Category: Uncategorized

Setting goals is crucial to getting ready to succeed in your academic and professional endeavors. Students in college can use goals to help them stay on track and meet deadlines.

SMART goals are a relatively new concept. George T. Doran, a consultant and former director of corporate planning for Washington Water Power Company, published “There’s a SMART Way to Write Management’s Goals and Objectives” in 1981. In this document, he introduced SMART goals as a tool for developing criteria to help improve the chances of achieving a goal. Soon, the SMART acronym became a popular goal-setting guideline.

This guide will explain SMART goals and provide tips for college students who want to create their own SMART goals.

Why is goal-setting important?

According to a study by the Dominican University of California, writing down your goals can increase your chances of success. The study points out that over four weeks, 76% of participants who were asked to write down their goals and share weekly progress with friends achieved their goals. In contrast, only 43% of participants who did not write down their goals achieved them.

What are SMART Goals?

SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Your goal setting can be guided by using these criteria. Here is a quick run-down of each:

Specific: Your goal will be simpler to accomplish if it is more specific. Be clear in your goal setting as to what you hope to achieve. Clearly state your objectives, the deadline by which you’d like to achieve them, and the steps you must take. Although this isn’t a comprehensive list of steps you’ll take to accomplish a goal, it should address the following “w” questions: Who, What, When, Where, Which, Why.

Measurable: Your goal ought to be something that can be monitored and tracked. It may be challenging to determine how close you are to achieving your goal if it is too nebulous. Consider the metrics you will use to evaluate your progress toward the goal. Set some milestones by deciding on specific tasks to complete.

Attainable: As a college student, you may have your hands full and may have a lot to manage. This emphasizes the significance of a goal and what you can do to make it attainable, which may call for learning new skills and adopting new attitudes. Make sure your objective is something you can actually achieve in the allotted time.

Relevant: Focusing on something that aligns with your larger academic objectives is referred to as being relevant. Your SMART goals ought to be linked to advancement in your studies or careers. When setting a new goal, consider how achieving it will improve your academic standing or position you for future success in a particular field.

Time-bound: Anyone can set goals, but it’s unlikely they will be achieved if they aren’t realistically timed. When a goal is tied to a specific deadline, it is simpler to stay on track with it. Decide when you want to achieve your goal, and think about setting a target date for each step to help you achieve it. Specifying what should be accomplished halfway through the goal’s duration is helpful. A sense of urgency is also produced by setting deadlines.

How to measure your success in achieving SMART goals

The American Psychological Association (APA) states that keeping track of your progress can improve your chances of succeeding. Here are some of our best recommendations for college students who want to keep track of their SMART objectives.

1. Let others know what your goal is

Many people discover that having a support system increases their motivation to accomplish their goals. Find a reliable person who can hold you accountable after you’ve set your goal. This could be a friend, a member of your family, a classmate, or a coworker.

2. Create reminders

It is essential to regularly check in on your progress to keep your goal in focus. Add check-in reminders to your calendar for the duration of your goal. The length of your goal will affect how frequently you want to check-in. For instance, it may only be necessary to assess progress on a semester-long goal once a month, but if you wish to accomplish your goal more quickly, you may want to check in weekly or even more frequently.

3. Record your progress

Monitoring becomes especially effective when you keep a written record of your progress toward your goal. Therefore, when you check in on your progress toward your goal, note it and list the subsequent actions you need to take. Documenting your progress can ensure that you complete your task.

4. Modify deadlines as required

You might discover that you require more time than anticipated as you move closer to your goal. Don’t be afraid to change your goal if necessary if the original deadline you set seems to be out of reach. You might also think about breaking the goal into smaller, easier-to-achieve tasks, each with its specific due date.

Did you like this article and want to discover more such interesting reads? Then check out what experts have to say on various topics, find answers to your questions, or dig into some resources to help you make informed decisions.

