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Thursday, December 5, 2013

6 Reasons Why Most Fresh Grad Job Searches Fail

The name says it all.

‘Job hunting’ – which literally translates to, hunting for a job. And who would dare argue about hunting being easy?

It is then no wonder why majority of fresh graduates find it hard to land a job (not necessarily their dream job) weeks and even months after graduation.  You’re just like a predator in the wild, hunting your prey without any guarantee of success.

How can this be? You’ve spent years in preparation; (read: drudgery) spent effort in attempting to master your craft; and more importantly, spent time - much of it - doing projects and assignments just to pass your subjects.

And just when you thought everything has finally paid off, you’ll find yourself trapped in this long-term, worldwide trend we call unemployment.

So yes, how can that be?


Source: Google Images



Well the thing is, you really don’t have to.  Even if a survey conducted by the NACE (National Association of College and Employers) reveals that they will only be hiring 2.1 percent more college graduates this 2013 than on 2012 as reported in cnbc.com, you need not to be a part of the ‘unlucky’ ones.

There are things you just need to keep in mind in order to get an edge in this competition. Below are six common reasons why fresh grads fail in job hunting. Read them and understand. Take notes if you like.

It all pays to be prepared. Always remember that.

1.      No Customized Resume

The Internet has indeed made our works easier and faster. But just because there’s the presence of predesigned resume templates online doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t make one ourselves.

Employers are looking for applicants, fresh grads or not, who stand out – someone who can give them something unique. So if you stick to the same resume design used by many who’d rather have the easy way out, then how will you outstood the others?

Alison Doyle, an employment expert who has years of experience in career development and human resources writes about different types of resume everyone can use. Try making one now and see how it makes some difference!

2.      Relying too much on the Internet

If employers have online advertisements on job vacancies, what’s the point in personally looking opportunities by myself?

True. Job vacancies can readily be available online. You can just Google it. No sweat, job hunting done. Now what? Do keep in mind, and I mean really keep in mind, that the internet is just a tool. The work is on you. It has its limits and you know it.

So go out and talk to people. Ask questions not on search engines but from workers, real people, your friends and family members. You’ll be surprised by how the real world can show you much more than what the internet provides.


Source: Google Images

3.      Minimal or no Effort at all in Doing Follow-ups

Job hunting doesn’t end with the HR (or the computer for online applications) accepting your resume. That’s just the start and not the end. If you leave it at that and wait for the call that will tell you ‘You’re hired,’ then forget it.

You’re not doing anything. Remember that this is a competition! We need speed! Patience is a virtue, but it’s not forever – most especially if we consider our empty pockets for the next couple of days if we still don’t have a job.

Wait for three days and call them. If there’s no response, wait some more, a week or two tops. Still if there’s nothing, go ahead and move on. There are jobs waiting for you. Don’t be late!


4.      Aiming for that ‘Perfect Job’

There’s no such thing as perfect job unless you work for it. While it’s true that you need to love something before you can really work for it, reality doesn’t always agree. Sometimes you have to do it the other way around.

If you keep on aiming for that perfect job, the tendency is you’ll be missing out opportunities – a lot of them. Some which might even lead you to the ‘perfect job’ you’re looking for.

You’re a fresh grad and experience will mean a lot in the long run. So find a niche. Check available opportunities and start something. Now.

5.      Taking Interviews for Granted


Source: Google Images

Interviews are not created for nothing. Nor is it employed to simply annoy you with questions like ‘Tell me something about yourself,’ or the basic ‘What are your strengths and weaknesses?’

Why are they so interested?

Actually guys, they’re not. They’re just doing their job. That’s it. Period. This doesn’t mean however that you can take it for nothing. The usual mistake is when you treat job interviews like that of a casual conversation with a friend.

For one, interviewers are technically not your friends. Two, they’re gauging your ability to deal with work professionally based on your personal responses. Lie to them and they’ll know it. Believe me.

Honesty plus confidence is the key here. And where can you get confidence if you still don’t have it? Preparation.

So there you go. Do it.

6.      Too Many Target Niche

What if the problem isn’t the scarcity of available jobs?  What if, the problem is that you have a lot of them (jobs)?

This is tricky, but once you spot this trend, you’ll be grateful you learned about it before applying for something.

Sometimes we have too many prospect companies on our list. We have one from advertising, media, law firm, ecommerce, and everything that we tend to lose our focus to the point of why we’re applying.  It’s not just about money. It’s about working for something that we’re capable of.

Look at your list again? What do you see? How many categories? More than 2? Really? Now why don’t you narrow them down before moving on? You’ll see more if you do.

It’s all a matter of knowing the rules of the game. We see but we choose to ignore them. Well, not anymore.


