The best websites to find a job when you are a college graduate

Everyone knows the Internet is a great resource to look for jobs. . Now, the question is which websites are the best. Most of the search engines require signing up, then you have the opportunity to post your resume and apply for the jobs online. You may find information, tips and tools about interviews or information about companies.

• There are popular web sites such as www.monster.com. Millions of people visit their website, because Monster has thousands of national and international employment opportunities.

• Another popular website is yahoo hot jobs, which has a college jobs browser http://hotjobs.yahoo.com/jobs-College

• Career builder has a link on its website dedicated to college students, http://www.careerbuildercollege.com. You can look for full or part time jobs and internships.

• http://www.collegerecruiter.com proposes internships for college students and entry level jobs for recent grads.

• www.indeed.com is a search engine for jobs where you can access jobs from different websites. On indeed.com you find jobs from monster, Diversity-Jobs, or even jobs from companies or organizations’ websites.

• Craigslist can be a great source to find a job, because you can search by location and category.

• The social networking websites, such as LinkedIn or Viadeo, are another way to find a job. These sites are not job searches, but by networking and making connection with people you can create job opportunities. You never know!

• Your local Chamber of Commerce could be great resources to find a job as well.

CNN recently posted the list of the 100 best companies to work for, and that information could be helpful to you, in finding a first job. Check out the websites of these good companies, and see what jobs they offer.

Are you a college student or recent grads, if you find a job through any of these resources or have additional resources to add feel free to make a comment.

Aigline, The Business Shrink Intern
The Business Shrink: Understanding the Psychology of Business and Money

Choosing a College

Once you’ve decided to go to college, the next big step is finding which one is right for you. There are a lot of things to consider when trying to find the right college, including: degrees offered, location, cost, size, as well as the percentage of students that actually complete their education at each school. If the percentage is low, there's a good chance they're doing something wrong, and they're probably not the best choice for you. There are a few good online sites that can help you search for the "perfect" school, and they include:

• CollegeBoard
  
  
• CollegeView
  


• Peterson's
  


• CollegeNet
  


• AnyCollege.com
  


• US College Search

Once you have narrowed your search to a few possible schools it is best to go to each school website to find additional information. Most schools have a lot of tools for prospective students on their site including: online applications and information request links, scholarship and tuition information, campus visit information, online tours, etc. Each school wants you to choose them, so utilize the tools they offer.

While all these tools are helpful, there are two ways to get all the information you need. The first is visiting the campus, because you can see if the school is really like the brochures tell it. While this may be helpful, it can be expensive and sometimes unrealistic, especially if you are planning going to school a long way from home. For example, if you live in California and are thinking about Harvard it would be very difficult to go and check the school out in person. The second way is by talking with current or former students. In most cases, students will be honest with you about their opinion of their school, with their likes and dislikes, class sizes, quality of professors, etc. Sometimes the schools will give you the option of getting in touch with a current student, and when that opportunity is presented you should definitely take it!

If you have any thoughts on how to find the right college, or have other college resources you'd like to share, please leave us a comment!

Emily Martin, Intern at
The Business Shrink: Understanding the psychology of business and money.

The fundamentals before, during and after the interview

Contrary to what many people think, the job interview process is not just what happens during the interview. There are some guidelines to respect before and after the interview.

Before the Interview

• Rule number one; put yourself in the interviewer’s shoes. In order to have a good interview, it is important to know what the interviewer thinks and have an idea about the questions the interviewer might ask. The goal of the interviewer is to hire the best candidate, which means the person who will fit into the organization and stay in the company for a long period of time. Don’t forget, the interviewer will judge the applicant’s capacity to do the work.

• Take the time to prepare an answer to the most common interview questions, such as “tell me more about you,” “Why should I hire you?” or “what are you strengths and weaknesses?”

• Before the interview you need to conduct research to find information about the company. www.vault.com is a great website where jobseekers can find information about companies.

