College/Studying Thread

[All4One1ForAll]

Figured with Finals starting and the due dates of term papers looming, it might be suitable to have a thread for this. Don't how many college-aged posters we have on here, but I guess we'll see.

Hopefully we can help each other out in this thread. Admittedly, the reason I'm posting this thread is because I have a 10 page term paper (double-spaced) due in 15 hours, which I haven't started because I'm a terrible procrastinator. I'm pretty confident that if I can pick a good topic, I can at least pull off at least a B - maybe even an A, but i have no idea what to write about. The class is environmental anthropology and the topic can be about anything that relates to the class in some way. Specifically it should relate to one of these topics: ecology, culture, and human adaption; cooperation and management; consumption/globalization (probably the easiest one); anthropologists and the real world.

I have to have a decent number of outside references, too, and they have to be peer-reviewed type sources. Shouldn't be too hard to pull some sources off my school's library website though. I just need something to talk about that can fill up 10 pages and one that's not completely boring.

I know it's my fault for waiting so long to start, but if someone could give me a great topic and maybe some ideas on where to go with the paper I'd really appreciate it. Thanks guys.

By the way here's a rough structure of what he expects the paper to be like:

1-2 pg: Intro - Define problem/theme
2-4 pg: Background - literature
2-3 pg: Database info - multiple authors
2-3 pg: Discussion - compare and contrast all the prior sources/info
1-2 pg: Critique - what you think

Also, I'll try to help others out as much as I can with any questions related to coursework. Preferably after today though, so I can go to work on this paper.

 

[David.]

human adaptation - the biological adaptation of the vagina from its original placement - roughly 6 inches back - to where it is now.

female adaptation, and the lack of adaptation from males regarding this.

 

[All4One1ForAll]

human adaptation - the biological adaptation of the vagina from its original placement - roughly 6 inches back - to where it is now.

female adaptation, and the lack of adaptation from males regarding this.

If only it were that easy...

 

[All4One1ForAll]

Well no thanks to you fuckers I managed to pull off an A on my paper anyways. Lesson still not learned. Procrastination is key.

 

[BimboColesHair]

Man, 10 page paper in 15 hours sounds like cake to me after what I had to go through late in college...

 

[FiveThous]

The easiest way to find sources is to find a paper/article that cites multiple sources.

 

[All4One1ForAll]

Man, 10 page paper in 15 hours sounds like cake to me after what I had to go through late in college...

If it makes you feel any better, I didn't start until 5 hours before. Currently writing an 8 page paper due in 2 hours. 4.5 pages to go. Being a first-year student, but technically classified as a sophomore because I came in with some credits, I only have a few general education courses left to take before I can focus solely on my majors and I decided to get them all out of the way this past semester. Fortunately, starting next semester, I won't have to worry about writing a ton of papers on topics that don't interest me at all.

 

[getBUCKED]

From a recent college grad:

• Start making better study habits. Procrastination is perhaps the worst habit somebody can have in life and it takes effort to beat it. Take free time to go to the library and just get to work. It might sound boring, but once you're actually there it' not bad at all. Once you get started, you're no longer procrastinating.

• Take pride in getting good grades because they do matter when it comes time to graduate and find a job.

• Pick a STEM major. You will be very highly sought after when graduation time comes. You will also make a lot of money.

• Join clubs/fraternities that you are interested in. This doesn't mean become a frat star. There are professional fraternities that you can join. They do have commitments, but you will make friends and future connections that will aid you in the future. They will also host social (drinking) events.

• Don't forget to have fun - college is the tits.

Of course I didn't do any of this (except that last one), but that doesn't mean you shouldn't either.

 

[FiveThous]

From a recent college grad:

• Start making better study habits. Procrastination is perhaps the worst habit somebody can have in life, and it takes effort to beat it. Take free time to go to the library and just get to work. It might sound boring, but once you're actually there, it' not bad at all. Once you get started, you're no longer procrastinating.

• Take pride in getting good grades because they do matter when it comes time to graduate and find a job.

• Pick a STEM major. You will be very highly sought after when graduation time comes. You will also make a lot of money.

• Join clubs/fraternities that you are interested in. This doesn't mean become a frat star. There are professional fraternities that you can join. They do have commitments, but you will make friends and future connections that will aid you in the future. They will also host social (drinking) events.

• Don't forget to have fun - college is the tits.

Of course I didn't do any of this (except that last one), but that doesn't mean you shouldn't either.

This is spot on, as someone who just recruited for a rotational program aimed at New Grads with a major company, I'm telling you this matters. I also didn't have the best study habits until after I returned from taking 2 semesters off. Professional fraternities/clubs and leadership experience go a long ways in terms of selling yourself.

