Tutor Circle

Steph

The Decision-making Process a Customer Goes Through Before Every Purchase

by Leave a Comment

There are a lot of factors in play to convince a customer to make a purchase.

First, the store has to stand out among competitors. In a shopping mall where other, more established brands are around, it is challenging to entice and capture potential buyers’ attention. This is where the store’s overall appearance comes in. Entrepreneurs invest money toward improving window displays. They work with sign companies to design eye-catching logos and decals for the exterior to lure passers-by into entering the store.

Next, the products have to be arranged in a way that encourages spending. Retailers use so many strategies to convince a customer to push through with the purchase: gimmicks such as sales about to end and free item giveaways.

These external factors work to turn passers-by into buying customers. However, consumers also go through a decision-making process before they make the purchase.

Knowing what goes through in consumers’ minds can help entrepreneurs devise an effective marketing scheme that will boost profit and increase customer satisfaction.

Need Recognition

A consumer making dinner finds out that they have run out of pepper. This is the primary stage of the decision-making process. The buyer first has to identify the problem, called the need recognition, before they take steps toward making a purchase.

Generally, without need recognition, there would not be a transaction. It will become much harder to convince them to part with their hard-earned cash.

There are two ways the need recognition can be triggered: internal and external stimuli. A person on their way to work early in the morning feels sleepy and, therefore, would decide to buy a coffee cup to feel more awake. Sleepiness, hunger, thirst, or an ailment are considered internal stimuli. Meanwhile, advertising is an external stimulus. Seeing a commercial for a massage chair convinces a customer to place an order.

Information Search

However, need recognition alone would not lead to a purchase. They will conduct an information search for options available to them.

Usually, with external stimuli, consumers will look for product descriptions and read reviews from previous buyers. With Google and Facebook, it is easier to gather information about a certain item or brand they encounter for the first time.

On the other hand, if the goods or services are not entirely new, such as when one feels hungry and wants to eat, consumers will remember which restaurants they liked in the past and choose based on their prior experience.

Evaluation of Options

With so many other brands out there competing for attention, consumers have to take the time to assess each option available to them. In this stage, a customer will have to weigh the pros and cons of a product, comparing its attributes to an alternative.

New models from Apple and Samsung have been released, and both companies are heavily advertising their respective products. The customer reads the features and specifications of each model. They watch reviews to see the opinion of others about the products. The next stage involves deciding between an iPhone or a Galaxy S unit by enumerating both smartphones’ strengths and weaknesses as well as the customer’s own preferences, budget, and lifestyle.

Purchase

Once the customer has decided which product they need, it is time for the next step: the purchase. However, it is still not an assurance that they will complete the transaction. Some factors disrupt the decision-making process.

For example, while heading to the store, the customer overhears another customer talking about their bad experience with the product. A negative review can put off consumers from making the purchase.

A long line at the cashier, a complicated signup process on an e-commerce platform, or expensive shipping cost may deter a customer from purchasing.

Post-Purchase Experience

The decision-making process does not end with the purchase. After the customer walks out of the store or receives their orders in the mail, they will continue to evaluate the product.

The customer will ask if the product provides a solution to the problem or fulfills their need. They will test whether the product delivers on its promises.

If they are satisfied, the purchase was a success, and the customer will likely buy again. However, if they are unhappy with it, they may return the product, leave a bad review, and never recommend the store to their friends and acquaintances.

Entrepreneurs should be aware of the stages that every customer goes through before making a purchase. They could leverage this knowledge into creating strategies that will convince the customer that they need the product, that it is a good product, and the product is the best option in the market.

Tips for Moving from State School to Private School

by Leave a Comment

So, you are thinking of moving from State school to a Private senior school? Change can be hard, and it can be scary. New environment, new teachers, new friends, new everything. While making the move can be daunting, it can also be exciting, if you are prepared! In this blog, you can find 5 top tips to help you in your move from State school to Private senior school!

Application process

When applying to Private School, there is usually quite a detailed and highly competitive criteria that needs to be met. This means you cannot leave it until the last minute or leave it to chance, preparation is really key here to secure your spot.

First, get yourself familiar with the admissions criteria and alternative options, for example, some private senior schools offer bursaries or scholarships. Whichever way you decide to apply, prepare yourself for a rigorous process. Most Private schools need not only an application, but some include tests and interviews for both parents and students as well. Time to brush up on those skills!

Most Private schools will use the Common Entrance Examination to determine admission. You can read about this on their website. This will give you direction on the test and what you can prepare, perhaps investing in a tutor, online courses, interview coach or an exam strategy could give you an advantage.

Plan ahead

Don’t leave things up to chance or last minute, make sure you have everything planned and in place ready for the move, to ensure a seamless transition. From uniform, to stationary, to travel to and from school. Make sure you / your child knows the form of transport, what classes they have and which buildings they need to go to!

Visit the school

It might be a good idea to visit the Private school you wish to attend on more than one occasion before starting, this way you can get yourself / your child more familiar with the environment, buildings, teacher and peers. This can help reduce the fear and anxiety your child might be facing in the run up to the move, or on the day! And to the point above, can really help to know where your child is going on their first day and gives them an idea on what to expect! You can usually do this on various open days that the school hosts, or organise private visits.

