CMA Certified Management Accountant

CMA Certified Management Accountant Are There Benefits To Having A CMA Qualification? ChaptersWhat Does A CMA Do?What Exams Do I Need To Pass To Become A CMA?Is The CMA Qualification Right For Me?If you’re looking for a career in accounting, then the CMA qualification may be a perfect fit for you.Specifically, the Certified Management Accountant qualification, known as the CMA for short, is issued by the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA), which is based in the US. As such, the CMA is typically known as a US qualification, but it’s worth noting that the CMA is internationally recognised, so management accountants in the UK can also study for the qualification as well.Globally, there are over 70,000 members of the IMA in over 100 countries, so if you do decide to pursue the qualification, you’ll be in good company with thousands of other people!Preparing periodic cash flows;Budget analysis; andCommunicating financial data and its implications to department heads who don’t work in finance.Management accountants also typically liaise with other members of a company’s finance team.Note that the role of a management accountant differs from other positions in the accounting and finance world, such as an auditor. An auditor’s job, for example, is to review a company’s accounts to assess a number of things, including whether they are materially correct and not materially misstated.However, it’s not solely management accountants that work towards becoming a CMA. For instance, a variety of other positions may contain people who are CMA qualified, such as:Financial controllers;Cost accountants;Financial analysts;Treasurers; andChief Financial Officers.Undecided about your choices? Find out what a Certified Financial Analyst does...Management accountants with a CMA qualification can provide real insight into the inner workings of businesses. (Image Source: CC0 1.0, geralt, Pixabay)What Exams Do I Need To Pass To Become A CMA?If you think that the CMA qualification may be right for you, it’s important to be aware of the various requi rements that you’ll need to meet before you can achieve the qualification.For example, you will have to meet requirements such as:Having a current IMA membership;Meet the relevant professional experience requirements; andComplete both parts of the CMA exam.For a full list of the requirements, please refer to the CMA’s website.When it comes to the examination portion of the requirements, the curriculum of the CMA is broken down into two separate parts.Part One is concerned with “financial reporting, planning, performance, and control.” Part Two, on the other hand, looks at financial decision making.Overall, it should take around a year to a year and a half to complete both parts of the CMA, although you’re allowed up to three years to complete both parts’ examinations. This means that it should be possible for most candidates to find the time to fit the study demands of the CMA around their work and social life.While the exams are by no means a walk in the park, the IMA n otes that there is a 50% pass rate worldwide, which means that the exams are passable, provided you put in the time to study, develop good exam technique and have the aptitude for the materials taught.Good preparation is always key when it comes to passing an exam; to that end it would be beneficial to engage a finance tutor.If you try to study regularly, keep yourself motivated by thinking about the benefits that a CMA designation could have on your career, and remember that you won't be studying forever, then you may find the process of preparing for the exams less stressful.How about becoming an ACA Chartered Accountant?Whether you decide to study the CMA qualification may depend on where in the world you would like to work. (Image Source: CC0 1.0, n3otr3x, Pixabay)Is The CMA Qualification Right For Me?In the accounting and auditing profession, there are a number of different qualifications, each of which brings its own benefits. Therefore, doing your research to understand which qualification will suit your specific circumstances is really important.For instance, there is another qualification that management accountants based in the UK like to pursue, which is issued by the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA).When it comes to choosing between studying for a CIMA qualification or the CMA, it can often be a difficult decision to take. This is because