarships, grants and work-study are often awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis. Academic institutions announce their offers of financial aid in their award letters to students. Award letter distribution to students varies from school to school; however, students can ask for confirmation of their financial aid by type. Even high income-earning families may receive some financial aid funding for their children to attend post-secondary school. A CNBC.com article quoted a source that most students qualify for financial aid because “aid is available for anyone with a household income below $250,000 a year (https://www.cnbc.com/2017/09/28/why-every-student-should-fill-out-the-fafsa.html).”

In August and September, high school seniors should compile a list of post-secondary schools to apply for the following academic year. On the FAFSA form, students can list at least ten colleges by unique codes to send FAFSA results. From the schools’ award letters, the admitted student and parent(s) can compare financial aid offers by institution. Students and their families should submit the FAFSA every year to the school of enrollment until the student graduates to capture the families’ financial situation. Students still can always reach out to their schools’ financial aid offices to update financial information, such as significant income reductions, and submit appeals for possible additional financial aid. There are many resources available to assist in filing the FAFSA. They include

  o The Federal Student Aid website
  o College financial aid office advisors
  o High school guidance counselors
  o The College Board website
  o Public libraries which offer community support such as access to Brainfuse.com, which provides free live online assistance with completing the FAFSA application (http://home.brainfuse.com/)

In these precarious times, money should be the last thing a student should be concerned about when wanting to pursue a post-secondary education. Keep in mind, high school counselors, college financial aid officers, and community-based organizations are available to provide assistance and information to students and parents about financial assistance for post-secondary education. It begins with completing and submitting the FAFSA application. It is worth it!

Be well and stay safe!

 

Valarie R. Austin is the author of The Student’s Comprehensive Guide for College & Other Life Lessons. She has a wealth of knowledge on the subjects of career and college preparation. She also conducts career and college readiness workshops for high school students and parents. Check out her author’s pages on https://www.linkedin/in/valarie-r-austin, https://www.goodreads.com/valarie_r_austin and https://www.amazon.com/author/valarie_r_austin. A Youtube.com review of her book can found at https://youtu.be/xy_GSHlJsa0. The article was edited by Raffie Johnson. Copyright 2020, Vauboix Publishing LLC.

The Student's Comprehensive Guide For College & Other Life Lessons
La Guía Comprensiva del Estudiante para la Universidad & Otras Lecciones de Vida

Pursuing a Postgraduate Degree during the COVID-19 Pandemic

By Valarie R. Austin, August 30th, 2020, 12:00 PM EDT
(Previously Published on LinkedIn)

Often, times of uncertainty bring perspective and clarity. Today, our 2020 college graduates face many challenges and confusion about their future since the COVID-19 pandemic has shuttered many of our academic institutions across America. These graduates have also entered a job market and economy that have gone into a free-fall. They may think a return to academia for a postgraduate degree is a good strategy to wait out the effects of COVID-19 on the economy. This employment and business fragility have been demonstrated by the staggering number of unemployment claims and retailers that have filed for bankruptcy across the country. As reported in an August 6th, 2020 Markteplace.org article, 31 million people have filed for unemployment claims nation-wide (http://bit.ly/Marketplace_org). In a RetailDiveCountless.com article, at least 26 corporate retailers such as JC Penney, Lord & Taylor, Modell’s Sporting Goods and Pier 1 have closed stores, restructured, or declared bankruptcy (http://bit.ly/RetailDiveCountless_com). According to a BusinessInsider.com report, companies in the service, airline, hospitality and automotive industries including Walgreens, HSBC Bank, American Airlines, Boeing, MGM Resorts and Daimler car manufacturer have furloughed or laid off thousands of workers on a massive scale (http://bit.ly/BusinessInsider_layoffs). Concerned with these uncertain economic circumstances, recent undergraduate college graduates may feel pressured to obtain a postgraduate degree such as a master’s degree or doctoral degree. There may be some benefits of continuing their education such as 1) still being in an academic mindset, 2) finishing the postgraduate degree at one time instead of while working, and 3) having access to professors and other college staff who can provide career counseling and letters of recommendation. Additionally, the WorldWideLearn.com website explains that obtaining advanced degrees may lead to higher median salaries and lower unemployment than an undergraduate degree or high school diploma (http://bit.ly/WorldWideLearn_advanced_degree). College graduates, however, should pause and really weigh the pros and cons of plans to stay in school for a postgraduate degree instead of seeking employment where they can gain work experience and earn a salary. 

