Calculating discounts and markups

These two basic math formulas are typically taught in, or at least reviewed in, seventh (7th) grade math these days.

Use these simple math formulas for a variety of everyday situations, like figuring out tips on a restaurant meal or other service, other markups, increases or decreases in productivity, clearance and sales price discounts in percentages, etc., etc.

For calculating percentage decreases (practical examples: percentages off a product or service, decreases in productivity by percentage)

1) Subtract the original amount (the original price, the original number of people, the original amount of productivity, etc.) from the new amount (new - original).

2) Take the answer to step 1, and divide that number by the original amount (new - original / original).

3) The final number you come up with (after completing the first two steps): multiply this number by 100 for your final percentage (new - original / original x 100).

For calculating totals after a known percentage increase is factored in (practical examples: tip on a product or service, increases in productivity, other markup increases)

1) Take the original amount (the original price, the original number of people, the original amount of productivity, etc.), and multiply this number by the known percentage increase.

2) Take the answer to step 1, and add that number to the original amount to get your final answer.

Example: A meal cost $25.50 at a restaurant. To figure out the final cost after a 20% tip is factored in, we take the $25.50 and multiply it by 20% (25.50 x 0.2). By doing this, we figure out that the tip itself is going to be $5.10. We then simply add the tip to the original cost of the meal, and we discover that the final cost will be $30.60.

Mixed numbers to improper fractions

How to convert mixed numbers (also called mixed fractions) to improper fractions

A skill typically taught in, or at least reviewed in, seventh (7th) grade math these days.

1) Multiply the denominator (the bottom part of the fraction) by the whole number.

2) Take the answer to step 1, and add that number to the numerator (the top part of the fraction).

3) The final number you come up with (after completing the first two steps) becomes your new numerator. The denominator stays the same.

Example:

As we can see from the above example, we take the denominator (2) and multiply it by the whole number (which also happens to be 2). 2 x 2 = 4. We then add the numerator (1) to our answer of 4. 4+1 = 5. Therefore, 5 becomes our new numerator, while the denominator remains the same.

Career guide for persons with disabilities

Technology to Jumpstart Your Career: A Guide for Persons with Disabilities

Photo credit: Pexels.com

Persons with disabilities are historically underrepresented in the workplace, but the good news is that things are looking up. As the National Science Foundation reveals, technology is accelerating disability inclusion in the working world. If you are a person living with a disability, you can harness the power of cutting-edge innovations to improve your job opportunities and climb the career ladder. Presented by Mr. Robertson’s Corner, the following guide explains how persons with disabilities can use cutting-edge tools to get ahead in their professional lives.

Leverage technology to start a home-based business

Commuting to an office can be difficult if you have a physical disability that impedes your mobility. Why not work from home by starting your own business? Rolling Without Limits offers a list of home business ideas for disabled persons, from online trading to selling handmade crafts on Etsy.

When running a home-based business, the right software and hardware can make things easier. For example, a voice-activated assistant can help with everyday tasks like dictating messages. Small Biz Daily provides a roundup of useful technologies for home-based businesses, including time tracking tech, cloud-based storage, and collaboration apps. These innovations will save you time by streamlining your daily operations.

Whatever business endeavor you pursue, consider how you can use your disability to your advantage. Tuts+ explains that you have a competitive edge thanks to the unique life experience you possess. Make the most of it. For example, you may have a one-of-a-kind perspective on problems in your community or be able to identify unmet needs that you can address with a special product or service.

Rely on internet innovations to hire freelancers to support your business

Many entrepreneurs get hung up on the idea of doing it all themselves. The fact is that if you take a total DIY approach to your business, you're bound to burn out. Hiring freelancers such as web developers via online platforms can help alleviate the burden. If you’re unsure of freelance web developer rates, do a little research online; on average, freelance web developers make between $15 and $30 per hour, though these rates will vary.

Collaboration is also critical when managing a freelance team. Technology can help here too. Invision App provides a list of the top collaboration tools for remote workers. Options include the chat app Slack, video conferencing tool Zoom, and project management tool Trello. Git Lab explains that these technologies can support asynchronous communication, which may be necessary for remote teams.