Recent Blog

March 30, 2024

Cynthia Sullivan

Latest Student Loan Forgiveness

If you are a student that has a student loan? Did you know that there is a recent student loan forgiveness approved by the Biden administration for borrowers in Public Service? In March 2024, President Biden approved $5.8 Billion in Student Loan Forgiveness. This is great news for more than 77,000 students who qualify for … Read more

Read More

March 15, 2024

Leona G. Smith

Top 8 Advantages of Community Work

Do you realize that participation in community work can influence your mental health and the development of your personality or strong character? The ability to find joy in helping others helps us to relax and de-stress. Knowing that you can participate in a group or teamwork builds your confidence and helps you develop poise in … Read more

Read More

Although community medical clinics and awareness campaigns that encourage healthy living may come to mind when thinking of public health, these are only a tiny portion of the field. Instead, public health professionals are involved in all aspects of public life, from developing public policy to assisting refugees in integrating into new communities. The field requires creative leaders with a population health perspective who are aware of the challenges currently facing patients, practitioners, and policymakers and can use emerging technologies to address health disparities affecting local and global communities. There will never be a shortage of qualified public health professionals because most of the world has now personally experienced a public health crisis in the form of COVID-19. A master’s degree in public health may be the best route to take if you want to become one of those leaders.

What is the Master in Public Health?

A Online Masters in Public Health or MPH is a professional, graduate-level degree that teaches students how to effectively safeguard and enhance population health globally, with broad application in various fields and occupations. You will learn how to promote better health and wellness through education and research, focus on a wide range of public health issues, and work to improve the economic, social, and environmental health of communities.

Gaining an MPH will help you understand the problems affecting communities all over the world and how to address them through community partnerships, new public health policies, and services, research, or educational programming. A masters in public health teaches students how to measure and analyze the spread of diseases (epidemiology), manage healthcare services and plan healthcare, and critically consider social and cultural factors that impact health.

Benefits of Studying Public Health

In general, people who want to study public health are very motivated. Many people who are qualified for the job sincerely desire to make a significant difference in the lives of entire communities. Students can address some of the most critical threats to individual health and society at large by studying public health. Graduates with public health degrees, in particular, have many opportunities to work for different public health organizations and gain experience in the field, opening the door to potential solutions to these issues.

Because it can be challenging to define the field of public health, careers in it may be misunderstood. The provision of medical care outside a hospital setting and within a community is one aspect of public health. On the other hand, public health can refer to initiatives to stop epidemics, enhance the health of entire nations, and have global implications in different contexts.

Common Career Options for Masters in Public Health Graduates

You can take many routes when starting your public health career because many of them intersect with several other fields such as science, pharmaceuticals, business, law, and technology.

Listed here are 7 career options you could consider if you are in an MPH program or have just graduated from one:

1. Epidemiologists

Median Annual Pay: $78,830

Estimated Job Growth, 2020 to 2030: 30% (much faster than average)

Typical Entry-Level Education: Master’s Degree

What they do: Epidemiologists are public health professionals investigating disease and injury patterns and causes. Through research, community education, and health policy, they try to reduce the risk and occurrence of adverse health outcomes and plan and direct studies on public health issues to find ways to prevent or treat them if they arise.

2. Dieticians and Nutritionists

Median Annual Pay: $61,650

Estimated Job Growth, 2020 to 2030: 11% (faster than average)

Typical Entry-Level Education: Bachelor’s Degree

What they do: Dietitians and nutritionists specialize in using food and nutrition to promote health and disease management. They advise clients on nutrition issues and healthy eating habits, as well as plan and implement food service or nutritional programs to assist people in living healthy lives.

3. Medical and Health Services Managers

Median Annual Pay: $101,340

Estimated Job Growth, 2020 to 2030: 32% (much faster than average)

Typical Entry-Level Education: Bachelor’s Degree

What they do: Medical and health services managers, also known as healthcare administrators or executives, organize, direct, and coordinate health and medical services. They oversee a health facility, specific clinical area, department, or doctor group’s medical practice. They improve the efficiency and quality of healthcare delivery while also ensuring that the facility they work in is up to date and complies with laws and regulations.

4. Occupational Health and Safety Specialists and Technicians

Median Annual Pay: $74,870

Estimated Job Growth, 2020 to 2030: 7% (as fast as average)

Typical Entry-Level Education: Bachelor’s Degree

What they do: Occupational health and safety specialists and technicians collect and analyze data on a wide range of work environments and procedures. While specialists inspect workplaces for compliance with safety, health, and environmental regulations, technicians collaborate with specialists to conduct tests and measure hazards to protect workers, property, the environment, and the general public.