First, 2020 college graduates may want to consider whether post-graduate degrees are required for future careers in their majors. Only certain careers require master’s degrees. These professions are primarily in the health care, science/research, supervisory/managerial, education and law fields. The Harvard Business Review estimated that “only twenty-seven percent of employers require master’s degrees for job roles in which historically undergraduate degrees sufficed (http://bit.ly/HBR_advanced%20degrees).” Recent graduates have many resources they can consult with prior to making a decision. They can reach out to their master’s program academic advisor, career center, mentor in their career field, and/or Human Resources professional to verify if completion of a master’s degree will provide a fast track to employment, job advancement, or higher earnings. There are also career search websites such as Indeed.com and OnetOnline.org as well as company websites to investigate the work experience and educational requirements needed for career(s) of interest.

Another consideration is adding debt to existing student loan obligations by seeking a postgraduate degree. The postgraduate student may be able to defer student loan debt while in graduate school; however, the bill will eventually become due for payment. Often, employers may not pay recent graduates on par with the cost of their postgraduate degree if the graduates do not have relevant work experience. Depending on the career field, various employers may expect certain knowledge, skills and abilities that are acquired primarily through work experience. Some graduates’ entry level salaries may be inadequate to pay for their accumulated postgraduate degree debt. Their student loan debt may have a “chilling effect” on the recent graduates’ ability to get married, start families, own homes, or other life milestones. Another benefit of waiting is that several companies offer tuition reimbursement for employees who pursue higher education. To investigate the economic impact of pursing a postgraduate degree, candidates ought to contact their financial aid office, career center, employer, and/or Human Resources manager about their options.

Third, college graduates need to verify their preparation to move forward with a master’s or PhD degree program. They should seek to investigate and understand the following:

  o Selection of the appropriate university for their area of study
  o Admission test requirements and the application process for the university/program
  o Length of time to obtain the degree
  o Total cost of the degree
  o Class structure by course (in-person/distance learning/hybrid classes)
  o On-the job experiences/internships as well as post-graduation employment opportunities

Anyone considering the pursuit of a postgraduate degree must do their research. Research is essential to prevent obtaining an expensive, useless degree that will only add to the burden of unemployment and debt. Recent college graduates should engage in a few in-depth conversations with those knowledgeable and supportive resources within their career field. Postgraduate candidates must think carefully before making a decision to commit time and money to pursuing a graduate degree. The question is will the investment in a master’s or doctoral degree help you to reach your goals and aspirations. If the answer is yes, go for it!

Be well and stay safe!

Valarie R. Austin is the author of The Student’s Comprehensive Guide for College & Other Life Lessons. She has a wealth of knowledge on the subjects of career and college preparation. She also conducts career and college readiness workshops for high school students and parents. Check out her author’s pages on https://www.linkedin/in/valarie-r-austin, https://www.goodreads.com/valarie_r_austin and https://www.amazon.com/author/valarie_r_austin. A Youtube.com review of her book can found at https://youtu.be/xy_GSHlJsa0. The article was edited by Raffie Johnson. Copyright 2020, Vauboix Publishing LLC.

The Student's Comprehensive Guide For College & Other Life Lessons
La Guía Comprensiva del Estudiante para la Universidad & Otras Lecciones de Vida

The Class of 2020 during the COVID-19 Pandemic

By Valarie Austin, May 16th, 6:00 PM EDT
(Previously Published on LinkedIn)

As you prepare for your future, do not despair. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought disappointment and challenges for the class of 2020 but so does a life worth living. There have been seismic changes in the country due to shelter-in-place and virus precautions. When you departed for Spring Break, you thought that you would return to school, wait a few months and walk across the stage at your commencement. This pandemic froze the world in place but time has flown by since early March. While this crisis has taken over, you did not think that graduation day would ever come. Your academic journey was supposed to end in the big pay-off – this special day. Your dreams of graduation probably included your family, friends, classmates, teachers and other celebrants. The spread of the COVID-19 virus hit the Class of 2020 hard in that it forced all schools to resort to online classes, separated friends, resulted in loss of jobs/job offers, and so many disappointments. You may have experienced feelings of sadness, regret, confusion, anger, uncertainty and loss of control. It just seems so unfair. Your rite of passage seems to have slipped from your grasp. You are probably wondering, “Where do I go from here?”

