Available on your mobile device, computer or tablet, the below tools can help maximize your productivity:

LastPass ÔÇô Between your student passwords, online bill-pay interfaces and passwords for email, your head is probably full of usernames and logins. It is nearly impossible to keep everything straight! However, LastPass is a great tool for the safe storing of all your usernames and passwords for the various accounts that you manage. Creating a secure username and password is also vital to protecting your identity and safety online, and one of the great features of LastPass is the ability for the site to generate SAFE and unique usernames and passwords for you! Rather than racking your brain and scouring old emails for login credentials, save time and energy by using this all-in-one password keeper! Cost: This is a free download, and should you choose to upgrade to a premium version, the cost is only $1 a month!

Flipboard ÔÇô This app is wonderful for those multi-taskers out there! Flipboard brings all of your social media accounts front and center, and puts them in an easily accessible and viewable ÔÇ£boardÔÇØ on your phone. Flipboard will also keep the dayÔÇÖs top headlines all in one place, so you save time and energy, versus bouncing around from site to site to get the scoop. You can also utilize this app on your desktop computer as well, and save anything from the web simply with the click of a button! Tip: Save time in your day for social media and news, but always make sure your studies and assignments come first. See below for information on an app that helps you focus, by blocking social sites until you are done with more important tasks. Cost: This is a free app!

Procrastinator ÔÇô This tool essentially FORCES you to focus, which might be a great tool for those who tend to get easily distracted from their schoolwork. This is a free application that turns your computer into the ultimate distraction-free zone. Perhaps you want to work from 5-7pm without distraction to knock out that school project, but you are tempted to check out what is happening on Facebook or Twitter. Procrastinator will prohibit you from visiting any websites that may distract you for the amount of time that you designate as uninterrupted work time. No longer will you be trying to write that paper or finish that online quiz and be tempted with status updates or re-tweets. Procrastinator keeps you focused and working on the task at hand, and if you try to access a site that you have blocked, you will get a stern but friendly reminder to ÔÇ£get back to work!ÔÇØ Cost: This is a free app!

Be professional, not overbearing.

Employers will appreciate your interest in the position, but will likely be turned off if you are overly persistent and not respectful of their time. When following up, remember to always be patient first, persistent second! Etiquette-wise it is polite to wait about one week from your interview before you reach out and follow up. We live in a digital world, so a digital follow up is a great way to reach your interviewer, and they will be more likely to take the time to respond to your e-mail versus taking the time out to call you back. The easier you make it to reach you, the better your chances are of being in the running for the job. Tip: Sending a thank you note after your job interview is a nice touch and a great way to set yourself apart from the rest.

Ask the right questions.

In your follow up e-mail, do not simply ask the interviewer if they received your resume or had time to review your information post-interview. Asking these questions will only lead to yes or no answers, and you want to keep them engaged as much as you can. Be sure to express your appreciation of their time, and politely ask if a decision has been made regarding the position you are interested in. If a decision hasnÔÇÖt been made, ask if there is anything else they might need from you to expedite the process.

Reach out during the AM hours, not the PM.

It is a good idea to reach out to your interviewer earlier in the morning, versus later. If you have the ability to reach them earlier in the day, it is likely that their brain is fresh and sharp and they arenÔÇÖt bogged down with the dayÔÇÖs tasks and stresses yet. Shoot for 10am as a time to reach out, ┬ábeing that it is early enough in the morning for them to get in and settled for the day, and they are likely to be ┬áfresh and focused.

Double check names prior to e-mailing.

There are few things more embarrassing than misspelling someoneÔÇÖs name. Misspelling your interviewerÔÇÖs name or the name of the company for that matter will not bode well for your confidence or professionalism. If you are unsure it is always best to double check. Find a business card or consult the website, do anything that will guarantee the correct spelling and job title of the person for the person you are reaching out to.

The HelpDesk and Network Administration program at Brensten Education will provide you with the educational fundamentals to understand computer hardware, troubleshoot systems in the public or private sector or work in-depth with clients and organizationÔÇÖs operating systems and software. Good news to students interested in the program, employment of network and computer systems administrators is expected to grow 28 percent from 2010 to 2020, faster than the average for all occupations. (Information according to bls.gov) The demand for such careers will only continue to grow as new technologies emerge and organizations seek new and advanced operating systems. Brensten Education students will not only receive a quality education, the information and experience you gather will be relevant to an in-demand career!