Thursday, September 5, 2013

Decoding Academic Regalia for a Masters Degree

Gradshop - Significance of masters graduate hoods

The hustle and bustle that comes before a masters graduation day can get very taxing for a student. Aside from making sure you get all the garments required to have complete academic regalia, you also need to think about your budget, especially for the graduation after party. There are also other matters such as having someone at hand to take good pictures of you and other concerns such as what to wear and what you need to do to get to the ceremony on time. However, you should know that there is nothing more important than your graduation attire to be well-prepared. In this article, we will talk about each item and how essential they are in making up the whole of your outfit.

The graduation robe

Also known as the toga or the graduation gown, the robe is the central item in academic regalia. By simply donning it on, you change from just another person in a nice suit or dress into a graduating masters student. This means that the robe you’ll be wearing is one unlike any other graduation gown you’ve worn before. Masters robes are often larger because they are made with more fabric, and they also have a style of their own, such as wider bell sleeves and more precise pleating. The material used is also more luxurious, such as velvet or raw silk. The history of the graduation robe springs back all the way to Roman times, and by wearing it with pride, you pay respect to tradition and how education and history go together.

The academic hood

You will see lots of images of hoods if you visit any website specializing in academic regalia, such as GradShop. Do masters graduates wear hoods for practical reasons or does it just serve a decorative purpose? Hoods are normally worn to protect the head from rain and snow, but academic hoods are kept off the head. This may not necessarily make them as important as graduation robes, but there really is nothing like a hood to turn an ordinary black robe into something extraordinary. Masters hoods are also made to look more prominent than hoods made for bachelors and associate degrees, and this way you will feel more special with the higher level you achieved in education.

The graduation cap

A well-fitting robe and a pristine academic hood may already turn you into a picture-perfect graduate, but to top the ensemble off, you need a graduation cap. There are two types of this: the mortarboard, which is the more common style. It features that distinctive square board on top and a tassel hanging from one side. The second type is the Tudor bonnet, used in only a few universities and often reserved for professors and other doctorates. Most schools carry the tradition of transferring the tassel from one side to another once the commencement exercises are over. Students also like to throw the caps up in the air in celebration. To get the perfect graduation cap, visit GradShop.com for ideas on what you need for your special day.

Remember that wearing the complete academic dress and having each item in it fit you perfectly is important to make your graduation day, so do what you can to make sure you get the best.

Tuesday, July 9, 2013

3 Tips to Save Money for Your Masters Graduation


Gradshop - The best time to buy affordable masters graduation hoods
Graduation days are truly special events. For one thing, every graduation gets better and more important. A high school graduation, for example, is more special than your grade school ceremony, while the graduation day you had in university when you received your associate or bachelor’s degree is even more memorable. 

A masters graduation day will top them all, and that’s why you may think it’s perfectly fine to spare no expense in getting ready for it. However, there is still no reason to not try and save money whenever you can. Check out our three tips below on how to stay practical on preparing for that special day so you can enjoy yourself to the full and not empty your bank account.


Consider renting instead of buying

Most universities nowadays offer the choice of selling academic regalia to their graduating students, and it is not surprising that a masters graduation attire will be more expensive than a bachelor’s academic regalia. The difference between masters’s vs. bachelor’s graduation gown lies in the style and the materials. A bachelor’s attire is far simpler. The robe uses less material and a plainer fabric, whereas a masters robe is often more elaborate and made out of expensive velvet or silk. The academic hoods and graduation caps are also more stylish.

To see how much money you can save, check out GradShop masters graduation hood for sale. Renting will save you more money, but it is worth noting that buying and keeping your own academic hood can be a very precious memento, especially for a masters degree. 

Opt for bulk orders
                                                                               If you've decided that you want to buy your own hood, try collaborating with your fellow graduates on purchasing a bulk order so that the individual price will be much lower. This will also work for graduation robes and caps. The best time to buy academic regalia is at least a week before the graduation day, and this is because the shop you are ordering the garments from will not be as hassled as they will be if you will order a day or two before the event. This way, you can also check that your graduate attire are in perfect condition and will fit you perfectly.

Universities can also order all the academic regalia they need from GradShop by bulk. This means tahat the university itself can save money, and naturally when they sell the garments to the students, the prices will be even more reasonable.


Send online invitations for your graduation celebration


Your family, relatives, and friends will definitely be glad to hear that you are receiving your degree, and let them know about the upcoming graduation day by contacting them online. Most people use the Internet nowadays anyway, so make full use of it. This will save you money and from having to go through the hassle of buying stationery and mailing them to different addresses. Just make sure you email them a good week before your graduation ceremony. This will ensure that those who live out of town will have enough time to schedule and plan for their trip.

Sunday, July 7, 2013

How Can You Get Custom Stoles For Your Graduation Day?

To have a really perfect graduation day, one of the things you need to do is to get the best graduation attire. Custom stoles, perfectly-fitting graduation robes, and an immaculate graduation cap make up this ensemble. The robes and the cap will most likely be provided by the university, or at least from some graduation shops that they collaborate with. Because you need to follow what the university dictates regarding graduation robe colors and cap styles, you really don’t have much to do about customizing them. Academic stoles, on the other hand, leave you more room to work with. In this article we will talk about how you can personalize your stoles for your graduation day as well as ideas on what you can do to make them look even more special.

