As of 2023, the United States was home to over 33 million small businesses. Together, they employ more than 61 million people: an impressive contribution to the economy and job seekers around the country.
However, despite their positive impact, these independent businesses face significant challenges compared to their larger counterparts. According to Forbes, 20% of small businesses fail within the first year, while 50% close their doors by their fifth year.
That’s where Small Business Saturday comes in: a dedicated day each year aimed at boosting revenue for local businesses. In this article, we’ll explore the significance of Small Business Saturday and how you can support the entrepreneurs in your community.
To spotlight independent businesses, American Express launched Small Business Saturday (SBS) in 2010. Now sponsored by the U.S. Small Business Administration, SBS has grown significantly in popularity. In 2023 alone, Americans spent an estimated $17 billion on this dedicated shopping day.
Falling between Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Small Business Saturday arrives when shoppers are eager to check off items from their holiday lists. While larger retailers attract crowds with deep discounts and buy-one-get-one-free deals, SBS shines a light on the essential role local businesses play in their communities: creating jobs, fostering local economies, and offering unique products and personalized services.
Small Business Saturday takes place on the Saturday following Thanksgiving each year. In 2024, it falls on November 30.
If you own an independent business, there are several ways to maximize Small Business Saturday to boost sales and expand your customer base:
One of the easiest ways to contribute to Small Business Saturday is by purchasing products and services from businesses that resonate with you. Other ways to support the local economy include:
If you’ve never participated in Small Business Saturday, there are plenty of perks to consider, whether you’re a business owner or a loyal customer of local shops:
Business owners can gain increased visibility and community support. Sure, SBS is only one day a year, but that one day can quickly generate regular customers who come back all year long.
From handmade crafts to homemade treats, shopping local often means access to unique, high-quality products. Plus, by supporting small businesses, you’re contributing to the local economy and helping sustain the companies that have produced nearly 64% of the jobs created since 1995.
Small Business Saturday is a wonderful way for consumers to show their love and support for their favorite local entrepreneurs. It’s also a prime opportunity to discover hidden gems they didn’t know were nearby. But those with a knack for business can take small businesses beyond a single day of success.
With an MBA from The University of Texas Permian Basin, you can earn your master’s degree in as little as one year and develop the advanced skills needed to scale businesses of any size, in areas like finance, marketing, and entrepreneurship.
Learn more about how our online Master of Business Administration degree can benefit you, and discover the steps to advance your career in the dynamic world of business.
Sources:
https://advocacy.sba.gov/2023/03/07/frequently-asked-questions-about-small-business-2023
https://www.forbes.com/advisor/business/small-business-statistics
https://www.investopedia.com/small-business-saturday-5085723
https://blog.hubspot.com/agency/how-online-word-of-mouth-marketing-is-changing
There comes a time in most individuals’ careers when they decide, “You know what? I have career goals—and it’s time to achieve them.” While some have this epiphany early in their career, others might not make any long-term plans until they’ve gained a few years of experience or faced a significant career milestone. One thing is certain: There’s not always a straight path toward achieving those dreams.
That’s where a career development plan comes in. It’s a strategic tool that helps you determine and track your professional goals, allowing you to create a roadmap for achieving them in a timely and organized manner.
In this article, we’re divulging everything you need to know about how to write a career development plan that will help you make your professional ambitions a reality.
A career development plan, also known as a professional development plan, is a tool that allows you to map out your career goals. Once you’ve established your long-term goals, you can create a master plan that breaks them down into smaller, more manageable short-term goals. These incremental steps will guide you toward achieving your broader career objectives over time.
Creating a career development plan may seem straightforward at first: Simply outline your goals and devise a strategy to achieve them. However, with a few extra steps, you can assess your strengths and identify areas for improvement, helping you tailor your plan to your unique skills and long-term objectives.
Follow these four steps to craft a comprehensive and actionable career development plan that sets you up for success.
Start by determining where you see yourself professionally in the long term, whether that’s five, ten, or even twenty years down the road. While you might envision yourself as a principal in your current school district, for example, it’s important to ask these questions to see if your original goal aligns with your aspirations:
By answering these questions, you can evaluate if your dream aligns with your passions and strengths.
