Information On Career Education Articles and News

How Go Freelance And Start Working Today

2007-11-15T03:39:00.000-08:00

Are you sick and tired of a dead end 9-5 job? Maybe it is time for you to go freelance and become your own boss. People from all walks of life are finding that they can find a rewarding career in freelance work right from their own home.

Here are five of the hottest jobs for new freelancers who want to start right away:

Freelance Writer
Okay, so not everyone can be the next J.K Rowling and write a best-selling novel, but you’d be surprised at what level of writing can actually make you money online. If you have even a little talent as a writer, then the sky’s the limit as to how much you can make. From writing reports for companies, to product reviews, or even offering a resume writing service, there’s always a need for writers to provide these services all over the world.

Virtual Assistant
If you’ve got access to a computer, a good Internet connection, and you have a decent set of organizational skills, then you may want to look at becoming a virtual assistant. Many small to medium sized companies are now outsourcing a lot of their administrative work. Instead of using a recruitment agency, they prefer to use people working from home. So, if you can work a spreadsheet and answer calls, this might be ideal.

Fill out Surveys Online
Probably the easiest way to get started making money as a freelancer from home, completing surveys offers a way for you to get paid for your opinion. This usually comes in the form of companies wanting to judge the marketplace before launching a new product, and they’ll ask for your input via an online survey.

However, you need to sign up to as many companies as possible and hope you get selected for more than the average amount of surveys to make good money. But, just like the rest, it can be done with commitment, hard work and just a little bit of luck!

Taking pictures. Do you have a digital camera and an internet connection? Then you can get paid to take pictures of everyday items. Magazines, online e-zines and online companies pay very well for good snapshots.

Internet research. Companies pay workers to research the internet for competitive products or services and report it back to them. This is great for someone who loves to spend time surfing the web. All you need is an internet connection and you are ready to get paid.

If these jobs sound interesting, then there has never been an easier time to go freelance and find cool jobs like these. You don’t need years of schooling to get started either. Just sign up with a good freelance site, like GoFreelance, and you could start working today right from your own home.

http://www.articledashboard.com/Article/How-Go-Freelance-and-Start-Working-Today/351530

Ten Tips For A Terrific Resume

2007-11-15T03:38:00.000-08:00

In today's competitive employment market, your resume has to stand out in order to get the attention of the decision maker and create a strong impression. And later on, when you meet the prospective employer face to face, a strong resume will act as a valuable tool during the interviewing process.

The best way to prepare a super resume is not to change the facts, but make them more presentable. This can be accomplished in two ways:
1. By strengthening the content of your resume; and

2. By enhancing its appearance.

Ten key considerations

To help you construct a better, more powerful resume, here are ten overall considerations in regard to your résumé’s content and presentation:

1. Position title and job description. Provide your title, plus a detailed explanation of your daily activities and measurable results. Since job titles are often misleading or their function may vary from one company to another, your resume should tell the reader exactly what you've done. (Titles such as account manager, business analyst, and internal consultant are especially vague.)

2. Clarity of dates and place. Document your work history accurately. Don't leave the reader guessing where you were employed, or for how long. If you've had overlapping jobs, find a way to pull them apart on paper, or eliminate mentioning one, to avoid confusion.

3. Detail. Specify some of the more technical, or involved aspects of your past work or education. Have you performed tasks of any complexity, or significance? If so, don't be shy; give a one or two sentence description.

4. Proportion. Give appropriate attention to jobs or educational credentials according to their length, or importance to the reader. For example, if you wish to be considered for a position at a bank, don't write one paragraph describing your current job as a loan officer, followed by three paragraphs about your high school summer job as a lifeguard.

5. Relevancy. Confine your curriculum vitae to that which is job-related or clearly demonstrates a pattern of success. For example, nobody really cares that your hobby is spear fishing, or that you weigh 137 pounds, or that you belong to an activist youth group. Concentrate on the subject matter that addresses the needs of the employer.

6. Explicitness. Leave nothing to the imagination. Don't assume the resume reader knows, for example, that the University of Indiana you attended is in western Pennsylvania, or that an "M.M." is a Master of Music degree, or that your current employer, U.S. Computer Systems, Inc., supplies the fast-food industry with order-taker headsets.

7. Length. Fill up only 2-3 pages. Technology resumes can usually be up to three pages. If you write more than three pages, it sends a signal to the reader that you can't organize your thoughts, or you're trying too hard to make a good impression. If your content is strong, you won't need more than three pages.

8. Spelling, grammar, and punctuation. Create an error-free document that is representative of an educated, detail oriented person. If you're unsure about the correctness of your writing (or if English is your second language), consult a professional writer or copy editor. At the very least, use a spell-check program if you have access to a word processor, and always proofread what you've written.

9. Readability. Organize your thoughts in a clear, concise manner. Avoid writing in a style that's either fragmented or long-winded. No resume ever won a Nobel Prize for literature; however, an unreadable resume will virtually assure you of starting at the back of the line.

10. Overall appearance and presentation. Select the proper visual format, type style, and stationery. Resume readers have become used to a customary and predictable format. If you deviate too much, or your resume takes too much effort to read, it'll probably end up in the trash, even if you have a terrific background.

http://www.articledashboard.com/Article/Ten-Tips-for-a-Terrific-Resume/351733

Are You Afraid To Make A Career Change?

2007-11-15T03:37:00.000-08:00

We're pretty darn good at playing mind games with ourselves aren't we? Many of you have fooled yourselves into thinking that being afraid of changing your careers means you shouldn't go ahead and pursue a employment change. You probably figured that if you're that worried about making a employment career change happen, that maybe you shouldn't even bother try and not bother to take any chances.

When did you become so filled with fear? There are many people who feel that once you chose a occupation you're got to stick with it. They don't think they have the abilities or options to change and do something else. Quite often we sell our abilities short! Without trying to make a change, the more unhappy and dissatisfied people become with their work. Any time they consider a different career field, they are overcome with fear and figure they are locked into where they are.
Many people are fearful of not making enough money, not liking their new job, or even failing. Some people even feel that they might not even land the job in the first place so why even try? Maybe the new career is beneath you and you feel that you are simply "wasting your degree". Can you relate to any of these fears?

One of the ways to move past the career fears is by no longer waiting for your fear to disappear before changing employment and instead taking action despite being afraid. It's very normal to be scared about changing careers. If you weren't, I'd have to make sure that your heart is still beating! You have got to realize that you are not supposed to stop your fear in order to be able to change careers.

You must accept your fear as a part of this career changing transformation. Once you can do that, let yourself be afraid but still move forward to take the steps needed to get that next career. Looking behind you then can see that your fear was unfounded and was not really a big deal after all! Take a deep breath and let the fear go and take the first step. It won't be that bad, go for it!

http://www.articledashboard.com/Article/Are-You-Afraid-To-Make-A-Career-Change-/351783

Career Life Lessons-from An 11 Year Old Businessman

2007-11-15T03:36:00.000-08:00

You remember the neighborhood paperboy. Almost everyone took the daily paper. The kings of the paperboys in my mid-western city delivered to almost every house in an eight block area and sometimes had a helper. They could make $15 or more a week and the local newspaper set aside some money every week so when the paperboy retired at age 17 or 18 they might have up to $1000 or more to help get them started toward college. If you think this wasn’t much money-it would pay one year’s tuition and some of the expenses at a pretty good school. Like I said this was a long time ago but the lessons learned are just as applicable today.

You had to know somebody to get one of the big paper routes or be at least 13 or 14, but I uncovered a kid about my age (11) whose parents told him to quit because he was spending too much time and getting almost no return. This was a Sunday paper route with about 60 customers delivering the big fat Sunday paper from the big city. The paper reached our town on a train at about 3am Sunday morning. I paid $2.65 for the whole route. I calculated by the 5 cents a week commission from each customer that I’d have the money back in one week. My first lesson: A one week return on your investment you say had to be illegal or fattening but it was legal. Not a bad return on my investment.
The first Sunday was a disaster. My predecessor’s books were not up to date or in order. Lesson number 2: do your homework and don’t assume the other guy knows what he’s doing. It took me about four hours to deliver the papers and to try and collect my money. When I was all done I’d made about 35 cents. Lesson number 3: in a cash business don’t count your earnings until the money is in your pocket.

My father took a dim view of me spending most of my Sunday in my paper route business and he told me to fix it or quit. Lesson number 4: If you’re responsible do what your can to fix the problem. Everyone has a boss, it’s always the customers, and sometimes it’s your father.

I straightened out the books, drew a map and then put each customer on the map in order of delivery. Some customers were several blocks out of the way and very time consuming to service so I gave them to paperboys in adjacent areas. Lesson number 5: Not all customers are equal. Some you earn money on and some cost you money.

Now I had the receivables to consider. During the week I went knocking on doors. I introduced myself and explained my problem. I told the customer I wanted them to get the big city Sunday paper as early as possible, but I didn’t want to wake them to collect. Some offered to pay by the month, in advance. Others would put their money under a bottle or rock on their front porch. And a few didn’t have a solution; for example, they lived in an apartment so there was nowhere to put the money out. Lesson number 6: Ask the customer for a solution and most times they’ll come up with a good answer to your problem.

Several customers told of the disorganization of my predecessor, where he tried to collect twice, or didn’t come by for weeks and then neither really knew the correct amount to be collected. I apologized for him and asked what I could do to make it right? Lesson number 7: Customer service issues are difficult to overcome, but by being honest with the customer many times you’ll be given a second chance.

After about four weeks I have the route running as good as it could be. I make the deliveries before 7am each Sunday and after church stopped and collected from the few that owed me money. Then another challenge cropped up.
The newspaper manger announced a contest on who could get the most new subscriptions. After some thought, I went back to my customers and asked for referrals. I offered to give them a free Sunday paper if they gave me a referral that signed up. A number of new customers were outside my area but I increased my subscriptions by 25% and came in third in the contest. Lesson number 8: Know the value and cost of acquiring each new customer. For each free paper I gave out, I got the money back in five weeks, again an exceptional return on my marketing costs.

So here they are: eight career business lessons; (1) Know your return on investment; (2) Don’t assume: do your homework; (3) In a cash business don’t count your earnings until the cash is in the till; (4) If you’re responsible do what you can to fix the problem; (5) Not all customers are equal-some cost and some pay; (6) Ask the customer for a solution; (7) Customer service issues can be overcome with honesty; and (8) Know the value and cost of acquiring each new customer. Overall a good set of guidelines for any career or business.

I’m sure if you think about it you have some life lessons that you learned early on. Maybe it was a job that was horrible and you learned early you didn’t want to get into that career or line of work. Or maybe it was a good boss where you learned how to lead or a bad boss where you learned what not to do. Overall the secret is to take something positive away from each of our life lessons and you’re never too early to start. So as you grow in your career you can stand on your previous experiences and reach higher and higher goals.

http://www.articledashboard.com/Article/Career-Life-Lessons-from-an-11-year-old-businessman/351806

Creative Breaking The Rules To Get Ahead?

2007-11-15T03:35:00.000-08:00

Career Development: Break the Rules Within the Rules

Your future career success lies in your ability to break some rules. Do you know your competition within the organization? How about your company’s competition? Do you follow them or do you look for ways to move outside the box? Within the organization, are you expected to follow the group or if you move outside the group thinking will you be ostracized? Do you hide in the group or are you willing to achieve success on your own?
All are important questions to answer. Are you willing to take the risks to your career to put your ideas into action? If you are willing to take initiative, responsibility and break some rules you career will flourish and in the right environment you’ll move up to areas of more responsibility and more rewards. Don’t play it safe and take the easy route and hide behind the rules.

Here are some actions you can take to advance your career by breaking the rules within the rules:

Think like an entrepreneur. If you owned the company what would you do differently? Step out of your job and career and act like the CEO, fairly analyze your contributions, your departments results; what more could you be doing?

What rules are getting in your way? What rules are getting in your department’s way? Study how the rule came about. Is it still meeting the organization’s needs? Maybe part of it is still valid, how can the rest of the rule be modified or eliminated to help the business or customers.

Define the problem. Write it out. Ask for help and ideas from others in the department. Run the problem by people you know in the industry. What did another company do to solve the problem? Is it applicable to your situation? Take the best ideas (giving credit where credit is due) and work them into the solution.

Become known as the idea person and problem solver. Search out others to be sounding boards for your ideas and possible solutions. Think other ideas through. At meetings if an idea is presented and you don’t agree, present a different solution or a well reasoned argument why the proposed direction won’t work.

Strive to have a plan of implementation for every great idea you come up with. Think benefits both for the department and the company. Quantify possible results.

Always look for ways of improving what is being done and moving the company forward. Consider taking a different approach in dealing with a customer. How can meeting presentations be improved and streamlined?

Keep this overall approach on the forefront of your thinking every day. Being average with the group is never good enough. Raise the bar.

As you challenge the rules that don’t contribute to the bottom line, or don’t help your career growth or the company’s mission statement you’ll find your career growing. Importantly your career will have more satisfaction, your responsibilities and rewards will increase all because you learned to break the rules with the rules.

http://www.articledashboard.com/Article/Creative-Breaking-the-Rules-to-Get-Ahead-/351811

Veterans Seek Second Career At Sea

2007-11-15T03:32:00.000-08:00

Many veterans who served their country honorably in the Navy or Coast Guard are falling hook, line and sinker for a second career at sea-especially when the training is free.

Such free training is available at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. Affiliated with the Seafarers International Union (SIU), the center's mission is to provide training needed for a successful career as a United States Merchant Mariner.
There's a 10-week able-bodied seaman course for deck students and an eight-week fireman/oiler course for engine students. When applicants successfully complete the course and get a passing grade on the Coast Guard exam, graduates are guaranteed a first job with a contracted company.

The jobs offer competitive pay, freedom in scheduling, comprehensive medical coverage for the mariners and their families, a pension plan and a contract that spells out safe working conditions and benefits. Mariners work for an SIU-contracted company.

Approximately 1,800 veterans have completed the program in the last 10 years.

To sit for the able-bodied seaman's endorsement or the fireman/ oiler endorsement, separated and retired personnel must have the necessary deck or engine ratings required by the U.S. Coast Guard. Applicants must have at least two years' sea service in an accepted Naval/Coast Guard rating.

All applicants must be able to present a history of their assignments while in the military and an honorable discharge.

They must be physically fit as determined by the U.S. Coast Guard standards and eligible to receive a merchant mariner's document. Applicants cannot be on parole or probation and must have a valid driver's license. Other separated Navy/Coast Guard personnel who do not qualify for the veterans' program may still be eligible for the center's apprentice program.

Besides the program for veterans with qualifying sea time in a deck or engine rating, the center also offers a thorough entry-level program that is registered with the U.S. Department of Labor. More than 22,000 people have graduated from the entry program since the school opened in 1967.

The SIU represents unlicensed United States Merchant Mariners sailing aboard U.S.-flag vessels in the deep sea, Great Lakes and inland trades. The union also represents licensed U.S. mariners in the Great Lakes and inland sectors.

http://www.articledashboard.com/Article/Veterans-Seek-Second-Career-At-Sea/352849

Preparing An Effective Search For Civil Engineering Graduate Jobs

2007-11-14T02:53:00.000-08:00

The field of civil engineering is one of the oldest in the world dating back to the viaducts and roadways created during the Roman Empire. University students throughout the United Kingdom pursue a civil engineering degree to take advantage of their aptitude for mathematics and their desire for a meaningful career. The influx of foreign professionals into civil engineering firms and public agencies has meant greater competition for new graduates.

Your desire to find a civil engineering graduate job immediately after you complete school can be fulfilled with a deliberate job search. Before you begin filling out applications and heading in for interviews, you need to put together a portfolio that will impress potential employers. You should utilise student projects, sketches and recommendations from former professors to demonstrate your engineering skills. It is also important to contact references in your curriculum vitae to let them know that engineering firms may be making contact on your behalf.

Once you have your portfolio completed, you need to build a network of resources to find job openings. Daily investigations of engineering job web-sites allow you to place your name into consideration for dozens of positions with online resume tools. These web-sites are frequented by thousands of engineering candidates and many hiring managers select a limited number of resumes to review. There are a number of resources you can use to supplement your use of highly-used job web-sites.

Civil engineers should look to trade publications and engineering organisations for information on jobs for graduates. These publications have a limited distribution and feature internship and training programmes that are focused on a select audience. You should look at public libraries and your university’s careers office to find free versions of these publications during your job search.

You also need to do some legwork in order to find civil engineering graduate jobs with a high amount of potential. A review of an engineering firm’s web-site may yield some results but you should also call and send your credentials to a firm’s human resources department for future consideration. Many graduates fail to utilise their connections to the engineering field among family, friends and former employers. You should contact your references as well as friends that have worked in the engineering industry to gain insight into what it takes to get hired. With a few phone calls and e-mails to your natural network of resources, you can find plenty of graduate opportunities in civil engineering.

http://www.articledashboard.com/Article/Preparing-an-Effective-Search-for-Civil-Engineering-Graduate-Jobs/348457

Moving Beyond College Housing After Graduation

2007-11-14T02:52:00.000-08:00

You have spent several years of college getting used to small spaces, shared accommodations and the nuances of college living. While you may not have imagined college housing as a comfortable place on your first day of school, you will be reluctant to leave for the real world. There are a number of ways to find housing after college that will help you feel at home after work.

One way to replicate the cosiness of college housing is to find an apartment situated between work and a local university. The atmosphere created by university students and professors as they walk along the streets in fall can help you relive your school days every day. You should also look to save elements of college housing design like lighting and wall hangings that fit into your home’s décor. You also need to find post-graduate housing that passes the initial visual test. Your best tool when searching for a new apartment or home is your first impressions. It is critical that you take a look at the exterior as well as every room in the interior to develop an initial judgement. Your college housing may have left a lot to the imagination when you moved in but as a graduate you can dictate the type of dwelling you use.
An area of housing that is often misunderstood by university graduates is the cost of living. Graduates with experience living in regular apartments away from campus may understand the price of utilities and groceries but the safety net of college is yanked from many students in an instant. You need to add several hundred pounds onto any monthly rent to accurately assess your financial burden. A determination of your savings and loan repayments for school loans is also critical for an accurate budget.

You may be eager to get started on turning your new apartment into a home but it is critical that you get every agreement with an apartment manager in writing. The apartment lease is the most basic document needed in your portfolio to avoid misunderstandings about rent and other responsibilities. You should also approach verbal agreements with extreme caution as they are difficult to enforce in the legal system. A template contract found on most word processing software can be printed off with the appropriate information and signed by an apartment manager as proof of informal agreements.

http://www.articledashboard.com/Article/Moving-Beyond-College-Housing-After-Graduation/348454

Living In College Apartments Beyond Graduation To Save Money

2007-11-14T02:51:00.000-08:00

Many universities in the United Kingdom and Europe have begun working with private developers to find housing for students away from university grounds. The aging buildings of elite universities in the United Kingdom are not inviting to students that need to live away from home for several years. The use of college apartments for undergraduate and graduate students does not necessarily need to end upon graduation.

