Category: Uncategorized

As a graduate student, you will have to become very efficient with your time. This means that you need a good productivity suite to help you get the most out of your studies. Microsoft, Google, and Apple all offer great options for productivity suites, but which one is the best for you? In this blog post, we will compare the three most popular options and help you decide which one is right for you.

What is a Productivity Suite? A Quick Background

A quick rundown is in order for those unfamiliar with productivity suites. The three most common applications of a productivity suite (another term for a collection of productivity apps) are a word processor, a spreadsheet, and a presenter. A word processor is primarily used to handle all your text-based needs, from writing poems to reports, stories, etc. The spreadsheet allows you to do some number-crunching and calculations, create charts and diagrams, and work with numbers in general. The presenter is used to create slideshows of anything you wish to present to an audience and can contain text, numbers, graphics, images, audio, video, and even animations. While this is a general and very basic description of what productivity apps are all about, do note that these simple-sounding tools are really very powerful with advanced features that sometimes require a course or courses to master!

Microsoft

Microsoft offers the most traditional productivity suite with Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, part of their Office productivity suite. These are all essential tools for any student, and they are very easy to use. MS Office is known for its powerful and modern features and works well for advanced uses. However, Microsoft Office can be pretty expensive, especially if you need to purchase it for multiple devices.

Google

Google offers a more affordable option with their Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides, part of Google Workspace. These are all great options for students who want to save money on their productivity suite. Google productivity apps integrate well with other Google services and are the best for those who are deeply rooted in their ecosystem. However, some reviewers think that Google’s productivity apps can be a bit more difficult to use than Microsoft Office.

Apple

Apple offers the most user-friendly option with its Pages, Numbers, and Keynote (formerly combined and known as iWork). These are all great options for students who want an easy-to-use productivity suite, especially those who do not require complex and advanced features and for whom cross-compatibility with other suites is not essential. Pages, Numbers, and Keynote are a breeze because they are simple and work well for those within the Apple ecosystem. These apps come free with an Apple desktop, laptop, tablet, or phone. However, Apple products can be pretty expensive to purchase.

How to Pick a Productivity Suite

There is no sure-shot method of zeroing in on the best productivity suite. In many cases, people are known to switch between them for different tasks or needs. For example, a person may use Microsoft Word for their textual needs but use Google Sheets for numerical needs and Apple Keynote for presentations. But in general, there are a few ways to identify what works well for you:

1. Consider the ecosystem you are in or wish to get into – all three companies have invested heavily in their ecosystems, where everything works seamlessly and flawlessly within its periphery. So, for example, if you rely heavily on Google and its services, opting for Docs, Sheets, and Slides could very well be the best option.

2. Consider the costs involved – monthly subscriptions, annual subscriptions, family-sharing, etc. While Microsoft requires some form of subscription or purchase, Google offers its Workspace to those who have a paid Gmail account (domain-based) or free, in some cases, with limited features. Apple’s suite comes free with any hardware purchase – desktop, laptop, tablet, or phone.

3. Consider your general requirements – if simplicity is your key requirement, Apple is the way to go, but it compromises on at least some advanced features. Power users may prefer Microsoft, while Google is a good choice for those who prefer a blend of affordability, features, and usability.

4. Consider the main features you require – While all three options have a similar basic feature set, it is best to check if there are any specific features you are looking for that may or may not be a deal-breaker for you.

5. Consider Compatibility and Interoperability – if you are sharing files with your friends and peers often, check to see which app provides the best compatibility across other suites. Interoperability is also essential; multiple devices should be able to read and write your files without losing any information or formatting.

Which is the Best Productivity Suite?

So, which productivity suite is the most suitable for a graduate student? It really depends on your needs and budget. If you need a traditional productivity suite that is widely used, Microsoft Office with its Word, Excel, and PowerPoint are the industry standard and great options. If you are looking for a more affordable option, Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides are excellent. If you want a user-friendly productivity suite, Apple Pages, Numbers, and Keynote are simple and easy to use.

One of the best ways to zero in on what your preferred choice should be is to try and use these applications on your friends’ devices or download trial versions (if available) and play around with them to see what features they offer (that suit you) and how easy they are for you to use them. This experiment or trial will go a long way in making the right choice – easy!

