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The Perks of Small Companies: Why Bigger Isn’t Always Better for Your Career

When job seekers picture their dream career, many imagine working for a big-name company like a Fortune 500 firm with thousands of employees, a sleek office, and global recognition. While large...

Editor's Picks

Announcing the 2025 Consulting Rankings for All Regions!

Is Quiet Vacationing the New Quiet Quitting?

Decoding Cryptocurrency: A Beginner's Guide for Job Seekers

How to Improve Your Verbal Communication Skills [VIDEO]

Interviewing

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Decoding Company Culture: Top Questions to Ask During a Job Interview

For job seekers, workplace culture can often be the deciding factor on whether they accept an offer from a company. You could get some information about a company’s workplace culture by checking out its website and social media pages, but it’s important to remember that just because a company is saying something online doesn’t necessarily mean it’s true.

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How to Create an Effective Phone Interview Cheat Sheet

Potential employers will often use phone interviews as a screening tool, allowing them to narrow down the list of candidates. For job seekers, this initial contact is an opportunity to make a great first impression.

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How to Answer ‘What Are Your Strengths and Weaknesses?’ [VIDEO]

During an interview, it's common to be asked about your strengths and weaknesses. This Vault video provides some tips for how you should, and shouldn't, answer these questions.

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Can You Use ChatGPT to Help Prepare for an Interview?

These days, people are using artificial intelligence for all kinds of tasks, but can ChatGPT be used to help you prepare for a job interview? By feeding ChatGPT a few prompts designed to get answers to common interview questions, we’ve come to the conclusion that while it’s a great tool for interview prep, there are still a few things to watch out for.

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Achieving Interview Success with the STAR Method

During a job interview you’ll be tasked with describing past experiences and accomplishments in a way that is not only relevant to the job you’re applying for, but that also highlights your skills and sets you apart from other candidates. In order to provide clear, concise answers to interview questions, candidates will often employ the STAR method.

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Unusual Interview Questions and How to Answer Them: Part II

Welcome back to our series on unusual interview questions. If you haven’t read part one yet, you can at the link.

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Unusual Interview Questions and How to Answer Them: Part I

During a job interview, it’s important to stay on your toes. In this two-part series, we’re going to go over some interesting, quirky, and truly perplexing interview questions.

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Do’s and Don'ts of Virtual Interviews in 2024

Virtual interviews can be just as nerve-wracking as in-person interviews. So, if you’ve been asked to attend an online interview, here are some tips to help you prepare thoroughly and perform well.

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How to Assess Professional Growth Opportunities During a Job Interview

Job seekers want to know that a potential employer will invest in their professional development, or that it promotes from within. You can get a good idea of how a company handles promotions or what types of employee advancement programs it offers by conducting a little research, but there’s something to be said about the personal approach.

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Warning Signs to Watch Out for During the Interview Process

We talk a lot about how to prepare for job interviews, the types of questions you should ask, how to read body language, and proper interview etiquette, but what happens when you’re on an interview and the hiring manager starts firing off scandalous details about a previous employee? Yes friends, there are plenty of red flags to watch out for during the interview process—here are some of the biggest ones.

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How to Negotiate Your Salary Once You Get a Job Offer [VIDEO]

Once the interviews are over and a job offer is on the table, it's important to make sure you're accepting an offer you are happy with. Negotiating your compensation with a new company can feel daunting, but here are some tips to help you in that conversation.

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Best Questions to Ask at the End of an Interview [VIDEO]

Towards the end of your job interview it's typical for employers to ask if you have any questions for them. When this happens, the most important thing to do is actually ask questions.

Resumes & Cover Letters

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The Best Free AI-Powered Resume Builders in 2024

Creating an effective resume can be a daunting task, especially for job seekers who are new to the workforce. Thankfully, the rise of AI technology has brought about a variety of resume-building tools that can help young professionals create well-written, tailored resumes quickly and easily.

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Can ChatGPT Help You Tailor Your Cover Letter and Resume to a Job Description?

The ability to read and analyze job descriptions is critical to a successful job search. This means being able to relate your skills and experience to the skills and requirements detailed in the job description.

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How to Add Study Abroad Experience to Your Resume

Studying abroad is an incredible experience that offers personal growth, cultural insights, and the chance to learn unique skill sets. When it comes to showcasing overseas study on your resume, it's essential to do it strategically to catch the eyes of potential employers and show them how it has made you better candidate.