Unlike traditional residence halls on campus, college apartments are designated spaces within a private apartment development surrounded by apartments filled with families and professionals. The prices are negotiated between schools and apartment owners to help students defray costs while they are studying for a degree. If you want to live in college apartments beyond your last day of courses, there are a number of steps to take.

Some schools may offer a transition program to graduates that keep young professionals in the community. This transition program may feature moving assistance or a continued subsidy of rental prices that help ease the financial burden on graduates. You may need to move into a different apartment within the same complex but transition assistance helps you avoid hunting for a new apartment while you are searching for a job.

You need to approach your college apartment manager at least two months before graduation to learn all of your options. Apartment managers are concerned with filling vacancies and dealing with administrative work as far ahead as possible. This step is not only a demonstration of courtesy on your part but it can help you determine the availability of college apartments after you complete your studies.

Once you have decided that you want to stay in a college apartment beyond graduation, you need to consider redecoration. The apartments of a university student and a professional differ greatly from one another. You can use your location in the midst of college students to sell off old furniture and housing accessories to help you pay for new furnishings. You can also take the opportunity to clean your apartment and apply a layer of paint to cover up any damage caused during your college days.

The benefits of using college apartments from your first day on school until you are ready to own a home are apparent. You should avoid the temptation to find an expensive place that seems to exude professionalism to friends and visitors. New furniture and a new attitude can turn your school apartment into a reflection of your professional attitude.

http://www.articledashboard.com/Article/Living-in-College-Apartments-Beyond-Graduation-to-Save-Money/348453

3 Cover Letter Tips Used By Professional Writers

2007-11-14T02:50:00.000-08:00

Writing a cover letter is harder is many respects than writing a resume because resumes are more objective, or at least, appear to be. Consequently, you do not really have to scratch your head wondering how you can make an impression or make your letter sound personable. If we had to make a comparison, writing a resume is like writing a report. Once you’ve got the skills set, you’re pretty much good with most assignments that come your way. Writing a cover letter is more complicated, however, and is like writing an introduction to that report. How to make it so that the reader is captivated? How to make it so that the reader will start his reading with a positive attitude as opposed to looking at the report ahead as a dreadful burden?

The first tip that all good writers adhere to is to know what message you want to convey. Until you know what you want to communicate, how can you start writing? Yet, that is the mistake that too many people make. Why? Because most of us are lazy and we hope that inspiration will come as we go along. True, it doesn’t hurt to be inspired. That being said, it’s much easier to be inspired when all the right elements are in place. What should you do? Think it through in your head. What skills do you want to convey? What kind of impression do you want to make? As you go through these questions in your head, you should do some background research also. Just go on the Web and start browsing the employer’s website. This will definitely make your look smarter on paper as it will help you tailor your message. Hopefully, this is not too much to ask and will bring in big rewards eventually.
The next tip is to push yourself to stand out. If you write something that sounds too ordinary or just doesn’t sound right, it means you still need to put in more work. Whatever you write down needs to be exceptional, or at least good/ stand out. Good writers know that and that’s why they’re good. They have high expectations when they write and that’s how they improve. Stay away from clichés and try to be specific. Sell yourself and visualize other candidates as your competitors. You want to surpass them. Make that your goal.

The last tip is to go through a lot of drafts. Once your first draft done, go do something else and come back on it later (even a day later if necessary). Time does miracles and as you come back on your draft, you will see aspects of it that you don’t like. If after giving it some time, you come back to your draft, still like it, and have nothing else you want to add or change, then you can tell yourself that you’re done. Your cover letter is ready to be sent out.

The above tips may sound simple, but they really work. It’s simple common sense! Good luck in your job search!!

http://www.articledashboard.com/Article/3-Cover-Letter-Tips-Used-By-Professional-Writers/348381

Wildlife In The Attic - A Career Option You May Have Overlooked

2007-11-14T02:48:00.000-08:00

It is early morning and you're awakened by the unmistakable patter of running feet in your attic. You quickly dismiss the thought that it is a thief. It's too small and besides, what thief would be running around the attic? Perhaps, it's a raccoon or a skunk then? How about a simple country mouse?

And you quickly come to the core of the problem. Once you know it's an animal up there, who are you going to call for aid? Not Ghostbusters, definitely. And surely, not SWAT. What are they going to do; shoot the poor thing?
The rapid growth of urban and suburban areas across the country is eating into the natural habitats of many animals. These displaced animals camp out in your backyard, make their home on your porch or slip into your attic.

These animals, though generally harmless, are indirectly dangerous. They can be like recalcitrant house pets and chew on your electrical wiring which can cause a fire. They will eat holes into your roof and ceiling as well and let the rain in.

Health-wise, there is no telling what diseases these wild animals carry: rabies is very high on the list. Bird or bat droppings that are allowed to accumulate in eaves and attics carry the risk of diseases such as histoplasmosis. And what homeowner would be happy when, on stepping outside for a breath of fresh air, he is confronted by the sight of a skunk family having feasting on his garden?

The increasing number of animal-human encounters has bred the need for wildlife management professionals who have the knowledge, equipment and experience to help homeowners deal with such problems.

--- The Growth of Wildlife Management ---

Admittedly, nuisance wildlife management was not really needed before. Then, there was a distinct border line between human and wildlife habitats. Population growth and urban/suburban expansion meant that people were 'trespassing' into traditional wildlife habitats. Most wildlife - especially the smaller ones - quickly learned to adapt to the human invasion.

Homes may be for humans, but wildlife can find a warm, comfortable nest in human households. Food is easy to find; they just need to dig around the garbage. If they're herbivores, humans are prone to planting gardens (both ornamental and vegetable) where the food is out there for the picking. Most homes have numerous nooks and crannies, as well as insulation (especially in cold areas) which provide a warm and safe environment for raising animal families.

Animals mean humans no harm. However, these animals can still present a danger to the humans in the house.

This is where wildlife management professionals come in. They have the training, temperament and equipment to handle the problem professionally, efficiently and humanely. They take special care not to harm the wildlife and they are forever looking for ways to reduce the conflict between humans and wildlife.

--- Prevention is the Key ---

The primary role of a wildlife management professional is to stop a problem from happening, and the best way to do this is by helping homeowners prevent it from happening in the first place.

If you're a homeowner in a recently developed urban/suburban area - one which was only recently uninhabited - it would be best to call in a wildlife expert to check out your house. If you want to do it yourself, check out your home's roof as well as sidings for entry points that wildlife can use.

Check out your chimney to ensure that no animal has moved in that way. Also have a regulated chimney cap installed. Inspect your porch, your roof and your sidings for holes where animals can comfortably burrow. Get up into the attic and check your attic screens and look for animal tracks. Torn screens and animal tracks are sure signs that an animal has either taken up residence with you, or is about to move in.

If there are animals already in residence, call in a wildlife management expert to evict them for you.

http://www.articledashboard.com/Article/Wildlife-In-The-Attic---A-Career-Option-You-May-Have-Overlooked/348297

So You Want To Be A Fashion Model?

2007-11-13T03:52:00.000-08:00

Have you ever thought about becoming a fashion model? Do you think you have what it takes for that kind of job? The typical fashion model travels to exotic places, models the latest clothes, fashions, and accessories from top designers, and can even be featured in various magazines, which of course can also then lead to being pursued by manufacturers for you to do product endorsements.

But that is typically not where a fashion model STARTS. Like anything else, a fashion model or teen model usually starts significantly lower on the totem pole while they are gaining visibility with potential clients and top modeling agencies around the world. But if you are willing to “pay your dues”, the rewards can be fabulous from many perspectives, including travel, mingling with celebrities, attending exclusive events, and of course from a financial perspective. Top models can earn upwards of thousands of dollars per day.

Fashion modeling is no longer limited to just the “perfect” people anymore with the great looks, superb hair, and a Barbie-doll figure. Particularly in recent years, the fashion designers have started to realize that by only targeting the “perfect” people, they were ignoring a large portion, indeed a MAJORITY, of the audiences they could potentially target to sell their merchandise, accessories, and fashions.

That being the case, there is also a market for fashion models that almost spans the entire range of types of people; i.e., the petite, the “plus size”, the teen, the “mature”, and yes even the retiree crowd. Think about it, all those types of people have money also, and are willing to spend it if they are aware of the possibilities and availability of their products. And selling their creations and fashions is what they are in business for! To become a successful fashion model today, you no longer need to be limited to the group that is about 5 foot 8 inches tall at 120 pounds with perfect bouncy hair and about 22 years old.

There are many types of modeling jobs available, and virtually any of them would be a good start for someone with the motivation and desire to get into some of the top spots and top agencies. There is catalog modeling, runway modeling, showroom modeling, promotional or trade show modeling, television modeling, as well as print modeling like in newspapers or magazines.

Make no mistake about it, it is a tough market and there will likely be some long hours involved. But for those with the motivation and desire to succeed in this very competitive industry, the rewards can far outweigh the negatives.

http://www.articlejoe.com/Article/So-You-Want-To-Be-A-Fashion-Model-/30675

Reinforcing Your Career Decisions - Part One

2007-11-13T03:38:00.002-08:00

Perhaps youv'e realised that your career is taking a wrong turn. It's time to make personal judgments, and professional ones as well.

Resolutions are nothing but setting goals for yourself and is the key to success. Remember, don't set impossible goals which are not within your reach. Instead, set short-term goals and challenge yourself.

Improve your skills: Add a professional degree to your curriculum vitae. Alternatively, take a class or go to a seminar. It is essential to set learning goals on a regular basis. Surf noteworthy websites, and even online job searches so you have an idea what skills are currently in demand in the job market.

Gain knowledge of new technology: Technology is here to stay and communication is essential for business success. Don't be afraid to try out and acquaint yourself with technology. Job opprotunities are granted to those who show an active involvement with the Internet and technology in general. After all, nowadays, technology becomes obsolete quickly and gets replaced by new versions, so you have to keep updated along with it.

Be prepared with your CV: You may never know when opportunity might knock at your door. Make your CV professional. All the online resume posting has been telling us that. Our resume and CV are our first and foremost way of advertising ourselves for getting a job and ending an online job search.

Learn a new language: If your job puts you in contact with people who speak other languages, on a regular basis. This is particularly important when there may be many regional dialects when dealing with overseas countries. It may be very wise to learn a foreign language and if you find you are enjoying this, learn another. It pays in the end.

http://www.articlejoe.com/Article/Reinforcing-Your-Career-Decisions---Part-One/30809

Job Interviews Give Them What They Want to Hear

2007-11-13T03:38:00.001-08:00

Job interviews. Each interviewer thinks that they are using new and novel techniques. Really it all goes down to the book they read this week or most likely last year.
Once you realize that there is little originality in interview techniques your ability to succeed in interviews and hence jobs and promotions offered to you will soar .and you will be on the gravy train so to speak.

In actuality it is all about giving the interviewer what is that they want to hear.
Management guru Riteway Strokon notes that the skill of getting through university is to learn to give back to the professor what he told in different words – and importantly words that he understands. So it is with passing interviews. .
There is very little originality in interview techniques and questions no matter how elaborate and intimidating the interviewer and interview seems. If ever get an honest out of way real interview this is the tip off that this is either the company with its style of management or the superior you can work with and for to prosper.

First of all read and reread the ad or posting carefully. What are they looking for?
What skills and traits are desired both by the organization and the ad? Do you have those traits or will you have to groom them. Reread the ad to ascertain the “corporate culture”. How could you fit into that society so to speak? How would you present yourself both in appearance, attitude and answers to better fit the interview mold?

Further along the path of interview preparation, research the company either as if you were buying one of the company’s expensive products or purchasing a large block of stock. The internet affords the easiest and quickest ever means of initial research.
. If you use Google as your search engine of choice try using other search engines – such as MSN or Yahoo. You can even try a search engine of search engines – a Meta search engine such as Dogpile or Clusty. Look at the links leading to firm’s WebPages.
Are there links leading from customers for tech support or product information? Who are their major customers? Often the real dirt and info on a company can be obtained from competitors. The best source of information about a Tylenol sales manager would be from their competition – that is someone who sells aspirin for example. Call tech support for the company to check customer service levels as well as the over demeanor and morale of company. If possible such as for retail stores try to talk to some real employees of the firm. What you are looking for is consistency in approach and philosophy all the way down the line and happy satisfied employees and customers. For example the job listing may be all about “targeting and core customer base”. However if you spot that the company is not targeted that their advertising as well as focus is all over the map with no discernable focus and that major customers are unhappy and are ready to jump ship then this is not a good sign for you.

Just as you are playing a game at presentation in the interview process management often has to play a similar game with their supervisors who may be clueless. Look at what was the most major and vital industry to the American economy that was the automobile industry. It used to be said “What is good for General Motors (GM) is good for America. Now the American car industry with its insulated senior management is on its way to hell in a hand basket. Or at least with senior management is still being served executive meals on white linen far away from any employee cafeteria or worker lunchbox. Management may be shown a video or given a course and be clueless about basic concepts in life that your 4 year old nephew knows instinctively

Preparation is the key to successful job interviews. Lastly it is always a good idea not to laugh at the incongruity of the interviewer’s questions and answer questions with a straight face while maintaining eye contact.

http://www.articlejoe.com/Article/Job-Interviews-Give-Them-What-They-Want--to-Hear/31769

Is it Prestigious to be a Teacher?

2007-11-13T03:37:00.001-08:00

After graduation we get lost in the number of opportunities and careers proposed to us by various agents visiting high-school. Some students follow parents’ advice, some of them chose occupation taking prestige into consideration. Only a few strong-willed people follow their calling not paying attention to any of advice, orders and other factors. These brave people are more likely to be successful in their lives than others. Listening to teachers’ lecture we sometimes may think about a career of a teacher. After a couple of seconds an image comes to sight. Lots of screaming and yelling annoying children that do not follow directions stay noisy and do not know the word “order”. After an image like that your desire to become a teacher disappears. After a couple of weeks you start thinking about it again. What is that teachers do for us?

This topic can be boring for youngsters for they could have written millions of essays on the similar topic. But if to look at the problem a bit deeper, there is always something interesting and exciting to find out. A person always tries to be in charge of somebody. This increases self-confidence and gives power over people. Being a teacher you may become more self-confident and see how much you can do for yourself. Imagine, how much can you give to a young boy or girl that absorbs every word you utter. Financial aspect has always been important even for those who cared only about a job. That’s why people sometimes mention the wished salary during interview when applying to some position. Teachers are well-paid nowadays and salaries depend on working hours and extra curriculum work with children. A person can express himself or herself in any field possible. To become a professional you are to be coached and tutored. Who is going to do it? Of course, a teacher. Every specialist is born from hard work both of a student and a teacher. Teachers were always respected by people and those, involved in education and science almost always get recognition with their contribution to the world of knowledge. Every student is a visit card that tells a long story about a teacher and methodology. Requirements for teachers are high, but the result is rewarding. You fulfill your dream and become a respectable citizen.

That is why people prepare a good resume, gather all the awards and diplomas and go for an interview with a strict school principal to join a team of those who were disliked and even hated during teenage years. And they do it not because of prestige or money or fame, but because of respect, hidden deep inside in high-school year’s memories. They want to be at least a bit like that brave, outgoing, strict but kind-hearted person that seems to know the answers to all the questions.

http://www.articlejoe.com/Article/Is-it-Prestigious-to-be-a-Teacher-/32030

Tips On The Offshore Oil Rig Jobs

2007-11-13T03:35:00.000-08:00

As you probably know by now, the offshore oil rig jobs imply physical work. Almost all the rig companies on the market try to offer their employees an enjoyable time onboard. Especially as there are accommodation wings that meet 4 or 5 star hotel standards. The result is that, even if the employees are actually living in the middle of the ocean, they are good taken care of, with companies assuring all food, board and laundry expenses, besides the travel and transfer costs.

So, if you decide to get a job at one of the offshore oil rig companies available today, you can choose from a very large range of opportunities. Whether you want to be a Driller, Derrickman, Shakerhand or Mudman, you can surely get a very good job there. People who dream of becoming a Toolpusher, a Floorman or a Roughneck, a Motorman, an Assistant Driller, a Crane Operator, Roustabouts, a Cleaner or a Painter and even a Storekeeper, will also find what they are looking for at an offshore oil rig company. Other jobs that are available there are Mechanic/Electrician, Sub Sea Engineer, Rig Mechanic, Rig Electrician, Rig Welder, Barge Engineer, Ballast Controlman or Watchstander, Captain and Chief Engineer, Rig Medic and Safety Man. You see, the number of possible jobs is higher than you can imagine.

Most offshore oil rig jobs call for a 14 / 21 day rotation, which means that you work for a couple of weeks, then you get three weeks off. Thus, you actually spend a lot of time on holiday every year! And let us look at another enjoyable aspect of such a job! Countries like Saudi Arabia, Nigeria, the United States, Kuwait, United Arab Emirates, Venezuela, Mexico, Russia, Norway, China, Canada and the United Kingdom are only few of all the drilling employment and travel opportunities you can get from working in the offshore oil rig industry.

If you agree to wearing safety boots hard hat safety glasses and coveralls, then you have a good chance of feeling good in such a field. Fortunately you get to take off your work gear and eat in the galley. You must also keep a good attitude and be focused on why you wanted to work offshore. Should you be a smoker, there are smoking rooms at various places on a rig where safety matches will be supplied. So, you won�t have any reasons to be stressed out!

http://www.articlejoe.com/Article/Tips-On-The-Offshore-Oil-Rig-Jobs/32459

Analyze a Career in Economics

2007-11-12T03:07:00.000-08:00

Economists, as defined by the Labor Department, study how society distributes scarce resources such as land, labor, raw materials, and machinery to produce goods and services. They conduct research, collect and analyze data, monitor economic trends, and develop forecasts.

The Work:

Economists conduct research and prepare data for analysis. They research issues such as inflation, interest rates, and employment levels to come up with data that can be processed to forecast economic change in the future. They prepare their reports by using charts and graphs or tables to illustrate the results of their research. There are many specific areas for work as an economist such as being an organizational economist, industrial economist, labor economist or monetary economist to name a few.

Training:

To become and economist, you will need to earn at least a bachelors degree in economics. Many private sector companies require a master’s degree or Ph. D. in economics from their employees however. A bachelor’s degree in economics will cover topics such as macro and microeconomics as well as statistics and math. Finance, accounting, public relations, public policy and information technology will also be covered in your degree program. To become and economist, you will need to skills in organization, pay keen attention to details, and have patience and persistence. Those with a graduate degree in economics will generally specialize in a specific area of the industry.

Outlook:

An economics degree can provide you an opportunity to work in a variety of professional organizations. A number of economists work in the public sector and help government simplify their operations. Up to 58 % of economists work in this capacity. Depending on your field, expertise, and industry, salaries can vary greatly. Economists in major metropolitan areas average a salary of $78,000 annually, but they can earn significantly more with years of experience.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mary_Hart

Choosing The Right Career For The Ideal Job

2007-11-12T03:06:00.000-08:00

Many people go into careers and jobs without thinking if this is suited for me or 5 to 10 years later they realize this is not what I expected. Many individuals spend months or even years not happy with their careers. Some may take any available job while others may follow in their parents footsteps. This may work out for some but many others never discover their true career skills and are dissatisfied with their jobs.

