At duty stations around the world, military personnel ask themselves which course of study will lead to a lucrative and challenging career once they separate from military service.

In other words, how does military training and experience translate into a well-paying mainstream job after assigned duty in the armed forces? 

Although the U.S. economy is currently unsteady, G.I.’s can increase their chances for career success by preparing for it while still on active or reserve duty.

These are five ways to help prepare for a future career “on the economy”: 

1. Capitalize on the current military job. Many soldiers already receive valuable on-the-job experience in a number of fields — including computer science, legal services, business, electronics, telecommunications, engineering, health administration, nursing, teaching, food preparation and security. With a college degree or professional certificate, any of these jobs could lead to a satisfying career down the road.
2. Use the Bureau of Labor Statistics to research possible career paths. The BLS website offers valuable information about specific jobs — including necessary training and credentials, pay scale, work duties, environment and whether future job opportunities are expected to grow or shrink. Just type the occupation into the search box — like “paralegal“; and a wealth of information appears about that job.
3. Enroll in an accredited online degree program. Take advantage of the financial assistance that the military provides to pursue the chosen career through distance learning or traditional classes offered on the base. Gain new skills or enhance current skills; and bump up resume credentials for what may be a competitive job search ahead.
4. Be diligent in successfully performing all college coursework, thereby building an impressive educational record and honing learning skills that will enhance later job performance.
5. Avoid negative performance ratings or disciplinary red marks while in the military — especially those that lead to a dishonorable discharge. Employers often perform a routine background check before hiring employees for sensitive positions or promotions within their companies. Although the employer may denied access to details of the infraction, any hint of a problem may suffice enough to keep a potential problem candidate out of a job.

Wise employers value the experience, discipline, work ethic and loyalty that they can count on in those who have successfully served out their military service. And often, the military veteran has a favorable advantage when all else is equal.

So  plan ahead to increase the chances of a sweet career payoff down the road.

careers, employers, jobs, military, online degrees, soldiers, distance learning, veterans, armed forces, U.S. economy

Popularity: 23% [?]

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The importance of accountants and auditors is often underestimated. In fact, major financial scandals – like Enron and WorldCom – were discovered when inconsistencies and fraud were revealed in the financial records of the companies. 

Accountants are the gatekeepers of the economic foundation of small and large businesses, as well as individual finances. They offer their knowledge and wisdom to guide business owners and managers in navigating the streams of financial decision-making. They also solve financial problems and help individuals to avoid problems with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and its ever-changing tax laws.

Interestingly, accountants have been instrumental in the administration of justice as well.

For example, in 1931 Al Capone, who had escaped serving any significant prison time for his many crimes – including murder – was convicted of income tax evasion and sentenced to eleven years in prison. The U.S. Treasury Department’s accountants were instrumental in carefully developing a case against Capone with the cooperation of the FBI. Capone’s lavish lifestyle, financed by his numerous illegal activities, helped to provide the evidence needed to put him away for at least seven of the eleven years, before his declining health influenced an early release from Alcatraz. 

Of course, working as an accountant is not usually filled with such a slew of interesting cases. Accounting work generally involves preparing, analyzing and verifying detailed financial records. Accountants may specialize in a particular area, such as public accounting, tax accounting, government accounting, auditing, forensic accounting or other specialties.

Training as an accountant involves earning a bachelor’s degree in accounting, which may be fulfilled in an online school via distance learning. Courses may include financial accounting, intermediate accounting, business math, business law, federal income taxes, managerial accounting, accounting information systems, auditing and more.

The field of accounting is set to expand rapidly between 2006 and 2016, with an 18% growth rate expected between 2006 and 2016, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The median annual income generally runs between $47,200 and $57,020 for entry-level accountant and auditing jobs. Junior accountants may begin with an approximate salary of $29,000-$36,000. 

A career in accounting offers a fascinating look at the inner workings of individual and business finances and offers an opportunity to help solve financial problems and challenges.

online schools, accounting degree, accounting career, IRS, Enron, Al Capone, distance learning, career

Popularity: 23% [?]

