MCAT Prep by MedSchoolCoach is the Only MCAT Study App You’ll Ever Need!
By: MedSchoolCoach
(This is a Sponsored post from MedSchoolCoach. To see all the companies that help support #LifeofaMedStudent, check out the Sponsors page.)
Studying for the MCAT exam can be difficult for pre-med students – and expensive. This is no longer the case. MedSchoolCoach launched a new mobile app called MCAT Prep designed to be comprehensive, used on the go, and for a limited time is entirely free.
A Leading MCAT Educator Created MCAT Prep Especially for Future Doctors
Ken Tao is a national authority on the MCAT and is the MedSchoolCoach Director of MCAT Tutoring. He has worked with thousands of undergraduate students in helping them boost their MCAT scores. Before MedSchoolCoach, he was one of the highest-rated MCAT tutors of all-time at Princeton Review. Ken has also written content for dozens of MCAT books and guides.
“These days a typical MCAT course can cost students over $2,000, which many students cannot afford. MCAT Prep provides another study option for students that is both accessible and effective” said Ken Tao. “Furthermore, it’s the only MCAT study tool designed primarily for use on a mobile device. It was our goal to build a comprehensive resource, as opposed to existing mobile applications that offer just limited features.”
A Comprehensive MCAT Study Resource in One Place
For the first time, MedSchoolCoach created an all-encompassing solution built specifically for the MCAT. While institutions like Khan Academy historically have provided great resources for premeds, none provide a solution for a complete MCAT course from start to finish. MCAT Prep is jam-packed with features:
Video Tutorials – Watch more than 250 high-quality MCAT videos with 80 hours of high-yield content across all AAMC sections and topics. Most of the videos are shorter than 10 minutes, which allow students to comprehend the material easily.
Study Scheduling & Progress Tracking – Students can plan what they need to do each day during MCAT prep and track their completion through the entire MCAT journey.
Flashcards – 1,000+ flashcards present a term or concept for the user to define. Flipping the card reveals the proper definition and students can flag cards for later review.
Practice Questions – 1,000+ questions that allow students to check their comprehension of the science concepts in each video. Each question also includes a detailed explanation.
Money is No Object as High-Quality MCAT Content is Now Available for the Masses
Today, more than ever, the inequalities of being able to access a $2,500 prep course are apparent. While good content exists for those who can afford it, those who cannot are left to study on their own. Adding to the already expensive process of applying to medical school (not to mention getting through an undergraduate degree), an MCAT prep course is simply not feasible for thousands of prospective physicians.
MCAT Prep by MedSchoolCoach leveled the playing field. The app trial is completely free. Plus, premium features include customizable question banks and the ability to download class notes across hundreds of test topics!
Students Are on the Go, and Textbooks Are Heavy
MCAT Prep was created with mobile in mind. While all students would love to have eight hours a day for ten weeks to study for the MCAT, that isn’t the reality for most.
Between classes, extracurriculars, volunteering, jobs, and family, it is increasingly difficult for students to find dedicated study time. Students can take MCAT Prep on the go wherever they are. Plus, they can also use it while studying at home on a desktop, laptop, or tablet, picking up seamlessly wherever they left off on their mobile device.
No other MCAT course was built with mobile in mind the way MCAT Prep was.
Download MCAT Prep by MedSchoolCoach Today
“MCAT Prep enables MedSchoolCoach to assist a much wider group of students than they can with their one-on-one tutoring alone. The app’s suite of services is accessible to all students, regardless of means,” Ken Tao added. “I cannot wait for you to try MCAT Prep on your iPhone, iPad or Android device.”
Download MCAT Prep for iOS from the Apple Store.
Download MCAT Prep for Android from the Google Play Store.
MedSchoolCoach:
MedSchoolCoach was founded in 2007 with a simple premise: physicians should help future physicians. Since that time, we’ve helped more than 12,000 students get into and through medical school.
Our advisors are actual physicians with admissions committee experience. Our tutors go through the most rigorous selection process in the industry. Our company is focused just on one thing: build future physicians.
It’s around this time of year, the new pencil case nostalgia and back to school playground bells ringing in my ears, that I start itching to spend money like I have the stuff to burn. LEAVE MY POCKETS AND REPLACE YOURSELVES WITH BURGUNDY CORD, I dramatically bellow into the distance, patting myself down and rifling through old handbags like I’m looking for treasure.
Obviously it’s the breath of fresh air into my most-worn that I’m really craving and definitely not the urge to empty my bank balance, and with this knowledge in mind (and before The Big Wardrobe Sort Out which admittedly I never got round to doing for summer)- I thought I’d share some of images and outfits that have been re-inspiring me before I go on a total bender on Vinted (have you ever heard a less poetic sentence? No, me neither). Whether that’s Pinterest ideas or outfit recipes that I turn to again and again this time of year- half of the fun is shaking up what you already have and wearing it again with brand new eyes in just a bit of a new way.
When it comes to dressing any time from late September, the below are a series of outfits that I find myself coming back to again and again. All rooted in a heavy dose of nostalgia, a sprinkling of sixties and some true 70s news anchor energy for good measure. They are as follows:
THE MINI:
A pinafore dress, layered with frilly or dagger collared shirt/slim roll neck, tights and Mary Janes (I feel like over the knee boots also work very well for this).
THE CORDS:
Cords in a warm tonal colour, paired with a denim jacket (the perfect thing to go underneath coats for when it’s colder too), a buttoned up cardigan, t-shirt and fun trainers or fun ankle boots.
