New Jersey Institute of Technology - Career Success

What is Cyberpsychology and Why is it Important?

rje5 — Tue, 07 Feb 2023 15:14:20 +0000

Approximately 5 billion people across the globe have access to the Internet and spend most of their time using mobile devices, computers and other types of technology. In a world where so much of our everyday behaviors occur online (e.g., banking, shopping, working, and communication with friends and family), it’s not surprising that we’ve become increasingly concerned about how living in a technological age affects us as individuals and as a society.

More importantly, our increasing use of social media raises questions about the type of psychological impact it can have on human behavior. Does spending too much time online make people anti-social? Should children and teenagers limit the use of smartphones? Does playing violent video games lead to violence? Cyberpsychologists have examined these questions and are figuring out what practical implications they may have for society in the future.

What is cyberpsychology?

Cyberpsychology is the study of psychological processes related to, and underlying, all aspects and features of technologically interconnected human behavior. In other words, it’s the psychology of cyberspace that focuses on the intersection of technology and human behavior. This field explains how humans interact with each other in a virtual environment and the potential complications that may arise from it.

Researchers in cyberpsychology can examine questions like why people’s behaviors may differ online or why people use social media as a coping mechanism.’ However, cyberpsychology not only studies how technology changes how people communicate and interact but it's also concerned with how people and technology interact with one another. For example, cyberpsychologists may also study controversial topics like virtual reality, artificial intelligence and transhumanism.

Advances in technology will continue to change how humans interact and you should know cyberpsychology’s importance for society in the future.

What does a cyberpsychologist do?

The main task for a cyberpsychologist is to conduct research. Whether they work in the private sector, in academia or in private practice, cyber psychologists research many disciplines within their field including psychology, sociology, forensics, computer science and philosophy.

Because cyberpsychology is the study of how online and virtual technology affects human behavior and how our behavior changes online, much of cyberpsychology research has been driven by the Internet and social media. Thus, cyberpsycholgists examine phenomena like video game and Internet addiction, social media anxiety, augmented reality and personality disorders linked to social media.

Here are some questions that a cyberpsychologist might research:

What is the potential impact of online social networking on a person’s well-being?
How does playing video games impact a person’s brain development?
What are the positive and negative mental health outcomes of using social media (e.g. anxiety, depression etc.)
How does narcissism relate to selfie-related behaviors?
Can generation differences cause family communication problems?

Additionally, cyberpsychologists are also studying technology’s impact on mental therapy. In fact, virtual reality is being used to treat people with depressive symptoms and other mental disorders. Their work may involve researching e-therapy as an effective option to in-person therapy.

Why is Cyberpsychology Important?

In today’s society, most of what people do is connected to technology, which has created a shift in human behavior. Cyberpsychology has become a crucial component in studying how humans interact and behave with technology and devices. Here are some ways in which the study of cyberpsychology can impact how the public uses technology.

1) Assists in fostering human-technology interaction

Since the advent of cognitive technologies, our society has experienced an era of rapid technological advancement where we now have self-driving cars, AI computers, smart devices and virtual assistants. Consequently, technology has radically changed the way people interact with each other and we have become increasingly connected to the digital world. Thus, the overuse of technology can lead to negative psychological issues and a more significant adverse impact in children.

However, there are some benefits of using technology. For example, people use social media to conveniently meet friends and family while other technologies like phones have made complex tasks more efficient. Cyberpsychology helps researchers develop technologies to enhance human behavior rather than hinder it. Although technology has ultimately shaped how we interact with each other, cyberpsychology helps us leverage it to become more valuable in our lives.

2) Raises public awareness about cybersecurity and privacy issues

Before the origin of the Internet, cybersecurity was not a topic that was thoroughly researched—however, it is increasingly becoming a topic of concern for many researchers. Cybersecurity is the practice of using processes or technologies to protect sensitive information from digital attacks. Since most of our daily activities are done online, cybersecurity is an important issue that individuals, businesses and governments should be taking seriously.