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There is no need for anyone to kick themselves for not applying to law school when responsibilities were few and idealism was high.

Perhaps the dream of a legal career appears to be long gone; but the fast-growing distance learning wave offers new hope to adult learners who are returning to school to fulfill those lost dreams of the past.

An online law degree has become the degree of choice for many of these dreamers; and they have turned to Concord Law School to experience the exciting, but rigorous, course of online study. As part of Kaplan Inc., Concord upholds the high standards and excellent reputation that have been a benchmark of Kaplan for several decades.

Students who meet the necessary requirements for admission will find a stimulating learning experience at Concord — including live lectures on streaming video, interactive technology and highly-qualified, supportive professors. Tuition is reasonable, with financial aid available through federal student loans, military financial assistance and other sources.

Graduates of Concord Law School are eligible to take the bar exam in Californina. Upon passing the bar, they are eligible to practice law in that state. Some graduates, however, use a law degree to enhance their knowlege and promotion opportunities in other professions, whether working in a corporation, small business, health field or in the military.

There is no longer any reason to forego the dream of a law school education. With the flexibility of an accredited program at Concord Law School, dreamers are one step closer to a long-awaited legal career.

e-learning, distance learning, online law degree, online degree, Concord Law School, military  

Popularity: 23% [?]

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The American Distance Education Consortium (ADEC), which counts approximately 65 member colleges, and the Chinese Central Agricultural Broadcasting Television School (CABTS), which is the largest distance-learning organization in the world, will sign a cooperative agreement on Tuesday, April 22nd, 2008 in Minneapolis.

Through this agreement, United States and Chinese faculty and staff will collaborate on educational research and joint project content development. This venture betewen the two groups is a strategic planning move that elevates these colleges and universities to the the cutting edge of an educational technology expansion.

The Sloan Consortium has issued several reports about distance learning and its impact on higher education. The recent reports, based upon results from  2,500 schools,  highlight the rapidly increasing popularity of online classes and online degree programs. They also indicate that e-learning is now incorporated into the master plan of numerous traditional colleges and universities.

As Internet connections continue to increase in speed and as the sophistication of educational software keeps pace with technology, traditional and online schools have taken notice.

Blended learning, which includes a component of student and teacher face-to-face interaction, but which includes online learning, is especially useful in fields that require hand-on training in addition to academic classes. Nursing and foreign language students may benefit from this type of program. 

The issue of e-learning can no longer be placed on the back burner by any forward-moving educational institution. Future college students are growing up in a high tech world; and when they enter college, they do not want to step back into the dark ages. There is a place for both traditional and online learning in the college environment; and this agreement between the educational communities of two world powers is recognition of that fact.

blended learning, China, colleges and universities, distance learning, online degree program, Sloan Consortium, traditional colleges, e-learning
 

Popularity: 31% [?]

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Today’s New York Times warns that as banking institutions flee the student loan market, parents and students will have fewer options for financing a college education.

On the heels of Alan Greenspan’s exclusive interview a few days ago with CNBC, in which he stated that “we are in the throes of a recession” and “we have not confronted a situation like this in over half a century”, the news of a financial aid crisis should not come as a surprise.

As job losses increase, including over 80,000 in March 2008, it may be imperative for parents to plan more carefully and broaden their list of options before deciding on a strategy to pay for higher education for their children.

Strategies to consider may include the following:

• Begin planning early for college and choose schools with generous financial aid programs.
• Maintain a strong credit rating in order to be eligible for the best interest rates if private loans become necessary.
• If applicable, research scholarship options for students with special talents or abilities — like sports or music.
• Speak to financial aid counselors at the colleges of interest; and in deciding about a college, weigh heavily that college’s ability to provide a full financial aid package that will cover tuition, housing and fees.
• Cut college costs by almost half by choosing junior college attendance for the first two years of higher education, followed by a transfer to a 4-year university.
• Choose a reasonably-priced and accredited online degree program that will allow the student to work part-time or full-time and pay a significant portion of college costs.
• Encourage the student to begin accumulating college credit in high school by scoring high on AP (Advanced Placement) tests and/or by taking college classes at the local junior college while in high school.