Here is where you start - do not let COVID-19 circumstances control you. You do not know what tomorrow, next week, or even next year can bring. Right now, everyone’s crystal ball is cracked. As with every complex problem that you have faced or will face in the future, take the initiative to find practical solutions. Think what positive actions can I do today and make a plan. That is how you take back control. It may be daunting but write down those things that you need to do on a calendar for one month. Your major concerns may be finding a job, seeking higher education, moving across the country, going on vacation, reading a book, helping your child/sibling with homework, taking your car in for maintenance, or other things. Every single day, you ought to tackle that list. As the items dwindle from one moment to the next, you will feel good about what you have accomplished. This daily routine will shape your personal and business life. Ask yourself each day:

  1. What have I accomplished today?
  2. What have I done to take control of my future?
  3. Who I have I helped today?
  4. What is or will be my contribution to make this world a better place?


Setbacks will come and go throughout your life’s journey. Regardless of the COVID-19 crisis, a hurricane, tornado, or any other obstacles that may occur, you have to develop a plan to deal with whatever comes your way. You must have the mental fortitude and positive attitude to persevere, overcome and triumph over challenges. Is it going to be easy? The answer is “No.”

For the class of 2020, COVID-19 is one moment in time. Your future may have many accomplishments, happiness, sorrow, elation, confusion, etc. These emotions spring from the ebb and flow of life. From this perspective, you can only appreciate the highs of life when you triumph over the lows. You do not know what tomorrow will bring but you know what you can do today – live. If you do not know how to proceed, you are not alone in this journey. You should surround yourself with a “posse” or support group of mentors, friends, family, or others who you trust and care about you. Everyone will have advice; so, listen and make a decision. Do not be paralyzed that you have to make a perfect decision. In fact, you can test out a plan of action and recalibrate. In your young life, there are very few absolutes. There may be times you feel you have failed but you will learn from it and be able to overcome the next challenge. The highs and lows of life allow you to reach the top of one peak in order to look forward to the next pinnacle.

As a member of the Class of 2020, you are the steward of this great nation. Take your time, to learn, observe, experience and find the best fitting path. As you evolve and grow, you will assume the mantle of a chief executive officer, leader, manager, supervisor, etc. Do not forget to reach back and provide mentorship to those who follow you. This discussion may seem full of hyperbole. The truth is that only you can put limits on your goals and accomplishments. Let your imagination fly. Think about where you want to be. Write down your list and tackle each item day-by-day, month-by-month and year-by-year. Before you know it, COVID-19 will be in your rear view mirror. You will be living your life in the way that you planned. Go forth and take control of your destiny. Have a productive and safe summer! 

Valarie R. Austin is the author of The Student’s Comprehensive Guide for College & Other Life Lessons. She has a wealth of knowledge on the subjects of career and college preparation. She also conducts career and college readiness workshops for high school students and parents. Check out her author’s pages on https://www.linkedin/in/valarie-r-austin, https://www.goodreads.com/valarie_r_austin and https://www.amazon.com/author/valarie_r_austin. A Youtube.com review of her book can found at https://youtu.be/xy_GSHlJsa0. This article was edited by Raffie Johnson. Copyright 2020, Vauboix Publishing LLC.

The Student's Comprehensive Guide For College & Other Life Lessons
La Guía Comprensiva del Estudiante para la Universidad & Otras Lecciones de Vida

Exploring Skilled Blue-Collar Careers

By Valarie Austin, May 11th, 2:00 PM EDT

As early as possible, high school students ought to research many types of potential careers, including blue-collar careers. Skilled blue-collar workers fill positions within construction, trades, manufacturing and maintenance in order to provide specialized services to homes, individual businesses as well as state and citywide systems. The U.S. labor force needs diversity in the careers that young people pursue to reduce student loan debt, build infrastructure and fill necessary labor shortages. For decades, educators and parents have emphasized to high school students that graduation from four year colleges or universities is the route to greater income, job security and well-being. This paradigm is flawed because it emphasizes a white-collar/professional career and college degree as the only paths to success. College graduates do benefit from lower unemployment rates than high school graduates and drop-outs because these populations ordinarily do not possess unique skills, knowledge, or training. College graduates, however, are not immune to economic downturns. According to The Washington Post, the COVID-19 pandemic has created an economic tidal wave of white-collar lay-offs and furloughs in sales, business management, professional and administrative, and technology jobs (https://bit.ly/Post_white_collar_layoffs). To be clear, blue-collar career is not a back-up plan. On par with white-collar careers, there are millions of blue-collar careers. In fact, blue collar and white collar careers require individuals to possess the same soft skills namely leadership, complex problem-solving, communication and critical thinking. A skilled blue-collar career can offer high earnings, job security and well-being especially when there is a good fit between the worker and career.