Careful career planning is essential in fulfilling one's job search that will give years of work enjoyment and satisfaction. If you are going to work it might as well be something you like to do and skilled at doing. Knowing what your skills are and what you are good at is the starting point in choosing the right career.You will unlikely be completely satisfied in your career unless you use the skills you enjoy and are good at.

Ask yourself some questions such as : What interests do I have? What sorts of people would I like to work with?

Don't confuse an ideal job with a job title. You might enjoy working in one place and hate working in another. Both could have the same job title but be entirely different jobs.

Let's say you were looking for a job as a sales person or a teacher, these would be job titles. The ideal job within the salesperson category could be in retail sales, real estate, manufacturing sales representatives, car sales, etc. A teacher might teach kindergarten, elementary, middle, or high school students. Or a teacher might teach adults or special need individuals how to read and write. So don't choose a job just by it's title but by the different job areas under the title that fits your interests and skills. People are more likely to stay in a career and be successful if it suits their interest and skills.

It would be wise to spend extra time thinking about what type of work you want to do. Some key factors to consider when planning a career is your skills, interests, earnings, location, work environment, kinds of people you like to work with, etc.

You may have to go back to school for more education, but don't let that hold you back from that ideal job. Education and earnings go hand in hand. The more education you have the more money you are capable of earning. Although earnings are important, liking your work is equally important.

Having a college degree is definitely a plus in career planning, but many trade, technical and other schools offer similar opportunities to individuals without a college degree.

A well trained electrician, plumber, police officer, auto mechanic, computer repair technician, tool and die maker among many others can do very well in todays economy. There are many jobs that only require one or two years of training. Many companies and organizations have on the job training while paying your salary. People in sales, small business, self employment and other job areas do quite well without a college degree, although for better positions more education is often required.

Your career will most likely change over the course of your life no matter how much career planning you do. That make's it important for you to recognize what you are good at and develop those skills throughout your life. As your interests change you may want to develop new skills.

Good career planning is very important, but it should be done in the context of what you want to do with your life.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lamar_Dean

Paralegal Schools Can Prepare You For a Career in Law

2007-11-12T03:05:00.000-08:00

You can train to be a respected paralegal at some of the best paralegal schools in the US and Canada. There are a variety of paralegal courses available throughout North America where you can learn to be a professional paralegal, but what exactly will you learn?

Paralegal schools can prepare you for a legal career assisting attorneys and judges in the day-to-day routine duties of the court. You may be able to specialize in one or more aspects of the paralegal profession, such as tax laws, real estate laws, child custody cases, criminal cases, and many others. But, in general, you will be required to have an overall knowledge of law practices and courtroom procedures with the goal of helping legal processes to proceed smoothly.

Whether your ultimate goal is to work for an independent law firm or a government agency, the top paralegal schools will give you a thorough paralegal education to qualify you for a new career. Lawyers often rely on paralegals to help prepare legal arguments, draft motions and pleas, manage individual cases, and assist in the courtroom. Legal and paralegal schools teach paralegals how to help attorneys prepare for a courtroom hearing or trial by researching the facts about a case and investigating the laws that pertain. In addition to a general education, a paralegal course will cover legal terminology and documents, legal software applications, and other related topics.

There are several levels of paralegal education available, beginning with simple professional certification or an Associate of Arts degree in paralegal (AA-P). Either would be great for an entry-level paralegal position. Those who wish to expand their paralegal training can obtain a Bachelor of Science degree in paralegal (BS-P) or Bachelor of Arts - Paralegal (BA-P). If your ultimate goal is to become a legal administrator, such as a court clerk, you may wish to continue your legal studies to obtain a Master of Arts in Paralegal (MA-P) and Master of Science in Paralegal (MS-P) degree.

Graduates of paralegal schools are eligible to take the National Association of Legal Assistants Exam (NALA) to become Certified Legal Assistants (CLAs). With two years of relevant paralegal experience and a minimum of a bachelor's degree in paralegal, you may take the Paralegal Advanced Competency Exam to become a Registered Paralegal (RP). Starting salaries for paralegals are in the range of $40,000 - $60,000, depending on experience and level of education.

To find out how you can learn to be a paralegal, we urge you to contact paralegal schools on SchoolsGalore.com today.

DISCLAIMER: Above is a GENERAL OVERVIEW and may or may not reflect specific practices, courses and/or services associated with ANY ONE particular school(s) that is or is not advertised on SchoolsGalore.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Bustamante

Online Fashion Merchandising Courses-A Convenient Path to a Fashion Career

2007-11-10T03:47:00.000-08:00

The Internet has revolutionized education. Distance and online learning is one of the fastest growing segments of the educational field. If you are thinking of attending fashion school for a fashion merchandising degree or certificate, you may want to consider an online fashion design program. These online programs have evolved and are more comprehensive and sophisticated to meet student needs.

As a fashion merchandising student, you'll learn the nuts and bolts of fashion design and marketing. You'll study the whole cycle of fashion creation, concentrating primarily on the manufacturing, buying, selling, and promotion of items to retail and other outlets. You'll also learn about the actual textiles that create fabrics, and their manufacture.

There are many advantages to studying fashion merchandising online. You will have a more flexible schedule, and can study around your job, or other responsibilities. A great way to get even more prepared for working in the field is to take a fashion-related job while you are attending school online. This will help you get real world fashion experience that can enrich your online education, and help qualify you for your fashion merchandising career once you graduate.

There are a number of schools that offer online programs. Many respectable and respected fashion campuses also offer an online component. Its better to enroll in an online program that is well-known and has a presence in the fashion industry. Many schools offer a two year associates degree or a certificate, and some schools offer a four year bachelor degree. Whatever degree program you choose, you want to make sure that your online program has the appropriate accreditation, so that when you graduate, your achievement has merit in the industry, and is recognizable.

Another factor to consider is the job placement assistance offered after you graduate. Most schools will have statistics regarding the number of graduates working the fashion merchandising industry. Before you enroll, you should review the school's job assistance program, and make sure it is comprehensive as possible.

A fashion merchandising career is one of the most flexible and varied in the fashion industry. Once you have achieved your diploma or certification, there are a wide variety of positions available. You could work in retail as store manager, or store owner. You could also work as a fashion buyer, merchandiser, fashion event planner, and that is just a small number of the variety of positions available.

If you live too far away to attend an on campus fashion school, or need more flexibility with your schedule, an online fashion merchandising program may be a good fit for you. More and more schools are catering to the needs of their students by offering online degree and certificate studies, and there are now a number to choose from. Your fashion career could be just a few mouse clicks away.

Amy Wells writes about fashion education. Thinking of attending Fashion School? Get the facts first, find out where to go and how to save money on Fashion School.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Amy_Wells

The Best Investment - You and Your Career

2007-11-10T03:46:00.000-08:00

Are you interested in a career in business, education, health science, psychology or the behavioral sciences? You can excel in your field with a degree and pursue the career of your dreams.

There are many universities that offer undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate degrees that will launch your career, or provide you the edge you need to get ahead in your field. Chicago, Dallas, San Francisco—there are thousands of campus locations across the nation, and with online degree and distance learning programs, you can be literally anywhere and get your degree.

Making The Choice: What To Look For In A College

Faculty

You want qualified instructors. You want teachers that don’t just talk the talk-they’ve also walked the walk. You want working professionals with years of experience. Many colleges utilize a faculty that brings more than just a textbook and a syllabus to the classroom; they bring professional knowledge and real-world insight into your field. With the right instruction, right out of the gate, you can be learning real-world applications that you can put into action--not just isolated theories.

Small Class Size

It’s well know that the smaller the class, the greater your chance of success. Look for a college that believes that close interaction with instructors helps build a sense of community among faculty and fellow students, as well as providing networking opportunities that can enhance your career opportunities. Choosing this unique learning model will keep the focus on you and your future success.

Flexibility

Many college have programs are designed to prepare you for a meaningful, rewarding career, but you also want a school that understands that you have a life outside of our classroom. Many colleges have programs that enable you to customize your schedule by offering evening and weekend classes, as well as online classes. Choose the program that’s built to fit your life.

Of course, you may already be out there pursuing your dreams and working in your field. You don't want to interrupt your career to focus exclusively on study. Many colleges offer programs that are designed to fit the time constraints of your already busy schedule. You can earn your undergraduate or graduate degree through on-campus learning, online learning, or a mix of both. Many colleges offer a combination of offsite tutorials and intensive one-week classroom sessions that are held throughout the year. Flexibility and accelerated degree programs distinguish some universities--these schools have the flexibility designed to suit you and give you the edge you need to succeed.

Whatever your goal--completing your bachelor's degree, pursuing a master's or doctoral degree--you'll find a college that is both relevant and flexible and designed to suit your life. Be poised for success and discover how earning your degree from will help you get a fresh start and an exciting career.

Programs

A full range of degree programs, from associate's and bachelor's to master's and doctoral studies, are available. Depending on your choice of college, you can choose a campus-based education, online courses, or a blended mix of both. You select which option best suits you.

Degrees are available in these exciting fields:

• Clinical Psychology
• Clinical Psychology/Marriage & Family Therapy
• Community Counseling
• Counseling Psychology
• Counseling Psychology/Marriage & Family Therapy
• Counselor Education and Supervision
• Forensic Psychology
• Marriage & Family Therapy
• Mental Health Counseling
• Organizational Leadership
• Pastoral Community Counseling
• Professional Counseling
• Psychology
• Psychology (Degree Completion Program)
• School Counseling
• School Psychology
• Sport-Exercise Psychology

In the area of Education and Human Development, you’ll find these options:

• Community College Executive Leadership
• Educational Leadership
• Institutional Leadership

Those interested in Business and Information Technology may want to consider:

• Business Administration
• Business Administration (Degree Completion Program)
• Management

The fascinating world of Health Sciences offers:

• Dental Hygiene
• Diagnostic Medical Sonography (Ultrasound)
• Health Service Management
• Histotechnology
• Medical Assisting
• Medical Laboratory Technology
• Radiation Therapy
• Radiologic Technology
• Veterinary Technology

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Cecily_Kellogg

Computer Repair Training To Become Certified Technician

2007-11-10T03:45:00.000-08:00

With millions of computers in use around the globe, there is a huge and growing demand for computer technicians with good computer repair training. If you are one of those computer-minded folks with good dexterity and a knack for repairing things, you might be the perfect candidate for vocational training in computer repair.

The ultimate goal is to become certified in computer repair so that you will qualify for gainful employment as an expert computer technician. Look to trade schools, community colleges, technical schools, and vocational schools to offer the best computer repair training. In less than two years, you can gain a vocational certificate or Associate degree that will convince any employer of your professional competency.

Computer repair training can include a number of interesting subjects, but in general you will learn to install, repair, and maintain computers of all types. Your computer repair course will have you tinkering with a variety of electrical devices and computers, including those found in homes, businesses, and government agencies. An education in computer repair will delve deeply into the various aspects of computer technology, and may even cover radar systems, televisions, industrial and medical equipment, and telecommunications systems.

Check with several computer repair schools to be sure the one you choose will be able to meet your professional goals. Once you have graduated and become a certified computer repair technician, you may choose to enter into an apprenticeship to gain the hands-on, practical experience you will need for a career in computer repair. Depending on the extent of your computer repair training and the nature of the specific computer technician position, you can soon be earning an annual salary of $36,000 or more.

If you think a career in computer technology is for you, check out schools providing Computer Repair Training at SchoolsGalore.com. You could soon be on your way to becoming certified in computer repair.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Bustamante

Nursing Shortage and Distance Education Nursing Programs

2007-11-10T03:44:00.000-08:00

Distance education nursing programs could help alleviate the nursing shortage in the US. We are currently experiencing a critical nursing shortage that is stretching healthcare to its limits. You would think we could alleviate the shortage by training more nurses, but therein lies the problem. There are plenty of qualified applicants for the available spots in nursing schools. We simply don't have enough nursing educators to teach them.

Nursing is a scientifically rigorous discipline with the added requirement of hands-on technical skills. Nursing education has a classroom component and a clinical component. Distance learning nursing programs have been available for years, but providing the clinical component of the curriculum continues to be problematic.

The minimum degree for a nursing educator is a masters in nursing (MSN). Distance learning programs that prepare existing nurses to be nurse educators could be the solution to the nursing shortage.

There is currently little incentive for BSN prepared nurse to continue their education. Graduate education in nursing is expensive and rigorous. It is very difficult for a working nurse to find the time, energy and resources for school. And he has little reason to do so; BSN prepared nurses have most of the same opportunities as MSN prepared nurses, and make about the same amount of money. Education is one of the few areas that they can't find employment in, and most nursing educators make less money than BSN prepared hospital nurses.

There are two ways that distance education nursing programs can help.

RN to MSN Programs

RN's who do not have a BSN do have limited career opportunities. It is more difficult for them to advance into management and specialty areas, and this is an incentive for them to go back to school and get a degree. RN to BSN programs make it relatively easy for working nurses to get a degree. Many are available as distance learning programs, and they are configured for working adults.

RN's who apply for those programs could be encouraged to enter RN to MSN programs instead. RN to MSN programs already exist. We could use those programs to prepare more nursing educators by making it easier to complete them and by recruiting more nurses into them. When an RN expresses interest in an RN to BSN program, perhaps he could be offered entrance into an RN to MSN program instead.

BSN to PhD Programs

There isn't a lot of incentive for MSN prepared nurses to teach. Perhaps that means that we should recruit more nurses into doctoral programs. PhD prepared nursing educators do have more opportunities and make more money than MSN prepared educators. Perhaps we should recruit BSN prepared nurses into doctoral programs instead of trying to convince them to pursue a masters degree.

Preparing more nursing educators is the only answer to the nursing shortage, and distance education nursing programs for graduate study are a viable way to do that.

Dean Iggo is the webmaster of a Online High School Courses website where you can find the best online learning programs and degrees to suit your needs including online math courses and more.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dean_Iggo

Chinese Medicine Education - Certificate Programs

2007-11-10T03:43:00.000-08:00

Find Chinese medicine education in the United States and Canada. Chinese medicine education offered through several acupuncture schools and other Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) schools include certificate programs that are comprehensive, and can enhance your professional aspirations.

A good example of one of the many certificate programs extended through an in-depth Chinese medicine education is the certificate in Chinese herbal medicine (CCHM). This Chinese medicine education program is a postgraduate course for licensed acupuncturists and covers a tremendous curriculum that includes Chinese medicine education in botany, Chinese medical terminology, herbal formulation and therapeutics, Chinese medicine principles and theories, and other related subject matter. Though each school varies in its Chinese medicine education; a number of these programs average about 62 credits.

Other certificate programs offered through Chinese medicine education courses are the Asian bodywork and Qigong courses. Chinese medicine education in these subjects encompass practical training and academics in a range of topics including but not limited to TCM theories, anatomy, qigong, clinical bodywork, shiatsu, biomechanics, kinesiology, Thai massage, Tuina, and other related studies. In many instances, successful students who have completed all bodywork training requirements are awarded Tuina and shiatsu massage certificates.

In addition, some Chinese medicine education courses are extended through home-study programs, as well as in-class studies. These certificate and continuing education programs include courses in herbology. In this Chinese medicine education course, students are introduced to Chinese herbal medicine, pathology, tonic herbs and formulation, and many more associated topics of interest.

Furthermore, several alternative healing schools will provide Chinese medicine education certificate and/or diploma courses in Oriental medicine nutrition, skin care, wellness and acupressure.

If you (or someone you know) are interested in finding appropriate Chinese medicine education to help attain your dream job, let education within fast-growing industries like massage therapy, cosmetology, acupuncture, oriental medicine, Reiki, and others get you started! Explore career school programs near you.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=CarolAnn_Bailey-Lloyd

Online Nursing Continuing Education - Right For Working Nurses

2007-11-10T03:42:00.000-08:00

Nurses can earn Continuing Education credit by attending conferences, seminars, workshops, or by enrolling in online nursing continuing education courses. One Continuing Education Unit is equivalent to ten contact hours. A contact hour is defined as 50 consecutive minutes of participation in a class or activity approved by a nursing board.

Apply For An Online Course

There are numerous accredited online nursing continuing education courses available at very reasonable rates. You can complete the online nursing education courses from the comforts of your home. No need to sacrifice your working hours. Completing an online nursing continuing education course is very easy. Simply choose the course and study it. Then you pass the test and complete the evaluation form. After this you can register and pay the fee. Then you can print the certificate showing successful completion of the course.

In this competitive world, it is simply not enough to have a single degree. To maintain your competitiveness in the workplace, you have to continuously educate yourself. Online nursing degree programs are designed for working nurses to help them evolve in their careers. There are various nursing degree programs available at all levels. You can pursue a diploma, BSN, MSN, or a doctoral program from the comforts of your home and without sacrificing a single hour of work. If you already have a BSN degree, you can pursue an online nursing master degree and become a leader in your profession. There is no shortage of schools offering online nursing education programs.

The changing scenario in the nursing field would make online nursing continuing education degree programs more important for working nurses. Nurses need to put in long hours at work. Along with that they have families to take care of. This makes it impossible for most of them to earn a degree through a regular nursing college. Online nursing degree programs have not only met the educational aspirations of thousands of working nurses, but have also provided the healthcare industry with trained nurses. Without the online programs, the shortages of nurses would have been more acute.

Times have sure changed. There was a time when online education was looked down upon. Today online degrees are offered in every field. Many employers strongly encourage their nurses to pursue online nursing continuing education programs. Online programs have become a convenient means of advancing one's career. Online education is not education made easy but education made convenient. The idea behind online nursing degree programs is to provide education to working nurses so that they can grow in their professional fields.

Nursing degree info is an online information bank for people who wish to make successful career in nursing. Medicare Industry is growing day by day. With this growth there will be rise in requirement for qualified Medicare personnel's. For professional growth in nursing, go for Online Nursing Continuing Education. Choose from best Online Nursing Schools.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ekta_Jain

The University of Cambridge

2007-11-08T03:14:00.000-08:00

Speaking individually, people mention Oxford first since Oxford came into existence before Cambridge University. Cambridge University is much younger. It is only celebrating its 800th birth anniversary in 2009.

So awe-inspiring are these universities that they have also been restructured in Japan. Only the Japanese mention Cambridge first, based on the alphabetical order.

Reputation

Cambridge University, the second oldest university in the UK, proves its reputation by the sheer strength of its Nobel Prize winners. No other university in the world has produced this many achievers.

Since the year 1904, 81 affiliates of the University have won the Nobel Prize.

• Bertrand Russell was the first person to win the Nobel Prize from this University. He was awarded for his literary work, ‘A History of Western Philosophy.’
• The first woman of this University to win the Nobel was Dorothy Hodgkin. Her work dealing with the structure of compounds used to fight anaemia won universal acclamation.
• Fredrick Sanger holds the distinction of winning the Nobel Prize twice. Only 3 other people hold this unique record.
• The Trinity College won 31 Nobel Prizes. This college has produced the maximum number of prize winners.

The Times Higher Education Supplement (THES) ranked Cambridge the 2nd best university in the world. Critics feel that THES that reports news on education highly favours British institutions. Critics were proved wrong when the Shanghai Jiao Tong University also ranked Cambridge the second best university in the world.