In fact, the number and cost of cyberattacks continue to grow as cybercriminals have led cyber attacks targeting government facilities, businesses and infrastructure. Cyberpsychologists are undertaking research and utilizing what they know about people’s behavior in cyberspace to help inform the public that’ll help them avoid the dangers of using technology. Thus, researchers can raise public awareness to encourage people to become more conscious of the security of their personal information.

3) Provides advanced care for people with various health conditions

While many people may assume that virtual reality (VR) and artificial intelligence(AI) are only useful for providing a fascinating entertainment experience, this technology can have a great impact in the healthcare industry. In fact, VR has already been used in the healthcare industry by professionals to provide lifelike training to doctors, personalized mental and psychological therapy and pain management.

AI is also used in the healthcare industry to simplify the tasks that are usually done by medical professionals. For example, companies have developed machine learning technology to help pathologists make more accurate health diagnoses so they can quickly develop better medical treatment. By studying this emerging technology, cyberpsychologists have made it easier for medical professionals to treat common health conditions.

4) Makes it more convenient for doctors to provide care to their patients

While technology provides more advanced treatment for patients, it can also make it convenient for health professionals to provide access to those who need therapy. One of the most important limitations in healthcare is accessibility and affordability. Telehealth is an alternative that has emerged from research by cyberpsychologists and can be used by people who may live in areas where there aren't as many healthcare professionals nearby or they feel uncomfortable meeting face-to-face with a doctor.

Online therapy also benefits the therapists themselves as it provides flexibility to provide specialized care to their patients. Telehealth can reduce costs as patients and doctors don’t have to commute to an office and patients can easily pick the therapist they want online.

Start your Cyberpsychology journey at �鶹��

Technological advancements will continue to reshape society which is a process that will require further examination. �鶹�� is a great place to take the first steps toward career and educational opportunities within the field. �鶹��’s B.S. in Cyberpsychology program will expose you to foundational concepts and prepare you with the applied skills needed in cyberpsychology jobs. If you’re excited to learn about the intersection of psychology and technology, virtual reality, artificial intelligence, digital research or cybersecurity, then don’t hesitate and apply today!

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Are you curious to know what role technology plays in human behavior? Check out this blog to learn all about what cyberpsychology is and why it’s an important field to study in the era of technological advancement.

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Tuesday, February 7, 2023

10 Essential Skills Needed to Be an Architect

rje5 — Thu, 03 Nov 2022 18:24:40 +0000

Do you ever look at the buildings around you and find yourself captivated by their detail, beauty, or just overall design? If so, you can thank architects for this. Architects use their skills and creative ideas to design and construct homes, office buildings, shopping centers, and other structures.

If you're interested in pursuing a career in this dynamic industry, keep reading to learn about what essential skills are needed to become a great architect.

What is architecture?

Architecture is defined as the process of planning, designing and constructing buildings or structures. Along with designing and constructing industrial and commercial buildings, architects must carefully consider a structure’s aesthetic, sustainability and functionality.

These professionals may also work with those in other industries including general contractors, civil engineers and trade specialists. Although architects are specifically known to design buildings, the field is wide-ranging and includes specialty jobs ranging from interior design to sustainable green design.

10 Essential skills needed to be an architect

Regardless of what type of architect you choose to become, these essential skills will help to give you a competitive edge in the field.

1. Design

Understanding the fundamental principles of design is a necessity to become an architect. Whether you’re creating a school building or a grocery store, you’ll have to follow a specific design process, while simultaneously making the overall appearance and layout appealing so as to meet your client’s needs.

Some aspects that you’ll have to understand in the design process include planning, drafting, sketching and conceptualization. The only way to have exceptional design skills is to practice. You can also consider taking a few extra basic drawing and design courses. Additionally, reading architectural magazines and project critiques can further improve your design skills and increase your knowledge about the industry.