Before breaking down your objective into smaller goals, it’s important to assess your current skill set. Start by researching job listings related to your long-term career goal. Take note of the experience, responsibilities, and skills that are consistently mentioned across listings. Write those skills down and rank each one from one to five: one meaning you don’t yet have that ability, and five meaning you can already do it flawlessly.
With a clearer understanding of where your current skills stand and what’s needed to qualify for your future role, you can begin setting smaller goals to bridge the gap between your current resume and the one that will land you that position.
Once you’ve identified your long-term goals and researched the skills you need to improve or learn, you can create a roadmap with short-term goals that will help you reach your final destination.
For instance, you can work on soft skills like communication or time management, both at work and at home. Hard skills, such as data analysis or knowledge of federal and state education laws, however, require education and experience. To obtain these skills, you’ll need to consider professional development courses and additional education.
When setting your short-term goals, list them in a logical order, starting with foundational skills and knowledge and gradually progressing to more advanced objectives. Be sure to make SMART goals—specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound—to keep you on track and help you achieve your goals within a specific timeframe.
Completing your career development plan doesn’t mean you’ve reached the finish line. To get the most out of your hard work—and to stay on track toward your long-term goal—regularly review your plan at least twice a year to ensure you’re following the timeline you set for your short-term goals. It’s also important to reassess your goals to see if any adjustments are needed to better align with your overarching objective.
While career development plans are a great way to help you take actionable steps toward your larger goal, it’s not uncommon for career goals to shift during the process. A National Institutes of Health study found that 54% of participants who completed a career-planning course changed their career preferences afterward. While creating a career plan isn’t quite the same as taking a course, it provides a clear starting point to assess your skills and identify the steps needed to reach your ultimate goal.
For many, achieving that objective involves further education. At The University of Texas Permian Basin, we offer a variety of online undergraduate and graduate programs to help you gain the skills you need to succeed.
No matter where you are in life, our online programs make it easier to balance work, life, and education. With asynchronous courses, you can complete your studies on your schedule. Plus, our virtual students also enjoy these online benefits:
Your future is only a click away. Browse our online program offerings, and when you’re ready, apply to the program that aligns with your goals!
Sources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7605208/
As Halloween creeps closer, many are caught in a festive frenzy, debating their costume choices and whether to grab trick-or-treat candy now or later. Some might even be plotting an escape from their neighbor’s notorious Spook Fest (last year’s themes were a bit much).
But amidst all the costume chaos and social gatherings, have you ever wondered where Halloween started and how it’s evolved sociologically? As the world’s social structures have shifted over the centuries, so too have the meanings and celebrations surrounding this spooky season.
Let’s unravel the sociological evolution of Halloween through the ages.
Halloween wasn’t always known by its modern moniker. Its origins date back over 2,000 years to the Celtic festival of Samhain. The Celts celebrated their new year on November 1st, so Samhain was observed on the night of October 31st.
During this time, they’d gather as a community, light bonfires, don costumes, and offer sacrifices to their deities. While the Celts believed these practices warded off evil spirits, most sociologists would argue that these activities primarily served to strengthen community ties, offering a shared cultural experience among people of different social backgrounds, from farmers to druids.
As Europeans brought their traditions to the American colonies, they adapted their rituals to fit new sociocultural norms. Halloween gradually shifted from its ancient rituals to become a celebration of community through festive gatherings and evolving traditions.
By the 1900s, Halloween had gained rapid popularity in the United States. While costumes were no longer worn to ward off ghosts, people embraced the chance to dress up as anything from witches to Shakespearean characters simply for fun.
Much of this “ado about nothing” was largely due to the holiday’s commercialization. Suddenly, retailers were licensing beloved fictional characters, and handmade costumes were forgotten in favor of mass-produced ones. In addition, candy manufacturers were jumping for sugar-filled joy at the opportunity to fill the store aisles with mini chocolate treats. (Did you know that in 2023, Americans spent $3.6 billion on candy during the Halloween season?)
From a sociological standpoint, the commercialization of Halloween again shifted its traditional aspects. What was once linked to pranks and a mystical connection to ghosts transformed into a holiday closely tied to companies eager to boost sales. And, of course, Americans were more than happy to join in—for the sake of fun and festivity.