• Take the time to prepare informed and intelligent questions you will ask during the interview. That will show that you research the company.

During the interview

• Use specific examples from your past job experience or from your academic achievements to demonstrate your accomplishments.

• As a rule, the interviewer will ask at the conclusion of the interview “do you have any questions?” Use this opportunity to ask questions to find out more information about the company and the position. The questions you should ask the interviewer could be “What are the company’s values?” or “What can you tell me about the individual to whom I would report?”

• During the interview process there are some Do’s and Don’ts you need to be aware of. For Examples, arrive 10 minutes early at your interview or “Don't act as though you would take any job or are desperate for employment.”

After the interview (“follow up”)

• It is recommended to send a thank you letter or note. Write the interviewer a letter expressing your appreciation and interests in the position.
• Do not forget to notify your references about the interview, so they will be prepared if the company contacts them.

If you have any suggestions about what should be done, before, during, and after, the job interview or if you have any additional tips for the interview process feel free to leave a comment.

Aigline, The Business Shrink Intern
The Business Shrink: Understanding the Psychology of Business and Money

Finding Scholarships

You’ve decided to go to college, you’ve picked your school, and you’re ready to go. There’s only one remaining detail. How are you going to pay for school? Most of you may not realize how many scholarships are available, if only you would apply for them. There are many helpful resources online, as well, that can narrow your search to what you are looking for. Some of the better scholarships searching sites include:

-FastWeb!

-Scholarships.com

-CareerandColleges.com

-FindingTuition.com

If you’re not very savvy with the internet, here are a few more ways to find the right scholarship:

-Visit your high school counselor or college resource center to research any local or school-specific scholarships
-Check out scholarship reference books in a library or bookstore; make sure you locate the most current edition.
-If you attend or are thinking of attending a specific college, visit that school's website or call their admission's office to determine if they offer any scholarships.
-Be community-minded: does your church, bank, or other civic organization offer scholarships?

If you’re a senior in high school, you should start applying for scholarships as soon as possible after January 1st. The biggest mistake you can make is waiting too long to get started. If you don’t have your scholarship applications ready at the deadlines, there’s a pretty good chance hundreds or even thousands of other students’ applications ARE ready. Most scholarships require the following materials:

-Scholarship Application—Basic biographical information, and sometimes responses to short-answer questions. Follow the instructions given on the sheet; therefore, do not write in green ink if black ink is requested.

-Personal Statement—Possibly the most important part of your application, you must set yourself apart from other applicants and show the selector why you are the perfect candidate for their scholarship. It is called a “personal” statement; therefore, you should not rewrite information they already have. Show them who you are and what you want to do with your life. Make them want to give you an opportunity.

-Letters of Recommendation—Letters should come from professors who are familiar not only with your academic abilities, but also with your personal interests and background, and how those relate to your potential success. According to one foundation, "Letters from people who know you well are far more valuable than letters from well-known people who know you less well and who might write, at best, a form-like letter."

-Transcripts—In the academic world, there are two types of transcripts: unofficial and official. An unofficial transcript is a listing of coursework and grades similar to the printout available from facts. Unofficial transcripts are normally acceptable only for campus-based scholarships and awards. An official transcript is printed by the Office of the Registrar on official paper and includes the seal of the university and the signature of the Registrar. DO NOT SEND AN UNOFFICIAL TRANSCRIPT IF AN OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPT IS REQUESTED.

-Resume—Briefly describe activities that are not self-explanatory, and (where appropriate)describe the impact you made in each role. Your activities should represent your varied talents and passions outside the classroom.

It is best to apply for as many scholarships as possible, because every little bit counts. Do not count on one scholarship to be “the one”, because chances are you’re not the only “perfect” candidate for that scholarship. If you prepare all the necessary materials correctly, and take time to apply for A LOT of appropriate scholarships, you’ll be on your way to paying for college in no time.

If you have any thoughts on how to write a successful college application or have other scholarship resources you'd like to share, please leave us a comment!