2. Computer

Given that technology is ubiquitous nowadays, learning how to be tech-savvy is a must. While some architects still draft designs by hand, most have migrated to digital technology due to its efficiency and persuasiveness for clients. Common software that you should familiarize yourself with to enhance your computer skills include:

Building information modeling
Computer-aided design
3D Printing
Revit
Model Making
Computer Processing
Architectural Rendering

3. Communication

Architects may need skills to complete their project like designing, supervising and managing but it comes down to teamwork as communication may make it easier to function collectively.

While you don’t have to be a master orator, you do have to know how to effectively communicate your ideas in a way that gets your message across. As an architect, you will most likely pitch ideas to your clients and give presentations — the success of a project will heavily depend on the effectiveness of your communication skills.

4. Problem-solving

There are always going to be problems that arise while you’re working on a project — how you adapt and resolve the issue is what matters. Architects have to deal with difficulties and complications during each step of the design process including legal issues, overall client communication, dealing with deadlines and staying within budget. To avoid setbacks, architects must react and respond quickly, communicate with others and stay calm. For example, architects have to settle the conflicts among what a client wants, the regulations applied to the building, and what the public desires.

5. Leadership skills

At some point of your career, you will most likely take on a leadership role where others will be looking at you for guidance. The more leadership skills you have, the more you’ll ensure the team stays on track of completing each project efficiently on-time and on-budget. As a leader, you’ll need to anticipate any bottlenecks that may arise and take the necessary steps to combat them.

So, what leadership qualities make a good architect?

Integrity: Companies, clients and co-workers all want someone who they can trust to put forth their best efforts. Those you work with also want to know that you’ll act in the best interest of them.
Honesty: Architects must maintain relationships with co-workers, clients, and professionals in other industries — being honest can help those you work with trust you and your decisions.
Responsibility: When deciding to become an architect, you should be prepared to multi-task and work with hard deadlines and budgets. You must be responsible enough to manage your time when working with clients, creating a design project, and adhering to rules and regulations. You should also be comfortable delegating assignments to members of your team.

6. Mathematics

Without understanding of mathematics, architects wouldn’t be able to transform their initial sketches and blueprints into functional and extraordinary buildings.For example, architects may need to calculate the dimensions and ratios of a building prior to constructing any framework. Learning how to logically think and use mathematical principles will help you in becoming a successful architect.

7. Teamwork

Constructing buildings or structures requires a collaborative effort — teams need to work together effectively to adhere to a common set of objectives. Architects often meet with clients, consult with their team and work with engineers to complete a project. Teamwork is the backbone for any architectural project as architects work with other specialists with many different perspectives. Architects can gain insight, which can help improve a project’s cost efficiency.

8. Legal Knowledge

Having sound knowledge of legal codes, rules, and regulations ensure that you’re adhering to all the proper policies.. Moreover, you may bear responsibility if there are problems with your building — knowing what’s permitted can be valuable to assist in working out the issues in a formal manner.

For example, architects may need to know what plot of land is able to be built upon — some plots are reserved only for governmental, commercial or residential use. Understanding the legal process will save you a lot of time when revising your designs.

Laws and regulations you may have to follow as an architect include:

Building codes
Fire safety
Building construction
Zoning codes
Architectural codes
Building systems

9. Creativity

If you decide to become an architect, you'll be thrilled to hear it involves taking a creative journey in designing state of the art buildings. Clients may have specific requests to design a building and architects must use their out-of-the-box thinking and creativity to turn that idea into a reality. You will need to use your imagination to create innovative designs and bring your visualizations to life.

10. Project management

Project management refers to utilizing your skills, tools and techniques to ensure a completion of a project. Although architects are mostly in charge of the design and planning stages, they also have to make sure that engineers or surveyors are doing their job on the project. Additionally, architects with project management skills can have a good understanding of what a client wants. For example, architects can listen to a client’s preferences or vision of a project before drafting any plans.