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A Guide to Resume Keywords

During a job search, your resume is arguably your most important tool. It takes time and experience to craft an effective resume, and it’s important to keep up with resume trends as they relate to your industry, the type of resume employers like to see, and the keywords that hiring managers are looking for.

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How to Write a Resume Summary That Stands Out

In the competitive job market, making a strong first impression is crucial. One of the most effective ways to do this is through a compelling personal summary at the top of your resume.

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Innovative Cover Letter Strategies for 2024

The importance of leveraging innovative cover letter strategies can't be overstated. With the job market evolving rapidly, technology continuing to reshape recruitment processes, and competition growing fiercer by the day, students and professionals must adapt their approaches to cover letter writing to remain relevant and impactful.

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Resume Writing Tips for Recent Graduates

Your resume is your first opportunity to make a lasting impression on potential employers and showcase the skills and knowledge you've acquired throughout your academic career. We'll provide you with valuable insights and four practical tips to help you create a compelling resume that paves the way for a successful transition into the workforce.

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5 Common Resume Mistakes Students Make and How to Avoid Them

If you’re a student and don’t have much experience writing resumes, you’ll likely make a handful of common mistakes. The good news is once you understand what these mistakes are, it’s easy to avoid them.

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6 Cover Letter Mistakes to Avoid

An effective cover letter has the potential to be one of the most powerful tools in your job search arsenal. It can provide a strong introduction that grabs the hiring manager’s attention, and may provide further details that aren’t necessarily included on your resume.

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5 Great Resume Tips for Job Hoppers

Job hopping is becoming more common these days, and many employers are starting to accept the fact that good candidates could also have a somewhat chaotic work history. Still, frequent job hopping can make creating an effective resume more difficult, but there are ways around it.

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6 Tips for a Better Digital Portfolio

A professional portfolio is a great way to showcase previous projects and accomplishments, and there are many ways in which you can put your portfolio out there for potential employers to see. In the old days, this would require actual physical copies of your work that would be collected in a binder.

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Cover Letter Tips for Recent Graduates

Searching for your first job after graduation can seem daunting, but with the right tools, like a polished cover letter, you can stand out from other candidates. Here are five tips to craft an impressive cover letter as a recent graduate.

Networking

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5 LinkedIn Tips for Students

Leveraging LinkedIn can provide you with a significant advantage at any stage of your career, including at the college stage. As a student, integrating your resume with a strong LinkedIn presence can open doors to numerous opportunities.

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How ChatGPT Can Help You Network: Part I

We’ve been talking a bit about how ChatGPT can help you prepare for a job interview, tailor your resume and cover letter to a job description, and research potential employers, but did you know it can also help with professional networking? That’s right, ChatGPT can assist in drafting different types of emails and messages that can be used in networking, so with the right prompts it can be a very helpful tool.

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How ChatGPT Can Help You Network: Part II

Welcome back to our series on how you can use ChatGPT to help build a professional network. Last time we spoke about how to generate initial networking messages in which you’re emailing a new potential network connection, so if you haven’t done so you can check out that blog here.

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Creating a LinkedIn Profile That Stands Out

Your LinkedIn profile is your digital business card, offering a snapshot of your professional identity. It's not just a place to list your work history; it's a powerful tool for networking and job hunting.

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Introverts' Guide to Networking Success: Strategies for Meaningful Connections

Throughout your career, it's vital that you build up and maintain a professional network. A solid network will afford you new opportunities, and you’ll be able to gain valuable insight into your career.

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How to Write an Effective Networking Email

Your professional network can be relied upon for guidance, advice, support, or if you’re looking for a new job. Building a good network takes time and often requires you to step outside of your comfort zone and make the first move, which can be particularly challenging if you're not already familiar with the person you want to connect with.

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Top Black Professional Networks in STEM

Today we’re going to showcase some of the top organizations for Black professionals in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The objective of these organizations is to provide a platform for innovation, collaboration, and the empowerment of Black professionals in the world of STEM.

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How to Leverage Social Media for Job Search Success

When used effectively, social media can be a powerful tool for job search success, helping you to network, share ideas, represent yourself, and so much more. Here are five tips for leveraging social media to stand out in a crowded job market.

