Business Administration

Reports show that though 2018, the job market will be especially kind to business degree holders. While general business studies have always been popular, enrollment numbers at business schools and in business degree programs are on the rise. A degree in business administration is easily the most versatile of the available undergraduate business degrees. Graduates of these types of Bachelor’s degree programs leave college with a competitive edge due to the understanding of the fundamentals of business structure, strategy, and operations achieved during school. Potential careers available to business administration degree holders include managerial level positions in human resources, finance, advertising, or marketing.

Computer Science

With nearly all businesses using not only hardware and software but now also the Internet, it’s not surprising that computer science is a degree program that grows in popularity and profitability year after year. According to reports from the Department of Labor, that won’t be changing any time soon. In fact, job opportunities in computer and information systems fields are expected to continue growing through 2018. A degree in computer science is usually supported with a basic understanding of computer system organization, programming, networking, data structures, and digital system design. Potential careers available to computer science degree holders include systems analyst, programmer, and managerial level positions in information systems.

Accounting

In the end, it’s the money that makes a business run, so employers are always on the hunt for good financial managers. Accountants not only set and maintain company budgets, but must be able to balance books, reconcile figures, and analyze & interpret numbers with accountability. Additionally, employment opportunities in this market are on the rise. The Department of Labor projects a 22% growth in this field from 2008 to 2018. College students studying accounting are typically well versed in information systems, auditing, business law, and tax accounting before graduation day. The completion of an accounting degree program can lead to careers as a financial analyst, certified public accountant, or managerial positions in a finance department, among other opportunities.

So what are you supposed to ask? Obviously, the specifics will depend on the job you’re applying for, but these five killer questions will give you an idea of the effect you want to achieve.

1. What three things do people who struggle at this company have in common? This is a negative question, but it gives a surprisingly positive impression, showing that you are keen to understand why some people fail or flounder, and how you can avoid doing the same. It also demonstrates a keen interest in people – and will give you a clue as to three qualities you need to demonstrate you *don’t* have during the final moments of the interview.

2. How would you describe the working atmosphere or culture of this company? If it’s a laugh a minute at work, they’ll tell you so, albeit rather toned down. If it’s a no-nonsense, strictly focused environment, they’ll tell you that too. You’ll have your own preferences of the kind of culture you want to work in, and the answer to this question might set alarm bells ringing. Alternatively, if you like their answer, you can now demonstrate how you will fit perfectly into the ethos they have described.

3. What has been your best/most rewarding/proudest/most enjoyable experience in your career here so far? Like the previous question, this one would give you insight into what the company is like to work for. It’s also difficult for an interviewer to answer this one with the usual corporate-speak, because you’re asking them to relate a personal experience or achievement. At the very least, it’s a question they will not usually be asked, and will show that you are interested in the people behind the company, not merely in the role on offer.

4. What do you consider to be the biggest challenge facing this company in the next few years, and how do you feel I could make a difference in facing that challenge? This two part question ticks a lot of boxes. It shows that you are interested in the company as a whole, and in its wider marketplace or industry. It heavily implies that you are a team player, keen to do your bit, and that you are a strategic thinker who is motivated to make a difference. Finally, of course, it forces the interviewer to say something positive about you, which is a very powerful impression to leave them with. And it’ll massage your ego a little too, with any luck, so it’s an all round good thing.

5. What concerns do you have, if any, about me being the ideal candidate for this role? This final question takes some courage to ask, and interviewers are not as a rule used to such a direct approach. Don’t think that this is just giving them the opportunity to be negative about you. Almost all interviews will leave the employer with a question mark over the candidate in some way, whether major or minor – this is your chance, before you leave the room, to hear what they have to say and to reassure them on any points where they feel you are slightly weaker than others. This question also demonstrates an eagerness to improve, and a fairly strong sense of self-esteem. Just stay calm when you hear the answer!

Carleton College

This private liberal arts college offers undergraduates the opportunity to earn a Bachelor’s degree in any of 37 majors including subjects concentrated in the arts, humanities, natural and social sciences. The campus is situated on more than 1,000 acres in Northfield, MN, and is currently home to almost 2,000 students. There are dozens of clubs available to participate in on campus including a student-run radio show, farming, and a kendo club. To enroll at Carleton during the upcoming academic year costs $55,998 including the cost of tuition, housing, and other fees.

St. Olaf College

Founded in 1874, St. Olaf College offers learning opportunities both on and off campus. There are currently 3,179 students enrolled at this four-year residential college, 84% of whom receive some financial aid. The campus is located in the historic town of Northfield, only 45 minutes from the Twin Cities. Aside from its many majors available through the B.A. program, St. Olaf College is best known for its music degree program. It currently costs a total of $46,950 to attend St. Olaf including not only tuition but also housing and student fees.