both have been around for decades, and both are internationally regarded and can often improve your career prospects and earning potential.What benefits are there to having an ICAEW Chartered Accountant Qualification...However, while each qualification carries its own recognition, there are a few instances when a CMA may be preferable over a CIMA and vice versa. For instance, where you’d like to work in the world may influence whether you see the CMA or the CIMA as more preferable.If, for example, you see yourself working in the UK for the vast majority of your career, then the CIMA qualifica tion may be preferable to you.However, if you’d like to work over in the United States, then the CMA may be just what’s needed. Ultimately, it will depend on your own personal circumstances, and which qualification you think will best give you the knowledge and skills to succeed throughout your career.Note that this dilemma doesn't just appear when thinking about whether to take the CMA or CIMA qualification. In fact, some prospective candidates also find it difficult to choose between the CPA and the ACA or ACCA. As above, completing the CPA exam and meeting the other CPA  membership requirements is more commonly a route seen in the United States, while those planning on working in the UK tend to study towards the ACA or ACCA.Do you know how to put your CPA qualification to good use?Many CMAs have solid numerical skills. (Image Source: CC0 1.0, Luiz-Jorge-Artista)Are There Other Qualifications I Should Be Aware Of?There are plenty of accountancy or business qualifications out t here, such as the:CPA;ACA;ACCA; or evenAn MBA.As a result, it can be really confusing if you’re looking at entering the accounting or auditing sector, as it can be difficult to decide which qualification is the best.Ultimately, when it comes to deciding between a qualification such as the ACA and the CMA/CIMA, it is worthwhile thinking about the kind of career that you’d like to follow. If you think that you might want to become an auditor, or work for one of the “Big 4” professional services firms â€" Deloitte, KPMG, PWC, or Ernst and Young, an ACA qualification may be better than the CMA.However, if you know you’d like to work within the area of management accounting, the CMA may be preferable, as the syllabus is more focused on this line of work than the ACA, which is wider in scope.If you do have any questions about which qualification(s) could be worthwhile for you, it may be worthwhile talking to your careers adviser at school or university if you do need any extra a dvice.You may also consider specialising as a Certified Fraud Examiner...It may also be worthwhile noting that most qualifications also require an element of continuing professional education (CPD)  even once you have become a member of that respective organisation or body. The idea behind having CPD is that you keep your knowledge and skills up to date, for example with matters such as changing accounting policies.It's also likely that, as part of your pathway to membership of these bodies, you'll have to learn about ethical behaviours or ethics more generally.Ultimately, the choice of which qualification - if any - you'd like to pursue is a matter of your own personal choice, but often people who want to work within the accounting, business or finance industries find that relevant qualifications can help boost their career prospects and future earning potential.As a result, if you feel as though you would like to ultimately have a career in an area such as management accounting, b ut want to check that your numerical and accounting skills are up to par, it may be worthwhile hiring a tutor from Superprof to help ensure that your knowledge is where it should be.Regardless of whether you're currently studying at school or university, Superprof has a range of tutors across subjects such as mathematics, economics, business, and accounting, who can provide a variety of questions and test examples to help put you through your paces and give you the knowledge you need to succeed.It’s just a case of entering your postcode to find a tutor that is local to you if you would like to have individual or group accounting tuition online or in person. Alternatively, if you would prefer the convenience of studying from home, there are also tutors that are willing to work with you remotely to achieve your intended learning outcomes.Now discover the many ways your accounting degree can work for you...