Build your career at �鶹��

Becoming an architect requires that you possess various transferable skills. While it may take time for you to perfect these skills, you can learn how to by enrolling in an undergraduate architectural program. Don’t wait—register now to get a jumpstart on your architectural career!

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Do you want to learn how to become a great architect? Focus on building these 10 essential skills that will take your career to the next level.

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Thursday, November 3, 2022

How to Find the Right Internship During College

rje5 — Wed, 03 Aug 2022 16:52:36 +0000

Throughout your time in college you’ll learn valuable skills and concepts that will help you in your career. However, there is nothing quite like real-world experience to truly get a feel for what working in your chosen field will be like. Completing an internship allows you to gain crucial knowledge of your field, while enhancing your resume at the same time. Internships also show future employers that you’ve been exposed to a work environment, giving you one foot in the door when applying to full-time jobs.

Looking for internships can be stressful and overwhelming. Keep reading on to find out how to get an internship in college that will help launch your career.

How to find the right internship during college

Finding an internship takes time, patience, and plenty of researching, but the end result is well worth it. To help you find an internship during the school year, check out these tips:

1) Decide your career goals

Before you even start looking for internships, you should decide what your professional goals are. Think about the types of classes you’ve taken, what interests you, and what your ultimate aspirations are. You can then create a list of goals you want to accomplish through your career, and begin researching different positions. Remember, it’s okay if you change your mind multiple times throughout your time in college.

2) Start your search early

Depending on the field you’re interested in, internships are typically offered all year round. However, if you’re completing one for credit, or trying to secure a position for the summer, you want to make sure you leave yourself plenty of time. Waiting until the last minute to start your search can greatly limit your options. You may miss the deadline for registering your job with your university, or have trouble finding open postings when summer begins. It’s critical that you stay ahead of the game so you aren’t in the position where you can’t find an internship.

Many companies tend to post their summer internships in late fall or winter, and keep the application process open for 30 days. Occasionally, companies will post their summer internships as early as October. Fall and spring internships usually open mid-summer or early fall. This largely depends on whether the position is for a semester or the full academic year. Start your search early and make a list of the internships you want to apply to, their application deadlines, and even the status of your application.

3) Network

No matter how times you’ve heard this before, we’re going to say it again — network, network, network. When you network, you’re building important connections that can be a game changer when it comes to interning and ultimately finding a job in your field. Although you may think networking can only occur in a professional setting, college is actually one of the best places to get an internship.

Start by building relationships with your professors. Your professors most likely can shed some light on where you should be looking to intern, and may even be able to get you in-touch with the right people. It’s also worth talking with your friends and classmates who are interested in a similar career. You never know who you might meet and what that person may be able to lead you to. Finally, consider reaching out to alumni. This could be through mutual friends, professors, or advisors. Having an immediate similarity such as attending the same college can be a huge advantage when applying for internships.

4) Consider the time commitment

Although internships are the stepping stone to a full-time career, don’t forget that you’re also still a college student. This means you’re going to have to be conscious of your schedule and learn how to manage your time. When looking into possible internship opportunities, make sure to consider their time commitment requirements. If a posting is asking for 20 hours each week, think about whether that will leave you with enough time to get your schoolwork done and study for exams. You don’t want to overload your schedule, leaving you stressed, overwhelmed, and burnt-out.

One common piece of internship advice for college students is to look for internships that require no more than 10-15 hours/week. Now, every single college student is different. You might be in a position to take on a larger time commitment, and if that’s the case, go for it. Remember that everything is relative to your major, field, personal life, and interests.

5) Ask your career services for help

You should also make sure to visit your campus career development services for additional ideas, tips, and some help to spruce up your resume and cover letter. Counselors who work in career services are able to tell you what information should go in these documents, how to write it in a competitive and compelling way, and what information can be left out. They’ll also be able to help you find internship opportunities through your university’s student jobs and internships site, as well as through established connections to employers.