Another benefit of pursuing the HelpDesk and Network Administration program is that this program prepares you for a career in a variety of settings. Do you envision setting your own schedule? With your IT certifications from Brensten Education, you may desire to work on a contract basis for several companies, allowing you increased flexibility. If you prefer a more structured work environment, a full-time job opportunity working as an organizationÔÇÖs IT professional may be more up your alley.

What can I expect as a Network Administrator?

Depending upon your work in a public or private sector, contract work or full-time, your day-to-day job duties will include the operation, updating and managing of computers and networks. Network Administrators are vital to the day-to-day operation of businesses, ensuring that computer systems are in place to work properly and efficiently. ┬á┬áJob duties may also include the training of employees over the various operating systems they may use, collection of data and troubleshooting. In certain scenarios the Network Administrator may be called upon to decide if a companyÔÇÖs software or computers are in need of an update or upgrade in order to work more efficiently.

Do you enjoy problem solving and working with your hands? As a Network Administrator you will inevitably be required to figure out why something isnÔÇÖt working properly, as well as figuring out more effective ways to get things done. Those who enjoy the complexities of troubleshooting are perfect candidates for this career field! The day-to-day problem solving you experience will likely go hand-in-hand with getting your hands dirty in the process. Knowledge is vital; however said knowledge wonÔÇÖt benefit the organization or company without the ability to apply necessary techniques in order to fix the problem. ┬á┬áChances are you werenÔÇÖt hired for your communication skills and interpersonal abilities, but more your tech savvy abilities. However you will need to be able to listen, receive instruction, and relay information (in an clear fashion). Being a Network Administrator will require you to interact with people on a daily basis, whether they be colleagues, superiors or employees of the organization you are contracting with.

So does Network Administration sound right for you? The best news yet may be the fact that you can complete the HelpDesk and Network Administration program is as little as 10 months! (Based on normal completion time)

Contact Brensten Education today to learn more and begin working towards a new career!

Create a schedule with deadlines – A great way to stay on track throughout your week is by creating a schedule. Map out your week on Sunday evening and prioritize the weekÔÇÖs events by order of importance and by deadline. Outlining your upcoming week will undoubtedly give you peace of mind, and a greater sense of what you can realistically accomplish within you week.

De-Stress! - Between work stresses and project deadlines, you are bound to feel stressed at some point. Rather than letting the stress overcome you, be proactive! A great way to deter stress is to avoid over-committing yourself throughout the week. Between homework and work, deadlines will pile up. Be realistic in your approach! Your social life is an important part of achieving balance between work and school, but there simply might be some weeks where you have to say no to all commitments after class or after work in order to stay ahead of your workload. You will thank yourself later when all your deadlines are met, and you are able to breathe easier as a result!

Make lists ÔÇô Lists may seem tedious, but they are a great way to stay on top of mounting deadlines. Jotting down a list of your to doÔÇÖs will help you wrap your head around what all is expected of you in a particular day or week. Do hand-written lists seem archaic?┬á Feel free to use your smart phone or tablet to make your lists, and keep track of them while you are on the go.

Limit distractions – Your productivity will depend upon your ability to focus and get things done, so be sure you are positioning yourself for success and not tempting yourself with distractions like television or social media. When working on homework or a big project, find a quiet place to work (a local library or coffee shop are excellent ideas) and knock the work out there. You will be much more likely to buckle down and get the work done when you donÔÇÖt have distractions slowing you down. Facebook and Twitter are great for fun and entertainment, but can be a great distraction when you are trying to get your work done. Avoid logging on to Facebook or Twitter until after your work is done! (Tip: Social media can wait until you have time to unwind! See the next tip!)

Unwind - Impending deadlines and responsibilities will pile up and try to get the better of you. However, combat your stress by choosing ways to alleviate stress and unwind. Exercise is a great way to blow off steam after a hectic day! Even if it just a 15 minute walk over your lunch break or 30 minutes of cardio (a run of jog) after work, any little bit will help! Be sure to take time out of your busy day to relax! Dedicate an hour of your day to do something you truly enjoy doing, whether that is reading, journaling or catching up on Facebook and Twitter. Setting aside time to unwind will help you from being stressed and will re-energize you!

Remember the end goal - When things get overwhelming, remember why you are where you are. While projects and assignments may add up, all these things will help you achieve a great career! Brensten Education is passionate about your success, so for more tips on how to achieve a school/work balance, stop by Career Services and utilize their help!