Learning How to Sing How Often Should I Take Lessons

Learning How to Sing How Often Should I Take Lessons Suzy S. Before you begin learning how to sing, youll need to find a teacher and schedule your voice lessons! But how often should you really be meeting with your instructor? Find out how to determine your needs create your perfect schedule, with these recommendations from  Forest Hills, NY and online teacher Claire W.: Working your way toward learning how to sing means gaining control of your voice and refining your ability to express yourself with song. It can be a challenging task, but as the saying goes, Nothing worthwhile is ever easy. Depending on your personal goals, learning how to sing can be a very long-term project. Because there are so many aspects to the skill, the frequency of your lessons depends on the goal you want to work toward and how fast. Keep in mind though, that developing the ability to sing on key and with control of your voice and breathing for a range of genres requires a bit of muscle and memory training. Any kind of music especially the type that uses your very own body as an instrument is extremely cerebral, and requires you to manage and control many different variables at once. But you can do it, and if you ever doubt yourself and think Im tone deaf! This is impossible?!, do keep in mind that tone-deafness is actually a recessive trait in humans, so your chances of actually being tone-deaf are low. This article will discuss the suggested frequency of your training per (1) type of training and (2) level of musical proficiency so that you can learn how to sing. Beginner to Intermediate Level   If you are a beginner at music, the first and foremost highest leverage thing for you to do when learning how to sing is to invest a lot of time in recognizing and copying the production of sounds from another instrument and identifying their names and tonal values. For example, as a helpful exercise your teacher might: (1) play a note for you, (2) tell you what its numeric or syllabic value is, and (3) give you feedback when you try to produce the exact sound with the number or syllable. You can benefit immensely from having ear training lessons once or twice a week, in addition to or in combination with a weekly voice lesson. Later on, more advanced ear training has you identify and reproduce the relationships between two tones or three tones in intervals, broken chords, or scales. Have patience with yourself, and expect the first few tries to be rocky, but dont give up! Remember you are literally training the synapses of neurons to form for sound recognition and reproduction. Because of this, frequent repetition of this training is highly recommended for all levels. Ear training is the first step in becoming a strong singer of any genre or style, and is something that all musicians and singers practiceâ€"even when they are at a professional level. I would suggest 60 minutes of ear training once a week until recognizing and reproducing tones or simple intervals becomes natural and automatic. Intermediate to Professional Level   If you are at an intermediate level of musical proficiency, learning how to sing will be much easier, because you’ve probably done a lot of ear training already. Now it’s time to populate your understanding of song with a lot of data. By data, I mean practicing songs from different genres and refining your understanding of your pitch range, sweet spots, and breaks in your voice. Once you are at an intermediate level, most students can move from ear training to focusing all on singing during your weekly lessons. One lesson a week however, does not excuse you from practicing for at least 30 minutes every day! When you practice on your own, you’ll be able to figure out how identify the little basic things in a voice that make an audience feel a certain way. The length of your lessons will depend on a few different factors. Professional Level Eventually, you’ll have gotten so much feedback, practiced so many songs, and listened to so many genres that you’ll be singing at a professional level. Huzzah! I can’t wait to see singing stars popping up and talking about this article being their inspiration to become singing stars. Keep in mind that even professionals still work with vocal coaches to continue improving even its just once a month or so. In closing, learning how to sing is like learning how to read, write, or speak. At a certain point, you’re just expanding your grasp of the expressive ‘vocabulary’ (e.g. a crescendo, diminuendo, or a trill) and eventually, you get to the point of familiarity that you start creating new vocal conventions and styles of your own, whether youre drawing inspiration from Beyoncé or Pavarotti. Always go through cycles of practice and rest, otherwise you can tire out your voice. Even Beyoncé has to do this! Grit through the beginner phase and you’ll be singing like a star in no time. Remember, everybody’s voice ends up being beautiful in the right context and there are so many genres to be appreciated, so never give up, find your sound, and keep on right on singing. Claire W. teaches music and tutors in Forest Hills, NY, as well as online. As a recent graduate of Columbia University, she majored in Applied Statistics and Psychology, and earned her  Texas  State  Teachers  Certification  in 2014.  Learn more  about Claire here! Interested in Private Lessons? Search thousands of teachers for local and live, online lessons. Sign up for convenient, affordable private lessons today! Search for Your Teacher Photo by michael_swan

