When Should You Take the ACT for the First Time

When Should You Take the ACT for the First Time There are so many things to worry about during your junior and senior years of high schoolyour GPA, your scholarship applications, which college is the best fit for you, and so on. Youve got a lot of decisions to make, including when to take the ACT for the first time. And, while this may seem like it has an obvious answer (typically your junior year), theres a bit more to it. So when should you take the ACT for the first time? Read on! Youve been preparing for months The first, and probably most obvious, sign that youre ready to take the ACT is that youve spent several months studying for the test. Youve developed a study plan, reviewed it time and time again, read aprep book, and taken ACT practice tests that youre doing well on. You feel confident that youre ready for the ACTso take it! If youve done the legwork for the ACT and feel like youve reached the critical mass of studying, youre probably ready to take the ACT for the first time. Youve got a great ACT Aspire score Your performance on the ACT Aspire will give you a pretty good indication of your capabilities for the ACT, so if youre pleased with your score, it may be time to take that next step. Much of the content on the ACT will be similar to that on the ACT Aspire, though question types will be different. While high performance on the ACT Aspire is rarely enough by itself to prepare you for the ACT, it pairs nicely with other forms of preparation and can be a great indicator that its time to move on. Youve taken (and aced) appropriate coursework A clear sign that youre ready to take the ACT for the first time is the completion of relevant coursework. If youre really struggling in a particular class, this can be a good indicator that you need additional preparation for certain sections of the ACT before taking it; you may even wish to look into ACT tutoring. Upon successful completion of your coursework, however, youre probably in a good place for test-taking. For the mathematics, you will need to have knowledge of pre-algebra and elementary algebra, intermediate algebra and coordinate geometry, plane geometry, and trigonometry. For English, you will need to have mastered usage and mechanics (including punctuation, grammar and usage, and sentence structure). Additionally, you should have finely honed rhetorical skills that include knowledge of strategy, organization, and style. In the reading section of the ACT, you will need to be able to comprehend questions covering social studies, natural sciences, literary narrative and prose fiction, and humanities. To go confidently into the science portion of the ACT, youll answer questions on data representation, research summaries, and conflicting viewpoints. A base knowledge in biology, chemistry, physics, and Earth/space sciences (combined with adequate study time) can help ensure success. Finally, to do well on the writing section of the test, you should be familiar with the set of skills emphasized in high school English classes and entry-level college composition classes. You should also be able to accomplish a complete essay in 40 minutes or less. Youve got time to make a game plan pending your results While you may feel very prepared for the ACT and be ready to take it, theres always a possibility that something can go wrong. Perhaps youre not feeling well on test day or a certain question type messes with your mind. With some careful planning, these are not end-of-the-world problems. Schedule the ACT early enough so that you can retake it if necessary. Schedule the test early enough that you can also make college decisions based on your score. Perhaps you did better than you thought and can be choosier about your college as a result. Maybe youre now in the running for better scholarships. Either way, strategically schedule the test so that theres enough time to make a realistic game plan that depends upon your resultsgood or bad. [RELATED: What is an Average ACT Score?] Youve got the final say Ultimately, you have a lot of say in determining when you take the ACT for the first time. If youre prepared and feel ready, there probably is no harm in taking the test. Many students appreciate the opportunity to retake the exam if necessary, so taking the test a little earlier may be a good option for you. Rest assured knowing that your high school education has prepared you for success on the ACTgood luck!