THE DENIM:
Double denim galore! Denim is a true baseline for my autumn wardrobe and really does the most in an outfit when it’s paired with beautiful tan pieces and a silky neck scarf, or even a bomber jacket for a real Sex Education cast member feel. In short, if it’s good enough for George Harrison or Aimee Gibbs, it’s a go go.
THE SUIT:
A two (or three) piece suit for a lifestyle I frankly do not lead and class I do not teach, but every September convince myself it could be a valuable addition to my wardrobe (surprisingly they always *do* get worn- there’a a corporate girl in me forever waiting for her time to shine).
And! If I’m not abiding by one of the four styling pillars above, chances are I’ll be taking inspiration from the below three styling seasonings, which always help draw my focus onto the things I’m particularly attracted to during a season (especially if I’ve just seen something I’m giddy for, and can *really* pick apart what I’m loving about it and whether I can find something similar secondhand) whether that’s the…
COLOUR
Whether that’s primary-coloured socks to make summer shoes autumn friendly or a soft pastel blouse to add a little softness to richer autumn tones or for A* under-knit layering- the power of mixing up the colours you think ‘match’ and go together can truly open up so many avenues. So often I’ll see a knit and perhaps realise it’s not the jumper I love but the colour and the way it’s been styled unexpectedly. After my pal Kerry introduced it to me (a woman who is also so, so brilliantly versed in styling colour), for my birthday I received this Japanese colour dictionary which is truly WONDERFUL at helping you work out complimentary colours and the way tones work together. I’ve always been a stickler for textbook traditional coordination when it comes to getting dressed, and this truly spins it on it’s head which has been truly refreshing when putting an outfit together.
SHAPES
‘Tis the season where a summer solely built on ethereal floaty dresses merges with a juxtaposition of mannish tailoring, three tiered layering (give me a roll neck, sweater vest and blazer as a minimum pls) and interesting shapes to really help create outfits that feel pulled together and ‘me’. I feel like I’ve properly learnt about the shapes that work for me from season to season; whether that’s a particular shape of jeans (normally sailor cut, with front pockets), a dress length that I know will work well with boots (longer than a midi but not quite full length) or the type of coat I’ll wear every day- I know I’m far more likely to feel confident in what I’m wearing (and keep comparison at bay) when I’ve stuck to the shapes I know.
TEXTURES
I think one of the most exciting things about autumnal dressing are the total collage of textures that you can play with when getting dressed. We’re striding out of linen season and into a time where anything from jumbo cord, thick aran knits, rich velvet, silky satins and silks, indigo denims, smooth leathers and cosy cashmeres are all on the agenda. Nothing is off limits! As well as cheese and pickle, Lea & Perrins and macaroni and a hot chocolate and an autumnal walk; a vintage printed silk blouse and a great pair of cords or some dark denim and rich oranges truly make for two of the iconic duos of autumn.
An experimental antibody therapy for multiple sclerosis can cut symptom flare-ups by half, versus a standard treatment, a new clinical trial has found.
The drug, called ublituximab, beat a standard oral medication for MS in reducing patients’ relapses — periods of new or worsening symptoms. It also proved better at preventing areas of inflammatory damage in the brain.
Ublituximab is not yet approved for treating MS; the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is reviewing the trial data and is expected to make a decision by the year’s end, according to drugmaker TG Therapeutics.
If approved, ublituximab would be the latest in a newer group of MS therapies called anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies: lab-engineered antibodies that target specific immune system cells that drive the MS process.
The new findings offer more proof that the approach benefits patients, according to an expert who was not involved in the trial.
“Is this revolutionary? No. But it’s further confirmation of a clinical benefit from targeting this population of cells in the blood,” said Dr. Lauren Krupp, who directs NYU Langone’s Multiple Sclerosis Comprehensive Care Center in New York City.
MS is a neurological disorder that usually arises between the ages of 20 and 40. It’s caused by a misguided immune system attack on the body’s own myelin — the protective sheath around nerve fibers in the spine and brain. Depending on where the damage occurs, symptoms include vision problems, muscle weakness, numbness, and difficulty with balance and coordination.
Most people with MS have the relapsing-remitting form, where symptoms flare for a period, then ease. Over time, the disease becomes more steadily progressive.
Immune system cells called B cells seem to play an especially key role in driving MS. So recent years have seen the development of monoclonal antibodies that deplete the blood of B cells. One, called ocrelizumab (Ocrevus), was approved in the United States in 2017. A second — ofatumumab (Kesimpta) — followed in 2020.
Both antibodies deplete B cells by targeting a protein on the cells called CD20. Ublituximab has the same target, but it’s engineered to be more potent at killing B cells, said Dr. Lawrence Steinman, lead researcher on the new trial.
The trial did not compare ublituximab against either existing anti-CD20 antibody, stressed Steinman, a professor of neurology at Stanford University. So it’s not known whether it’s any more or less effective.
But a potential advantage of the new antibody, Steinman said, is that it can be administered rapidly.
Both Ocrevus and ublituximab require patients to go to a medical facility for infusions every six months. But an Ocrevus infusion takes about three hours, while ublituximab can be given in one hour.
Kesimpta, meanwhile, avoids infusions altogether. It’s taken at home once a month, using an auto-injector.
“There are different solutions for different people,” Steinman said. “I think it’s always good to have options.”
The findings, published Aug. 25 in the New England Journal of Medicine, are based on more than 1,000 patients with MS, mostly the relapsing-remitting form. A small percentage had secondary progressive MS, a second phase of the disease that follows the relapsing-remitting years.