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8 Awesome Women’s Professional Networks

Women’s professional networks offer a range of benefits that contribute to the personal and professional development of women in various industries. Most typically, these organizations offer networking opportunities, mentorship programs, skill development workshops, and a platform for discussion and collaboration.

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Top Black Professionals’ Networks by Industry

Welcome to our comprehensive guide highlighting the top Black professionals’ networks across various industries. These organizations provide invaluable resources, support, and networking opportunities for Black professionals, regardless of their age or skill level.

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5 Great Networking Tips for College Students

College is a great time to start building your professional network. Even if you’re a first or second-year student, having some network connections early on can help greatly when it comes time to start applying to internships later on.

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3 Virtual Networking Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)

Regardless of where you are in your career, building a strong network is essential for growing your career growth. This means it’s now necessary to master virtual networking, which has become a game-changer in the world of work.

Job Search

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How to Conduct a Job Search While You’re Still Employed

When it comes to your career, it’s wise to keep your options open. This might include making new network connections or attending events regularly, and even if you’re currently employed, there’s nothing wrong with checking out other companies to see how industry standards for employee benefits and salary have changed.

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Can ChatGPT Help Research Companies During Your Job Search?

We recently spoke about how ChatGPT can assist you in preparing for a job interview and how it can help tailor your cover letter and resume to a job description, but did you know that it can also be used to research companies? If you’re in a pinch and need to save time or you’re new to researching companies in your job search, all it takes is a well-constructed prompt and ChatGPT will provide you with a whole ton of information.

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Applying for Jobs When You’re Overqualified: Tips and Employer Insights

In a competitive job market, it’s not unusual for individuals to apply for positions that they’re overqualified for. While this might seem counterintuitive, there are several valid reasons why someone might choose this path.

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The Art of Applying for the Same Job Twice

During your job search, you might come across a job listing you previously applied for that was reposted by a company after being delisted for some time. In another scenario, you applied to a job listing and haven’t heard back, but the listing has been open for an extended period of time.

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Beyond the Listings: Exploring the Hidden Job Market

When conducting a job search, it can help to think outside the box. For instance, you might learn about an open position even when a company hasn’t posted an official job listing.

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Can You Use AI During a Job Search?

The various applications of artificial intelligence and its implications for the future continue to be subjects of great debate. AI is being used to create digital art and music, and is being leveraged by many companies in a variety of industries.

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Top Reasons Why Employers Ghost Job Seekers: Part II

Welcome back to our series on the reasons why employers ghost job seekers. Last time we spoke about scenarios that can take place internally at companies that might cause them to ghost applicants, so catch up here if you haven't read yet.

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6 Tips for Staying Motivated During a Lengthy Job Search

Job hunting can be exhausting, especially if you’ve applied to numerous jobs and haven’t received a single response. The truth is, finding a great job takes time, so it’s very important that you stay motivated and maintain a positive outlook during your job search.

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Job Description Red Flags: Signs to Watch Out for in a Company’s Listing

If you’ve ever conducted a job search, you already know that it requires dealing with numerous emails, phone calls, flaky hiring managers, and multiple interviews. Finding a great job takes time, so it’s important to learn how to avoid putting yourself in situations where you’ll waste energy or wind up in a workplace that’s stressful or toxic.

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Top Reasons Why Employers Ghost Job Seekers: Part I

Job seekers should be prepared to apply to many jobs, and deal with numerous emails and follow up conversations with multiple employers. Once in a while, you might come across a company that won’t respond to you, despite your repeated attempts.

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The Best Times to Apply for Jobs by Season

The holiday season is fast approaching, and soon many companies will be placing a hold on their hiring activities for the rest of the year. For job seekers, it's important to know which times of the year are most effective when it comes to submitting the old resume to potential employers.

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Tips for Conducting a Targeted Job Search

During your job search, you might think that by applying to many jobs in succession, you’re increasing your chances at generating interest and getting a response, but this isn’t necessarily true. It can be far too easy to scroll down a page on Indeed while clicking “apply” on every job description you see.

Grad School

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Advice for International Students Looking for Sponsorship in 2024

With this year’s H-1B visa registration season quickly approaching—the lottery registration window opens on March 6, 2024—we spoke with international student career expert Marcelo Barros about what international students should be doing now to get hired in 2024, what to expect from this year’s H-1B lottery, and what he learned during the 2023 visa season. Below is an edited version of our conversation.