Skilled blue-collar workers have specialized training, knowledge and qualifications that are highly prized in the job market. Blue-collar workers typically obtain non-degree diplomas/certifications/training from technical schools, community colleges, or even high schools. The training programs are normally short in duration of two years or less. Blue-collar industries also require on-the-job training and paid apprenticeships while working in the career field. In contrast, some white-collar “paid and unpaid internships” may not be related to students’ course of study or majors. Other benefits of blue collar careers are immediate employment and little to no student loan debt, depending on the schooling. According to a 2013 Brookings report, skilled blue-collar workers in science, technology, engineering, and math fields with less than a four year traditional degree generally can earn excellent salaries (https://bit.ly/STEM_Blue_Collar). Additionally, skilled blue-collar employees can become independent business owners. A Business Strategy Hub article lists blue-collar career sectors such as auto repair; home repair and maintenance; health services; funeral services; telecommunications; information technology services; and water, sewer and trash disposal that often continue to thrive during economic downturns (https://bit.ly/Recession_Proof_Industries). For instance, complex home repairs cannot be outsourced to another country or fixed from watching Youtube.com videos. To prevent costly water damage from a major pipe leak, a consumer will eventually have to call a plumber. Due to COVID-19, the plumber will hopefully take precautions to wear a mask and shoe booties. Anyway, skilled blue collar workers’ success stem from their ability to provide specialized knowledge, services, or goods, which consumers and employers need.

While in high school, students (with parents) ought to investigate diverse careers, specifically, the work environment, educational requirement, job growth and salary. In addition, a 2018 Hechinger Report article discussed the need for high schools to emphasize career counseling about both white-collar and blue-collar career options to their students (https://bit.ly/Blue_Collar_Payoff). Young adults must understand that skilled blue-collar careers are just as vital and varied as white-collar careers in the U.S. workforce. Here are a few questions to research potential career options:

1. What high school/college subjects do you excel at and enjoy?
2. What are the careers/occupations available in those subjects? Below are resources:
  a. Self-assessments surveys, summer jobs/internships/apprenticeships, high school career days and volunteering
  b. Mentors, teachers and employers in the career field
  c. High school guidance counselors, libraries (in-person and online resources) and career exploration websites such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) at https://www.bls.gov/k12/students/
3. What are the typical salaries for your careers of interest? The salary is an important consideration to selecting a career in order to earn more than enough money to have a comfortable place to live, pay bills, save and possible raise a family.
4. What are the educational requirements for your careers of interest? The BLS again is a great resource at https://www.bls.gov/k12/students/careers/career-exploration.htm).
5. What is the future job growth/outlook for potential careers? Google it or use the career resources above.

As early as possible, high school students should research and ask questions about potential careers that may be a good fit. Researching skilled blue-collar careers is also important in that comprehensive exploration. Therefore, students will have a better understanding of possible career options to determine their path to success. Otherwise, many high school students develop a herd mentality to attend college because everyone else is doing it. Be proactive and stay well!

Valarie R. Austin is the author of The Student’s Comprehensive Guide for College & Other Life Lessons. She has a wealth of knowledge on the subjects of career and college preparation. She also conducts career and college readiness workshops for high school students and parents. Check out her author’s pages on https://www.linkedin/in/valarie-r-austin, https://www.goodreads.com/valarie_r_austin and https://www.amazon.com/author/valarie_r_austin. A Youtube.com review of her book can found at https://youtu.be/xy_GSHlJsa0. This article was reviewed by D. Simmons. Copyright 2020, Vauboix Publishing LLC.

The Student's Comprehensive Guide For College & Other Life Lessons
La Guía Comprensiva del Estudiante para la Universidad & Otras Lecciones de Vida

Savings during the COVID-19 Pandemic

By Valarie Austin, May 3rd, 5:30 PM EDT

During the COVID-19 pandemic, college students ought to consider starting or increasing their savings. Next academic year, many college students may have to pay for campus dorms, classes, food and other expenses. If able, college students should also consistently “squirrel away” money into an emergency fund. According to a University of California at Berkeley study, certain squirrels set aside nuts and other food in order to survive when food is scarce during the winter (https://bit.ly/Squirrel_Savings). In seasons of plenty, squirrels are smart to regularly save or “squirrel away” food for uncertain times. College students ought to follow the example of squirrels with an emergency fund.