Emily Martin, Intern at
The Business Shrink: Understanding the psychology of business and money.

Coping with Culture

You do not have to be from another country to feel the cultural differences at school, but those feelings of cultural disassociation are even more apparent for international students. If you are an international student, you will find some obvious differences between your home and the new place you find yourself in, such as: the climate, the language, the food, the education system and even relationships. Nothing seems the same.

“Extreme homesickness”, “depression” or “losses of ability to work or study effectively” are just some of the symptoms of culture shock. It is the realization that your familiar and “safe” surroundings are no longer that; and if these symptoms persist, your problems could become much more than suffering grades or an unwillingness to participate in your new surroundings.

In order to cope with the culture shock. at school, it is important to:
- Get involved in the different activities proposed by the University such as becoming a member of a club offered through the university. These clubs feature other students with the same interests you have, create a social atmosphere for you to explore new friendships, and provide an alternative to simply going back and forth from your dorm room or apartment to the campus. Remain active while you are at school.

- Make some new friends. As an international student, American friends are beneficial because they will allow you to further develop your English skills while learning more about American culture. You can also make friends with other international students who are experiencing the same difficulties and problems you are going through.

- Be open. In fact, many things will be different from your culture. Don’t judge and label things as “right,” “wrong,” “good,” or “bad” too quickly. For example, before judging that a certain food will taste bad because of the way it looks, be curious and give it a try. You might like it.

- Be Patient in everything that you do. With time you will get use to the culture and find yourself assimilating, relating and understanding.

- Respect the golden rule: Treat Others as You Would like to Be Treated. Put yourself into other people shoes and accept the idea that they may also be misunderstanding you.





If you face a culture shock feel free to tell us what your symptoms are and tell us what other strategies you use to handle the cultural differences.


Aigline, The Business Shrink Intern
The Business Shrink: Understanding the Psychology of Business and Money

College: The Management Side of Socializing

Moving into a new place, state, or even country, can create immediate social interaction withdrawals. Also known as college life. Relocation is not for everybody, it’s mentally and emotionally draining. Leaving your parents and friends is a huge step for a young adult. But if you can persevere and make the move; get settled, and start meeting people.

Almost everyone around you has relocated to some extent (unless they have always lived on campus, or are commuting), so don’t feel like you’re alone. Campuses offer organizations and clubs to assist you in meeting people. Take advantage of this.

Although this article seems to be about meeting new people, it isn’t. The focus of the article is how to manage your time once you’ve established yourself in groups, clubs, and organizations. If you haven’t done it yet, this might seem irrelevant. If you have done it, you know what I’m talking about.


Sabrina Youmans, a learning specialist at UCLA stated, "I remember being really angry at my high school for leaving me so under-prepared for the demands of college. Then if you look at the student athlete profile, there are so many time demands. Personal time is squashed down into almost nothing, and it puts that really oppressive schedule on somebody who has increased academic demands. It means a difficult transition."

(This quote comes from a very similar article posted in The Princeton Review focuses mainly on the rigors of college-athletes. The idea is the same.)

My experience in collegiate involvement is from a sports background. I played football in the fall, baseball in the winter/spring. This was tough. When I had free time, I wanted to relax. But…when I relaxed, I needed to study. Hence, I developed time management skills.

Time management sounds tedious and restricting. It is. Here’s a tip for you: the rest of your successful life will revolve around time management. Learn it and master it.

Set a schedule and stay with it. However, when you set this schedule, you need to set some ‘relaxing’ time for yourself. If you do this, you can get things done with the intentions of getting to your ‘relax’ time. (If I study for one hour, I will finish right in time for my favorite show).

When you’re involved in the college life, time management seems to be difficult because of your ever-changing schedule. Keep your priorities a priority, and enjoy yourself in the extra time.

