Ever since Covid-19 struck, our world has been upside down. After two years of all the college campuses being closed, they are finally making their comeback. Slowly, but surely, college campuses are going to allow outsider visitors.
It is important to make your rounds to visit each college that you are looking to attend. This is an important part of your college admissions application process because you may not end up liking the college atmosphere, campus, or campus culture. You may even end up liking a different college campus more than you were originally anticipating, so it’s important to visit these campuses before applying or accepting an offer letter.
We’re going to run you through a list of colleges and their guidelines for reopening on-site visitation. Keep in mind that not all colleges are reopening for visits, so be sure to read the list closely.
The list you are about to read is in alphabetical order and also doesn’t list all of the colleges that are reopening. If you don’t see your desired college on this list, feel free to conduct your own research and look up if the college of your choice is hosting on-site visits again.
The next thing to consider once you find out which colleges are open for visitation is how to make the most out of your trip. It’s important that all of your questions are answered throughout your tour. Let’s run through a few notes to remember while you are visiting colleges.
It would be a shame for you to be distracted from the college tour because you are hungry or thirsty. It’s important to give the college tour your undivided attention. Before you go on your trip, plan out everything that you need to bring on the tour rather than packing everything at the last second. Remember that you will also be walking a fair amount, so wear comfortable shoes and clothing. Bring your water bottle, snacks, and a notebook so you can write notes about the campus. A way to determine your preferred college would be to write down the pros and cons of each campus and review them at the end of your college tours.
Another thing to have prepared before your college tour is all of the questions you need to have answered to ensure this college is the one for you. Learn more about the college you want to attend, the location of certain study rooms/classes, how the campus lifestyle is, and how it can support you.
Reminder that colleges are slowly reopening due to covid-19 restrictions. Many colleges have their own safety guidelines in place, including submitting a negative COVID-19 test, proof of vaccination, and/or completing a health screening. Make sure you adhere to these guidelines so that you can safely enjoy the campus and make the most of your touring experience. Happy touring!
There’s no need to worry if your dream college isn’t open for on-site campuses. There are alternative solutions out there for you. Even since the pandemic, having to readjust and adapt to new solutions virtually for new college students isn’t a new thing. Let’s go over some alternative solutions for you.
One of the first options that you can endure is to sign up for a virtual information session. Typically this is led by an admissions officer or the Dean of Admissions. The exact topics that are covered are essay writing, the admissions process, financial aid, extracurricular activities, and the campus lifestyle. There will also be a time for you to present any additional questions you might have. This is the perfect opportunity to read the list of questions you have already prepared if they were not already answered.
If you are unsure of alternative solutions in finding the answers to your questions, do your own research. Each college should have a fairly up-to-date website as well as a social media platform. Make sure to pay close attention to all those different mediums and find out everything you need to know. There are also phone numbers accessible to potential college students which means you’ll be able to talk to the administration office. They should have the answers to your questions.
Lastly, since the pandemic, virtual tours have been the new wave of visiting your potential college. They’ll give you the option to schedule a virtual tour which oftentimes is student-led. Most virtual tours can take up to an hour to provide you with a true walkthrough of the campus and its buildings. If the tour is live, the same rules apply as above, stay prepared. If there are certain questions that you are looking to find answers to, ask them. Happy college touring!
If you are planning on attending on-campus or virtual tours, make sure to ensure a campus visit is scheduled. This is a vital part of the college admissions process. This determines where you end up living for the next few years of your life. Ensure it is the right decision for you.
Ever since Covid-19 struck, our world has been upside down. [...]
No one likes to talk about themselves so, the "tell me about yourself" question can be overwhelming. Here's how to answer it effectively.
Each of these work-styles have their own set of advantages and disadvantages. Dive in to learn more about them.
It’s no secret that the workplace is changing. The 2020 pandemic created a lot of workplace disruptions, but it also inspired some important innovations. While some companies are craving a return to pre-pandemic normalcy, other companies are thoughtfully considering the best way to move forward in ways that are reflective of the times. For many, the future of work includes a lot more remote work.
More and more companies are now pursuing remote and hybrid remote working models. That said, what is a hybrid remote job? In this article, we will review the hybrid remote work definition as well as look at several hybrid remote work models.
So what does hybrid remote work mean?
Basically, it means partially remote. There is still a physical office or headquarters where employees periodically commute to. Sometimes, though, employees work remotely, either from a home office, co-working space, coffee shop, or anywhere else with reliable internet access.
There are a lot of nuances, however, to consider in regards to the meaning of “hybrid remote” and the various hybrid model meanings. In this article, we’ll explain some of those key differences.
A hybrid workplace can look fairly different, depending on the industry and the company. Basically, though, it means that some work will be done in an office environment and some work will be done remotely.
This could mean that while some employees work in the office, other employees opt to work from home. Alternatively, a hybrid workplace could mean that each employee has the option to work partially from home and partially from the office.
Hybrid remote working models are on the rise. During the pandemic’s start, companies scrambled to accommodate various work-from-home models. In some cases, this presented a steep learning curve.
Suddenly, employers and employees were expected to all shift communication and project management methods. This involved a lot more emails and Zoom meetings. Online project management tools — such as Asana, Hive, Basecamp, Trello, and Wrike — have also gained popularity since 2020.