University of Minnesota

This public research university is comprised of five campuses, the most renowned of which is located in Morris, MN. Currently there are 1,700 students who call the UMN Morris campus home, but 69,221 enrolled in the university overall. The most popular programs pursued by undergraduates at the University of Minnesota include liberal arts, engineering, education and human development, and management. Outside of academics, students can stay active on campus by participating in any of the 80+ extra-curricular organizations including 18 intramural sports leagues. During the 2012-2013 academic year, it costs an estimated $22,972 to attend UMN. This includes tuition, required fees, housing, books, transportation, and personal expenses.

Macalester College

The population of this liberal arts college is comprised of 1,978 students from the United States are more than 90 foreign countries. The campus, located in Saint Paul, MN, is where the majority of student programs take place including orientation, student support, outdoor activities, development workshops, senior week, and more. There are 10 residence halls on campus including themed buildings such as all gender, interfaith, and healthy living. Undergraduates at Macalester can declare a major in 37 subjects including natural or social sciences, humanities, and fine arts. The cost of attendance this upcoming academic year is $53,419 including tuition, room & board, and required fees.

Saint John’s University

Saint John’s University, in partnership with The College of Saint Benedict, is a liberal arts college located in St. Joseph, MN. There are 60 areas of study available at this school including 38 majors in which undergraduates can pursue a Bachelor’s degree. A student-faculty ratio of 12-1 allows for small-to-moderate class sizes, the average containing 20 students. Currently there are almost 4,000 students enrolled at Saint John’s, most of whom live on campus where they can participate in student-run clubs and organizations, or club and intramural sports. There are 11 varsity sports teams at Saint John’s. During the 2012-2013 academic year, tuition and fees cost $35,468. This does not include the cost of housing, textbooks, or personal expenses.

Bethel University

Located in St. Paul, MN, this evangelical Christian university is home to 6,400 students, making it the largest school in the Christian College Consortium. The campus is situated on 245 lakeside acres just 20 minutes from downtown St. Paul and Minneapolis. Undergraduates at Bethel can pursue a degree in any of 100 different programs including more than 60 majors and 11 pre-professional programs including medicine, law, dentistry, and pharmacy. It currently costs $39,740 to attend Bethel University including tuition, housing, and student fees.

Gustavus Adolphus College

This private liberal arts college is situated on 340 landscaped acres in St. Peter, MN. The campus is comprised of 21 academic and service facilities, 13 residence halls, an art museum, and a 135-acre aboretum. Undergraduates can pursue a degree in any of more than 30 majors or pre-professional programs. More than half the 2,448 students enrolled at Gustavus study abroad during their college career, and 70% receive need-based financial assistance. Tuition for the upcoming academic year is $35,100, excluding additional costs for housing, student fees, and supplies.

Sermo – This network, created by Daniel Palestrant in 2006, is open only to licensed MDs and DOs. It’s a serious place, less about making friends and more about posting professional comments and insights and exchanging peer reviewed articles. Covering no less than 68 medical specialties, and with anonymity for those who want it, many find it invaluable for fast opinions on treatment options and other professional matters.

DoctorsHangout – Much more informal, this is a traditional Facebook style network for medical professionals and students. There is no credentialing procedure, but the network does allow users to share photos, videos, and blogs, and there is a jobs board. At first glance, the level of literacy is worryingly low for medical professionals – or perhaps they’re just letting it all hang out.

New Media Medicine – More of a forum than a social network, but highly active and worthy of inclusion on this list. This site is based in the UK, but has a hefty thread count from international medical students too, and is a friendly place to share thoughts on getting into medical school and coping once you’re in. There are busy careers sections too, and the whole forum is well used. When we visited, there were nearly 200 users online and the site claims over 100k visitors each month.

Doc2Doc – Founded and run by the BMJ, this network aims to be a worldwide community, connecting doctors and health professional wherever they may be. Credential-verified doctors have access to a variety of closed clinical forums and groups, while all members have access to the wide selection of open forums and other networking features, including blogs. There is a badge reward system for prominent members, and the whole site seems slick and polished.

Student Doctor Network - Not quite a social network, more of an advice site with added forums, but the forums are very active and seem very supportive. The emphasis is on the academics, not on the fun side of student life, so it’s a business-like atmosphere. A great place to seek support from people who know exactly what you’re going through.