What are custom stoles and where can you find them?

No graduation shop will ever run out of custom stoles, hoods, and cords. These are the three different ornaments worn over the graduation gown. The cord is simpler and is more commonly found in secondary graduation celebrations. The hood is considered to be the most exceptional and is often reserved for graduates of masters, law, medicine, and doctorates. The stole stands in between the cord and hood. It can be found even among primary and secondary graduates, and when customized can also hold its own for university graduating students.

How can you get custom stoles?

There are two ways you can go about this. First is to visit a graduation shop. If this shop is familiar with the academic regalia requirements of your school or university, then it is so much the better. You will be presented with samples of custom stoles and the ways you can personalize yours so that the stole will express your individuality and at the same time follow your school’s regulations.

The second step is to check out the website of a graduation shop. This way, you can see how stoles for the various universities differ from each other, and more. For example, GradShop custom stoles for masters degree will naturally look more elaborate than a stole designed for associate degrees and high school graduates.

Where can you buy custom stoles?

Most schools nowadays permit customization for their graduating students, especially for something that is already as special and decorative as a stole. A graduate of arts, for instance, may wear a different stole design than the graduating students of science, engineering, commerce, etc. And if you buy a stole, there are no limits to how you want to personalize it.

If you’re rushed by time, you can order a customized stole at www.GradShop.com. And don’t worry; online business is so popular now that you will most likely get little to no trouble at all. For lower prices, you can go for bulk orders by teaming up with your fellow graduates. GradShop also offers plenty of other items that you may find very helpful for your graduation, such as diploma covers, personalized diploma frames, and even graduation robes, caps, hoods, and cords that they can create or modify according to your preferences.

Friday, July 5, 2013

Tips when you Buy Masters Graduation Hoods Online


Gradshop - Tips when you buy graduation hoods online


Are you waiting for your graduation day? Making this big day a once-in-a-lifetime experience, you need to start with your Masters academic regalia. From the Masters Graduationhoods to gowns and caps, at commencement ceremony, each piece plays an essential role; this is a special time that may happen in your life that deserves an outfit by the same token as other special affair as well. Subsequently, opt for the most excellent garments possible above all hood as it holds your discipline being a Masters Degree candidate.

All through the graduation ceremony, you will feel paramount importance with your attire. How do you like to have your regalia- buy or rent? Read on the following are tips when you buy your Masters Graduation hood online"

List down the school design including the colors of your academic regalia especially the hood

Do not think that all the schools have the same styles, colors, and design. Every institution might have similarities with other institutions, but in most cases, they differ greatly when it comes to graduation outfit. This is due to countless students that tend to swerve to show up in this respectable day. This is the reason why you have to confirm all important details intended in your regalia before you make an order through online. Who knows? Maybe your school is one of those institutions that are too strict enough to disallow you to attend the graduate ceremony together with other graduates if you will not conform to their rules.

1 Have the right measurements

Did you measure your body measurement for your gown? How about your head circumference for your graduation cap? Finally, did you confirm the colors to be used for the Masters hood? The purpose of academic hoods is very important to differentiate you from the other candidates. Masters Degree is higher level in academic, thus, you must be confident to boost your pride with the best hood you could ever have for the graduation day. Keep in mind to wear your apparel for graduation when you get your measurements. The hood's length apart from the color is crucial. Of course, attach it precisely at the back of your gown.

Compare and distinguish the online shops


Check several online shops if you would like to guarantee the best and accurate graduation hood at a price that allows you to save money. So it's advisable to not only visit 1 or 2 shops. Endeavor to as many as you can.  After all, the Internet has boundless of online stores that provide graduation clothes.  Therefore, you need to remember the first tip beforehand or you will eventually acquire the wrong item. Online purchasing of graduation clothes can be the best solution when you are running out of time to obtain it. To look for it at local shops might take you longer than you expected. Regardless of your geographical location, all the pieces of garments that consist your graduation regalia can be common apparel wherever institution you graduate.

10 Things You Should Do Before Your College Graduation


Gradshop - College Graduation Invites

Days before your college graduation, you will most likely feel two dominant emotions that are fighting with each other. One will be the feeling that you can’t get over this busy time soon enough, and the other will be wishing for that special day to last forever. To help you through this very confusing time, we have created a list of ten things you should consider doing before your graduation. Not only will they help you get a more enriching experience, they may also cheer you up at finally accomplishing what you have always wanted to do.

1. Talk to that person you have always admired. Or at the very least, smile and wave. You’ll be glad you did so before your college graduation comes and you might never get to see that person again. And you never know, he or she may come over and talk to you, and you may find yourself earning a new friend or more!

2. Seek out your most favorite college professors, and tell them that you have always found them inspiring and that you are proud to have studied under them. Trust us; your professors will really appreciate it. However, it may be best to do this after your final examinations are over so that they won’t think you are sucking up to them for better grades.

