If you’re looking for a new position, it’s time to dust off the resume and scour job postings. In addition to an updated resume, many applications also require a cover letter. While these letters can seem redundant or just extra work, they are a useful tool to help sell yourself and your skills. Here are some tips for writing an effective cover letter.
 
Understand the Significance

Whether you’re preparing for the final semester of college or you graduated years ago, the overwhelming question of whether to attend graduate school may occupy your mind. There’s no easy answer. You’ll need to spend some time considering your career goals and determining if an advanced degree could help you attain them. Here are some things to keep in mind as you decide if grad school is for you.
 
Identify Your Goals

We’re not always expecting it, but receiving criticism — or praise — is a skill that can be improved with practice. Often the prospect of conversation involving feedback can be daunting. Providing and receiving effective feedback is something you have to learn and work on as you build your career. Here are some tips for using feedback successfully.

First things first — your grades are not an indication of your intelligence. That said, if you’re not getting the grades you want, there are some simple ways to get there. Earning high marks is about working smarter, not harder. Do that, and you’ll find that getting better grades is easier than you thought.
 
Study Your Own History

Whether it’s addressing a conflict with a friend, providing constructive feedback at work, or discussing sensitive topics with family members, difficult conversations are inevitable. Especially at work, where you must continue to work together smoothly and cooperatively, being able to have difficult conversations is an important skill. These conversations can be challenging, but with the right approach, they can lead to positive outcomes and stronger relationships. Here are some strategies to help you navigate difficult conversations effectively.
 

For most professionals, this is the time of year when performance reviews come up. Whether your review takes place once a year or more often, it’s not unusual to have some apprehension about the process and the actual meeting. But instead of stressing over your performance review, look at it as an opportunity to speak directly with management about topics that matter to you. If you prepare thoroughly, you can walk into the meeting with confidence. Here are a few tips for getting there.

For some students, the science fair has become a tradition to look forward to each year. For others, it’s a frightening new challenge. Whatever your experience level may be, participating in a science fair provides much more than competition. The experience offers an opportunity that could influence your academic path or even your career. While only a handful of students walk away with an official award, most leave with the lasting prize of a new mentor, peer network, or professional aspiration. Entering a science fair doesn’t have to be complicated.

No matter where a business trip takes you, representing your organization on the road is an important responsibility. Between making reservations, checking airport logistics, gathering meeting materials, and packing — clothes and charging cords — the prospect of travel may leave you feeling overwhelmed. With some tried-and-true tips, you can confidently set off on a successful trip.

Your life, especially in college, will start to make sense if you give it some time. You’ll find your people. You’ll find the right clubs and organizations. You’ll find a major suited to your talents and goals, and eventually you’ll find a job. What may seem hopeless and overwhelming in your first few months at college will become brighter and even fun by spring semester. While it’s hard, try to be patient with yourself and the process — you will settle in. Here are some tips for finding your place at college.
 

It’s true what they say — you get out of it what you put into it. That’s especially true of conferences. Just look around and you’ll see a big difference between proactive participants and passive attendees. Showing up ready to hit the ground running will make the three conference days a much better use of your time than just showing up and winging it. When you map out your conference plans, you maximize chances to network, strategically attend sessions, and get on the radar of the schools and organizations you want to target. Make It Your AISES National Conference.