“The secret of a successful man is he always sees himself as a student who learns from other people.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson 

(more…)

(more…)

The “broke college student” stereotype is part of our culture. Between paying for books and classes, paying for your dorm, and spending all your time studying, as a college student, you may often find yourself strapped for cash. But, just because you’re a college student doesn’t mean you have to be broke.

When deciding to go to a coding Bootcamp, there are several things that you should keep in mind.  Many application processes to coding Bootcamps can be intensive to ensure you’re ready for the dedication that the Bootcamp requires. So, in order to be successful,  before you start applying for coding programs there are some skills you’ll need to develop. Here are the top 5 traits that will help you succeed and optimize your time at your coding Bootcamp.

(more…)

Reading enables lifelong growth and encourages a commitment to personal development - common traits among history’s leaders, influencers, and change-makers. Whether or not you already have a reading list, these 10 books are must-reads. To grow professionally and make your mark on the world, it’s worth to start by changing yourself. Every one of the books on this list is meant to help you learn something and set you up for success.

(more…)

Whether you’re searching for a better job, looking for a promotion, considering changing careers, or growing your network, building a strong personal brand can help you reach your goals. Your personal brand is how the world sees you; how people would describe you. It is the set of values and characteristics that describe who you are and guide your choices-in work and in life. 

(more…)

More and more students are considering taking a gap year. It can be a great chance to make some extra money, gain experience, and learn more about yourself before you make a big decision, like committing to college or a certain career path.

(more…)

Burnout is something that almost everyone has to deal with in their career from time to time. In a recent poll by Gallup, twenty-three percent of employees said they felt burned out more often than not. An additional forty-four percent stated feeling burned out some of the time. This can lead many to dislike jobs they once loved.

(more…)

Everyone is constantly striving to be more productive. It doesn’t matter what you do or where you work – everyone is looking for ways to be more productive on the job. In this digital age, staying on task and avoiding distractions is harder to accomplish than ever before. Excessive amounts of caffeine also don’t help you get any closer to reaching peak productivity levels. Cultivating the habits of highly productive people can help you maximize your productivity and achieve great things in life.

So, what are the habits of productive people? Below you will find a list of 10 everyday habits of highly productive people that will help you stay on track and achieve any goal you set for yourself.

1. Don’t Multitask 

 Tom Ziglar, CEO of Ziglar Inc., states, “Invest the first part of your day working on your number one priority that will help build your business.”

What task will have the biggest impact on reaching your goal? Are you focusing on that one task? Or are you letting yourself get swept away by too many other things that have taken away your attention?

Research has shown, multitasking significantly slows you down. You may get by with multitasking on low-level tasks (ie. chores, laundry, etc.), but when it comes to your higher-level, big-picture goals you can’t multitask.

You might think you’re getting more done, but jumping between jobs actually hinders your cognitive processing. The most productive people spend several hours on a single task which allows them to get into a deep state of mental concentration, producing the best possible results.

When you try to do multiple things at once, you will fail to do any of them as well as you could have if you had just spent dedicated time on each task instead. Multitasking causes a loss of speed and accuracy due to the fact that your brain is actively switching attention between each item. Focus on one important thing at a time, and you’ll get a huge boost in productivity.

2. Eliminate Distractions

“Stop getting distracted by things that have nothing to do with your goals” – Rahual Jain; art historian and author

Related to point number one, you can’t focus on the most important thing on your to-do list if you are swamped with distractions.

In our deeply networked world today, we face distractions everywhere. We live in a world that is continually stimulated by electronic communication. Text messaging, the virtual worlds of social media, and mobile email capability can become serious time drains if handled inappropriately. Smartphones and social media can be wonderful at times, but they’re also a major distraction.

There are many apps you can install on your devices to increase your focus and productivity. Or to get into focus mode, consider putting your phone in another room. A study by the University of Texas showed that people who do this while working on a task were significantly more productive than people who had their phones sitting next to them on their desks.