AllNurses – This social network exclusively for nurses and nursing students has over half a million members and features a wealth of career advice, specific groups for students and coverage of dozens of nursing specialties. There are blogs, articles and discussions, and spaces for fun and relaxation too.

Medical Mingle – For medical professionals and for those interested in becoming a medical professional, this network promises career resources, forum posts, blogs and the ability to share photos, videos and all the usual social media bits and pieces. It’s not as active as some of the others, but it is run by a large job board for US medical and healthcare jobs, so it’s well worth checking out when you’re job seeking.

With that level of fame and, in many cases, admiration, it doesn’t take a college degree to understand why these jobs are so coveted. As a result, however, there are more job candidates than can ever grace the silver screen in a given year in a field where an education is not weighed as heavily as experience. It’s only reasonable for students in an arts degree program with big Hollywood dreams to struggle with figuring out their next step after graduation.

Do you move to Los Angeles to work at minimum wage while grabbing every audition and interview possible? Should you search for internships locally to build your resume before jetting to the entertainment capital of the country? Is it a better idea to continue your education in your early 20s so you can find a back up to those larger-than-life dreams?

These are all plausible options for a graduate from an arts degree program, but here we’re aiming to make things simpler by sharing some of the best resources with you. The truth is that there are always job opportunities available, but they won’t always emerge where you would expect. While everyone is flying to Beverly Hills to rub elbows with the rich and famous, you might find a more realistic start to your career in a lesser known location with a more limited pool of talent. Here are a few professional resources that could lead to jobs for inexperienced actors, writers, artists, musicians, or other creative and talented individuals.

National Network for Artist Placement (NNAP) is a publication focused on serving artists with the information necessary to begin and manage an entertainment career. With a membership fee, students can access an online directory of renowned colleges and internships in entertainment. Meanwhile, graduates or working professionals can benefit from books and educational materials from over 700 organizations covering every art discipline from dance and music to film and fine art.

A Digital Dreamer is the go-to resource for designers whether your specialty is graphic, photography, animation, or video game design. Like the NNAP publication, A Digital Dreamer provides prospective design students with listings and information about prestigious schools, complete with a program overview and rankings. It also provides students and job seekers alike with resources including a detailed overview of various design jobs and advice about pursuing employment.

Prospective actors, models, musicians, dancers, and set crew members can benefit from the professional resources available at ExploreTalent. The talent can participate in contests to add to their resume (for instance, users can compete for the title of Best Celebrity Look Alike) and find auditions and jobs listed. Students can take advantage of the more than 25,000 informational pages connecting community members with arts schools, agencies, organizations, teachers, press contacts, and more. Since any Internet users can also rate talent and contribute to the site’s top trends, ExploreTalent can help build a fan-base for its members, which can act as a major contributor to future success.

Those pursuing a career in the arts, whether it’s the starring role of a movie or behind-the-scenes work, can find additional career resources through Get In Media and MediaBistro which both provide not only job listings, but also information and guidance to anyone interested in being professionally involved in the entertainment industry.

A demonstration had already taken place on Friday May 1st, 1970, with 500 students taking part. Another demo was planned for the following Monday, but later that night disturbances in the town itself broke out, with vandalism and looting. The crowd of 120 was a mixture of students, bikers and transient people, and a number began to direct their anger towards the police. The Kent Mayor, LeRoy Satrom, declared a state of emergency, but the crowd’s anger increased following a decision to close all of the town’s bars early; the crowd was only dispersed when the police used tear gas.

The following day, rumors were rife that radical revolutionaries were in Kent, with the specific aim of destroying the city and the university. The decision was taken to call in the National Guard; by the time they arrived at 10pm a crowd of 1000 had set the campus Reserve Officer Training Corps building on fire. Emergency services personnel attempting to control the blaze were hit by rocks thrown by the crowd. Remarkably, only one student was slightly injured in these events and the arrests which followed.

By Sunday 3rd May, an emotional Governor Rhodes was threatening martial law. A rally later that day on campus was broken up by tear gas, but students re-grouped in town to hold a sit-in – but by then, a curfew was in place and the Guard forced the students back to their dorms. In the struggle, several students were wounded by bayonets. On Monday 4th, university officials attempted to ban the protest planned for noon, and handed out 12,000 leaflets stating that it had been canceled. Even so, 2000 people gathered on the university’s commons, near Taylor Hall.

The Ohio National Guard attempted to disperse the crowd, but faced an onslaught of rocks and other missiles, which they met with tear gas. A group of Guards fixed bayonets and marched towards the protesters, forcing them back. At 12.24pm, it is claimed that an order was given to fire. Such an order has never been proven, and Guardsmen say they fired in self-defense.