The Sunday times League Table had once ranked Cambridge the best university for many years persistently. This university produces more doctorates than Oxford University.

Administration of Cambridge University

The university is governed by the Chancellor who is the Duke of Edinburgh. He holds office for life. The Vice chancellor is the real executive head while the former is a head, symbolically.

The university campus holds 31 colleges and many departments. The varied departments conduct experiments and give lectures. The colleges take care of the admission procedure and cater to the welfare of the students.

Of the 31 colleges in the university, 3 colleges admit only women candidates. All the other colleges are co-educational. Though each college exhibits a strong leaning towards certain subjects, students studying different subjects are admitted.

The university as a unit developed a strong inclination towards mathematics since the days of Sir Isaac Newton. All students entering this university are expected to compulsorily study this subject. Liking for mathematics is well recognised. And, the ‘Isaac Newton Institute’ that is part of the university is considered as a research centre for mathematics and theoretical physics.

The Admission Procedure

Admissions were not granted to women till 1869. The opening of the Girton College (the first women’s college) changed the system. And, after that it took almost a century for all the colleges to admit women. Colleges turned co-educational between 1960 and 1988. The men and women candidate ratio is fast changing, and reaching a near equal figure.

Admission procedure for such a prestigious university is different from the other universities in the UK. Application forms have to be submitted much prior to the deadline set by other universities.

Only students who get 3 A grades in the ‘A’ level are called for an interview. The interview methods are unique, for candidates are evaluated for the originality of their answers that reveals their creative thinking. Strong orientation towards mathematics dictates that students perform well in the Sixth Term Examination Papers (STEP) in mathematics.

Fame initiates the association of many myths. The most famous myth about Cambridge University is about the mathematical bridge near Queen’s College. It was believed that the bridge was held together without any nuts and bolts. However, this might have been only a myth. The current bridge has distinctly visible nuts and bolts all over.

Cambridge, the prestigious university, has an exceptionally difficult selection process to ensure that only the best gain entry into their campus.

http://www.articlenext.com/Article/8858.html

How Do You Get A Degree In Culinary Arts?

2007-11-08T03:12:00.000-08:00

It is important if you want to be a master chef that you do a Degree in culinary arts. There are a number of institutions that offer these degrees in every one of the localities. Where ever you are in the US you will find one closest to you. What is more? There are also universities that offer these courses on a remote learning basis too! These institutes however, insist that you visit either their campus or an affiliated campus for in house training at some point of time or other. How do you find the right Degree in culinary arts course for you?

Almost every one of the Universities in the country has a culinary course for you. They offer any of the numerous Degree in culinary arts courses and programs. There are special programs for full time learners as well as there are ones that are valid for the working people. Even the practicing culinary specialists also find it a necessity to enhance their skills using any of these degrees that are offered by the Universities. You can find the courses that are offered by these institutes and schools for culinary learning on line. The University web sites carry adequate information on how and when the course commences and what are the eligibility norms that they have. As a matter of fact, in most of this Degree in culinary arts courses, you will find that your interest is one of the prime factors and you can get a seat if you can support yourself for the course. Many of the people would choose their course only on two criteria. One, does the institute that offer this course is specialized in the area that you are interested in? There could be a number of specialist institutes that would help you in learning Italian and European cuisine. But which one of them is the specialist one? If you want to really excel and be known for it, then you will possibly like to attend the best Degree in culinary arts.

The second criterion that students consider would be the factor of cost. How much is it going to cost me if I am going to do a course in there? Quite a valid question, particularly, since you need to support yourself for the entire course. In most of the institutions where you do the course of this kind, you will also find that you can work part time. Meaning there are restaurants and other off site service centers where the school would be catering to the requirements of their culinary fans. This will also help the school and its students practice what they are taught. Learning skills will be enhanced and this would result in a better understanding of the working methods.

Under this condition, the cost of the Degree in culinary arts could almost come down to zero. There are institutes that offer tuition fee waivers if you work part time. There are also others that pay on specific events. When there is an event where the school takes your help then you get paid for it.

http://www.articlenext.com/Article/9652.html

Personal Statements for the Law School

2007-11-08T03:11:00.000-08:00

Personal Traits – Getting Personal Irrespective of whatever you write in your personal statement, the content within should be based upon a few underlying characteristics of human personality and acquired skills. Basing your content on this will give you a fair chance of seeing your application through the initial screening process. Some of them are as follows:

* Intellectual Ability: Intellectual ability refers to your skill to see beyond the obvious. A person with intellectual ability will be able to draw inferences easily. This person will also be the one who enjoys manipulating information and enjoys hypothesizing.
* Analytical Ability: As a lawyer, your first and foremost job is to crack down a case. To achieve this, one of the primary skills that can come to your rescue is your ability to analyse a problem and break it down into smaller chunks. Further, it can also touch upon ideas of the methodology that you adopt to solve a problem.
* Speaking Ability: What good is a lawyer, if he is not able to express what he wants. This is a prime aspect of a lawyer. Your voice and diction are large contributing factors towards your skill to convince people.
* Writing Ability: Your writing skills come into play as a lawyer when you start writing legal documents. You will need to write documents and record legal proceedings. It is essential that any piece of writing that comes off your table should be free of ambiguity.
* Creativity and imagination: Successful lawyers are those who tend to see what the others do not. Creativity and imagination form one of the prime requisites for a successful lawyer that can help him deter the course of the case in discussion.
* Self-confidence: This is a personal trait characteristic of every successful lawyer. While arguing in a court of law, you will be a one-man army fighting against the world. This requires a lot of self-confidence to represent yourself in a firm and convincing manner. If you are not confident about yourself, you will not be able to get your point across to anyone.
* Leadership Skills: This is the most essential of all traits of human personality. Your position as a lawyer requires that you lead from the front. People will look forward to you for a solution to all their problems. This will also require you to be a firm and effective decision maker.
* Motivation: As a lawyer, you need to be a self-learner. You need to motivate yourself from within. You will need to do a lot of research into case studies and current happenings. This will also require you to collaborate with people in your profession to update yourself with happenings around the world. This would reflect on your ability to work with others.
* Comprehensiveness: You always need to have a 360-degree view of a problem. The person should be extremely fact-conscious. This means that when you draw a conclusion, you need to avoid assumptions.

Personal Statements – Addressing Weaknesses Weaknesses need to be addressed somewhere. Especially, if you have a fabulous history of scoring low grades all through your education, it does need a mention somewhere. These things can influence your selection process. However, you can play it smart using one of the two ways:

* If you want to cite it within your personal statement, you can do so. However, you need to take the extra precaution that the content gels with the rest. This means that it should flow along well with the story mentioned in your personal statement.
* The second way of doing this is to use an addendum. An addendum is like an appendix of a book. It gives the reviewer supplementary information about yourself, which you would rather prefer, does not take the centre stage.

http://www.articlenext.com/Article/10286.html

Do Computer Repair Classes Make Sense For You?

2007-11-08T03:09:00.000-08:00

There is a lot to know if you plan on repairing computers for a living. Even if you simply plan on moonlighting with a computer repair business, the amount of information you are expected to know can be daunting. Computer repair classes may make sense for you if you have both time and some money to invest in some training.

The first thing you'll want to determine is what kind of training you will need. Do you need advanced training or are you looking for simple techniques? Knowing what kind of training you need can reduce the time it take you to find the right class for your training needs.

How much of a budget have you set aside for training? Most computer training takes money. The more advanced the training, the more money it will cost. The cost will also depend on whether you follow a course of study. For the computer repair industry, compTia's A+ certification is the one most recognized. Most computer training centers will offer a course on A+ certification.

Other training that makes sense for a computer repair technician includes computer networks including compTia's Network+, Microsoft's MSCE certification and CISCO certifications. You could also benefit from computer security certification like compTia's Security+, MCSE security, Cisco security and even an ethical hacking cert like CISSP training.

Know what you plan on focusing your energies on. If you plan on working for someone else, know what area you plan on concentrating on. If you plan on owning your own business, you should also know what your area of concentration is going to be. Don't take the MSCE certification if you intend to focus your business on Linux based products. While this may seem obvious to some, I've encountered people who were confused on this issue.

Bottom line, choose a computer training firm that has been around a while and is known for their thoroughness and expertise. There is nothing worse than paying big bucks for computer training that fails to prepare you properly for the field. Do some research, ask some people in the industry. In the end, if you've done your homework, you'll be fine.

http://www.articlenext.com/Article/39.html

How to Find a Good Massage Course

2007-11-07T23:13:00.001-08:00

For anyone wanting to get into the field of massage, there is an ever growing range of choice in the type and style of therapy work you could do. Being a massage therapist can be a lucrative career, but the choice of course is important in offering the therapist the widest number of career options. There are now so many different types of massage that you could specialise in, it makes choosing a course almost more difficult, so good research is crucial in deciding your career path.

Your first task then, is to decide exactly what type of therapist you would like to be. Would you like to work closely with the medical field as a physical therapist, helping those who have been injured due to accidents, and even this can be broken down to such categories as sports injuries, work injuries, etc. Though being a physical therapist does involve knowing many types of massage, it also entails knowing other forms of therapy as well, so training should be detailed and in-depth. A training course in massage therapy as part of a physical therapy course should be done at an accredited school; one that will eventually lead you to certification in many areas and be a stepping stone for working closely with the medical profession.

What if you are just interested in massage therapy in and of itself? Is certification still necessary? If you are simply interested in learning the techniques of giving a good massage, then certification is probably not necessary, and you may be able to learn through books, videos, non-credit courses, or by being mentored by a masseuse. If you are going to be charging fees for your massage services, however, then you will need to become certified and insured. In fact, to work in a clinic environment it is required. How then, do you find a good massage course that not only teaches you how to give an effective massage, but also provides you with recognized certification?

The first thing that you will need to do is check the rules and regulations for massage certification in the state in which you live. Though most regulations will be similar from area to area, it is best to know the details of where you live. Also, external vocational examining bodies should be able to give you a list of schools that can provide you with the type of training that should suit your goals and needs. After obtaining a list of schools that you feel would fit your needs, start narrowing down your choices by such factors as location, expense, length of training before certification can be accomplished, and possibly even graduate placement record. Check references, and make sure that all schools that you are interested in attending are themselves board certified.

Never discount the advantage of having a mentor in the field, and if you possibly can, try to network with different types of massage therapists so that you can get a feel for different types of techniques. Experience and diversity are key factors when it comes to attracting and maintaining loyal clients once you go into business.

http://www.articlenext.com/Article/3858.html

How to Find a Good Massage Course

2007-11-07T23:13:00.000-08:00

How To Prepare Yourself For A Paralegal Career Or Advancement

2007-11-07T04:46:00.000-08:00

Did you know that these days when professional opportunities are declining, the Paralegal field is blooming with opportunities you can grab with two hands? Yes, opportunities are positively expanding in the paralegal field.

This, obviously, is because the practice of law is expanding necessitating the need for Paralegals. There has never been a better for a Paralegal job. As more and more lawyers graduate so also is the need for Paralegals mounting on a daily basis.

As should be expected, this great need for Paralegals has also brought about the mushrooming of both accredited and none accredited Paralegal schools and institutions, both online and offline.

Therefore, selecting a Paralegal institution, whether online or offline entails some research on your part. What you must know in the first instance is that Paralegal institutions that are worth your trust must be ABA (American Bar Association) approved, belong to National Paralegal Organizations, and have, among other levels of Paralegal courses, a foundation course for beginners in which you will be taught the rudiments of Paralegal concepts following which you can then decide to specialize in areas such as litigation, real estate, estate and will, trust, and corporate law.

If you are desirous of doing a Paralegal course on a part time basis, the online option is advised, because of the following reasons:

1. An online Paralegal course will allow you the convenience of taking the course at your own pace.
2. There is flexibility and the benefit of studying at home using your PC and Internet connection.
3. Fees are paid per course module for most Paralegal online courses.

Obtaining an online paralegal degree will provide you with opportunities for advancing your career or finding new employment opportunities with law firms, the judiciary or the legal departments of organizations and the private sector, give it a thought in 2007.

Neshah writes for your Success. Recommended: Online Paralegal Degree Success blog or Online Paralegal Degree Programs Success, the road maps to successful online paralegal degree programs

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Charles_Neshah

Cut the Fat: A Taste Test of Culinary Arts Education

2007-11-07T04:45:00.000-08:00

Do economics courses leave you craving a bit more crunch? Find yourself wanting to take a bite out of bio? Are your literature courses a bit too sweet, and your poly-sci courses a little too sour? Maybe a traditional liberal arts education isn't exactly your cup of tea... What is? Culinary study.

The Call of the Kitchen
If you'd rather spend time studying a cookbook than a chem book, you probably know it already - most culinary schools seem to have an inclination toward the kitchen before they graduate high school. What you may not know is that your passion can translate to a very exciting and lucrative culinary career.

"I spent my freshman year at New York University (New York, NY)," say Debbie Shure. "I had a kitchen in my dorm and I would always cook for my friends. It was a great hobby, but I never knew that I wanted to make a career out of it." Things have since changed, as Debbie recently graduated from Johnson ... Wales' (Providence, RI), a world-renowned culinary school, and now has a successful culinary career at Chocolatier magazine.

The same held true for Nathan Rhodes, who worked in Enterprise Rent-A-Car's corporate office after high school. "I always had a passion for food, and I picked up on that early on," says Nathan, now 24 and studying at The Culinary Institute of America (CIA, Hyde Park, NY)."I was working a corporate job, because that's what I thought I was 'supposed' to do. Then I saw a television special on WOLFGANG PUCK [a famous chef and restaurant owner]. It inspired me to apply to culinary school, and now I love it to death!" Well - death by chocolate, maybe.

Nathan was able to find just the right recipe for his culinary career dreams. How to start? By finding the right culinary school for you.

Culinary Schools: Not Your Average Classroom
You may have a knack for whipping up late-night mac n' cheese or adding just the right amount of cream and sugar in your morning coffee, but culinary school will probably be a bit more demanding.

"CIA's associate's program is about 85 percent hands-on learning," says Nathan. "The day starts with a lecture that reviews recipes and answers questions, and for the next five hours you're in the kitchen. Then there's a lecture to close the day."

But the hard work pays off. "The thing about culinary school is you get out what you put in," says Debbie. "If you work hard, you'll learn a ton. Your instructors are completely willing to help you as long as you're motivated."

The Real (Culinary) World
As the recent reality show, "The Restaurant" showed, the day-to-day operations of a culinary career - particularly within a popular eatery - are frantic, fast-paced, demanding, and most importantly, exciting. Most culinary schools have some kind of externship program, where you work on site, to help give you a taste of what a culinary career is like.

"CIA's externship lasts 21 weeks and you can go to any of the 1,700 approved sites," explains Nathan. "It's sort of like a job application, where the restaurants are looking to hire students. You apply, go on an interview, and then hopefully get the position." For students embarking on such study, finding a culinary school that places great value on in-the-kitchen experience is vital to your future culinary career.

A Culinary Career Smorgasbord
Perhaps the most important thing to know about earning a culinary degree at culinary school is that it won't limit you to the kitchen. "The food industry is experiencing a huge boom right now, and there are many more jobs than there used to be," says Colleen Pontes, a CIA graduate and former Chocolatier food writer. "The popularity of MARTHA STEWART opened the door for food media and food TV, and the industry in general is generating so much excitement and interest at the moment."

"We want to show people the culinary career opportunities that are out there," says Kathy Shaw, sales and marketing director at Le Cordon Bleu (Ottawa, Ontario), and graduate of the school's culinary school programs in Paris. "I started out wanting to be a chef, now I do the school's marketing. There are many ways to make this passion a career."

"There are countless culinary careers beyond being a chef like catering, food TV, food writing, food art, event planning, food critic positions," agrees Nathan. "Even research and development at major food companies like Hershey's or Campbell's - all of the sauces, candies, soups and flavors those mega companies put out are designed by people with culinary abilities."

And you'll never be stuck in one place. "When I first started, I wanted to be in the kitchen making desserts for people," says Debbie. "Now I realize I want to be a food writer, which will be great. I can combine all of my food knowledge with my writing skills and help Americans understand what good food is all about!"

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Paul_D._Rosevear

Colon Hydrotherapy Education in America

2007-11-07T04:44:00.000-08:00

Find Colon Hydrotherapy Education in the United States and Canada. Applicants who are seeking an alternative to traditional school curriculums may find that acquiring a colon hydrotherapy education is an ideal choice. Today, a number of massage therapy programs have begun to integrate colon hydrotherapy education in choice of elective and sometimes, mandatory curriculums.

Attaining appropriate colon hydrotherapy education helps candidates to gain professions in natural healthcare, or enhance the natural practitioner’s field of services offered to clients. Often provided in a clinical or spa setting, colon hydrotherapy is an effective, safe and natural way to irrigate the colon and improve overall digestive function of the large intestines. As a natural detoxification therapy, colon hydrotherapy education is yet another option to students who wish to work in the natural healthcare industry.

Colon hydrotherapy education programs are often divided into various levels of training modules. Beginning with base curriculum of 100 training hours, this coursework can entail up to 1,000 training hours depending on level of education and desire to excel to instructor status. Classes in a colon hydrotherapy education course will often include colon hydrotherapy theory and practice, anatomy and physiology, pathology, digestive system overview; colon hydrotherapy equipment use, sterilization and maintenance; communication skills, client intake and record keeping procedures.

Students enrolled in a colon hydrotherapy education course will discover the many benefits of the practice including body detoxification, enhanced look and feel of skin, weight loss, and improved overall wellbeing. Successful graduates of a colon hydrotherapy education program will gain certification or diploma; however, in some states, practitioners may require licensure to practice.

If you (or someone you know) are interested in finding colon hydrotherapy education, let career training within fast-growing industries like massage therapy, cosmetology, acupuncture, oriental medicine, Reiki, and others get you started! Explore career school programs near you.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=CarolAnn_Bailey-Lloyd

Medical Equipment Repair Education

2007-11-07T04:42:00.000-08:00

Recent high school graduates may be interested in attaining a medical equipment repair education, as substantial job growth is projected in the coming years.

Although training varies from trade school to trade school, students attracted to this field can participate in medical equipment repair courses that lead to associate degrees or bachelor degrees in electronics systems technology or medical technology.

Students will learn how to adjust, calibrate, maintain, replace and repair electromechanical and hydraulic equipment. A quality medical equipment repair education offers students in-depth, hands-on instruction in a variety of trade-specific tools, such as computerized diagnostic tools, hand tools, electronic repair tools, multimeters, soldering irons, and other associated apparatus and software.

Additionally, medical equipment repair schools also offer specialized training in biomedical equipment. Graduates of these particular courses can go on to working with high-tech equipment such as CAT scanners, defibrillators, electric wheelchairs, heart monitors, ultrasound machines, and X-ray equipment.

Those who have completed a medical equipment repair education often work in hospital settings or in a variety of occupations calling for precision instrument repair. Typical earnings range from $17 to $32 per hour, depending on education and experience.

If you would like to learn more about Medical Equipment Repair Education Education and Medical Equipment Repair Schools, you can find more in-depth information and resources on our website.