Make sure you read our other articles that can help you as an online student – The 2021 MacBook — A Students Perspective, What is Cyber Security? – Follow these 10 Simple Steps to Protect Yourself, Do students prefer Mac or Windows, and more. At Online Masters Colleges (OMC), we also have several handy resources that will provide you with in-depth information on topics such as GMAT vs GRE, How to Double Major, Scholarship Scams, and a whole lot more!

Recent Blog

March 30, 2024

Cynthia Sullivan

Latest Student Loan Forgiveness

If you are a student that has a student loan? Did you know that there is a recent student loan forgiveness approved by the Biden administration for borrowers in Public Service? In March 2024, President Biden approved $5.8 Billion in Student Loan Forgiveness. This is great news for more than 77,000 students who qualify for … Read more

Read More

March 15, 2024

Leona G. Smith

Top 8 Advantages of Community Work

Do you realize that participation in community work can influence your mental health and the development of your personality or strong character? The ability to find joy in helping others helps us to relax and de-stress. Knowing that you can participate in a group or teamwork builds your confidence and helps you develop poise in … Read more

Read More

For students who are looking for ways to pay for college, scholarships can be a great option. However, many students do not know where to start when it comes to applying for scholarships. In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about applying for a scholarship. We will discuss the different types of scholarships available, how to find scholarships that are right for you and the steps you need to take to submit a successful application. So, whether you are just starting your college search or are already in the process of applying for scholarships, read on for helpful tips and advice!

What is a scholarship?

A scholarship is a type of financial aid that helps students pay for their education. They are awarded based on various criteria, such as academic merit, athletic ability, or financial need. Scholarships can come from the government, private organizations, or colleges and universities and are considered ‘free money’, in that a scholarship does not need to be paid back.

What are the different types of scholarships?

There are many different types of scholarships available. Some scholarships are awarded based on academic merit, while others are given to students with financial need. There are also scholarships for athletes, minority students, ethnic groups, and students who plan to study specific subjects.

How do I find scholarships that I am eligible for?

There are many different ways to find scholarships that you may be eligible for. One way is to search online using keywords such as “scholarships for students with financial need” or “scholarships for academic excellence.” Another way to find scholarships is to contact your guidance counselor or financial aid office at your college or university. They may have a list of scholarships that you can apply for. Additionally, there are many websites that provide databases of scholarships. Some of these websites include Fastweb, Scholarships.com, etc. Online Masters Colleges (OMC) also provides information on scholarships for women, African-American scholarships, disability scholarships, etc.

What is the application process for scholarships?

Applying for a scholarship can seem like a daunting task, but it isn’t – it is reasonably straightforward. The first step in applying for a scholarship is to identify the type of scholarship that you are interested in. For example, if you are pursuing a specific or niche program, you can look for scholarships that are meant for that subject or program. Or, if you are an athlete, you may want to look for sports-based scholarships, and so on.

Once you have found a few scholarships that you are interested in, it is time to start the application process. The first step is to gather all of the required materials. This may include your transcripts, test scores, essays, resume, personal statement, statement of purpose, letter of intent, and letters of recommendation. Once you have all the required materials, you can start filling out your application. Be sure to read the instructions carefully and answer all the questions truthfully.

Some scholarships may have additional eligibility criteria or requirements. Make sure you check them out and apply only if you can fulfill them. Once you have completed your application, all you have to do is submit it, either by regular post or online, as the case may be.

Applying for a scholarship is relatively easy if you pay attention to what is asked for in the application and if you patiently put together all documents and meet all requirements. With a successful application, you could be on your way to securing the funding you need for college. Just remember to do your research, start the application process early, and be honest in your responses. With a little effort, you can find and apply for scholarships that will help you pay for your education. Good luck!

Like this article? At Online Masters Colleges (OMC), we also have several handy resources that will provide you with in-depth information on topics such as GMAT vs GRE, How to Double Major, Scholarship Scams, and a whole lot more!