A basic study plan could include just mapping out 1-2 hours/week per class. I know it seems like a lot but just having that blocked off ahead of time in your calendar or whatever scheduling tool you choose (I plan my weeks on paper and constantly have it next to a notebook) should help keep you committed.

@All4One1ForAll - If you have any questions or want to talk about any advice I would give new grads feel free to PM me. I know you're a couple years away from this but it's never to soon to start shaping your resume.

 

[The Wizard of Moz]

All this talk about writing papers makes me really glad I was a math major.

 

[The Wizard of Moz]

From a recent college grad:

• Pick a STEM major. You will be very highly sought after when graduation time comes. You will also make a lot of money

One caveat to this. Not all STEM majors are created equally. I know a lot of biology majors that I graduated with that are either unemployed or underemployed right now. I know petroleum engineers who don't even have time to phone interview with all the places interested, and mechanical engineers who took 6 months after graduation to find work.

I don't know. Maybe my advice sucks, but I say do something you like and are good at with a few exceptions. Don't pick something with literally no demand or utility. If you want to learn about cryptozoology that is great, take it up as a minor, or just take classes for it that don't count towards anything.

@All4One1ForAll what is your major? The best advice I can give you is become a really good salesman with the product being yourself. No matter what your skill set is if you can't sell people on it you will have to wait for a chance to use it. A communication class can be as valuable as a major class imo. The only reason I have a job right now is because I was good at selling myself.

I got hired into an intern position that required good programming skills. It utilized an open system actuarial software that was way over my head (at the time I didn't even know what an open vs. closed system was). My resume had two computer skills listed: Microsoft Word. Microsoft PowerPoint. I had no excel experience, and was questioned on it at every company I interviewed for. One interview when asked the typical HR question: 'what is your biggest weakness' I said my computer skills. This job required intermediate use of R and SAS. I received an offer for that job, and the one I ended up taking. The whole key was putting their mind at ease that I would be able to pick up those things easily, and the other things I brought to the table made me a better hire for the job than someone who already knew how to program, but didn't have the skill set I had. AKA selling myself.

After the internship they hired 8/70 interns. We all gave a 10 minute presentation about our summer internship to an audience of about 100 people. Some were in on the hiring process, others weren't and just wanted to see the presentations. these had a pretty big weight. I was told afterwards that speech was what got me hired for full time (over the 12 weeks of freakin work I did - and don't get me wrong I did work hard)

I know people in my field with significantly better technical skills than me that have had a hard time finding work. My advice to anyone in college is make sure you are able to effectively communicate your skills. You can have the best product in the world, but if you make a bad case presenting it not as many people will want to buy it.

I know this is 3 years down the line for you all4one, and I answered in the most long winded way possible, but become good at something you like, and kill the interviewing process and you won't have trouble IMO.

One of my favorite quotes: "I sell ice in the winter, I sell fire in hell. I am a hustler baby, I'll sell water to a well" Jay-Z

If you can sell water to a well even if you have a cryptozology degree you will find work

 

[NtG]

All this talk about writing papers makes me really glad I was a math major.

I'm a Computer Science major and the longest paper I've had to write so far was like 3-4 pages for some core class. Must suck for people who have to write these huge things.

 

[natedagg]

One caveat to this. Not all STEM majors are created equally. I know a lot of biology majors that I graduated with that are either unemployed or underemployed right now. I know petroleum engineers who don't even have time to phone interview with all the places interested, and mechanical engineers who took 6 months after graduation to find work.

I don't know. Maybe my advice sucks, but I say do something you like and are good at with a few exceptions. Don't pick something with literally no demand or utility. If you want to learn about cryptozoology that is great, take it up as a minor, or just take classes for it that don't count towards anything.

@All4One1ForAll what is your major? The best advice I can give you is become a really good salesman with the product being yourself. No matter what your skill set is if you can't sell people on it you will have to wait for a chance to use it. A communication class can be as valuable as a major class imo. The only reason I have a job right now is because I was good at selling myself.

I got hired into an intern position that required good programming skills. It utilized an open system actuarial software that was way over my head (at the time I didn't even know what an open vs. closed system was). My resume had two computer skills listed: Microsoft Word. Microsoft PowerPoint. I had no excel experience, and was questioned on it at every company I interviewed for. One interview when asked the typical HR question: 'what is your biggest weakness' I said my computer skills. This job required intermediate use of R and SAS. I received an offer for that job, and the one I ended up taking. The whole key was putting their mind at ease that I would be able to pick up those things easily, and the other things I brought to the table made me a better hire for the job than someone who already knew how to program, but didn't have the skill set I had. AKA selling myself.