Speak to parents/children

Making time to get to know the other parents and children at the new Private school can also be very beneficial to both you and your child. Your child is already going to be quite distressed, moving school, away from their current school friends. So, being familiar with some of their peers in advance can help boost confidence and self esteem.

Happy child = happy parents!

Extra curricular

If there are any activities your child enjoys, sign them up! The more time they spend at the school, doing the activities they enjoy and spending more time with their peers can really boost the quality of their academic experience.

Hopefully these tips come in handy with your new move. Good luck!

 

Top Secrets of Becoming a Successful Entrepreneur

by Leave a Comment

C:\Users\shaikh\Downloads\pexels-rebrand-cities-1367276.jpg

Image Source

Owning an entity is delightful until you need to put in actual work to boost your business’s success. Running an organization demands creativity, flexibility, and the adaptability to cope with the challenges. Furthermore, you have to climb your way up by acting as your boss to chart your business entity’s future. Entrepreneurship requires immense dedication, diligent work, and resilience to compete in the cutthroat corporate world. If you lack courage, foresight, and determination, you will face miserable defeat in this battleground.

You could be ahead in the minutiae tasks such as hiring the workforce or receiving paychecks. Still, your versatility determines your success on the unchartered grounds of the business arena. There is no way to predict without experiencing whether you will be a good entrepreneur or be better off working for an employer. However, all successful business owners possess indispensable qualities and swear by some principles that guide them towards performing better as a leader. Let us look at some vital practices, best traits, and common mistakes that would either catalyze or narrow your path towards success.

  1. Focus on a Single Idea/Goal

Do you know what makes a business grow regardless of the challenges? The leader’s ability to focus intensely on discovering new opportunities. It is a trait that draws the line between an entrepreneur and an employee. The ability to eliminate wasted efforts and the distractions that obstruct your creativity makes you an exceptional leader. A majority of business organizations will experience an early death from doing too many tasks at once instead of focusing on a single idea. Concentrating on your goals is a crucial interpersonal trait, which you must inculcate overtime to gain success as an entrepreneur. However, programs such as online masters in analytics provide you with the optimum expertise to enhance analytical abilities and manage resources. With analytical skills, you can jot down core ideas that can lead your business to success. And set aside other areas that may drain your efforts, time, and resources.

  1. Monitor Data and Figures

In today’s era, big data and number crunching are crucial to surviving. A successful entrepreneur is aware of the need to monitor it. A spreadsheet will only tell you how your business is performing in terms of numbers. You can undoubtedly work with numbers while using spreadsheets and then migrate the data to accounting software. By relocating the revenue and sales figure in such accounting software, you can then arrive at conclusions for further revenue generation. However, you must have some understanding of accounting and finance principles to analyze the data and figures. For this, you can opt for an online masters in accounting no GMAT to learn the basics of accounting practices, financial forecasts, etc. Thus, you would need not rely on external accountants and make decisions based on your experiences and wisdom.

Thus, to emerge as a successful entrepreneur, you must learn to work with data and numbers. Otherwise, your ship would float at the mercy of others, who could break away whenever they want to.

  1. Stay Compassionate About Your Goals

Being passionate about something means you are willing to sacrifice your comfort to reach your set point. It also means giving up on a considerable amount of your waking hours to bring into existence ideas and strategies that take you to your goal. When the bearer of an idea is passionate, everyone taking part in its execution will also follow suit. The reason behind that is in the corporate world; nobody likes to stay behind. The team under your leadership will drive inspiration from your workways and attitude towards the business objectives. With passion, you and your team can deliver optimum quality and lead your customers to believe genuinely in your organization.

  1. Plan Your Tasks

If you think all the big names in the business arena made it from just ordering their employees around to do tasks, you could not be more wrong. If you strive to achieve entrepreneurial success, you must understand that there is no such thing as overnight success. There lie years of hard work, sweat, sleepless nights, and tiring days behind every success story in the business world. It doesn’t matter how good a fortune you have. If you can’t work your way up, you better quit. Giving your 100% in everything, even if performing trivial tasks, is an unwritten rule to take your business to unprecedented heights.

  1. Work on Self-Motivation 

Everyone will teach you to remain focused on your goals, but no one will tell you to focus on the journey. A good leader does not let anything go in vain. Even during the most challenging times, he will maintain his composure and work through the obstacles. If you fail to focus on the process, there is a high chance you cannot reach your goals. The reason is that the experience uncovers your strengths and weaknesses and allows you to develop in areas you lack. After all, your attitude towards the goals will inspire your team in the long run.

Conclusion

There is no formula to measure success. One could have innate leadership qualities and not know how to utilize them. On the other hand, some people take years to develop these characters to attain entrepreneurial success. It takes trial and error, experimentation, etc., to unearth the secrets. In the modern world, all the information you need is a mere tap away. Therefore, striving for your establishment’s success will require you to stand your ground and work diligently. However, you cannot achieve success alone and will have to work with several stakeholders to aid in the process.