How To Become Bilingual In Italian

How To Become Bilingual In Italian How To Master Italian? ChaptersHow To Test Your Italian?MOOC Italian CoursesTake The CILS And CELI TestsHow To Work On Your Italian Accent?Nowadays, learning a language is a real challenge, which everyone takes up from school onwards. A challenge, but also a pleasure, which makes it possible to communicate with people from all around the world, but also to immerse yourself in another culture. A language other than your mother tongue is, therefore, an important tool for opening up to the world. Practising Italian is the perfect example of such a discovery.To learn Italian online and improve existing skills, you will need to work at least a little bit and go through a fair amount of resources. Because yes, what could be better than watching movies in their original version?Even if Italian is sometimes claimed to be a language of gestures (as illustrated by the 243 movements that Lilia Cavallo has gathered in a dictionary, like a real language), the fact remains that the Italian language is a very rich and di verse language!So, of course, we can wonder how to speak Italian fluently, and that's what we'll see right away! DanielaItalian Teacher 5.00 (9) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors LuciaItalian Teacher 5.00 (4) £17/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MarilùItalian Teacher 5.00 (8) £22/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MarcoItalian Teacher £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AntonellaItalian Teacher 5.00 (2) £14/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors GiusyItalian Teacher 5.00 (3) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors EnricoItalian Teacher 5.00 (2) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors FedericaItalian Teacher 5.00 (2) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsHow To Test Your Italian?Among the things to do, when you want to learn Italian and be ableto chi chat with a native speaker from Venice, you obviously have to test your level of Italian. Thanks to simple, effective tools and supports, it is then possible to evaluate where you stand on the scale of a foreign language and to find the right exercises to progress quickly in Italian. Travelling, working, meeting people, everything is a pretext to become bilingual in Italian!Between Italian grammar rules, vocabulary, Italian phrases, verbs, pronunciation and memorization, you will know in a few tests what level you are at and how much effort you will have to put on learning this millennia-old language.But if schools reject you, language tests, such as IELTS, CLIP (the equivalent of TOEFL in English, more for professional use), or CILS (Certificate of Italian CILS from the University for Foreigners of Siena) exist and will attest to your level in Italian. For a price ranging from £100 to £160, it is then possible to know if our Italian is that of a beginner level, or more confirmed, up to bilingualism!Of course, there are also more basic solutions, such as a teacher. A private tutor will give you a more personalized assessment so that you will know how best to progress. Superprof offers this type of course, enjoy it! Finally, do not hesitate to travel, go to Italy, and talk to the locals. This is probably the best way to find out if you are bilingual, or if there is still room for improvement.Even if there are no classes at school, you can still learn Italian. (Source: skitterphoto.com)MOOC Italian CoursesYou may be familiar with MOOC courses since this is the acronym for Massive Open Online Course. Sometimes known by other names such as Open Online Training (OOT), but also Open and Massive Online Courses (OMOC), MOOCs allow us to validate our foreign language skills with a certificate or not, so that we can attest to our bilingualism or not in Italian, for example!While a weekly quiz validates the progress, this type of Italian  online course, limited in time, has training objectives and themes defined by the teachers, but also by the learner. This freedom and this notion of sharing then give full meaning to MOOC courses, wh ich will make it possible to see real progress, thanks to exclusive content, and teachers who are listening!After the MOOC courses, it is, therefore, possible to master the Italian language at your fingertips, to take part in major university competitions, to move to Italy, or simply to travel in the best possible way. Because yes, what could be more stimulating than getting by in a foreign country? Not much, I'll give you that!Take Italian courses London and start learning more about Italian vocabulary, Italian culture, and improve your Italian fluency.Take The CILS And CELI TestsFrom a linguistic perspective, taking aptitude tests is often a very good idea, so that you know what your level is, or simply realize that you are bilingual, or not! In Italian, there are various tests, two of which have performed well: CILS (Certificazione di Italiano come Lingua Straniera, or Certification of Italian as a Foreign Language) and CELI (Certificato di conoscenza della Lingua Italiana).The C ILS is a certificate, recognised by the Italian State and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which allows the learner to report on his or her Italian language skills. Born in the 16th century, and divided into four levels, it will then be easy for you to understand whether or not you are bilingual, depending on the results of the test, delimited by the common European reference framework for languages.You don't have to go to Italy to learn Italian... (Source: skitterphoto.com)The CELI is also a certificate of knowledge of Italian, which, helped by levels ranging from A1 to C2, determines and confirms that language learning can be transformed into bilingualism at any time, whether you are learning a new language, or whether you are almost bilingual.Note that CELI 3 is the level that allows you to enrol in an Italian school, without having to take the admission test for foreigners offered by the school.CILS and CELI in Italian are therefore quality certificates, which, in addition to tr avelling simply, allow you to open doors, professional, academic, but also personal! In an autonomous way, you will then work on your Italian without pressure, and, for a few hundred pounds for the registration, finish in style by validating your skills. Who said learning a second language was complicated?How To Work On Your Italian Accent?The Italian accent is often perceived as a particular accent, complicated to implement, and possibly difficult to learn. And yet, there are many ways and means to work on your Italian accent in a simple and effective way.Indeed, to learn how to pronounce certain syllables, to improve oral expression, and to make yourself understood in a simple way, one can think of films and series in the original Italian version. Because having fun and learning languages is possible! Let's think of works like Call me by your name, Life Is Beautiful, Gomorra, or My Brilliant Friend in the Italian language.But that's not all! Indeed, while the emphasis is on the ex tra soul of bilingualism, we can think of taking Italian lessons with a private teacher. Online, they will be able to meet all your expectations when it comes to saying a few difficult words. Superprof offers this service, don't hesitate to take a look!It is also interesting to look at new technologies, sites, and mobile applications, such as Babbel, Duolingo, LingQ, or One Wolrd Italiano, which show different techniques for perfecting your Italian, all this without going anywhere, like an online tutor. Between videos, online games, and small exercises, most often free of charge, becoming bilingual in Italian has never been so much fun!Hop over to Italy for a weekend getaway, and to practise your spoken skills Source: Pixabay Credit: Sergio GridelliOne last technique to improve your Italian accent, and gradually become bilingual, is of course to travel! Indeed, practising in the field, even if it is more expensive, is even more training than all the techniques and media mentioned ab ove. To immerse yourself in a language and culture, to work on your accent by speaking with the locals, what could be a better learning experience?Whatever your level, the Italian language is a rich language, which must be learned by different means in order to become bilingual. Knowing your level is a good basis for positioning yourself on the linguistic scale, while several supports exist to raise us and make us understand that Italian is not so complicated!