4 Ways Learning Spanish Can Boost Your Career

4 Ways Learning Spanish Can Boost Your Career Maile Proctor Learning a new language can provide countless benefits, but did you know that learning Spanish can also be extremely beneficial in your career? Here, Spanish tutor  Emmanuel N. explains how learning Spanish can help you in the workplace.   Speaking Spanish can help you in virtually any job or position. Whether you work in customer service or you’re an accountant or a CEO, here are four ways learning Spanish can boost your career. Improve Relationships If you work in an environment with a lot of bilingual people or Spanish speakers, learning Spanish can improve your relationships with your coworkers and clients. Understanding Spanish will eliminate any language barriers, and  make your work life easier and less stressful. You will be able to communicate with your coworkers and customers on a deeper level.  Even if youre just beginning to learn Spanish, your coworkers will be happy to help you practice. Better Customer Service If youre able to assist a Spanish-speaking client or customer in their native language, it will make for a better customer experience, and lead to better reviews for you and your company. If youre one of the few bilingual employees at your job, this will set you apart and make you the go-to person to help Spanish-speaking clients. To learn a few helpful Spanish phrases for customer service positions, check out this quick overview- Stand Out in the Job Market Job hunting can be extremely stressful. Most of the time, youre competing for the same position with other people with similar skills and backgrounds. Understanding another language can set you apart from your competition.  People who speak two or more languages are generally very intelligent. Employers know this, so if youre looking for a new job, knowing two languages could give you the upper hand. Speaking Spanish makes you more useful and valuable in the workplace. Promotion Potential Looking to move up in your career? Learning Spanish could give you the edge you need for that promotion at work. When your boss or manager is looking for someone to move up within the company, he or she will most likely look toward the most useful, helpful, and versatile employee. If you speak Spanish, and have demonstrated your proficiency at work (in a way that proves beneficial to the company), then your boss is more likely to consider you for a promotion or new opportunity. The benefits of learning Spanish are well worth the time and effort. With Spanish lessons and consistent practice, you can master the language and boost your career! Emmanuel M. teaches Spanish online. A California State University, Fullerton graduate and native Spanish speaker, he also teaches essay writing, study skills, and singing.  Learn more about Emmanuel 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 Reynarmedia

What is it Like to Attend Ball State University

What is it Like to Attend Ball State University The tutors behind Varsity Tutors are not just here to teachtheyre sharing their college experiences as well. Phylecia earned her bachelors degree in electronics art and animation from Ball State University in 2011. She specializes in english tutoring, as well as a number of other subjects. See what she had to say about her time at Ball State University: Describe the campus setting and transportation options. Phylecia: Ball State University (BSU) is a midsize coeducational university in Muncie, Indiana. The university has roughly over 20,000 students, is near affordable transportation, and is located in a traditional rural town. BSU offers several safety services, such as public safety advisories, public crime logs, and free on-campus transportation known as Charlie Charter. How available are the professors, academic advisers, and teaching assistants? Phylecia: The professors are always available. Many instructors provide a syllabus that includes their contact information (email and phone) and their office hours. Additionally, students are encouraged to schedule meetings with their academic advisors and teaching assistants. How would you describe the dorm liferooms, dining options, location, socialization opportunities with other students? Phylecia: I highly recommend that students live in a dorm during their first year at Ball State University. Dorm life enables freshmen to socialize with others, make lifelong friends, and most importantly, experience something worthwhile. BSU offers students several opportunities for them to socialize at events, such as Late Night and the Ball State Carnival. Which majors/programs are best represented and supported? Phylecia: Ball State University is known for its amazing teaching program. The Teachers College is ranked as one of the best professional education programs in the nation. The general education I received at BSU motivated me to continue my writing certificate at UCLA Extension. How easy or difficult was it for you to meet people and make friends as a freshman? Does Greek life play a significant role in the campus social life? Phylecia: It is fairly easy to make friends and meet people at Ball State University. BSU provides several activities, events, and organizations for students. Although Greek life is important, students are able to meet people through several student-run organizations, such as Black Student Association and the Excellence in Leadership Program. How helpful is the Career Centerand other student support services? Phylecia: The Career Center is a great place to find jobs on and off campus. The advisors provide various services, such as career counseling, interview training, and internships for students. Additionally, the Career Center also holds several fairs for specific majors every year. How are the various study areas such aslibraries, the student union, and dorm lounges? Phylecia: Study areas such as libraries, the Student Center, and dorm lounges are easily available and extremely spacious. My go-to study space is the gorgeous Bracken Library. Describe the surrounding town. Phylecia: Muncie, Indiana is considered a college town. Students can do various activities, such as going shopping, eating at five-star Yelp-rated restaurants, and drinking coffee at beautiful cafes. Muncie Gras (a Mardi Gras event) and the Ball State Carnival are fan favorites among students. How big or small is the student body? Were you generally pleased or displeased with the typical class sizes? Phylecia: Ball State University is considered a midsize school. Lecture class sizes range between 75100 students, whereas smaller class sizes are between 2530 students. Most classes take place in smaller classrooms. Describe one memorable experience with a professor and/or class. Perhaps one you loved the most or one youregretthe most. Phylecia: My favorite art instructor was Mr. Johnson. He was the head printmaking professor at Ball State University. Mr. Johnson was the first teacher to admit me into the highly rigorous art program and helped me nurture my skills. Check out Phylecias tutoring profile. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.

