Students blog

I started college during COVID – when everything was on lockdown and school was completely virtual. Because of that, I never stepped foot on campus for my entire freshman year. Now, as a senior, I have one big piece of advice for students at any stage of their college career: take advantage of all your school’s resources!!

As a student, you’re paying for way more than just your classes. College is the perfect time to explore your career options and get a head start on building your resume! I wish I had known all of the services that my school offered earlier on, which is why I’m here now to encourage you to get involved on campus and guide you on where to start.

Get Published!

No matter your major, getting your work published is a major achievement that will make your resume stand out. Luckily, your college has tons of different avenues to facilitate getting your voice out into the world! Most colleges run undergraduate journals and student media organizations specifically to publish students. Depending on your interests, you could: get your research peer-reviewed and published, join the school newspaper and continuously publish articles, get your poetry/short stories published and read by hundreds, and even more! For most people, this is the easiest path to getting that first publishing credit, so don’t let it pass you by!

The Writing Center

But, before you get published, you’ll actually have to get writing! The Writing Center is a great resource for free feedback on all your work. Writing is a skill that will be important in any future endeavor, so don’t miss out on the chance to strengthen it right now! The Writing Center is there to help refine any piece of writing, from essays to poetry. This is the perfect way to learn how to make your writing more effective and to get feedback on anything you’re working on. Need help on coming up with an essay topic? Struggling on a major assignment? Want tips on how to improve your writing overall? Give the Writing Center a visit!

Travel Opportunities

Traveling during your studies is one of the best ways to make lasting memories and friendships. Studying abroad is alluring but can often be too expensive or daunting to students. Luckily, many colleges offer other opportunities to explore. One common opportunity is an Alternative Break! These are trips that run during school breaks, are typically held domestically, and center around a social cause, thus providing students with an experience that adds meaning to their studies and can enhance a resume. It’s also the perfect way to meet like-minded people, learn about important issues and new places, and give back to your community.

The Career Center

Last, but definitely not least, is the Career Center! This is possibly the most bountiful resource that your college has to help you build your career. Need help making a resume? Want to improve your interviewing skills? Looking to meet and network with new people? Want to learn from alumni? Searching for a job or internship? The Career Center can help you with all of this and more!

College is the optimal platform to build a career from, but it doesn’t start once you get your degree. It starts now! Your college is there to help you get started while you’re in school– all the resources are there for you to use, so dive in now and get familiar with what your school offers you.

Do you have a compelling story or student success tips you’d like to see published on the Pearson Students blog?  If you are a college student and interested in writing for us – click here to pitch your idea and get started! 

Second semester is upon us, and unfortunately so is the cold. Some people may love the cold, but for me this often means staying inside my room locked away from the frigid weather and the rest of college. While it is nice to cuddle up with a movie every now and then, too much time in the dorm room can lead to inevitable loneliness and what many of us call “winter depression.” So here are a few ways I motivate myself to get out even when its unbearably cold!

Workout Classes

Now you could throw on some gloves and a hat and go for a run outside, but I personally cannot do exercise in the icy cold. Therefore, to stay active in the winter I love going to different workout and exercise classes! Whether I go to a nearby yoga class or a spin class in my school’s gym, working out with others always gets my spirits up. I also highly encourage getting a buddy to go with you and make the group class that much more fun!

Trying New Food

My favorite thing during the season of cold weather is sitting down with a warm bowl of soup or plate of delicious pasta. One thing that always makes everyone happy is food! Either by going with friends to a new restaurant or simply trying a new dish at your dining hall, getting out of your room to try new types of food will always reduce any type of “winter depression” that may come your way.

Find a Study Spot

I usually do all my work in my room, but when it gets to wintertime, I like to try and find a new place to study on campus to keep myself from procrastinating and crawling into my bed. There is always the library on campus, but I encourage you all to find a new study spot that might lift your spirits rather than depress them. It could be a nearby coffee shop, a random couch in the student center, or even a table at the dining hall!

While the winter months may make you want to hide under a blanket, taking minor actions such as these can help combat feelings of loneliness. Stay connected to your community and Spring Break will be here before you know it!

