Students blog

How people perceive me as a person had always been very important to me. So naturally, when I found out I was expecting my first child my mind immediately jumped to what would the public think of me. It bothered me that from first glance no one would know my significant other and I had been together for five years. They had no idea that I was studying computer science with a 3.8 GPA or had been awarded close to $100,000 in scholarships since my first semester of school. To them I was only a young, unwed mother.

At first, these assumptions were not only overwhelming, but also discouraging. I found myself wearing oversized clothing on campus to mask my pregnancy. I often skipped grabbing lunch to avoid the eyes that seemed to gravitate towards my growing belly. It felt as if my identity had been watered down to a stereotype. But I began to question why I was allowing the opinions of strangers to dictate how I carried myself. Hiding wasn’t fair to me or the life I was creating. Slowly, I began to embrace this chapter, understanding that neither my strength nor identity wasn’t diminished by these challenges – it was amplified.

Despite the challenges, and even the fear, I persevered. I needed to prove I was capable of being great now more than ever. Throughout the duration of my pregnancy, I have accomplished many things that I thought would not be possible under the circumstances. I was awarded a $15,000 scholarship after bravely submitting my story, turning what some might see as setback into a story of resilience. I have maintained a 4.0 GPA for two consecutive semesters––both while carrying my child. I was honored with the “Top Jags Star” award, a recognition from a prestigious organization that acknowledged my academic excellence, leadership, and dedication. Beyond academics, I traveled to Arkansas to participate in the HBCU ACES case competition, where I led my team to a 1st-place victory. And most recently, I have secured an internship for the upcoming semester as a configuration engineer, further proving my ability to thrive in my field. These accomplishments reminded me that my pregnancy wasn’t a limitation it was just another layer of my story, one that strengthened my resolve and showcased my ability to persevere.

As I write this, I am preparing for both finals and to enter motherhood. It’s a time filled with anticipation, determination, and gratitude. While this path has not been easy, it has shaped me into a stronger, more resilient version of myself. I am proud of what I’ve accomplished and excited for what lies ahead, knowing that my hard work has laid a foundation for a brighter future—not just for me, but for my child as well. This journey has taught me that with perseverance and faith in my abilities, I will always thrive, no matter the circumstances.

Do you have a compelling story or student success tips you’d like to see published on the Pearson Students blog?  If you are a college student and interested in writing for us – click here to pitch your idea and get started! 

In today's hyper-competitive job market, especially in tech, students are facing increasing pressure to elevate their technical skills well beyond traditional coursework. As a sophomore in Computer Engineering the standard college curriculum focuses heavily on theoretical concepts, leaving a gap between what we learn in the classroom and the applied skills demanded by the industry. As I navigated this gap, I turned to online coding courses and independent projects, which not only helped me earn certifications but also strengthened my problem-solving abilities and deepened my understanding of the concepts taught in class. Here are three actionable tips and resources that have helped me and can help other students in similar situations develop in-demand technical skills while still in school.

Tip #1: Utilize Self-Paced Coding Platforms

Since my senior year of high school, I’ve been using Codecademy to teach myself programming languages like HTML/CSS and Python, and it’s been a game-changer for my growth in tech. The platform offers courses tailored to every skill level, hands-on projects to sharpen your abilities, and clear, step-by-step explanations of complex software concepts. What makes it even better is the flexibility to complete courses on your own time, making it perfect for busy students. Plus, finishing a course earns you a certification to showcase your skills and boost your visibility in the industry. Leveraging my Codecademy experience played a huge role in my recruiting success this past semester, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking to build or refine their programming skills.

Tip #2: Work on Personal Projects

Personal projects are an amazing way to develop technical skills while pursuing something you’re passionate about. Currently I’m combining my love for yoga with my technical interests by building a Python-powered web app to help people explore yoga as a wellness tool. As Vice President of my campus Yoga and Meditation group, this project feels deeply meaningful and allows me to merge my passions with my growing skill set. Using resources like YouTube and GitHub, I’m excited to tackle this challenge head-on. Personal projects like these not only sharpen your skills but also show recruiters your initiative and drive to learn. Find something you love or a problem you care about—and start creating!

Tip #3: Take Advantage of Corporate Tech Resources

Many top tech companies like Microsoft, Google, IBM, and NVIDIA offer free online learning platforms packed with resources to help you build programming skills, explore real-world applications, and prepare for technical interviews. These platforms give you a unique opportunity to learn directly from the companies shaping the tech industry, providing insights into their projects, technologies, and workflows. For example, Microsoft Learn offers interactive modules and challenges, Google’s Applied Digital Skills covers hands-on programming and AI tools, and IBM SkillsBuild provides access to cloud computing and AI resources. NVIDIA also has a rich catalog focusing on GPU programming and AI development.