Gain the skills you need to thrive as an entrepreneur via remote learning

Starting your own business can be scary at times. Equipping yourself with the right knowledge and skills will help quell any anxiety you may be having. According to the World Economic Forum, remote learning opportunities have increased since the COVID-19 pandemic. This is excellent news for people with disabilities. You are no longer reliant on physically accessible spaces to get the education you need.

You can rely on digital education to sharpen your accounting skills, improve your leadership abilities, or enhance your marketing knowledge. There are many opportunities for growth. Technology doesn't just connect you with digital classrooms. It can also help with the practical aspects of learning. For example, if you have impaired vision, a screen reader can help you get information from your computer screen so you can keep up with your classes.

As a person with a disability, you face unique challenges in the working world. However, you also have a one-of-a-kind perspective that you can use to your advantage. The right technologies can help support your business’s success.

College students with disabilities

Why Young People With Disabilities Should Consider a Business Career

 

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No matter what you are interested in, there is probably a business out there related to it. If you're looking for a career with great earning potential, flexibility, and a variety of options, consider a business career. As Mr. Robertson’s Corner details, enrolling in an online Master of Business Administration program can be an optimal pathway for young adults with disabilities to launch a successful career in business.

Benefits of Online MBA Programs

An MBA is an advanced degree in business administration. Students usually pursue an MBA after obtaining a bachelor's degree in a business-related field of study. Popular areas of focus include marketing, accounting, research, and economics. MBA programs are popular among working adults who have been in the industry for several years and are seeking to boost their careers. Graduates with an MBA earn a median salary that is 75% higher than employees with just a bachelor's degree, according to a recent survey. Possible career options for MBA graduates include business administration, business management, and general management.

One of the top benefits of an online MBA program is flexibility. If you are working a full-time job and taking care of a family, it may be difficult to find the time to take on-campus classes. Most online coursework can be completed on your schedule from the comfort of your home. Additionally, no commute to campus means no dealing with parking or buildings with accessibility issues. Online programs are often more affordable than traditional on-campus options. Online MBA programs are designed to be adaptable to the needs of students.

Choosing a Major

Before you can pursue your MBA, you first need to obtain a bachelor's degree. Some of the top-earning majors for business degrees include information systems management, finance, marketing, and supply-chain management. Students who pursue these majors are well-positioned to find jobs in some of the fastest-growing industries, such as environmental management, healthcare management, marketing, and finance.

Finding an Internship

Internships help students gain experience, make connections and build their resumes. Additionally, internships can sometimes lead to entry-level jobs. Businesses that offer internships to people with disabilities are 4.5 times more likely to hire people with disabilities, according to research. In addition to the usual sources of internships, such as college networking events and job fairs, some programs specifically seek to match people with disabilities with internship opportunities.

Landing Your First Job

Many job seekers fear that interviewers will judge them negatively or ask awkward questions because of their disability. Preparing for your interview will help build your confidence. Know your rights. Interviewers are not permitted to ask you about your disability, though some may anyway. If your disability may impact your ability to perform all required job tasks or you will require accommodations, you may be required to disclose this. Otherwise, it is up to you how much or if you talk about your disability. If you choose to talk about it, focus on the positives and explain how you can overcome any challenges you have. Research the company and your interviewer. Practice your answers to common interview questions, including any information specifically related to your disability.

The world of business offers a variety of flexible, adaptable, and high-paying job opportunities. Pursuing an MBA is a great way to set yourself apart from other candidates and boost yourself into the top-tier of whichever industry you choose.

Are the ACT and SAT still needed?

The ACT and SAT tests - still relevant?

Lately, there's been a lot of talk circulating about a growing number of colleges and universities across the country scrapping ACT and SAT test scores as part of their admissions requirements. Indeed, according to an article that appeared in a special section of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel back on September 26, 2021, citing data from the educational consulting firm IvyWise, a whopping, "Seventy-two percent of colleges and universities adopted test-optional policies for the 2021-22 school year, and some schools are now extending that policy for the next one to two years..." (College & Career Guide, 2021, para. 5).