5. Registered Nurses

Median Annual Pay: $77,600

Estimated Job Growth, 2020 to 2030: 9% (as fast as average)

Typical Entry-Level Education: Bachelor’s Degree

What they do: Registered Nurses (RNs) provide and coordinate patient care, educate patients and the general public about various health conditions, and counsel patients and their families. Nurses assess patients’ conditions, record their medical histories and symptoms, and administer their medicines and treatments.

6. Social and Community Service Managers

Median Annual Pay: $74,000

Estimated Job Growth, 2020 to 2030: 15% (faster than average)

Typical Entry-Level Education: Bachelor’s Degree

What they do: Managers of social and community services coordinate and supervise programs and organizations that promote public well-being. They supervise workers who provide these services to the public and collaborate with community members and other stakeholders to identify the required programs and services.

7. Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors

Median Annual Pay: $48,520

Estimated Job Growth, 2020 to 2030: 23% (much faster than average)

Typical Entry-Level Education: Bachelor’s Degree

What they do: Counselors for substance abuse, behavioral disorders, and mental health help people struggling with alcoholism, drug addiction, eating disorders, mental health issues, or other mental or behavioral issues. They provide treatment and support to clients to help them recover from addiction or modify problem behaviors.

Interested in public health? Advance your public health career as the field develops, and there is an increasing demand for professionals with the knowledge and expertise to address the complex issues affecting communities worldwide. Read our guide on the Masters in Public Health and Masters in Epidemiology. If you are interested in a related health field, consider the master’s degree program in Counseling, Applied Behavior, Art Therapy, Child Development, Clinical Research, Healthcare Administration, Marriage and Family Therapy, Nutrition, Occupational Health and Safety, and more.

Recent Blog

March 30, 2024

Cynthia Sullivan

Latest Student Loan Forgiveness

If you are a student that has a student loan? Did you know that there is a recent student loan forgiveness approved by the Biden administration for borrowers in Public Service? In March 2024, President Biden approved $5.8 Billion in Student Loan Forgiveness. This is great news for more than 77,000 students who qualify for … Read more

Read More

March 15, 2024

Leona G. Smith

Top 8 Advantages of Community Work

Do you realize that participation in community work can influence your mental health and the development of your personality or strong character? The ability to find joy in helping others helps us to relax and de-stress. Knowing that you can participate in a group or teamwork builds your confidence and helps you develop poise in … Read more

Read More

If you are contemplating a Online Masters in Human Resources or working as an HR professional, you may want all the help you can get to be a successful HR manager and a popular one at that! Read on to find out what essential skills you require to take your HR career to the next level.

1. Organization

If you work in HR, you are the central location for all employee data. One of the most essential skills for human resources is organization. Although many types of managers value organization, the interpersonal nature of HR frequently requires managers to approach each case with efficiency and planning. HR managers must make sure that employee information is well-organized and easily accessible. They also need to make sure that meetings are scheduled considering the obligations and work commitments of other managers or employees. Employees may react better to a practical and accessible HR department when dealing with issues like salary negotiations, benefits, or termination.

If you can, invest in quality HR software to make your life easier. It will keep track of all the information your team needs and remove the guesswork from deciding what you should keep and what you can throw away.

2. Communication

In any position, having effective communication skills is a plus, but in human resources, they are essential. HR specialists can act as a point of contact for managers and employees. An HR professional should have excellent written and verbal communication skills, among other things, because it is his or her duty to communicate information to the company’s employees in an understandable manner. HR managers must feel at ease communicating clearly, effectively, and confidently, whether they send emails to potential employees, prepare a speech on employee safety, conduct an exit interview, or lead a new team training session.

The most potent communication tips are: (a) pay close attention as you speak, (b) write precisely and with clarity, and (c) communicate consistently.

3. Discretion

Managers of human resources oversee maintaining the privacy of all current and former employees’ personal information. Everyone’s home address, medical background, and salary information are readily available to them. They are aware of who has the window office on the fast track and whose cubicle is closest to the entrance. Additionally, they have access to particularly private information about their workers, such as the findings of background checks and the specifics of wage garnishment judgments. It is crucial for HR professionals to keep information private and protected from anyone without the proper credentials because some of this information may be particularly sensitive. Personal information must be kept confidential and out of the public eye by HR managers.