As wonderful of a tool as email is, it can also be your biggest distraction. The most efficient workers delegate fixed times for checking and replying to messages. Spend the rest of the day with your inbox closed and out of sight.

Also, consider setting up your environment to be distraction-free. A cluttered workspace can limit your productivity. Distractions add up, and they can be different for everyone. Consider a productivity audit. Start your day, then track whenever you get sidetracked. What distracts you? How much time do you spend on each distraction? In total, how much time is wasted? Then try to eliminate these distractions. Without things distracting you and taking your attention away, you can better focus on your most important tasks.

3. Don’t Be Deterred by Failure

“Inaction breeds doubt and fear. Action breeds confidence and courage. If you want to conquer fear, do not sit home and think about it. Go out and get busy.” Dale Carnegie

The most productive people aren’t afraid of making mistakes. They take action without over-analyzing the consequences and treat each failure as an opportunity for improvement. Taking risks is essential if you want to evolve into a productive, efficient, and confident worker.

When faced with a challenge, overcoming fear, or coming back from a “failure,” successful people are focused on growth more than they fixate on the outcome of failure. Some people beat themselves up and dwell on their mistakes. People who learn from their mistakes and try to prevent themselves from making the same mistake in the future, perform better at work. But failure can be a critical step on the road to success. If you don’t fail, you don’t learn. Productive people have the ability to make incremental improvements in their performance and ask themselves: Okay, what can I learn from this? What can I do better?

4. Have a Consistent Morning Ritual

“Wisdom is a measured routine.” -Benjamin Franklin

While not everyone is a morning person, studies have proven that your willpower and creativity are strongest in the morning.  When you’re awake and energized before the rest of the world, you have more alone time to prepare for the day. It’s a few extra hours before emails start coming in, before your phone starts buzzing, and before you have to work with clients.

Most importantly, a consistent morning routine is important for the rest of your day to be productive. For example, starting your day with a healthy breakfast, light exercise, and reading can help you have more energy throughout your day. A good morning routine sets the tone for the rest of the day and helps give you the momentum to get things done.

5. ‘Eat the Frog’ 

‘Eat a live frog, first thing in the morning and nothing worse will happen to you the rest of the day.’  – Mark Twain

Highly productive people ‘eat the frog’ first thing in the morning or start the day with their hardest task first. A theory made popular by motivational expert Brian Tracy in his book ‘Eat That Frog’. By crossing off the worst activity on your list, the rest of the day will flow easily in comparison, and the hardest jobs never get pushed into tomorrow.

Another benefit of “eating the frog’ first thing in the morning is that you can make that frog your most important task. Ask yourself “If I can only get one thing done today, what would that one thing be’? If you can cross off the most important thing on your to-do list every day, you’ll naturally reach higher levels of productivity.

6. Apply the 80/20 Rule

The important thing is the 80/20 rule: 80% of the effects come from 20% of the causes. This means that if you’re doing ten tasks, two are going to be vastly more important than the others. – Brian Tracy motivational public speaker and self-development author

Here’s another great way to increase your productivity – use the 80/20 rule.

Also known as the Pareto principle, the 80/20 rule states that eighty percent of your results come from twenty percent of your actions.

You likely work with your head down while forgetting about the big picture (it happens to all of us). To be productive, however, you need to understand what activities bring you the best results. With that understanding, you can spend more time focusing on the tasks that move you forward, and less on the ones that don’t. Try to eliminate the things that don’t matter during your day — the aspects that have a minimal effect on your overall efficiency and focus on the small handful of tasks that will get you 80% of your results.

7. Use Productivity Apps

“Productivity boils down to two steps: Identify the essential, eliminate the rest.” – Leo Barbuta

You wouldn’t show up to a gym without gear, so why tackle your office workload without the best tools? There are hundreds of brilliant apps available to dramatically boost your productivity. Automating some of your simpler tasks with apps can also help you be more productive.