Huntington Celebrates Education Week

Huntington Celebrates Education Week Oradell, NJ November 3, 2014 During the week of November 17, 2014, the Huntington Learning Center will celebrate American Education Week, which recognizes public education and honors those who work to ensure every child in our country receives a quality education. The celebration kicks off on Monday, November 17, and is followed by daily events: Parents Day: Tuesday, November 18 Education Support Professionals Day: Wednesday, November 19 Educator for a Day: Thursday, November 20 Substitute Educators Day: Friday, November 21 American Education Week was founded in 1921 by the National Education Association and the American Legion as a national effort to raise public awareness of the importance of education. Education is one of the essentials for success, and we are thrilled to come together with peer organizations, teachers, students and others this week to celebrate its importance, says Eileen Huntington of Huntington Learning Center. We encourage everyone in our community to get involved in education and support our children as they pursue their educational goals. The Huntington Learning Center hosts activities throughout the year to promote education, including free workshops on topics such as homework help, summer learning, SAT/PSAT/ACT exam prep and preparing students for a successful school year. Our message to families and others in our local community is that todays children are tomorrows leaders, and it is absolutely essential that we equip them with the tools and confidence to succeed, says Huntington. Huntington salutes our nations teachers and education professionals for striving to do just that. We encourage everyone to recognize their good work during this important annual event. To learn more about American Education Week, visit www.nea.org. For more information about Huntington Learning Center and its upcoming events, contact Laura Gehringer at Huntington Learning Center -201-975-9431, gehringerl@hlcmail.com or visit www.huntingtonhelps.com. About Huntington Learning Center Huntington is the tutoring and test prep leader. Its certified tutors provide individualized instruction in reading, phonics, writing, study skills, elementary and middle school math, Algebra through Calculus, Chemistry, and other sciences. It preps for the SAT and ACT, as well as state and standardized exams. Huntington programs develop the skills, confidence, and motivation to help students succeed and meet the needs of Common Core State Standards. Founded in 1977, Huntingtons mission is to give every student the best education possible. Learn how Huntington can help at www.huntingtonhelps.com. For franchise opportunities please visit www.huntingtonfranchise.com.

11 Common English Idioms with Two Words - English with Harry ??

11 Common English Idioms with Two Words - English with Harry ?? The following are very common English idioms with two words. They are used in everyday conversations. In modern communication more informal language is now frequently used to substitute for more formal words and phrases. 11 Common English idioms with two words Enjoyed this infographic? Here’s what you can do next: 1. FUDDY DUDDY this refers to a person who is overly fussy in their actions. They usually do not relax do not dress casually and always operate by the rules.ex. ex. Michael always wears a suit and a tie even when he goes to McDonalds!! His friends said he was a real fuddy duddy.2. TOPSY TURVYused to describe a situation when everything is confused or untidy or unsure.ex. The weather was very bad. He was due to fly at noon but he wasn’t sure whether the airport was open or closed. No one could answer a simple question. Everything was topsy turvy.3. MUMBO JUMBOwhen what you understand is written in English (or your native tongue) but you cannot understand it as it may be written in “legalistic” language.ex. Nobody could understand the mortgage document from the bank .It was written in mumbo jumbo.4. WISHY WASHYWhen a person is unable to make a decision decisively and is stuck between two choices. We can describe him as wishy washy.ex. John could not decide whether to complain abo ut the bad food in the restaurant. Eventually he decided not to say anything ad even gave the waiter a tip!! His wife said he was wishy washy.5. HOT SHOTsomeone who thinks he is better than everyone at everything but in fact is not.ex. He hired a hot shot lawyer from London to defend him in his law case but he was still found guilty. English Idioms with Two Words 6. HUSH-HUSHwhen something is kept secret or covered up so no one can find out the facts.ex. He worked for the secret service but nobody knew exactly what he did it was all hush hush.7. DILLY DALLYto delay without cause or reason and not to rush.ex. He was late for the meeting but continued to do this and that in his office and took his time in everything. He dilly dallied for over an hour.8. HUM DRUMthis refers to ordinary routine aspects of our lives. People often look for some distraction from the hum drum of life.ex. He worked every day from 8 am to 6pm and after six months decided to take a long holiday away from the hum drum of his work.9. PITTER PATTERusually refers to the sound that small footsteps make and is used to refer to a happy announcement that a woman is expecting a baby.ex. She was delighted to tell her husband that after 2 years of marriage they were going to hear the tiny pitter patter of baby feet. She would have her baby in about six months.10. TIP TOPwhen you a re in good health or when everything is working well.ex. He went to the doctor and was in perfect health. His business was doing well and his family were happy. He was tip top. In fact everything was tip top.11. WHEELER DEALERused to describe a businessman who deals in lots of business transactions on a regular basis, buying and selling.ex. He bought and sold cars everyday in all parts of the country. He bought them cheap and sold them for a small profit quickly. He was a real wheeler dealer.Idioms are fun to use and appear regularly in formal and informal speech. Enjoy using these common English  idioms with two words where and when you can!