As four students lay dead that terrible day, only one Guardsman was injured seriously enough to require treatment by medical staff. Widespread protests and demonstrations followed around the country, and in all 450 campuses were closed as students went on strike. Ten days later, at Jackson State University, two students were killed in very similar circumstances.

Eventually, eight Guardsmen were indicted by a Grand Jury, but in 1974 charges were dismissed as the prosecution case was judged too weak to warrant a trial. Wounded students and their families were awarded $675,000 following a civil law suit.

In 2010, Alan Canfora, one of the students wounded that day, now director of the non profit Kent May 4 Center, asked the Justice Department to review audio recordings made 250 feet from the Guardsmen when the shots were fired. Although Canfora and audio specialists say that on these enhanced recordings a clear order to fire can be heard, the Justice Department thought otherwise, and found the recordings inconclusive. Late April this year, they wrote to Canfora stating that it was not possible to re-investigate the case, due to double jeopardy laws, the statute of limitations and the fact that some of the Guardsmen involved have since died.

Today, the May 4 group are still campaigning for a new investigation; if they are unsuccessful, they plan to appeal to the International Court of Justice, the UN Human Rights Council or the Inter-American Court of Human Rights. It seems that the truth has been a very long time coming to Kent State.

1. Williams College

This liberal arts college, situated on 450 acres in Williamstown, MA, is currently home to over 2,100 undergraduate students. Williams College campus is ideally located less than 200 miles from Boston and New York City, attracting students interested in big city living and small, community environments alike. Students can declare a major in any of 36 subjects from three academic divisions: languages and arts, social studies, science and mathematics. Tuition for this academic year is $54,560 including room & board as well as other student fees.

2. Princeton University

This popular Ivy League school, located in New Jersey, is now home to nearly 8,000 students, 5,000 of which comprise the undergraduate population. Princeton campus is comprised of180 buildings (academic, residential, and recreational) on 500 landscaped acres. Undergraduates can earn their Bachelor’s degree by declaring a major within any of 29 academic departments. Some of the most popular degree programs pursued by Princeton students include architecture, engineering, and international affairs. Tuition for the current academic year is $37,000. This does not include room, board, and other student expenses.

3. Amherst College

This liberal arts college is located on over 1,000 acres in the town after which it is named. Currently home to 1,795 undergraduate students, and taught by nearly 200 full-time faculty members, Amherst can afford to be selective in its admissions. Students can earn their Bachelor’s degree in one of 36 offered at Amherst, or create an interdisciplinary major. Campus remains active with the help of over 140 student clubs and organizations. Tuition during the current academic year is $53,340. This does not include expenses such as textbooks, supplies, or transportation.

4. Stanford University

Despite not being an official member of the Ivy League, this private university, located in Stanford, CA, is often discussed as such due a majority of its faculty members teaching classes at the prestigious Ivy League schools. Undergraduates can earn a Bachelor’s degree in a subject within Stanford’s seven colleges: business, earth sciences, education, engineering, humanities and sciences, law, and medicine. This year’s tuition costs $51,600, not excluding student fees.

5. Harvard University

This private university is internationally known for its Ivy League status, and its reputation as one of the most selective schools in the country. Located in Cambridge, MA, Harvard is currently home to 21,000 students, 6,700 of whom comprise the undergraduate population. Harvard’s 15 individual colleges make up the school’s academic programs, including the school of business, arts and sciences, dental, design, education, law, medical, and graduate school. The current cost of tuition at Harvard is $52,652 including all student fees and housing expenses.

6. Haverford College

Located on the outskirts of Philadelphia, PA, the Haverford campus consists of 200 landscaped acres upon which award-winning architecture is situated alongside 50 buildings. Currently more than 1,000 students call Haverford home. Among the many majors offered, the most popular degrees pursued by students at Haverford include biology, economics, English, history, political science, and psychology. There are over 145 student-run clubs and organizations on campus, known as “Havertivities.” It currently costs a total of $55,250 to attend Harverford College, including includes tuition, room & board, and student fees.

7. University of Chicago

Located within the Windy City, this college provides over 50 concentrations from which undergraduate students can choose to earn a Bachelor’s degree. Additionally, all undergraduates study the university’s “Core” curriculum, made up of courses in humanities and the arts, natural & mathematical sciences, social sciences, language, and physical education. There are more than 400 clubs and organizations as well as 19 varsity athletic teams that meet regularly on campus. This year, tuition for the University of Chicago is $58,955 including all fees, room & board, textbooks, and personal expenses.