After the internship they hired 8/70 interns. We all gave a 10 minute presentation about our summer internship to an audience of about 100 people. Some were in on the hiring process, others weren't and just wanted to see the presentations. these had a pretty big weight. I was told afterwards that speech was what got me hired for full time (over the 12 weeks of freakin work I did - and don't get me wrong I did work hard)

I know people in my field with significantly better technical skills than me that have had a hard time finding work. My advice to anyone in college is make sure you are able to effectively communicate your skills. You can have the best product in the world, but if you make a bad case presenting it not as many people will want to buy it.

I know this is 3 years down the line for you all4one, and I answered in the most long winded way possible, but become good at something you like, and kill the interviewing process and you won't have trouble IMO.

One of my favorite quotes: "I sell ice in the winter, I sell fire in hell. I am a hustler baby, I'll sell water to a well" Jay-Z

If you can sell water to a well even if you have a cryptozology degree you will find work

nice post... what was the summary of your presentation?

 

[The Wizard of Moz]

nice post... what was the summary of your presentation?

Thanks Nate.

I worked on two projects that summer and I talked about the business impact each had. I worked in annuities and I was in charge of making an illustration tool for a new investment strategy we were implementing on our fixed index annuities tied to the S&P500. Basically a 'what if' tool for how the market might play out over the next 30 years and how that would affect a customer's investment and eventual annuity payments. Which involved some stochastic simulations of the S&P.

I think the reason mine was 'noticed' was because actuaries have a reputation for not being able to explain well to other departments. And to be honest even other actuaries. When I listened to the other presentations they were so specific and technical that I came away confused. My goal was to make sure everyone in that room left the room understanding exactly what I did that summer and how it impacted our business. Whether that person was an actuary who had never worked in annuities, a finance officer who has worked in annuities for years, or someone in HR who isn't as technical. I took into large consideration my audience and the goals I had from the speech (something no math class, but a public speaking class taught me).

I'm really happy with the technical skills I got from college, but just as important IMO is the soft skills I've picked up along the way.

 

[col63onel]

One caveat to this. Not all STEM majors are created equally. I know a lot of biology majors that I graduated with that are either unemployed or underemployed right now. I know petroleum engineers who don't even have time to phone interview with all the places interested, and mechanical engineers who took 6 months after graduation to find work.

I don't know. Maybe my advice sucks, but I say do something you like and are good at with a few exceptions. Don't pick something with literally no demand or utility. If you want to learn about cryptozoology that is great, take it up as a minor, or just take classes for it that don't count towards anything.

@All4One1ForAll what is your major? The best advice I can give you is become a really good salesman with the product being yourself. No matter what your skill set is if you can't sell people on it you will have to wait for a chance to use it. A communication class can be as valuable as a major class imo. The only reason I have a job right now is because I was good at selling myself.

I got hired into an intern position that required good programming skills. It utilized an open system actuarial software that was way over my head (at the time I didn't even know what an open vs. closed system was). My resume had two computer skills listed: Microsoft Word. Microsoft PowerPoint. I had no excel experience, and was questioned on it at every company I interviewed for. One interview when asked the typical HR question: 'what is your biggest weakness' I said my computer skills. This job required intermediate use of R and SAS. I received an offer for that job, and the one I ended up taking. The whole key was putting their mind at ease that I would be able to pick up those things easily, and the other things I brought to the table made me a better hire for the job than someone who already knew how to program, but didn't have the skill set I had. AKA selling myself.

After the internship they hired 8/70 interns. We all gave a 10 minute presentation about our summer internship to an audience of about 100 people. Some were in on the hiring process, others weren't and just wanted to see the presentations. these had a pretty big weight. I was told afterwards that speech was what got me hired for full time (over the 12 weeks of freakin work I did - and don't get me wrong I did work hard)

I know people in my field with significantly better technical skills than me that have had a hard time finding work. My advice to anyone in college is make sure you are able to effectively communicate your skills. You can have the best product in the world, but if you make a bad case presenting it not as many people will want to buy it.

I know this is 3 years down the line for you all4one, and I answered in the most long winded way possible, but become good at something you like, and kill the interviewing process and you won't have trouble IMO.

One of my favorite quotes: "I sell ice in the winter, I sell fire in hell. I am a hustler baby, I'll sell water to a well" Jay-Z

If you can sell water to a well even if you have a cryptozology degree you will find work

All of this is very good and I agree with it. Selling yourself is a tough job. It's something I was never good at.

I will add how much an internship can help. I am a teacher and got hired at the school I did my student teaching at, and they really didn't interview anyone else. They knew me and liked me. Why spend all the time and energy interviewing potential candidates when you already have a good candidate ready and waiting?

Even if the company you intern for isn't hiring, they'll know someone who is. Having a decision maker know you is such a great leg up on everybody else.