For example, you could use tools to:

1. Organize your mail with email filters to automatically file emails into specific folders
2. Delete spam
3. Pay bills
4. Schedule appointments
5. Perform any repetitive, low-level task

When you automate recurring tasks, you can use your time and mental space for other bigger tasks that will move you in the direction of your goals.

8. Take regular breaks

“I have walked myself into my best thoughts, and I know of no thought so burdensome that one cannot walk away from it.” – Philosopher Søren Kierkegaard

Taking a break to walk outside the office boosts productivity: Workers who walked for 30 minutes over their lunch breaks returned to work feeling more enthusiastic and capable of coping with stress, according to a recent study led by the University of Birmingham.  

Even the most super-human high performers know when to take a break. People cycle from being alert to being fatigued about once every 90 minutes according to Tony Schwartz, author and founder of The Energy Project. Schwartz himself used to put in marathon 10-hour days writing his books. But learning to manage his energy more effectively, he now writes in three focused 90-minute intervals, with breaks in between for exercise and socializing, which has doubled his productivity.

Just like your body needs a chance to recuperate after working out, so does your brain. Avoid the computer screen during your lunch, break, exercise or meditate and get outdoors if possible. This helps you return to work mentally refreshed, with a renewed sense of purpose.

9. Know where your time goes

Olympic gymnast Shannon Miller states, “To this day, I keep a schedule that is almost minute by minute.”

If you’re still wondering how you can be more productive, track your time.

When you feel like you waste time each day but aren’t sure where it’s actually going, you just need to raise your awareness. Being conscious about where your day is going, will make you more conscious about your time so that you can notice and change it.

Take out a notebook and record every single thing you do, and be incredibly specific. Observe where you spent your time. If you are happy with the spread, don’t change a thing. If you are unhappy, consider what you can do differently and create a strategy to rid your time of distractions and tasks that don’t bring you value.

10.  Learn to Say ‘No’

Billionaire Warren Buffet once said, “The difference between successful people and very successful people is that very successful people say ‘no’ to almost everything.”

As an overachiever, you want to do anything and everything. After all, you never know what may lead to that next breakthrough. And although you want to take every opportunity, you need to keep in mind what your most desired goals are.

This is one of the most recommended tips on how to be productive and is one of the best time-related activities that you should practice. Because if you say yes to tasks that don’t contribute to your end goals, you’ll end up wasting time and resources.

A productive person don’t feel awkward about saying ‘no’. They understand the value of their own time and view it as a precious resource. This doesn’t mean you have to be rude or dismissive – simply explain your situation, offer an alternative avenue of help, or empower the person with the right advice so they can do it themselves.

To achieve your goals, you need to be deliberate about your time. Remember, you only have 1,440 minutes every day. Don’t give them away easily. 

The common notion of productivity is the ability to get a lot done in a short span of time. While it is true, it is not complete. True productivity is the ability to create high-impact results in a short amount of time. This is the kind of productivity that matters, not busy work that creates no impact in the long term.

You might have mastered a few of these habits already, but even the most productive people are still human.  If something works well for you, keep doing it. If it doesn’t, drop it and try something else. Productivity is an experiment that is forever changing, so don’t let that discourage you! If you’re looking to learn more about productivity and career development, check out the Meratas blog!

According to a study conducted by Georgetown University’s Center on Education, an estimated 70 percent of college students work while attending school. Of course, maintaining employment during the demanding college years is no easy feat. Finding a flexible job that pays well enough is important. Luckily, there are many jobs that offer night and weekend hours for part-time jobs for students.

Here’s a list of the 12 best jobs for college students.

1. Tutor Other Students

Average Rate: $24.11 per hour

Take a subject you excel in and help other students improve their grades by becoming a tutor. There are many tutoring opportunities in a college setting, and it’s a good choice for part-time work as you can often choose your own hours. If your university has an educational resource center, there may be a formal tutoring position you can apply for. Tutors often set their own schedules and focus on subjects they know the most about.

When it comes to working as a part-time teacher or tutor, the options are endless.  You can find work by posting ads on your school’s Facebook page and other social media. You might also apply for positions with tutoring websites like Wyzant, Chegg Tutors, TakeLessons, Maestro, StudySoup, and Skillshare.