8. Massachusetts Institute of Technology

This research university, set on 160 acres along the Charles River Basin, was founded in 1861. There are more than 10,000 students enrolled at MIT, 4,300 comprising the undergraduate student body. Undergraduates can pursue a degree in any of 30 programs from five concentrations: architecture, engineering, humanities, management, science, and health sciences & technology. Most students live on campus, in one of 11 residential buildings. Tuition for attendance this year is $20,230. This cost does not include room, board, or other fees and living expenses.

9. Northwestern University

Currently one of the most expensive colleges in the country, Northwestern University prides itself on its strong academic programs. Among the six concentrations from which students can declare or build a major, the most popular programs include the arts & sciences, engineering & applied sciences, and communications. The campus is split into more than 240 acres in Evanston and a facility within Chicago, IL. Currently around 8,000 undergraduates attend Northwestern. Tuition this year costs $58,249, including all potential student fees and expenses.

10. Claremont McKenna College

Located in Claremont, CA, this school is currently home to more than 1,200 students. Undergraduates can select one of 50 majors from 12 departments in which to pursue a Bachelor’s degree. The most popular subjects include government, computer science, psychology, and finance. To attend Claremont McKenna College this upcoming year costs approximately $27,920. This total includes room, board, meals, and additional student fees.

Robert Champion was a drum major with the Marching 100, the marching band of the Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University. This legendary band has performed at  Super Bowls and presidential inaugurations, but has a long history of hazing. Champion was discovered unconscious in the back of a team bus following the university football team’s defeat to Bethune-Cookman on November 19th 2011. He had extensive bruising to his upper body, was bleeding internally and had gone into shock. Previously, he had been vomiting, complaining of thirst, fatigue and loss of vision.

Hazing has a long history in US universities, but is considered a felony in several states, with others considering this option. As far back as 1684, a Harvard student, Joseph Webb, was expelled for hazing – but several recent incidents have reignited concerns.

In 2005, 21 year old student Matthew Carrington was killed at California’s Chico State University, in the basement of a fraternity house located two blocks from campus. Carrington was forced to drink water and do calisthenics in front of blowing fans. This water intoxication ritual with the Chi Tau fraternity dates back 20 years, and in Carrington’s case caused swelling of the brain, seizures and eventual heart failure, not helped by fraternity members delaying calling the emergency services.

In 2004, a junior on the Sandwich High School football team lost his spleen in a hazing ritual, and in 2007 in Lawrenceville, NJ, a Rider University student died and another was hospitalized with alcohol poisoning during a fraternity pledge. In the latter case, five people were charged, including two university administrators.

A 2008 study carried out nationally by Dr Elizabeth Alan and Dr Mary Madden of the University of Maine surveyed over 11,000 undergraduates at 53 colleges and universities. Their findings included the fact that over half the college students involved in clubs, teams and groups had experienced hazing, and nearly half of the students had experienced hazing prior to college. This would suggest that it is not so much a university problem as a social problem, and, if other evidence is taken into account, a world wide problem. An excellent resource is Stop Hazing, a site dedicated to raising awareness of hazing and its dangers.

What makes the Champion case so significant is the number of people being charged – although Champion’s parents, perhaps understandably, were disappointed that more serious charges were not brought against those arrested. His parents have also decided to sue the bus company, as they claim that the driver stood guard while the incident took place.

What exactly happened to Robert Champion? That is not clear – but two types of hazing ritual were described in affidavits: in one, a student has to run from the front to the back of the bus, while band members slap, kick and hit them. Should a student fall, they are stomped on and dragged to the front of the bus to start again. The second ritual, known as the hot seat, involves a pillowcase being placed over a student’s nose and mouth while questions are asked. Failure to answer correctly means the student stays that way until they do answer correctly.

Clearly, the future of the FAMU band is in doubt, and they do appear to have a major hazing problem. In an earlier incident, a woman’s legs were so severely beaten by fists and a metal ruler, during initiation into a clique of band members, that she suffered a broken thigh bone. Three people face charges relating to that incident. Then earlier this year, four more band members were arrested for allegedly punching, slapping and paddling five students who were members of the clarinet section.

Hazing in Florida was only made a felony in 2005; this followed the death in 2001 of Chad Meredith, who at the behest of his fraternity brothers tried to swim across a lake while drunk. No criminal charges were brought, but the fraternity was ordered by a civil jury to pay Meredith’s parents $12 million.

