Ok, here's the scenario... You're young, studying for a business degree by DL, and do not need to work at the same time. But the world of DL can be a lonely one. How would you go about rounding off your education, making yourself the best possible person (or employee) that you can be?
sorry... Someone doing a bachelors, or perhaps in the last few years of high school, or even doing a masters. What does it take to become a well-rounded person?
Hi Newbie: I am a current DL student myself. If you are young and don't have to work, I would suggest at least going to your Community college for your A.A. The experience of on campus is quite fun, I did it myself. Anway, after you complete your A.A. you can transfer into a DL program if you want. I will agree with you that DL programs can be lonely, it is one of the only options that works out for me right know. The reason I suggest doing a couple of years at a brick and mortar J.C. is to break up the loneliness factor of DL until later. Plus Junior Colleges are quite affordable. I liked being around other students every week because it motivated me to keep up. This is a great forum because it gives me and others a feeling of inclusion. Anway, I am currently a Univeristy of Iowa DL student, but I will be switching over to Charter Oak State College to speed things up. Just a few thoughts, I hope you don't think I trying to tell you what to do. Good luck to you, Abner
Volunteer work! You can help both yourself and others while meeting new people. For example, if you think you might be interested in teaching in the future, volunteer as a mentor/tutor/literacy teacher.
Yeah, volunteer work! I have to concur about volunteer work. Whenever I am between contracts I try to do something useful in the community. One of the best things about volunteer work is that you can get exposed to things that you might never see if you waited until a paid position came along. That kind of experience can be a huge resume booster for a young, otherwised inexperienced person. It can also give you an opportunity to see what you like and don't like, and craft your studies toward that which you enjoy. I decided to ditch plans for a career in drug and alcohol counseling after doing a volunteer stint as a counselor aide at a local jail for the summer. I found out over the summer that I simply wasn't cut out for it. Had I finished my studies, I'd have spent a bunch of money on something that I'd later learn I didn't want to do. Outstanding question! Sean
Re: sorry... Volunteer work would be a good use of your time when away from the books. Join a team if you are so inclined as a way to stay physically active and to avoid the "chair and desk" syndrome. ;-)
I would say volunteer work, or get a part-time job. IMHO, a business degree by itself doesn't mean a whole lot without practical work experience.
A degree will never hurt you, so I recommend you continuing your education. Pick something you really enjoy and just keep at it. I have been in school since pre-school, and have never stopped. I have always thought if I did, I would not go back. After ocmpleting my doctorate, I am looking at some art classes, and guitar. Anyway, pick something you love and go with it. The social aspect alone (yes social - even in DL) is well worth it........
Re: sorry... I would have to say he or she should have the underraduate degree at a B&M school. Only for a graduate degree should he/she go for DL to be well-rounded... There are exceptions which of course have to be treated differently. Moreover, I think having a balanced life is a good thing. When it's time to have fun, have fun... when it's time to work, focus on your work, and when it's time to study, then study. The best thing you could do while studying through DL is to create a routine for your studies. Else you'd end up freaking out one way or the other.
