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What are mistakes most college students make?
I know that this applies to many minorities like myself, who are going to be first generation college students, we don’t really have a guide or somebody to tell us what we should watch out for and what mistakes not to make since nobody in our family can warn us about this. #FirstGeneration
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4 answers
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity.
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Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Dear Daniel,
Career Opportunities for Associate in Science Degree Graduates
Earning an Associate in Science degree paves the way to a multitude of career opportunities across diverse fields. Here are some typical career options for those with an Associate in Science degree:
Laboratory Technician: As a degree holder, you're qualified to serve as a laboratory technician in settings like medical labs, research institutions, or pharmaceutical firms. Your responsibilities might encompass conducting experiments, analyzing results, and supporting scientists in their investigations.
Healthcare Support: Your degree also allows you to explore roles in healthcare support, such as medical assistant, dental hygienist, or radiologic technologist. These jobs typically involve delivering direct patient care and collaborating with healthcare experts.
Engineering Technician: You can also consider a career as an engineering technician. In this capacity, you would aid engineers in the design, testing, and production of goods. Specializations can range from mechanical and electrical to civil engineering.
Environmental Science Technician: If you're passionate about environmental science, your degree can qualify you for roles as an environmental science technician. Your tasks might include collecting samples, performing tests, and monitoring environmental conditions.
Computer Support Specialist: If technology intrigues you, consider a career as a computer support specialist. With your degree, you could find employment in IT departments, offering technical support to users or organizations.
Strategies to Land the Ideal Job and Internships
To secure a job that matches your interests and abilities, consider these strategies:
Self-Assessment: Identify your strengths, interests, and career aspirations to pinpoint job options that are a good fit for you.
Networking: Leverage professional networking sites like LinkedIn to connect with experts in your chosen field. Networking can reveal job openings and provide insights into various industries.
Internships: Internships offer invaluable hands-on experience and a chance to explore different career trajectories. Approach companies or organizations that offer internships in your field of study.
Job Search Platforms: Employ online job search platforms like Indeed, Glassdoor, or company websites to find job vacancies that align with your qualifications and interests.
Career Services: Utilize the career services provided by your college or university to access resources like resume crafting, interview coaching, and job fairs.
Work Experience Considerations
The work experience required can differ based on the specific job role and industry. While entry-level roles may not always demand prior work experience, having relevant internships or part-time jobs can boost your candidacy. As you advance in your career, accumulating more work experience will aid in progressing to higher-level roles.
Top 3 Trusted Resources Used:
Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): The BLS offers comprehensive information on various occupations, including job prospects, median salary, and educational prerequisites.
Indeed Career Guide: Indeed provides an extensive career guide with advice on job hunting, resume composition, interview techniques, and professional growth.
LinkedIn Learning: LinkedIn Learning offers online courses and resources to assist individuals in acquiring skills pertinent to their chosen career paths.
These resources were invaluable in providing current and accurate information on career trajectories for Associate in Science degree graduates and advice on securing suitable job opportunities.
Stay blessed!
James Constantine Frangos.
Career Opportunities for Associate in Science Degree Graduates
Earning an Associate in Science degree paves the way to a multitude of career opportunities across diverse fields. Here are some typical career options for those with an Associate in Science degree:
Laboratory Technician: As a degree holder, you're qualified to serve as a laboratory technician in settings like medical labs, research institutions, or pharmaceutical firms. Your responsibilities might encompass conducting experiments, analyzing results, and supporting scientists in their investigations.
Healthcare Support: Your degree also allows you to explore roles in healthcare support, such as medical assistant, dental hygienist, or radiologic technologist. These jobs typically involve delivering direct patient care and collaborating with healthcare experts.
Engineering Technician: You can also consider a career as an engineering technician. In this capacity, you would aid engineers in the design, testing, and production of goods. Specializations can range from mechanical and electrical to civil engineering.
Environmental Science Technician: If you're passionate about environmental science, your degree can qualify you for roles as an environmental science technician. Your tasks might include collecting samples, performing tests, and monitoring environmental conditions.
Computer Support Specialist: If technology intrigues you, consider a career as a computer support specialist. With your degree, you could find employment in IT departments, offering technical support to users or organizations.
Strategies to Land the Ideal Job and Internships
To secure a job that matches your interests and abilities, consider these strategies:
Self-Assessment: Identify your strengths, interests, and career aspirations to pinpoint job options that are a good fit for you.
Networking: Leverage professional networking sites like LinkedIn to connect with experts in your chosen field. Networking can reveal job openings and provide insights into various industries.
Internships: Internships offer invaluable hands-on experience and a chance to explore different career trajectories. Approach companies or organizations that offer internships in your field of study.