Do you have a compelling story or student success tips you’d like to see published on the Pearson Students blog?  If you are a college student and interested in writing for us – click here to pitch your idea and get started! 

After completing my third summer internship, I can openly say that my professional journey has developed tremendously. Having done both in-person and remote internships, you can still shine and pave the way for your future career success with the right action plan. Here are some helpful tips that transformed my professional goals into reality.

Setting Clear Goals

First things first, before you even start your internship, take some time to set clear, achievable goals. What skills do you want to develop? What projects do you hope to contribute to? By defining these objectives from the outset, you'll have a roadmap to guide your efforts and measure your progress along the way. Using SMART goals will benefit you make strategic and defined goals. Also, run these goals by your manager or other interns, it will not only keep you accountable but give you a space to receive feedback on your progress.

Building Strong Relationships

Make the effort to establish a solid rapport with your fellow employees. Take the initiative to get to know the people on your team, whether it is through coffee dates or a quick shadowing of their role. Ask questions, get comments, and show that you are eager to learn new things. Also take the time to connect with your fellow interns, they can also be a useful resource to network with. Be intentional and genuine with your interactions, with that foster and develop that connection that could be helpful in the near future.

Managing Time Effectively

Learn to prioritize tasks, manage your workload efficiently, and meet deadlines consistently. Using tools like calendars, planners, task management apps, and to-do lists can be invaluable in helping you stay organized and focused. Also manage out some time for mental breaks, don’t overload yourself and utilize some minutes for downtime.

Making a Lasting Impression

Finally, don't settle for just completing tasks. Strive to exceed expectations in everything you do. Show initiative, demonstrate your problem-solving skills, and consistently deliver high-quality work. Remember, every interaction is an opportunity to leave a positive impression that could lead to future career opportunities. That can look like asking for more work if time permits or thinking of initiatives or ideas to make your final project stand out.

Your internship is not just a temporary job—it's a pivotal opportunity to learn, grow, and build the foundation for your future career success. You're not only maximizing your internship experience but also setting yourself up for future professional achievements. Make this internship a transformative experience that propels you towards your professional dreams!

Cheers to a successful internship journey ahead!

Do you have a compelling story or student success tips you’d like to see published on the Pearson Students blog?  If you are a college student and interested in writing for us – click here to pitch your idea and get started! 

During the Spring 2024 semester, I had the opportunity to work as Pearson Higher Education Mathematics Micro-intern. As a mathematics major, I was intrigued by the chance to get a behind the scenes look at the product development, marketing strategies, and data analysis in an area that directly affects me as a student. Over the course of four months, I worked with Siby Sabu, a Senior Product Marketing Manager at Pearson, to learn about the ins and outs of the world of marketing and sales! I entered this micro-internship with very little knowledge. I had never taken any business-related course in college and had only had exposure to marketing through the Pearson Campus Ambassador program. Nonetheless, I was eager for this learning experience, prepared myself to become a sponge, and was excited to get started and expand my repertoire!

Gaining Product Insight and Compiling Feedback

One of the highlights of my micro-internship was getting to learn more about Pearson’s MyLab, textbook integration, and how the books are updated or improved. This opportunity allowed me to familiarize myself with key features and functionalities, making me feel more prepared for future projects that would inevitably come my way as a Pearson Campus Ambassador.

Part of this process also involved listening to feedback from customers. I had the chance to sit in on some virtual calls as well as transcribe recordings aimed at reviewing a competitor’s software and comparing it to Pearson’s MyLab. As someone who has used MyLab for almost their entire college experience, it was interesting for me to hear a professor's point of view of the onboarding process, how to set up class portals and assignments, and how to organize a gradebook. This helped me to grasp the importance of customer-centricity in product development and marketing efforts.

Research, Research, and More Research!

One of the most surprising aspects of my micro-internship experience was how important research was. I always assumed marketing was internal, a boomerang of collaborative ideas that flowed through an organization rather than exploring outside sources, but I realized that there was also much to learn from competitors.