Clubs and organizations tend to be time consuming at the most inopportune times (finals week, 3 tests in one day, etc). If you take care of your ‘school’ side of college when it’s convenient (early), it’s easier to enjoy your extra-curricular activities.

All of this probably sounds like a familiar lecture from your family and friends but there is a reason… Everyone that has told you this has experienced both sides of time management. It is easier to learn from others, rather than learn it for yourself (especially when you’re investing thousands of dollars in your education).

To wrap it up, schedules are boring but necessary. Learn how to take care of yourself, so you can have time to spend with others. What are some stories of bad time management, a.k.a. procrastination that you have learned from? What are some of the ways you cope with managing your personal time and social life.

Intern #1
Knowledge is power

Are Online Classes for You?

So you have a busy schedule, but you want to get ahead. You may have seen plenty of commercials or online ads telling you how easy and convenient online classes are. And while you’re tempted to follow the hype, you know they are just trying to sell a product, just like a box of cereal or a car insurance plan. How do you know if online classes will work for you? Here are some of my personal and researched experiences, both negative and positive, with campus classes and online classes. While personal schedules and interests may guide your decision, these facts may shed some light on which program is right for YOU.

First of all, online classes are not for everyone; they are best suited for self-motivated people. If you lack motivation to get into your online classroom to do your work, it may not be the best choice for you. Let’s look at some personal experiences along with researched pros and cons. Please note that the personal observations will vary from student to student.



Additional Views of Online Programs





A comparison of the two shows that online programs have what campus programs lack, and vice versa. If you want to have personal relationships with fellow students, and want to have conversations with your teacher, campus programs are probably the best fit. However, if you have a full-time job, and just want to get to a better place in your career, online programs might work better.

Personally, I like the convenience of online classes, because I have a full-time job With two online courses, I feel like I’m learning a lot. Also, the personal side of campus classes is appealing, so I take a night course at a Park University campus to fulfill that need. The discussion and lectures really help me understand the topics we’re learning.

Both options of learning provide benefits to the student. The only question is, what is right for you?

If you have an opinion about online or campus programs, feel free to tell us what you think or share your own experiences.

Emily Martin, Intern at
The Business Shrink: Understanding the psychology of business and money.

Choosing a major in College

Before we graduate from college we all have to think about what we are going to do. College is about getting an education and choosing a major to prepare you for your future career path. Thinking about a major is an important step that all students have to go through.

Choosing a major when you start college doesn’t mean you will stick with it. The reality is that a lot of students change majors several times when they are in college; and others have one or two majors or even minors.

To know what you are going to major in, you need to think about your general interests, what you like and don’t like. If you have no idea, there are some Career Assessment tests available either online or at school to help guide you in your choice.

Here are some resources where you can find information about your major:
- The school catalogue always contains great information about each major and the classes required.
- The career department of your school can give you information about the major that best fits your needs for most careers.
- Alumnae can be a great a resource. Talking with someone who graduated with the major you are interested in gives you a better understanding of what you can do and what opportunities are available after you graduate.
- The Professors and advisors, even classmates of upperclassmen can guide you in the choice of your major.
- Parents can be another valuable resource.
- Professional Associations may be a great place to find information about the industry and field you want to get in. For example, a communication major could visit the Web site for the National Communication Association.


All these resources will help you gather information and think about what you really want to major in. There are many resources available. It just takes a little creativity and outgoing attitude on your part to find them. If you have others suggestions or have found some great resources to share, feel free to make some comments.

Aigline, The Business Shrink Intern
The Business Shrink: Understanding the Psychology of Business and Money

Interviewing: The First Impression, Lasts

Interviewing: The First Impression, Lasts
Written By: Intern 1

If you are unfortunate enough to have gone through a professional interview, I’m sure you remember every detail. You remember how worried you were about your posture, your sweating, “Can he see that I’m sweating? Am I talking too much?”

Here’s your first tip: It’s only as bad as you make it.