3. Send out the most creative college graduation invites you can think of! Whether they come in the form of letters, cards, or digital art sent through email, be as wacky and original as you can. Not only will they be appreciated by your loved ones, they may also help convince them to give you a really great graduation present!

4. Take two old shirts and get your college buddies to sign one and your college professors to sign the other. These will prove as precious and special as your diploma in the future.

5. Make sure you have the complete set of academic regalia at least two days before your college graduation day. Your cap, robe, and hood should fit perfectly, be immaculate, and be free of wrinkles and other flaws.

6. Return all your library books. As much as you want to keep the ones you really love, remember that there are students who need them far more than you do.

7. Sit in on a class for fun. If your university is quite strict regarding attendance, talk to the professor in charge of the class first. He or she will most likely appreciate your interest and won’t mind you sitting in and learning something new for the day.

8. Join a club you have always wanted to, even if it’s just for one meeting. It could be glee club, the debate team, Red Cross volunteers, the photography club, etc. You might end up pursuing a new passion and meeting new friends.

9. Take a picture of you in your complete academic regalia in a professional studio. You can also have a friend who’s handy with a camera take your photos instead. If your college graduation attire isn’t ready, try GradShop for garments that look closest to what you will be wearing on that special day.

10. Above all, just have fun! Your college graduation will be one of the most memorable times in your life, so enjoy yourself!

Thursday, July 4, 2013

Best Gift For Doctoral Graduation


To find the best gift for a son or a daughter or a friend instead for his/ her graduation day can be really overwhelming. You have to think of one sensible thing that can make him or her happy. If the recipient will be receiving a doctorate certification, one of the best gifts to consider is the frames for diploma. The doctoral degree gives enormous pride to graduates. In the article entitled, Frames for diploma: the Most Practical Doctoral Graduation Gifts, frames may not cost that much.

Gradshop - best gifts for doctoral graduationPerhaps the most significant thought in preserving a document is the objects that truly touch certificates. What makes this frame for diploma to be your present is that it can always remind the recipient his or her achievement after all the hard work. Doctoral certificates are very important; thus, one of the best concerns of this item is to protect the crucial document from fading by placing them in a frame. 

You can choose either from these 3 options: clear glass, non-glare glass, or the anti-reflective glass. Every form of glass has a special feature that can affect the document to be contained in diverse ways. With a lot of frames to opt for the range of process can be overwhelming. For easy selection, you can visit GradShop for more choices. You can make sure that they offer best diploma frames fitted for doctoral certificates. All their type of frames holds a special means of flaunting your recipient's graduation memories and enjoys it for years. 

You can also get specialized frames where pictures taken during the graduation can be placed inside. If the graduate for instance received a tassel or a medallion, he or she can frame it at the side of the diploma too, and that extra pride to possess. There are numerous graduation frames with specific decorations. Prefer a high quality diploma frame on top form at all decor and also usable to frame other unforgettable moments together with your family and friends during your graduation day.

The recipient can choose where to put the frame, either on the walls at home or at the office. However, majority of individuals like better to hang the frame at home because the significance of their certification proffers more pride when their visitors see it. People give respect to a person who has gone through academic struggle that has been worthy and evident with their diploma. 

Graduation diploma frames are ideal as the best gift that you can bestow on graduation day for a fulfilling great memorabilia that any person can appreciate. So start looking for a shop now where you can obtain the frame. Inquire if you be able to customize in order to goes well with the qualities of the recipient. Stop spending too much money, because there's very affordable diploma frames offered in GradShop, in particular, since they are accessible in a lot of dissimilar sizes and enclose a diversity of gifts. Furthermore, you can make sure that this online shop provides you friendly service and easy navigating site. 

Custom Stoles, Rings and Graduation


Upon fulfilling the different levels of education we go through in life, we mark that triumph by celebrating what we now call graduation. Graduation commemorates the continuing life of a student to a new chapter. Although, oftentimes we like looking back at the past to view our fond recollections and see how far we have gone. In the present, we try to achieve that by creating great memories from the things we do to the things we wear and the things we carry with us.

Gradshop - Graduation rings and custom stolesHigh school graduations are on top of the list of those things, a milestone in our school life and life in broad spectrum. On the day of or after the ceremony, trinkets are given, special emblems and customized garments such as custom stoles are worn and kept to remember this day. After having said that, graduation rings and custom stoles for high school graduation are often considered for the occasion. But did you ever stop and think about how that came to be a traditional graduation feat?

The practice of class rings started in 1835 at the United States Military Academy. The rings were to signify their unity as a class and serve as a tribute to the times they spent at the academy. The rings are also meant to symbolize the graduate himself / herself – the students’ motivation on elf-development while in the campus and learning to shape those skills for a wider use upon moving on the next level.

It is supposed to be worn with the insignia of the ring facing the bearer (while in school) to remind the students of their goal to graduate, and as soon as the bearer graduates the insignia should face outward to meet the viewer as it serves now as a “badge of honor.” Other than that, it was formerly worn on the left ring finger, which was adapted from the customs of the Anglo-American and the Jewish, to signify the cadet’s connection to his class and the academy.