About half were randomly assigned to ublituximab infusions, while the other half took the oral medication Aubagio (teriflunomide).
Over 96 weeks, ublituximab patients were half as likely to have a relapse — with an average annual rate of just under 0.1, versus almost 0.2 among Aubagio patients. And on MRI scans, they showed fewer areas of inflammation in the brain.
B cells are responsible for churning out infection-fighting antibodies. So a main safety concern with B-cell depletion is that it can leave people more vulnerable to infection. That was the case in this trial: 5% of ublituximab patients developed a serious infection, including pneumonia, versus 3% of Aubagio patients.
There are many drugs approved to treat MS. But Krupp said some recent studies are showing that patients fare better long term when they get “high-efficacy” medications — which include anti-CD20 antibodies — versus older drugs with more-moderate effects.
To Steinman, earlier is better when it comes to starting high-efficacy treatment.
SLIDESHOW
What Is Multiple Sclerosis? MS Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis See Slideshow
“My philosophy is, if insurance will cover it, knock the disease down hard and fast,” he said.
That brings up the real-world issue of cost: CD20 monoclonal antibodies are expensive; the current list price for Ocrevus is about $68,000 per year, according to drugmaker Genentech.
So often, both Krupp and Steinman said, medication decisions depend on which ones are covered by a patient’s insurance plan.
More information
The National Multiple Sclerosis Society has more on treating MS.
SOURCES: Lawrence Steinman, MD, director and professor, neurology and neurological sciences, and pediatrics, Beckman Center for Molecular Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, Calif.; Lauren Krupp, MD, director, NYU Langone Multiple Sclerosis Comprehensive Care Center, and professor, pediatric neuropsychiatry, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York City; New England Journal of Medicine, Aug. 25, 2022
There’s a reason why the Mediterranean Diet reigns supreme as one of the most popular—and effective— diets of all time. It’s an easy, evidence-based eating plan full of delicious whole foods with numerous health benefits.
In fact, year after year, the Mediterranean Diet ranks number one on U.S. News & World Report Best Diets list, and once again, it slips into the first-place spot for 2024.
This accessible approach to healthy eating emphasizes nutrient-rich plant-based foods (vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes) and heart-healthy fats. The Mediterranean Diet has been shown to support weight loss, cardiovascular health, brain power, and promote graceful aging.
Numerous studies suggest that sticking to a Mediterranean Diet can lower a person’s risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, certain cancers, dementia, depression, and other serious health conditions.
If you’re in search of a diet that’s not only easy to stick to but also budget-friendly and scientifically backed, the Mediterranean Diet might just be your perfect match. Need a starting point? Check out this 7-day meal plan to effortlessly prepare a week’s worth of deliciously nourishing meals.
What is the Mediterranean Diet?
The Mediterranean Diet is less of a diet and more of a lifestyle approach for good health and well-being. It’s all about savoring nutrient-dense, whole foods that you already love, rather than restricting food groups or counting calories.
While there aren’t strict rules about what you cannot eat, the Mediterranean Diet does
emphasize consuming only moderate amounts of poultry, dairy, eggs, and wine…. while placing stricter limits on red meat and sweets.
The Mediterranean Diet is based on the traditional foods and eating habits of people in the countries neighboring the Mediterranean Sea, including Greece, Italy, Spain, Turkey, Morocco, and Croatia.
There are actually 16 countries that border the Mediterranean Sea, and each varies in terms of the foods available, cuisine, spices and cooking methods. However, the same overall basic diet principles apply:
Eating is focused primarily on plant-based foods, including vegetables, fruit, legumes, whole grains, nuts and seeds.
Butter is replaced with olive oil.
Fish, eggs and poultry are the animal proteins of choice.
Dairy such as yogurt and cheese, is limited to a few times per week.
Red meat is limited to no more than a few times a month.
Meals are flavored with various herbs and spices.
Food is shared and enjoyed with friends and family.
Joy’s 7-Day Mediterranean Diet Plan
This plan provides approximately 1,600 calories per day, offering individuals seeking weight loss a reference point for portion size. Note: the plan includes the option for a glass of wine, a small daily treat and unlimited non-starchy vegetables; see below. Tailor it to suit your personal weight management and wellness goals—adjust portions up or down as needed.
Click graphic above to download the plan!
Eat on a schedule: Have a meal or snack at least every four to five hours.
Mix and match any of the meal and snack options. Repeat favorite meals/snacks as often as you’d like.
Plan your menu the night before, so you’re armed with a game plan.
Drink water throughout the day. Keep a reusable water bottle on hand for continuous sipping.
Stick with healthier snacks when watching TV or a movie: such as light popcorn or veggies.
Enjoy unlimited amounts of non-starchy vegetables (carrots, tomatoes, peppers, celery, cucumbers, etc.) at any point in the day.
Be selective with treats and alcohol. Try your best to stick with small portions of sweet treats and moderate your alcohol consumption.
Breakfast options
Greek Omelet: Combine 1 egg and 3 egg whites with spinach, dill and optional feta. Enjoy with 1 slice of whole-grain toast on the side.
PB & Berry Breakfast Bowl. This easy morning meal has got everything you need for a magnificent day.
Oatmeal with Fruit and Nuts. Combine ½ cup dry oats with 1 cup milk of choice (almond milk, low-fat cow’s milk, etc.).Top with ½ cup chopped fruit, 1 tablespoon chopped nuts and 1 optional teaspoon of honey or maple syrup. Sprinkle with ground cinnamon.