6 Valuable Things to Know About Learning Guitar

6 Valuable Things to Know About Learning Guitar Megan L. Before you start taking guitar lessons, there are a few things you should know! Guitar teacher  Ryan B.  shares six things everyone should know about learning guitar It really is a magical moment when you first pick up a guitar. The feel of the wood, the tension on the strings, the way the curve of the body fits just right on your lap. Youre filled with visions of yourself on stage playing for thousands who worship your every note. The problem is the next moment isnt quite so magical. You try to play a chord, but the only sounds are dull thuds and ceaseless buzzing. Your clumsy fingers just cant figure out how to coax music out of this cursed piece of wood. For so many, frustration is where their experience learning guitar begins and ends. But going into it with the right mindset can make all the difference and lead to a nice payoff. Here are a few things to keep in mind as youre starting on the guitar: 1. Your hands need some exercise There are 35 muscles that control your fingers! And youre going to need each one of those to make your guitar strings hum just how you hear them in your head. So when you practice, especially in the beginning, remember to warm up and stretch (heres a great video) so you dont hurt yourself. And keep in mind that after a long session you might have sore hands and forearms. 2. Practice is really boring sometimes Just like anything else, practicing your guitar can get extremely monotonous. After a hundred times practicing that new scale or picking pattern and still needing more work, its really easy to give up and play something easier. But to get better you really have to hunker down and put in the hours necessary (in fact they say you need to practice something for 10,000 hours before you master it!). 3. Take good care of your instrument Youve been practicing every day and really making progress towards your goals, but one day during a particularly intense session you break a string (or input jack, or neck). The problem is you dont know how to fix it, and so your guitar sits and collects dust and all your skills melt away. Its a common story, one that happens far too often. Learning some simple maintenance like changing strings, cleaning the neck and a bit of basic wiring can go a long way towards preventing lapses in your practice because of something as simple as a busted string. 4. The fastest way to learn is to slow down Everyone wants to play their favorite lick right when they pick up the guitar. When you try to do this, though, youre either going to fail miserably and inevitably give up or learn it very very poorly. Before you get to killer solos you have to master your scales. And in order to master your scales you have to learn to do your scales very slowly In order to really shred through those suckers, youve gotta get them perfect going at a snails pace and then slowly pick up the tempo. And then once youve mastered that, then you move on up to the next step. And so on and so forth 5. Ditch the phone Ill be the first to admit that Im addicted to my phone. If Im away from it for just a few minutes I start to get jittery and extremely curious about my friends Facebook walls. But too many distractions will keep you from getting productive practice time in. This might mean getting a dedicated guitar tuner instead of an app so you dont even need your phone in the room with you. Hopefully you can spend the next hour learning guitar and not looking at cute cat videos. 6. Take a break Now youve been doing scales for hours, and despite getting rid of obvious distractions, youre still having trouble focusing. Maybe you need a break. You need to be able to put the work in, but if youre getting too stressed it will also hurt your practice (and make your fingers too tense- which is not a good thing). Every once in a while, take a few minutes to play a fun easy song or watch that silly cat video youve been putting off. Maybe even a quick power nap. Theres a lot more to learning guitar than just these, but I hope that these tips can help you along your musical journey. Happy pickin! Get personalized tips and tricks for learning guitar by taking private lessons with a guitar teacher. Guitar teachers are available to work with you online via Skype or in-person depending on locations and availability. Search for your guitar teacher now!  Ryan B. teaches guitar, banjo, and mandolin in Chicago, IL.  A graduate of the University of Illinois, he can teach his students music theory, and as a member of a traveling local band, he can also help with songwriting!  Learn more about Ryan 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  afunkydamsel