Breaking into tech can feel intimidating, but building a strong foundation of skills is the key to boosting your confidence and unlocking new opportunities! Use your time away from school to dive into independent study and sharpen those marketable skills that will set you apart. If you’ve secured an internship that requires technical programming skills but don’t feel fully prepared yet (like I once did), this is the perfect time to bridge that gap. Learning beforehand will not only help you feel more confident going in but also allow you to make the most of the experience and grow and develop while you work. Remember, every step you take is progress—invest in yourself, and watch the doors open!

Do you have a compelling story or student success tips you’d like to see published on the Pearson Students blog?  If you are a college student and interested in writing for us – click here to pitch your idea and get started! 

Landing a job after college can be a challenging yet exciting journey. As you start the interview process, it's important to be prepared for a variety of interview types and formats. Whether you're interviewing for a marketing position, a software development role, or a consulting job, understanding the different kinds of interviews, and honing your interview skills will make you a more confident and effective candidate.

1. The STAR Method: Your Secret Weapon for Behavioral Interviews

One of the most common interview formats you’ll encounter is the behavioral interview. These interviews focus on understanding how you’ve handled situations in the past to predict your future behavior. Employers want to assess your problem-solving, communication, and decision-making skills.

The STAR method is a powerful framework to answer these questions:

• Situation: Set the context. Briefly describe the situation or challenge you faced.
• Task: What was the goal or task at hand? What responsibility did you have in this scenario?
• Action: Highlight the actions you took to address the situation or task.
• Result: Explain the outcome of your actions and, if possible, quantify the result (e.g., increased sales by 20%).

Example question: “Tell me about a time when you had to work under pressure.”

Using the STAR method, your response could go something like this:

S: In my senior year, I was working on a group project with tight deadlines for both my capstone class and an internship.

T: My role was to coordinate the team’s efforts to ensure we met our deadline while maintaining quality.

A: I set up regular check-ins, delegated tasks based on each person’s strengths, and adjusted timelines where needed.

R: We completed the project a week early, and it was praised for its thoroughness and creativity, which helped me secure a job offer from the company I interned with.

2. Other Types of Interviews You Might Face

• Technical Interviews: Common for positions in software development, asset management, investment banking, and data science, these interviews test your knowledge and problem-solving abilities. Be ready to write code, solve algorithms, or answer technical questions related to your field. Brush up on key concepts, practice problem-solving, and be clear in explaining your thought process.
• Case Interviews: Often used in consulting and finance, case interviews test your analytical and problem-solving skills. You’ll be given a business scenario and asked to provide solutions. Practice by working through case studies, focusing on structuring your answers logically, and staying calm under pressure.
• Situational Interviews: These questions focus on how you would handle hypothetical scenarios in the workplace. Unlike behavioral questions, which ask about past experiences, situational questions ask what you would do in a specific situation. Think through possible situations and how your skills and experiences can help you address them.
• Group Interviews: Sometimes, employers will interview multiple candidates at once, assessing how you work in teams and how you communicate and collaborate under pressure. Stay engaged, listen carefully, and contribute thoughtfully to group discussions.

3. How to Prepare for Post-Undergrad Interviews

• Research the role and company: Understand the job description, the company’s culture, and the industry it operates in. Tailor your answers to show you’ve done your homework.
• Practice common questions: Prepare answers for typical questions like “Tell me about yourself” and “Why should we hire you?” and rehearse them, but stay flexible.
• Mock interviews: Conduct mock interviews with friends, family, or career services to build confidence and get feedback.
• Review your resume: Be prepared to discuss everything on your resume in detail. Have specific examples ready to demonstrate your skills and achievements.

Ultimately, preparation, practice, and using frameworks like the STAR method will help you tackle any interview with confidence and poise.

Do you have a compelling story or student success tips you’d like to see published on the Pearson Students blog?  If you are a college student and interested in writing for us – click here to pitch your idea and get started! 

If you’re anything like me, the thought of joining a Panhellenic sorority both intrigued and terrified you. On one hand, you desired the lifelong friendships a sorority can could offer, but on the other hand, you didn’t know how you’ll fit into such a large sorority. On top of that, I wanted to join a club/organization where I would be surrounded by people who understood what it was like to be an Asian attending a predominately white institution (PWI). That’s when I discovered multicultural Greek organizations that are a part of a separate council called the United Sorority and Fraternity Council (USFC) on my campus, or more commonly called Multicultural Greek Council (MGC) on most other campuses.