Recent Blog

March 30, 2024

Cynthia Sullivan

Latest Student Loan Forgiveness

If you are a student that has a student loan? Did you know that there is a recent student loan forgiveness approved by the Biden administration for borrowers in Public Service? In March 2024, President Biden approved $5.8 Billion in Student Loan Forgiveness. This is great news for more than 77,000 students who qualify for … Read more

Read More

March 15, 2024

Leona G. Smith

Top 8 Advantages of Community Work

Do you realize that participation in community work can influence your mental health and the development of your personality or strong character? The ability to find joy in helping others helps us to relax and de-stress. Knowing that you can participate in a group or teamwork builds your confidence and helps you develop poise in … Read more

Read More

Leadership is a difficult but important skill to master. There are many ways to be an effective leader, but the best way is usually the one that feels natural for you. People-centric strategies are an important part of leadership because they allow you to better understand your employees and how they feel about certain aspects of their jobs. These strategies can help you build trust with your team and get them more invested in the company’s goals. In this blog post, we will explore the qualities of an effective leader and how they can be achieved through three key people-centric strategies.

1. Great leaders are good listeners

Listening is a skill that is often overlooked in the world of leadership. Listening to your employees, customers, and stakeholders can help you stay on top of what they need. It also helps you know when they are unhappy with something you have done or not done. Listening to feedback can help you make changes to your company that will make it more successful in the future.

Listening should be a part of everyday life, but it becomes even more important when you are a leader. Great leaders learn how to juggle between different forms of listening, knowing when to use which one of them:

-Active listening, which is when you are really paying attention and asking questions

-Passive listening, which is when you are only half-listening

-Avoidant listening, which is when you are not even trying to listen at all.

2. Great leaders show empathy for their team members

Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another person. Leaders must understand that their team members have different ways of thinking and working. They must be able to understand where they are coming from and what they need to do their job effectively. The best leaders are those who can show empathy for their team members. They need to be able to put themselves in the shoes of their team member and see the world through their eyes.

Leaders should always keep in mind that people are different and have different needs. Some people need more encouragement, some need more discipline, and some need more support. Leaders should be aware of these differences so they can provide what their team members need to get the job done successfully.

Empathy is also crucial for leaders because it helps them make decisions that are in the best interest of their team members and the company.

3. Great leaders are open and honest in communication

Communication is one of the most essential skills for leaders to have. It is also one of the most challenging skills to master. Great leaders know that communication is a two-way street. They know that their employees are not just receivers but also contributors to their company’s success. Leaders should not be afraid to share their thoughts with their employees. It is important to be open and honest with your employees because they are the ones who will make your company successful.

Transparency is a critical factor in any healthy organization. If you are transparent with your employees, you will have a better chance of success. Leaders must be clear if and when they cannot communicate and communicate what they can when they can. They should be sure to communicate both successes and challenges to boost morale.

To put it mildly, providing leadership during a significant upheaval and ambiguity is difficult. You can weather the ebbs and flows that impact your organization if you focus on your most important asset, which is your people. In addition, you will be able to accomplish more for your organization because of these strategies. Try them and see how they bring about good change.

Like this article? There’s more from where this came! Check out our other interesting topics and what experts have to say on critical issues every student or working professional must understand. You can also look up our resources and guides on GRE, GMAT, Scholarships, Accreditation, and more for essential information. If you are interested in leadership and communication, read about the Masters in Organizational Leadership, Educational Leadership, Communication, English, Journalism, Linguistics, Creative Writing, Political Communication, Public Relations, or Strategic Communication.

Recent Blog

March 30, 2024

Cynthia Sullivan

Latest Student Loan Forgiveness

If you are a student that has a student loan? Did you know that there is a recent student loan forgiveness approved by the Biden administration for borrowers in Public Service? In March 2024, President Biden approved $5.8 Billion in Student Loan Forgiveness. This is great news for more than 77,000 students who qualify for … Read more

Read More

March 15, 2024

Leona G. Smith

Top 8 Advantages of Community Work

Do you realize that participation in community work can influence your mental health and the development of your personality or strong character? The ability to find joy in helping others helps us to relax and de-stress. Knowing that you can participate in a group or teamwork builds your confidence and helps you develop poise in … Read more

Read More

A third of all students are now enrolled in at least one online course, demonstrating the rising popularity of online education. Given the many advantages of online learning, such as flexibility and affordability, it is simple to comprehend why prospective students find distance learning so alluring.