Find a Private Tutor in Glasgow

Find a Private Tutor in Glasgow Home Tutoring Private Tuition In Glasgow ChaptersHome Tutoring Organisations in GlasgowMaths and Language Tutors in GlasgowTutoring Announcements in GlasgowSchool Support ProgramsVolunteer Tutoring in GlasgowIt may not be Scotland's capital city, but it is certainly its largest. Glasgow and its surrounding urban area , known as Greater Glasgow, has a combined population of 2.3 million people. Indeed, it is the UK's third most populous city. Situated on the River Clyde, in the country's West Central Lowlands, Glasgow became to be known for its shipbuilding and marine engineering and was one of Great Britain's main hubs of transatlantic trade with the Americas and Caribbean during the Victorian era.Nowadays, Glasgow is more famous for is architecture, its football and its nightlife.  But with four Universities within ten miles of the city centre, three further education colleges in the city and a student population of over 50,000, that is little wonder! The city council operates 29 secondary schools, 149 primary schools and 3 specialist schools.With so many students, it is relatively easy to find a tutor in Glasgow!  Start home tutoring in Glasgow. (Photo credit: Neillwphoto via VisualHunt.com)Increasing competition for entry into good universitiesGovernment plans to increase the number of grammar schools (this means tests like the 11+ may become commonplace once again)Parents who wish to send their children to private schoolTheir child has dropped sets in schoolOr maybe it is you who wishes to have private tutoring. Perhaps you have always dreamed of speaking Spanish or improving your English. It doesn't matter what, with such a large student population, there are no shortage of private tutors out there!Primary Tutors Glasgow, Tel;  0131 463 0001Scholar Tutoring,  Tel; 0141 280 2521Orchard Tutorials, Tel;  0141 571 2751Glasgow Tutors, Tel; 0141 244 0039Home Tuition Scotland, Tel;  0131 463 0001Glasgow Premier Tutors, Tel;  079808 37004Southside Tutors, Tel; 0781 3989 63There are also national agencies offering on-line and private home tutoring. These agencies do all the background checks and it is they who pay the tutor after the lessons. Lessons are often sold in blocks, there may or may not be a choice of tutor.Other tutoring platforms like Superprof,  offer tutors, both for on-line study and home tutoring in over 1000 subjects! It offers much more than just academic support, you can learn how to play the clarinet, for example, or improve your crafting skills.  Using a secure, online easy to use platform, the tutor and pupil work together. This dynamic set up has completely revolutionized private tutoring. In Glasgow, there are 117 registered Superprof tutors. Your child needs help with physics? A quick search on the Superprof website and you have 22 physics tutors to choose from!With online tutoring you can find a tutor anywhere in the UK. Why not find maths tutor in Manchester or an English tutor in Leeds.Maths and Language Tutors in GlasgowMaths is traditionally a rather dif ficult subject and many students either need or could benefit from extra tuition to fully grasp the concepts taught in class. A maths tutor is, therefore, an excellent idea. Not only will your child's grades improve, but their confidence will as well, once they realize that they can do the work. Or maybe you, as a parent, feel your maths leaves a lot to be desired, and you would like to help your children out with their homework.Whatever the case, there are many maths tutors in Glasgow;Maths Doctor, Tel;  020 3476 4853Mathminds, email:  enquiries@mathminds.co.ukGlasgow Maths Tutor, Tel;  0800 043 1984Higher Maths Tutor, Tel;  07981036088AA Tutoring, Tel; 0141 628 2145Find private tutors in Edinburgh and private tuition in Cardiff!Maths tutors can explain all! (Photo via Visual Hunt)To speak a foreign language like a native is a dream many people have, a sadly unfulfilled one. Language learning is best done with a native of the