5 Contracts To Be Aware Of In Your Job Search

5 Contracts To Be Aware Of In Your Job Search Image via. https://pixabay.com/en/writing-pen-man-ink-paper-pencils-1149962/ Part-Time Contracts What exactly is a part-time contract? A part-time contract basically means that you work for your employer for a non-specified set of hours each week based on the employer’s needs. The hours vary depending on where you have your part-time position, but a typical full-time position is about 40+ hours per week, so expect to work and get paid for less than that. I wish I could comment on your part-time salary, but depending on the career sector you’re in and the job you were hired for, your salary will change. Many times, part-time contracts are associated with summer jobs and worst-case scenarios if you can’t find a full-time job, but this isn’t always the case. A part-time job is great for students who want to make some extra money. Whether that be as a summer job or a job you have during the school year (as both an undergraduate or a post-graduate student), you can’t go wrong. Many part-time contracts allow for some negotiation of hours, which is great if you are dealing with a busy school schedule or if you are employed by multiple companies where you have part-time contracts. If you are looking for a full-time contract, but the company you love is only accepting part-time hires at the time, don’t fret. Oftentimes, people start out as part-time hires at a company and then they get offered a full-time position. However, don’t accept a part-time position, expecting it to turn into a full[time position, without speaking to the people hiring you first. Don’t ask so bluntly, but just say that you love the company, but you are seeking full-time work eventually. Go on by asking if you would have the opportunity to obtain a full-time position at the company when one opened up and if you were successful at your part-time position. Don’t go off of just a generic “yes.” Be sure to ask if they’ve ever done something like this with an employee before. If money is a major issue, ask about the flexibility of your schedule, as you might have to take on another job to pay your bills. You obviously have to start somewhere, but make sure you weigh out the pros and cons of the part-time contract. Think about your financial situation, your career aspirations, the time you can devote to the job, the possibility of you having to take another job, etc. Image via. https://pixabay.com/en/business-office-contract-agreement-3167295/ Full-Time Contracts A full-time contract is a contract that guarantees you, usually 40+ hours of work each week, however, this can be company-dependent. I want to caution you all about misconceptions about full-time contracts; many people confused full-time contracts with salary-based contracts. A full-time contract guarantees you full-time work, but this doesn’t always equate to salary. For example, my sister, who worked in sales, was a full-time hire, but her salary was entirely commission-based. Usually, the main perk of a full-time contract is benefits: i.e. health insurance, a 401k (retirement plan), dental insurance, maternity/paternity leave, sick days, etc. A full-time contract guarantees your employment for a specific amount of time (usually 1-2 years), unless you go against company guidelines and/or rules. However, like I keep saying, these standards can vary depending on the job sector you are in, and I cannot speak for every company on the planet, but these are the general guidelines drawn out by a full-time contract. Before you sign anything, make sure that this is what you want. Ask your potential employer all the questions you need to in order for you to make an informed decision. Some great questions to ask about a full-time contract are: (1) What benefits are offered? If I don’t need a particular benefit, will my salary increase? (2) Are any terms of this contract negotiable? Is it possible to adjust the agreed upon employment length, if needed? (3) I see that you don’t offer [insert benefit here]. How will I be compensated for this? (4) What type of payment schedule should I be expecting? Are bonuses included in this payment schedule? (5) How long do I have to look over this until I have to give you an answer? Get all your ducks in a row, ask your questions, and then you can determine if a full-time contract position is right for you. If you are a post-grad, a full-time contract definitely gives you some additional financial support, but if you have other job offers with different types of contracts, don’t only accept a position based on the fact that it’s a full-time contract. Image via. https://pixabay.com/en/agreement-business-contract-3476369/ Salary-Based Contracts What exactly is a salary and how does it differ from other forms of payment? A salary comes in many forms, but basically, a salary is a guaranteed-payment amount depending on your job, your hours, the company you work for, etc. Full-time salary-based contracts usually propose a yearly salary, that is divvied up into smaller payments (i.e. bi-weekly). Other salary-based contracts go off an hourly salary that is dependent on how much you work. This form of salary-based contract is common in part-time contracts, internships, and freelance work. Salary-based contracts are probably the most common type of work contracts for post-graduate students. The beauty of these contracts, most of the time, is that you know what you’re getting and when you’re getting it, so you can plan your housing and other expenses around it. Other than the occasional bonus, your salary is usually set in stone, unless