No doom and gloom economic forecast should keep anyone from succesfully navigating the choppy waters of college financial aid.

Instead, with advanced planning and a little bit of research, motivated students and their parents should be able to discover a workable solution to meet the rising costs of a college education.

online degree program, parents, student loans, college students, financial aid, college education, job losses, higher education, college costs, junior college, recession

Popularity: 27% [?]

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The reported loss of 63,000 jobs in February dealt a significant blow to the economy; and unemployment remains steady at 4.8%. 

However, employers are still hiring in some career fields, even during this economic downturn. So which jobs are still up for grabs?

The lost jobs in February were primarily focused in construction, manufacturing and retail. Financial services workers have also had a tough time hanging onto their jobs. But a number of other professions appear to be less affected by layoffs. Of course, this situation could change in the coming months.

Surprisingly, a few careers are expected to increase in demand, despite economic woes. 

• According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics,  health care jobs — including nursing — continued to grow in February; and 360,00 additional jobs have been added in the last 12 months. Most of these jobs are in hospitals and emergency health care facilities.
• Food service occupations gained an average of 12,000 jobs a month since November 2007. This category includes food service managers, restaurant wait staff, bartenders and catering services.

A previous post, Ten Careers You Can Train for in Two Years or Less, includes a few of the hot health care careers:

• licensed practical nurse (LPN) or licensed vocational nurse (LVN)
• surgical technologist
• emergency medical technician
• medical coding and billing specialist

However, economic declines flow in cycles; and a profession that is shaving jobs now could become a hot career as the economy recovers. So it may be just as prudent to pursue a dream career by taking traditional classes or pursuing an online degree program while working to pay the bills.

And once the required courses have been fulfilled, the desired employment opportunity may well become available during healthier economic times. Before preparing for a chosen career, it would be wise to check the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Outlook Handbook for a look at whether the demand for a specific job is expected to grow or decline in future years. 

Then . . . just go for it!

online degrees, online degree program, jobs, economy, career, U.S. Department of Labor, nursing, health care jobs, hot jobs, health care career, food services

Popularity: 24% [?]

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Many people consider earning an online degree, but worry that they will have a difficult time getting hired after graduation.

Not to worry! Online degrees are increasingly popular and are more valuable than ever before.

An Online Degree vs. a Traditional Degree
Many different colleges, universities and vocational schools offer students the opportunity to get the same education online that they would inside a traditional classroom. Often, the degrees that are awarded are not even noted as online or on-campus; because they are the exact same degree.

For example, at Harvard University you may complete many of your graduate courses online. The degrees are exactly the same as the ones awarded to campus students.

The big question is: what type of value is placed on an online degree?

According to a recent survey by the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC), more than 70 percent of corporate supervisors rated the value of an online degree as “just as valuable” or “more valuable” than a traditional degree within the same field.

Remember, when getting an online degree, the most important thing to consider is that the degree is only as good as the school that it came from. Make sure that you choose a school that is accredited.

online degree, colleges and universities

Popularity: 28% [?]

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Finally, it is January. The holiday season is over; and it is back to business as usual. But this year, things can be different. This year, you can realize your dream of earning a college degree.

January of this new year is a perfect time to check out the many online degree programs that are offered by numerous accredited online schools. These programs offer the flexibility of studying at your home, office or wherever the Internet is available. With a few simple tools — a computer, a modem and access to the Internet — you can be on your way to receiving your college diploma.

Try out one of today’s hot careers by earning a business degree, a computer science degree, an accounting degree, an engineering degree, a degree in criminal justice, a law degree, or any one of the myriad of online degrees. Or you may want to test the waters with an online professional certificate  — like the paralegal certificate program. These programs require fewer courses and usually hone in on a particular specialty or focus within a career field.

But it is important to take a step and get started on the road to better job opportunities, a higher salary and a greater sense of accomplishment.

Why wait another year? Just do it.

online schools, online degree program, online degrees

Popularity: 27% [?]