Go further than what is already forbidden by law when sharing personal information improperly. Nothing in your words, tone, or body language should suggest that a worker might be experiencing a personal setback. Ensure your employees know you can be relied upon for anything. You’ll have an advantage in managing people thanks to your unwavering confidentiality.

4. Negotiation Skills & Conflict Management

In the department, negotiations are commonplace for everything from salary increases to annual leave and contract extensions. It’s a never-ending back-and-forth. The capacity to negotiate a good deal for all parties concerned is critical. A good HR manager can use their patience, negotiation, and mediation skills to help others.

Another one of the key duties of HR professionals is handling grievances between employees and managers, or possibly between different employees. Conflict mediation, providing alternatives, and even declining requests are all part of effective people management. The secret to this, though, is how a professional handles such circumstances. In the workplace, HR managers are frequently asked to find solutions to issues, so they should be able to do so with maturity and respect for all parties. Understanding the other party, knowing when to concede some ground, and coming up with the best compromise for both parties are all characteristics of conflict management.

Ideally, conflict resolution will rank among your human resources competencies that are less frequently used but highly regarded.

5. Relationship Building

Another crucial ability is the capacity for coordination and communication with others. Many new hires will get to know you for the first time, and many will see you off as they leave your company. Try to develop the kind of composure and patience that people need when they are under stress. Even if you can’t always give people what they want to hear, you can still provide them with a compassionate set of clear answers.

Effective team management decreases conflict, boosts employees’ faith in the organization, and generally improves the working environment. Software for conducting work climate surveys helps measure employee morale and gather insightful data on how to implement changes and improvements.

Hope these tips and insights make you a better HR professional than you already are!

Like this article? There’s more from where this came! Check out our other interesting topics and what experts have to say on critical issues every student or working professional must understand. You can also look up our resources and guides on GRE, GMAT, Scholarships, Accreditation, and more for essential information. If you are interested in human resources and related subjects, read about the Masters in Human Resources, Organizational Leadership, Educational Leadership, Communication, Political Communication, Public Relations, or Strategic Communication.

Recent Blog

March 30, 2024

Cynthia Sullivan

Latest Student Loan Forgiveness

If you are a student that has a student loan? Did you know that there is a recent student loan forgiveness approved by the Biden administration for borrowers in Public Service? In March 2024, President Biden approved $5.8 Billion in Student Loan Forgiveness. This is great news for more than 77,000 students who qualify for … Read more

Read More

March 15, 2024

Leona G. Smith

Top 8 Advantages of Community Work

Do you realize that participation in community work can influence your mental health and the development of your personality or strong character? The ability to find joy in helping others helps us to relax and de-stress. Knowing that you can participate in a group or teamwork builds your confidence and helps you develop poise in … Read more

Read More

Communication is the exchange of information between two or more people or entities. This can be done in a variety of ways, such as speaking, writing, or using sign language. Even before languages came to be known, communication was always an essential part of life, an important skill to have had. Effective communication can help you in many aspects of your life, such as your career or relationships. Communication is not just about conveying information but also about understanding what the other person has said and ensuring they understand you.

The most important thing to remember is that not all people are alike. We all have different preferences and ways of communicating, and it is important to be aware of the different communication styles to avoid misinterpretations and misunderstandings. In this blog post, we will go through some of the main communication types and styles that could make you a better speaker and listener.

Communication Types

Communication is a huge part of our lives. It is how we express ourselves to each other and pour out our thoughts, feelings, and emotions. Although there are various ways for us to communicate, communication can be classified into four categories:

1. Verbal Communication

Verbal communication is when you use words to convey your thoughts or feelings to someone else. This form of communication entails pitch, tone, and content.

2. Nonverbal Communication

Nonverbal communication is when you use gestures, facial expressions, eye contact, and body language to convey your thoughts or feelings to someone else.

3. Written Communication

Written communication is when you communicate thoughts and ideas through writing. This form of communication can be seen as a form of art, in which the writer crafts their message using clarity, structure, and content to appeal to their audience.

4. Visual Communication

Visual communication is when you use pictures, charts, graphs, emojis, and other symbols to convey messages. Visuals can be used to supplement or replace text-based messages, as well as to add emotional content.