you get a raise (kudos if you do). If you are in sales, for example, this may not be the best option for you if you are a top seller in your company or if your would-be commission is higher than your salary. However, a salary-based sales position does give you some wiggle room when you’re learning the ropes. A salary contract, like I said, is a great contract to have post-grad. You know what you’re getting and you can plan your new, independent life, around it. In addition, a salary-based contract is great if you are looking for part-time work also. There is room to negotiate the value of your salary, but be sure to ask if it is possible to get your salary increase for good work. If you are in sales and are looking for commission-based work, ask your boss if you can have a combined salary-based and commission-based contract or, depending on your sales and what you bring to the company, if it’s possible to move to a commission-based contract in the future (if that’s what you want). As with any contract, gather your questions, talk to your potential employers, weigh your options, and think about your decision, as it is not a decision you should take lightly. Infographic by Amanda Cohen Commission-Based Contracts Commission-based contracts are more common in sales jobs. In a commission-based contract, your entire paycheck is determined by how much you sell. In your contract, your employer will outline how much commission you make from your sales. Depending on what you’re selling and who you’re working for, your commission will be different. Some common commission-basis contracts are for stylists, personal trainers, telemarketers, buyers, etc. Usually, how it starts out is that you make the minimum commission possible when you first enter your position. As you sell more, work your way up the company, and prove yourself, your commission percentage usually gets larger and larger (but it’s never extremely large unless you are your own boss). If I’m being completely honest with you, commission-based contracts are not for everyone. Depending on your industry of choice, you might not have a choice, but it can be very hard to be successful under a commission-based contract, not to mention your paycheck is unpredictable. If you are thinking about accepting a commission-based contract, you need to make sure that you are a go-getter. You want to be assertive, without being aggressive. You also need to hold yourself accountable. Commission-based sales positions often allow you to work on your own time and in an environment that you choose. If you don’t hold yourself accountable and create an impenetrable schedule, then you could lag and your sales will lag, and then you won’t be able to feed yourself until your next payday. When looking through your commission-based contract, be sure to also look to see how often you will get paid. Depending on your needs and your predicted success at the company, you will want to know when you should expect that direct deposit so that you can pay your rent on time. Freelance Contracts Freelance contracts vary from company to company and from industry to industry. The typical definition of a freelance worker is that he/she works for himself, but markets him/herself to various companies. More freelance workers are employed by more than one company. Basically, a freelance contract stipulates that you still are self-employed, but are hired on a project-by-project basis for different companies. However, this isn’t true for all companies… plus, you (the freelance worker) can also draw up your own contract that ensures you are getting paid on time and how your payment will be received. Since you are self-employed as a freelancer, you will want to make sure that an employment contract does not take advantage of your time and doesn’t screw you over. There is no such thing as the “perfect freelance job,” but different industries definitely are more likely to have more freelance workers than others. Some common industries that house freelance workers are the writing industry, the graphic design industry, the art industry, and the IT industry. Even though these occupations are much more likely to have freelance workers, that doesn’t mean that you have to accept freelance work if this isn’t right for you. Yes, it is true that freelance workers hold multiple jobs at once, but remember that multiple jobs don’t necessarily mean a bigger payday. The salary for a freelance worker can be unpredictable; sometimes you are on a lot of different projects so you are getting paid more, but other times, finding work can prove to be impossible. If you are having a hard time finding a full-time position, freelancing might be a great way to get your foot in the door, but it isn’t for everyone. If you are a student looking for work, freelancing would be great because you can work during breaks and times where you don’t have many major assignments nor exams coming up. Look, there is no such thing as “the perfect contract,” which is why it’s extremely important that, when reading over job offers and contracts, that you have as much information as possible for you to make a well-informed decision. Depending on your industry, contracts can be as simple as the contracts listed above, or more complicated, like a combination of a commission-based and salary-based position. I tried to give you as much information as possible, but make sure that your research doesn’t stop here. Talk to your employer and your HR office, talk to a lawyer, do an intensive Google search, do everything to make sure you are getting the most out of your job financially. Good luck and happy job hunting!