In addition, this Halloween-inspired consumerism lets us express our identities. Whether you’re known for handing out full-sized candy bars or decking out your yard with 12 giant spooky inflatables for the entire month of October, the extensive range of Halloween merchandise available connects our identities to our purchases. This allows us to showcase our values, personalities, and social status through our creative displays and treats.
Movies like John Carpenter’s “Halloween” and Disney’s “Hocus Pocus” reshaped how people perceive Halloween. With their vivid portrayals, these films set the standard for Halloween villains, revived the magical, supernatural aspects of the holiday, and popularized many of the key elements we now associate with Halloween, including:
Some costumes that were once deemed acceptable 20 or 30 years ago are now viewed as offensive, sparking debates about cultural appropriation and whether it’s appropriate to mimic the traditional attire of marginalized groups. These discussions reflect society’s growing awareness of cultural sensitivity, a concept that was once on the fringes of mainstream conversation.
Today’s Halloween traditions echo those of ancient Samhain rituals, serving as a day that puts the “unity” in community. Whether it’s trick-or-treating, attending a local festival, or braving your neighbor’s Spook Fest, Halloween often fosters a sense of togetherness. Like its ancient counterparts, the holiday strengthens social bonds and brings communities closer.
The way we celebrate Halloween has changed dramatically over the years, thanks to shifts in society’s values and norms—just like many other holidays and traditions. If you’re fascinated by how human interactions evolve within group settings, UTPB’s online Bachelor of Arts in Sociology program offers core courses that delve into the factors influencing social behavior across various subgroups.
Through courses grounded in leading theories on human interaction, you’ll sharpen your critical thinking, research, and communication skills, all essential for thriving in a range of professional fields. Plus, with our fully online program, you can complete your coursework on your own schedule.
Apply today and jump-start your career in roles such as historian, human resource specialist, mental health counselor, and more.
Sources:
https://www.history.com/topics/halloween/history-of-halloween
https://www.statista.com/statistics/1305961/halloween-candy-spending-us/
https://daily.jstor.org/halloween-a-mystic-and-eerie-significance/
When you think of special education, what comes to mind? You might picture students with developmental delays, speech or language impairments, or other observable challenges. While these are accurate, it’s important to remember that special education also supports students with a range of less visible needs. Despite this, society often focuses on more severe disabilities.
Special education programs are designed to provide personalized support tailored to meet the unique needs of each student. This support helps students thrive and succeed, making special education a valuable resource. So why does it often carry a negative connotation?
Join us as we explore the stigma surrounding special education and discuss strategies to foster a more inclusive and supportive environment for all students.
As beneficial as special education classes can be for students who need additional support, a stigma still surrounds these programs. Society often casts special education in a negative light, resulting in various forms of discrimination. This stigma can lead to isolating students in special education programs from their peers, setting lower expectations for their abilities, and providing fewer opportunities compared to their classmates in general education classes.
This stigma may stem from common misconceptions about special education programs, including:
The stigma surrounding special education can have a significant impact on students and their families. Students may struggle with feelings of inadequacy or become overly aware of their unique needs, which can undermine their confidence. Additionally, caregivers often face emotional challenges, such as worry and stress. Financial difficulties are also a factor. These stresses often arise as they work hard to make sure their children are included in social and educational activities and receive the support they need.
Fortunately, there are several proactive steps that educators can take in removing the stigma of special education, shifting society’s perception of it, and recognizing it for the valuable resource it truly is, such as:
Whether you’ve worked in education or you have a friend or family member in the special education system and have witnessed their triumphs and struggles, you can take a stand against the biases in special education. At The University of Texas Permian Basin, we offer three entirely online master’s degrees that provide a well-rounded foundation in special education to prepare you for a career in this rewarding field:
The time to make changes in the lives of students with disabilities is now. Be the change you want to see in the world—apply to the program of your choice today!