country whose language is being learnt, to get the accen t and pronunciation 100% correct. To find a tutor who is of required nationality therefore is a great find! Or to find a tutor who is french, but also tutors in maths would be fantastic!Language schools are also an excellent way of learning a language, especially for adult learners, who mostly want conversation, as opposed to grammar. Here you can meet up with other adult learners of roughly the same level as you, and help each other learn through speaking together.Another good way to learn a language for adults is through enrolling in an evening class. Language evening classes are very informal and can be great fun. Evening classes will be cheaper than having a private tutor although less intensive, so you may feel as if you are not learning much very quickly. Or you could do both! Take an evening class and then have private tuition sometimes too, to compliment it. The person running the evening class may also tutor privately or may know of somebody who does.Some language tutors in Glasgow;Live Language, Tel;  0141 221 0793GLS Language Services, Tel;  0141 357 6611Language Trainers, Tel;  0870 760 73 73St Andrews College Language Schools Ltd, Tel; 0141 229 0963Aliance Francaise  Tel; 0141 331 4080Internet agencies also offer maths and language tutoring, for example Superprof.Find a private tutor in Belfast.Net mumsGumtreeScholar Tutoring GlasgowCare.comA+ TutorsVisit Superprof to know more about online tutoring.School Support ProgramsThere are often school support programs which run after school, week ends or during the school holidays. These can be an excellent educational resource for pupils, especially during the school holidays, when knowledge is often forgotten a little. A school support program may also be less intensive and less expensive as the emphasis is often more on fun learning things as opposed to sitting at a desk which is often the way with private tutors.Many schools run homework clubs and after school clubs and high schools and colleges also offer revision classes in the run up to the exam period. These can prove invaluable to students preparing to sit exams.Some private clubs are also available for outside of school learning, for example, Articulate French, who run both after school clubs and holiday clubs for younger learners. Scholar Tutoring Glasgow  are an excellent resource, listing all the exam revision classes offered and also details of study groups. To study and revise with other pupils is a very good experience; it can help pupils learn from each other and also teach and explain things to each other, which also reiterates their learning.Are moving to a new city? Superprof is a UK wide tutoring platform and can help you find tutors no mater where you are. Search for a Guitar teacher in Birmingham or a German tutor in London.Volunteer Tutoring in GlasgowThere are some volunteer tutor organisations who help young people who are experiencing difficulties with their school work and who are economically and or soc ially disadvantaged. One such organisation is VTO; (Volunteer Tutors Organisation).It is a small, but growing charity based in Glasgow and its aim is to provide free one-to-one tutoring to the disadvantaged (socially and economically) primary and secondary school children of the Greater Glasgow Area. These are pupils who need help with literacy, maths, study skills and specialist subjects.Learning is fun with a private tutor. (Photo credit: horizontal.integration via Visual hunt)Pupils are referred, usually by their school and are then paired with a tutor. The tutor then tailors activities to help them meet their needs and objectives. These are pupils whose parents cannot afford private tuition, so these volunteer tutors really do help improve these pupil's educational achievement, understanding and confidence.A confident child is a happy one!If I'm searching for tutors near me, I always use Superprof. With over 1000 subjects and 10,000 tutors, you can learn anything you want.