Communication Styles

Communication styles are a way to categorize the different ways people communicate. The styles are based on how people prefer to receive messages, what they need to know about the message, and how they feel about the message. Below are some of the most common communication styles:

1. Assertive

People who communicate in an assertive style are confident and assertive in their communications. They say what they mean and what they don’t mean, with no room for misinterpretation. Assertive communicators are not afraid to speak up or speak out when needed. They also tend to be very direct with their words and actions, which can be seen as rude or impolite by others who aren’t as assertive. The assertive communication style is the best way to get your point across when dealing with a conflict. It’s not aggressive, but it’s not passive either. It is also best used when you want to be taken seriously and treated with respect.

2. Passive

The passive communication style uses language that does not demand a response from the listener or reader. It is typically used when the speaker or writer does not want to part with any information, wants to avoid confrontation, or wants to avoid hurting someone’s feelings. We often use the passive communication style when we don’t want to conflict with someone else. For example, if someone asks you what you think about a new movie they saw, and you didn’t like it at all, you might respond passively by saying, “I’m not sure.” This way, you avoid telling them their opinion is wrong and also protect your opinion.

3. Aggressive

The aggressive communication style is a term that people use to describe how they communicate when angry or frustrated. It is often characterized by shouting, swearing, and other forms of emotional outbursts. This type of communication can be seen in many different settings and with many different people. It can happen at home with family members, work with coworkers, and even in public places like the grocery store. Some people naturally tend to be more aggressive than others when communicating. This may be due to their personality or upbringing, or it could just be a temporary mood swing from having a bad day. Regardless of the reason for being more aggressive when communicating, this communication style can have negative consequences for both the person doing the talking and those listening to it.

4. Passive-aggressive

The passive-aggressive communication style is one in which the aggressor’s hostility is expressed indirectly, such as through procrastination, stubbornness, or sullen behavior. Passive-aggressive behavior can be difficult to identify because it may not be direct. It may also be difficult to detect because the person with passive-aggressive tendencies may not be aware of their own motives and behaviors. The passive-aggressive person might feel justified in their actions and believe they are not being aggressive but being assertive by going around the problem instead of addressing it head-on.

Wrap-up

So this is the long and short of the broader communication types and styles we use to communicate with each other. Because every person and circumstance we deal with may be different, it is essential to learn all the types and styles of communication to a fair degree. Effective communication greatly reduces stress, anxiety, and conflict while helping us get the desired response. An Online Masters in Communication helps students become best communicators and students can actually make careers out of it too. Read more here.

Like this article? There’s more from where this came! Check out our other interesting topics and what experts have to say on critical issues every student must understand. You can also look up our resources and guides on GRE, GMAT, Scholarships, Accreditation, and more for essential information. If you are interested in communication, read about the Masters in Communication, English, Journalism, Linguistics, Creative Writing, Political Communication, Public Relations, Spanish, or Strategic Communication.

Recent Blog

March 30, 2024

Cynthia Sullivan

Latest Student Loan Forgiveness

If you are a student that has a student loan? Did you know that there is a recent student loan forgiveness approved by the Biden administration for borrowers in Public Service? In March 2024, President Biden approved $5.8 Billion in Student Loan Forgiveness. This is great news for more than 77,000 students who qualify for … Read more

Read More

March 15, 2024

Leona G. Smith

Top 8 Advantages of Community Work

Do you realize that participation in community work can influence your mental health and the development of your personality or strong character? The ability to find joy in helping others helps us to relax and de-stress. Knowing that you can participate in a group or teamwork builds your confidence and helps you develop poise in … Read more

Read More

As online education becomes more popular, there are more and more students who are taking classes and working towards degrees or other professional certifications entirely online. This can be a great way to get ahead in your career, but it is important to be mindful of how long hours in front of a computer or gadget can affect your health. In this blog post, we will discuss some tips for student health in online education setting and how to balance them both. 

The Broader Dos for Every Online Student

1. First and foremost, it is important to make sure that you are taking breaks throughout the day. Just because you are not physically in a classroom does not mean that you should be sitting in front of a computer for hours on end. Get up and move around, take a break to grab a snack or drink, and give your eyes a break from the screen.

