Apps
I am a technologist, but I hesitate to throw technology at problems unless I'm reasonably certain technology won't create new problems like busy-work from fiddling around with the supposed 'fix.’
I found that citation management software can be a real time saver. I happen to use EndNote. However, using citation management software in no way implies that the student won't have to learn APA style.
More frequently than not citation management software imperfectly cites sources, which means the student has to know enough APA to correct citation errors.
Books
The ECM grad textbooks are a great resource. Some texts may speak more to your current professional role than others but I'd suggest keeping your texts. It is difficult to suggest books because of personal reading preferences and interest levels but I will suggest three books I've read and admired:
- Illicit by Moses Naim
- Treasury's War by Juan Zarate
- Thieves of State by Sarah Chayes
In Illicit, Moises Naim describes how globalization has helped to undermine governmental enforcement powers and aided a range of illicit activities. Illicit is a text for ECM 601 also. In Treasury's War, Zarate writes about his experiences coordinating US economic warfare response to international terrorism and other international relations challenges. In Thieves of State, Chayes writes about her experiences with grand corruption in Iraq and Afghanistan and studies variations in six other countries which are acutely affected by grand corruption.
Exercise
At some point or another a graduate-level student will feel the need to back away from the textbook or computer keyboard and engage in some kind of physical activity.
Physical activity does not need to be high-impact and may simply be walking around the block. Or swimming. Or biking. Or a regular gym program. Physical activity gives you a break from your academic role. I've had many 'ah-ha' moments when weightlifting, on the elliptical, or while running that paid off in terms of assignment and project ideas and grades.
Best of luck in your future studies!
About the Author
Scott Hibbard is a second-year Utica College ECM Grad Student (ABT). He is scheduled to submit his ECM thesis by December 2015.