 

Top 5 Ways to Build Leaders for Tomorrow

by Leave a Comment

To ensure a safer, better future, an organization should build leaders rather than followers for itself.

With the ever-rising technological advancements and companies expanding their business globally, competitive leaders’ need is evident in all professional fields. For every beginner to begin their success journey, there has to be a leader to guide them.

Therefore, no organization or company would want to put their future success and growth at stake. With companies scrambling for solutions, the need for leadership development is more crucial now. The question is, how can one build leaders for tomorrow? The amalgamation of various critical skills and abilities allows us to make future leaders.

Why do we need to train leaders for tomorrow?

The new generation will face a whole new set of rules and challenges compared to the ones faced by leaders today. If you wish to prepare future leaders, there are specific ways to mold them. Preparing for whatever difficulties life will throw at them, navigating their way to success.

The methods and business tactics used in the past by older generations are rendered invalid and nullified by this generation. Consequently, making it tough to practice leadership skills in the current era with outdated guidelines.

Since the future leaders will be different, working in various circumstances, teaching them the same leadership approach would be inappropriate. Instead, they need proper training to adapt to an unfamiliar and unexpected plethora of events. Simultaneously, applying innovative, improvised, and better problem-tackling strategies to prove their leadership skills. Many online leadership degree courses are available to incorporate robust leadership traits. It allows you to learn new things at your time’s convenience while helping to enhance leadership characteristics.

To save the next generation of leaders from the uncanny circumstances, today’s leaders need to develop tomorrow’s leaders. Fortunately, companies are taking steps like arranging conferences and competitions to devise creativity skills among their employees due to rising awareness.

Five Ways to Build Leaders for tomorrow:

“A smooth sea doesn’t make skillful sailors,” That is why the new generation needs to be prepared and trained to bring out the best in them.

However, it is not as straightforward and easy as it sounds. It needs collaboration and creativity to build technical methods and management theories on which the leadership skills will base. Creating various tools will enable future leaders to succeed in a more competitive world.

Here are a few ways to build future leaders:

Start with giving them an enthralling vision:

Nobody would want to walk down a blind path with no clue of where they are going. Therefore, create a purpose or a goal, which the new generation can believe in, compelling them to work on it. They should hone their skills, and success would occur inevitably.

Instill the importance of speaking clearly and confidently in every context. Because when a leader speaks passionately, it helps them connect with the employees and inspires them to work efficiently.

Education and technology go hand in hand:

To instill leadership skills in the new generations, you need to work from the start, beginning now. Provide them the right tools, education, access to the latest technology, and knowledge about professional developments. All of which are essential to light the spark of leadership in them.

Apart from advanced schooling and education, career counselors can play a crucial role in polishing every individual’s talents and skills. Many teenagers or even those who have enrolled in colleges get skeptical about choosing a career. That is why counseling can help them lead to their road to success.

Even for the current employers, there are specific online courses. Plus, arranging creative competitions can help their staff develop excellent leadership skills.

Provide access to personal development techniques:

Self-care and personal development are an integral part of any excellent leader’s skills. Employees and the staff should be motivated to learn how to tackle their life problems. Because if the mind is not at peace, there will be no good leadership vibes resonating from a person. They can be encouraged to eat right, work on themselves, meditate, and take some time to rewind.

Companies can even deploy tools such as exercise, breaks, and flexibility during working hours. In these conversation sessions, everyone can speak bravely and freely to release their stress, assuring good mental health.

Teach them the importance of networking and staying up-to-date:

For any great leader, it is essential to keep an eye on their competitors and surroundings. They should be flexible and confident enough to adapt readily to the changes and face the challenges that come their way. Networking and engaging with colleagues and competitors allows you to stay informed about the changes accordingly.

Thanks to the internet and technology taking over the world, staying connected with people is possible. Some tools and apps help you keep in touch and bring you the latest news from all around the globe. They even allow you to coordinate with experts in the relevant field, aiding you to achieve your goals.

Provide career development opportunities:

The jobs making it to the list of top ten were unknown to the past generation. Similarly, as we are unable to foresee the future, nobody knows whether the best jobs of today will exist tomorrow or not. Therefore, organizations should provide their employees with user-friendly development and training opportunities. Ensure a fail-proof future and allow the employees to adapt quickly to recent changes.

Skillfully adapting to the new-world changes, ever-evolving technology, better opportunities is not only suitable for learners. Instead, it is essential for all employees, employers, and staff; in short, all organizational stakeholders.

Conclusion

The most important future asset for any company or organization is not their empowering brand or advanced technology. Instead, it is the human talent, work on growing them and turning them into skillful leaders. Further, such leaders can benefit your organization in a manner that will stay with you forever.

How is the IBPS RRB Cut Off Calculate

by Leave a Comment

Every year, the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection conducts the standard recruitment process for Regional Rural Banks across India.

This selection process is widely known as IBPS RRB recruitment, and many aspirants apply for posts of Manager, Assistant Manager, Senior Manager, and Multipurpose Office Assistants.

The IBPS RRB selection process takes place in multiple stages, usually culminating in an interview. You should qualify for each exam to move on to the next phase, and it is solely based on the cut-off marks released for the particular year.

