Due to the rise in accessibility of online courses, as well as financial benefits such as the GI Bill, a college education is more realistic than ever for military and veteran students.  Whether you are currently an active soldier, a retired veteran, or an immediate military family member, academic institutions such as the University of Nebraska are ready to assist you in earning your degree, no matter where you are.  The convenience of online courses will allow you to succeed on your schedule, while balancing your other duties, without ever setting foot in a classroom.  To start your journey toward a degree, speak with a military adviser today!

To learn more about the benefits of online education for military and veteran students, click the links below:

• Online education has become a viable option for both active and inactive military personnel. 
• Military personnel are taking advantage of the convenience of online education to pursue their degrees. 
• The GI Bill provides the benefits necessary for thousands of military members to pursue higher education. 

Throughout your life, you’ve taken seemingly countless hours of classes.  By now, you know how to take effective notes, how to study and generally, how to succeed academically.  Lucky for you, online classes are not so different from traditional classroom courses.  You won’t be sitting in the same classroom with multiple students, but you will often be required to interact with students through message boards and email groups.  Also, while your instructor aren’t physically present, they are still available for help.  Reaching out to professors with questions can be very helpful throughout your courses.  Perhaps the most important factor to success in online courses is organization.  Without traditional class times, staying up to date and on track in your courses will be vital to your success.  By following these measures, you will have a great chance to perform well in the online classroom setting!

For more tips on how to succeed in online classes, try the links below:

•  Learn from the experienced- try these five tips for online learning from successful online students. 
• Even though they’re not in a classroom, your online courses will probably require a similar time commitment as that of a traditional lectures. 
• You may not see them every day, but you should still try to meet and communicate with your online instructors. 

Graduation season is finally here and many grads are ready to step into the job market.  When searching for your first post-college job, there are several things to consider.  First, don’t put all of your eggs in one basket—of course you should apply for your dream job, but allow yourself some backup options as well.  Also, contact people in your professional network, those that you have met through past internships, classes and activities.  These people should be able to provide advice, give references and help you learn about opportunities.  Finally, be sure to enjoy the ride.  Of course you should hope to be instantly employed, but if it takes a little longer than expected, embrace the flexibility that may not always be available in the near future.

For more information on earning employment, try the links below:

• Network, network, network.  Connections made in school and work can be very valuable when looking for employment. 
• Know what you want and pursue it!  Embrace your goal and make yourself the best possible candidate. 
• Prior jobs or internships can give you great contacts as well as real-life experience that will impress employers. 

Throughout your college education, it is likely that you’ve had one goal in mind: graduate. Graduation is finally here and you’re ecstatic to be finished with school, but what comes next?  Most likely, you will be on the job search, pursuing a career.  It’s likely that you’ve held a job before, but now that you have earned your degree, you can look for a career that will make the most out of your ambitions and talents.  Be sure to prepare for your pursuit of employment by brushing up on interview skills, perfecting your resume and researching potential jobs!

For more information on what to do following graduation, try the links below:

• Ready to ace the interview? Try these 10 tips and tactics to wow the interviewer!
• Your actions following the interview may be just as important as your initial performance.  Get five post-interview etiquette tips here!
  

Throughout your educational experiences, you have probably gained an understanding of how you prefer to learn.  Some students prefer to learn hands on, while others excel when being verbally instructed, and so on.  No matter your learning style, it can be adapted to the online classroom.  Be sure to allow yourself time to adjust when first attempting online classes, as they may be different than how you have learned in the past.  But once you get used to the formats and instruction styles, you will be able take the materials and apply them in a way that suits your style!

For more tips on how to adapt to online classes, try the links below:

• Everybody has a different preferred style of learning. See how to adapt to online education for your learning style. 
•  By choosing to actively engage in your online courses, you will set yourself on the path to success. 
• To remain motivated, focus on your personal and career goals when pursuing your degree. 

The main differences between online and traditional college courses are fairly obvious: in online courses you will not attend physical classes, or be taught by a teacher in the same room. There are many variations of these differences; for instance, while an instructor will not physically be in the same room as you, they will often offer recorded lectures and instructing online, as well as be available for meetings and advising upon your request.  Online classes tend to be more convenient for those with busy schedules; involving families, careers and other responsibilities.  And, online students receive access to the same resources as on-campus students. By taking advantage of the resources afforded by your online courses, your quality of education can be identical to that of a traditional student!

To learn more about the differences between online and traditional education, try the links below:

• Want to remain employed, have time for family and complete an education? Online courses may be for you! 
• Not only is distance education convenient. It can also be a great opportunity to become more acquainted with useful technology. 
• Earning an online degree can help to show employers that you are motivated to advance your knowledge and career! 

You’ve heard the saying, “It’s a marathon, not a sprint.”  This can apply to a school semester, and at this point, you’re on the home stretch.  At this time of year, some students are simply hoping to maintain their current grade, while others are focused on improving their standing. Regardless, the end of the semester requires added focus and organization in order to finish strong.  Be sure to maintain a study schedule, keep a planner of upcoming exams and assignments, and remember how your success will help you to reach your future goals! 

For more tips on how to finish strong this semester, try the links below:

• Don’t let the warming weather hurt your study habits. Pick up a planner and schedule when to buckle down and study. 
• Keep track of your grades. If you need to pick up your effort, now is the time to do it! 
• What is the ultimate goal for your education? Let this motivation drive you to success!  

Earning a college degree is very important, but in a competitive job market, you must also find additional ways to set yourself apart from other job-seekers.  First, you have to get the potential employers attention.  One way to do this is to earn an internship or industry-related job during college.  Using your career services center to construct an effective resume or portfolio can also be a great way to get in the door.  Once you get an interview, you should return to career services to practice effective and engaging interview skills.  By taking these steps, you will greatly improve your chances at earning employment soon after graduation!

For more tips on how to stand out to employers, check out the links below:

• A college degree, strong resume and a great work ethic will help get you noticed during the job hunt. 
• When searching for a job, stand out from other applicants. What sets you apart?
•  Applying your skills outside of the classroom can impress potential employers. 

The landscape of education is changing.  Instead of being confined to the traditional classroom, classes are now taking place online, in Facebook groups, over Skype chats and more.  Once considered a distraction, social media has recently come to the forefront of education.  Instructors are beginning to use these platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Skype and blogs to encourage students’ participation and communication.  For many classes, especially those online, having an understanding of how to use these social tools effectively can lead to a successful academic experience.

For more information on how social media is applied in education, try the links below:

• Social media is no longer just a distraction in education. Instead, many courses are beginning to use it as an interactive tool! 
• Expand your career options with our highly regarded MBA Program. 
• Social media can improve group efforts with instant communication and rapid access to projects and materials.

For various reasons, many people do not graduate from college on their first try.  Thankfully, with advancements in technology, going back to complete your degree is easier than ever due to online courses.  As an adult, you are probably busy with a job, family life and adult responsibilities.  Online courses can allow you to set your own schedule so that you can get your schoolwork done on your time.  While it can appear intimidating to return to college, the majority of adults who return to school find themselves more prepared, motivated and ready to succeed!

For more tips on trying college for a second time, try the links below:

•  As a University of Nebraska online student, you’ll have access to the same services as on-campus students, wrapping the support of a traditional institution with the convenience of our distance programs. 
• It’s not too late to get your college degree. Let these 12 steps guide you in the right direction!