PB & Banana English muffin. Toast 1 whole-grain English muffin. Top with 1 tablespoon of peanut butter, ½ sliced banana and a sprinkling of cinnamon.
Avocado ‘n Egg Toast. Level up the classic avocado toast with a protein-rich twist. Enjoy with any preferred vegetables or seasonings.
Longevity Smoothie. Make this delicious superfood smoothie. To increase the protein, add a scoop of vanilla or chocolate protein powder, or enjoy with a hard-boiled egg or container of single-serve Greek yogurt on the side.
Overnight Oats. Enjoy one of these delicious “make ahead” variations: Banana Bread Overnight Oats, Blueberry Muffin Overnight Oats or Key Lime Overnight Oats.
Lunch options
Grilled Fish and Veggies. Enjoy 6 ounces of any preferred fish with 2 cups vegetables, grilled, roasted or sautéed in olive oil.
Mezze Plate with Hummus, Nuts and Fruit. Create a Mezze plate with ¼ cup hummus (try my Lentil Hummus or Edamame Hummus) and unlimited crudité or raw veggies, 1 small whole grain roll or ½ large pita, 1 cup grapes, and 10 almonds or walnuts (or 1 ounce of cheese).
Mediterranean Quinoa Salad. This Mediterranean masterpiece incorporates all the amazing and tasty standouts of the health-promoting diet.
Lentil Veggie Superfood Stew. Enjoy 2 cups of this super scrumptious stew that will nourish your body from head to toe. Enjoy with fresh fruit on the side (1 cup grapes or berries, or 1 apple, pear, orange, grapefruit, or banana).
Chicken Caesar Wrap. Enjoy this Chicken Caesar Wrap made with a creamy avocado dressing. Bonus points for crunchy carrot sticks or bell peppers on the side.
Wild Salmon and Chickpea Salad. Make this delicious Mediterranean-style salmon salad.
Mediterranean Harvest Bowl. Build a nourishing bowl where each bite brings savory-sweet, crisp, crunchy goodness… and a cornucopia of nutrients.
Dinner options
Mediterranean Stuffed Peppers with Tahini Drizzle. Make stuffed peppers and enjoy with a side salad of mixed greens and non-starchy vegetables topped with 2 teaspoons olive oil and unlimited balsamic vinegar or fresh lemon juice.
Lemon Chicken Soup with Orzo. Combine tender chicken, delicate orzo and citrusy goodness for a great big bowl of sunshine. Enjoy with a chopped salad dressed with 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil and unlimited vinegar or fresh lemon juice.
Grilled fish with Superfood Minestrone. Enjoy any roasted, grilled or baked fish of choice with 2 cups of this flavorful and veggie-packed minestrone soup.
Shrimp Broccoli Scampi. Make this light and flavorful pasta dish that’s fast enough to whip up on a busy weeknight but fancy enough to serve for a special get-together.
Greek Burgers with Feta and Roasted Red Pepper. Make this Mediterranean-inspired turkey burger.Add a side salad dressed with 1 to 2 teaspoons olive oil and unlimited vinegar, lemon juice or lime juice.
One-Sheet Mediterranean Shrimp with Charred Vegetables. Make this one-and-done meal with shrimp, broccoli, and green beans. Enjoy this recipe with a baked sweet potato or 1 cup cooked rice, quinoa or whole-grain pasta.
Chicken Bruschetta. Elevate your bruschetta game by making Chicken Bruschetta. Enjoy it with a side of preferred veggies and a baked sweet potato or 1 cup cooked rice, quinoa, or pasta.
Snack options
• Dried apricots and almonds: 8 dried apricots (or 3 dates) with 10 almonds.
• Light popcorn: Enjoy 4 cups of any store-bought light popcorn, or make these tasty variations Rosemary-Parmesan Popcorn or Fiesta Lime Popcorn.
Last weekend I hit the Arc’teryx Climbing Academy to test out the latest GORE-TEX Epe membrane technology in the form of the Arc’teryx Beta Lightweight GORE-TEX Jacket. This jacket is a game-changer, promising top-tier performance while significantly reducing its environmental impact. Let’s see how it held up in the rugged terrain of the Lake District.
The new GORE-TEX innovative Membrane
So, what sets this jacket apart? It’s all about the ePE membrane. GORE-TEX has engineered this remarkable technology to be thin, strong, and incredibly durable, all without sacrificing an ounce of performance. But the real game-changer is its reduced carbon footprint.
How, you ask? Durability is key. A jacket that lasts longer spends less time in the production cycle, saving energy and resources. Plus, the Beta Lightweight incorporates recycled materials, further minimising its environmental impact.
You might be surprised to learn that even the colour of the Beta Lightweight plays a role in its eco-friendly design. The solution-dyed fabric drastically reduces water and chemical use compared to traditional dyeing methods. This, combined with the PFC-free DWR finish, proves that you don’t have to sacrifice performance for sustainability.
Testing the GORE-TEX technology in Action
The Arc’teryx Academy event was in Great Langdale in the Lake District and been the UK a whole host of different weather was forecast across the weekend, Giving perfect testing conditions for this latest technology GORE-TEX has to offer.
Across the weekend I seriously put this jacket through its paces! The first clinic I attended was a rescue skills course high in the hills of Great Langdale. This is were breathability was really tested, The approach to the crag was steep with mixed spells of sun then cloud with a gentle breeze.