Read on further to know how to calculate the IBPS RRB cut off for the particular year.

Phases Of IBPS RRB Cut Off

According to the IBPS RRB notification, the exam and the selection process for aspiring banking officers will occur in three stages. Depending on the IBPS RRB cut off& marks obtained in each stage, the candidate will move closer to the final selection process.

The three stages in the IBPS RRB selection are:

  • The Preliminary Exam for Assistant officers and Officer Stage 1
  • Single Exam for Officer Stage 2 & 3
  • The Mains Exam for Assistant officers and Officer Stage 1
  • The Interview Round

Deciding Factors for the Cut Off

The cut off for the IBPS RRB exam is determined based on several factors like:

  • The difficulty of the paper
  • Total number of vacancies available the current year
  • Number of candidates taking up the exam
  • Last year’s IBPS RRB cut off

How To Calculate Cut off

The IBPS exam administration considers the previous years’ RRB exam scores to calculate the current year’s cutoff marks.

Once the results are published, the first step you have to do is check your scorecard. The result card contains different sections, including the overall score and the aspirant’s qualifying status.

Cross-check and confirm if these details mentioned in the scorecard are valid.

  • Name of the candidate
  • Roll number
  • Post applied
  • Category
  • Section-wise marks obtained
  • Maximum aggregate marks
  • Cut off score for shortlisting

The Normalisation of the Score to Calculate Cut Off

As the question paper’s difficulty varies for every session, the IBPS exam authority normalises the scores to maintain fairness among all the aspirants. This normalisation procedure helps compare the merit and score of the candidates who took up different exam sessions.

The IBPS RRB cut off is calculated using the equi-percentile method. With this method, you can calculate the corrected score you obtained in the Mains and Prelims exam. The marks up to two decimal points are taken into consideration to determine the cut-off.

The exam authority shortlisted the candidate based on the cut off and considers them for the next rounds of the selection process.

The following steps are carried out to calculate the marks for preparing the merit lists:

  • The Main exam marks are normalised, and the scores above 40% are used for the next stages.
  • The scores above the IBPS RRB cut-off are used to shortlist candidates eligible to be interviewed.
  • The common written normalised score takes up 80% priority, while 20% is allocated to the interview.

Total Weighted Score of Online Single Exam

The online single exam is conducted for the candidates aspiring for the Officer scale 2 and 3 posts. Those who are aspiring for Assistant Officers and Officer Scale 1 posts do not have to take up this exam.

It is conducted as an alternative test to the Preliminary exam, and the candidates who qualify in this are directly eligible for the Interview stage. IBPS uses different methods to determine the total weighted scores for the online single exam, which is different from the equi-percentile method.

Finally, based on the cut off marks for the current year, the IBPS will release the list of eligible candidates to attend the final phase of the selection process- The Interview round.

 

Top Trending Tech Careers For The Next Decade

by Leave a Comment

D:\PNC\Sep 2020\code-1076536_1920.jpg

In today’s world, technology has embedded itself in every aspect of our lives. It has evolved into a multi-billion dollar industry. With continuous innovations, we have seen the boom and growth potential of this industry. We live in an era where technology has replaced the physical workforce with automation following a massive change in the required skillsets.

Most people are even looking for a career transition due to the technology-based industry’s growing job demands. The technology sector continues to rise with openings available for new talent and skillset. Companies and businesses have realized the potential of adapting to the ever-evolving market and have started to attract the right talent.

It is not just the engineers and doctors who start their careers with a lucrative package; the tech industry also offers a hefty paycheck. Today’s tech industry offers better salaries, growth, benefits, and job satisfaction than any other sector. As technology is on the rise, we have compiled a list of some top trending tech careers that will shape the future in the coming years.

  • Artificial Intelligence (AI) Architect

Technology experts look for ways to bring new solutions that make our lives better as technology continues to rise. Among these innovations is Artificial Intelligence (AI) that has automated almost every industry today. AI has increased in demand by shaping businesses and consumer lifestyles. Recruiters actively seek individuals that have expertise in AI architecture and structuring. Individuals who can design and implement the new AI-based programs are in demand and will continue to be in the coming days.

Like software developers, AI architects also make a career out of designing and engineering various AI-based programs, products, and services. Companies usually recruit talent possessing higher educational degrees in the most demanding subjects such as an online MBA information technology, Data Sciences, or AI with experience in data structuring and analytics. The profession of AI integration requires knowledge of machine and deep learning with language processing. Artificial Intelligence is among the most trending and highest-paid carriers in IT.

  • Information Security Analyst

With the transformative growth in full swing for the tech industry, digital information has encompassed every sector of today. Information security analyst comes in handy at this point, as they are the ones who protect IT structure and data from cyber-attacks. They are at the front line of defense against the threat of sensitive information. They utilize a variety of strategies and safety programs to ensure that the data remains safe and viable. Employers require professionals possessing masters in computer sciences with related certifications. Notably, the expected career growth in Information Security Analyst (ISA) has a rise of 32% until 2028.