As for the graduation stoles, it had surprisingly a slightly less critical implication in the olden times. It was originally just worn as a covering in the cold schools of the middle age. Throughout the duration of time, it has been used to identify the graduate’s scholastic degree, achievements, and affiliations in school. Like the rings, it is another reminder of your success.

Currently, academic stoles can become custom stoles as to add more value to it. Graduates try to incorporate more definition into it than just the symbolisms it serves. They become accessories and additional embellishments to graduation robes as well. 

Up until today, this tradition still flourishes mostly in high schools in the nation. However, as the world continues to evolve and the norms begin to change, people try to incorporate certain elements to fit the modern times. Custom stoles are preferred, rings are modified, and tradition becomes novel, nevertheless we do not forget what the significance of these things are. The personalized class rings and custom stoles become not just a memorabilia but a legacy filled with sentimental value.

Wednesday, July 3, 2013

Getting to know your Graduation Hoods


Gradshop - what is the graduation hood color for every discipline

Hoods are usually used as a means of protecting the head from unnecessary elements. As time passed by, they were not only used for practical reasons but also to distinguish one’s status. This became apparent in the 14th Century when druids and priests used this piece of clothing to indicate that they have higher form of knowledge. In the modern times, this tradition is still kept alive during graduation ceremonies.

Before, when I have been to graduation ceremonies, I have noticed that graduates have this colorful type of clothing attached to their gowns. I didn't know what it was until I myself graduated in college. As a bystander or audience, you could never appreciate the beauty and thought of the whole academic regalia; graduation hoods and all. But as I get to know the meaning of every piece that consists the academic regalia, I came to appreciate what they represent. After all, it is not every time that you are given the opportunity to wear such distinguished apparels.

There are plenty of patterns used today, however, there are only two patterns of graduations hoods that are used in a traditional sense, these are:
  • full shape
  • simple shape.
The more tradition full-shape pattern is usually used at Cambridge. You can differentiate because it usually consists of a cape.

Simple shape hoods are used by bachelors and master’s degree graduates. Simple capes do not have a cape, however, they do have the cowl and lairize. But as time goes by, some universities do not follow the two patterns given above.

As it was previously mentioned, graduation hoods are often seen in different colors. There are times when you wonder what the purpose and how relevant are the colors of the hoods. These colors are designated according to the rank and faculty of the wearer. Arts, letter & humanities have white colored hood lining, while Education have Blue. Law is assigned to Purple, Medicine with Green and Science with Golden Yellow.

The hood is always worn with a gown, although there are some universities that do not apply this tradition anymore. Often times you will just see graduates with the usual academic regalia which consist of graduation gown and cap.

If you do not know how to properly wear your graduation attire hood, here are some tips you can follow:

  • You can hook the hood by the loop in the neckband.
  • The hood is usually hooked onto the button of a cassock. However, if you are not planning on wearing a cassock, you can just hook the loop onto your shirt button.
  • Make sure that the neckband of the hood is clearly hooked onto the collar under the tie. This secures the hood in place and avoids having the hood pull your shirt upward. However, you should also make sure that the hood is hooked properly into your shirt. Adjust the length of the hook since you do not want to pull the neckband too close to the front of shirt making the hood's placement awkward.
Just look in the internet for more information about Graduation hoods. It is better if you research on the qualities of a good graduation hoods so that you can avoid any dress mishaps during your most special day.

Sunday, June 30, 2013

The Best Time To Buy Graduation Hoods


When the graduation time is fast approaching, students become busy in preparing for the commencement exercises. They have so many things to keep in mind like the party to celebrate after the ceremony, more than ever, to their academic regalia. Among the accessories needed for the set of graduation clothing, graduation hoods are one of the primary pieces that can't be missing.

The graduation hoods bear the insignia of the school and your degree. Subsequently, you should make your graduation hoods perfect on your graduation day. To do this, set a sufficient time to prepare for your graduation clothing. Plan it out a month or two before the exact date of the event. A range of graduation hoods is accessible in the markets, both local and online that suit the needs of different people. It has been an extremely ordinary, traditional, and well-liked phenomenon that candidates have to be dressed in graduation clothing. 


Picking out the most appropriate graduation hoods is fairly easy task when you have time as much as necessary to search. Planning is important if you desire to buy significant graduation attire. Making your purchasing even more convenient, thanks to the Internet revolution. Online shops are thriving where you can get the item you want from hundreds of sites and compare their quality and prices. One good example is the GradShop.  GradShop Graduation Hoods for Sale comes to offer reasonable rates. 

They trade in clothing intended for graduation dress, ranging from kindergarten to college as well as diploma frame. To buy graduation outfit online is kind of special than buying them from a shop in the neighborhood. The security from buying in a local shop and buying in an online shop may greatly diverge; however, there are safety measures when you buy the best quality academic regalia and hoods from an internet shop. When you buy a graduation dress, you should take note the following:

When will be the best time to buy your academic regalia?