In a lot of shell jackets I have worn in the past this could prove quite troublesome due to breathability issues and getting really hot fast on approach. However in this jacket my body temperature seemed regulated and due to the jacket been so light and thin I was really comfortable whilst carrying a lot of climbing gear.
The second half of the day I attended a trad climbing clinic, This is were I wanted to really test out the Epe membrane from a comfort point of view.
Trad climbing in the UK can throw so much different weather at you in one afternoon so a shell jacket is often a vital bit of kit, however compared to hiking etc a lot more dynamic moves are made during trad climbing and this is were this thin yet durable membrane really shines for me.
With the Epe membrane technology been so thin and light yet strong the jacket offered a lot more freedom of movement which is usually reserved for thinner less durable garments. To me this is vital as I can be more dynamic without compromise in performance at the crag.
The next morning in typical UK fashion we were hit with some seriously heavy rain for the entire day in Great Langdale. Sundays clinic was multi pitch rock climbing at Raven Crag on a Diff graded climb called Middlefell Buttress, The short pitches interspersed with large plateaus meant we could still get on rock despite heavy rainfall.
For the days wet multi pitch climb the jacket had its chance to prove its waterproof capabilities. The first thing I noticed with this jacket which as a climber is a huge plus point is due to the jacket been thin it tucks very nicely under a climbing harness, and feels comfortable.
The next point is waterproof performance, this jacket was battered by wind and rain all day and scraped against rocks during a multi-pitch and came out unscathed and I was completely dry underneath after a morning of multi-pitch in heavy rain.
Durability was very surprising too, GORE-TEX have nailed it here! Never have I wore such a light yet robust feeling shell jacket.
Many of the pitches during climbing I was leaning on rock placing gear and this is often when a lightweight shell jacket can really take damage as you move on upwards, not a mark on the jacket at all except the odd bit of dirt and mud which is to be expected.
Which brings me to my next point… caring for the product.
Caring for Your Arc’teryx Beta Lightweight Jacket
After an awesome and inspiring weekend climbing alongside some amazing Arc’tyrex athletes and absolutely brilliant guides its time to head home and wash the jacket which is mega easy.
To Wash:
Prep: Close all zippers, pockets, and fasten straps.
Wash: Machine wash at 40°C (104°F) with liquid detergent ONLY.
Rinse: Rinse twice with minimal spinning.
To Dry:
Tumble Dry: Use a warm, gentle cycle, OR line dry.
Reactivate DWR: Tumble dry for 20 minutes OR iron on low heat with a towel between the iron and the jacket.
To Reapply DWR (When Water No Longer Beads):
Choose Product: Select a DWR treatment like Grangers.
Apply: Either wash-in or spray-on, depending on the product.
Dry: Follow the drying instructions above to reactivate the DWR.
Additional Tips:
Avoid fabric softeners, bleach, and dry cleaning.
Wash your jacket regularly to maintain its performance and longevity.
Phil
EDITOR: Always on the lookout for the next outdoor challenge. Currently training for the Welsh 3000s. Qualified PT and nutritionist. Product and landscape photographer.
Age, gender, region, and income stances on event marketing in 2024
Over 65s are the majority involved in event marketing
The event marketing industry includes a diverse range of age demographics. The majority of survey respondents seen in this particular survey highlight the significant presence of older event marketers, signifying that a more mature perspective is extremely relevant in the current landscape.
With 21.6% of respondents being over 65 years old and only 15.6% being younger than 25, it appears that the influence of senior event marketers is stronger than previously anticipated.
The other age group’s engagement levels stack up as follows:
55-64: 20.4%
45-54: 18.5%
35-44: 14.2%
25-34: 9.8%
Over 50% of event marketers are female
The event marketing industry is female-dominated, meaning that there are more women (52.8%) actively working in this industry than men (47.2%) or other gender identities.
Research from IBTM had similar findings: as many as 77% of people working in the event marketing industry were female in 2022, and 83% of respondents were women with executive positions in their company.
However, women’s prevalence in event marketing still has hurdles to get over. According to the same IBTM survey, of the people who responded, only 16% were women with director-level positions, while 32% were men with director-level positions. This could indicate that despite a strong female presence in the industry, women are still outnumbered by their male counterparts when it comes to upper-level corporate positions.
The majority of engagement is from US event marketers
Our data revealed where the highest and lowest engagement levels were for event marketers, and the graph below shows us this, and who’s in between:
The survey we conducted found that a whopping 63.5% of respondents were located in the US. Considering that the US holds the biggest market share of this industry globally, this isn’t surprising.
But the US is not the only region to crop up—our survey showed that many other nationalities are represented in the event marketing industry, including the UK in second place with 11.7%, Germany with 7.1%, Australia with 4.1%, and Italy with 4%. Canada and France share similar engagement levels of 3.8% and 3.6%, while Spain only gets 1%, Mexico 0.8%, and Poland 0.4%.
Most workers in the industry earn between $40k and $80k annually
The engagement levels in our survey revealed who earns what every year:
A mere 0.6% of event marketers earn over $1 million per year, and just 8.4% take home between $500,000 and a million. The vast majority (27.8%) earn a much lower annual wage of between $40,000 and $80,000 on average. Considering that the average annual income for a US adult is $63,795, this information is consistent with the average event marketing earners from our survey. However, our data showcases a healthy bracket of earners (25.9%) who make between $200k and $500k per year, demonstrating that the income tiers for people working in this industry are extremely varied.