  • Database Administration

Another trending career in the technology sector is the Database Administrator (DBA). DAs are the ones who handle all the organizational data to ensure that the organizational IT structure runs smoothly and without breaches. Besides, they have the responsibility to organize and safe storage of the crucial data sets. The profession’s educational requirements consist of a degree in computer sciences, management information systems, and data sciences. Other than the required education, professionals in this principle need to understand database languages such as Structure Query Language (SQL) and others.

It is worth mentioning that a data science master’s salary for the career goes up to $80,600, with a potential growth expected to rise to 11% by 2026, and is among the highest paying IT jobs.

  • Software Developers

Probably, it is the most sought-after career for the next decade in the tech sector. Software developers are the ones who design applications to support various hardware acceleration. Every hardware is a heap of silicone and metal without adequate software to run. These professionals are responsible for ensuring a running application, offer troubleshooting and necessary updates. Everything runs on the efforts of software developers ranging from video games to design tools and mobile apps. Software developers are an ever-changing career that needs updates on skills and new training constantly. Therefore, professionals involved in this career need to learn and adapt to new technologies frequently.

An essential aspect of this career is the training and skills that teach the profession’s ins and outs. Undoubtedly, the career is highly rewarding in terms of personal and professional growth.

  • Mobile App Development

With the evolution of digital marketing and an increasing number of mobile users, there’s a significant increase in the use of mobile applications. Mobile app development is a career that demands creativity and utilizes the problem-solving skills of an expert. Mobile app developers are the experts who develop an idea into a running application. Applications meant for entertainment, convenience, or any other purpose need a mobile app that these professionals provide. The career in mobile app development has increased in demand, offering up to $73,000 annually.

  • Web Development

Similar to mobile app development, web developers have also come in high demand. Web developers use various designs, programming languages, frameworks, data structures, and strategies to develop websites. Online and internet-based businesses today need websites in place of brick and mortar facilities. Internet business is here to stay, and so is the demand for web developers to fulfill the market’s need. Both entry-level and full-stack web developers are in ever-increasing demand, with an average growth potential of 13% each year. Besides, web developers earn almost $75,500 annually and boost the IT industry’s highest job satisfaction rating.

  • Web Designers

Web designers work on the graphical representation and aesthetics of a website or application. Their job requires collaboration with all types of developers to design user interface design. The differentiating aspect of design and web developers is that web developers on the back-end while designers work on aesthetics. Some of their everyday tasks include design layouts, aesthetical frameworks, wireframes, and mockup designs. Web designing is an attractive career for those with a creative mind. The current job market includes several UI and UX opportunities. With an average salary of $64,300, it is one of the promising careers with growth potential.

  • Cloud Designing

Cloud designing is a lucrative career in the IT sector that implements and manages an organization’s cloud computing strategy. The professionals working in this field understand cloud applications and various platforms. Also, they are responsible for deploying multiple cloud strategies to make the data run smoothly and efficiently. The average median salary of this career goes up to $107,000 annually.

Final Word

The technology sector has evolved into a massive and lucrative career empire, offering various high-paid jobs to professionals. Digital marketing, website designing, AI, and other areas have offered better careers. Hence, a skilled workforce with a capable mindset is the only requirement to fulfill future aspects of the industry.

Six Top Reasons for Studying Counseling

by Leave a Comment

 

C:\Users\abid khan\Downloads\pexels-photo-6238033.jpeg

Source

Have you ever dreamt of having a job where you can make a difference in other people’s lives within your community? Are you an honest, empathetic, thoughtful, and careful listener? If yes, then becoming a counselor might be the best possible career choice you can make. It is the job of a counselor or therapist to change an individual’s life through emotional assistance. The counseling field is fulfilling and flexible, which is in demand these days, making it a career choice that one should consider. The essence of a counseling-based involves active and excellent listening skills while being non-judgmental and compassionate with your diagnoses. A counselor will always be there for anyone who needs guidance in hard times and wants to overcome the challenges of harmful, negative feelings.

Suppose you want to be a successful counselor. In that case, you need to have strong interpersonal skills, especially acceptance, empathy, and dedication to help those in need. People might end up coming to you to acquire assistance with their relationships, mental health, careers, and other pressing issues. Through a counseling career, you will affect the lives of people in a meaningful and positive way. However, that is one of the numerous reasons why you should consider becoming a counselor yourself. Listed below are a few more that will make your decision a whole lot easier.

  1. Countless Opportunities to Bring Change Into People’s Lives

The more expertise you have, the more opportunities you will have to work with people personally to leave an ever-lasting impact on their lives. Effective counselors can break down barriers regardless of gender, age, race, or educational background.

You can work inside community-based organizations, hospitals, or clinics or even practice privately if you attain the proper credentials. You can help people overcome and navigate trials such as relationship issues, trauma, depression, workplace stress, loss of loved ones, and much more. Many states in the USA require a campus-based or online master’s in counseling if you want to work in the counseling or psychology field. So, earning yours will be crucial to getting your foot inside the door.

  1. A Counseling Career Will Give Your Life a Feeling of Relevance

People often switch careers and enter the counseling world because they want to give their lives meaning. Counseling allows you to connect with different people from different walks of life. It will enable you to help them through the most challenging and difficult moments in their lives.