Sources:
https://www.wsj.com/us-news/education/special-education-student-growth-teachers-understaffed-20efa9da
https://nces.ed.gov/programs/coe/indicator/cgg
https://online.utpb.edu/about-us/articles/education/3-myths-about-special-education-debunked/
As store aisles fill with skeletons, ghouls, and endless bags of candy, children begin the great debate over whether to be witches or firefighters for Halloween. Meanwhile, adults across the country start adding gargantuan bags of candy to their normal grocery lists in preparation for trick-or-treaters.
This raises the question: Has trick-or-treating always been a part of Halloween? And what were the origins of this spooktacular holiday?
Grab your favorite fun-sized candy bar as we dive into the history of Halloween.
Halloween’s roots trace back thousands of years to the Celtic pagan festival of Samhain (pronounced “sow-win”). Celebrated on November 1st, Samhain marked the end of the harvest season and the start of winter: a harsh, biting season often associated with death. The Celts believed that on October 31st, the last night of their calendar year, the veil between the living and the dead was thinnest.
To celebrate, they lit fires and left offerings for the spirits. Some Celts dressed up as animals to avoid being kidnapped by spirits or faeries and taken to the other plane. Druids, respected community leaders, would use this night to tell the fortunes of the community for the upcoming winter months.
In the early 600s, the Catholic church designated November 1st as All Saints’ Day to commemorate the saints of the church. November 2nd became All Souls’ Day, a day to pray for deceased loved ones. All Saints’ Day was also known as All Hallows, and the day before it (October 31st) was aptly named All Hallows Eve.
As Christianity spread into Celtic regions, the holiday began to blend with the traditional customs of Samhain. Eventually, parts of all three holidays would blend into what we now know as Halloween, but it would still be over a thousand years before trick-or-treating and other modern-day Halloween traditions emerged.
Around the 8th century, the earliest analog to trick-or-treating may have begun in Ireland and England during All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day celebrations. On those days, underprivileged individuals would visit wealthy families, offering prayers for the souls of the family’s dead relatives in exchange for pastries called “soul cakes.” Eventually, children took up this activity, going door to door and asking for gifts like food and money.
Early settlers brought their spin on Halloween traditions to Colonial America, but not everyone reveled in the celebrations. Because of the strict religious beliefs held throughout many of the colonies, only Maryland and some of the southern colonies took part in Halloween-related festivities.
As Native Americans and diverse European immigrants shared their customs and beliefs with settlers, America slowly formed its own version of the holiday, complete with activities such as:
By the 1800s, Halloween had become known as a night for pranking and tricking unlucky bystanders, effectively putting the spook in spooky season. Teenagers would jump out from dark corners to scare their younger siblings. Children tripped innocent bystanders with hidden ropes as they walked by in the dark. In 1887, a few tricksters even put molasses on the seats of a chapel before church began.
Eventually, the media began to rebrand the holiday as something more positive for the youth of America. Unfortunately, President Truman’s idea of replacing Halloween with “Youth Honor Day” didn’t take off as he’d hoped. Thankfully, another idea had been circulating since the 1930s and was slowly gaining adoption. Since children were already banging on doors and demanding sweets from strangers, why not teach them to do so politely (and recommend adults have candy at the ready)? Throughout the 1940s and 1950s, magazine articles and television and radio programs began promoting this new Halloween activity, known as “trick-or-treating.”
Today, typical Halloween celebrations consist of mostly civilized transactions between adult neighbors and costumed children knocking on doors and sweetly holding out their cauldrons, buckets, and pillowcases for the goods.
If the history of Halloween intrigued you, why stop there? With an online Master of Arts in History, you can turn your passion for the past into a lucrative career as an educator, historian, legislator, and more.
The University of Texas Permian Basin’s 30-credit online MA in history is designed for busy people like you. Its 100% online format lets you complete coursework from anywhere, whether you’re on your lunch break or aboard a flight to your next historic travel destination.
Of course, if you want to participate in live courses, we have you covered. As an online MA in history student, you can enroll in graduate-level synchronous live-remote courses. If you’re interested, contact Department Chair Dr. Ana Martinez-Catsam for more information.
Are you ready to make history by earning an advanced degree in a subject you’re passionate about? Apply today.