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Double Major vs. Dual Degree: What’s the Difference?

When starting college, choosing the path that’s right for you takes a great deal of thought and consideration. Particularly ambitious students may decide to pursue a double major or a dual degree, each of which comes with their own unique set of challenges.

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How Students Can Find Gig Work and Earn Loads of Extra Money

Although short-term contract and freelance work isn’t for everyone, many people rely on the “gig economy” for their livelihoods. Here, we take a close look at the gig economy, focusing on how it can benefit students, how to find gig work, and how to overcome common challenges associated with freelance and contract work.

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How to Change Majors in College: Steps, Pros, and Cons

Deciding to change your major in college is a significant decision that can have a dramatic impact on your academic journey and future career path. As with most big decisions this can be daunting, but a well-informed decision can lead to greater satisfaction and future success.

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Why You Shouldn’t Use ChatGPT to Write Your College and Grad School Admissions Essays

We’ve been covering the unfolding story of the use of artificial intelligence in education, as well as in various industries, so if you want to catch up you should check out our two-part entry on its effects on education. Today, we’re going to be talking about the use of AI programs such as ChatGPT in college and grad school admissions essays, and why you should seriously consider holding off on jumping on that bandwagon.

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The Effects of AI Programs on Education: Part II

Welcome back to our series on the effects of AI programs on education. Last time we spoke about how ChatGPT can be used to cheat on assignments, which has led to the creation of tools that help detect the use of AI programs by students.

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The Effects of AI Programs on Education: Part I

We recently spoke a bit about how AI programs such as ChatGPT and DALLE-2 are affecting the creative industry, along with some possible future scenarios. With the use of such AI programs on the rise, we must also ask ourselves how they will affect students, teachers, and academia as a whole.

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Never Say These Things to Your Professor

Your professor goes through a lot. They deal with multiple classes per day; many students, all with different personalities and needs, and the enormous pressure of making sure each of those students succeeds.

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The Supreme Court’s Student Loan Decision: What Comes Next?

By now, we’re all aware of the Supreme Court’s 6-3 decision that struck down President Biden’s student loan forgiveness plan last June. The plan was intended to provide relief for nearly 40 million borrowers in the U.S.

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MBA Virtual Career Fair: International Student Job Search Fireside Chat

On Friday, February 11, Firsthand held its first annual MBA Virtual Career Fair. The fair was geared toward first- and second-year MBA students looking to prepare for and find internships and full-time positions.

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MBA Virtual Career Fair: Consulting Careers in Sustainability Panel Discussion

On Friday, February 11, Firsthand held its first annual MBA Virtual Career Fair. The fair was geared toward first- and second-year MBA students looking to prepare for and find internships and full-time positions.

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MBA Virtual Career Fair: Consulting Case Interviews Fireside Chat

On Friday, February 11, Firsthand held its first annual MBA Virtual Career Fair. The Fair was geared toward first- and second-year MBA students looking to prepare for and find internships and full-time positions.

Internships

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Announcing Vault's 2025 Internship Rankings!

We’re thrilled today to share our 2025 Internship Rankings! The Internship Rankings highlight the top programs in more than 30 categories.

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Internship Application Deadlines and Requirements (by Industry)

[UPDATED July 24, 2024] The new school year is right around the corner, and no matter which year of college you’re entering, it’s time to start looking for an internship. Depending on your field of interest, the application process will vary, so we went ahead and put together a list of internship deadlines and requirements by industry.

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How to Talk About Your Internship During Your Job Search

Internships strengthen your skill set and boost your confidence. They also give you experience to talk about during your job search.

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5 Tips for Turning Your Internship into a Full-Time Job

Below are five tips that will help you prove that you’re proactive, enthusiastic, skilled, and collegial—which will maximize your chances of securing a full-time offer at the end of your internship. 1.

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5 Tips for a Successful Summer Internship Experience

An internship is a great way to expand your knowledge and apply what you've learned during your studies. It’s also a great way to gain real-world experience, boost your resume, and strengthen your skill set.

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Turn Your Internship into a Full-Time Job with These Strategies

The probability of an internship converting into a full-time role varies from company to company. In certain cases, an employer will be transparent about how often they provide interns with a direct path toward full-time employment, and other times it is less clear.