Teaching Your Child to Embrace a Positive Attitude About School

Teaching Your Child to Embrace a Positive Attitude About School If your child has experienced any difficulty in school, then you likely know well the challenge of keeping things positive amid poor grades and dwindling self-esteem. School has any number of anxieties, even for the student who sails through classes seemingly with ease. However, for the student who frequently comes upon academic road blocks, the school experience can instigate negativity, fear and other problems. The power of positive thinking is undeniable, and learning to embrace optimism can have an enormous impact on your childs emotional and physical well-being. Here are several ways parents can encourage their child to adopt a positive attitude about school, even when it isnt all easy. Take notice of your childs achievements and strengths. If your child is struggling in one subject, he or she may feel badly about school overalland that negativity can quickly build upon itself. Make sure you take note of the small successes, such as an improved grade or a sincere effort on studying for a test. Point out traits that you admire or respect in your child, not just those you wish he or she would change. Teach your child that failure is a part of learning. Your child needs to know that everyone messes up sometimes, and doing so yields valuable lessons. Let your child know that you support him or her no matter what, and that you are there to help him or her when things are difficult. Also remind your child that mistakes are an opportunity to learn and apply that new knowledge in future situations. Help your child keep things in perspective. It is easy for a child who is struggling with one or more subjects to feel badly about him or herself. However, dont let your child blow problems out of proportion. An issue he or she is dealing with today may be solved a year from now. A poor test scoreor even a slew of them in a rowis not going to ruin your childs life, and together, you can stop small problems from growing into big ones. Look forward, not backward. If your child brings home a poor report card or grade, its natural for you to want to dissect what happenedand even to point the finger at your childs failures. Did your child not study enough? Is he or she not paying attention in class? While reflection is productive, dwelling on mistakes is not. In such a situation, have an open conversation with your child about how to move forward and develop an action plan to overcome problems. Teach your child to problem solve. Nobody lives a problem-free life. Your child will be happier and more independent if he or she knows how to address and solve problems effectively. Give your child the opportunity to make decisions at home. Encourage him or her to ask questions and be curious, as thinking critically is one of the components of good problem-solving ability. Teach him or her that sometimes, ones first attempt at solving a problem isnt successful. Good problem-solvers keep trying new solutions until they find one that works. Optimistic thinking can make all the difference in a childs school experience, giving him or her the energy and courage to face school problems head on. Have a positive attitude about school problems, and encourage your child to do the same. With confidence and a can-do demeanor, your child will be able to overcome any issue he or she encounters in schooland life.

How Parents Can Best Assess the Mid-Year Report Card

How Parents Can Best Assess the Mid-Year Report Card It is report card timesomething many parents and students dread. But they shouldnt, says Eileen Huntington, co-founder of Huntington Learning Center. Every parent would love to see a report card full of As and glowing remarks about their childs love of learning and work ethic, but remind yourself that the report card is a valuable tool, says Huntington. Think of it as an opportunity to help your child, to address and overcome any issues together.What should parents look for when reviewing the report card? Huntington suggests evaluating your childs report card for these five things:Study skills What does your childs report card indicate about his or her ability to focus, take initiative and manage his or her time? says Huntington. Developing good study skills is an important part of becoming an effective student. That involves staying organized at home and at school, keeping track of assignments and projects, and learning to prioritize.Good effort Being involved in homework will giv e you a good sense of your childs effort level, but pay attention to marks and comments on the report card that address this, too. Talk with the teacher about it. Trying hard is important, but if your childs grades dont reflect his or her effort, there may be a deeper problem.Red flags Red flags are warning signs of potential issues. We suggest looking beyond the grades, because your childs attitude about and commitment to learning are just as important, says Huntington. Do the teachers remarks indicate your child is unmotivated or has difficulty listening and staying focused? Does he or she talk too much in class or avoid school work?Behavioral issues Is your childs teacher reporting indifference or apathy on your childs part? Or is he or she acting out? Often, struggling students feel worthless and stupid, says Huntington. When your child is beyond frustration, beyond trying or caring, his or her behavior may worsenespecially at school.Strengths Often, theres so much focus on t he bad parts of the report card that we forget to pay attention to the areas where students excel, Huntington says. One of the best ways to build childrens self-esteem is to help them find the thing that makes them feel successful. Remember to notice and celebrate your childs strengths.