Job Search Platforms: Employ online job search platforms like Indeed, Glassdoor, or company websites to find job vacancies that align with your qualifications and interests.
Career Services: Utilize the career services provided by your college or university to access resources like resume crafting, interview coaching, and job fairs.
Work Experience Considerations
The work experience required can differ based on the specific job role and industry. While entry-level roles may not always demand prior work experience, having relevant internships or part-time jobs can boost your candidacy. As you advance in your career, accumulating more work experience will aid in progressing to higher-level roles.
Top 3 Trusted Resources Used:
Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): The BLS offers comprehensive information on various occupations, including job prospects, median salary, and educational prerequisites.
Indeed Career Guide: Indeed provides an extensive career guide with advice on job hunting, resume composition, interview techniques, and professional growth.
LinkedIn Learning: LinkedIn Learning offers online courses and resources to assist individuals in acquiring skills pertinent to their chosen career paths.
These resources were invaluable in providing current and accurate information on career trajectories for Associate in Science degree graduates and advice on securing suitable job opportunities.
Stay blessed!
James Constantine Frangos.
Updated
Jayne’s Answer
Hi Daniel,
Congratulations on being the first in your family to go the college! It's harder than people realize, but the rewards are worth it.
I think the advice above is 100% on point -- stay focused on what you're there for. You're going to meet people from all walks of life in college, which is great, but make sure you remember that not everyone has the same circumstances. You may need to work harder or have a little more discipline than others. That's ok, everyone is on their own journey!
Experience, experience, experience as much as you can. Get to know as many people as you can and start building a network because as first generation we often don't have access to one already.
Do internships, work on projects or research with professors, volunteer (this is experience students tend to overlook!), join clubs at school and take on leadership positions. All of these become valuable skills and experiences that you can put on your resume for that first job opportunity.
If you're in the position I was, where financing was tight so I couldn't travel for opportunities or had to work on the side if internships were unpaid, there are opportunities closer to home. Offer to help a non-profit in your hometown with a project (eg: create a comms/marketing plan, design or help build something new, project manage the logistics for a new initiative, etc), volunteer virtually using the skills you have, and reach out to alumni from your school to see if they have any projects you can help with remotely or even if they would be willing to allow you to shadow them in their role for a few days.
All of the opportunities I have gotten in my career have come from working with someone in another capacity, and my first job offer came from someone who knew me from a part-time unpaid internship.
Good luck!
Congratulations on being the first in your family to go the college! It's harder than people realize, but the rewards are worth it.
I think the advice above is 100% on point -- stay focused on what you're there for. You're going to meet people from all walks of life in college, which is great, but make sure you remember that not everyone has the same circumstances. You may need to work harder or have a little more discipline than others. That's ok, everyone is on their own journey!
Experience, experience, experience as much as you can. Get to know as many people as you can and start building a network because as first generation we often don't have access to one already.
Do internships, work on projects or research with professors, volunteer (this is experience students tend to overlook!), join clubs at school and take on leadership positions. All of these become valuable skills and experiences that you can put on your resume for that first job opportunity.
If you're in the position I was, where financing was tight so I couldn't travel for opportunities or had to work on the side if internships were unpaid, there are opportunities closer to home. Offer to help a non-profit in your hometown with a project (eg: create a comms/marketing plan, design or help build something new, project manage the logistics for a new initiative, etc), volunteer virtually using the skills you have, and reach out to alumni from your school to see if they have any projects you can help with remotely or even if they would be willing to allow you to shadow them in their role for a few days.
All of the opportunities I have gotten in my career have come from working with someone in another capacity, and my first job offer came from someone who knew me from a part-time unpaid internship.
Good luck!
Updated
Edwin’s Answer
Hello Daniel,
I want to commend you for being the first in your family to finish high school and hopefully university.
I will make a list of some helpful tips:
If eligible, apply for the FAFSA. The earlier the better.
Also, make sure to apply for scholarships.
Have an understanding of what you want to do in the future, any short and long-term goals.
Join clubs, programs, and extracurricular activities. Not only to gain leadership skills but also to make friends.
If you can, try and find, apply, and join any internships in your field. This helps to understand what you want to do in the future.
While at college, know that your major does not limit you to any career. With the exception of becoming a doctor or lawyer (they need a specific career path).
Make sure to have time to yourself and take care of your mental health.
Best of luck! I am incredibly happy for you and I know that you will accomplish so many amazing things in the future!
-Edwin
Updated
Junnie’s Answer
Hi Daniel, college can be a very fun place, as you started to meet friends and friends influences. You have to keep your focus what is import to you. Obviously it should be your study. If you are suppose to study for your tomorrow ‘s test, no matter how hard your Friend we’re inviting you for a night out, you should just say “ no”. Be focus, and keep your eyes on the prize, at the same time enjoy the college fun too.