DISCLAIMER: Above is a GENERAL OVERVIEW and may or may not reflect specific practices, courses and/or services associated with ANY ONE particular school(s) that is or is not advertised on SchoolsGalore.com.

Copyright 2007 - All rights reserved by SchoolsGalore.com, in association with Media Positive Communications, Inc.

Notice: Publishers are free to use this article on an ezine or website, provided the article is reprinted in its entirety, including copyright and disclaimer, and ALL links remain intact and active.

Michael Bustamante is a staff writer for Media Positive Communications, Inc. in association with SchoolsGalore.com. Find Medical Equipment Repair Schools, Colleges, Universities, Vocational Schools, and Online Schools at SchoolsGalore.com, your educational resource to locate schools.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Bustamante

Benefits of using a Professional CV Writing Services

2007-11-06T02:40:00.000-08:00

In other words, a CV can be described as:

A chronological written representation of the self
A short but complete summary of education and work history
A detailed account of personal history including achievements
A summation of your personality

In a nutshell, a CV is a carefully crafted piece of publicity about oneself. It is an advertisement targeting the employer. A CV ought to contain:

Personal details
Educational qualifications
Employment details
Interests and achievements
Skills
Referees

In recent times, professional CV writing and consulting have become popular. Professional CV services can take two forms:

CV Writing where professional CV writers frame and write an individual CV based on information obtained from the individual
CV Consulting where an individual is given tips and guidance about how to write an impressive CV. Workshops in CV writing style are also given.

Reasons for the Growth and Popularity of Professional CV Writing Services

‘What was so special about his CV? What did the employer see in his CV? What was missing in mine?’- These are a few common queries which have led to the establishment of professional online CV writing agencies. Since 2001, there has been an influx of professional online CV writing services. Research indicates that professional online CV writing services are usually used by college graduates. Individuals today do not write their own CV but submit their vital basic information to a professional online CV writing agency. The reasons are:

a. Targets the prospective employer: A CV written by a professional writer is concise using crisp powerful language targeting the prospective employer. When the CV is being written for an individual employer, the professional writer tailors the CV to suit the particular organisation’s needs. The CV has to highlight the applicant’s strengths in accordance with the demands of the organization.

In case of writing a CV for a speculative employer i.e. an employer who is unsure of recruiting, the professional CV writer has to be brief and precise. The CV does not have to go into detail of education and work history. The CV needs to acquaint the employer about the candidate and his/ her potential generally.

b. Makes the CV impressive, right and unique: A professional online CV writing agency is going to write an individual’s CV so that it shines and makes the applicant stand out among all job applications. In order to do this, the professional online CV writer ought to:

Convey a positive image of the candidate
Be honest and not omit anything such as examination results
Show and not tell—the CV ought to demonstrate the skills and achievements of the applicant
Be convincing and enthusiastic – An employer sifts through an average of 54,000 job applications in a day. The individual’s CV has to portray a profile of a prospective enthusiastic employee

c. Fast and Convenient: Individuals are pressed for time. They may want to apply but don’t have the time or the patience to sit and prepare the ‘perfect CV’. They may intend to compete for the job and still function competently in the job market. This twin process is not possible. Online professional writing agencies take this responsibility and time-consuming task. The professional writers hired by the agencies write the organisationally suited, winning CV which will get the individual the interview call.

d. Improve chances of securing job interview

e. Shorten the time spent in looking for a job

f. Professional writers keep up- to-date with current job trends and are able to craft a CV keeping in line with the latest CV styles and methodology

Types of Online Professional CVs

Professional writing agencies thrive on being able to deliver uniquely crafted CVs suited to a particular organisation and work function. Online CV writing agencies understand that the same general CV cannot be used for all job applications. They usually have a sample format of a few CVs and make changes in accordance with individual information:

The General CV
The Executive CV
The Chronological CV
The Media CV
The technical/ Contractor CV
The Graduate CV
The Management CV
The Skill-based CV

Sometimes, online CV writers use two formats to come up with a novel CV approach. A CV is a personal autobiographical document. Thus, online CV writers must strive to bring in the personal effort and touch in every CV. Not all organisations request a CV in a job application. Thus, an online CV writing agency provides:

A personal well- documented CV in minutes
An individual CV in Word or WordPad format
Individual CV web address including web page
Sending CV through the email system
Offering standard and speculative cover letters
CV preview when being written
Allowing editorial changes through spell checker system
Latest updates in CV writing
Offering free interview tips and support

http://www.articlejoe.com/Article/Benefits-of-using-a-Professional-CV-Writing-Services/43501

What If You Could Change Careers?

2007-11-06T02:39:00.001-08:00

Gone are the days of working with the same employer for 30 or 40 years. Today‘s generation is expected to change careers every five to ten years. Whether you have been in your career ten years or 40 you may feel that you are stuck in a dead end career because of the potential risk of a career change.

Nothing is further from the truth in today‘s world.

Some career changes can happen with the same employer, other career changes will require you to seek a new employer or start your own business. Some career changes are of your own choosing and others may be the result of company down sizing.

Have you been dreaming of a new career but have not taken the step because of the fear of the unknown? With some pre-planning you can pursue a new career without risking your financial security.

Career opportunities are endless. When planning for a career change, make sure you know exactly what you want to do.

Ask yourself some questions:

What do you enjoy doing?

Make a list of all the things that you enjoy doing. What do you enjoy about your current career? What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

What are you good at?

Life is full of experiences and you have learned a few things along the way. List what you are good at. Think about the areas that people ask your advice on. What talents do you have? You can be your own worst critic. Ask others what they see in you.

What would you change about your current career?

You know what you do not like about your current career; make a list of all the negatives. This list will help you determine what you do not want in your new career.

What are your goals?

Make a list of your goals. As you prepare for a career change, ask yourself if you will be able to achieve your goals in your new career.

What new areas of training will you need?

When pursuing a new career, do not allow your lack of experience to stop you. Take advantage of training opportunities. You may be able to find training locally or online.

Making a career change, especially in midlife, is a major decision. The security of your present career may prevent you from venturing into new territory. Research your prospective new career and find out what the income possibilities are. Calculate the differences in the benefits. Using your new career income, calculate your monthly budget. Is it worth it? Can you afford this change financially?

Changing careers can be exciting. Do not let your age stop you from pursuing your dream. From today until retirement can be the most rewarding times of your life, if you choose to follow your dream and start a new career.

Yes, you can change careers. Consider your options and make the smart move to a rewarding new career.

http://www.articlejoe.com/Article/What-If-You-Could-Change-Careers-/43556

What If You Could Change Careers?

2007-11-06T02:39:00.000-08:00

Legal Assistants or Secretaries - Who Earns More?

2007-11-06T02:37:00.000-08:00

1. : Textile Machinery
2. Machinery: , CNC DrillingMachinery
3. Machinery: CNC, Used Machinery
4. Machinery: Printing, Textile Machinery
5. : Textile Counters Machinery
6. : Textile Lubricants Machinery
7. : Bleaching, Textile Machinery
8. : Folding, Textile Machinery
9. Motors: Textile Machinery
10. : Textile, Used Machinery
11. : Punching, CNC, Used Machinery
12. : Drilling, Micro, CNC Machinery
13. : Milling, Granite, CNC Machinery
14. Blades: Wiper, Textile Machinery
15. Machinery: Reclaiming, Textile Waste

16. Machinery: Milling, Knee Type, CNC (4 companies)
17. Machinery: Washing, Cloth, Textile Mill (6 companies)
18. Parts: Textile Machinery Fiber Preparation (3 companies)
19. Machinery: Washing, Wool, Textile Mill (1 company)
20. Machinery: Milling, CNC (114 companies)
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22. Machinery: CNC, Dial (9 companies)
23. Machinery (206 companies)
24. Textiles (149 companies)
25. Machining: CNC (8,008 companies)
26. Milling: CNC (1,684 companies)
27. Turning: CNC (1,410 companies)
28. Punching: CNC (318 companies)
29. Grinding: CNC (291 companies)
30. Income for paralegals and legal assistants varies, depending on education and training, work experience, geographic location, and the employer by size and type. Typically, paralegals working for large metropolitan law firms earn more in salary and benefits.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor in May 2004, “full-time wage and salary paralegals and legal assistants had median annual earnings, including bonuses, of $39,130. The middle 50 percent earned between $31,040 and $49,950. The top 10 percent earned more than $61,390, while the bottom 10 percent earned less than $25,360.” In addition to their salary, many paralegals receive bonuses. It is unclear whether bonus reporting was included in the statistics; if not, those earnings would rise even higher.

Continuing with the Department of Labor statistics: “Median annual earnings of legal secretaries were $36,720 in May 2004. The middle 50 percent earned between $29,070 and $46,390. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $23,270, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $56,590.”

Thus, by comparison, paralegals have greater opportunity to earn a higher salary than legal secretaries.

Do legal secretaries earn approximately the same as other types of secretaries? No, it is higher. Referring back to Department of Labor compilations: “Medical secretaries earned a median annual salary of $26,540 in May 2004. The middle 50 percent earned between $21,980 and $32,690. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $19,140, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $39,140. Median annual earnings of secretaries, except legal, medical, and executive, were $26,110 in May 2004.”

Let’s compare the median annual salaries.

Paralegals - $31,040 to $49,950
Legal Secretaries - $29,070 to $46,390
Medical Secretaries - $21,980 to $32,690
Secretaries (Except Legal, Medical and Executive) - $26,110

Which type of position is more attractive based on salary?

It is highly advisable for young people to earn college educations. Competition for jobs is fierce, and particularly with current technological advances, higher education is just plain required to land career jobs. Players in the game of Life who go straight to work rather than the college route, in reality, may wind up with dead-end jobs and victims of the saying, “he worked until the day he died.”

With paralegal salaries registering at a higher rung than the other office positions, it is reasonable that legal assistants would more than likely require the most education and training. Employers hiring any of the above positions may consider candidates with general course work, but specialized training would naturally be given greater consideration. Specialized training suggests a new hire will pick up the work ball already running. This may also be less costly to the employer during in-house training.

Explore your opportunities for higher education, and consider a career as a paralegal. Salaries are good. The work is interesting. With advancement potential, a paralegal career is an excellent choice. Is it the right one for you?: CNC (167 companies)

http://www.articlejoe.com/Article/Legal-Assistants-or-Secretaries---Who-Earns-More-/34196

How to Enjoy Your Work Part 2

2007-11-05T23:15:00.000-08:00

Achievement is a blend of ability and confidence. The following guidelines may help to free your misgivings and accomplish every enterprise you undertake.

Get rid of your fears of failure
Remember that quote by Dr. Robert Schuller: What would you attempt to do if you knew you could not fail? Instead of wallowing in your fears and insecurities, put all your energy into achieving what you really desire. If you expect to fail, then don't be surprised if you do because you have asked for it. However, if you expect to succeed, then the sky is the limit.

Achieve what you want
Expect the best possible outcome. Let your mind automatically lead you to achieving that outcome. Visualize your success in full colour and surround sound. The more detail you see and the more emotion you feel, the more you strengthen your belief in your success.

Increase your confidence
Strengthen your beliefs. Remember past successes and how you felt when you achieved them. Now, utilise that potent motion. By looking back at past victories, you'll be more grounded in achieving future triumphs. Believe in the power of your mind to turn wishes into reality.

Dream big
Dreams are an important element to success. If you don’t allow yourself to dream, you will never give yourself a reason to move forwards to achievement. Remember, it's free to dream.

Set small achievable goals
Together, these small goals and triumphs all add up to one grand victory. You learn from each of them, you know what are the pitfalls, the shortcuts, and tactics. Every step you take in the right direction is a step closer to your ultimate success. Without small steps, you can't check your progress.

Never compromise
This may sound idealistic, or even better just read in print rather than put into real-life action, but if you know where you stand and stood firm for your principles, then it will show in your work.

Reward yourself
No matter how small, reward yourself for every success. This make your campaign more gratifying and you’ll know in your own mind you are on the right track.

http://www.articlejoe.com/Article/How-to-Enjoy-Your-Work-Part-2/34638

How to Avoid the Unemployment Line

2007-11-05T23:13:00.000-08:00

When working in an office with other people you have to learn to get along, no one wants to be the odd person in the office. Here are some tips that will help you get along with your fellow co workers, and keep you on the boss‘s good side.

Disturbing your co-workers:
Being a disturbance to the rest of the office is one of the most commonly reported complaints about a worker. It is not good to be known as the noisy one in the office because what will happen is one day the boss will ask someone why the report or whatever they were working on was not done in time and to cove their butts they will blame you for distracting them from their work.

Gossip:
Thousands of people lose their jobs every day across the business world for spreading gossip around the office. Talking about your co-workers will always come back to haunt you, and eventually it will get back to someone that you are talking about the other people in the office it can cause a hostile work environment, and in many cases the one spreading the gossip will be let go to help office morale, because when employees are arguing offices tend to drop in productivity, and you never know in the corporate world the co-worker you talk about today may be your department head tomorrow.

Personal Calls and E-Mails:
Most supervisors and managers understand that outside the office employees have a life, and they know you are going to send and receive emails from your friends and family, but it is important to keep it to a minimum. It is also important to remember to make sue that your friends do not use any inappropriate language in the emails. Many companies have software that will spot the language and report it to your manager. Phone calls should be kept to your break times. It is not fair to your employer or your co-workers if you take extra time off during the day to talk on the phone keep personal calls to your own time except for emergencies, and making plans for Friday night is not an emergency.

Don’t Walk Around for no Reason:
Very often office workers need to give something to someone on the other side of the office or maybe talk to someone in another department so t not be at your desk all the time may be common, but that does not mean that sitting and talking to someone else is acceptable. It is one thing to ask someone how they are but to have a 10 minute conversation on company time is just bad work ethics on your part. If your boss sees you talking too many times instead of working you will be looking for a new job with no one to blame but yourself.

Food:
When I used to work in an office I often had to work thru my lunch and eat at my desk to get things done on time. As much as I hated to have to do it what was I going to do things have to get done on time. When this happens to you make sure the food you bring into the office is overly aromatic. The last thing you want is for someone to make a complaint to human resources, because you had some food in the office that bothered someone. This may seem silly, but trust me I have seen this happen.

Cologne and Perfume:
Work is not a night club. Many of the people you share your office space with may be fine with the smell of your perfume or cologne, but some people do not like the smell and depending how strong the smell is, it can give some people headaches, so whenever possible please do not wear any strong scents to the office.

Pimp my Cubicle:
Many people want their cubicles to reflect their personality, and they will put up pictures and jokes and little knick knacks. The problem with this is that it does not look professional when outsiders visit the office, to have a few pictures on your desk is one thing but to have a small aquarium or collectables on your desk may be a bit much for any office. Before sprucing up your cubicle make sure to run it by the supervisor. You would not want to get a letter from human resources for having inappropriate items on your desk.

Before you do anything in the office always ask yourself if it could in any way bother a fellow worker if the answer is yes then do not so it. No one wants to lose their job over something stupid.

http://www.articlejoe.com/Article/How-to-Avoid-the-Unemployment-Line/44219

Importance of Career Planning

2007-11-05T04:11:00.000-08:00

Career means profession, which we want to adopt for earning livelihood, and planning means proper flow or to make proper decisions. Pre- planning in our life plays very important role in every aspect of life, to work in a proper flow, and pre-planning for career, which we want to pursue in our future ahead after acquiring certain level of degree is also very necessary in today’s competitive world.

According to the Thorndike dictionary

“A goal that you desire to achieve in a selected field or occupation with a well-thought out plan, to get you there is called Career Planning.”

The world is now moving very fast, and the time has come when this meritocratic society accepts only those, having right qualification and right skills. Olden days are gone, when just a degree would help an individual to get high profile job by giving bribe or using some other mean. Now it’s high time, when the transparency in job recruitment has taken place.

Challenges and competition are the part of today’s society, and therefore, Career Planning is the only task, which can guide us to do what we want to do in our life, rather than just aimlessly changing job all the time in future.

We have seen many Pakistani, who after completing Intermediate don’t know where to go, what to do and we have also seen graduates, who aimlessly do graduation without any specialization. As a result, they earns just in 6-8 figures.

Career Planning is one of the broader aspects of learning in our existence. We all have some intentions and we all think to have stability in our future lives, and for that purpose, CAREER PLANNING serves as a key to success.

Career Planning makes a person to think suitably about their positive and negative aspects. All about their interest, about their creativity becomes possible through proper analyzing ourselves.

Career Planning basically starts, when a person finishes Secondary/ Higher Secondary level of education. After that level, a person could opt for that educational degree, which would help them out to have a good job opportunity according to their skills at the right time.

Career Planning helps us to design and formulate our future smoothly. Like, If a person wants to be a banker, then he or she would choose to go for ACCA or CA or MBA in finance after completing Intermediate in commerce and Graduation in commerce/ business administration.. Else he/ she would go for CAT course or Masters in Commerce or even upto doctorate level.

This pre-planning would be effective and would give him/her benefits after achieving educational targets effectively. It also helps us to evaluate our own personality, which helps us to know that which kind of job would suit us according to our need and capabilities.

In short, Career Planning is like mapping our future.

Without proper planning, no one could think of getting a desired job in future.

Think what we want to do and finding out more about the kind of training, education, and skills we will need to achieve our career goal is the core objective of career planning. It help us knowing the nature of the jobs that interest us, such as educational requirements, salary, working conditions, fringe benefits, promotion chances, future prospectus, and help us focusing in the right dimension.

Career planning directs us, motivates us, and helps us to accomplish what we want. A career goal is a specific vision such as an architect or a teacher or a career goal can be a particular field, which we want to work in, such as Media, Education, Medicine, Engineering etc.

For those who will think about their future and career after completing education without any long term desired goals are the one, whose all attempt might end in smoke. There are some cases and situation, which bound a person to pre-plan in advance, such like family high family business status, lack of interest in studies or traditional job, low motivation, low financial status etc or some past educational traumas, which had made a person to plan after wards.

Career planning is a life time process we are always learning and growing, and as we do, our interests and needs also change. Career planning is not just making plans to obtain our career, but it also help us to make many adjustments there will be along the ways we learn throughout our lives.

Those who have successful careers like educators, business man, manager, pilot, architect, banker, doctor etc are the one, who has made their ways through proper guidance.

No doubt, that our parents have some wishes and expectations from us, but we have our own too. Therefore, we should also consider others opinion. For that we could take guidance from an educational counselor to get better guidance towards new dimensional fields as well. Teacher, professionals, career guidance websites, Head educational consultants can also guide us, to have a better approach for our future.

We must have freedom of speaking and freedom of choosing our career as we have to lead our lives which interest us. We must try to have an open mind in order to choose the right career on right time.

According to one renowned professor,

“Few of us like to opt for those degree courses, which their family or friend has advised them to adopt and this inappropriate knowledge trapped them into a great mistake and In this way, they are unable to get good job opportunities according to their interests. Only Proper Career Guidance would help an individual to be on the right path before hand. Few of us try to seek the right path and take guidance from family or teacher to tell them what is good for them, which career is in demand and which career suits their interest.”

The future is un-predictable, however, we could still make our place in this meritocratic world by making career goals and plans in advance, for getting better opportunities in todays pluralistic and globalize world. We must pre-plan our goals under the supervision of professionals in conscious state of mind, so that we could strategically maintain our goals and follow it towards the path of successful future.