Below are five tools to maximize your productivity with your tablet:

1.┬á┬á┬á┬á Calendar ÔÇô Unlike your cell phone or day planner, an iPad gives you much more space to view your daily and upcoming events. A great feature is the ability to sync several calendars and view them in one place, keeping your work, school or personal life organized. A simple, yet great feature of the iPad calendar is the ability to view your events by day, week, or by month. You can choose to view the events in list or calendar format for viewing ease.

2.┬á┬á┬á┬á Evernote -┬á Whether you are in a meeting, in class or even making your grocery list Evernote is an amazing app for the taking and storage of your digital notes. An amazing feature of this app is the ability to capture any sort of note (whether it be a picture or website) and save it. Evernote even has the ability to capture audio, which is perfect for note taking while in class! Evernote will store your notes in easily accessible ÔÇ£foldersÔÇØ, and you can search your notes by keyword or image! The best thing about this app- itÔÇÖs free!

3.┬á┬á┬á To Do List ÔÇô Having your to do list on an easy to use and portable device is a great way to ensure your tasks are not only being noted, but accomplished as well. While paper notes can easily get lost in the shuffle, your iPadÔÇÖs to do list is electronic and extremely user-friendly. Your tasks and to doÔÇÖs can even be sent to you via email, making your notes accessible from anywhere! Tip: Utilize Evernote (mentioned above) when using the to do list feature so you can organize and access your notes in a more organized manner!

4.┬á┬á┬á┬á ÔÇ£Read it LaterÔÇØ app ÔÇô When you are doing research for a school assignment or a project at work, you will likely use the internet to gather facts and site examples. While the internet can be an invaluable tool, it is very easy to become overwhelmed by the amount of information and various links. Read it LaterÔÇØ is an app that allows you to bookmark various links and revisit them at a more convenient time. ÔÇ£Read it LaterÔÇØ also serves as a way to keep you on track while you working! All those distracting links to YouTube or various entertainment sites can easily de-rail you from the task at hand, so let your app help you! Bookmark those potentially distracting links and visit them after you have your work done.

1.     What characteristics or qualities does your company value?

This question will give you an inside look at the various traits that your potential employer values. This is also a great time to reiterate the fact that you embody these various traits, and if it all possible, site examples.

2.     What is the culture like here? Or, can you describe a typical day?

This question is a great way to find out how an organization runs on the day-to-day. The questions will you give insight into the job formality itself. Is this organization casual, or high-pressure? The question ÔÇ£can you describe a typical dayÔÇØ may vary depending on who is answering, but it is great to know right off the bat what is expected of you.

3.     What kind of training in involved?

ItÔÇÖs good to know what typical training is like before you start, as you might be told you have several weeks or no training at all. Whatever the case may be, the more prepared you are, the better!

4.┬á┬á┬á┬á WhatÔÇÖs the next step in the interview process?

Asking this question gives your employer the impression that you are ready to proceed.  This is also a great way to feel out how the interview went! Be sure to ask when and how to follow up, and how the interviewer wishes to be contacted.

Volunteer – Employers love to see volunteer work on your resume.┬á By volunteering, you show your potential employer that you care about your community, and are a well rounded person.┬á It also shows initiative and passion for helping others. As a bonus, if you are able to volunteer in the field you are pursuing:┬á BSE students, perhaps you are in pursuit of a degree in IT? ┬áOffer to be the on-call IT guy for a non-profit close by. Even if it is unpaid, it is still experience and an employer will look favorably upon it. Plus, you can volunteer during the weekends or evenings and still have time for school and your career!

Internship – An internship is a great way to gain real-world experience.┬á And, you can even partake on the weekends. Not only will you gain valuable work experience that you might be able to get in the classroom, but it is a great way to network as well. It allows you to meet people who may be able to help you land a job later on.

Join a professional organization or club By joining a professional organization, it shows you are interested in furthering your career and have passion for your career outside of the workplace. Also these organizations and clubs can supply you with a steady stream of valuable industry news and information. If you are just getting started in your career, itÔÇÖs also a great chance to get to know experienced professionals who may have valuable advice for a rookie.

Looking for more resume help? Utilize BSEÔÇÖs Career Services for all your interview, resume and job search advice.

Prepare ÔÇô Set yourself up for success! Prior to a hectic week, a great tip is to prioritize your to-do list for the week Perhaps a mental checklist is the best method for you, or maybe you prefer writing things down and checking them off. No matter your method, visualizing what you want to accomplish will help you focus on getting it done.

