Every fall, thousands of students of all ages go back to school. Whether you’re a high school graduate just beginning college or a returning student, you may be one of the 22 million Americans completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA. Administered by the Office of Federal Student Aid, a branch of the U.S. Department of Education, the FAFSA is the required first step in applying for and receiving federal student aid to help cover the costs associated with higher education. Federal Student Aid distributes over more than $150 billion in work-study funds, grants, and loans annually, but you first have to complete and file a FAFSA in order to be eligible for funds. ... [more]
How many emails do you send daily? 25? 50? 100 or more? According to a report published by the Radicati Group, a technology market research firm, business users receive and send an average of 121 emails per day, a number which will grow to 140 emails a day by 2018. In only a decade, email has become the primary and most efficient form of communication for businesses and professionals. But, with so many emails flooding inboxes daily, writing professional emails can sometimes fall to the wayside as efficiency trumps etiquette in the race to keep up with the constant inbox deluge. If you find yourself needing a refresher on business email etiquette, consider these five tips: ... [more]
Cell phones are one of the greatest advancements in communication technology. In the past five years, cell phone usage has increased exponentially, even replacing landlines in many homes and businesses. According to an April 2015 report released by the Pew Research Center, 64% of Americans now own a smartphone, up from only 35% in April 2011. Cell phones have become so enmeshed in our daily lives, it can be easy to forget that cell phone etiquette still matters--especially in the workplace. ... [more]
We all know that the pace of summer can be the perfect opportunity to relax and enjoy leisurely vacations and weekend trips. But, summer can also be a great time to learn a new skill, create new personal and professional goals, or tackle that book collecting dust on your nightstand. At OpenSesame, we’re always interested in continued learning, including reading up on the latest advancements in business, marketing, technology, and workplace productivity. To help kick start your summer learning, we’ve compiled a few books covering our favorite subjects and a few related OpenSesame courses. Comment below and tell us what you want to learn this summer! ... [more]
The Fourth of July is the perfect time to relax and celebrate with friends and family, but given the risks posed by the use of fireworks and the hot, dry summer weather, it’s also an important day to remember essential fire safety tips. According to the National Fire Protection Association, there are more reported fires on the 4th of July than on any other day of the year, and fireworks account for 2 out of every 5 of those fires. If you’ll be using fireworks this Saturday, we’ve rounded up a few safety tips to keep in mind as you celebrate this Independence Day: ... [more]