Munir Moosa Sewani is one of the famous, prominent and creative name in the field of Education since 8 years. He is a Master Trainer In Special Education, Post Graduate, Teacher Educator and a Teacher. He is a Freelance Writer and Photographer too. He is an author of the famous self-published storybook for children named as "The MORAL STORIES FOR CHILDREN" and has also written Biology course book for Secondary Classes. He has written almost more than 20 articles on social, health, educational and cultural issues, which are internationally recognized and published in most of the famous world wide websites, magazines and newspapers. He is also a Social worker, private tutor, career counselor, musician, lyrics writer and have multi- dimensional talents. His future plan is to write dozens of informative books and articles and to work for education and media also, in order to develop the sense of understanding many dimensions of life through his creativity.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Munir_Moosa

Job Market News

2007-11-03T00:18:00.000-07:00

American workers and their employers have decidedly different views about the nation's overall economic health, according to two reports released Wednesday.

Anticipated job cuts rose to a 17-month high in June as U.S. companies announced plans to shed 110,996 jobs, according to Challenger, Gray & Christmas, a Chicago-area outplacement firm that tracks monthly job-cut announcements.

The auto and retailing industries were the hardest hit, with a combined 69,443 expected job cuts announced last month. Meanwhile, workers' confidence in the job market rebounded noticeably, rising to its highest reading since January.

But pockets of workers -- such as Atlantans -- aren't so sure about their jobs, finances or the job market, the latest monthly Hudson Employment Index shows. The index is a monthly measure of American workers' confidence in the job market.

Tampa residents were the most optimistic, at 112. Philadelphians were the least confident, at 86.8. The U.S. average is 103.

Atlantans fell in the middle, registering 102.5. Twenty-seven percent of Atlantans reported they were worried about losing a job, up from 20 percent in May.

"What you've got is some fundamental changes," said Georgia Labor Commissioner Michael Thurmond. "You have a stable economy and continued job losses."

Thurmond cited high gasoline prices, outsourcing and offshoring as contributing factors.

Atlanta has just had "an incredibly long run of bad luck," Wachovia Corp. senior economist Mark Vitner said.

"Even though Atlanta has one of the most diverse economies in the country, it has found itself behind the eight ball because

a number of key industries are struggling," Vitner said.

He warns not to put too much stock in Wednesday's reports.

Vitner says other reports provide a more accurate reading of the nation's job market: weekly first-time unemployment claims and the federal job openings and labor turnover survey, or JOLT.

The monthly jobs report, due out Friday, also provides some perspective. Most economists expect the report to be dramatically better than last month's dismal showing.

"There's a whole lot more information [about the job market] out there today than we've had in the past," Vitner said. "Unfortunately, the jobs outlook is a very mixed picture." The paradoxes are numerous:

* Atlanta is home to the world's busiest airport at a time when airlines are suffering their worst financial crisis.

* The region has grown tremendously because companies moved or expanded here, but that has not been the case in the last few years.

Increased regulatory scrutiny has made companies less willing to take risks. "If they're less willing to take on risk, they're less likely to expand, carry more inventory or hire more workers."

Vitner also noted some pluses in metro Atlanta :

* Office leasing is up, indicating "hiring is picking up."

* The logistics industries of trucking, rail and shipping, all significant to Atlanta , are booming.

* Layoffs in general have been subsiding across the country.

"The economy's moving in the right direction," Vitner said. "It's just not moving fast enough to make everybody happy

http://www.jobpostcanada.com/job_market_news.php

How To Create An Online Resume

2007-11-03T00:17:00.000-07:00

This is the age of the Internet. No matter what type of job you are looking for, it is necessary that you have a copy of your resume online. An online resume or digital resume saves time and energy. Your resume website link can be easily emailed to anyone that requests it. Having an online presence in most instances will make it easier for you to secure a job in a much shorter time.

In order to display your online resume, it will be necessary to create and design a very basic website. There are many places online that offer web hosting, and you might choose one of these places to create a website address to host your resume, but there are several other options to consider.

If you are not able to create and design a website for yourself, it is necessary to hire someone to do this for you. However, if you are not able to create either a resume or a website by yourself, hiring someone is definitely recommended. A website that looks professional will help your chances to secure a better job with a higher pay.

The least expensive option for creating an online resume may not cost you any additional money at all. Most online providers now include one or more personal websites in the subscription cost. Many of them allow as many as five personal sites per account with easy to use software. In fact, you may be able to simply upload the text version of your resume directly from your computer.

When

creating an online resume it is recommended that you include all of the necessary parts of the paper version of your resume. This would mean including your education written in chronological order, your previous employment history, and any awards that you have received. Just because your resume is online, does not mean that it should not be formatted correctly.

After you have created a website with your online resume, the next important step is to direct potential employers to your website. This would include emailing your website address to employers when doing a job search, as well as including the address when writing to enquire if a company is hiring.

There are numerous career and job posting websites on the Internet. Search under the terms "job seeker" or "career seeker" and you will receive links to thousands of websites. I suggest you begin with those in your home city by narrowing your search by adding the name of your city to the search term, for example, "job seeker Philadelphia" or whatever job location you desire.

Get started today and you may have some solid leads in just a few days. It's easier than you think.

http://www.jobpostcanada.com/how_to_create_an_online_resume.php

Career Tip: Your Lifestyle Affects Your Job Choice!

2007-11-03T00:15:00.000-07:00

This career tip is for you . . . if you're serious about making a career or job change. Knowing your options and having a strategic plan are critical to your success in today's job marketplace.

For instance, according to recent reports, your lifestyle may seriously affect your career or job choice. Did you know that people without spouses or children will represent one of the fastest growing segments of the workplace population?

As a result, employment law experts warn that discrimination suits based on parental status are likely to emerge.

That's because in 2004 there were 46.4 never-married adults in the U.S.--more than double the number in 1970. The number of childless couples is expected to grow by 50% by 2010.

Already, people without spouses or children are seeking benefits better suited to their lifestyle. As a result, employers will have no choice but to explore a wider variety of work/life benefits instead of work/family benefits.

If you fall into these categories, your career planning should include these considerations. Earlier we reported that workplace privacy issues should also be part of your thinking. Checkout our website

for more information on this emerging trend and how it impacts your job search.

For years EEI has recommended advance planning as a guarantee of solid and lucrative career growth. Our ground-breaking e-book, THE FAILSAFE CAREER, has been the career advancement bible for years. It shows you step-by-step how to explore all your options and then identify and go after the job that's just right for you.

Because of the emerging trends we noted, it's even more important than ever to stay on top of the latest strategies and techniques that can assure you of success in your career or job change.

So, the most important career tip of all: know what your needs and options are. Then take the time to identify opportunities that best correspond to those needs.

About the Author

Paul Bowley manages EEI, the world-class pioneer in alternative job search techniques and non-traditional career advancement strategies . . . since 1985. Check out THE WORLD'S FASTEST JOB SEARCH SYSTEM! And grab our stunning FREE REPORT: "How To Lock Up A High-Paying Job In 14 Days (Or Less)!" http://www.fastest-job-search.com

Job Search Websites: A User's Guide

2007-11-03T00:14:00.000-07:00

Summary: Learn these three steps to an easier online job search, plus discover four kinds of websites that show you the hidden job market.

You spend all day in front of the computer looking at job listings and fine-tuning your resume. But all you get is a headache. How can you give your online job search an advantage?

An Easier Online Job Search: 3 Steps

1. Brush up on your job-hunting skills. The internet has excellent inside tips on the state of the job market in numerous industries.

2. Learn all the keywords and categories relevant to the position you're seeking, or the special skill set you have to offer. For instance, if you want to write technical manuals, you might want to try terms such as "help docs" or "documentation developer" in addition to the more standard "technical writer."

3. Once you've learned the important keywords associated with the position you're seeking, make sure to put them in the information you upload to the jobs search websites. If these keywords aren't in your profile, how is a potential employer searching through the database of applicants going to find you?

Where to Start Online Job Searches

Are you looking in the right places? Everyone goes to the major job search websites like Monster and Hotjobs--and well they should, since these sites have more jobs than anyone. But here are some other sites you should also check out to find jobs online:

• The website for the

company you would like to work for. There are even "meta" job search websites that include the online job postings of large companies.

• 'Meta' online job search sites, which collect listings from numerous other jobs search sites. That means thousands of listings without having to go to hundreds of sites.

• Recruiters' websites. Mass-emailing resumes to employers can be a waste of time--and might technically violate laws against sending unsolicited messages. Instead, use one of the web services that will send your resume to recruiters, rather than employers. Recruiters are actually happy to get your resume since they know what to do with it.

• Good employment agencies, which are often simply two or more recruiters or headhunters working together, can be hard to find. The good news is that they usually advertise on job search websites. If you see a job listing that is unusually vague, it may be an employment agency. If you apply, you may be considered for other jobs that the agency has to fill.

About the Author

Joel Walsh recommends you read another of his articles, a cheat sheet for online job searches: http://job-search-adviser.net/articles/00002h-Job-Search-Website-Application-Cheat-Sheet.htm [Web publication requirement: create live link for the URL/web address using "online job searches" as visible link text/anchor text.]

Resume Falsification: Would You Lie On Your Resume?

2007-11-03T00:13:00.000-07:00

How many times have you heard someone say, "Just put it on your resume. There's no way they're going to find out"?

It is tempting to put little white lies on your resume. These might include overstating your knowledge of required software ("If they call me, I'll teach myself over the weekend"), a certification ("They'll never go through all that trouble to find out") or extending dates at a former employer ("They can't find out. The company went out of business").

So what's the big deal? It's not like you're claiming to be a medical doctor, right? Who are you hurting anyway? You're just stretching the truth a little to get your foot in the door -- or so you tell yourself. If these are familiar thoughts, you might want to re-think them. Why? Because the risk of getting caught is real. The odds of getting away with listing false information on your resume are probably, well . . . who really knows? Do you really want to find out the hard way?

There are many reasons that could prompt a human resources manager to conduct an employment background check. Maybe you are not performing your job as well as expected. Maybe a co-worker has the same credential and became suspicious when your facts did not add up during a conversation.

Some companies have never experienced a dishonest employee who lied on his/her resume, and does not routinely verify work histories and the validity of credentials. In short, they have a false sense of security. Just the same, many hiring managers are keenly aware that lying on a resume is becoming a costly problem for many companies, and thoroughly check all facts even after they hire a candidate.

Sadly, it is quite common these days to learn of employee terminations because background checks revealed dishonesty. Depending on the level of the position or the severity of the falsification, this could sometimes lead to legal actions. So, before you decide to make yourself look better on paper, think again. It is not worth getting the job if you are not going to be able to live up to it or hold on to it.

The moral of this story? Don't risk your future by lying about your past! Honesty is always the best policy!

About the Author

Ann Baehr is a CPRW and President of Best Resumes of New York. Notable credentials include her former role as Second Vice President of NRWA and contribution to 25+ resume and cover letter sample books. To learn more visit http://www.e-bestresumes.com

Teaching our Kids RITE from RONG - Education

2007-11-03T00:08:00.000-07:00

Are we as caring parents doing more harm than good by sitting down to teach our kids what we were taught from our school days? Mum and dads want the best for their kids and encourage them by dedicating their free time to help with their sums.

In some cases it is hard for the concerned parent to find quality time that is needed for their child/children to excel, reasons maybe due to working long hours to put a crust on the table.

There could be a number of reasons as to why mum and dad are handicapped in finding the time to help the kiddies to read and write.

Parents that is fortunate enough to find the time to help the family with their studies. I ask you are you doing more harm than good.

In some cases there are parents out there qualified to take on the role as tutor for a few hours, then we have the less fortunate like my self who left school with no qualifications. So what right do I have even as a caring parent to teach them what little I know?

One thing I do know is the importance of my children not missing out on the opportunities that I was denied due the absence of having no qualifications.

How we the parents were taught many moons ago differ greatly to how schools operate today.

The 21st century education system presents a complete different scenario.

Modern tactics are used in all places of learnng, how embarrassing having to admit that some mathematical terms that I as an adult can not spell let alone work out as a sum. I expect I am not on my own in this department when it comes down to today's educational system.

How lack of education can affect your child's chances of succeeding in life. To secure a position of a decent paying job you need skills, most places of employment requires verification that you are the man/woman for the job vacancy. To fill any position

today depends on how much paperwork you have under your belt as in i.e. GSCE A/O levels and so on.

If you want to help your kids to achieve then as a caring parent you need to sit back and leave it to the professionals who already have the skills required in this department.

Some parents have a far better understanding of modern day learning so they are exempt, but for those in the same position as myself and want what is best for the family, then may I suggest the internet. Online education is a fantastic opportunity for you and members of the family to gather information.

The internet is the most powerful tool we have today in modern society Do not worry about all the stories you hear behind what goes on involving kiddies on the internet. You have complete parental control over your child's presence when they surf the web. Another plus is the parent need have no computer expertise. But if you would like to learn more about computers then why not go online where you will find information on what there is to know.

Education online is a step in the right direction to give the child a better start in life. Offering the chance to gain extra knowledge may not be greeted with a thank from your offspring at this present moment, but I bet a bottom dollar in years to come they will thank you for it

Before you sit down with the kiddies in the hope of educating them further, remember we have two different generations competing with each other. Live and learn mum and dad this is a day and age where the kids of the 21st century can teach us a thing or too.

About the Author

A sucessful site for producing amazing results for kids and adults looking to further their education can be found http://www.allaboutonlineeducation.com

Online College Degree - How To Negotiate The System

2007-11-02T01:23:00.001-07:00

If you are considering an online college degree program, you may have a number of questions about the process. Many questions can be answered by reading the frequently asked questions that are generally detailed on each college's website. However, it is difficult for a FAQ to address all of the concerns that new students may have. Here is an insider's guide to the world of the online college degree.

Research the technical concerns. The vast majority of online college degree programs require students to use an in-house software program. This streamlines course lectures, assignments, discussions and tests by putting everyone involved onto the same system. Even your school-related email will probably go to an assigned email address on the school's server.

The streamlining benefits of using a standard software system cannot be denied. However, since everyone's computer setup is different, getting the software to work on everyone's computer can be tricky. Tech support departments vary widely, with some seemingly able to fix even obscure problems and others unable to fix even glaring errors.

In order to lessen your chances of technical difficulties, perform a tune up on your computer prior to installing the school's software. Read the computer hardware specifications carefully, and be sure that your computer exceeds (rather than just meets) the specifications. RAM quantity and processor speed are the most common causes of difficulty, so do not skimp in these areas.

Run a system maintenance tool along with antivirus software on your system just before installation. Fix any errors in your computer. Also consider de-fragmenting the hard drive. A freshly cleaned hard drive is much more likely to run new software without difficulty. Also follow any specific technical recommendations from disabling antivirus programs to allowing pop-ups on the site.

Learn the class requirements. Once the software is installed and properly running on your system, take the time to thoroughly explore your class website. Read the welcome notes. Find the syllabus and read through it. Post in the Getting to Know You folder. Send a hello message to your professor and fellow classmates.

These activities have a twofold purpose. First, they help with class cohesion. In an online college degree program, it can be difficult to gel with classmates through the anonymity of the Internet environment. Posting in discussion forums can help build relationships through common interests. Equally important is the familiarity with the software that these exercises will build. Your first assignments will be nerve-wracking, but a thorough knowledge of the process of completing them will lower your stress level dramatically.

Ask Questions. Office hours are an important part of any professor's schedule, and online classes are no exception. Your professor's welcome notes will probably detail ways in which you can contact the professor. Take advantage of these channels to ask any questions that you may have. Most website concerns are generally addressed by the tech support staff. Find out who they are and how to contact them. Also find out the professor's policy on work that is turned in late due to technical difficulties. You may need to document your experiences with tech support and submit a job number that is generated by the tech department. Take the time to discover and learn this process.

Earning an online college degree is a terrific option for working professionals and those who have been out of school for some time. However, the relative newness of the format means that many students are completely unfamiliar with the process. Follow the tips above to help make your transition to the world of online education as easy as possible. Some apprehension is normal, but with a bit of work you can be a success.

Andy West is a writer for Virginia College. Virginia College Online offers many online college degree programs. Visit Virginia College Online to select the online program that is right for you.

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Online Bachelors Degrees Open Doors For Those With Limited Mobility

2007-11-02T01:22:00.001-07:00

Students pursuing on online bachelors degree have always tended to be from a different demographic than the standard college student. In recent years there has been an increase in the number of individuals with limited mobility or various handicaps who have signed up for online educations.

There are a number of reasons for this, but all of them are signs of increased awareness that individuals with physical disabilities or limitations of any kind can certainly excel in a learning environment that is more comfortable for them and that presents fewer obstacles in terms of their mobility limitations.

Although there are federal laws requiring proper accommodation of those with disabilities (wheelchair access, etc.) at colleges and universities, there are still complications for many who would like to attend school. Carrying books, getting from building to building and braving inclement weather can all be difficult. Classrooms can also be uncomfortable with those who have arthritis, MS or other health problems.

Pursuing an online bachelor's degree gives individuals with disabilities or limitations the ability to create or modify their learning environment for more comfort. For those with back problems, chronic pain or severe arthritis, changing position, getting up to stretch and laying down for breaks can all be helpful. While it would be disruptive in a normal classroom, it is fine when you are studying online because you are pacing yourself and not interrupting a lecturer or teacher.

Being able to work on their own schedule and pace themselves is a great advantage for students with disabilities or physical restrictions. They can also arrange their home study space to suit their needs and avoid missing classes because they aren't feeling well or because they are at a disadvantage in a lab or classroom.

Those who are housebound, whether because they are bedridden or have psychological limitations, can also benefit from online schooling. The mental stimulation and sense of accomplishment can be particularly profound for those who are frustrated daily by the limitations on their ability to interact with the world at large. Online bachelor's degree programs open doors for them that were closed a generation ago.

Thirty years ago, it was felt that persons with physical disabilities were limited as to what they could do for a living. Fortunately, attitudes toward those who have certain limitations have changed drastically. Most people with physical disabilities can find rewarding careers because they have access to computers and the Internet. They can work from home, from their beds or virtually anywhere. To get started on these careers, many of these individuals get online bachelor's degrees as their first step toward independence.

Another group that is traditionally less mobile is senior citizens. While disability or illness accounts for some of this, it is also a fact that some seniors lose mobility because of simple aging. They can no longer drive or are living in assisted living facilities and just don't have available transportation. Active senior citizens are now enrolling on online colleges and universities to pursue degrees for the sheer pleasure of learning. Many have worked hard all their lives and are now taking classes that interest them, the kind of things they always wanted to learn but never had the time for.

Online colleges and universities are responding to the varied needs of students by offering more degree programs every year. Students with disabilities or who cannot get to a traditional campus will find that pursuing an online bachelors degree or certification is an ideal solution. Everything they will need is right there on their computer.

Virginia College Online offers many Online Bachelor Degree programs. Visit Virginia College Online to select the online program that is right for you.