Get an early start ÔÇô Whether you are you currently pursuing your education from Brensten Education, or currently employed and looking to make a career change, a great piece of advice is to get to school or work and GET STARTED.┬á It may be tempting to think you will have time for your tasks and goals later in the day, but chances are other things will come up and you may get pulled in different directions. Accomplish what you can EARLY!

Celebrate small victories and be realistic in your approach ÔÇô Throughout your busy week, tasks and to-do lists might start adding up. DonÔÇÖt let these things overwhelm you! Rather than being bogged down by what you have to do, start first by prioritizing. Which things need to get done first? Which can wait until later in the week? Be sure to be realistic here! Not every task can be a first priority, and not everything can be done TODAY, so set realistic goals for yourself. Take control of your to do list and be sure to celebrate when you get something done! Big or small your tasks add up, and it is OK to reward yourself when you accomplish something, plus this will keep you motivated to KEEP GOING!

Make exercising a priority ÔÇô Studies have shown that a fitness regimen promotes overall health and wellness. As mentioned above, getting an early start on your to do list will set you up for success for the rest of the day, and exercise is no exception to this! ┬áHowever, if you are not a morning person make sure you schedule time to be active at some point throughout your day, even if that is in the evening after class or work. Physical activity will likely clear your head and help you unwind! Tip: Busy day and not enough time to work out? Like mentioned above, be realistic! Try going for a walk around the block for a bit to simply get your blood pumping.

Stay positive! This might seem like a no-brainer, but your attitude will greatly affect your motivation! Set realistic goals for your day and believe that you can succeed at what you set out to do with your day or your week. Taking time for physical activity, preparing lists and celebrating your victories (big or small) are great ways to stay positive and increase your motivation!

Along with a quality education, a resume goes hand-in-hand to successfully position the graduate for a career in Digital Marketing. However not just any typical resume will do. In order to showcase breadth and knowledge of the social space, a social resume is now a common feature for those in the marketing sphere.

What makes up a social resume?

1.     Your digital work: Include a working document with links to Dropbox, YouTube, or Prezi to display your online work. This can include videos, presentations or other online industry-related items. The goal here is to accurately depict what you are capable of in the digital space, so get innovative!
2.┬á┬á┬á┬á Include links to organizations/internships you have worked with, and make sure you include date ranges. Just like your traditional paper resume, you should include information regarding the organizations or internships you have worked with and held. The social resume is ideal to showcase your previous work experience, so include links and be prepared to talk about you experience should you get called in for an interview. A link to the organizationÔÇÖs website will provide credibility and provide you a chance to visually display what the organization or internship embodies.
3.┬á┬á┬á┬á Examine your online ÔÇ£persona.ÔÇØ Prior to you including links to your various networking sites, ensure your profiles are updated and professional. Update your LinkedIn profile (check out tips here), Twitter and Facebook to include the timeliest information as possible. Your photos should reflect the professionalism you would display at an in-person interview, so make sure to check your photos and eliminate any questionable ones.
4.    Blogging? Include those links as well! The more informed of your talent a potential employer is, the better chance you have of being hired. Including links to blogs on relevant industry will display your relevance and credibility on important topics. Tip: Before including links to various blogs, have several people proof them to make sure they are error-free!

Including a social resume will show an employer that you are serious about landing the position as well as up-to-speed on the latest in job search trends! Happy interviewing students!

As technology advances, the need for qualified professionals to run these advanced computer systems will continue to increase, which is why it may be time for you to consider a career in Information Technology!

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the growth of Network and Computer Systems Administrators is projected to grown 28% from 2010 ÔÇô 2020, which is twice as fast as the rate of all other occupations during the same time period. A whopping 96,600 jobs are expected to be created for Network and Computer Systems Administrators by the end of this decade. Plus, the median pay for the occupation was $69,160 per year while the total of all occupations was only around $33,840.

What do they do?

Network and Computer systems administrators handle the everyday operations of their company or organizationÔÇÖs computer network. This may include organizing, installing and supporting local area networks (LANs) wide area networks (WANs) network segments, intranets, email, and other data systems.

If you are interested in the growing Information Technology field, contact Brensten Education today!  In addition to our Help Desk and Network Administration program, we offer many IT certifications including Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA), Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS), Service Desk Professional (SDP), Information Technology Fundamentals (BIT), or Mac OSX Support Technician (MST).

Find out how you can get started toward a rewarding new career in IT today!