In most cases, it must be said that the sentencing of those involved in hazing remains light. For example, in the 2005 water intoxication death, the most serious charge was involuntary manslaughter, resulting in a one year sentence. In Champion’s case, those facing the more serious charges face up to six years imprisonment. Those who favor hazing or turn a blind eye to it point to its basis in tradition, having in many cases undergone similar rituals themselves. Many consider it no more than foolish pranks, and claim that hazing builds discipline, bonding and respect. Surely, however, it’s time to start weighing these superficial arguments against the ultimate price that students like Champion pay.

As Will Keim, PhD, wrote in “The Power of Caring”:

1. If you have to ask if it’s hazing, it is.

2. If in doubt, call your advisor/coach/national office and ask. If you won’t pick up the phone, you have your answer. Don’t BS yourself.

3. If you haze, you have low self-esteem.

4. If you allow hazing to occur, you are a hazing enabler.

5. Failure to stop hazing will result in death.

Elon University – The Fighting Christian

In the 1930s, the mascot of Elon University became the Fighting Christian. Prior to this, the school had been known by many different nicknames. The Fighting Christian mascot is reminiscent of an angry leprechaun wearing the hat of an Amish man with his fists poised for a brawl. It is said that this nickname was chosen for Elon due to its neighbors, the Wake Forest Demon Deacons and the Duke Blue Devils. In 2000, however, the school mascot was officially changed to the Phoenix, in remembrance of the 1923 fire that nearly destroyed campus.

Slippery Rock University – Rocky the Rock

Most mascots are animals, or at the very least living things with some sense of spirit; however, for this Pennsylvania school with no official mascot, the next best thing turned out to be a rock. The unoriginally named Rocky, also known as “the pride of the rock” became Slippery Rock’s unofficial representative through the combined efforts of the Student Government Association and Department of Athletics.

University of Hawaii – Rainbow Warriors

Prior to 2000, the athletic teams at this tropical college were known as the Rainbow Warriors, expressed through a tribal Hawaiian man ironically wearing very few colors and covered in war paint. After the turn of the millennium, some student athletes argued that the rainbow was a controversial symbol of homosexuality, and in response the university allowed each team to name themselves. Today, the men’s teams are variations of the original Rainbow Warriors name (including Warriors, or Rainbows) and the women’s teams are known as Rainbow Wahine (often called the Rainbows or the ‘Bows).

Western Kentucky University – Big Red

The big red blob that represents the Hilltoppers and Lady Toppers at Western Kentucky University was created by a student in 1979. Although it was meant to symbolize student spirit, with Big Red’s head shaped like the hill that the university sits upon, over the years its meaning has been overlooked or lost entirely. In 2004, for instance, Big Red was the center of international controversy when a former Italian Prime Minister claimed that Big Red’s likeness was stolen from Gabibbo, the mascot for a popular Italian television network.

University of Central Florida – Citronauts

In 1969, the University of Central Florida decided upon its first mascot: the Citronaut. What is a Citronaut? It’s an alien with the body of an orange. That’s right, the first UCF mascot was something out of this world. We’re happy to report that in 1994, the university took a more fearsome approach. The UCF Knights are now finally represented by its namesake, a knight named Knightro who can be spotted riding a horse or custom car (designed by the school’s engineering students, of course) around campus.

Rhode Island School of Design – Scrotie

Count on those creative design students to come up with what is easily the most bizarre mascot on this list. Nicknamed Scrotie, the RISD unofficial mascot is a full set of male genitalia donning a red cape. The school shows no shame in cheering with this person-sized penis. Contrarily, the club basketball team on campus is called the Balls, and the hockey team is called the Nads. Their cheerleaders who support the Nads are referred to as the Jockstraps. You couldn’t make this stuff up. Scrotie was designed in 2001 specifically with the hockey team in mind.

Stanford University – The Tree

After several failed attempts at creating an effective mascot – including the French Fry and the Steaming Manhole – the Tree was first seen at Stanford University in 1975 at a marching band performance. To this day, it remains the official mascot of the Leland Stanford Junior University Marching Band, and although it is the unofficial mascot of the college, it is both popular and controversial, consistently earning the school much more attention than its official mascot, the Cardinal. Controversy behind the Tree includes an incident in 2006 where the person wearing the Tree was spotted drinking from a flask during a basketball game, and later was found to have twice the legal driving limit in California.

University of North Carolina School of the Arts – The Pickle Jar

Another popular but unofficial mascot, the Fighting Pickle made its first appearance at UNCSA in the early 1970s. The name “Pickles” was chosen based on a student body vote for naming the football team. The nomination for this name was accompanied by the slogan, “Sling ‘em by their warts!” In the spring of 2010, the Pickle Jar was chosen as the new mascot of the Fighting Pickles.