Start searching for this item early in "spring". Within February and March clearance sales are often had of older stocks, while in and within March and April, the newer stocks will be put on display. In May,loads of competition from the delay products in shopping. Shopping may vary from one shop to another based on schedule and may slightly differ in various areas of the country. This schedule also applies to many online shops. 

Are the requirements of your academic regalia and hoods already prepared?

There are more than a few things to determine when you buy regalia for commencement.When you visit GradShop in specific, you will discover a great set of academic dresses. They offer eco-friendly made items that are in high quality. If you want to save more, try to buy in bulk with your classmates.

How about your graduation accessories?

You can look for accessories at online stores that carry your needs. Learn the etiquette of the dress code in your graduation, do not wear bungles if it's not allowed; also, if you are going to stand for a long time during the graduation ceremony, do not ever buy the super pointed heel, or you'll suffer instead of enjoying the day!

Academic Regalia and Enjoyment



When it comes to Academic Regalia: They come in Different Designs and Color, the dress code is vital to heed on this day. The academic regalia must be worn in the best way, that is, you have to wear your gown properly, the cap must fit well on your head, the hood must be worn accurately at the back of the gown, as well as the other accessories required. From all of these, the color is important to match to your completed degree.

Bearing in mind that for the most part of graduation gowns are black, there are other colors representing special academic discipline. There are dark blue and red, signifying the value of their degree. Universities implicate their own custom when it comes to graduation attire such as Harvard, candidates of doctoral degree are entitled to wear the crimson gowns and the undergraduates have to match up their black gowns with crimson hoods. Therefore, they have to go after the color code provided by inter-collegiate code specified in 1893 that was changed over the years to be a sign of the added current majors.


Most academic regalia are classified from simpler to strict common gowns. This type of clothing and some other graduation accessories ranging from black to orange, blue, bright yellow, with gold trims are the modern colors. Though there are selections of colors that go with the universities' theme. When you want to find a graduation gown according to your degree color code, you find easily at online shops. The GradShop Academic Regalia Colors can help you have not only the accurate gown with your desired color, but as well as the best quality and fabric. There are several colors and methods to decide in terms to graduation gowns. You can refer online for your graduation requirements; these sites that can proffer you big discounts that will go well with your limited financial arrangement.

 The graduation rites for many students are a moment filled with expectations, excitements, and festivity. This period is the beginning of enormous change from being young students to mature professionals. Knowing it, graduation day should be a memorable day in each possible way. Your academic regalia must be the first ingredient to fulfill a brilliant commencement experience. After the ceremony, there is circumstance that confirmed graduates will throw their caps to the air that symbolize their new victory in life.

Afterwards, get ready for the party. Have you distributed your embellished invitation cards for your graduation party? This is the time to let loose and say farewell to all of your academic hard work. Make the best of the night happy, while you enjoy partying with your friends. Your graduation day and your graduation party is a celebration that will surely last for life!

Subsequently, with all the enjoyment of that day, you can then choose to relax and unwind for weeks or a month. But make sure that you find a job soon without wasting your time. Don't just squander your days with nothing. Start your professional life as soon as possible, for certain; you will love your new life living in lucrative way.

Friday, June 28, 2013

FAQs About Graduation Hoods and Robes


There a number of reasons why graduating students are made to wear special attire and they are normally not allowed to be worn on just any ordinary day. One reason is to preserve the formality of graduation days. These days don’t come every year, and each one is a hallmark to mark the passage between different educational levels. A person’s last graduation day, whether it be for a bachelor’s degree, medical, or juris doctor, is one of the most special days in a lifetime. It commemorates the passing from student to professional. This is why it’s important to know even a little bit about those special garments that you wear on graduation days, and here we will discuss some interesting FAQs about graduation hoods and robes.

What are graduation hoods?

Also known as academic hoods, these are garments similar to regular hoods except that they are not normally worn on the head anymore but hang low over the back. The ends of the hoods also drape over the shoulders and down the sides of the chest. Graduation hoods are also made from materials that are fancier than the more ordinary hoods. Silk, satin, and even fur is used to make these special ornaments.





Although the robe and the cap are the two primary elements of academic regalia, the hood is the finishing touch that will make the graduating student both look and feel confident and special. Graduation hoods symbolize the field you graduated from, for schools and universities around the world pay particular attention to the right colors that the hoods will show. Hoods also show how diverse cultures are. In UK, for example, hoods made of fur are quite common due to the chilly weather, while tropical countries like Sri Lanka prefer to make their hoods of cooler fabrics like silk.

What are graduation robes?

Also known as togas and gowns, these are the special clothing we don over a dress or suit during graduation days. Like hoods, graduation robes come in a variety of colors and finishes. This depends on the fabrics the schools decide are the best ones as well as other features like the weather and the preferences of the staff and student body. To see how diverse the styles and designs of academic regalia can get, you can check out GradShop graduation robes and hoods. The pictures will also give you an idea of how truly important these two elements of graduate attire really are.