Sources:
https://www.history.com/topics/holidays/samhain
https://www.history.com/topics/halloween/history-of-halloween
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/when-halloween-was-all-tricks-no-treats-180966996/
If you think of a school as a well-manned ship, who is at the helm steering it towards success? While many educational leaders contribute to a school’s progress, the principal serves as the critical role of captain, guiding students and educators toward excellence. How? By creating a supportive environment that fosters high-quality teaching and engaged learning.
A key approach many principals are adopting to ensure the pursuit of educational excellence is transformational leadership: a dynamic method that emphasizes creating a shared vision that motivates both students and faculty to excel. Join us as we explore the essentials of transformational leadership and uncover four strategies principals use to inspire and motivate everyone on board.
Transformational leadership is a method of guiding a team—consisting of faculty, parents, and students—toward a shared vision for the school. Leaders achieve ‘buy-in’ from these stakeholders by creating an inspiring vision, leading by example, and celebrating individual and collective achievements.
While instructional leadership was a staple for educational leaders in the 1980s, transformational leadership rose in popularity in the 1990s and has since become a leading method for school improvement. That’s not to say that instructional leadership doesn’t have a role in education. The two approaches share several positive characteristics, such as:
Transformational leadership takes these efforts one step further, however, by inspiring and motivating the entire school community to embrace changes in education, which can contribute to long-term success.
In addition to these commitments, transformational leaders in education also:
Below, we explore four transformational leadership strategies often used by successful educational leaders:
Instead of siloing departments, transformational principals and other educational leaders encourage teamwork among all teachers and staff. They establish set times for collaboration and involve all stakeholders in the decision-making process. This approach allows them to share ideas, discuss effective teaching methods, identify areas for improvement, and explore potential interdisciplinary lessons. The result is more cohesive lesson plans and a stronger sense of community.
Everyone has different needs, whether they’re students or educators. Transformational leaders ensure that students receive personalized learning plans tailored to their unique needs. For instance, teachers could offer differentiated reading levels for the same text or create learning centers that cater to different learning styles. Both teaching strategies allow students to learn using methods that resonate with their individual preferences.
From an educator’s perspective, transformational leaders can go beyond simply offering generalized professional development. They encourage teachers to become intellectually stimulated by their continued educational pursuits, inspiring them to try new and innovative methods to improve their students’ learning outcomes.
Educational leaders with a transformational mindset are always open to new ideas and promote innovation among their fellow faculty members. Whether implementing new teaching methods, incorporating different forms of technology, providing multiple learning platforms, or completely revamping the curriculum to make it more engaging, they inspire and drive continuous improvement in their schools.
Becoming a transformational leader starts with you. If you’re an educator with a vision for the future and a passion for inspiring others to be their best selves, you’re one step closer to becoming a leader in education.
At The University of Texas Permian Basin, our online ELCC-recognized Master of Arts in Educational Leadership will lead the way toward the next chapter in your career: an administrative role in education. Our 30-credit online program covers all the essential topics relevant to leadership roles in a school setting, taking the guesswork out of selecting courses that may not align with your career path.
You can also expect the following from our accredited master’s program:
Have any questions for us? Feel free to reach out, and when you’re ready to take the next step and become a leader in education, the application is only a click away.
Sources:
https://www.edweek.org/leadership/opinion-transformational-vs-instructional-leadership-which-is-better/2021/10
https://thoughtexchange.com/blog/transformational-leadership-in-education/
Labor Day wasn’t always about end-of-summer sales and long weekends. It was created to honor the hard-fought contributions of American workers—and to advocate for better working conditions during a time when laborers often endured 70-hour workweeks. Before diving into beach plans or backyard barbecues, it’s worth asking: Why do we celebrate Labor Day—and how did it begin?
Let’s explore the true origins of this national holiday and how its meaning has evolved over time.
The first unofficial Labor Day occurred in New York City on September 5, 1882. On this day, thousands of union members marched to Union Square, petitioning for shorter workdays and better working conditions. While this looming victory for workers across the country was worth celebrating, the holiday’s origins go back much farther.
Decades prior, in the 1830s, employees in most manufacturing industries were working seven days a week, laboring under a monstrous 70-hour workweek. These unsustainable working conditions were exactly what union organizers focused on when trying to establish a shorter workweek and workday. They also attempted to help workers get more days, like Labor Day, off.