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Online Associate Degree - Three Popular Careers You Can Obtain After Graduation

2007-11-02T01:21:00.000-07:00

Perhaps you've seen advertisements for an online associate degree program and are thinking about looking in to what your options are. The first question that most people ask about getting a two-year degree through an Internet program is, whether or not they will be qualified to obtain the job they desire. Despite the fact that technology is expanding educational options, many people still think that there is a stigma attached to getting a degree through a virtual college. In a few industries, this may be true. However, there are three career fields in which it is commonly accepted that there are good online associate degree programs. Students entering these fields tend to find that they can easily compete in the job market using the degree that they obtained from an online college.

Although there are many different careers that you can get after obtaining an online associate degree, the three most common fields entered after graduation are business fields, paralegal positions and certain aspects of the health care industry. These are general areas of study which each offer their own unique programs. For example, business students may use their degree to get jobs in accounting, office administration, or marketing. Likewise, healthcare students may focus their studies on a particular area of the industry such as work as a dental assistant or massage therapist, securing a job in their specialty area upon graduation. Paralegal studies is a more specific degree with a more focused job goal; however, many students in this area use it as a stepping stone to other career goals such as becoming an attorney or working from home doing legal research.

The reason that these industries are the ones most commonly entered upon graduation from an online program is that they have come to widely accept that an online associate degree is just as valuable and demonstrative of professional ability as is a standard campus-based associate degree. Other fields are starting to come around (particularly computer-based fields and creative/artistic industries). However, these three remain at the top of the list. As a result, there are numerous different online schools that you can attend in order to obtain one of these related degrees. This only serves to boost the value of the online associate degree because increased programs mean better competition, which means an improved educational environment.

Students who have a strong interest in getting an online associate degree should carefully consider what courses they are going to want to take and which specific degree they are going to get. A student interested in business may think that a general business degree is the way to go. Another may think that a more focused degree in marketing or in business administration will better assist them in getting a job. This all depends on the marketing in the area that the student is going to be seeking a job after graduation. Doing research into the job market ahead of time, with a specific focus on which job managers will hire someone with this kind of degree, is a wise time investment in the future of where that education can lead.

The online associate degree gives many students the flexibility that they need to get themselves on the way to a fulfilling and well-paying career. Many students simply can't attend a conventional college for one reason or another and so choose to make use of the increasing acceptance of the online college to obtain the education that they need to get a better job. For now, the best jobs to be looking at remain business, paralegal and health industry jobs. But as time goes on, more and more opportunities will open up for these students.

Andy West is a writer for Virginia College. Virginia College Online offers many Online Associate Degree programs. Visit Virginia College Online to select the online program that is right for you.

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Online Associate Nursing Degree - Choose The Right One

2007-11-02T01:20:00.000-07:00

Thousands of applicants are turned down every year due to the lack of proper infrastructure. Under these circumstances online associate nursing degree programs and other nursing degree programs offered by online nursing schools have proven to be a boon for those seeding for higher education.

Make Sure Of Accreditation

With so many online schools coming up, it becomes very important that you choose the one that is accredited by proper authorities. Accreditation ensures that the degree you earn will be recognized by employers and professional organizations. Online nursing schools offer programs in Public Health and Safety, Mental Health Services, Medical Administrative Services, Therapeutic Rehabilitation and Nursing Assistants, and many more. Many regular colleges are offering online nursing education programs. You should choose a school that provides the program that would meet your professional goals. It is best to compare couple of schools before you make the final choice. One of the best ways of determining the quality of a school and its programs is by talking to students. This will give you an idea as to what is taught and how it is taught.

Another factor that attracts students to online associate nursing degree programs is the cost. Online associate nursing degree and other nursing degree programs are cheaper than the regular college nursing degrees. Students can be expected to pay anywhere between $100 and $200 per credit with online nursing schools.

Financial assistance is also available to students of accredited online universities. You should also check with your student advisor about various scholarships that you might qualify for. Students can also apply for federal and private student loans. The greatest benefit of online associate nursing degree is that students do not have to leave their present jobs to successfully complete the coursework. It really helps when your regular income is coming in while you are studying.

LPNs are required to put in long hours at work. This leaves them little time to pursue a degree from a regular nursing college. This means that their careers would stagnate. This is no longer the case today. Working nurses can opt for an online associate nursing degree program and take their career to new heights.

When you choose an accredited online associate nursing degree program, you are increasing your worthiness and competitiveness levels. Employers will choose you over those who do not have an accredited degree. If in the future you want to pursue your education further, only an accredited degree will be accepted as a qualifying degree. It cannot be stressed enough that you should go for an accredited nursing degree.

Nursing degree info is an online information bank for people who wish to make successful career in nursing. Know more about prerequisites for Online Nursing Degree. Choose from best Online Nursing Degree Schools.

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Get Online Nursing Degree

2007-11-02T01:19:00.000-07:00

With the growth in the aging population, nurses have become a high demand in the hospital nowadays. If you are interested in pursuing your career as a nurse, then you can opt for online associate nursing degree. The future for nursing degree has reached the zenith. The average annual earnings of a nurse have reached up to $49,840 almost next to accountants. So you can always choose online associate nursing degree.

Opportunities in nursing program
There are plenty of opportunities available nowadays. Girls do not have enough time to go for a full time course in nursing. So, they go for online associate nursing degree program. This helps her to save time and also acquire her degree online. The course runs for two years where the student has the option to start her work immediately. And as a career in nurse, you will be highly appreciated by your dedication and hard work.

Saves time and money
Online associate nursing degree helps you in saving a lot of money and also because of shorter duration, you get ample of time to do your other household chores. You just have to fill a form online when you go for online nursing degree. After that you need to submit your educational certificates. The process is very simple.

So go for online studies in nursing and serve the needs of the aging patients. You must be sure that this profession suits you because there are some who become nurse for the sake of it and afterwards they begin to ignore their duties and become harsh towards the patient. Go for online associate nursing degree and try to make a head start to your career. So, be kind and helpful so that you can discover yourself being a true professional in the field of nursing and hospitality.

Associate Degree Nursing Online caters to the need of people who have interest in acquiring professional qualification in nursing field. Take a road to successful career in Medicare industry with Online Associate Nursing Degree. Know more about Online Associate Nursing Degree Schools.

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Elementary Education Trainingv

2007-11-01T00:20:00.001-07:00

If the field of teaching is intriguing to you, then elementary education training is an appropriate place to start. Students who plan to teach in elementary or secondary schools should become familiar with individual state requirements to determine which elementary education program will be the best fit.

While all states require a Bachelor Degree (BA) to teach in the public sector, some vocational schools offer transfer programs whereby an Associate Degree (AA) may be attained prior to earning additional credit hours at a college or university.

Common curriculums provided in elementary education training may include various levels of English Composition, Education, Communication, Introduction to Education for Children with Special Needs, Classroom Instruction, Educational Psychology, and Child Growth and Development. Other courses in an elementary education training program may include Mathematics, History, Science, Physical Education, and more.

Public school teachers are required to be licensed in all 50 states, and licensure is most often granted by individual State Boards of Education upon completion of an approved education training program. Those who wish to teach in the private sector may not always be required to have a Bachelor's Degree. In this case, students may attain elementary education training via a vocational school and present an Associate's Degree to gain a private school teaching position.

If you are serious about a career in teaching, requirements can go well beyond the education obtained in a traditional or vocational school; many educational boards encourage and/or require professional certification. In particular, there is currently a National Certification program (sponsored by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards) that allows teachers to transfer licenses from one state to another.

Typically, students who have successfully completed elementary education training at a trade school, and have gone on to obtain a Bachelor's Degree, may acquire gainful employment as teachers in preschool, kindergarten, elementary or middle schools.

If you are interested in learning more about Elementary Education Training and Elementary Education Schools, search our site for more in-depth information and resources.

DISCLAIMER: Above is a GENERAL OVERVIEW and may or may not reflect specific practices, courses and/or services associated with ANY ONE particular school(s) that is or is not advertised on SchoolsGalore.com.

Copyright 2007 - All rights reserved by SchoolsGalore.com, in association with Media Positive Communications, Inc.

Notice: Publishers are free to use this article on an ezine or website, provided the article is reprinted in its entirety, including copyright and disclaimer, and ALL links remain intact and active.

Michael Bustamante is a staff writer for Media Positive Communications, Inc. in association with SchoolsGalore.com. Find Elementary Education Schools, Colleges, Universities, Vocational Schools, and Online Schools at SchoolsGalore.com, your educational resource to locate schools.

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Business Schools Brighten Career Outlook

2007-11-01T00:18:00.002-07:00

With the growing demand for well-educated business professionals, a good business school can really brighten your career outlook. Perhaps you are looking to change careers, or maybe you are already employed, but seeking to advance your knowledge and skills. There are hundreds of vocational schools, colleges and universities offering various programs of study in business.

Students can choose their focus in business or business administration to earn Associate of Science (AS), Bachelor of Science (BS), Master of Science, (MS), or Master of Business Administration (MBA) degrees, after which they can go on to doctorate (PhD) degree studies. Students may find that combining subjects, such as management and accounting or finance and risk management, is very effective and appealing for meeting their goals in the business world.

Associate degree programs, as well as diplomas and certificates in some areas of business, can be found in technical, vocational, and trade schools. AS degree, diploma, and certificate courses or programs of study in business offer most of the basic fundamentals of particular business applications. Students in vocational and trade schools are able to choose specific areas to study: accounting, management, marketing, finance, computerized information systems, etc.

Four-year bachelor degrees offer students more flexibility as well as more comprehensive preparation in areas of business. Students can choose which areas to study for their degree. If numbers captivate, accounting may be a good choice. If appealing to and persuading the consumer is fascinating, marketing may be the subject most valuable to a student’s business education.

Business schools that offer master degrees will be found in colleges and universities that offer graduate-level programs. Graduate students have opportunities to specialize their degrees and advance their knowledge and expertise in particular areas of business. Specializations grow in breadth and depth in graduate studies programs to include business administration, health services administration, information systems management, accounting management, human resource management, marketing management, risk and insurance management, non-profit management, and more. Graduate programs offer graduate certificates for specializations, and also combining subjects – marketing and management – that is a very effective strategy when entering the job market.

PhD programs focus on theory building, conducting research, and developing skills for leadership and teaching. Doctoral programs are completed in five or six years of study beyond the MS degree. The PhD degree will often involve students in teaching undergraduate courses, along with developing research skills, and will require devising and conducting a field-relevant research project that contributes new information to the field, writes a dissertation worthy of publication, and defends that project and the dissertation before a committee of faculty.

Degrees in business are in generally expected for employment in all areas of business; advanced degrees are required in some areas. Incomes are complementary to education and experience and can be make the lengthy educational encounter very rewarding.

If you would like to learn more about Business Schools and Online Business Schools, you can find more in-depth information and resources on our website.

DISCLAIMER: Above is a GENERAL OVERVIEW and may or may not reflect specific practices, courses and/or services associated with ANY ONE particular school(s) that is or is not advertised on SchoolsGalore.com.

Copyright 2006 - All rights reserved by SchoolsGalore.com, in association with Media Positive Communications, Inc.

Notice: Publishers are free to use this article on an ezine or website, provided the article is reprinted in its entirety, including copyright and disclaimer, and ALL links remain intact and active.

Michael Bustamante is a staff writer for Media Positive Communications, Inc. in association with SchoolsGalore.com. Visit our Traditional School Directory and find Business Schools, Colleges, Universities, Vocational Schools, and Online Schools at SchoolsGalore.com, your educational resource to locate schools.

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Business Administration Schools Can Boost Your Career

2007-11-01T00:18:00.001-07:00

Today's employers prefer to hire employees with the right education to ensure that the candidates are qualified for the demands of today's business professions. A degree from business administration school can propel your career to a new level and make it possible for you to become a successful, employable business professional.

Business schools that present programs in business administration offer programs of study that can result in associate, bachelor, master, and doctorate degrees for those who are interested in career advancement or for starting a new career altogether. Few vocational and trade schools or community colleges offer business administration studies; however, they do offer various programs in business management, accounting, marketing, and computer technology applicable to business.

Bachelor degrees in business administration generally prepare students to handle entry-level functions and processes of their organizations. BBA programs provide core knowledge and competencies required of global and technical business environments. Undergraduate students will study management theory and practices, accounting, business decision-making processes, project implementation, organization, marketing, human resources behavior and management.

The MBA degree program prepares graduates for leadership roles in technology and management for planning, organizing, directing, and controlling functions and directions of firms and organizations. Business schools present in-depth courses on the processes and responsibilities of administration and management. These advanced courses can help qualify the graduate for employment in a variety of businesses, including engineering, science, and computer technology. Problem-solving applications for making critical decisions for effective business will be emphasized.

DBA degrees focus on research projects and methods that determine directions, strategies, and effective uses of company resources. Doctorate degrees are more often required for marketing, internal management, and general or specific operations research in large corporations today. Employees with DBAs can usually demand high salaries, but such employees are worth the outlay to a company that is concerned with maintaining a cost-effective bottom line and a competitive edge in the world's marketplace.

Strong business schools can prepare you with the skills that will advance your personal goals, and help you to advance any business to new levels sought in today’s global market.

If you would like to learn more about Business Administration Schools and Online Business Administration Schools, you can find more in-depth information and resources on our website.

DISCLAIMER: Above is a GENERAL OVERVIEW and may or may not reflect specific practices, courses and/or services associated with ANY ONE particular school(s) that is or is not advertised on SchoolsGalore.com.

Copyright 2006 - All rights reserved by SchoolsGalore.com, in association with Media Positive Communications, Inc.

Notice: Publishers are free to use this article on an ezine or website, provided the article is reprinted in its entirety, including copyright and disclaimer, and ALL links remain intact and active.

Michael Bustamante is a staff writer for Media Positive Communications, Inc. in association with SchoolsGalore.com. Visit our Traditional School Directory and find Colleges, Universities, Vocational Schools, and Online Schools at SchoolsGalore.com, your educational resource to locate schools.

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Genuine Schools Which Offer Online Or Distance Education

2007-11-01T00:16:00.000-07:00

Though the internet is replete with lots of fake universities, if you exercise a little caution you’ll come across genuine schools which offer online or distance education. Caution is what many people have thrown into the wind and what they’re reaping is fake certificate from fake and unscrupulous school which offer online or distance education. You must be different.

Contrary to popular opinion, you can still get genuine online university distance education. Many people are running away from online education because of the many negative report they’ve come across in the dailies or on the web. The following is a non-exhaustive list of institutions where you can get quality online education.

The American InterContinental University

The American InterContinental University Online's programs allow people like you to earn their degrees while continuing to work full-time. This means you don’t have to leave your work before earning a degree from this unique university.

The University of Phoenix

The University of Phoenix is another world-renowned education online distance university where you can get online university distance education. As an accredited private university, the institution offers tremendous advantages of online education via the Internet.

The Art Institute Online

Another reputable institution is The Art Institute Online, a division of The Art Institute of Pittsburgh. The school offers professional certificate, associate and bachelor degree programs in graphic design, digital design, and interactive media design.

DeVry University Online

If you’re looking for an institution that is reputable for information technology, the DeVry University Online is your sure bet. It offers bachelor degrees in Information Technology, Technical Management, and Business Administration. The school has enough facility to take care of your needs.

Penn Foster Career School

If you want to earn an associate degree or diploma, online or by mail, the Penn Foster Career School should be your choice.

These schools are fully accredited by the relevant authorities. By being accredited, it means they conform to strict rules and regulation of the relevant bodies governing online education. The standards set by these organizations are not easy to attain. Employers believe that anybody having certificates from any of these schools has passed through high standard of education. Hence, accreditation must be your watch word when searching for schools which offer online or distance education. That must be the question any school offering online or distance education must answer.

Not all the schools which offer online or distance education are genuine. You must be careful. Many of them claim to give you free certificates for work not done, classes not attended, assignments not done and so on. This is not acceptable and will negatively affect your career in the long run. Hence, you must look before you leap.

You can conduct more research for reputable online institutions on the web. Make sure you use goggle, the world renowned search engine. It will give you a lot of result that will help you in your search for good and reliable online university distance education.

Ras Reed provides more detailed and free information on distance education on his website. Check it out at Online Distance Education Guide

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Online Nursing Continuing Education - Give Your Career A New Direction

2007-11-01T00:15:00.000-07:00

Fulfill Your Career Ambitions

The purpose of online nursing continuing education is to provide the applicants the means of extending their knowledge and various skills so that they are able to meet newer challenges in this profession. They are given thorough education on public health and safety, medical administrative services, mental health services, therapeutic rehabilitation and many more. Not just youngsters but job-seekers and busy nursing professionals too can get a nursing degree as online nursing continuing education provides them the flexibility to learn on their schedule- at home or at work. They do not have to ignore their daily commitments to fish out time for online education. They can study during the day or in the night as befits them.

Online nursing continuing education upholds the interests of online students above everything else. That is why the curriculum of its course is prepared, considering the prevalent and future demands in the medical sector. It is seen that the students get a proper and serious academic knowledge and clinical training. An online nursing degree should be able to help them reach where they want to. The flexible set up and low fee structure help them achieving this goal and so does the scholarships and other financial aids offered to students on the basis of their needs and merit. Such facilities not only encourage more students to take up nursing as their career but also widen the reach of online nursing continuing education. That is why there are more students studying under the latter than in traditional universities.

There is a sea of opportunities for qualified nursing professionals. With right guidance and proper educational backing, you can make it big in this profession. The sky is the limit and online nursing continuing education can help you reach your full potential and make you a desirable candidate in the job market.

As you are committing yourself to complete dedication and life long care so you should have a solid foundation to base your career on. Choose a reputable and accredited nursing degree program, which will enable you to realize your ambitions. It will go a long way in future career advancement and producing more job opportunities.

Nursing degree info is an online information bank for people who wish to make successful career in nursing. Go ahead enhance your knowledge about Online Nursing Continuing Education and Online Nursing Degree School.

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Online Nursing Degree Education - How to Cure Your Career Woes

2007-11-01T00:14:00.000-07:00

You may be able to continue and advance your nursing degree while still working, through an online nursing degree program. Many accredited colleges and universities are offering online or long-distance learning degree programs. Whether you are interested in progressing from and LPN to an RN or obtain a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in nursing, there is a program online for you.

Class material is available online at your convenience, so you can do your studies on your own time and in your own terms. You will have e-mail access to your instructor or professor for information and help. You may have access to your online classmates through e-mail or instant messages or chat or blog sites. You can do your homework on your own schedule because of the flexibility an online program gives you.

Clinical rotations can be arranged with a preceptor in your local area, making it possible to obtain a degree from a college or university that is miles from you. Generally out of state rates do no apply to online degrees, so many prestigious schools not in your state are affordable.

Imagine being able to advance your nursing degree and opening the window to job promotions or career changes while still being able to maintain your income. Imagine being able to complete your studies on your own schedule because of the flexibility that an online degree can give you. But most of all imagine you with your new degree and how proud you will be that you were able to accomplish your dream of advancing your nursing degree!