2. Barista

Average Rate: $10.88 per hour

While you might drink coffee to pull an all-nighter, working as a barista will really teach you all you need to know about coffee.  You’ll probably also be treated to employee discounts that will save you a ton of money on your daily coffee fix. Plus, if you’re able to land a campus job at your college’s coffee shop, you’ll meet tons of new college students. In addition to normally being able to schedule your hours out around your class schedule, many baristas reap the benefits of extra income in the form of tips.

3. Host or Server at a Restaurant

 Average Rate: $11.06 per hour

This is the go-to job for those looking to earn fast cash and gain valuable experience in the food industry. Whether your aim is to own a restaurant, work as a chef, or simply pay your way through college, this is the job opportunity for go-getters.

You’ll be on your feet for most of the shift, but the extra income gained from tips will be a great benefit to your bank account.

Restaurant hosts and hostesses greet diners at the door, lead them to their tables, provide menus, share daily specials and answer questions. They are also responsible for managing table sections and waitlists and informing servers when a new table has arrived. Restaurants are usually the busiest at night and on weekends, so this job won’t often interfere with your class schedule. Your, potentially free or discounted, break food probably also tastes way better than whatever is going on in your school cafeteria.

4. Retail Sales Associate

Average Rate: $11.38 per hour

According to Business News Daily, the most commonly held jobs by American college students are sales associate positions. A retail sales associate stocks merchandise, helps maintain display areas, greets customers, answers customer questions, and assists them in finding products. They may also be responsible for taking inventory, managing cash registers, and recording sales.

Sales associates enjoy flexibility in terms of scheduling and shift coverage, which can come in handy during particularly stressful school weeks. Additionally, many seasonal sales associate jobs open up during peak holiday months, a plus for students who need to make extra money while on break.

5. Babysitter

Average Rate: $15.27 per hour

Babysitting jobs are popular with college students because they offer plenty of flexibility. Babysitters generally make money and there are lots of different hours you can work, depending on the age of the kids you babysit. Plus, there’s the opportunity to get some of your schoolwork done during downtime.

University employees, including professors and administrative staff, usually favor college students when choosing a babysitter; if you like working with kids, keep your eye out for babysitting positions near your college.

Check with your career office or student employment office or search online for babysitting jobs.

Websites like SitterCity and UrbanSitter make it easy to find nanny and babysitting opportunities near you. You can also try posting a message on NextDoor to offer your babysitting services to local families. Care.com is also perfect if you want to work in adult and senior care. The ability to control your work hours and the relatively high pay makes these jobs ideal for college students.

6. Pet Care

 Average Rate: $11.53 per hour

Sites like Rover and Dogvacay offer on-demand employment options that fit with even the most offbeat schedules. And, those who are willing and able to host doggy daycares and overnight pet sits can end up making twice the amount of money as a dog walker. Of course, your income could be even higher if you have experiences working with nontraditional pets, such as farm animals, reptiles, and horses.

If you’re interested in caring for cats, Holidog offers services for both dogs and cats. This job is well suited for people with limited, inconsistent schedules who need to earn a small amount of extra cash.

7. Gym Receptionist

 Average Rate: $12.40/hour

Gyms open their doors early and shut them late, with many even staying open 24 hours per day, 7 days a week. These hours make for a great scheduling opportunity for college students who might be in school for a traditional 9-5 day. To sweeten the deal, most gyms offer free or deep discounts to employees, which can save you money. . High-energy college students are great fits for these positions. If you hold a personal training certificate you could also apply to be a fitness instructor. These jobs are especially good for those who play collegiate sports or are majoring in corresponding fields, such as kinesiology, dance, or physical therapy. If you love fitness and can motivate people to exercise, this is the job for you. You won’t need much experience and will save money here as well. Most places offer their employees free classes – a great way to stay active in college!