Although employees succeeded in establishing a Labor Day parade in 1882, it didn’t immediately become a public holiday. It took over a decade for half of the states in the U.S. to recognize and honor the day as a holiday. Even then, it wasn’t until President Grover Cleveland signed the Labor Day bill in 1894 that it became a national holiday.
At its inception, Labor Day celebrated the contributions of countless workers to the United States economy. It also recognized the achievements of the labor movement in securing higher wages and improving working conditions.
In the years following its national adoption in 1894, workers around the United States continued to celebrate Labor Day in a formal, celebratory fashion. They hosted parades on the streets and had picnics that highlighted the exuberant strength and hard work of the local labor unions.
As we fast forward to today, the days of political parades are largely gone. In their place are the most relaxing of leisurely activities: a trip to the beach, a barbeque with your closest friends, and simply enjoying a day off work.
Perhaps the most significant shift in the holiday’s celebration is the modern commercialization of Labor Day. If you scroll through commercials or social media ads, you’ll likely be bombarded with endless “Major Labor Day Sales You Can’t Miss” campaigns from car dealerships, local appliance businesses, and clothing stores.
The original meaning of Labor Day seems to have become lost in translation over the past century. Whereas society once used the day to formally celebrate slow and steady improvements in the workplace, it’s now seen as our last chance for a final summer hurrah before the start of fall, complete with holiday sales galore.
From a sociological perspective, Labor Day reflects the evolution of our societal values. Originally, it was a time to honor labor unions’ achievements and contributions to improving workers’ rights. Today, it symbolizes the importance of incorporating rest and leisure into our lives.
The holiday also demonstrates our changing cultural attitudes toward labor. In the past, when labor movements were strong and influential, Labor Day’s focal point was advocating for labor rights. In contrast, during more periods of a stable economic and work environment, the focus shifts to leisure and consumer consumption.
Labor Day’s shift in meaning shows how society’s perception of work and rest has evolved over time. While the essence of celebrating workers’ contributions remains, the way we observe Labor Day today reflects modern societal changes, emphasizing personal relaxation and economic activity, like treating yourself to a new kitchen appliance in the spirit of the holiday.
Labor Day is more than just a Monday off work. It’s a holiday rooted in advocacy, history, and social change. Here are some common questions people have about its purpose and transformation over the years:
If you have a passion for social justice, UTPB’s online Bachelor of Arts in Sociology program explores several crucial elements of society, including how humans interact in group settings, the diversity of cultures on an international scale, and what influences social behavior. During your core courses, you’ll discover leading theories on human interaction and sharpen your critical thinking, research, and communication skills for a promising career in numerous industries.
We know your time is valuable, and our program’s convenient online format allows you to complete coursework in your time frame from almost anywhere. In addition, we offer competitive tuition rates, excellent networking opportunities, and multiple start dates throughout the year.
If you’re ready to expand your knowledge in sociology and prepare for a rewarding career in a field you’re passionate about, take the first step. Apply today.
Sources:
https://www.usnews.com/opinion/articles/2023-09-01/have-we-forgotten-the-true-meaning-of-labor-day
Other articles you may be interested in:
When someone struggles with depression, homelessness, or discrimination, who steps in to help? A psychologist? A social worker? A sociologist? These three fields all address human challenges, but they explore humanity from very different angles: one from society, one from the mind, and one from the front lines. So what are the similarities and differences between sociology, psychology, and social work? This guide clears up…
Lunar eclipses don’t happen often, but when they do, everything seems to slow down. People step outside. Neighborhoods get quieter, tuned in to the skies above. Suddenly, something outside of our control brings us all together for a shared moment of collective awe. Eclipses remind us that we’re all living under the same moon, no…
How many times a day do you unlock your phone to scroll through your favorite feed? Ten? Twenty? Lost count after breakfast? You’re not alone. The average American checks their phone 205 times a day and spends about two and a half hours of that time on social media. Whether you’re catching up on family…
Are you passionate about upholding ethical standards and advocating for others ? Do you thrive on the intellectual challenge of legal debates? If so, you’ve likely dreamt of the day that you can finally tell the world, “I’m an attorney.”