I also researched topics related to marketing, specifically, different types of emails and loyalty incentives as well as sales and revenue enablement. There was so much information available to me! I was able to broaden my knowledge of effective communication techniques and learn how to craft engaging content to gain more “clicks” through concepts such as journey emails and dynamic emails. In connection to email avenues, I compiled ideas for loyalty incentives aimed at fostering customer engagement and loyalty. My research on sales collateral equipped me with a deeper understanding of the materials needed to support sales efforts. From brochures to product training workshops to demos and focus groups, I explored various collateral formats, their role in driving sales effectiveness, and possible implementations for Pearson. I even had the chance to interview my own sales representative as a Pearson Campus Ambassador to gain insight on her experience, get feedback on my research, and gauge interest. This firsthand perspective gave me a clearer perspective of the opportunities and challenges within the sales environment.

Creativity is Key

Creativity was a major aspect of my micro-internship which I thoroughly enjoyed since I do not have many creative outlets in my major. I was tasked with coming up with ideas for on-campus contests for college students and professors. This was an extra fun project as I got to survey my peers to gauge interest and gather feedback from current college students, ensuring that the contests would resonate with the target audience.

As my micro-internship journey ends, I find myself reflecting on the valuable experiences and lessons learned throughout the process. Each component of the micro-internship contributed to my growth and development and opened my eyes to the wide world of marketing! Special thanks to Siby for all his mentorship, and I look forward to applying what I learned to my position as a Pearson Campus Ambassador and in all of my future endeavors!

Do you have a compelling story or student success tips you’d like to see published on the Pearson Students blog?  If you are a college student and interested in writing for us – click here to pitch your idea and get started! 

Managing finances as a college student living off-campus can be daunting, but with careful planning and discipline, you can stretch your dollars and maintain financial stability. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you budget effectively.

1. Calculate Your Income

The first step in budgeting is knowing how much money you have. This includes:

• Income from Part-Time Jobs: Calculate your monthly earnings.
• Financial Aid and Scholarships: Include grants, scholarships, and student loans.
• Support from Family: If applicable, account for regular contributions from family.

Understanding your total monthly income sets the foundation for creating a realistic budget.

2. Track Your Expenses

Keep track of all your expenses to understand where your money is going. Use apps like Mint or YNAB, or maintain a simple spreadsheet. Categorize your expenses into fixed and variable costs.

• Fixed Costs: Rent, utilities, internet, transportation (car payments or public transit passes), insurance, and tuition fees.
• Variable Costs: Groceries, dining out, entertainment, clothing, and other personal expenses.

3. Create a Budget Plan

Based on your tracked expenses, create a detailed budget. Allocate funds to each category and prioritize essentials.

• Rent and Utilities: This should be your top priority. Aim to keep rent around 30% of your monthly income.
• Groceries: Plan meals and shop smart to avoid overspending. Look for sales and use coupons.
• Transportation: Factor in gas, maintenance, and insurance if you own a car. Consider public transportation as a cost-effective alternative.
• Miscellaneous: Set aside a fixed amount for entertainment, dining out, and other non-essential expenses.

4. Cut Unnecessary Costs

Identify areas where you can cut back. Consider these tips:

• Cook at Home: Dining out frequently can drain your budget. Cooking at home is healthier and cheaper.
• Use Student Discounts: Take advantage of student discounts for everything from software to public transportation and entertainment.
• Limit Subscriptions: Assess your subscriptions (Netflix, Spotify, etc.) and cancel any that you don’t use regularly.

5. Build an Emergency Fund

Set aside a small amount each month into a savings account for unexpected expenses. Aim to build an emergency fund that covers at least three months of living expenses. This fund will provide a safety net and reduce financial stress.

6. Monitor and Adjust Your Budget

Regularly review your budget and spending habits. Adjust your budget as needed to stay on track. If you notice you’re overspending in one category, compensate by cutting back in another.

7. Seek Financial Advice

Many colleges offer financial literacy programs and resources. Don’t hesitate to seek advice
from financial counselors available through your university.

Budgeting as a college student living off-campus requires diligence and foresight. By calculating your income, tracking your expenses, creating a budget plan, cutting unnecessary costs, building an emergency fund, and regularly monitoring your budget, you can manage your finances effectively and ensure a stress-free college experience. Remember, the habits you develop now will serve you well into your financial future.

Do you have a compelling story or student success tips you’d like to see published on the Pearson Students blog?  If you are a college student and interested in writing for us – click here to pitch your idea and get started! 