4 Ways to Use iPads for Learning

4 Ways to Use iPads for Learning From propping up on a kitchen counter to follow a recipe to passing it around a family reunion to share holiday photos, the uses of an iPad are many. A multitude of teachers and students nationwide now use it for learning, especially at the college level. Here are some great ways to use iPads for learning: 1. Bring an iPad to class One of the best things about the iPad is its portability. It's lightweight and slim, making it even easier to tote to class than a laptop. Because it can lay flat, it's also more discreet for in-classroom use. The iPad's multifunctional aspects allow you to easily look up a word in the dictionary, take class notes, and double check that online message board for class, all in the matter of a few seconds. 2. Read an e-book on an iPad Although many people, millennial and twenty-something's included, still tend to prefer reading print books, it's often both more convenient and cheaper to locate an e-book. For most students, book storage space is limited in a dorm room or small apartment. Digital books cut down on clutter and are easy to use. Downloading an e-book on an iPad makes catching up on class reading assignments a breeze. Just be sure your device is charged before hitting the heavy page turning (or page swiping). 3. Put together a PowerPoint presentation on an iPad Students can now download a Microsoft PowerPoint app to use on an iPad. Although students may still prefer building their PowerPoint presentations on a desktop or laptop screen for visibility's sake, transporting them to class is easy with an iPad. Sharing a PowerPoint presentation with your class is now smoother than ever, thanks to apps like Slideshow Remote. All you need is your iPad, a Wifi connection, and an external device like a projector or TV, and your PowerPoint piece comes to life for all the class to see. 4. Stay plugged in to your studies with an iPad Almost every course now has a digital aspect to it, whether inside or outside the classroom. Professors often post assignments and test dates on an online platform, some even preferring to receive digitally submitted written work. The iPad is a great way to stay on top of your class workloads. Certain apps like Blackboard Mobile Learn are specifically geared toward allowing students easy digital access to all of their course information in one place. Some teachers even encourage students to share information about class projects or lectures via social media outlets like Twitter and Facebook. When entering a new class, feel out the situation. Some professors remain old-fashioned, desiring printed and stapled written assignments be placed on their desks. Countless others are excited about new technology and encourage its use in the classroom. Be polite and respectful when inquiring about bringing tech devices into a lecture theatre. How you use your iPad outside of the classroom to help you learn is entirely up to you.

Lab Grown Meat the Way of the Future

Lab Grown Meat the Way of the Future Via http://www.123rf.com/ Although the concept of human made meat does provoke certain skepticism, the current mode of meat production is unsustainable and is only going to worsen as the demand is predicted to double within the next fifty years especially in Asia and Africa. The production of laboratory meat alternative would address the issue of animal welfare that through organizations such as PETA has gained stigma with the mass production of livestock. As well as the several other environmental problems that are linked with bulk meat production such as land use, waste, farm animal feed, and greenhouse gas emissions. With the process of laboratory meat product there would be 78-96% lower greenhouse gas emissions than conventionally produced meat within the United States. It also had a 99% lower land use and an 82-96% lower water use. In the coming future alternatives to meat production are going to gain more popularity as the ever evolving shape of our world unfolds. The exponentially growing population wi ll soon over utilize the land area still available and without the further exploration of a sustainable method the world will have to adapt to new dietary methods. Despite popular assumptions not every vegetarian or environmental group supports the research in laboratory produced meat including those at the Vegetarian Society Supporters Conference. The conference released a statement saying “Alongside all of these technical issues, the biggest question for many vegetarians is why? Why go to this much trouble and expense to replace a foodstuff that we simply do not need? Wouldnt it be simpler, cheaper and more sustainable to just stop eating meat altogether?” However, the idea that an entire population will switch their dietary intake to one of non-meat and sustainable food does not seem to be an accurate prediction and laboratory produced meat product might be a valuable alternative. Regardless of whether laboratory produced meat alternatives are the answer there still remains the problem of an ever growing population matched with an unsustainable food production system. The sustainability of future generations depends on the ability of our world to answer these difficult questions with reliable solutions.