Why are graduation robes important?

No respectable school or university will let a graduating student walk down the stage and receive a diploma without a graduation robe on. In fact, you can say without exaggerating that the graduation robe is the most important part of the academic regalia. Graduation hoods and even the mortarboard or graduation cap are easy to acquire, but a good robe may take some time to find and perfect.


It is also important for a student to get the best-fitting robe he or she can find. This will make the graduation day extra special, for he or she will naturally feel more comfortable and confident in a robe that is the perfect size and length.

The Different Designs and Details of Academic Hoods

Academic regalia, worn by candidates and faculties during graduation day, are the common clothing that we see. They step with this attire in different colored academic hoods, head pieces, and tassels as they march towards the stage. Wearing of regalia has been a long-established tradition for centuries. Though it has been affected by several new styles, but the meaning remains.

To avoid uncertainty, it is important for all graduates to know the sequence of academic hoods. All at once, this piece of clothing is used by the candidates in the academic occasion, in spite of the reality that academic hoods are worn both by the students and professors in similar way. However, these may differ in shapes to classify the standing of the wearer as either a student or a member of the faculty.

In particular to the academic hoods, these pieces are one of the imperative components to wear in graduation. It varies when it comes to selection of fabrics in producing them. The role that these type of hoods play for the graduation can be very crucial as they show definite functions and meaning. By and large, there are 3 main points that compose a conventional academic hood, and these are:

1.       The primary fabric
2.       Velvet color -  represents the degree
3.       The lining section - where the designated color of the university is shown

The styles of the academic hoods are recognized into 3 groups as a rule.


1.       Hoods used by the professors
2.       Hoods used by the students
3.       Hoods used by associate degrees graduates

Gradshop Academic HoodsEvery hood is designed with a dissimilarity that is unique in every hood especially in their shapes, though it can be determined right away.

The size of the academic hoods corresponds to the hood's degree whether it is for bachelor's hood, master's hood, and doctoral hood. Whatever the respective degree you hold, besides the difference of the velvet color, the hoods also diverge in terms to sizes and shapes at the same time. Take a look at GradShop academic hood designs for your appropriate design and color as well as the size and the shape. The main fabric use for the hood is typically available in black color. Black is major color in the preponderance of academic hoods, on the other hand, there are a number of universities that entail special colors for the hood to connect it with the color of their robes.

Specifically for the doctor's academic hood, the right velvet color for the PhD is commonly dark blue. Those who have finished a degree of Doctor of Education will use light blue color for their velvet, while those who hold PhD in English will receive dark blue velvet. Candidates for PhD Doctor in Engineering will also receive dark blue velvet, but for the non-PhD in Engineering will get gold color velvet.

Most students who anticipate for their graduation event usually find it hard to locate the right hood for them. The GradShop can support your concern if you underwent the same situation. You can make sure that they provide the best and the precise design, style, color, and length for your hood.

Tuesday, June 25, 2013

The Proper Academic Hoods Dress Guide


Graduation day is symbol of the concluding period of academic. Since college is the highest level of schooling, you might have the option to continue or not your academic level if perchance there is.  This is the day of recognition of your effort and hard work that have gone into certification while showing that you made it through the most anticipated stage that anyone would wanted. The academic hoods are one of the pieces that complete the academic regalia.

The hood was the first functional article of clothing worn out to purposely protect the head from any rudiments. It is built-up frequently with bright and beautiful material worn merely on specific occasion. Since the churches of the past centuries highly influenced the academic regalia, there are crucial to must follow.

The Academic Dress Guide is very important to present properly during the ceremony. All potential graduates must have known the proper way to wear it especially the hoods, since this has the most intricate dress guide to wear.

The dress guide of the academic hood

The academic hoods need to be positioned above your head in order for it to fall down accordingly on your shoulders at the back part of your gown. It is important that the velvet border needs to be placed on the exterior. And ensure that the hood's lining is ejected for its color(s) that illustrates your institution which presents your degree are highly shown. To do this, you have to turn the velvet trim towards its exterior through the back part ideally below the shoulders. To put your hood in place, that is the cord's purpose. The cord placed at the front part is important to maintain the hood space away from the neck by fastening it to a button of your gown zipper.

Academic hoods etiquette is a custom recognized during 14th century. By wearing it, graduates' of the current time use it as a demonstration of their academic achievement. The hoods display their success n the commencement ceremony. That is why all the higher education institutions around the world are strictly fulfilling with the rules proposed originally by the Committee on Academic Customs in the U.S. American Council on Education in 1959.

When it comes to hoods, these include 2 main patterns which are:

1. The simple shape - The bachelor's and the master's at Oxford use this shape without cape but only the lairize and the cowl.