Hey there, Resolution Revolutionaries!

As the new year approaches, we reflect on areas we hope to improve and grow. While New Year's resolutions often start with great enthusiasm, they can quickly lose momentum. However, we can approach resolutions with a new mindset and focus on achieving tangible results. These are my tips for anyone looking to keep their momentum going in the new year!

Dream Big and Start Small:

Pursuing grand visions transcends mere pastime—it's a catalyst for meaningful change. Our most ambitious goals find their roots in the vast expanse of our imagination, a space where the future can exceed the bounds of our current reality. Let's explore boundless opportunities and chart a strategic course towards our ambitions.

This year, I took time to think about what I wanted my life to look like long after graduating college instead of arbitrarily making my resolutions. I wanted to have time to explore my hobbies, speak multiple languages, and live an active lifestyle. I imagined the most idealized version of myself possible, and once I did, I made my yearly goals–with a twist. Instead of giving myself a year to accomplish them, I gave myself three months. The Twelve Week Year has been widely replicated by many people looking to take their goals to the finish line, and once I read the book by Brian P. Moran and Michael Lennington, I did the same! Although I did not achieve everything I set out to do and wasn't consistent every day, I achieved much more in 12 weeks than in the previous 12 months. If you’re also struggling to stay consistent for a seemingly long period, try implementing it yourself!

By dreaming without constraints, we unlock a wellspring of motivation and innovation, rendering the once unattainable within reach. However, the key to tangible progress lies in setting smaller, achievable goals. These steps deconstruct the journey, making our grand visions more accessible. By translating our dreams into actionable plans, we move from abstract aspirations to concrete achievements, ensuring our goals evolve from thoughts into reality.

Visualize Goals Daily

Visualization is a powerful tool that can help you turn your dreams into reality. By closing your eyes and picturing yourself achieving your goals, you can tap into the power of your subconscious mind and start to make things happen. But visualization is not just about seeing things in your mind's eye. It's also about using visual cues to keep your aspirations front and center in your consciousness.

One way to visualize is through creating a vision board! A vision board is collages of images and words representing your goals and desires. You can create your vision board on a poster board, a corkboard, or online. To make a vision board, gather images and words that inspire you and arrange them meaningfully and powerfully. I planned a vision board party with a few of my closest friends in December last year. We spent hours cutting out pictures and words from magazines, and then we arranged them on our vision boards. We talked about our goals and aspirations for the coming year as we worked. We shared why we wanted to visit a city, strengthen a habit, or start a new hobby. This made us mentally resolved to accomplish those things and gave us a group of people to hold each other accountable.

Once we finished our vision boards, I propped mine up on my desk to see it every time I sat down to work. Looking at my vision board daily reminded me of all the promises I made to myself and gave me a sense of purpose when I struggled to be consistent with my daily routine. Try collecting some magazines, scissors, and a corkboard, and let your dreams take shape!

Stay Flexible

Life has a way of throwing unexpected twists and turns our way, often derailing the best-laid plans. Some weeks are packed with exams, assignments, and deadlines; others might be very relaxed. It's important to understand that these fluctuations are a natural part of our existence. Embracing the ebb and flow of change involves staying adaptable and open to revising our goals or methods when necessary.

One of my goals was to walk 15k steps every day. I knew this would be a challenge on some days, like the weekends when I’d spend the entire day at home if I didn’t make any plans with my friends or family. So, I intentionally made plans to walk around campus with a friend or schedule a workout class at the campus gym. This worked out great for the first few weeks when my friends and I were caught up in the spirit of the new year and were extra motivated to hit our daily goals. However, as the weeks went by, we occasionally had to cancel plans because we had other commitments, needed to grind out some schoolwork, or just wanted a day to be lazy and catch up on our favorite reality TV shows. Instead of feeling anxious about not meeting a particular metric, I gave myself grace because my goal was to consistently apply my effort, not through short, intense bursts of energy that made me want to quit. Remember, every step forward, no matter how small a victory is in its own right.

And there you have it, folks – the best guiding principles to crushing your New Year's resolutions like a boss. Remember, it's not about the destination but the journey of self- discovery and growth. So, go forth and conquer those goals with gusto! Keep striving, keep thriving, and keep being your amazing selves!