The article explains that the COVID-19 pandemic has certainly played a role in all of this, but that the practice of forgoing these test scores in the admissions process is not entirely new. In fact, according to the article, citing information from an education-focused financial planning resource called Edmit, "Since the mid-2000s, various universities have included test-optional clauses in their admissions policies" (College & Career Guide, 2021, para. 3).

Among the many colleges and universities that have eliminated, for now, ACT and SAT test score requirements, are, "...Cornell University, Penn State, Williams College, Amherst College, Boston College, and Columbia University" (College & Career Guide, 2021, para. 5).

But whether or not your top college choices are taking ACT / SAT scores into consideration at this time, it's still to your benefit to take the test(s), and to put forth your best effort with adequate preparation.

Even if the schools on your shortlist aren't looking at these test scores, the scores may still open doors to you in other ways. Try to see the test(s) more as a standalone, independent credential that can help pave the way to other academic and financial rewards and opportunities, rather than simply another standard item to check off on the college admissions "to do" list. Let's dive deeper and explore some examples.

The ACT / SAT and scholarship money

Many outside scholarship contests not affiliated with your chosen college(s) still look at these scores to differing degrees when determining who they are going to award. Many of these scholarships are local, coming from organizations like your own community's chamber of commerce; Lions, Kiwanis, Rotary, Moose, and Elk service clubs; neighborhood businesses and perhaps even your parents'/guardians' employers; etc. In short, many organizations and businesses that award scholarships are still taking these test scores into consideration. Some may weigh test scores less or more so than others, but nonetheless, they are being taken into some consideration. It's to your advantage, then, to still take these tests seriously. Not doing so may cause you to leave serious scholarship money on the table.

A possible resume builder?

A noteworthy test score(s) can potentially be used to your advantage on your resume/CV, at least for a time being early on, during the remainder of your high school years and into your college years. Combined with some solid work and service experiences, an excellent score(s) can be an additional way you demonstrate to employers and academic institutions/opportunities that you mean business.  

An objective, proven measure of skill mastery and academic potential

While test scores are far from being the only tool to measure knowledge, ability, and potential, they arguably provide a more objective, at-a-glance, snapshot of your capabilities. Noteworthy scores demonstrate in a quick and easy-to-understand format that you not only possess a good amount of academic knowledge, but also, and perhaps more importantly, that you can think critically and act strategically, as well.

Preparing you for college

Finally, a solid score on the ACT, and/or the SAT if you choose to take this test, demonstrates that you are indeed prepared to handle college-level work. Now, even if the schools you're seeking admission to are not considering these test scores as part of their admissions requirements, at least demonstrate to yourself - for yourself - that you are prepared for college-level work. At the end of the day, you're the one responsible for ensuring you're capable and up to the task. It's not the school that's responsible. You may be admitted to your dream college or university without having to submit these scores, but you can just as easily find yourself burning out and perhaps even dropping/flunking out. That's the stark reality of it. Take the test(s) seriously, to the absolute best of your ability, and do it for you, if for no one else. Do it for you.

Now, doing well on the ACT demonstrates that you have at least been keeping pace with grade-level work all these years. In other words, you're where you should be at, generally speaking. You're performing at grade level. Doing well on the SAT, meanwhile, shows that you're generally performing above grade level.        

Conclusion

While many colleges and universities across the country are not taking ACT and SAT test scores into account at this time when deciding on who to admit, it is clear that these tests are still relevant, for a variety of reasons. Solid test scores can still come in handy when competing for outside scholarships. Scores can potentially be used as a resume builder, demonstrating to employers and various academic institutions/opportunities that you take your work seriously. And finally, if for nothing else, noteworthy scores will show you that you're ready to handle college-level work. 

Reference

College & Career Guide.  (2021, September 26).  Colleges extending test-optional practices.  College & Career Guide section, p. 5S.  Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

Tips for avoiding burnout in college

Tips for avoiding burnout during your first year of college

Your first year of college is likely to be filled with new and exciting experiences. Unfortunately, with this significant lifestyle shift also comes the possibility of burnout. Here are three tips that can help you avoid burnout during your first year of college so you'll better succeed in your studies.

1. Keep your partying to a reasonable amount.

It's easy for students to fall into the trap of partying too often - especially if they live on campus. While the occasional party is a great way to release pent-up stress, too much fun can lead to burnout if you aren't careful. To avoid burnout during your first year of college, be sure to keep your partying to a reasonable amount.