More data from Glassdoor suggests that the average annual income for event marketers is between $55,000 and $103k, which ties in with the 16.2% who make $80,000 to $200,000. However, the amount ultimately depends on work experience, where you live, and whether you operate as a freelancer or under a company. Those earning the least also racked up the second lowest engagement, at just 2.6%. successful career in this sector.
The figures in our data paint an interesting picture and highlight that, although there are challenges in events marketing, there are also plenty of opportunities to make money and enjoy a
After the initial ChatGPT hype in 2023 (when we saw the first LLM-backed QGIS plugins, e.g. QChatGPT and QGPT Agent), there has been a notable slump in new development. As far as I can tell, none of the early plugins are actively maintained anymore. They were nice tech demos but with limited utility.
However, in the last month, I saw two new approaches for combining LLMs with QGIS that I want to share in this post:
IntelliGeo plugin: generating PyQGIS scripts or graphical models
At the QGIS User Conference in Bratislava, I had the pleasure to attend the “Large Language Models and GIS” workshop presented by Gustavo Garcia and Zehao Lu from the the University of Twente. There, they presented the IntelliGeo Plugin which enables the automatic generation of PyQGIS scripts and graphical models.
The workshop was packed. After we installed all dependencies and the plugin, it was exciting to test the graphical model generation capabilities. During the workshop, we used OpenAI’s API but the readme also mentions support for Cohere.
I was surprised to learn that even simple graphical models are actually pretty large files. This makes it very challenging to generate and/or modify models because they take up a big part of the LLM’s context window. Therefore, I expect that the PyQGIS script generation will be easier to achieve. But, of course, model generation would be even more impressive and useful since models are easier to edit for most users than code.
ChatGeoAI is an approach presented in Mansourian, A.; Oucheikh, R. (2024). ChatGeoAI: Enabling Geospatial Analysis for Public through Natural Language, with Large Language Models. ISPRS Int. J. Geo-Inf., 13, 348.
It uses a fine-tuned Llama 2 model in combination with spaCy for entity recognition and WorldKG ontology to write PyQGIS code that can perform a variety of different geospatial analysis tasks on OpenStreetMap data.
The paper is very interesting, describing the LLM fine-tuning, integration with QGIS, and evaluation of the generated code using different metrics. However, as far as I can tell, the tool is not publicly available and, therefore, cannot be tested.
With exams over and the summer vacation stretching before you, it may be tempting to switch off and take a well-deserved break before it’s back to the grindstone in the autumn term. And of course, balancing work with some time out to relax is an important factor in helping to maintain your wellbeing. However, you may find that after a week or two of inactivity you are twiddling your thumbs and eager to get on with something productive. So how can you make the most of your summer vacation? Read on for some ideas that will not just fill your free time but will also develop your skills and employability to make you more competitive when applying for your next steps after graduating – whether that be going into employment or further study.
Internships
It’s not too late to find an internship and gain some valuable work experience. Although many students will have secured internships earlier in the year, some employers are still advertising for positions this summer. It’s worth checking out the various jobs boards, such as Bright Network, Gradcracker, Rate my Placement, Target Jobs, for example for opportunities. However, if you can’t find something advertised that suits your requirements, availability or area of interest, there are other options you can consider…
Virtual internships and virtual work experience
Virtual internships such as Bright Network’s Internship Experience UK (IEUK) allow you to explore career possibilities and gain a competitive edge without leaving the comfort of your own home. Or try a free virtual work experience programme via theforage.com website which hosts a range of job simulations in a wide range of sectors.
Paid work
A summer job can be a valuable addition to your CV, whether it is directly related to your chosen career path or not. Paid work in any sector, and even at entry level such as a shop floor role or bar work, will give you opportunities to evidence your transferable skills that all employers are looking for, such as teamwork, communication, leadership, problem-solving and customer service.
Freelance work
Tap into your entrepreneurial skills and consider enterprises such as pet sitting, tutoring, upcycling, or selling online – all great ways to show your independence, motivation and drive.
Volunteering
Employers will value the skills demonstrated by volunteering
Work doesn’t have to be paid to be of value. Volunteering not only develops your skillset but also enables you to contribute to your local community – a great trait that will appeal to future employers. To find out more about reasons to volunteer and ideas for how to do it, read the What Uni? Ultimate guide to student volunteering.
Online courses
Perhaps there is a skill you have always wanted to learn. Or you are keen to explore a career area of which you have little experience. Why not look for an online course? Coursera, Future Learn and Udemy are just some examples of providers you could explore. However, remember to keep an eye on costs – some may be free to access while others may charge varying prices. Warwick University IT services provide free training for all students at the university – see more about IT Training here.
Pursuing your hobbies and interests
Completing a personal project – such as writing a blog, building a website, learning to code or taking up photography – is another way of developing and showcasing your skills and can be added to your CV or discussed in future interviews and applications to illustrate how you meet the essential requirements for further study or employment.
Travelling
Perhaps you have planned a holiday but aren’t sure how this could develop your employability. Consider the intercultural and language skills that you are learning by meeting and interacting with people from different backgrounds – read more about why employers value intercultural skills and think about how you can articulate these by talking about your experiences in other countries.
Researching careers and potential employers
Research employers requirements to increase your understanding of the job market
Thinking about your career options can help you focus on how to prepare for your next steps. If you’re not yet sure what you want to do after you graduate, you can start with some useful resources on the Prospects website. Try reading What can I do with my degree? Complete the career planner quiz and explore job profiles in various industries.
Keeping up to date with the latest news and developments in your chosen sector will give you more to talk about in applications and interviews and may help you discover more opportunities. Try reading books, articles, and news items. Follow companies on social media and join relevant LinkedIn groups to be part of the conversation.