While online students enjoy many of the same advantages as their on-campus peers, some students worry that networking in a virtual environment will be more challenging, if not impossible. Given how vital networking is to career success, students have every reason to be concerned because studies show that professional connections account for 85% of job placements. Thankfully, networking is feasible for online students. Distance learners can expand their professional networks even without the in-person interactions that take place in conventional classroom settings by adopting a different strategy.

Why should you network in grad school?

In graduate school, networking is crucial for both online and traditional students. You will be surrounded by classmates, teachers, and alums who have similar interests to your own while also possessing knowledge, contacts, and experience that will probably complement your own while you are a student. Developing an extensive network of business contacts early in your career can be very beneficial as you move through the workforce. While many jobs in today’s workforce are filled due to professional connections, frequently interacting with people in your field or related fields can inspire new ideas and benefit you from others’ experiences.

Even though there are typically fewer opportunities for in-person interactions in online courses, it is still possible to establish significant and lasting relationships in a virtual learning environment. Here are five practical methods to help you grow your network while taking online courses:

1. Be the first

In an online course, networking can be initiated similarly to traditional in-person classes by introducing yourself and making an effort to connect with others. Take the initiative to introduce yourself and include personal details that are still pertinent, such as your job title, industry, desired degree, and reasons why you want to take the course. Don’t be afraid to introduce yourself and talk about other personal details, like your hobbies or extracurricular activities, to help break the ice. You might discover that you and your classmates share common interests, allowing you to connect. Being the first to say hello is the first step in building relationships in an online course, just like in conventional classrooms.

2. Stay active in class

By asking questions, offering assistance, and contributing ideas, actively participate in class discussions with your peers and the professors. You might be surprised at how quickly you begin to make friends and form enduring relationships. You’ll soon develop an online persona and share your knowledge and opinions. Your classmates will remember you if you consistently post insightful content, and they’ll be more likely to get in touch with you later in the semester. You can also participate in forums by regularly asking and answering questions to build relationships with fellow students. Start your own thread if you can’t find the answers to your questions in the current discussions.

3. Meet people in person or online

Maintaining connections with professors and classmates online is a successful strategy. However, face-to-face conversation, whether in person or via video call, can occasionally spark new ideas and opportunities for teamwork. When possible, schedule meetings with your professors or other nearby students if you live close to the campus. Try contacting your classmates to see if they live nearby and then arrange to meet up with them for a quick coffee or a study session. Meeting someone outside of the classroom might open doors you wouldn’t have otherwise, but virtual connections are just as valuable in the absence of in-person meetings.

Another way to build excellent connections is to look for local events where industry leaders will speak. You’ll probably run into like-minded people you can talk to about subjects related to your field of study. These in-person encounters with experts in your field will broaden your network and leave a more lasting impression.

4. Create and maintain a strong online presence

Engaging with classmates on other websites is another way to establish connections while being apart. A robust online presence is essential for distance learners to build relationships with their instructors and classmates. Also, be sure to present yourself in the best and most professional way possible, just as you would in person.

Create social media accounts or a LinkedIn account if you don’t already have one, and make sure your profiles are accurate, current, and comprehensive. Keep them updated with all your educational and professional experiences. Your profile should change over time as your career does. Update your work and educational histories regularly when there’s a significant change in your professional or academic life. After adding your classmates to your network on LinkedIn, you can stay in touch with them and discuss career options with them long after your online course has ended. But be specific in your connection requests and personal messages rather than relying on LinkedIn’s default message, which demonstrates that you are unwilling to put in the effort to forge a genuine connection.

5. Keep in touch

Creating a network of professionals is just the start. If you never communicate with any social media connections, having an extensive network isn’t much use. You must find ways to stay in touch with your contacts frequently if you want to benefit from your professional network fully. Maintaining contact with your connections enables you to create deeper connections.