Do you have a compelling story or student success tips you’d like to see published on the Pearson Students blog?  If you are a college student and interested in writing for us – click here to pitch your idea and get started! 

When taking a survey of different students' favorite seasons, the majority will most likely answer with the same seemingly apparent answers, 'summer' or 'fall'. Some even include spring. However, very few individuals will give this awarding title of "favorite season" to the colder winter season. As a college student, specifically in a colder climate, the winter months seem to last an eternity and can sometimes be onerous.

With the colder weather comes more sickness, less time outside, and inevitably more stress. Introducing healthy habits to maintain well-being can look different to every person. Taking care of yourself can consist of staying active, trying new things, and incorporating mindfulness and self-care into your daily routine. As we trek through the low temperatures and snowy forecast, we as college students must prepare in the best way possible and learn to care for ourselves amidst wintertime.

It is easy to neglect our health and well-being within these colder months as college students overburdened with exams and holidays, now face cold weather walking from class to class. The biggest concept that college students lose grasp on is remaining consistent with healthy habits throughout the colder months. It is no surprise college students are more active during the warmer months when a walk outside consists of shorts and a t-shirt rather than a long parka or scarves and hats. This concept that physical activity has tremendous benefits on individual happiness and overall well-being is not a simple old wives’ tale. Physical exercise is a scientifically proven inducer of serotonin within the brain. Trying to accomplish a workout, walk, or exercise class a day can be incredibly beneficial to one's overall happiness and stress levels.

During the colder months, it may be harder to stay motivated and consistent regarding our own health, however, one trick I have acquired to stay consistent is free workout classes. At most college recreational centers, typically available to all students, are free and accessible workout classes. Some of these classes can range from cycle classes to cardio dance.

While healthy habits are critical to incorporate within your routine, something as simple as a mentality change can drastically improve already instilled habits and routines. Something my father taught me that I carry throughout my daily routine is that you cannot control what happens, but you can control your attitude. Each day of these long winter months, it may seem impossible to remain positive when you must walk twenty minutes to your 8 am class in twenty-degree weather. However, with mindfulness one can approach their day with positivity, inducing an overall better day-to-day.

Another trick I have found that induces overall positivity and personal well-being, while making the winter feel shorter, is planning an event or activity that I can look forward to throughout my week or month. This system of ensuring there is always something to look forward to makes the cold winter months seem to move on a little more quickly. As the spring semester moves along, students look forward to spring break where we have planned trips and vacations, a well-deserved break easy to anticipate. However, these events or activities do not have to be anything grand or costly. One can plan to cook dinner with their friends or perhaps see a new movie on its release date.

Winter can be an extremely challenging time for many, especially for college students with heavily filled schedules and stress. Taking care of yourself is so important year-round but it can look different in the winter months when we as students aren't able to be outside, stay active, or employ self-care routines and activities. Establishing healthy habits such as remaining active indoors, utilizing campus resources and classes, practicing mindfulness and positivity, and planning and prioritizing self-care is essential to thrive throughout the cold weather. By incorporating these tips, whether it be one or all, one can navigate the hardships that may come along with wintertime.

Do you have a compelling story or student success tips you’d like to see published on the Pearson Students blog?  If you are a college student and interested in writing for us – click here to pitch your idea and get started! 

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to study abroad? How to prepare, what to pack, what the customs are of where you are going? I studied abroad over this summer and had many of the same questions. My experience allowed me to get answers to all of these questions, and hopefully help YOU out on your abroad journey. Studying abroad can be an exciting, but nerve-wracking time, so I am here to answer all those little questions, and hopefully provide some comfort about the whole experience.

Connect with others

The biggest piece of advice I can offer you is talk to EVERYONE in your new host city. Talk to your classmates, your professors, your RA’s, the cashiers at your local grocery store, the people you stand by on the bus, EVERYONE. It can be scary to put yourself out there, but I just reminded myself that no one here knows you, and this is your chance to be the most outgoing, and ambitious version of yourself. If you totally embarrass yourself, it really doesn't matter, this is your chance to be the version of yourself you want to be with no external pressures!