The economy is headed for a recession due to a staggering 30 million unemployed people as of last week. Millions of people are stressing about financial survival because they have no income or savings to pay bills. Due to COVID-19, a Brookings article estimates job cuts are occurring nation-wide across several industries such as the auto, airline, oil and gas, hospitality, dining, arts and entertainment, and casino/gaming sectors (https://bit.ly/Brookings_Job_Losses). In addition, a USA Today article speculated that some clothing retailers may not survive as the COVID-19 crisis continues (https://bit.ly/USA_Today_Closures). These retailers include JC Penney, Forever 21, Sears, Neiman Marcus and J. Crew. When the economy “reopens,” millions of people probably will restrict their spending to essentials due to job losses or income insecurity. Others will change purchasing patterns as they realize that high debt and no savings are bad habits that wreck financial health. Some consumers will likely continue to avoid locations that necessitate close contact with others. Unfortunately, countless businesses will not return to pre-COVID-19 levels, which will impact numerous furloughed or fired workers who will not be rehired.

With COVID-19 financial insecurity, some college students may have to prioritize paying their bills. Their expenses may include housing, food, utilities, car payment, student loan debt and any remaining miscellaneous bills. Paying down credit card debt is also important because unpaid credit card balances increase exponentially with late fees and charges. A NerdWallet article also detailed that traditional credit card rules may not apply due to COVID-19 and its ongoing impact (https://bit.ly/New_Rules_Credit_Cards). In fact, accessible cash is king and affords protection from financial calamity during an emergency. While paying bills, college students ought to put some money away into an emergency fund via a savings or money market account. Here are some suggestions to assist in financial preparation for a prolonged COVID-19 economic downturn:

1. Make a detailed budget - determine your average monthly expenses and income. If unemployed, prioritize your bills and contact lenders/creditors for any relief options.
2. Pay off credit card balances monthly - when employment and income are certain
 a. Contact your credit card lender(s) - to discuss relief options such as a fee deferment, interest rate decrease, or minimum payment reduction if you have issues with payments
 b. Pay at least each credit card’s minimum payment - to prevent late fees and charges
 c. Keep cash on hand - some banks reduce credit card limits during times of crisis.
3. Reduce or remove unnecessary monthly expenses – e.g., carry-out food purchases (cook at home more), a phone plan, a cable bill, a car gas bill (combine trips), etc.
4. Increase income - sell unused stuff around your home/apartment; contact your auto insurance company to temporarily reduce or refund a portion of your premium if you are under quarantine; apply for emergency relief funding, scholarships, grants, or work study through your college/state government/civic organizations/religious organizations, etc.
5. Collect your loose change daily - start/add to an emergency fund, storing change in a piggy bank, shoe box, or other receptacle. Periodically, deposit the money into a zero fee savings account to cover three to six months of living expenses, use this growing savings for the unexpected (instead of reliance on credit cards) and then replenish it.    
6. Obtain a job/paid internship – Contact your college career center, review online job resources such as LinkedIn or the state’s Workforce Development Center, or ask friends/family for employment referrals. In addition, many industries are still hiring such as healthcare/medical, construction, landscaping, banking, insurance (especially, health and property), maintenance, supermarkets, discount stores, home improvement, food/merchandise delivery, non-profits/charities, information technology and others.
7. Have a frank conversation with your parent(s) – money is necessary to pay for the next school year. Unemployment and loss of income may impact your ability to attend college; so, you must determine options to make money (e.g., work study, a job, or internship) and save such as changing status to a part-time student, moving in with your parents, etc.

As a college student, you have many academic pressures and requirements. Unfortunately, a money crisis can stop your college aspiration in its tracks. If you are facing financial difficulty, you (and your parents) should communicate with your college/university’s financial aid office for help. Taking the initiative, you can forestall possible problems. Yet, an emergency fund is also vitally important to your financial well-being. Your savings can help pay for an unexpected situation such as a hospital stay, a flat tire, an unexpected job loss, or a pandemic. Take hope that the COVID-19 crisis shall pass. As you overcome any associated challenges, you will become stronger in character, communication and problem-solving. Be well and stay safe!

Valarie R. Austin is the author of The Student’s Comprehensive Guide for College & Other Life Lessons. She has a wealth of knowledge on the subjects of career and college preparation. She also conducts career and college readiness workshops for high school students and parents. Check out her author’s pages on https://www.linkedin/in/valarie-r-austin, https://www.goodreads.com/valarie_r_austin and https://www.amazon.com/author/valarie_r_austin. A Youtube.com review of her book can found at https://youtu.be/xy_GSHlJsa0. Copyright 2020, Vauboix Publishing LLC.

The Student's Comprehensive Guide For College & Other Life Lessons
La Guía Comprensiva del Estudiante para la Universidad & Otras Lecciones de Vida

Student Loan Debt during the COVID-19 Pandemic

By Valarie Austin, April 26th, 2:30 PM EDT

College students and parents are afraid and confused about their next steps in paying for student loan debt during the COVID-19 pandemic. Borrowers’ financial futures are uncertain while layoffs/furloughs and bills mount. As payments on student loans become a hardship, students (or parents) should contact their lenders immediately to request help.