Make time each month or every two months to get in touch with your contacts. Think about recommending a webinar on a related topic you found interesting or occasionally sharing an interesting article with a connection that brought them to mind. Or congratulate them if you see exciting news about their business published or if you notice that they recently started a new job or assumed more responsibility at their current employer. These little deeds can make a big difference in maintaining relationships. Moreover, staying in touch with your network contacts is critical if you’re actively looking for work or career advice.

You can help yourself and others by prioritizing relationship-building. Having a brief conversation or making a new acquaintance could be all it takes to land a new job or get the promotion you’ve been eyeing. But you won’t know unless you get out there and start connecting with people.

Like this article? There’s more from where this came! Check out our other interesting topics and what experts have to say on critical issues every student or working professional must understand. You can also look up our resources and guides on GRE, GMAT, Scholarships, Accreditation, and more for essential information. If you are interested in leadership and communication, read about the Masters in Organizational Leadership, Educational Leadership, Communication, English, Journalism, Linguistics, Creative Writing, Political Communication, Public Relations, or Strategic Communication.

Recent Blog

March 30, 2024

Cynthia Sullivan

Latest Student Loan Forgiveness

If you are a student that has a student loan? Did you know that there is a recent student loan forgiveness approved by the Biden administration for borrowers in Public Service? In March 2024, President Biden approved $5.8 Billion in Student Loan Forgiveness. This is great news for more than 77,000 students who qualify for … Read more

Read More

March 15, 2024

Leona G. Smith

Top 8 Advantages of Community Work

Do you realize that participation in community work can influence your mental health and the development of your personality or strong character? The ability to find joy in helping others helps us to relax and de-stress. Knowing that you can participate in a group or teamwork builds your confidence and helps you develop poise in … Read more

Read More

After receiving their bachelor’s degree, many want to continue their education, increase their knowledge in their field, advance their careers, or change careers. When applying for jobs or competing for promotions, some people want to stand out from the crowd. Continuing your education can develop valuable skills while making yourself stand out from other job applicants. You’re probably considering postgraduate education as the first step when considering this.

When they learn how difficult it is to obtain a master’s degree, some prospective students change their minds. Although obtaining a master’s degree can help you start down the path to a successful career, and there are many good reasons to get an advanced degree, not everyone should. Returning to graduate school can be a significant financial, time, and effort commitment. Fortunately, they have another choice if they ultimately decide against getting a master’s degree but still want to stand out from the competition: a Graduate Certificate – an excellent way to advance your career without spending a lot of time or money.

What Is a Graduate Certificate?

A graduate certificate is a condensed educational course of study designed to fill a gap in a professional’s education or advance a professional’s knowledge and abilities through specialized instruction. They are an academic form of specialized instruction.

Graduate certificates typically concentrate on a specific industry or job title, so those interested in obtaining one have a wide range of options. The ability to finish many graduate certificates entirely online gives you the freedom to continue your education while holding down a full-time job or taking care of family obligations.

Graduate Certificates vs. Master’s Degrees

You’ve come to the right place if you’re debating between a graduate certificate and a master’s degree. In a particular field of study, master’s degrees frequently require a full-time commitment and take about two years to complete because of the breadth of the coursework involved. Make sure you’re prepared to make the kind of commitment required when pursuing a master’s degree and evaluate your personal goals to determine which study option can help you achieve them if you’re trying to decide which path is best for you.

Additionally, a master’s degree frequently requires a much larger financial commitment than a graduate certificate. A master’s degree typically costs between $30,000 and $120,000 but varies depending on the program’s length, type, and university. On the other hand, a graduate certificate’s average tuition can range from $1,000 to $5,000, and many can be finished in a year.

The Benefits of Earning a Graduate Certificate

For professionals looking to further their education and improve their knowledge and abilities in a particular field or area, earning a graduate certificate has several appealing advantages. But if you’re asking yourself, “Is a graduate certificate worth it?” here are five benefits graduate certificates have to offer which may help you answer this question:

1. An advantage over the competition

The job market is very cutthroat, and it often seems everyone is applying for the same job. Therefore, you must take every possible step to stand out from the competition when applying for jobs. A graduate certificate demonstrates to employers that you are invested in your field and can bring higher expertise to the workplace. Employers are constantly looking for unique qualities in candidates.