Scottsdale Community College – Artie the Artichoke

While this certainly sounds like a pointless, laughable mascot, it first graced the college community under serious circumstances. In the 1970s, students created Artie to protest the school’s spending priorities; specifically, the distribution of scholarship funds. Although he was originally intended as a blemish upon the school’s reputation, Artie the Artichoke was a hit among students, athletes, and staff members alike. He remains a beloved icon throughout the community today.

Dartmouth College – Keggy the Keg

Having declared no official mascot allows this school to maintain three unofficial representatives at athletic events, the most beloved of which is Keggy: an anthropomorphic beer keg donning a big grin, created by members of the campus humor magazine in 2003. Keggy instantly polarized the student body and administrators alike; however, by the time “Captain Keggy’s Carinval Cruiser” made an appearance at the 2005 Winter Carnival celebration, Keggy was embraced by all as an essential part of Dartmouth culture.

John Roberts – Appointed by George W Bush, Roberts is the current Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court. He attended Harvard College, obtaining an AB summa cum laude in history, and then Harvard Law School, graduating with a JD magna cum laude in 1979.

Antonin Scalia – The longest serving of the Supreme Court Justices, having been appointed by Ronald Reagan back in 1986. An only child and son of an immigrant from Sicily, Scalia excelled at school. his father was to become a professor of Romance Languages at Brooklyn College. In 1957 Scalia graduated from Georgetown University valedictorian and summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in history. He then studied law at Harvard, graduating magna cum laude in 1960. During his time there, he was also a Notes Editor for the Harvard Law Review.

Anthony Kennedy – Another Reagan appointment, Kennedy was an undergraduate at Stanford University, where he obtained a BA in Political Science, before earning an LLB cum laude from Harvard Law School in 1961.

Clarence Thomas  – The only remaining Justice appointed by George HW Bush, and one of two African-American Justices in the Supreme Court. He spent a brief period at the Conception Seminary College, but left when he overheard another student say “Good, I hope the son of a bitch died” following the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. Thomas was later to graduate with an AM cum laude in English Literature from the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, MA, in 1971. In 1974 he graduated from Yale Law School with a JD.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg – Ginsburg can claim to be the first Jewish female Justice and only the second female Justice at all. Appointed by Clinton in 1993, the 79 year old graduated from Cornell University with a BA in Government in 1954. When she enrolled at Harvard Law School later that year, she was one of just nine women in a class of over 500 students. She later transferred to Columbia Law School when her husband’s job moved to New York City; she graduated in 1959 joint first in her class. Ginsburg can also boast honorary Doctor of Laws degrees from Williamette University, Princeton University and Harvard University.

Stephen Breyer – Another Clinton appointment, Breyer has a BA in Philosophy from Stanford, a BA from Oxford University and a Bachelor of Laws from Harvard Law School; he was a professor at Harvard from 1967 to 1994.

Samuel Alito – Appointed by George W Bush, Alito is a graduate of Princeton University‘s Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs. There he obtained a BA in 1972 and in 1975 he earned a JD from Yale Law School.

Sonia Sotomayor – The first Hispanic Justice, Sotomayor was appointed in 2009 by Obama. She is a graduate from Princeton University with an AB summa cum laude, and in 1976 she entered Yale Law School on a scholarship, where she was awarded a JD in 1979. Sotomayor was an adjunct professor at New York University of Law, lecturer in law at Columbia Law School  and a member of the Board of Trustees at Princeton University.

Elena Kagan – The most recently appointed Justice, and the youngest, born in 1960. Kagan is a graduate of Princeton University with an AB summa cum laude in history. She received Princeton’s Daniel M Sachs Class of 1960 Graduating Scholarship, which enabled her to travel to England and earn a Master of Philosophy degree at Oxford University. In 1986 she received a JD magna cum laude from Harvard Law School.

Looking at this list and the list of education of previous Justices and other senior legal figures, it seems a perfect route might go something like this: Head to Princeton University for a degree in history – obtain a scholarship to Oxford University – return to study law at Harvard Law School. Easy. Off you go!

Guerilla Job Hunting – Traditional job hunting strategies are simply not enough in today’s digital world. This blog from highly successful executive recruiter David Perry gives job seekers the low down on integrating social media, smart phones, video and more into your hunt for that dream position.

Lindsey Pollak – Lindsey is an internationally recognized expert on next generation career trends. Her blog teems with advice about getting from college to career, including posts on handing generational conflict, managing your personal branding and getting stuck into networking, both online and real life.

LinkedIn Blog – LinkedIn can be one of the most useful social media tools for graduate job seekers, but it can be a little bit baffling when you first begin. Their official blog has plenty of advice, tips and how-tos, with many posts directly targeting job seekers and intending to show you exactly how you can use this network to further your career options.