Pack wisely

Power Adapters

It might sound obvious, but it can be very easy to forget. Make sure to check that you get the right adapter for the country you are traveling to, some have different kinds, even within Europe.

A “Modest” Outfit

While abroad there at lots of religious sites or locations you may visit where it is customary for women to wear skirts and scarfs, and men to wear pants. Make sure to check where you plan to visit, and if in doubt pack an outfit that would fit those requirements.

Photos of Home

It’s easy to get homesick when you are so far away so bringing photos of family, friends, and even your favorite places always make your room feel more like home.

A Credit/Debit Card with no international fees

Many cards have no international fees as a perk, but it is important to check with your bank to confirm. While I was abroad, I used a card called “Monzo”. This card is free, and you just transfer funds from your bank account to this card and avoid any fees. It is also important to note that you need to call your bank before you leave and inform them of international travel.

Immerse yourself into your new environment

Take the silly tourist tours

I know you want to feel like a local, but that takes time. An easy way to get to know the city you are staying in is to experience it like a tourist first. Once you do you can pick your favorite neighborhoods or areas to focus on and get to know better.

Make a Home Base

Making the area that you are staying familiar is so important! Get to know your grocery store inside and out, pick a favorite coffee shop, become a regular at a dinner place. These are going to end up being the relationships and connections you think about long after you leave your host city.

Explore historical sites

Europe is littered with historical sites, and while they might be touristy sometimes, they are steeped in ancient history and provide a chance to experience and learn things you otherwise never would have. Visit every site you have a chance to; you might discover a new interest!

Make a local friend

This may sound hard, but this “local friend” can be your RA, a professor, a fellow classmate, literally anyone. Hearing where the best places to go are from a local show you the true colors of your city. I would always recommend talking to your professors, they have likely lived there their whole lives and have their favorites.

Do you have a compelling story or student success tips you’d like to see published on the Pearson Students blog?  If you are a college student and interested in writing for us – click here to pitch your idea and get started! 

I came into college searching for a way to feel connected to my university. One way I did that was by joining the women's club soccer team. Being involved in a club sport through my college career has been a crucial part of my story. It has challenged me in a multitude of ways while also bringing me immense joy and strong friendships. Early on, I faced a few difficulties as a student athlete. Here’s how I learned to better approach the challenges and find the community and fulfillment that comes from being a part of a sports team or any other club on your campus.

One of the most challenging aspects of being a student athlete is finding enough time in the day. During the soccer season I constantly am battling to find that balance between caring for my body by getting enough rest and food while completing all my work and activities. After four years of struggling with this my conclusion is there is no perfect balance. However, there is a great time management tool I found extremely helpful to get me closer to a balance in some way. The Pomodoro technique has helped me be productive during the time I do have and to eliminate wasted breaks. This technique is centered around creating time segments of extreme focus with frequent short breaks which promotes high concentration levels and minimizes mental fatigue. The technique is used by setting a 25-minute timer, for that time you are 100% laser focused allowing nothing to pull you from your work, then take a 5-minute break doing anything you’d like, now repeat this pattern until you have completed your tasks.

Another battle student-athletes face is over committing and spreading themselves too thin. As a student athlete I am aware that a lot of athletes seek a challenge and hold themselves to a high standard in all aspects of their lives. From my personal experience I also understand that this can lead to extreme burn out and lead to a downhill slide. As I progressed through my college career, I learned a crucial lesson that all athletes should value. Burnout is the result of taking on a ton of commitments and work that you do not truly believe in or have a passion for. When deciding to say yes or no to opportunities, pause, and check if this option is truly something you believe in and would get joy out of doing. Make sure you narrow down your commitment to focus on passions and activities you believe will help you grow. Do not say yes solely for another person.

Although being a student-athlete can be exhausting and challenging to balance with the chaos of college life it can be an incredible way to keep yourself accountable to rest your mind and body from studying, help you to meet students outside of your major, and provide you with lifelong memories with your sport and team.

In summary, being a highly involved college student, specifically through a sport, comes with a lot of challenges however is an amazing way to truly make the best of your college years and to look back with little regrets.

Do you have a compelling story or student success tips you’d like to see published on the Pearson Students blog?  If you are a college student and interested in writing for us – click here to pitch your idea and get started!