2. The full shape – this shape compose of a cape, the one worn at Cambridge.

Therefore, the selection of hoods will rely on the universities personal choice. Most of the schools today have their own selection of hoods will rely on the universities personal choice. In most of the times, related to present pattern still hold the styles from the ancient universities. The hood is worn along with the graduation gown all the time although there are a number of exceptions. And be aware that it is not only the students who wear it but as well as the faculty.

For more tips, advises, and guidance, check out this website, GradShop.com.

Monday, June 24, 2013

Why Schools Should Consider Unique Academic Regalia

What is the most special day of the school year? If you’re thinking it’s the first day of school - chat with their friends, check out new classmates, sign up for new subjects, and show off new clothes - you’re pretty close. But in my opinion nothing beats the last day of school, especially for those who are graduating. Graduation days don’t even come every school year, and this alone is what really makes them special. And what is the best way to make graduation days even more memorable? It is having a unique academic regalia.

Gradshop Unique Academic Regalia For Any SchoolAcademic regalia or academic dress stands for the garments worn during graduation days, and they can also be worn more often by members of special guilds for really high-profile universities. The usual academic dress consists of the full attire that graduates wear. But which particular garments will be worn on a particular event differs on a lot of factors. Universities tend to make a point of having personalized academic dress. Culture and climate also play a role. This is to help keep the students and academic staff as comfortable as possible during the graduation day. How can you feel special if you’re sweating under a wool robe in 90 degree weather?

Because academic regalia for schools differ a lot, it is easy for graduating students to wear their special attire for the day with pride. Probably, the worst thing a school can do is to hand out plain or regular graduation robes for their students to wear. Sure, it may be easier on the budget and less stressful, but a plain black robe without a cord or stole to accessorize it with can be quite a disappointment for graduates who are looking forward to wear something extra special for that day.

So how should universities and schools go about getting personalized academic regalia? Well, the easiest step is to check out a business website that specializes in it, such as www.GradShop.com. If you’re in charge of deciding how the robes, stoles, hoods, and cords should look like, the website also has a lot of images that can help you narrow down your choices to designs that would fit the requirements of the school. Check out the different styles for inspiration. It may take a while for you to settle on a final look, especially since you may need different designs for the various sections, colleges, degrees, staff levels, and other societies and factions in the school. But with the help of the Internet, this task will be easier for you.

Once you’ve settled on some styles, you can also contact GradShop and inquire how much bulk purchases will be if you order academic regalia in this or that style and in this quantity. Customized graduation attire will definitely cost more, but you can contact the website and negotiate for prices or even go for ready-made robes and accessories that they already have available. GradShop and other websites even feature other necessary items, such as diploma covers, caps, frames, and more, making it easy for you to order everything you need through just one site. With all the ease you can get academic regalia now, getting them personalized will take little to no trouble at all.

Sunday, June 23, 2013

Avoid Graduation Mishaps: Pick The Right Academic Regalia



 As your graduation day approaches, the need for you to find your academic regalia to be worn on that day becomes very overwhelming.  Let us be honest, graduating whether in kinder, high school, college or doctoral is probably the biggest event in your life; it marks the end of a chapter in a life of a student and the start of a new one. And to symbolize such event, such an accomplishment, it is therefore important that you wear the most appropriate and chosen graduation gown, cap and hood.

You do not want to arrive in the ceremony missing a cap or hood now, would you?  Or even having mismatching ones! You have to prepare ahead of time to look for the appropriate academic regalia to wear. For those who do not have enough time to do so, there are a few advices that can help you in making the right decisions. Although for some, wearing the right academic regalia does not seem important, but that does not mean that you should not pay attention to what you are wearing on your most special day.

Graduation day is considered to be one of the greatest and happiest memories to look back to. That is why you have to make every second of worth remembering. You have to look at your best, feel at your best, and be at your BEST!

And to be at your BEST, here are some tips to make sure that you pick the right academic regalia:

It is essential that you verify the correct size of the graduation gown for you. It should fit perfectly. Make sure that it is not too airy or too loose. If it is, you should exchange it for the one that does.


Before buying or renting the gown, be sure to also check for the cap, cord, and stoles. The accessories should match well the distinction being given and of course, your degree. For example, stoles and cords come in different colors. Gold cords are worn by graduates in the honor roll.  Law graduates wear purple colored academic regalia; academic regalia Engineering graduates wear orange colored graduation accessories and green colored stoles are worn by students graduating in medicine and so on.

Remember that the purpose of choosing and looking ahead of time is to be sure that you will be at your most perfect self during the ceremony. So while you are at it, be sure to choose your overall graduation attire too. Keep in mind that you must look your very best-projecting the achievements you have attained through the years. This is most essential to doctoral graduates who have waited for so many years to march on the stage and receive their most awaited reward, their PhD degree.

For those who are interested to know more about the different types of academic regalia, reading the article What You Should Know About Doctoral Graduation Regalia can help you. You will be sure to find a lot of information that will prove to be useful.

Again, be sure to make this graduation day one of your happiest memories by feeling and looking good!