Secrets of the Job Hunt – This collaborative blog is full of practical advice from real job seekers. Learn what they did right – and what they did wrong – and find out how to apply this advice to your own life.

Life After College – Jenny Blake’s refreshing blog is the full package for recent graduates. As well as plenty of career advice and job seeking tips, there is plenty to read about making the most of other areas of your life too, from happiness to relationships and health, money and personal goals. Jenny is a former high flying Google manager who took the leap into a new career herself, so she knows what she’s talking about.

Simply Hired – This blog accompanies the major job seeking site of the same name, which now operates across 17 countries. Big name career experts write here, providing short but useful posts on all manner of job hunting topics, from preparing your resume to how (not) to ask for a raise.

Monster Working – Another blog by a major player in the online job search market, again with plenty of expert contributors making their mark. As well as sound job search advice and guidance, you’ll find information on social media and career management; there’s also a regular “cool job” section for career inspiration when all else fails!

Graduate Fog – Billed as a career guide for baffled graduates, this British blog is full of relevant news and advice, as well as regular debates on topics like internships, taking money from your parents, unemployment in the recession and how to stay motivated when things are not going well.

Student Branding – Dan Schwabel explains how the concept of personal branding can work for students; this blog’s infectious enthusiasm will have you cleaning up your tweets, reworking your Facebook profile and networking your little knees off in no time at all.

Epic Launch – You don’t actually have to find a job. As such. This inspirational blog is written by and for young entrepreneurs, and will help you go your own way and set up your own business, if you so choose, with advice from those who have been there and those who are doing it right now.

Be Prepared

As the famous saying goes, “Failing to plan is planning to fail.” Now is the time to put those strong research skills that colleges require to good use. Well before a career fair is held, whether online or not, a list will be released sharing which businesses will be present. Familiarize yourself with general information about each company. This will not only help you whittle your own list of desirable interviews, but also enable you to answer relevant questions posed by each business representative.

An online career fair is undeniably convenient, but that doesn’t give you an excuse to be lazy. Be sure to have an updated resume in digital format ready to share when promising opportunities arise. You may also want to write a generic cover letter (as opposed to a personalized one for each individual company) to accompany your resume. Ideally you should also have samples of your work, if not a full portfolio available online.

Preparing for the subsequent interviews may be a little more complicated since the questions you will be asked are unpredictable, unlike the structure of the event itself; however, you can prepare questions to ask your potential employers regarding the opportunities available with them. Be ready to talk about your long and short term goals. If you do not already have a specific career goal in mind, take the time to flesh out your career fair online profile with a full list of your skills and interests. You can also create a brief professional biography to keep in mind when making introductions.

Be Resourceful

If you’ve done all the necessary preparations, you’ll have little to stress about on the day of the fair itself. Be sure to dress in appropriate interview attire as it is not uncommon to have a video chat with an interviewer. If possible, give yourself more time than necessary. You can then take advantage of all the on-site resources before meeting one-on-one with a company’s representative. While potential employees will spend most of the day networking, there will usually be shared presentations and webinars available throughout the day. These will not only feature the businesses present at the fair, but often also provide job hunting tips and timely interview advice.

Treat these interviews like any other. You may be meeting through a computer screen, but that does justify less than professional behavior. Keep conversation cordial and professional, and use common sense. Smiley faces and text speak will not impress potential employers. If you get caught up in an uninteresting meeting or interview, do not walk away too quickly. Every encounter during an online career fair is an opportunity for networking. Try to find common ground with employers or even other job-hunters, and exchange contact information for future reference. One can never accumulate too many professional contacts.

Be Persistent

After the online career fair ends and businesses go back to their normal routines, it’s time to make them remember you. Few interviewees take the proper post-interview steps. Therefore a little extra effort can go a long way, regardless of the outcome of the interview itself. If you have already collected the appropriate contact information from your interviewers, follow-up with an email or phone call shortly after the fair. A quick message stating that you were pleased to meet with the representative and appreciated their time during the day will force your interviewer to recall the few minutes you spent with them.

One way of sharing your appreciation for a particular interviewer or potential career opportunity is through social media. If a business is participating in an online career fair, they are likely to have the primary social networks – Facebook, Twitter, and Google Plus. You can use these outlets to mention the career fair and your experiences there with the company in question. Ultimately your key to post-interview success is maintaining the lines of communication. Whether through follow-up emails or phone calls, or an occasional shout out via Twitter, businesses will have an easier time remembering your name if you don’t let them forget it in the first place.