Here are a few tips for online students to stay healthy:

• Get up and move around at least every 20 minutes or so.
• Take regular breaks to eat healthy snacks or drink water.
• Do some light stretching or exercises during breaks.
• Rotate your neck, wrists, and shoulders periodically to get rid of any stiffness.
• Cultivate an active lifestyle to offset the long hours spent online.

1. Next, be sure to create a schedule for yourself and stick to it. This will help you to stay on track with your work and also ensure that you are taking the time to focus on other aspects of your life. Make sure to schedule in time for exercise, socializing, and relaxation, so that you do not burn yourself out.

Here are a few tips for online students to create a healthy schedule:

• Wake up at the same time every day.
• Eat regular meals at set times.
• Schedule in time for exercise, socializing, and relaxation.
• Create a to-do list for each day and week.
• Set a bedtime and stick to it.

III. Finally, if you are struggling to cope with various aspects of online learning. Many online programs have student support services that can help you with time management, study tips, and more. Do not be afraid to reach out if you need assistance.

Here are a few tips for when you are struggling:

• Reach out to student support services.
• Talk to a counselor or therapist.
• Take a break from social media.
• Find a study group or tutor.
• Get enough sleep!

Health Risks & How to Overcome Them

Online students must watch out for Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI) when using the keyboard or mouse too much. Some simple tips are to keep your wrists straight, take frequent breaks and use a comfortable chair. If you start to experience any pain, stop what you are doing and rest. Sitting for too long and sitting with the wrong posture can have long-term and adverse effects on your overall health. If your budget permits, consider investing in a good chair and a height-adjustable standing table.

A comfortable, ergonomic chair: 

• Your chair should support your back and allow you to keep your feet flat on the ground.
• If you can, adjust the height of your chair so that your thighs are parallel to the ground. 
• If you are going to be sitting for long periods of time, make sure to take breaks and move around often.

A standing desk: 

• If you can, get a desk that is adjustable so that you can alternate between sitting and standing. 
• Take breaks often when using a standing desk and move around to avoid stiffness. 
• Make sure that your monitor is at eye level so that you do not have to strain your neck. 

Protect Your Eyes

It is quite evident that online learning requires several hours of looking into a computer monitor or laptop/tablet display. The blue light and high levels of contrast and brightness can lead to blurry vision, dry, itchy, and sore eyes, and gradually deteriorate your eyesight. Therefore, your eyes too require some care.

Here are a few ways to exercise your eyes: 

• The 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, take a break and look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. 
• Try the eye chart app on your phone or computer.
• Use blue light glasses when working on the computer for long periods of time.
• Splash cool water into your eyes each time you take a break.
• Blink often!

What Every Online Student Should Remember

An integral part of staying healthy as an online student is being sensible enough to identify problems and address them and keep a check on your mental health too. As an online student, the few things you should always do is:

• See a doctor if you’re experiencing any health problems.
• Completely stay away from gadgets and computers when you are on vacation or have extended breaks.
• Make time for yourself every day to pursue your hobbies and interests (that preferably do not involve sitting on a chair or screen time).
• Avoid procrastination.
• Set realistic goals.
• Speak up if you are feeling overwhelmed or stressed out. Remember, you are not alone! Many other students are struggling with the same thing. Reach out to your peers and support each other.

By following these tips, you can ensure that you are able to balance online education with your health in good measure. Studies are important, but not at the cost of your health!

Online Masters Colleges (OMC) has a collection of interesting reads and resources that can help you with overall better college life. Check out some of our other articles – Top 8 Tips for Students for a Productive Day, Life of an Online Student, How Can Students Release Stress and Improve Concentration, and more.

Recent Blog

March 30, 2024

Cynthia Sullivan

Latest Student Loan Forgiveness

If you are a student that has a student loan? Did you know that there is a recent student loan forgiveness approved by the Biden administration for borrowers in Public Service? In March 2024, President Biden approved $5.8 Billion in Student Loan Forgiveness. This is great news for more than 77,000 students who qualify for … Read more

Read More

March 15, 2024

Leona G. Smith

Top 8 Advantages of Community Work

Do you realize that participation in community work can influence your mental health and the development of your personality or strong character? The ability to find joy in helping others helps us to relax and de-stress. Knowing that you can participate in a group or teamwork builds your confidence and helps you develop poise in … Read more

Read More