How to Speak Your Mind in Your Internship Finding Your Voice

How to Speak Your Mind in Your Internship Finding Your Voice Image via Pixabay Now more than ever, finding your voice and speaking your mind seems to be a critical component of being engaged in the larger global conversation on a variety of issues. Young school children to corporate executives have found it necessary and fulfilling to let their voices be heard. Transparent communication is highly coveted in any professional workspace including internships. However, some employees do not speak up because they do not feel like their ideas and thoughts will be valued. Or, they feel as though nothing will be done about a comment they make or suggestion they give. The same goes for interns whether paid or unpaid. Depending on what type of industry you intern in, you may or may not feel like “part of the team” because, well, you’re an intern. You are there primarily to train and gain experience. Everyone has probably been there longer than you and they know more than you. I get how you feel. When I was an intern in college, I didn’t want to come off as a smart aleck so I did what they told me even if I knew I could do it better. But as time went on, I got to know the supervisor and some of the teachers better and felt like part of the team enough to give my two cents. Thankfully, it was well-received. Your voice defines who you are and the value you bring to a company or internship experience. In many cases, it isn’t that people don’t understand you; rather, it is that your identity is too often being defined by what you don’t say than by what you do say. Consistently communicating what is on your mind helps to ensure your identity isn’t misrepresented. So the question is not whether you should speak your mind; rather, it is how you should speak your mind without overstepping your boundaries as an intern. Here is some advice: Keep Calm and Speak On You’ve probably heard that it’s not what you say but how you say it that matters. There is a lot of truth in that. Be confident in what you want to say and be cool, calm, and collected when you say it. When people seem rough or are ready to take offense, don’t take it personally. If your boss is particularly hard to work with, speak with intention and be okay with everyone not sharing your view. Be Respectful This should go without saying but in our harshly divisive society, show respect in your words and in your tone. Since most likely you’re not a full-time employee just yet, let the boss know that you know your place and you value his or her position and opportunity. Sometimes, people are in a bad mood or have it in their heads that all people are one way when that may not be true about you. For example, someone may think you have an attitude when, in reality, you don’t. (I’ve had this happen to me more than I care to count.) Don’t try to defend yourself. Remember, they are the boss. There is power in being the calmest person in the room. If There Are Rules, Follow Them Before you give advice or make a helpful suggestion, make sure you’re following the rules. Bosses don’t like it when interns don’t fulfill their duties but want to jump into something else. Take time to read the policy book or at least the job duties and ensure that you are doing your part. Your ideas will be more welcomed and appreciated  if you’re already following protocol and see an area that can be improved. Be Concise Sometimes when a younger counterpart (intern) is speaking to an older counterpart (supervisor), we tend to preface any statement with, “I’m really sorry, but …”. There is no need to do that. People are very busy and don’t have a whole lot of time to hear you out, honestly. If you think something should be done or not done or changed, drop all the qualifiers and apologetic language and get to the point. Don’t try to fill the silent space with more words because you may end up being less effective. Say what you have to say and then listen for a response. Don’t Burn Bridges You may need your supervisor or your co-workers later on in life. For example, you may need for your boss to give you a good reference to get a full-time job after college. You may want to stay connected to your intern co-workers for future networking. If so, don’t destroy these vital relationships. Avoiding gossip, opinion-slamming, judgment, cursing, yelling, screaming matches, and angry tones, words, emails, and text messages can go a long way in your future endeavors. There is a reason why certain people get ahead faster than others. It is because they speak up and let their voices be heard. Your work experience is not a contest of popularity but it should be a place in which you grow and mature. If you are deliberate in how you speak, other people will take notice and value your voice.