Keeping them in mind, can you think of anything else that could be more meaningful than putting others before yourself? We certainly cannot!

  1. A Career in Counseling Allows for Continuous Personal and Professional Growth

It is not only your patients on clients who will experience growth from your therapy sessions. You will grow as a person and professional too. From a personal perspective, helping and assisting others through their struggles will allow you to address your issues. Who knows, you might be facing a problem with your personal life that you can handle when you sit with a client experiencing the same pain or issue.

  1. The Counseling Field Continues to Grow Rapidly

With job prospects at an all-time high, it may be the perfect time for you to enter the counseling field. Employment in counseling is on the rise, with around 57.1 percent over the previous year. Compare that to the 10.9 percent growth in other career options, and you will be working in a field that is evolving at break-neck speeds.

Furthermore, over the coming five years or so, the counseling field’s employment rate will rise around 3.2 percent per year, adding up to 16 percent in total. That is far greater than any other career choice out there.

  1. You, Will, Be Well Paid

When working in the counseling field, you can enjoy a high-income, depending on your area of expertise in the field. Let us take the example of a social worker’s job. In actuality, their roles correlate with those of a counselor. A social worker supports individuals and large groups through the same difficult times that a counselor does. They counsel these people, be it children or adults, and protect them from harm, just like a counselor does. They act as advocates and guides and maintain a professional relationship with people in need, again, just like a counselor does.

You can consider it as a highly specialized field of counseling with a more hands-on role. Suppose you want to become a social worker and provide counseling to those in need. In that case, the first thing you should do is acquire a masters in social work online or through a physical university. After that, expect to earn a salary of around 50,000 dollars per year on average.

  1. You, Will, Become a Great Listener

If you know that you feel comfortable when other people confide in you, then you, my friend, were made for a counselor’s job. You will have the opportunity to empathize with others and understand the importance of your client’s confidentiality. However, you will not know how to listen, what to say and when to say it without the proper knowledge. So, enrolling yourself in the right counseling course or degree will teach you to become a good listener and teach you the skills to become a great counselor.

Conclusion

Do these reasons entice you to consider a career in counseling? Do not wait and get started now with a career that will give your life a purpose, excellent job security, and increased job growth. While equal parts rewarding and challenging, such a field is full of life-altering and positive experiences. The more dedication and hard work you will put into it, the more fulfilling it will turn out for you.

 

Common mistakes to avoid when starting an independent business venture

by Leave a Comment

Starting an independent business venture is an overwhelmingly exciting and scary notion at the same time. It requires an entrepreneur to takes risks, make calculative decisions, and channel leadership skills to achieve business goals. Several mistakes undermine a startup’s ability to survive and make a meaningful impact on its target audience and industry.

Rushing into starting a business without prior work experience or training is a common mistake that leads to failure. These days many businesses are influenced by numerous forces aside from demand and supply and profits and losses. The modern-day corporate realm is increasingly data-driven. The margin to make mistakes is significantly lower than it was decades ago.

Keep reading to explore common mistakes to avoid while launching an independent business venture.

Neglecting Training & Experience

A business idea is a dream that inspires and beckons us to take risks. But that idea alone isn’t enough, even if you’ve nurtured it for years. To test that idea successfully, you need to leverage expertise, experience, leadership skills, and problem-solving abilities.

The advent of innovative technologies, such as data-driven processes, artificial intelligence, and machine learning, support greater precision and accuracy. As an entrepreneur, your familiarity and ability to use these technologies significantly impact your brand’s success and survival.

Many entrepreneurs find it beneficial to pursue higher education and industry-relevant certifications to cultivate advanced skills instead of acquiring unaffordable talent. Consider pursuing an online business analytics degree to drive your startup with data-driven decisions and accurate forecasting. Data insights and analytics can propel your startup towards growth, profitability and ensure survival in a competitive industry sector.

Whether you’re planning an online or in-store business, data defines all processes, interactions, and revenue-generation activities. Entrepreneurs and startup owners have much to gain from data-driven business insights. Analytics empowers business owners with the ability to make well-informed and accurate decisions.

Not Preparing a Business Plan

Entrepreneurs who prioritize business over education and training fail to realize the significance of a well-documented business plan. How can you test the success and profitability of a business idea without market research and feasibility analysis? More importantly, how can you secure investors, funding, and financial loans without presenting a coherent business plan?

A business plan serves several purposes aside from outlining your idea and comprehensively detailing every corporate activity aspect. It’s a time-consuming effort that requires rigorous research, but it will save you both time and money in the long-run.

Inefficient Financial Management

Finance is the backbone of any given business, be it a grocery store, hair salon, or online stationery shop. Startups require efficient and savvy financial management to ensure profitability, curb losses and eliminate wastage. Entrepreneurs must record every transaction, follow accounting principles and keep track of their taxes.

Your business is bound to survive if you’re comfortable with accounting, financial planning, and forecasting. Accounting and financial savviness inspire pragmatic and realistic decisions that steer businesses towards calm waters. In recent years, eLearning has made higher education a flexible and achievable pursuit.