However, becoming a lawyer involves seven or more years of schooling after high school—not to mention passing the bar exam and meeting state-specific requirements. In the words of the iconic Elle Woods in the film “Legally Blonde”: “What, like it’s hard?”
With tenacity and passion, turning your dream of becoming a lawyer into reality is challenging but entirely achievable. Today, we’ll explore the role of a lawyer and the steps needed to embark on this career path.
The better question is: What don’t lawyers do? Beyond prosecuting and defending criminals, many attorneys specialize in crucial areas that help us during important life events, such as buying houses, drafting wills, and handling divorce proceedings.
However, your role as a lawyer will vary based on your specialization. Before delving into some of your typical responsibilities, let’s outline some common types of lawyers:
The specialty you choose will determine whether you spend most of your time preparing for and partaking in court proceedings and trials, but here’s a list of some typical responsibilities for most lawyers:
Below, we discuss the general steps involved in becoming a lawyer.
After graduating from high school, completing a four-year undergraduate program is the first step to earning your Juris Doctor (JD) degree. While there isn’t a specific major required for law school admission, certain majors can provide foundational skills necessary for your graduate studies, such as:
After earning a bachelor’s degree, you’ll begin studying for the LSAT, which measures your knowledge and readiness in four areas:
The first three sections are multiple choice, while the writing section (as you might expect) requires a written argument on behalf of one of two competing policy options.
We recommend preparing for the LSAT while earning your bachelor’s degree. You can tailor your courseload to include courses that will strengthen your ability to think critically, argue persuasively, and analyze precisely, such as UTPB’s Introduction to Philosophy or Psychology and Law, both offered through our online BA in psychology program.
After taking the LSAT, you can begin applying to the law schools of your choice. Most law schools will accept students with an LSAT score of 150, while more prestigious schools require scores of 160 or higher. Other requirements may include your undergraduate transcripts, letters of recommendation, or a personal statement.
It typically takes full-time students about three years to complete their JD coursework. Part-time students may extend this to four or five years.
According to U.S. News, the first year of law school is often the most demanding, as students are adapting to new and rigorous schedules. Justin Hansford, a law professor at Howard University’s School of Law, suggests that the second year offers more flexibility, allowing students to explore specialties and define their professional identity. In the third year, the focus shifts to preparing for the bar exam and entering the legal profession.
Most states offer the bar exam twice yearly, in the winter and summer. After graduating from your JD program, you’ll apply for admission to the bar and spend a few months intensely studying for the exam. The Multistate Bar Examination (MBE) consists of 200 multiple-choice questions, with 25 being unscored pretest questions.
Of the 175 scored questions, there are 25 randomized questions from seven subject areas, including:
Depending on the state where you plan to practice, additional requirements may be necessary, such as state-specific law exams or participation in a mentorship program. Check your state’s guidelines to confirm any further requirements after passing the bar exam, and prepare for the exhilarating moment that you’re sworn in as a licensed attorney!
As you pursue a legal career, mastering essential skills like critical thinking, communication, negotiation, time management, and analysis is crucial. While law school refines these skills, you can build a strong foundation through one of the online bachelor’s programs offered by The University of Texas Permian Basin.
We offer several relevant online undergraduate programs that are ideal for aspiring lawyers, including:
With year-round start dates and a flexible online format, you can complete your studies at your own pace. Explore our offerings and choose the path that’s right for you.
Sources:
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/types-of-lawyers
https://www.forbes.com/advisor/education/law/pre-law-majors/
https://www.usnews.com/education/blogs/law-admissions-lowdown/articles/lsat-writing-sample-what-to-know
https://www.usnews.com/education/best-graduate-schools/articles/what-the-lsat-is-and-how-to-prepare
https://www.usnews.com/education/articles/how-long-is-law-school-and-what-is-it-like
It’s no secret that universities are competitive, and their programs are equally so. Whether you’re a student searching for the most prestigious graduate literacy program or an educator aspiring to join the ranks at a globally recognized university, there’s one credential you’re looking for: ILA recognition.
According to the International Literacy Association’s website, ILA National Recognition is a rare distinction that is awarded to outstanding licensure, certificate, and endorsement literacy programs. Earning ILA recognition shows that a particular program follows a rigorous set of standards to prepare literacy professionals for excellence in their field. Essentially, if you see a literacy program with ILA recognition, you know they represent the best of the best.