I joined one of the Asian-interest sororities on campus and it has been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. You might be asking: what are the benefits of multicultural Greek organizations? Here are three main benefits I’ve discovered:

1. A smaller, tight knit community

Multicultural Greek organizations are typically smaller in size than Panhellenic sororities. Because of this, it’ll be easier to get to know everyone in the organization on a deeper, more personal level. Additionally, sororities and fraternities within the Multicultural Greek Council often collaborate with each other for events, leading to great opportunities to get to know their organization and network with them.

2. Connect with Cultures

You could’ve probably guessed this one, but being a part of a multicultural Greek organization exposes you to cultures that you might not have otherwise crossed paths with. On my campus we have Latino-/Latina-interest fraternities and sororities, Asian-interest sororities, and a newly reestablished Divine Nine sorority in the council (that is, until more Divine Nine organizations become established, then they will be a separate council). And mentioned before, since organizations within the council work together, it opens opportunities for cultural exchange and allows for a stronger sense of belonging.

3. More leadership opportunities

Last but not least, in multicultural Greek organizations, there are more opportunities to pick up leadership positions in the organization because they are typically smaller in size. In my sorority, every member is encouraged to take on at least one position the term after joining and everyone has. These positions range from small-scale event planning positions, like organizing alumni coffee chats, to big positions on Executive Board. No matter how big the position, you’ll be able to develop important soft skills that you might not have a chance to develop in other places.

Although these organizations put an emphasis on their culture, they are not culture exclusive, meaning that as long as you are respectful of and willing to learn from their culture, you can potentially join. If you find yourself in a similar situation as me, consider joining a multicultural Greek organization. Who knows, maybe it’ll be one of the most fulfilling experiences at college, like it has been for me. Whether or not you choose to join a multicultural Greek organization, remember that you belong and you are allowed to take up space on your campus.

Do you have a compelling story or student success tips you’d like to see published on the Pearson Students blog?  If you are a college student and interested in writing for us – click here to pitch your idea and get started! 

As a double major student, it can be tricky to navigate what direction to pursue in internships. There are a variety of communication internships to pursue, from marketing to public relations journalism and everything in between. But when I added philosophy to my path, those opportunities changed. Instead of being able to apply to a variety of internships over the summer with a plethora of opportunities, there was almost nothing with a focus on philosophy. I was worried that I was going to graduate and somehow be left behind from my peers.

But after long discussions with my professors and mentors to figure out what I should be doing with my two degrees, I discovered that there were opportunities for me that weren’t internships, one being diversity summits in fields like philosophy across the humanities and sciences. These summits were geared towards students who came from underrepresented backgrounds, and graduate programs in the humanities, and offered things that you wouldn’t normally see in an internship.

Normally, internships offer money or credit for a specific amount of time and allow you to learn specific on-the-job skills that’ll help you in the job market, or possibly lead you to a job in that company. However, these summits pay a stipend and cover your travel to spend a week or two at a prestigious research university. Instead of working in the traditional sense, participants complete research in their field and get to meet with specific professors and researchers in the field to discover what it would be like to pursue philosophy after earning a bachelor’s degree.

It was during these programs that I discovered a community in my major that I didn’t know existed, and I also learned what was available to me postgrad. The most valuable lesson I learned at the summit was to look beyond what everyone else is doing. I was so caught up in the fact that my friends had got internships with publishing companies and large event venues that I was worried I was getting left behind. But when I looked beyond what was the normal career path, I discovered there was so much more available to me.

Do you have a compelling story or student success tips you’d like to see published on the Pearson Students blog?  If you are a college student and interested in writing for us – click here to pitch your idea and get started! 

I started college during COVID – when everything was on lockdown and school was completely virtual. Because of that, I never stepped foot on campus for my entire freshman year. Now, as a senior, I have one big piece of advice for students at any stage of their college career: take advantage of all your school’s resources!!

As a student, you’re paying for way more than just your classes. College is the perfect time to explore your career options and get a head start on building your resume! I wish I had known all of the services that my school offered earlier on, which is why I’m here now to encourage you to get involved on campus and guide you on where to start.

Get Published!