8. Lifeguard

Average Rate: $11.39 per hour

If you’re willing to get trained and certified, lifeguarding can be very rewarding. Full-time students in search of a summer job option would benefit from looking into local lifeguarding positions. There are plenty of different employers who take on summer lifeguards, from beaches to hotels to community swim centers, and more. Lifeguarding also tends to be a fun work environment.

9. Translate

Average Rate: $18-29 hour

Interpreter/translator jobs are a great option for college students who are fully bilingual. Translators typically work exclusively with written text, with many companies and clients offering fully remote options. Interpreters are often required to work in person at a variety of different venues, including schools, courthouses, and even medical facilities. You can also work as a freelance translator through a platform like Gengo. This is another job that offers a flexible, part-time job.

10.Library Monitor

Average Rate: $12.23 per hour

Library jobs are one of the most convenient jobs to have as a student because of their relatively high pay and on-campus location. If you’re worried you won’t have enough time to devote to academics, this could be a great job for you. This position will give you plenty of customer service practice and the chance to interact with college students for most of your shift. Best of all, there is usually plenty of time to do your homework.

Responsibilities generally include the supervision of study spaces to ensure a quiet atmosphere. It’s a pretty easy job, but one with lots of downtime – which means you’ll have plenty of time to catch up on reading, do homework, or study for an exam.

11. Become a Resident Advisor

Average Rate: Varies

Resident advisors, or RAs, live in the dormitories alongside students and offer support to residents and the university in the form of security and rule enforcement. They also work in a variety of clerical roles that support the management of the living quarters, such as bookkeeping, answering phones, and giving tours.

This isn’t a paid position, but the chance to have free room & board during your college years will save you as much cash as you would make in a traditional part time job. You will get the chance to closely interact, mentor, and bond with hundreds of college students a year and give back to your university in a highly influential way.  Be aware though, in order to become an RA, you must complete a competitive application process and undergo extensive training.

12. Research Assistant

Average Rate: $15.27 per hour

Gain experience in your field of interest by working as a Research Assistant for one of your professors. Research assistants collect and analyze data and prepare materials for researchers. They may also help submit research to granting agencies and foundations, manage project correspondences, and perform administrative tasks for research project leaders. Since the research is usually conducted on campus, these positions are very conveniently located.

Most colleges dedicate a lot of their resources to research. Many departments – from biology to chemistry, physics to engineering, psychology to sociology – recruit paid research assistants. Not all research is in hard science. You may be able to find a job opening doing background research for English, history, psychology, or sociology.  Check with your school’s Psych department to see what research studies are looking for participants. While the positions usually require some background knowledge of the field, if you’re majoring in an area that involves research, a research assistant job makes an excellent addition to your resume.

You’ll likely include your college jobs on your resume when applying for opportunities after you graduate. If possible, seek out positions that allow you to build the skills and experience you’ll need in your career. For example, if you’re going to school for fashion merchandising, you may want to consider looking for a job in retail.

These jobs are all mostly in-person jobs that offer great flexibility for college students but if you’re looking to be 100% remote, check out this post!

Remember to consider your flexibility limits while looking for a new job. Your classes may be scheduled sporadically with some days starting and ending earlier than others. It’s important that your job doesn’t interfere with your studies and you are able to schedule out the extra time you need to study or complete homework. That’s why the best jobs for a college student are often low-stress roles that do not require you to commit to excessive hours or spend time checking email outside of work.

About Meratas

Meratas is the leading Income Share Agreement (ISA) software company, providing a full-service, turnkey, SaaS platform to design, originate, and manage ISAs. We help universities, bootcamps, trade schools, and membership programs increase enrollment and open access to their programs. All through the power of Income Share Agreements.

We also help those looking to get an education, up-skill, or re-skill, get into the career of their dreams. All at generally no upfront cost. We pair individuals looking for a fresh new career with the best educational programs on the Meratas platform to reach their professional goals. If you’re looking to break into your new career, check out our student page and we’ll help you find the career of your dreams.

Want more career advice, education news, and student success tips? Follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram!

(more…)