I believe that you can take the stress out of interview through mental preparation. Here’s the mindset you need to have when you approach the interview-- The interviewer has interviewed a dozen times. He understands my pressure. He was actually, at one time, in the exact same position that I’m in right now. He’s another person, not a super-human. I’m going to show him that I’m qualified, and then it’s his decision to hire me or not!

Tip number 2: Show confidence and Enthusiasm (regardless if you’re faking it).

Show your “future employer” that you’re ready to go with a firm handshake confident eye contact (but don’t give him a death-stare). This concept is re-iterated in the Ten Interviewing Rules by Monster.com. Approach the situation with a win-win attitude. "If he doesn’t hire me, it’s his loss. If he does hire me, it is my obligation to show that I deserved the spot." Picture this mock interview in your head.

Job Description- Communication

Candidate #1- College degree in the related field with a prior internship in the related field. She meekly knocks on the door, and enters with her head down. She doesn’t say anything, approaches the interviewer, gives a limp handshake, and sits down.

Candidate #2- One year of college experience, with a prior job in manual labor. He approaches the door and gives a firm knock. As the interviewer gives permission to enter, he walks in, stands tall, and offers his hand before the interviewer can stand up. He makes eye contact, smiles, and introduces himself.

So if you’re picturing this interview, who do you hire? Please post your comments, and share some of your personal experiences.

Intern #1
Knowledge is Power
http://www.thebusinessshrink.com/

Interview: Follow Up and Stand Out

Interview: Follow Up and Stand Out
Written By: Intern #1

So, you just left the interview of a lifetime. You shake the interviewers hand, smile, and walk out confidently. As you’re leaving the building, you notice the never-ending line waiting to get a shot at YOUR perfect job…and it hits you. You realize regardless of your impression on the boss, he’s jumping right into another interview, and then another. You continue to think, ‘There’s no way he will remember me’. What do you do? What do, you do??

Go home, take out the business card from the employer (remember to ask for one, this shows your interest level in the company), and start your follow up letter.

Professional recruiter and sales trainer, David Nassief, states, “Following up after the interview separates the amateurs from the pros. The amateurs don't do it the pros do. How do you follow up like a pro? http://jobsearch.about.com/od/interviewsnetworking/a/intfollowup.htm” First you decide how to send the follow up letter. E-mail, snail mail, or fax. My suggestion is e-mail. You know how fast the letter will get to him, and it will give him an easy option to respond to you.


What to include in the follow up:
- First you want to thank him/her for their time. Their time is valuable, recognize it.
- Explain your interest in the company; let them know that they are important. Also explain how you will be a good fit within their company.
- Include another copy of your resume’ and contact information to allow them quick access to your info.
- Close the letter by letting him/her know that you look forward to their call or response. (Make sure this doesn’t come off too pushy)

--What the follow up does--
1. It reiterates your interest and your professionalism.
2. It gives you a chance to show your education level through proper grammar and verbiage.
3. It shows that you’re prompt. Don’t wait two days to show interest in a job you interviewed for today.

After this is all said and done, you’re still not finished. If you haven’t received a response within 5-7 days, it is acceptable to make a follow up call. Through this call, continue to express your interest in the job, but you can also ask how the process is coming along. The business has the responsibility to inform you where they stand.

This process has worked well for me, but what are some suggestions and tips that you may have. ( I won’t suggest this to anyone…but I have heard a story of someone sending a new shoe to a employer with a note that read “This is the only way I could get my foot in the door) Any other good stories?

Intern #1
Knowledge is Power
http://www.thebusinessshrink.com/

College: To Attend or not Attend- That is the Question

College: To attend or not attend- That is the Question




Looking at this, you’re probably thinking you’re about to get drilled (or applauded) on your decision to attend college.

…but, instead this is intended to provoke some success stories, as well as inform each other on the big decision that is… GOING TO COLLEGE.

If you’re like me, you went to college because you are supposed to, not because you want to. You just escape high school and you want to be done with note-taking and homework. But, if you ARE like me, you have seen the benefits of the decision. Yes, I’ve graduated college and I’m in debt, big time. BUT…it’s starting to pay off already.