The University of Texas Permian Basin’s online Master of Arts in Literacy proudly boasts this coveted recognition, and today we’re exploring exactly what that entails.
Founded in 1956, the ILA is a professional membership organization recognized by 128 countries around the world. It supports educators, researchers, and experts alike and is committed to “improving the quality of literacy learning across the globe in ways that are respectful, responsive, and ethical.”
The ILA establishes benchmarks for excellence in literacy education, whether you’re a literacy coach or reading specialist. According to its website, members of the ILA publish cutting-edge research, create evidence-based resources for educators, provide relevant professional development opportunities, recognize exemplary teacher preparation programs, and support literacy leaders with financial awards and grants.
The ILA recognizes multiple types of achievements, including outstanding literacy programs, awards for educators and researchers, and innovative literacy projects and research approvals. Although many literacy programs and individuals apply for ILA recognition each year, only a handful are selected to receive the distinction.
To obtain the honor, the program or person must undergo a thorough evaluation process. Of UTPB’s ILA recognition, Assistant Professor of Literacy Dr. Tara Wilson said, “We applied for this recognition by writing a very extensive self-study that was then evaluated by ILA. ILA paid specific attention to how well our program aligns with the national reading specialist standards which are research and evidence-based.”
Our ILA recognition reflects our dedication to offering a top-tier education for our students. Students immediately become part of a distinguished community of literacy professionals shaping the future of literacy-based education. And with an education from an ILA-recognized program, you’ll be confident, poised, and prepared to help improve students’ reading, writing, and communication skills.
UTPB’s ILA recognition demonstrates that our program’s instructional methods, curriculum design, and assessment practices surpass industry standards. Students in our graduate literacy program can feel confident that they’re receiving a rigorous and enviable education from experienced professors. Coursework is tailored for working professionals seeking to elevate their career as reading specialists, literary coaches, curriculum developers, or other lucrative careers in the literacy space.
With a structured and impactful lineup of courses, our comprehensive 30-credit online graduate program is meticulously designed to deliver essential skills and knowledge, focusing solely on what matters. Courses such as Vocabulary and Spelling Practicum and Clinical and Remedial Reading Practicum equip you with the expertise needed to excel in current or future roles.
But the advantages don’t stop there. We also offer the following competitive benefits:
Choose the literacy program that sets you apart from the rest. Apply today and start making a meaningful impact in the field of literacy education.
Sources:
https://www.literacyworldwide.org/get-involved/awards-recognition/national-recognition
https://www.literacyworldwide.org/about-us/our-mission
https://www.utpb.edu/success/2022/01/college-of-education-national-literacy-recognition
If you have a passion for learning languages and are fascinated by other cultures, have you considered turning those interests into a career? As a Spanish major at UTPB, you’ll not only dramatically improve your Spanish-speaking abilities but also sharpen other must-have language skills that are highly sought-after in today’s job market.
Join us as we explore some of the most rewarding careers available with a bachelor’s or master’s degree in Spanish and discuss some of the language skills employers will be excited to see on your resume.
With a degree in Spanish, you’ll be one step closer to unlocking careers in a diverse range of industries, including education, business and communication. Below, we’re exploring some of the most esteemed careers for Spanish majors to help you decide which might be the best fit for you.
The career options don’t stop there. While some may require additional schooling, there are other impactful roles to consider that might better align with your interests, including:
When asked about the most in-demand language skill for Spanish majors, most people would answer fluency in Spanish—and they wouldn’t be wrong. But that’s not the only skill that employers are looking for.
People who major in Spanish can master several other enviable skills that help their resume stand out. Some of these skills include:
Spanish is the native language for approximately 456 million people worldwide, providing a significant advantage in the workforce for those who are proficient. No matter which career path you choose, The University of Texas Permian Basin is dedicated to providing you with the skills you need to excel in your career.
Whether you’re just starting your career or you’re a seasoned veteran looking to advance in your role, UT Permian Basin has several entirely online programs to help you achieve your goals:
Find the online program that aligns with your goals and apply today!