2 An increased pay & quick Return on Investment (ROI)

Salary must be brought up when discussing ROI. A master’s degree’s main selling point is frequently its higher starting salary. You’re lucky if your desire for higher pay is your primary driving force for considering earning a graduate certificate – a graduate certificate will typically result in a salary increase of between 13% and 25%. That’s a significant return on investment, especially given the speed at which you’ll finish the course. Moreover, an accredited graduate certificate can also significantly impact how appealing you are to employers. When you possess a certificate from an established, reputable institution, employers are more willing to pay you better.

If you’re going to invest time and money in higher education, you’ll want to ensure that you get something in return – known as return on investment (ROI). Unlike a master’s degree, which can take two or more years to complete, graduate certificate programs are typically completed within a year, allowing you to start earning more sooner.

3. Added skills and job security

Beyond an undergraduate degree, further education is becoming more and more common. Upgrading your education can help you stand out in an increasingly competitive workforce as the job market changes. Employers are increasingly looking for candidates with some level of advanced education. Your industry knowledge will increase because a graduate certificate lets you keep your skills current. Graduate certificates, as opposed to learning broad, general information, focus on specific skills for a more specialized learning approach. This skill development will allow you to dive deeper into the subject, giving you a more in-depth understanding of the tools you’ll be working with, keeping you competitive. With a graduate certificate, you can demonstrate to employers that you have broadened your knowledge of the subject and are knowledgeable about current key concepts, skills, and tools.

Many employers frequently demand professional certifications, which graduate certificates can prepare you to fulfill. Graduate certificates offer required training and continuing education required for specific jobs or promotions and can ease the transition to managerial positions in some fields. You can use your newly acquired abilities to move into a leadership position, assume more responsibility, or test out an entirely different job.

4. A Wider Professional Network

Like getting a degree, earning a graduate certificate puts you in touch with people you might not have met otherwise. These people, who can range from professors to advisors to fellow students, will become connections that will broaden your professional network, which could be helpful if you’re looking to apply for jobs or change careers.

5. Preparation for a Graduate Degree

Professionals who pursue a graduate certificate do so to advance their careers as well as to begin the process of earning a master’s degree. A graduate certificate is held by about 51.9% of workers with advanced degrees because they are helpful in and of themselves and also serve as an easy steppingstone toward obtaining a graduate degree.

Graduate certificate programs are a significant first step if you’re unsure about what you’re interested in or aren’t ready to invest the time, money, and effort required for a master’s degree. You can start the full degree later if, after receiving your certificate and getting a sense of what learning in that field is like, you decide that you’d like to do so. By doing this, you can avoid enrolling in a degree program you are not sure is ideal for you.

Several graduate certificate programs are made to be stacked into a master’s degree, which is another crucial thing to keep in mind. The corresponding master’s degree has many requirements shared with the courses needed for a graduate certificate. As a result, after successfully completing the certificate program, universities frequently permit credits to be stacked and transferred to a master’s program. In other words, you’ll already have many credits you can apply to the degree—credits you won’t need to retake—should you decide to pursue a graduate degree later.

Should You Earn a Graduate Certificate?

Even though it might appear that getting a master’s degree is the only way to continue your education after undergrad, graduate certificates are crucial in assisting the labor force in meeting employer demands. A graduate certificate could be precisely what you need to update your skills, increase your salary, and gain a competitive edge—especially if you want to do this quickly.

Want to know about degrees, universities, careers, etc.? Check out what experts have to say, find answers to your questions, or dig into some resources that can help you make informed decisions.

Recent Blog

March 30, 2024

Cynthia Sullivan

Latest Student Loan Forgiveness

If you are a student that has a student loan? Did you know that there is a recent student loan forgiveness approved by the Biden administration for borrowers in Public Service? In March 2024, President Biden approved $5.8 Billion in Student Loan Forgiveness. This is great news for more than 77,000 students who qualify for … Read more

Read More

March 15, 2024

Leona G. Smith

Top 8 Advantages of Community Work

Do you realize that participation in community work can influence your mental health and the development of your personality or strong character? The ability to find joy in helping others helps us to relax and de-stress. Knowing that you can participate in a group or teamwork builds your confidence and helps you develop poise in … Read more

Read More