You hear all the time about people that were successful that didn’t attend a higher learning institute. This is very possible, and we applaud those who do. From my knowledge, this is what you need if you want to skip college and make money.

You need a plan. Setting goals for yourself is the only way to measure your success. You also have to be devoted to your plan. As in all facets of life, things never happen like they’re supposed to. Deal with it and move on. You may have to change your approach to stay on track, but stay with it.

“You can do anything if you put your mind to it.” We’ve all heard it, and we’ve all questioned it. It’s true to an extent. I can’t jump high enough to touch the moon, but I can work harder, to jump higher. Be prepared, for the best and the worst, because times could get rough and you need a plan to stay on track.

Now for my thoughts on attending a college and/or a trade school.

Get your money’s worth. When you graduate, even if you don’t, you have a lot of money that you owe somebody: make it worth it. You don’t always use what you’ve learned in your post-education job, but there are several things you can take from college, instead of formulas and procedures.

Be social. Meet as many people as you can, and try to maintain that relationship. You may need them some day. This is a huge benefit of going to college. Use it.

Go to class. It’s difficult to wake up for that early class, but it’s a great practice for your post-education job. It also shows you’re devoted. It could change your grade from a C to a B if the professor sees your shiny face every day.

To wrap up my thoughts, I’ll start with this. Not everyone attends college, and that’s ok. Work hard at what you do, and you will see the results that you want. If you want to attend college, but don’t have the finances, there is financial aid available almost everywhere. Once again, work hard to find the money. As the graph above shows, it will eventually work hard for you.

Unless you have natural talent (musician, athlete, etc.), you will have to find a job and work the majority of your life. One way or another, you must be prepared.

Everyone’s experiences are different, what are some stories about your decision?

Intern #1
Knowledge is power

http://www.thebusinessshrink.com

What should be the official language of the United States of America?

English should be the official language of the United States. According to the Center for Immigration Studies “1.9 billion people worldwide, one-third of humanity, speak English”. With the flood of immigration, the number of English non-speakers in the US has grown.


Many people are surprised to learn that the United States has no official language, because it has not been voted on by all the 50 States. America is known as a melting pot, exactly 311 languages are spoken in the territory, but English remains the most widely spoken language in the US. Today, 89% of the population speaks English, but the reality is, the English non-speakers are immigrants. By having English as the official language by law, the United States will decrease the number of English non-speakers. That doesn’t mean that new comers to America are not allowed to speak their native language, or keep their traditions. In fact, Official language does not mean “English only.”

Dan Pak, a naturalized American of Korean origin, believes that we need to “Use common language to unite all Americans”. In fact, language is part of the culture of a country. For immigrants to feel integrated in a country, they have to speak the language, in order to communicate with others, and be able to exchange ideas. The U.S. Senator S.I. Hayakawa, founder of the modern official English argued, “Bilingualism for the individual is fine, but not for a country,” in fact, businesses, educations or laws are in English.


In the United States, English non-speakers may feel lonely, isolated, alienated, or even feel separate from the English-speakers. The inability to speak English could be a barrier to non-speakers, that’s why organizations, schools, colleges or universities propose English as a Second Language (ESL) or English Language Learning (ELL) to help English non-speaker learn English. The education system of America uses English, and every person should have the same chance of success. America is a “unique” country that offers opportunity to everyone.


If you have a strong opinion about what the official language should be, please feel free to comment.

Aigline, The Business Shrink Intern
The Business Shrink: Understanding the Psychology of Business and Money

Alzheimer's Patients: To Track or Not to Track?