Be Proactive rather than reactive

First, as a borrower, you must find out if your student loan lender is the federal government, a private lender, or a combination of both because each lender’s response to requests may be different.

Be Patient

This pandemic has caused lenders to experience higher than normal call volume. Therefore, phone lines are busy, resulting in longer wait times to reach a representative. As an alternative, you may try to contact lenders via their websites, email or by mail, using USPS certified letters. Always keep copies of all correspondence with loan servicers.

Protect Yourself and your Future

When dealing with lenders, safeguard yourself against identity theft. Scammers are rampant during national disasters. Do not respond to cold-calls over the phone or text messages asking for personal information. If you receive a request and are unsure about the identity or reason for a call, always contact your financial institutions on known, trusted telephone numbers. Reputable financial institutions will never ask for full social security numbers, full account numbers, passwords or ATM PINs.

CARES ACT Information

Due to COVID-19, the U.S. Department of Education is offering relief for federal student loan borrowers within the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The law allows federal student loan borrowers to stop their loan payments in an “administrative forbearance” status effective March 13, 2020 until September 30, 2020. Selected federal student loan programs have also reduced the interest rate on these loans to 0%. More information is available from the Federal Student Aid Office, 1-800-433-3243, or its website at https://studentaid.gov/announcements-events/coronavirus.

How to Opt-Out and Continue Payments

Federal student loan borrowers can opt-out of administrative forbearance and continue to make payments by contacting their lenders. The continued payment will be applied to the loan’s principal balance, which reduces the loan amount faster. To check their status, borrowers can log into their federal loan accounts on National Student Loan Data System website (https://nslds.ed.gov/npas/index.htm).

Private Student Loans and the CARES ACT

Administrative forbearance under the CARES Act does not apply to private student loans. Banks and other lenders are typically the holders of private student loans (https://www.finaid.org/loans/privatestudentloans.phtml).

A private student loan borrower may be able to request a pause in payments during the COVID-19 national emergency (https://bit.ly/25_Private_Loan_Lenders).

When negotiating a pause in payments with a private student loan lender:

1. Confirm how total missed payments will be applied, in particular, at the end of the forbearance period or spread over several months.
2. Make sure to verify how any changes to the loan impacts the accrued interest because interest can increase the principal balance of the loan.

It is best to contact and discuss all relief options with the student loan lender.

Resources

College financial aid offices, student loan servicers and the Federal Student Aid Office are great resources for information. The college financial aid office can also answer questions unique to students about:

1. Additional financial aid, including student crisis funds, scholarships, grants, or work study
2. College tuition and fee issues or changes in attendance, e.g. Full-time/Part-time status
3. Financial award letter status

Communication is Key

If attending school is delayed or interrupted due to this pandemic, it is important to communicate with your college/university, academic advisor and Registrar’s Office. Do not delay or put it off hoping everything will work itself out. It is your future and you are a major player in overcoming challenges but remember you are not alone.

Stay positive and stay safe!

Valarie R. Austin is the author of The Student’s Comprehensive Guide for College & Other Life Lessons. She has a wealth of knowledge on the subjects of career and college preparation. She also conducts career and college readiness workshops for high school students and parents. Check out her author’s pages on https://www.linkedin/in/valarie-r-austin, https://www.goodreads.com/valarie_r_austin and https://www.amazon.com/author/valarie_r_austin. A Youtube.com review of her book can found at https://youtu.be/xy_GSHlJsa0. The article was edited by Raffie Johnson. Copyright 2020, Vauboix Publishing LLC.

The Student's Comprehensive Guide For College & Other Life Lessons

La Guía Comprensiva del Estudiante para la Universidad & Otras Lecciones de Vida

College Students’ Service to Community during the COVID-19 Pandemic

By Valarie R. Austin, April 20, 2020, 12:00 PM EDT

Volunteering, externships, internships and/or extracurricular activities are great opportunities to add “experience” entries to college students’ resumes. Employers who are hiring often tell college graduates that they do not have "experience" for the advertised positions. The reality is employers desire bullets on potential hires/interns’ resumes that demonstrate problem-solving, leadership, team work and communication skills. Therefore, employers want to see “what you have done versus what you can do.” To employers, a college graduate’s schooling and academic knowledge provide only pieces of the puzzle on his/her ability to thrive in a work environment beyond the classroom. During the COVID-19 pandemic, all college majors, especially those in health care, have many chances to get “experience.”