No matter your major, getting your work published is a major achievement that will make your resume stand out. Luckily, your college has tons of different avenues to facilitate getting your voice out into the world! Most colleges run undergraduate journals and student media organizations specifically to publish students. Depending on your interests, you could: get your research peer-reviewed and published, join the school newspaper and continuously publish articles, get your poetry/short stories published and read by hundreds, and even more! For most people, this is the easiest path to getting that first publishing credit, so don’t let it pass you by!

The Writing Center

But, before you get published, you’ll actually have to get writing! The Writing Center is a great resource for free feedback on all your work. Writing is a skill that will be important in any future endeavor, so don’t miss out on the chance to strengthen it right now! The Writing Center is there to help refine any piece of writing, from essays to poetry. This is the perfect way to learn how to make your writing more effective and to get feedback on anything you’re working on. Need help on coming up with an essay topic? Struggling on a major assignment? Want tips on how to improve your writing overall? Give the Writing Center a visit!

Travel Opportunities

Traveling during your studies is one of the best ways to make lasting memories and friendships. Studying abroad is alluring but can often be too expensive or daunting to students. Luckily, many colleges offer other opportunities to explore. One common opportunity is an Alternative Break! These are trips that run during school breaks, are typically held domestically, and center around a social cause, thus providing students with an experience that adds meaning to their studies and can enhance a resume. It’s also the perfect way to meet like-minded people, learn about important issues and new places, and give back to your community.

The Career Center

Last, but definitely not least, is the Career Center! This is possibly the most bountiful resource that your college has to help you build your career. Need help making a resume? Want to improve your interviewing skills? Looking to meet and network with new people? Want to learn from alumni? Searching for a job or internship? The Career Center can help you with all of this and more!

College is the optimal platform to build a career from, but it doesn’t start once you get your degree. It starts now! Your college is there to help you get started while you’re in school– all the resources are there for you to use, so dive in now and get familiar with what your school offers you.

Do you have a compelling story or student success tips you’d like to see published on the Pearson Students blog?  If you are a college student and interested in writing for us – click here to pitch your idea and get started! 

Second semester is upon us, and unfortunately so is the cold. Some people may love the cold, but for me this often means staying inside my room locked away from the frigid weather and the rest of college. While it is nice to cuddle up with a movie every now and then, too much time in the dorm room can lead to inevitable loneliness and what many of us call “winter depression.” So here are a few ways I motivate myself to get out even when its unbearably cold!

Workout Classes

Now you could throw on some gloves and a hat and go for a run outside, but I personally cannot do exercise in the icy cold. Therefore, to stay active in the winter I love going to different workout and exercise classes! Whether I go to a nearby yoga class or a spin class in my school’s gym, working out with others always gets my spirits up. I also highly encourage getting a buddy to go with you and make the group class that much more fun!

Trying New Food

My favorite thing during the season of cold weather is sitting down with a warm bowl of soup or plate of delicious pasta. One thing that always makes everyone happy is food! Either by going with friends to a new restaurant or simply trying a new dish at your dining hall, getting out of your room to try new types of food will always reduce any type of “winter depression” that may come your way.

Find a Study Spot

I usually do all my work in my room, but when it gets to wintertime, I like to try and find a new place to study on campus to keep myself from procrastinating and crawling into my bed. There is always the library on campus, but I encourage you all to find a new study spot that might lift your spirits rather than depress them. It could be a nearby coffee shop, a random couch in the student center, or even a table at the dining hall!

While the winter months may make you want to hide under a blanket, taking minor actions such as these can help combat feelings of loneliness. Stay connected to your community and Spring Break will be here before you know it!

Do you have a compelling story or student success tips you’d like to see published on the Pearson Students blog?  If you are a college student and interested in writing for us – click here to pitch your idea and get started! 

After completing my third summer internship, I can openly say that my professional journey has developed tremendously. Having done both in-person and remote internships, you can still shine and pave the way for your future career success with the right action plan. Here are some helpful tips that transformed my professional goals into reality.

Setting Clear Goals

First things first, before you even start your internship, take some time to set clear, achievable goals. What skills do you want to develop? What projects do you hope to contribute to? By defining these objectives from the outset, you'll have a roadmap to guide your efforts and measure your progress along the way. Using SMART goals will benefit you make strategic and defined goals. Also, run these goals by your manager or other interns, it will not only keep you accountable but give you a space to receive feedback on your progress.

Building Strong Relationships

Make the effort to establish a solid rapport with your fellow employees. Take the initiative to get to know the people on your team, whether it is through coffee dates or a quick shadowing of their role. Ask questions, get comments, and show that you are eager to learn new things. Also take the time to connect with your fellow interns, they can also be a useful resource to network with. Be intentional and genuine with your interactions, with that foster and develop that connection that could be helpful in the near future.