“It was a hot summer’s night. Shortly after midnight, the daughter of MM heard the door slam. MM lived in a rural tidewater county with steep drainages and bluffs near a large tidal river. The 81 year-old mother suffers from moderate Alzheimer’s disease. The following morning the daughter notices that her mother is missing. The sheriff’s office is contacted and they initiate the search with the fire department, tracking dogs, helicopters, and air-scent dogs. The following day state search resources are contacted. The steep drainages, thick brush, and intense heat hampers the search. On the third day of the search, an air-scent dog strongly alerted in the drainage a half-mile and across the road from the MM’s home. A sweep team of active duty military was then dispatched to search the drainage. MM was located alive in thick brush 0.7 miles away from her home. She was dehydrated, but otherwise in good condition.1”

When your loved one has Alzheimer’s disease, situations like this can happen, even when being careful. “…60 percent feel the urge to walk off from their homes, and of these 40 percent actually get lost, causing distress to themselves and their families.” My grandmother has Alzheimer’s and like MM, she has had the same urges to run. Thankfully, she never got lost or ran off too far for us to catch her. Because of the fear of losing a loved one, there have been a few technologies developed to aid tracking. This blog shines some light on some of these devices.

“A mini-industry of technologies promises to find lost Alzheimer’s patients — from simple radio-wave beacons that cost $10 a month for batteries, to more-sophisticated GPS devices that can cost hundreds of dollars.”

The tracking beacons can be designed as hard-to-remove bracelets secured on patients’ wrists. Some sheriff’s departments, like the Melnick’s, have a program called Project Lifesaver, which uses radio beacons to locate a lost loved one. The problem with these devices is the gap of time that occurs between the moment the patient is missing and the moment you finally realize your loved one is gone.

The GPS devices can be hidden in shoes, cell phones, etc. They can be more accurate, but, according to MSNBC’s article (another link to the article), that depends on access to satellites powering the navigation tool. Another concern with GPS devices and tracking beacons is they may forget to wear it or set it down when they decide to wander. If this happens, both devices would be useless.

“Radiofrequency “tags” is a hot topic for assisted-living facilities. Patients wear a sensor read by receivers on doors that sound an alarm when someone strolls too far.” There is some worry that lazy caregivers may abuse devices, like this one. These devices are not supposed to be a replacement for a good caregiver or a way to make their life easier, but a way to keep the patients safer.

These and other similar are the most popular tracking devices for Alzheimer’s patients; each with different downsides. As with any consumer product, care should be taken when purchasing. Different tracking devices may be more effective with different situations or families.

My mother, Marcia Witte, cares for my grandmother who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease over 4 years ago. She has this to say about tracking devices:

“I think tracking would be helpful to people in the early stages of Alzheimer’s, but after that, their mental capacity varies enough from day to day that I don’t think it would be safe for the patient or other people they come into contact with. For example, what if they walked out in front of a car? I think they need familiar surroundings and to be watched fairly closely, and I don’t think a devise for tracking them provides enough care.

With my mother, one day she will seem fine, happy, and even overly appreciative; then the next day she’s angry, saying we don’t care about her and that we’re taking all her money. With variations so drastically different, it would not be safe for her outside of my watchful eye, with or without a tracking device.”

For those who have a loved ones suffering from Alzheimer’s and do not believe in the use of these tracking devices; there are other options to help keep them from wandering away. These tips are detailed at HealingWell.com.

• Install locks on the doors
• Install locks on the windows
• Consider alarms
• Erect fences and gates
• A Safe Return bracelet, necklace or emergency ID card
• Write their name and phone number on label on all clothing
• Dress in brightly colored clothing
• Keep all keys up and out of sight and reach
• Never leave a loved one alone in the car
• Avoid leaving a loved one home alone
• Don't be afraid to be creative

If you have stories or strong opinions about these tracking devices, comment and let us know what you think.

By Emily the intern at
The Business Shrink: Understanding the Psychology of Business and Money

1 "Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders SAR Research." AlzheimersSupport.com. <http://www.snipitron.com/BusinessShrinkIntern/Alzheimers_tracking_tags/Wandering_and_Alzheimers_Characteristics>.