2. Avoid all-nighters whenever possible.

It can be tempting to hold all-night study sessions when trying to excel in your classes. Unfortunately, such demanding study schedules often do more harm than good, as lack of sleep can make learning less efficient and burnout more serious. In a previous post that I wrote a while back, I go into more detail about how cram sessions/all-nighters are often useless and not worth it. To keep yourself from becoming burned out during your first year of college, try to maintain a regular sleep schedule with few all-nighters.

3. Don't sign up for too many extra-curricular activities and clubs.

Now, I'm a strong proponent of clubs and activities. The learning opportunities and the potential for building valuable networking connections and lifelong friendships that come with such participation are tremendous. But while extra-curricular activities and on-campus clubs can be both loads of fun and meaningful, joining too many can leave you feeling stretched too thin. It really is a delicate balancing act. To avoid burnout during your first year of college, limit yourself to joining only the clubs and activities for which you feel most passionate.

Burnout is a genuine issue for many first-year college students. Because of this, students should always keep the problem in mind and take the necessary steps to avoid it if possible. Hopefully, by following the advice outlined above, you will be better prepared to avoid burnout during your first year of college.

Setting up your college dorm room

Photo by Pixabay

 

How to Set Up a Dorm Room for Your College Student

Setting up a dorm room with all the comforts of home - and none of the distractions - can be tricky, but it’s an important step in making sure your college-bound student is well taken care of. Whether they’re just starting school or need help with getting settled in, there are several easy things you can do to help them whip their dorm room into great shape. Think about pieces that can handle more than one job, as well as how to save space. There are many options on the market for furniture that doubles as something else, and you can get creative with things like over-the-door shoe organizers that can be used for storage.

It’s also a good idea to make sure your child has everything they need for doing homework and studying. Think about the details, such as noise-canceling headphones that will help them block out distractions while they’re reading. Also, remember that sharing a room with someone can be stressful for individuals who have always had their own space, so any items that reduce feelings of anxiety will be a good addition to the list as well.

Mr. Robertson's Corner shares a few tips on how to set up a dorm room for a successful year.

Look for Daily Deals

Stocking up on all the things your student needs for the school year can get costly. Not only do you have to worry about school supplies, but you also need to furnish their room and make sure it’s comfortable and distraction-free - and that can be a big task. One great way to cut costs is to look for daily specials, online savings, and coupons and promo codes. Often, companies will have big sales around back-to-school time; the week of Labor Day is a perfect time to look for deals. Just make sure you act fast since these sales are often updated hourly.

Get Organized

Dorm rooms aren’t known for being spacious, so it’s important to make sure your child has a way to stay organized. You can help by finding furniture that doubles as storage, storage solutions that can be mounted on the wall or hung from a door, and Business Insider suggests space-saving bags that can hold clothing or bedding that isn’t being used. Utilize any open space in a creative way to keep things neat. Combining form and function will make the room look comfy, cute and decluttered.

Clear Out Distractions

Living in a dorm room can be a difficult transition for someone who has never had to share a space before. In fact, even someone who’s used to having a roommate might find it challenging to learn how to study, do homework, and relax when there are a lot of distractions going on around them. Think about the details that might make your student’s life a little easier, such as a microwave, a comfy blanket, and a small fan. Having the ability to cook a meal without having to leave the dorm and stay comfortable will help your child focus on their priorities.

Plan for Bathroom Needs

Living in a dorm typically means sharing a bathroom with others, so it’s important to make sure your child has everything they need. A shower caddy, bathrobe, shower sandals or flip flops, and a good set of towels and washcloths are a great place to get started. It’s also a good idea to think about how they can easily do laundry; a lightweight bag or basket is perfect for hauling clothes to the laundromat, and of course, they’ll need detergent as well. The Spruce recommends strategically picking your laundry times and sorting clothes before heading to the laundry as ways to make doing the clothes a cinch.

Getting your child set up in a dorm room can be a big job, so don’t wait until the last minute to get it done. Start thinking ahead of time about what they might need and how you can help make their time at school successful, comfortable, and easy so they can focus on their grades.