Nat S

The Sky is the Limit

By: Natalie Simonian

Education

**How to maintain a life balance**

Jian Lee, Deborah. ”6 Tips For Better Work-Life Balance." *Forbes.* October 20, 2014. Accessed November 19, 2015. http://www.forbes.com/sites/deborahlee/2014/10/20/6-tips-for-better-work-life-balance/2/.

This article outlines six steps that the average person can take to lead a more balanced life. This article is specifically written for balance in the workplace, but it can be applied to other places, such as university. The aforementioned six steps are: *let go of perfectionism, unplug, exercise and meditate, limit time-wasting activities and people, change the structure of your life, and start small and build from there*. This research inquiry has value to me as well as my fellow university students, who are dealing with the challenge of completing assignments and studying, meanwhile maintaining social relationships. Balance is important to not only lead a healthy life, but also to be successful in your endeavours.

Acosta, Gabriela. "Stretched Too Thin? Five Graduate Student Work-life Balance Tips." *USC Social Work.* June 19, 2013. Accessed November 19, 2015. https://msw.usc.edu/mswusc-blog/graduate-student-work-life-balance/.

The main argument of this article is that students need to maintain a life balance to avoid “stretching themselves too thin” because that will result in frustration. In addition, creating a life balance can minimize the high levels of stress university students inevitably experience. This article provided insight into school work-life balance from the viewpoint of a graduate student who completed her undergrad at University of Southern California. The author describes ways to strategize for success and to be in good health throughout undergraduate studies, in further education, or in the workforce. I found this article especially relatable as it was written by someone who has recently finished her undergraduate studies.

**How to understand education in career context**

Santiago, Andrea Clement. "Is Education Really That Important for a Medical Career?" *About.com Careers.* Accessed November 19, 2015. http://healthcareers.about.com/od/educationtraining/f/WhyEducation.htm.

This main argument of this article is the impact or importance of formal education, specifically in the healthcare industry. The article explains the message completing a formal education can send to potential employers. Earning a degree or diploma shows employers that you have drive and commitment, as well as an ability to apply theoretical knowledge to practical tasks. This article was of importance to me because I am interested in pursuing a career in the medical/healthcare field. In addition, understanding where your education will lead you is a strong motivating force to continue and complete your studies.

Oak, Manali. "Why Is Education So Important?" *Buzzle.* September 19, 2013. Accessed November 19, 2015. http://www.buzzle.com/articles/why-is-education-so-important.html.

This article examined the importance of education in a general sense, as opposed to focusing  on a specific career path. I think it is important to see the “big picture” and not focus on just one area, when education can prepare you for a wide array of fields. This article summarizes the importance of education in 5 simple, but resoundingly true phrases: *education gives knowledge, education leads to career progression, education builds character, education leads to enlightenment, and education helps a nation progress*. Once you understand that by getting an education you are making an investment in yourself, it becomes significantly easier to study and succeed in order to make positive contributions to yourself and the world around you.

Profession/Employment

**What is the state of the current/future field?**

Leonard, Kimberly. "The Future of Jobs in Health Care." *US News.* November 26, 2013. Accessed November 20, 2015. http://health.usnews.com/health-news/hospital-of-tomorrow/articles/2013/11/26/the-future-of-jobs-in-health-care.

This article outlined the future of jobs in the medical field. Specifically, the article mentioned jobs that are becoming more in demand as the world’s population continues to grow exponentially. For example, it is predicted that the health care industry will employ more nurses than physicians in the future, and more jobs pertaining to personal aid will become abundant. This particular research topic was of value to me because I am considering a job in the medical field in the future and want to know what my options are.

Loney, Heather. "Canada’s Hot Jobs, and Ones to Avoid – Experts Offer Their Top Picks." *Global News Canada.* February 19, 2015. Accessed November 21, 2015. http://globalnews.ca/news/1836890/canadas-hot-jobs-and-ones-to-avoid-experts-offer-their-top-picks/.

In addition to focusing on future job trends in the medical field I also wanted to research the general future job trends.This article identified the job fields which are expanding and will most likely offer employment in the future. For example, the article states that STEM jobs (science, technology, engineering, and medicine) jobs are on the top fields list. This article has enormous value for university students at any year of their undergrad. By knowing the future job projections, university students and people considering entering the workforce can make informed decisions on not only what is the best job, but also which education route will lead to that desired job.

**How to enter field?**

Millar, Erin. "The Expectation Gap: Students' and Universities' Roles in Preparing for Life after Grad." *The Globe and Mail.* October 21, 2014. Accessed November 20, 2015. http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/education/the-expectation-gap-students-and-universities-roles-in-preparing-for-life-after-grad/article21187004/?page=all.

The main argument of this article is that many people who graduate university cannot find jobs and subsequently join the ranks of the unemployed because they were not prepared to enter the work field or were not informed of the state of the work field. The author of this article proposes ways to get students ready for the work field, such as co-op placements in job areas they would like to pursue. This article has value to my fellow university students and I because it offers the perspective that life is not just about schooling, and prompts us to think “what comes next” with regards to preparing for life after university.

Hansen, Randall S., and Katharine Hansen. "Making a Successful Transition from College to Career" *Quintessential Careers.* Accessed November 21, 2015. http://www.quintcareers.com/college-to-career/.

This article discussed ways to prepare university/college students for the work force. One suggestion the authors make is to understand that the first job that you take may not be the one that you will end up in forever. The value for this research inquiry is to examine the areas of  the work force that university students are not prepared for, in an effort to alleviate some stress of entering the work force and starting life as a professional adult. In my opinion, this is important because in the near future I will be joining the work force and I must be ready for all the big changes that will ensue.