6) Attend career fairs

One of the biggest mistakes you can make during your time in college is skipping the career fairs. Most schools host career fairs once or twice a year where you can network with top employers, collect business cards, and hand out your resume. Come prepared with extra copies of your resume and a few talking points. You’ll also want to dress professionally and put together a short 60-second introduction for potential employers ready to hire talented interns and employees.

Find your perfect internship with �鶹��

Before graduating college, you should aim to complete at least one internship. The experience you gain during your internship will help prepare you for post-grad life — you’ll have the chance to work right in your desired industry, surrounded by other industry professionals. These opportunities can also guide you in learning about what type of work you are interested in by allowing you to try out different areas.

Stay connected with your �鶹�� career advisor to land the perfect internship that may even lead to a wonderful job.

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Career Success

College is the perfect time to put the skills you learn in class to use in the real world. Once you find the right internship, you’ll be on your way to a successful career!

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Wednesday, August 3, 2022

7 Emerging Careers in Social Media

rje5 — Tue, 01 Mar 2022 14:06:08 +0000

Over the past decade, society has shifted toward social media for just about everything. What started out as a way to connect with friends and family, has now become platforms for businesses and organizations to promote their services, individuals to turn into influencers, and a way for everyone to market themselves, products, or a company.

With social networking sites estimated to reach 3.78 billion users in 2021, the rise in demand for social media professionals is increasing now more than ever. Companies and organizations are finding that keeping up with social media is a full-time job by itself – not to mention one also must understand how it works to be successful.

If you’re someone who is social media savvy or wants to become a social media expert, keep reading to find out what popular jobs you may be interested in doing.

What is social media?

Simply speaking, social media refers to applications and websites that allow users to quickly share content with their audience in real-time. With these various social media platforms, users have the ability to share photos, comment on posts, and re-share content at any time of the day. This way of using technology and the internet has transformed the way people interact and even how they conduct business.

Digital platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter are versatile in that anyone can use them for their own agenda. A college student interested in video game design might create an Instagram page to post their work, while a business owner may decide to start a profile to promote their products and services. What makes social media favorable is how it allows users to reach such a large audience that was once not an option.

Along with content being able to be shared on one platform, many social media networks can be used together to cross-share. Subscribers from various platforms can interact with an organization’s profile and posts in different ways, increasing their online presence. Learning how to use social media for businesses and organizations at a university such as �鶹�� can be a game changer.

Social media skills

Believe it or not, just because you use social media, doesn't mean you automatically have the skills and knowledge it takes to become a social media expert. If you’re looking into social media careers, it’s important to have these skills mastered:

Communication
Ability to understand and track social media analytics and trends
Time management
Project management
Creativity
Marketing
Strong writing skills
Managing key performance indicators (KPIs)

If you’re not familiar with these skills, don’t worry. Consider pursuing a BA in Communications and Media from �鶹�� to put you on the social media career path.

7 Emerging careers in social media

Mastering the social media skills listed above gives you versatility to work in different areas and roles. When applying them to a professional setting, you’ll not only be enhancing your current skills, but also learning new ones to advance your career – and don’t forget, you can even increase your social media career salary with these skills. Whether you’re just starting out, or are looking for a new role, these are some of the most popular social media careers:

1) Director of social media

Social media directors are responsible for overseeing all aspects of digital networking tools such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn, as well as any blogs created for the organization. These directors may also lead a team of social media managers and coordinators to help create and promote the brand of an organization or business.

Directors of social media must be able to think critically and creatively, interact with clients, and collaborate with marketing professionals.

Average Median Base Salary: $76,008

Average High Base Salary: $132,000

2) Content marketing

When it comes to creating content, three words should immediately come to mind; consistent, valuable, and relevant. These three attributes are what make or break content when it comes to attracting an audience with the purpose of increasing profits. Content marketing is a technique that creates and distributes content for a specific audience with the intention of driving consumer action.

Those in the role of content marketer work with the organization to create marketing campaign goals, understand their mission, and identify a target audience. Once this is achieved, it is their job to create valuable content that is interesting, memorable, and interactive to boost brand awareness and ultimately grow their sales or leads.

