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Professional Buzz

Professional Buzz

Professional Buzz is a blog warehousing relevant information, tips and tools for students and professionals looking for career development and advice. Topics range from leadership and management skills to interpersonal communication and innovation in the workplace. The blog is written and curated by Associate Dean of the Graduate College, Anne Converse Willkomm – drawing on her academic and professional experience to provide insight into the latest professional trends, challenges and skills needed to thrive in today’s everchanging workplace.

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5 Tips to help you focus while working from home

Most of us have been working from home for at least eight weeks and most of us have adapted well, getting our work done via video conferences, chats, emails, and phone calls. However, one common thread I continually hear, “I’m have a hard time focusing.” It should not be a surprise, we are living in the most uncertain of times, nothing like we have ever experienced.

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4 Best Practices for Online Learning, from an Online Student

Learn how to be a successful online student from an online student.

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6 Tips for communicating effectively while working remotely

Communication is one of the single most important elements to ensure workplace productivity, happiness, engagement, and creativity. When communication breaks down, the ultimate result is a loss on return on investment. Millions of dollars are lost every year due to communication problems. Communication can be difficult under the best of circumstances, and now that most of us are working remotely, it is even more critical to ensure our lines of communication are in place. Follow these six tips to help you and your team communicate effectively while working from home.

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Online vs. Remote Learning: What's the Difference?

Online learning and remote learning are often used interchangeably. However, there are major differences between them.

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How to Apply for a Master's Program

Applying for a master's program can be overwhelming, so we outlined the steps to prepare and complete the process successfully.

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The Role of Grad School in Changing Careers

Whether you’re looking to move up in your organization or switch into a whole new field, graduate studies may provide you with the knowledge and networks needed to make those moves.

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Am I too old to go to grad school?

Never! Whether you're 25 or 60 going to grad school can enhance your career.

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Video Conferencing Dos and Don'ts

With so many professionals working from home, we explore the lighter side of video conferencing etiquette.

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A Guide to Working from Home

Learn how to be productive while working from home—whether it's your first time or you work remotely often—with these eight essential recommendations.

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3 Benefits to an Age-Diverse Team

As a professor, I have taught multiple classes with students ranging in age from 22 to 65. I love the diverse age range in class because I find the more mature students bring a life perspective the young students rarely have, and the younger students bring a vitality the older students have perhaps let lapse. I believe this to also be true in a team. So, what are the benefits of an age-diverse team?

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Coronavirus: Be Prepared From a Work Perspective

There is no doubt the next couple of months, while the Coronavirus progression is being monitored, will be uncertain. The more you can do to keep your anxiety and your team’s anxiety at bay, the better off you will be in the event this virus spreads quickly and drastic measures are enacted.

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5 Ways to Recover from Bullying in the Workplace

While I am not a psychologist, let’s be clear, dealing with the aftermath of a bully boss is a form of Post-traumatic stress disorder. Gordon points out that targets of bullies experience panic attacks, eating disorders, depression, and even thoughts of suicide, in addition to the lesser symptoms which can include sleeplessness, stomach issues, headaches, and general stress conditions.

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