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5 Ways to Stand Out on Your Internship Application

Internships are a great way to get hands-on experience in your chosen field. Over the course of an internship, you can expect to develop new skills and expand your professional network, among many other benefits.

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5 Tips for an Effective Internship Cover Letter

When looking for an internship, it’s important to find ways to distinguish yourself from all the other applicants. One way to do this is to include a cover letter with your resume.

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How a Remote Internship Can Improve Your Resume

If you’re a student or a recent graduate and you’re ready to take on an internship in your field, you’ll want to keep your options open. In today’s professional world, there are many opportunities for hybrid or remote work, which of course includes internships.

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How to Create a Successful Internship Program

Each year, Vault surveys thousands of current and former interns at more than 100 internship programs to create our annual Internship Rankings. Last year, we asked 12,000 interns to rate their programs in a variety of areas, including quality of projects, real-life experience, networking opportunities, training and mentoring, and more.

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How to Find a Great Internship

For college graduates, the job market can be a tricky place. The goal is to find entry-level placement at a great company, in the career of your choice, with very little or-gulp-no experience.

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How to Prepare for Internship Applications

The new school year is now in full swing, and whether you’re a freshman or a senior, your future is constantly on your mind. When are midterms?

Industries

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Cybersecurity Interview Questions and Prep

Cybersecurity careers are exciting, challenging, constantly evolving—and booming. Today, small businesses, Fortune 500 companies, nonprofits, and government agencies are all in need of cybersecurity professionals.

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Engineering Cover Letter Guide: Step-by-Step Strategies for Success

In the past we’ve talked about how to put together an effective engineering resume, but no job application is complete without a solid cover letter. For engineers, it’s important to include your technical skills and experience early on in your cover letter, while also demonstrating confidence and your understanding of the company’s needs.

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10 Essential AI Skills for Students Entering the Workforce in 2024

Now that artificial intelligence is reshaping the landscape of nearly every industry, it's imperative for students preparing to enter the workforce to equip themselves with certain AI skills. This isn't just about staying relevant; it's about being a proactive part of the revolution that’s setting new benchmarks in efficiency, innovation, and problem-solving.

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Prompt Engineering: The Next Big Thing in AI?

These days, just about everyone is taking part in the AI craze, whether it’s companies looking to modernize their practices, job seekers hoping to get in on the action, or keyboard jockeys creating artwork and music. A number of new jobs have been created as a result of the continued use of AI, but none are gaining as much attention as what is now being called a “prompt engineer.

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Top Career Paths in the Age of AI

The age of artificial intelligence is here, and AI is quickly changing the way we work, learn, and live. Below, we look at some of the career paths currently in high demand in the age of AI.

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Highest Wages for Women in STEM Roles by State: Part II

Welcome back to our list of the highest wages for women in STEM by state. Based on data collected by bio convergence company CYTENA, we’ve put together a list of the top ten U.S.

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Highest Wages for Women in STEM Roles by State: Part I

With the number of students studying STEM disciplines increasing rapidly in the last several years, we will start to see more women taking on STEM roles in the near future. A recent study conducted by bio convergence company CYTENA revealed the highest wages for women in STEM roles by state, as well as the average gender pay gap.

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5 Great Career Paths in Mathematics

Mathematics is one of those subjects where you either love it or hate it, and it is notable for being one of the toughest majors out there. It might be easy to write mathematics off as being boring or even torturous, but a degree in mathematics is surprisingly flexible and can provide you with many interesting opportunities.

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5 High-Paying Careers in Biology

Biology is a natural science that aims to study all living things. Due to the wide variety of life forms on Earth, biology is a rather broad field that covers anything from microscopic cell organelles, all the way to the largest creatures and their habitats.

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The Top Skills of AI Job Seekers in 2023

Jobs in artificial intelligence are in high demand, with numerous companies looking to hire people who can work with AI in different capacities. Experts predict that AI will create over 90 million new jobs by 2025, so if you’re looking to get into a career in AI, now’s the time.

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5 Great STEM Career Paths in 2023

If you’re looking to get into a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) career, now’s the time. The U.S.

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The Best Jobs in Fintech: Part I

Fintech is one of the fastest-growing and competitive industries at the moment, which of course means there’s a whole lot of work to be done. Those who are interested in a career in fintech will have a variety of options to choose from, and will enjoy the excitement of a rapidly growing industry.