Average Base Salary: $51,630

Average High Base Salary: $79,000

3) Social media manager

Social media professionals in this role are tasked with organizing an organization’s brand across various social platforms. Social media managers ensure that the brand is being properly represented across different channels by interacting with their audience through comments, setting content guidelines, and developing relevant topics to increase brand awareness.

Managers also supervise coordinators and take the lead in strategizing and executing digital marketing campaigns, then gathering the data and analyzing it to see what changes need to be made. Individuals in this position should constantly strive to improve their organization’s social media presence in creative and unique ways.

Average Base Salary: $52,125

Average High Base Salary: $80,000

4) Social media coordinator

The social media coordinator typically works directly under the social media manager to help boost brand awareness across multiple digital platforms. These individuals help develop the social media campaigns for their organization itself or new product offerings. Social media coordinators might also be in contact with influencers and update social media profiles on behalf of their organization.

To be successful in this role, coordinators must have well-rounded knowledge of Search Engine Optimization (SEO) tactics to maintain and enhance consumer engagement. Creativity is also crucial as a coordinator may be asked to contribute to the design and execution of infographics, logos, and digital posters.

Average Base Salary: $40,671

Average High Base Salary: $54,000

5) Creative designer

If you’re more interested in the artistic side of social media, becoming a creative designer may be a smart career move. Creative designers work closely with the social media team to bring their idea concepts to life. Professionals in this role have the opportunity to create digital layouts for social media marketing campaigns using digital illustration software.

As a social media professional in this role, you’ll have the ability to design, create, and execute images, infographics, and advertisements with social media in mind. Pairing graphic design skills with social media skills prepares you to think of ways to attract consumers through digital content that will appeal to your target audience.

Average Base Salary: $47,031

Average High Base Salary: $83,000

6) Market research analyst

Just because you’re working in social media, doesn’t mean you have to be creating content and designing marketing campaigns. As a market research analyst you’ll be responsible for gathering market intelligence and presenting it to your organization. While conducting your research, results should be compiled into dense reports and detailed spreadsheets so all insights are organized and easy to access.

The insights that are gathered by a market research analyst will help the organization decide what products or services they should gear their digital marketing campaigns toward, as well as which demographics the social media team should focus on. This analysis can also shed light on the needs, preferences, and trends occurring, so the organization’s social media knows what to promote.

Average Base Salary: $63,790

Average High Base Salary: $89,580

7) Brand manager

Those in the role of brand manager are responsible for maintaining the overall image of the organization, company, or person they’re working for. Brand managers working within social media marketing must research the market place, manage budgets, develop marketing and advertising strategies, create designs and layouts for digital advertisements and media, and evaluate how the brand is seen through the public’s eyes.

Individuals in this role will not only be on the strategic marketing side of social media, but may also work to build relationships with social influencers and other media sites, monitor social media trends to remain current and up to date, and pitch ideas for digital ad campaigns.

Average Base Salary: $71,424

Average High Base Salary: $117,000

Become a leader in social media with �鶹��

Social media is continuing to change and grow – there are always more things to learn and new skills to achieve. Whether you’re interested in social media careers or already in the industry and looking to keep your skills competitive, pursuing a degree in communications and media can help you achieve your goals.

When you earn your BA degree from �鶹�� in communications and media, you’ll be learning how to use social media as a communication tool in the business, government, education, and non-profit sectors. Students in the program will acquire a deep understanding of information technologies that provide them with new problem-solving skills.

Turn your love of social media into a professional career and apply to �鶹��’s BA in communication and media program – you’ll give yourself a competitive advantage and see a whole new side of social media.

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From Facebook and Instagram, to TikTok and Twitter, social media has completely changed the way businesses interact with their consumers. Learn about the exciting roles you can dive into when you choose a career in social media.

Post Date:

Tuesday, March 1, 2022