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There is an old saying, “He who hesitates is lost.” Some consider this to be the true essence of procrastination.

But procrastination and online degree programs do not mix. They are like oil and water, never successfully blending. The distance learning student who suffers with a time management or procrastination problem will find a thorny path along the way to degree completion.

Do Not Despair

If you suffer from procrastination, do not despair — there is hope.  In the beginning of an online degree program, a majority of students find that they have not planned properly for assignment due dates. But after a few missteps in this area, it is possible to make some minor adjustments to stay on track:

• Thoroughly read the syllabus, or course requirement details.
• Place reading assignments, homework, and exam dates into a calendar (including a Palm Pilot, Blackberry, iPhone or other organizing device).  
• Work on assignments incrementally, a small portion at a time, by adding study times into the calendar up to just before the due date.
• Include enough time to absorb mishaps, like computer glitches.
• E-mail the professor as early as possible about any problems completing an assignment. Do not wait until the last minute.
• Never rely on cramming for an exam by staying up all night. Begin studying early so that the course information has a chance to simmer and settle into the memory banks over time.

You are Not Alone

According to USA Today, 26% of Americans consider themselves to be procrastinators; and according to additional sources, between 80% to 95% of all students procrastinate sometimes. Previous data linked perfectionism to procrastination; but recent studies conclude that distractions are to blame for most people putting things off until later.

Televisions and computers are the biggest culprits; and new technology, like iPhones, are expected to move to the top of the distraction list. E-mail, You Tube, and downloaded music are readily accessible from almost anywhere, making it more difficult to focus on tasks that may be viewed as less than fun – like homework.

But e-learning students must force themselves to complete their homework assignments before surfing the web, playing video games, or watching television. And they should study early in the day, if possible, rather than making it the lowest priority. Studying too late makes it more difficult to concentrate or remain awake.

You Can Do It

Transforming from a procrastinator may not be easy; but it is possible. By becoming aware of unnecessary habits that devour precious time, students can become efficient and diligent in their studies.

The act of focusing on the light at the end of the tunnel, rather than settling for the distracting sights and sounds surrounding them, assures e-learning students of the best chance to succceed — whether the goal is to earn an online associate’s, bachelor’s, doctoral degree or professional certificate.

So don’t let procrastination kill your dreams.  Beat it and receive your college degree! 

online schools, online degree program, online degrees, college degree, distance learning, USA Today, procrastination, time management, computers, homework, exam, iPhones, online associates degree, online bachelors degree, online doctoral degree, online professional certificate, e-learning

Popularity: 32% [?]

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A recent news article in the Hampshire Chronicle News highlighted a 65-year old college professor who received her online law degree in 2003 and recently finished writing a well-researched murder mystery.

Penny Morgan is one of millions of adult learners who have continued to keep their brain stimulated by pursuing a college education.

For Dr. Morgan, studying at an online school was as normal as her previous educational accomplishments — attending the University of British Columbia, studying zoology in England, doing post-doctoral work at Southampton University, working as head of the psychology department at Peter Symonds College and currently writing two additional books as part of a trilogy.

In a previous blog, How Online Schools Help Improve Your Brain, I alluded to the fact that the brain continues to learn and grow additional brain cells throughout life. I quoted Dr. Richard Restak, a prominent neuropsychiatrist, who also states the following in his book,  Mozart’s Brain and the Fighter Pilot:

It’s likely that your brain cells will also continue to multiply in certain important areas if you continue to challenge yourself intellectually. Think of the brain as a work in progress that continues from birth until the day you die. At every moment, your activities and thoughts are modifying your brain. That modification can lead to enhanced brain performance and capabilities. This holds true no matter what your age or how late in life you begin.” (Chapter 4)

No matter what your age, online learning is an excellent way to sharpen your intellectual skills throughout life. So keep your brain active and challenged; and make education a lifelong goal.

I am sure the Dr. Penny Morgan will agree. 

online law degree, online school, college education, psychology, zoology, brain performance, online learning, adult learner, online degree

Popularity: 26% [?]

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