Accounting acumen is instrumental in ensuring profitability, managing supply chains, and cutting back expenses to reduce wastage. Many entrepreneurs and junior accountants pursue online masters in accounting no GMAT to elevate their industry standing and prosper towards greatness.

Don’t do what you Love

Doing what you love is a piece of age-old advice responsible for many a failed businesses and shattered entrepreneurial dreams. So, should you not do what you love? Not when it comes to running a profitable business unless you’re very good at doing what you love.

You see, some people love throwing paint on a canvas and calling it art. But are they able to sell that art successfully and earn a profit? Some people adore cooking, but their food doesn’t always garner applause. Should they start a restaurant or a home-based food joint to pursue their love for cooking?

Businesses require feasibility, planning, and acumen. If you’re not good at doing what you love, then you shouldn’t do it professionally. Instead, erect a business based on a skill or a talent that you are really good at.

Neglecting Market Research

Most entrepreneurs focus solely on their business ideas. They create hundreds of feasibility reports, plan extensively, and pay meticulous attention to every tiny and enormous detail. While they test out every kink in their business idea, they pay little attention to the market they wish to penetrate.

Market research is the first step of creating a business plan. It’s crucial to study and explore the market and build awareness of dynamics, trends, technologies, and consumer preferences. Market research is instrumental in understanding two key stakeholders that influence your business: consumers and competitors.

Consumer segmentation will help you break down your target audience and pursue each segment with a personalized campaign. Competitor analysis is another crucial undertaking to penetrate the market with a competitive offering that makes you stand out. Ignoring your customers and competitors is a fatal error that will cost you dearly.

Conclusion

Starting an independent business venture may seem like your true calling. But it’s vital to avoid this leap of faith without building expertise, market savvy skills, and pursuing higher education. The corporate realm is brimming with risks, challenges, and obstacles.

The competition is much fierce and volatile. So, be sure to bring in your A-game when you’re ready to launch your business!

How to Balance Work and Education Simultaneously?

by Leave a Comment

It is almost impossible to study in today’s economy without a part-time job supporting your expenses. College tuition is increasing every day, and student loans are hard to pay off. So when there’s no other way, students have to choose to overwork themselves by juggling a job and their studies.

Balancing academic routine and work take up so much time that they get barely any time left to enjoy their personal life. It is one of the most significant issues present-day students face. They have to spend a lot of time studying and working due to various high expenses and low wages. But we are going to discuss how you can balance studies and work alongside. Some tips are:

1. Develop a schedule

Making schedules may seem like the most restricting and boring thing to do. But they can help you achieve maximum efficiency and secure free time after all your work completes. Now we aren’t saying that you have to schedule your food breaks and restroom breaks too. But consider making a schedule of classes, work time, and dedicated study times. You will find you spent a lot of time dreading work or procrastinating instead of utilizing that free time to relax and have fun.

2. Look for flexible jobs 

Now we understand that not everyone can have the job of their dreams with low work hours and high wages, and flexible schedules. But part-time jobs still offer plenty of flexible options that can relieve you in stressful times. So look into positions that are a bit more flexible than others, where you can have the opportunity to work at different times. Lessen your load whenever needed, and have the option to get leaves. Finding such a job may seem like searching for a job utopia, but it is not as impossible as it looks. When you hunt for jobs, make it clear that you are a student and demand some flexibility. You will be surprised at how accommodating recruiters can be.

3. Study online 

Once you complete your bachelor’s degree, you have no option but to find a full-time job to support your expenses. But just having a bachelor’s degree may or may not quench your thirst for education. You may want to study for a master’s degree so that you can find better job opportunities and prospects for career growth. But managing a full-time job along with studies can be challenging. That is why we recommend that you opt for online degrees. For example, if you are working as a family service worker, but you aim to become a mental health counselor, you will need a master’s degree. Enrolling for MSW online no GRE will provide you with the option to study alongside your job with a flexible schedule. But remember not to overburden yourself. Only take the burden you can carry because it doesn’t matter if you complete your degree a year later. Your social life and health matters, and overburdening yourself can be dangerous.

4. Decide your priorities 

Not having your priorities set straight can become a significant obstacle on your path to success. But mostly, it can become an obstacle when you have to manage your education and job alongside. Maybe you spend too much time with your friends when you can designate that time to study and finish your assignments. Perhaps you spend the whole weekend partying, leaving you with no room to catch up with your studies. Having a healthy personal life and having fun is just as important as working. But doing too much of anything can have negative consequences. So prioritize your education, as you are investing money and efforts into it. The second priority should be your job, as you have to earn to keep up your expenses and work towards your career. And third comes your personal life. Straightening your priorities will allow you to accomplish a lot of things quickly.

5. Work smart and not hard 

Hard work is necessary, but working smart is the way of the successful. There is no point in slaving away all day and cramming up your books throughout the night. It will leave you exhausted and drained. You will eventually realize that you can only keep up this routine for a short amount of time. But working smarter can help you perform better and still find time to relax.

You can work smarter by changing your study methods. Make notes during classes and short notes and index cards when you are free. Study during your commute times instead of running towards the library each time you have to study. Record lectures for understanding and listen to them while you lie in your bed. There are many other ways to work smart without having to work too hard. They can help you solve all the time-related issues, perform better, and balance your work and studies successfully.

