By Robert Gordon
Program Director, Reverse Logistics Management at American Public University

Many studies have shown that there is a significant difference between wages earned by people with bachelor’s degrees than those with just a high school diploma. A quick look on any job site will show that an advanced degree is a requirement for many jobs. But it is not enough to get a degree to earn more; plan a degree program that involves courses that will help you with your career, now and into the future.

In most degree programs, there is an amount of latitude with elective credits. Many students choose the easiest classes to fill these elective credits to lessen the workload or to boost their GPA. These classes are often unrelated to their focus and the knowledge gained in these classes will be forgotten shortly after the class has ended.

Instead of falling into this trap, have a plan for what you want to do after graduation. Take the courses that help round out the knowledge needed for your goal. Focus on taking classes that will be helpful long past graduation.

By Lee Westell
Principal – New Media Marketing Strategies, LLC.  And APUS Industry Advisory Council Member

Social media means big business. Statista, a leading online statistics portal, projects by the end of 2015, worldwide social commerce revenue will reach $30 billion. In my work with companies, here’s what I’m seeing as the top three problems companies have when using social media.

By Enid M. Naranjo, JD
Associate Professor, School of Business at American Public University

I would like to share an experience related to me by a colleague who has been a marketing professional for over 15 years and has worked in a variety of job settings from sports to entertainment, corporate events, and shopper marketing. It is a great story about the career opportunities that can open up when you step outside your comfort zone.

By Janice Spangenburg, Ph.D. Faculty Member, School of Business at American Public University Mentoring is an art and a…

By Robert Gordon
Program Director, Reverse Logistics Management at American Public University

While I was working at Disney, I met many people who had great ideas. However, there was one person that I met there that stood out from the crowd.

He had worked for the company since he was a young boy. He had worked in a variety of roles throughout the company, but I think he missed his first job at Disneyland the most. Tom was hired by Walt Disney and had been with the company for his entire working life.

I had the chance to ask him one day, what some of the most important things in business were. He responded first that the most important thing to remember was to “use the buzz words.”

By Stan Prager
Alumnus, American Public University

During my course of studies, digital archiving rapidly became my key area of interest. The museum had little experience in digital archiving techniques. As such, I brought to the table a background in technology as well as my studies in digitization at APU.

By Dr. Oliver Hedgepeth
Program Director, Government Contracts and Acquisition at American Public University

Are you thinking about finishing that master’s degree? Maybe you are taking a course here and there in between family vacations, career deployments, deaths, and births and as your budget permits. My advice: find a way to get it done—soon.

I have a secret. I have three unfinished master’s degrees. One from American University in Management Information Systems, one for George Washington University in Operations Research, and one from Catholic University of America in Nuclear Engineering. Together they represent 54 graduate hours of courses. Together, they are totally worthless.

By Jean D. Francis, Ph.D.
Adjunct Professor, School of Business at American Public University

I met my first mentor at an early age: Mom. She was an exceptional mentor and strong role model. The example she set and the experiences she shared prepared me at an early age to develop the knowledge and skills in pursuit of my career path.

Early in my career, I sought a mentor to help maximize my full professional potential and create a clear career trajectory. Seeking a mentor was one of the best decisions that I had made.

Finding a mentor is a great way to take the next step in your career. Mentoring is a valuable developmental activity that is finding someone who has experience, is willing to share knowledge, and is eager to provide advice to help you reach your goals.

By Tiffany Young
Online Career Tips Contributor

Just a few days ago, I had a friend propose that we start working out together. I thought that was the best idea I heard all summer. Sweet! Any excuse to get in shape and do healthy activities sounded great.

Before we ended the conversation, she also enlisted my help in finding her a new job. Hold up! It’s one thing to work out, but now she wanted to look for a new job? I thought to myself, I have no time for this and that. Her response was, “both are just as important.”