At some point during the pandemic, lots of companies (not all, of course) were fully remote. This means that no one came into the physical office space. Everything was done remotely and online. For many companies, hybrid work-from-home models are a popular method for reentering the workplace. Transitioning from remote work to hybrid remote work models, however, can look vastly different, depending on the industry and the company.
Let’s explore the hybrid remote work meaning a bit more thoroughly.
For instance, what do the terms “remote-first” and “office-first” mean? Does “flexible” mean the same thing as “hybrid”? In short, what are the different hybrid model meanings?
Partly remote is pretty self-explanatory. Some work will be completed in an office environment and some work will be completed remotely. What this looks like, specifically, will depend on the company and the nature of the office work.
A remote-first workplace means that the company has designed its structure with remote work models as its priority. That said, a remote-first workplace is not fully remote. Employees will still report to an office.
Ultimately this means that companies have to implement tools and resources to support both types of work and bridge any potential communication gaps. Companies will also likely have to consider different time zones and the effect they will have on hybrid teams, team-building, company culture, and workflow.
An office-first workplace means that work is primarily conducted in an office. While some remote work (or remote workers) is permitted, remote work is not the focus. In this type of workspace, asynchronous work hours usually are not permitted.
A flexible hybrid work model means that employees are given autonomy over their schedules. The company has no clear preference for in-house or remote work and employees get to design their schedules however best suits them. This can be an important distinction because sometimes in a hybrid office, remote workers can be seen as the exception and aren’t accommodated as they should be.
Hybrid working from home models can have a lot of benefits. They allow more flexibility and can reduce your weekly transportation costs. In this section, we will review some of the key benefits of pursuing remote hybrid work.
Remote hybrid work and various WFH models (work from home models) offer greater scheduling flexibility. This is particularly helpful for employees with families or other scheduling concerns. Overall, work arrangements that offer flexible work and flexible schedules are often seen as an important perk and help improve the employee experience.
If you are able to work from anywhere, with a hybrid work schedule, you will be able to limit your weekly commutes — saving you both time and money.
With gas prices steadily increasing, fewer weekly commutes can make a big difference financially. Additionally, if you commute to work with a personal vehicle, not only will you save money on gas, but you will likely have fewer car repairs and overall expenses.
You may also be able to save money on childcare expenses and be able
to care for your pets more thoroughly. Another important factor to consider is that with greater location flexibility, you can choose a more fiscally responsible location to live in.
If you are only expected to come into the office on occasion, you have the option to live further away from your workplace. For remote employees, this offers even more potential. With increased work options, some remote employees are choosing to capitalize on their ability to work from anywhere by traveling and pursuing the “digital nomad” lifestyle.
While there are lots of benefits of work from home models, hybrid workplaces are not for everyone. In this section, we will review some important challenges to consider.
In a two-tier work environment (in-office and remote) there is an increased chance of miscommunication among team members. Expectations and individual schedules may not be clear. It is also important to note that managers and supervisors who excel in the office with face-to-face interactions may not know the best way to manage and delegate remote teams.
For some employees, working from home is distracting, especially if you don’t have a home office. It can be difficult to get work done with children, pets, or your partner competing for your attention. You may also be tempted to procrastinate, sleep in, or take too many breaks with a hybrid schedule. This is important to consider if you are trying to decide whether to pursue an alternative hybrid work option full-time.
Some people may struggle with a lack of structure and routine. Many workers plan out their own routines and working hours, but sometimes it can be difficult to keep yourself accountable without having to physically commute to the office. This is why it’s important to consider what the best work plan is for you. Some people work best from home while other people work best in the office.
If you are allowed to pursue a hybrid work model and can design your own schedule, it’s important to reflect on your working preferences and overall strengths and weaknesses.
This one is obvious but it is also one of the most important factors for remote work. Where do you have the most reliable internet access? Working from home can offer more flexibility but if you don’t have reliable internet access, you will likely end up wasting a lot of time.
Do you have to commute to work? How long is your commute? Do you take a bus, train, or car? What are your weekly transportation expenses? For many workers, not having to commute to the office every day allows for a better work-life balance.
Everyone’s needs and preferences are different. Maybe you’re a night owl and would prefer to keep late working hours. Or maybe you lose motivation mid-day and would benefit from a longer break or a nap before returning to work.
Some people prefer working in an office and some people prefer working from home. Where are you most productive?
If you work independently, making a shift to remote work will be smoother than if you actively collaborate as a part of a team.
For parents or people caring for sick or disabled relatives, working from home allows greater flexibility so that you can better balance your personal and professional lives.
For workers with chronic health concerns or disabilities, working from home can help them better prioritize their health.
More and more workplaces are adapting to the times. These 12 companies are officially adopting hybrid work-from-home models.
Remote work models offer lots of perks: fewer commutes, lower transportation costs, flexible hours, a better work-life balance, and the ability to travel and work from anywhere. It’s important to note, however, that not all companies are equally equipped to accommodate remote employees and various work-from-home models.
For some companies, the infrastructure might not be there yet and for some employees, remote work lacks structure and a sense of routine and community. These are all important factors to consider as you decide which working model and work environment is best for you.
If you feel like you could benefit from career counseling or are simply wondering what is career counseling, reach out to learn more about our services. From writing professional resumes to learning how to change careers, we have the resources to help you achieve the career you want.
Still have questions? Review these frequently asked questions and answers for further insights.