Across the nation, organizations, such as Meals on Wheels, the Rotary Club, various food banks/distribution centers, local hospitals/clinics and others, are desperate for volunteers. In another example, the Virginia Department of Health has called for volunteers to join its Medical Reserve Corps, which also accepts unpaid workers outside health care fields. These volunteers would be on-call to help the state in a public health emergency (https://bit.ly/VA_Medical_Reserve_Corps). There have been similar volunteer community entities in history such as the United States Civil Defense Corps during World War II (https://bit.ly/Civil_Defense_Corps). Volunteering at local agencies, young adults have numerous occasions to epitomize empathy and service to community.

You can investigate potential volunteer opportunities through city government websites, religious organizations, professors, student clubs, the college’s Student Government, etc. (https://bit.ly/Volunteer_College_Opportunities). When you find a fit, you will have the chance to problem-solve, organize, prioritize, distribute, communicate and learn within an organization whose mission is to help your community. Giving a few hours per week, you also might obtain a mentor, job reference, new skills, future employment, or a potential career. Despite the desire to volunteer, however, ensure that you take precautions to protect yourself and your family from possible COVID-19 exposure. Also, you ought to verify the volunteer organization uses proper cleaning, physical distancing and proper protective equipment to keep its volunteers safe. To be clear, as a college student, your main priority still is completing your schoolwork and passing your classes. Be well and stay safe!

Valarie R. Austin is the author of The Student’s Comprehensive Guide For College & Other Life Lessons. She has a wealth of knowledge on the subjects of career and college preparation. Austin conducts career and college readiness workshops for high school students and parents in Maryland. She can be contacted at info@vauboixpublishingllc.com. Check out her author’s pages on www.goodreads.com/valarie_r_austin and www.amazon.com/author/valarie_r_austin. A Youtube.com review of her book can found at https://youtu.be/xy_GSHlJsa0

The Student's Comprehensive Guide For College & Other Life Lessons

Mental Health During the COVID-19 Pandemic

By Valarie R. Austin, April 12, 2020, 3:00 PM EDT
(Published previously on LinkedIn, 4/12/2020)

During the COVID-19 epidemic, students, parents and educators must take time to talk about mental health. College students are under immense amounts of pressure because of major life changes that typically do not happen so abruptly. They are dealing with job losses, school closures, graduation cancellations and other stressful hardships. Many students are confused, fearful, depressed and angry because their world has changed as they knew it. In fact, college students ought to take short breaks from the learning grind as well as communicate any emotional anxiety to family, friends, or educators. Here are suggested activities to help find calm.

1. Zoom, Google Duo, FaceTime, or call your family and friends
2. Turn off social media and the news for a few hours ​
3. Exercise: walk, run, bike, yoga, swim, garden, etc.​
4. Complete a puzzle, play a board/video game, or meditate
5. Binge watch your favorite movies or TV show​
6. Bounce a ball against your bedroom wall (Just kidding, be considerate of others)​
7. Read a book, magazine, comic etc.​
8. Download the TikTok app and watch/post a few videos​
9. Pack and enjoy a picnic (Use proper social distancing)
10. Dress up your pet in different outfits and take photos ​
11. Clean out a cluttered closet or work space
12. Use your imagination to come up with relaxing activities to enjoy!

If anxiety persists over time, college students are not alone in dealing with the stresses that COVID-19 has created! They should seek out professional help from their college or local counseling centers for assistance. Also, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), a federal crisis hotline, provides counseling for anyone facing emotional distress. SAMHSA counselors are available 24 hours, seven days a week at 1-800-985-5990 or via texting TalkWithUs to 66746. Students ought to take pauses from academics when worry and stress take over. Mental wellness is another facet of winning against the COVID-19 pandemic. During this holiday, cherish family, friends, faith and community. Stay safe and be well!

Valarie R. Austin is the author of The Student’s Comprehensive Guide for College & Other Life Lessons. She has a wealth of knowledge on the subjects of career and college preparation. She also conducts career and college readiness workshops for high school students and parents. Check out her author’s pages on https://www.linkedin/in/valarie-r-austin, https://www.goodreads.com/valarie_r_austin and https://www.amazon.com/author/valarie_r_austin. A Youtube.com review of her book can found at https://youtu.be/xy_GSHlJsa0. Copyright 2020, Vauboix Publishing LLC.