Conclusion 

Students in the present times are working harder than previous generations because they don’t have the liberty of enjoying a healthy economy. They are struggling to stay afloat and find a living in this competitive market. There is no easy way out of this. So sometimes, you have to give in and find ways to balance your life. Finding ways to balance your work and study life will train you for your professional life, and you will have a better work-life balance.

 

9 Skills Companies Seek in Candidates during the Recruitment Process

by Leave a Comment

In 2020 when Covid-19 was in full swing, many people lost their jobs and livelihood. Thankfully the pandemic is subsiding, so many companies will be hiring again. You will also get a window of new openings. As the recruitment process begins, we have compiled a guide to learn about some sought-after skills. We have included nine skills companies seek in candidates, from soft skills like interpersonal interaction to hard ones like commercial or technical awareness. Let’s have a look:

  • Communication and Interpersonal Skills

Better known as interpersonal skills, these are the handy skills you use to engage and interact with others. Whether it’s a client or a coworker, it is essential to communicate clearly so that your message gets across. Communicating with people from their perspective enables them to understand you better and do what you expect with little mistakes. Many recruiters hire employees purely on their ability to connect with people at various levels. So if you want to be hired quickly, be sure to bring your communication and interpersonal skills up to par.

  • Teamwork

No matter what job they are offering, recruiters are always on the lookout for team players. Since a business‘s success lies in all its employees’ combined efforts, they quickly hire applicants who get along with others. Such people help others in any way they can and efficiently collaborate with the entire team. So if you lack this critical trait, better get to work on developing it as it is a surefire way to land an excellent job for yourself.

  • Commercial Awareness

Commercial awareness means having sufficient knowledge about the workings of a business organization. It can be generalized information about the economic and political trends or specific knowledge about the particular organization and industry. Now it may cause you to wonder how you can develop commercial awareness. That’s where one can understand the difference between MBA and EMBA as EMBA rigorously teaches commercial awareness. Why? Because executives seeking education, that is, an MBA, need to have more commercial knowledge.

In contrast, MBA grads are taught commercial skills but only the basics. To develop commercial awareness about a particular company, be sure to conduct thorough research. With accurate knowledge, your position will be stronger than any others.

  • Leadership Qualities

They might not hire you straight away, but companies do look for individuals with strong leadership qualities. When we say leadership qualities, it means the coming together of skills and traits that ascertain different projects’ success. These include good communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and the ability to inspire and motivate others. Workers who encourage their teams and coworkers are an asset to their company. They act as true leaders by first explaining the goal and how to achieve it and then inspiring the whole team to do their best. If you lack in these aspects, try actively participating in group activities. Taking responsibility is the best way to enhance leadership qualities.

  • Positive attitude

A positive and optimistic attitude will help you go a long way. Even in adverse circumstances, staying calm boosts morale and enables you to fight the most challenging situations. It helps divulge in new things and brainstorm new ideas. A positive attitude is a driving force that makes people excited to go to work. That’s why it is desirable a skill that companies seek in candidates during the recruitment process.

  • Persuasion

Understanding the other party’s perspective and making them see yours is the key to a successful business. When both of you can see where the other person is coming from, you can draft better strategies to benefit each other. Companies seek this skill because it helps them change their clients’ preconceived notions and make them do business with them. Skilled individuals understand their potential clients’ needs and expectations and address them in a meaningful way to persuade them. So if you can convince the recruiters to hire you, well, you already have an essential corporate skill up your sleeve.

  • Time Management

Prioritizing and conducting your tasks in an organized way proves your efficiency. Suppose you have been engaging in co-curricular activities or doing a part-time job while studying. In that case, it will show up on your CV as effective time management skills. It is a desirable skill for most companies because the employees who know when and where to direct their efforts are in-demand. Such people can juggle multiple projects at any given time by organizing their workload, prioritizing their time, and understanding how much they can realistically do. So don’t hesitate to show off your time management aptitude as recruiters highly seek it.

  • Technical Knowledge

We live in a digital era so having some technical know-how is vital for survival. However, if you want a prestigious company to hire you, improve your technical knowledge. Depending upon your profession and the job you are applying for, you will need a specific technical skillset. These include handling standard software or the ability to tackle particular tasks. If you seek to work hard towards achieving company goals diligently, you need proper technical knowledge. Develop and improve your technical knowledge to get hired by a prestigious company.

  • Stress Management

Workplace-related stress varies depending upon the field you choose; some jobs are more stressful than others. If you become overwhelmed or stressed, it will get to you. To get out of such situations, you have to keep calm and work on your emotional quotient. You have to maneuver out of the crisis with a positive attitude and critical thinking. If you can confidently handle stressful situations, it will set you apart from other applicants.

The Bottom Line

These are the nine skills that companies seek in candidates during the recruitment process. If you aim for a specific job, learn about the skills recruiters seek and acquire them. Doing so will not only get you the job but also enable you to do it satisfactorily. Furthermore, perfecting the skills we shared today can help you grow in your career and provide you with several development opportunities.