Thinking of spending a day in Aveiro? This guide and itinerary covers the highlights and hidden gems in this unique Portuguese town!
Aveiro, often referred to as the ‘Venice of Portgal’ is a compact coastal city, where vibrantly coloured boats glide along the canals through the downtown area. Offering a mix of Portugese tradition and laid-back coastal atmosphere, Aveiro’s streets are lined with some of the finest examples of Art Nouveau architecture in Portugal.
I visited Aveiro as a stop-off on my Portugal road trip, slowly making our way from Porto to Albufeira in the space of a week. We’d spent the previous day in Porto, exploring the city, and planned to add a couple of stops on our road trip route down to Lisbon. Only an hour’s drive away, Aveiro is an ideal day trip from Porto.
And I’m a sucker for a good canal.
*This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I’ll earn a small commission (at no additional cost to you)*
One Day inAveiro: Travel Guide
Language: Portugese, with a good level of tourist-friendly English is widely spoken
Currency: Euro. Most places accept card payment and there are ATMs in the city centre
Weather: Warm throughout the year, with average high temperatures of 22-25°C in summer and 14-17°C in winter.
Time Zone: GMT+1
Emergency number: 112
How long should I spend in Aveiro?
One day in Aveiro is more than enough time to explore the highlights at a leisurely pace. If you’re short for time, you can tick off the main sights in as little as 3-4 hours. You could also incorporate a visit to the colourful coastal village of Costa Nova, and relax on Praia da Barra – a popular Porgual beach destination.
If you’re travelling further south, it works well as a stop-off point to spend the night.
When’s the best time to visit Aveiro?
If you’re looking for good weather, the hottest months in Aveiro are from June-September, with average high temperatures of 22-25°C. The shoulder seasons of March-May and October-November are often still warm, and it’s less busy at these times than in the summer months. We visited in mid-September, and enjoyed a moderately sunny day, with some cloud cover.
If you’re thinking of visiting on a Monday, note that most museums and some restaurants and shops will be closed. To get the full Aveiro experience, I’d recommend timing your day trip between Tuesday and Sunday.
Getting to Aveiro
By car:
Aveiro is around 50 minutes’ drive from Porto, with the majority of your journey along the A1 highway. Driving from Lisbon takes around 2hrs 40mins.
Aveiro has plenty of parking for visitors, both paid-for and free.
There are multiple free parking lots around Aveiro train station and in the surrounding area. We left our car at Parque Estacionamento Nossa Sra Aflitos, a free car park less than ten minutes walk from the centre of town. We arrived early and found a space, but if you’re arriving later during peak times, it does fill up throughout the morning.
You can also park at Mercado Manuel Firmino’s underground parking garage for around €6 per day.
Compare car rental prices in Portugal, and read more about driving abroad for the first time.
By public transport:
From Porto: A direct train service runs from Porto Campanhã Railway Station to Aveiro. The average journey time is between 40-50 minutes, costing from €22 for a return journey.
The cheapest way to get to Aveiro from Porto is with a Flixbus coach. The journey takes around an hour and a single journey costs as little as €3.
From Lisbon: A direct train service runs from Lisbon Oriente Station to Aveiro. The average journey time is between 2hrs and 2hrs 20mins, with return journey prices starting from €42.
(Flixbus operate a coach service from Lisbon to Aveiro, however with a journey time of at least three hours, I wouldn’t recommend this for a day trio to Aveiro from Lisbon unless you’re continuing your journey further north afterwards.)
P.S… If you arrive in Aveiro by train, make sure you take some time to check out Estação de Aveiro, the city’s old train station. The building that houses the station is a charming example of traditional architecture, with a beautiful blue and white tiled facade.
On a guided tour:
If you’re looking to visit Aveiro from Porto as easily as possible, this half-day guided tour from Porto includes transport and a canal boat ride, plus free time to explore.
If you’re planning to take a full-day trip most guided tours from Porto to Aveiro incorporate visits to other nearby places of interest:
Where to stay in Aveiro
If you’re planning to make the most of your day trip to Aveiro by adding in an overnight stay, there are plenty of hotels available for a range of budgets.
For budget travellers, the Aveiro Rossio Hostel (€) is centrally located in downtown Aveiro, offering budget and superior mixed dorm rooms, with breakfast included.
Hotel de Salinas (€€) is ideal for affordable mid-range travellers, with simple, comfortable rooms in a city centre location. For light and airy rooms with personality, check out Hotel do Mercado (€€).
Want to wake up to views over the ‘Venice of Portugal’? Book a river view room at Hotel Aveiro Palace (€€€).
The 5* MS Collection Aveiro Palacete Valdemouro (€€€€) is the top pick for luxury, with outdoor and indoor swimming pools and sleek, stylish interior decor.
Aveiro One Day Itinerary: Morning
Welcome to Aveiro! The ‘Venice of Portugal’ awaits. After you’ve grabbed a delicious pastry for an on-the-go breakfast (Pastelaria Veneza is a great spot for this), it’s time to explore. Downtown Aveiro is a compact, charming area, brimming with art nouveau architecture, intricately tiled town squares and colourful canal boats.
Speaking of the latter…
Moliceiro Boat Ride
If you do one thing with your day in Aveiro, make sure you take a cruise along the city’s scenic waterway aboard a traditional Portugese Moliceiro Boat.
Moliceiros are similar to Venetian gondolas, decorated with colourful drawings that depict historical events. Their original purpose was to collect algae in the Ria de Aveiro, however they’re now primarily used for tourist boat trips.