Managing Time Effectively

Learn to prioritize tasks, manage your workload efficiently, and meet deadlines consistently. Using tools like calendars, planners, task management apps, and to-do lists can be invaluable in helping you stay organized and focused. Also manage out some time for mental breaks, don’t overload yourself and utilize some minutes for downtime.

Making a Lasting Impression

Finally, don't settle for just completing tasks. Strive to exceed expectations in everything you do. Show initiative, demonstrate your problem-solving skills, and consistently deliver high-quality work. Remember, every interaction is an opportunity to leave a positive impression that could lead to future career opportunities. That can look like asking for more work if time permits or thinking of initiatives or ideas to make your final project stand out.

Your internship is not just a temporary job—it's a pivotal opportunity to learn, grow, and build the foundation for your future career success. You're not only maximizing your internship experience but also setting yourself up for future professional achievements. Make this internship a transformative experience that propels you towards your professional dreams!

Cheers to a successful internship journey ahead!

Do you have a compelling story or student success tips you’d like to see published on the Pearson Students blog?  If you are a college student and interested in writing for us – click here to pitch your idea and get started! 

During the Spring 2024 semester, I had the opportunity to work as Pearson Higher Education Mathematics Micro-intern. As a mathematics major, I was intrigued by the chance to get a behind the scenes look at the product development, marketing strategies, and data analysis in an area that directly affects me as a student. Over the course of four months, I worked with Siby Sabu, a Senior Product Marketing Manager at Pearson, to learn about the ins and outs of the world of marketing and sales! I entered this micro-internship with very little knowledge. I had never taken any business-related course in college and had only had exposure to marketing through the Pearson Campus Ambassador program. Nonetheless, I was eager for this learning experience, prepared myself to become a sponge, and was excited to get started and expand my repertoire!

Gaining Product Insight and Compiling Feedback

One of the highlights of my micro-internship was getting to learn more about Pearson’s MyLab, textbook integration, and how the books are updated or improved. This opportunity allowed me to familiarize myself with key features and functionalities, making me feel more prepared for future projects that would inevitably come my way as a Pearson Campus Ambassador.

Part of this process also involved listening to feedback from customers. I had the chance to sit in on some virtual calls as well as transcribe recordings aimed at reviewing a competitor’s software and comparing it to Pearson’s MyLab. As someone who has used MyLab for almost their entire college experience, it was interesting for me to hear a professor's point of view of the onboarding process, how to set up class portals and assignments, and how to organize a gradebook. This helped me to grasp the importance of customer-centricity in product development and marketing efforts.

Research, Research, and More Research!

One of the most surprising aspects of my micro-internship experience was how important research was. I always assumed marketing was internal, a boomerang of collaborative ideas that flowed through an organization rather than exploring outside sources, but I realized that there was also much to learn from competitors.

I also researched topics related to marketing, specifically, different types of emails and loyalty incentives as well as sales and revenue enablement. There was so much information available to me! I was able to broaden my knowledge of effective communication techniques and learn how to craft engaging content to gain more “clicks” through concepts such as journey emails and dynamic emails. In connection to email avenues, I compiled ideas for loyalty incentives aimed at fostering customer engagement and loyalty. My research on sales collateral equipped me with a deeper understanding of the materials needed to support sales efforts. From brochures to product training workshops to demos and focus groups, I explored various collateral formats, their role in driving sales effectiveness, and possible implementations for Pearson. I even had the chance to interview my own sales representative as a Pearson Campus Ambassador to gain insight on her experience, get feedback on my research, and gauge interest. This firsthand perspective gave me a clearer perspective of the opportunities and challenges within the sales environment.

Creativity is Key

Creativity was a major aspect of my micro-internship which I thoroughly enjoyed since I do not have many creative outlets in my major. I was tasked with coming up with ideas for on-campus contests for college students and professors. This was an extra fun project as I got to survey my peers to gauge interest and gather feedback from current college students, ensuring that the contests would resonate with the target audience.

As my micro-internship journey ends, I find myself reflecting on the valuable experiences and lessons learned throughout the process. Each component of the micro-internship contributed to my growth and development and opened my eyes to the wide world of marketing! Special thanks to Siby for all his mentorship, and I look forward to applying what I learned to my position as a Pearson Campus Ambassador and in all of my future endeavors!

Do you have a compelling story or student success tips you’d like to see published on the Pearson Students blog?  If you are a college student and interested in writing for us – click here to pitch your idea and get started!