The Student's Comprehensive Guide For College & Other Life Lessons

La Guía Comprensiva del Estudiante para la Universidad & Otras Lecciones de Vida

Stay Focused: Your Academics and Online Classes during the COVID-19 Pandemic

By Valarie R. Austin, April 6th, 2020, 9:40AM EDT

Across the country, we are being asked to practice social distancing because of COVID-19. Unfortunately, the pandemic has resulted in colleges closing their doors for the remainder of the school term. Most colleges have implemented online classes to help students continue their academic programs. As a college student, you must remain focused on your academics to pass your classes. There will not be any in-person classes for April and possibly May. It seems like an extended Spring Break but it is not. Completing your academic program virtually or online is just as important as if you were in the classroom. Besides, an online course is nothing new to most students but doing all classes online may be difficult for some. There are many tools available to accomplish your assignments. For instance, your college may use various means and platforms to continue your education, in particular, video-chats, team meetings and webinars. Your professors will lecture online and use tools to allow you to interact and collaborate during class. It is up to you to read the assignments, ask questions and complete those assignments by the due date. In truth, the college experience as you knew it a few weeks ago has changed; however, your responsibility and commitment to your class assignments have not.

Here are a few suggestions to navigate your academics while you are at home:

1. Contact your college’s Registrar’s Office or review its website. Confirm that you understand the school’s grading policy, such as the issuance of letter, pass/no pass, or pass/fail grades, for your college online classes during the COVID-19 crisis.
2. Review each class’s syllabus (printed or online). Write down all class periods and assignment deadlines on a calendar to make sure you do not miss any.
3. Make sure to remove as many distractions from your “home” classroom as much as possible. Provide timely feedback to the instructor on whether the video-chat class sessions are engaging, easy to follow, local time, etc. Both the class and professor may have a learning curve to establish an atmosphere of information exchange and insight using the online video platform of choice. With empathy for this unprecedented situation, he/she ought to be receptive to suggestions on facilitating the process.
4. Keep in contact with your professor via email or his/her preferred communication method. Verify how he/she will conduct “office hours” to discuss questions/problems. Respond to any message board inquiries and check your email daily for any updates. Also, communicate off-line with your classmates in this virtual world to form relationships or study groups. You are not alone in this remote learning experience.
5. Do not ever stop showing up for a class for any reason unless you inform your academic advisor, professor, Registrar’s Office and Bursar’s Office, which should trigger a formal drop or withdrawal from the class. Email or call your academic advisor/professor to immediately discuss issues (internet access, illness, conflicts, etc.) with your attendance.
6. Be disciplined in your studying routine. Your college library or many local public libraries should provide access to e-books, downloadable audiobooks, research databases, test prep materials and other online resources (https://www.apu.edu/articles/free-resources-for-online-college-students-during-covid-19/). Some public libraries are leaving the Wi-Fi on for patrons to access the internet in their parking lots. Your student ID card should give you access to your college’s online library resources. Many public libraries are allowing patrons to apply for digital library cards online.
7. Keep your skills sharp by practicing exercises to improve math skills and reading books (fiction/nonfiction) to enhance reading speed and comprehension. Math skills and reading strengthen critical thinking, which you will need to be a future “trustworthy, wise and good steward” of our nation and its people. These necessary competencies will also enhance your ability to read a contract, understand loan terms, complete an application, create/follow a budget, make well-informed decisions, etc.
8. Check-in periodically with your academic advisor, especially, at the semester’s end to build/finalize your academic plan for the fall semester. Ensure the number of classes and credit hours are correct and meet requirements as a part-time or full-time student. Always review your course descriptions for the new academic year and possibly download the syllabi to review and prepare.
9. For this specific semester when it ends, make sure to print off your unofficial transcript with your course grades and scan/file it.
10. If you are a transfer student, check with your new school’s Admissions Office to verify if all of your course credits, including any pass/fail annotations, will count. Confirm the procedure to transfer your credits to your new school and coordinate the transfer through your current college’s Registrar’s Office.
11. Use this time wisely and stay focused. Critically think about what you need to do to pass your classes and be disciplined in performing those tasks through this pandemic.
12. Be well and stay safe!

Valarie R. Austin is the author of The Student’s Comprehensive Guide for College & Other Life Lessons. She has a wealth of knowledge on the subjects of career and college preparation. She also conducts career and college readiness workshops for high school students and parents. Check out her author’s pages on https://www.linkedin/in/valarie-r-austin, https://www.goodreads.com/valarie_r_austin and https://www.amazon.com/author/valarie_r_austin. A Youtube.com review of her book can found at https://youtu.be/xy_GSHlJsa0. The article was edited by Raffie Johnson. Copyright 2020, Vauboix Publishing LLC.

The Student's Comprehensive Guide For College & Other Life Lessons