Heading through the city centre, the scenic boat ride under cute little bridges, including the colourful Ponte Laços de Amizade, where visitors leave ribbons to commemorate their trip. As the boat makes its way along R. João Mendonça, feast your eyes on the beautiful art deco facades that line the canal.
Museu de Arte Nova
Once you’re back on dry land, drop into one of Aveiro’s most notable buildings!
Aveiro’s Museu de Arte Nova (Art Nouveau Museum) is housed in a charming white and blue fronted building alongside the canal.
Inside, you can explore the history of the Art Nouveau style in Aveiro. The museum was established in 2008, but the building itself dates back to the early 20th century. The distinct architectural style was designed by Portugese architect Francisco Augusto da Silva Rocha, incorporating works by sculptor Ernesto Korrodi.
Inside, you’ll see an array of Art Nouveau pieces including ceramics, textiles, furniture and paintings. Alongside these permanent exhibits, temporary exhibitions bring in works from local and international artists.
Aveiro isn’t short of places to eat, whether you’re looking for Portugese cuisine, fresh seafood, or rich Mediterranean flavours. These are some gems to check out for a lunch stop in Aveiro:
Green City Quiches & Saladas (€) – freshly made quiches and salads at an affordable price MUSGO – Restaurante Vegan (€€) – fresh, homemade vegan dishes including burgers and bowls. Alicarius (€€) – Portugese restaurant serving franceshinas, a traditional sandwich from the Porto region layered with meat, bread, cheese and beer sauce. Flower Garden (€€€€) – upmarket European dishes in a floral-decorated dining room.
Try out a local specialty, Ovos Moles
Lunchtime is also the ideal time to check out a local delicacy that divides opinion with those who give it a go!
Ovos Moles are a geographically protected local pastry, meaning they can only be made in Aveiro. Consisting of an egg yolk and sugar mix served inside a rice paper casing, they were first made by nuns in the local convent over five centuries ago.
We picked up a couple from one of the many stores alongside the canal selling them. If I’m honest, they weren’t to my taste – but worth spending a couple of euros on for an authentic taste of Aveiro.
(if you really like them, you can join an Ovos Moles workshop to make your own!)
Aveiro One Day Itinerary: Afternoon
For your afternoon in Aveiro, check out this list of things to do in Aveiro, including museums, churches and attractions. Or, if you prefer, spend some time walking the streets and simply taking in the ambience.
Explore religious history and art at Aveiro Museum
Housed in a former 15th century convent building, the Aveiro Museum features a collection of fine art and religious objects, including paintings, sculptures and jewels.
The building itself is absolutely worth visiting for, featuring the tomb of Saint Princess Joana – a king’s daughter who entered the convent in the 1400s. The intricate golden woodwork of the chapel in the Church of Jesus is a stunning example of baroque architecture.
Marvel at the interior of Igreja de São João Evangelista
Close to the Aveiro Museum, this small but awe-inspiring church may not look like much from the outside but it’s absolutely worth checking out.
Built in the 18th century, the Igreja de São João Evangelista was declared a national monument in 1910. The interior chapel is strikingly adorned with gold woodwork, intricate religious paintings and tilework.
See traditional tilework at Church of Aveiro’s Mercy
This Catholic church building is an impressive example of traditional Portugese azulejos tilework. Intricately designed blue and white tiles stretch from floor to ceiling, inside and out.
Opening Times: Mon-Fri 10am-6pm; Sun 10.30am-1pm Admission Fee: Free
Get hands on with science at Fábrica Centro Ciência
This interactive science museum features hands-on exhibits including chemistry, food science, robotics and more. If you’re looking for something to do with kids in Aveiro, this is the perfect place to entertain them, with family friendly activities and workshops on offer.
For a relaxing walk in the great outdoors, head to this pair of scenic city parks located beside each other on the south side of Aveiro’s city centre. Both feature expansive green space, and Infante Dom Pedro City Park has some beautiful bridges across the lake.
Discover how salt is produced in Aveiro
The Ria de Aveiro is a large lagoon just off the Atlantic Ocean, where the region’s salt production takes place. At the Aveiro Salt Flats, you can take a walking tour to discover the process behind salt-making while enjoying the beauty of the salt pans and the area’s birdlife.
Book a guided tour: Guided tours take place at 11am and 4pm daily and take around 45 minutes. More information on how to book can be found here.
Summary: Is Aveiro worth visiting?
If you’re planning a road trip along the Portugal coastline, or looking for a charming day trip from Lisbon, Aveiro is a wonderful compact city with laid-back vibes and beautiful architecture. Although the Venice comparison largely stops at the canals, Aveiro is definitely worth visiting on its own merit.
This is a courtesy letter to inform you of some changes to Dr Sabrina Campbell’s practice at MyClinic South Yarra.
Beginning on 1st June, Dr Sabrina will be moving to fully private billing. There will be fees for every consultation with her. Most appointments should still receive a Medicare rebate, but there will always be out-of-pocket costs for all patients.
Also from this time, the doctor will no longer be doing unpaid work outside of appointments. This means that any conversations with the doctor, prescription renewals, or any work you require to be done will need to be done within an appointment, and will need to be paid for.
We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding that as a doctor dedicated to her patients, Dr. Sabrina has taken on a lot of extra work in the past that is not sustainable moving forward, and changes need to be made for her to continue giving all her patients the best care she possibly can.
By Amy Norton HealthDay Reporter