Just click on the following link to get online college degree information. It's fast, it's free, and you're under no obligation. You can get information about many types of online bachelors degree programs from many colleges. They also offer information about programs and schools that offer distance learning online masters degree programs

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Test-Driving a College’s Technology

2007-10-31T01:19:00.000-07:00

Location, tuition costs, degree programs, financial aid… these are just a few of the factors you consider when evaluating a college or university. Here’s another suggestion: add technology to the list of criteria. At most of today’s leading colleges, students can manage their accounts online, interact via e-mail with faculty, submit assignments electronically, and gain access to a library’s entire collection online. There are chat rooms, online bookstores, and web-based wizards for resume building and career exploration. And this is just the beginning.

Technology is everywhere we live, work, socialize, and learn – it’s become part of our lives. We take new cars for a spin, try out new entertainment systems, and conduct trial periods on new software, so why not take a technology test-drive of your prospective college choices? Here are some factors to consider:

* Fluff or For Real—Is it just high-tech hype? A college or university may have a web site complete with bells, whistles, and the latest whirligigs, but it may stop there, so dig a little deeper. Successful colleges embrace the integration of technology with learning to ensure it permeates every activity, organization, and process on campus. Find out how widespread the technology is on campus. Are students, faculty and staff using the technology? Is technology accessible everywhere, including the classrooms, the library, study lounges, and resident halls?
* Future Commitment—Technology changes too rapidly for it not to be an integral part of any college’s vision or strategy for future success. Confirm that there is current—as well as future—ownership and commitment at the operational and leadership levels.
* Chevy or Cadillac—Determine if the technology at the college is up-to-date. Successful programs include access to e-mail, the Internet, the latest software programs, and other applications that enhance the learning process. Can you register for classes, pay bills, or buy books from a virtual bookstore? Can you access electronic copies of books, magazine articles, and class reserves? Can you participate in after-class discussions, check out your course syllabus, and view a presentation through the course web site?
* Support—The use of technology on a college campus is only as effective as those who support and maintain it. Check to see if your prospective colleges or universities incorporate a dedicated technical support staff and/or a computer-learning center that offers hardware/software upgrades and troubleshooting help.
* Mobility and Ubiquity—This is known as the icing on the cake. While some colleges offer desktop computers in labs or dorm rooms, other leading-edge institutions provide wireless laptops to incoming students, giving them access to the world around them from virtually any location.

The benefits of a tech-savvy college or university extend beyond the computer screen. Communication between students, faculty and staff is improved and new efficiencies in processes are quickly realized. Some students also feel that attending a highly wired campus enables the faculty and support staff to be even more accessible in many ways, including virtual office hours, online group discussions, and help with a project-in-progress via e-mail. Faculty members have discovered that technology enhances the learning process by offering new ways of learning and sharing information while improving timeliness, organization, and communication skills. From a staffing perspective, student data can be effectively compiled, stored and shared via Web-based, user-friendly tools.

Test-driving prospective colleges or universities for their use of technology should become part of your search process and selection criteria. It’s a wise move in today’s wired world, and it can be one of the key factors in determining the potential effectiveness and value of your higher education experience.

http://www.thehighschoolgraduate.com/editorial/CD/selecting.htm

Higher Education in New York

2007-10-31T01:18:00.000-07:00

From the majestic Adirondack mountains and breathtaking Niagara Falls to the bustle of the world financial capital of New York City, the state of New York offers visitors a spirit, energy, and beauty that’s hard to match. Similarly, the educational opportunities in “The Empire State” boast a rich and diverse array of possibilities.

Consider one of the 100+ private colleges and universities located in New York State. Each is unique. Some are large, some small. They enroll students from different ethnic and economic backgrounds, and from hundreds of foreign countries.

You can choose among more than 100 research universities, liberal arts colleges, technical institutes and specialized schools with nearly 150 campuses: 56 are in New York City; 39 are in the immediate suburbs of New York City; 35 are in “upstate” cities; and 18 are located throughout the state’s rural regions. These institutions are the focal points of their communities, providing learning and cultural opportunities.

The quality of your education matters. Quality is found in strong academic departments, small classes, caring professors, and outstanding career placement services. It’s found in how a college helps you to develop the skills to think critically, creatively, and analytically, and to express yourself effectively. You’ll want to look for low student-teacher ratios and personal attention, both in and out of the classroom. You’ll find quality at New York’s private colleges and universities.

World-class dedicated faculty, including many who are active researchers, will challenge and inspire. You’ll benefit from the experience and knowledge of alumni contacts. You’ll have opportunities to gain real-life experience and to build a personal network through internships, co-op experiences, research projects, study abroad, and exchange programs.

At any of New York’s private colleges or universities, you’ll work hard and learn more than you can imagine. Upon graduation, you’ll be confident and ready fo your career or graduate school.

http://www.thehighschoolgraduate.com/editorial/NJ/NJnewyork.htm

Liberal Arts Education

2007-10-31T01:17:00.000-07:00

A Department of Labor report projects that 80 percent of the children beginning kindergarten will eventually enter jobs that don’t even exist today! This startling projection has the ring of truth when we consider all the changes that have taken place in the workplace over the past 10-15 years: e-mail and voice mail becoming essential work tools; the pervasive use of the Internet to complete business transactions ranging from advertising and shopping to banking; instantaneous Web-based access to information on almost any subject; and more.

If work continues to change as radically as it has in the recent past, then how do we prepare today’s students to enter the workforce and become productive citizens? For one thing, we are witnessing radical changes in the entry-level skills required for jobs as they evolve toward higher-level skills, especially the skills of analytical thinking, problem solving, communication, computation, and working in teams.

To be successful in the workplace of the future, individuals will need more than technical training; the essential core of education, what we often refer to as liberal arts education, will remain the most practical preparation for lifelong employment because it promotes intellectual and personal growth and equips the individual to cope with change by being able to adapt to the workplace as it continues to transform.

But the term “liberal arts education” has at best a fuzzy meaning for many people. For some, it means all those required classes that stand in the way of technical training, which some people feel is the only way to prepare for a job. But, upon closer inspection, the liberal arts can be understood as the key to survival in any field that is subject to change over time. The standard definition of liberal arts education implies a program of study designed to foster capacities of analysis, critical reflection, problem solving, communication, computation and synthesis of knowledge from different disciplines. Its goal is to provide students with an intellectual, historical, and social context for recognizing the continuity between the past and future and for drawing on the human capacity of reason to understand human experience, to question the values dimension of human enterprise, and to articulate the results of this process of thinking.

These are job skills, and any employer would be hard pressed to turn away a person who possesses them. However, this definition doesn’t fully capture the rich texture of this brand of education. First of all, liberal arts education puts the individual into the presence of the greatest ideas, most transforming concepts, and most powerful works of the imagination that human beings have produced. This is not important because it’s useful for making cocktail party conversation; it is requisite as an intellectual framework with which to understand and evaluate human events and interactions.

Second, liberal arts education is empowering; it provides rehearsal for life in the imagination; it liberates us from the limitations of our own experience and opinions by proffering alternative views, scenarios, and explanations. It helps us to appreciate the fact that neither the easiest nor the most complex solution is necessarily the correct one. We learn to think, marshal evidence, and weigh the relative merits of different factors before committing to a plan of action.
Third, liberal arts education imparts a set of values that are necessary in order for human beings to live together in harmony. Society functions only as well as it produces good citizens, and the concept of good citizenship is embodied by individuals who understand and take their responsibilities seriously, who vote, who actively work for the betterment of society, especially by giving service to others. Civic responsibility is a cornerstone of liberal arts education.

Helping individuals to work together despite their differences, a liberal arts education embraces concepts of diversity and multiculturalism, which result in values and competencies needed so desperately in a pluralistic society like that of the U.S. It also prepares the individual to recognize the interdependency of all of our global partners and to appreciate the differences and similarities among world cultures. These are practical skills when viewed from the perspective of workplace diversity and the increasing emphasis on international business and trade.

Yes, technical skills might give one the “foot in the door” in terms of entry into the workforce, but a liberal arts education will provide the staying power, serve as a foundation for continuous growth and development, and lead to the professional success that we set our sights on. Viewed in this context, liberal arts education remains the most practical brand of education. Nothing else will equip us with the knowledge base, skills, habits of mind and values to function effectively and productively in the unknown world of the new century.

http://www.thehighschoolgraduate.com/editorial/USliberalarts.htm

5 Little-Known Giant Health Care Issues Facing the United States

2007-10-30T00:44:00.000-07:00

While many people in the United States agree that some sort of health care reform is in order, those same individuals may be unaware of the specific problems within the system. Those who are engaged in current events may stay on top of all the following issues affecting patients and health care workers, but this is sadly not the case where the average citizen is concerned. With the 2008 presidential election on the horizon, it is more important than ever for casual observers to learn more about the following five little-known giant health care issues that individuals in the United States face.
1. Uninsured Millions Are Affecting Everyone

Many individuals complain about the shortcomings of our insurance policies, but do you know how many people are living without any kind of medical insurance? It is estimated that over 46 million Americans are currently uninsured. This is a testament to the many problems within the system. Most uninsured people go without insurance because of the initial cost, while others feel that outrageous premiums make insurance policies futile. In essence, many Americans have simply given up on health care insurance.

Without health insurance, people often neglect "well" visits to the doctor. Preventative medicine is essential for good health and longevity. Without regular checkups and childhood vaccinations, individuals and society as a whole may suffer. The individuals who avoid the doctor's office will experience more serious illnesses and conditions, while contagious diseases will spread throughout the public more readily when proper vaccinations and care are not administered.
2. Obesity Is Dangerously On the Rise

We hear it in the news all the time: "America is getting fatter." However, many of us dismiss how devastating this epidemic is to our health. Reports from 2005 indicated that 64.5% of American adults were overweight, possibly obese. Today, obesity rates are even higher and projected to grow exponentially. The health risks involved with obesity are numerous, though high blood pressure, stroke, diabetes and heart disease are the most concerning. According to a 2005 article in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), obesity-related illnesses kill over 112,000 Americans each year. The CDC, however, links obesity with over 300,000 deaths per year. A large discrepancy, but both numbers are alarming.

Why are Americans getting so fat? Experts are attributing this to many factors. For one, workplaces are far less strenuous than they used to be. Our bodies, once built for hunting and gathering, are often sedentary through most of the day. Another large contributor to the nation's expanding waistline is the television. Both television programming and video games park people on their couches. The biggest factor in obesity, however, is overeating. Americans eat larger portions than necessary and are offered many delicious, albeit fatty, processed foods.
3. Pharmaceutical Companies Control More Than You Realize

Comparison shop between your local pharmacies all you like, your sticker shock can only be blamed on greedy pharmaceutical companies. Yes, we have them to thank for medicinal breakthroughs, and scientific research certainly isn't cheap; however, when the goal of a pharmaceutical company turns from profit to excess profit, everyone suffers.

The rising costs of prescription drugs have been devastating on Medicaid and Medicare programs, leading many doctors to stop accepting patients with such coverage. Also, high prices have gravely affected AIDS Drug Assistance Programs (ADAP), leaving many HIV/AIDS patients without life-saving medications. Doctors are continuously wined and dined by pharmaceutical representatives, which certainly can bias physicians to use certain prescriptions that may not be the cheapest or most effective options. Even some of the most respected medical journals, which are presumed to be unbiased, have been bankrolled by high-dollar drug advertisements.
4. Hospital Staff Shortages Are Killing People

Says Marge Sampson, a former hospital nurse, stated to the Chicago Tribune, "It's so scary to spend eight hours, flying by the seat of your pants and just praying. In my day, they taught you never to give a drug until you looked it up and verified the proper doses. But you can't do that. There's no time. You're just dumped into this. It's so nightmarish I can't even explain."

A nationwide shortage of hospital personnel has left many health care workers overworked and exhausted. The result? Mistakes occur, sometimes with deadly consequences. Many hospital workers are asked to cover areas where they have little experience, while others simply make mistakes due to stress and/or sleep deprivation. It is hard to say how many medical errors occur in American hospitals each year. Ironically, this lack of adequate documentation is also due to staff shortages. However, the Institute of Medicine estimates that 7000 people die each year in America from medication errors alone.
5. Veterans Are Being Neglected

A Harvard / Public Citizen report found that, as of 2003, 1.69 million veterans were without medical insurance or regular care from Veterans Health Administration (VHA) facilities. Those who earn too much to qualify for VHA services, yet not enough to afford private insurance, find themselves in a helpless situation. Others that do qualify for free VHA services may sit on long waiting lists while suffering from a chronic condition or disease or, upon acceptance, will receive inadequate care from an understaffed facility.

In 2005, it was acknowledged by U.S. government that the Department of Veterans Affairs was lacking $1 billion to operate with maximum efficiency. Since that time, organizations like the American Legion and the Paralyzed Veterans of America have been working overtime to make changes on Capitol Hill. However, the fact remains that many veterans, even those maimed in combat, have been all but abandoned by this health care system.

There are obviously no easy answers for the health care problems that face the United States today. However, the public needs to be aware of what is happening to the health care system, as all of these issues affect society as a whole. Even if you are content with your particular insurance policy or health care provider, you should still be concerned about hospital shortages. Even if you are of a healthy weight, obesity is undoubtedly a problem for someone you care about and is certainly on the rise for children. In short, the above "little-known" health care issues should be familiar to us all.

http://noedb.org/library/features/5-little-known-giant-health-care-issues-facing-the-united-states

The Ultimate Guide to the NCLEX Exam

2007-10-30T00:43:00.000-07:00

The National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) and the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN) are test plans used by state and territorial boards of nursing to assist in determining licensure decisions. In order to become a nurse, you must pass one of those two exams. While the pressure is on to pass the test, the following information might make the whole process much easier for you.

If you realize that one organization, National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), develops both licensure examinations, you might then understand that this is the source for all your research into the NCLEX. Beyond this, some simple requirements include registration, as you must apply for a nursing license from your state board of nursing. That board will determine whether or not you meet their criteria for NCLEX exam eligibility. Once you've passed eligibility, you must register to take the exam - or, in other words - apply for a license to practice nursing.

Once you register, you'll receive an NCLEX Examination Candidate Bulletin in the mail or by email. This bulletin allows you to register with the NCSBN's testing service (see instructions below). You'll also receive an ATT (Authorization to Take the Test), along with a list of testing centers and instructions for how to schedule a time to take the exam. From this point, the only thing you need to do is pass the exam! That's where we come in, to help you simplify this otherwise stressful event.
NCLEX Test Plan Structures

The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) develops the two licensure examinations mentioned in the introduction. Therefore, it might behoove you to look to this agency for guidance in taking these exams. As explained in the link provided for NCSBN, their committees, subcommittees and staff prepare the items for the tests and contracts with Pearson VUE for test development and administration of the NCLEX examinations. This is a fairly new partnership and it will extend through 2014.

The link for Pearson VUE above will take you directly to the page where you can schedule your NCLEX exam. This page also contains an online tutorial for both NCLEX test plans. This tutorial is the same for both the NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN, and you will need a Windows PC to operate this tutorial. When you click "Play Tutorial," a "File Download" box will appear. Click "Open" and the windows application will download to your PC. Once the installation completes, the guided tour and tutorial will open automatically and you may begin to practice for your exams.

According to the NCSBN, the NCLEX-RN test plan [PDF] categories all reflect client needs across the life span in a variety of settings. Under this broad topic, you'll find four major categories of Client Needs that organize the content within the test plan. Two of the four categories are further divided into a total of six subcategories. The Client Needs categories and subcategories that define the content of the NCLEX-RN Test Plan include ("Health promotion and maintenance" and "Psychosocial Integrity" categories do not have subcategories):

Safe Effective Care Environment

* Management of Care: 13% - 19%
* Safety and Infection Control: 8% - 14%

Health promotion and maintenance: 6% - 12%

Paychosocial Integrity: 6% - 12%

Physiological Integrity

* Basic Care and Comfort: 6% - 12%
* Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies: 13% - 19%
* Reduction of Risk Potential: 13% - 19%
* Physiological Adaptation: 11% - 17%

Now that you know the basic percentages that each topic consumes within the test plan, you can judge how to portion your time for test study. For instance, if you're weak in "Safety and Infection Control," you know that you risk blowing from 13% to 19% of that test if you don't study that subcategory. If you read further into the PDF file offered by the NCSBN, you'll discover that there are thirteen topics listed within that "Safety and Infection Control" subcategory:

1. Accident Prevention
2. Disaster Planning
3. Emergency Response Plan
4. Error Prevention
5. Handling Hazardous and Infectious Materials
6. Home Safety
7. Injury Prevention
8. Medical and Surgical Asepsis
9. Reporting of Incident/Event/Irregular Occurrence/Variance
10. Safe Use of Equipment
11. Security Plan
12. Standard/Transmission-Based/Other Precautions
13. Use of Restraints/Safety Devices

The NCSBN warns that the topics above are included in the "Safety and Infection Control" subcategory, but they may not be limited to those thirteen topics. Still, these topics can provide you with guidance in how to study for that subcategory. If you know these topics, then you can bring that 13% to 19% of the test plan score up to par and you won't fail that section.

After you preview what's expected from you for both tests from that PDF, you'll want to visit the NCSBN Learning Extension, where you can find various tips, courses, and reviews for the test plans. Not all the information on this site is free, but you are free to make the choice between paying for materials here or - with the test subjects under your belt - use free online materials to study for the exams. Another resource is the NCSBN PDF file, "Candidate Bulletin" for 2007, which outlines every question you might have about these exams.
About Registering (or Re-registering)

A 365-day time period during which a board of nursing may determine the candidate's eligibility begins when the board of nursing receives the candidate's registration from the test service. Once a candidate is made eligible, he or she must test within the validity dates printed on the Authorization to Test (ATT).

If a candidate's board of nursing is unable to make that candidate eligible within the 365-day time period, the candidate must wait until his or her current registration expires before re-registering. If a candidate re-registers before a current registration expires, the second registration will be processed and denied and the fee collected for the application will be non-refundable. Additionally, candidates who are not made eligible by their board of nursing within 365 days will forfeit registration, including the fee. Candidates then must re-register and re-pay the examination fee.

As a candidate, you can register online at Pearson VUE (www.pearsonvue.com/nclex), by mail (see instructions at https://www.ncsbn.org/1202.htm), or by phone (instructions also at https://www.ncsbn.org/1202.htm). The fee for taking the NCLEX examination currently is $200. Candidates may also have to pay other fees for licensure required by the board of nursing in the application jurisdiction. There will be no refund of registration fees (mail, telephone, or via the Internet) for any reason. This policy also applies to the current international scheduling fee of $150.

If you apply by Internet or if you supply an email address, you will receive information from Pearson VUE by email. If, however, you don't provide an email address for communications, all correspondence from Pearson VUE will arrive only through U.S. mail.
NCLEX Test Time

The current NCLEX examination is a four-option, multiple-choice examination that includes "alternate items" [PDF]. Alternate items will allow candidates to demonstrate their entry-level nursing competence in ways that are different from the standard multiple-choice items. Follow the link to learn more about these items so you'll be prepared for those questions.

The NCLEX multiple-choice exam uses an interactive system called Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT) to gauge your level of competence. After you've answered the minimum number of questions (75 out of 265 questions for RN candidates, 85 out of 205 questions for LPN candidates), the computer will attempt to access your level of competence. The questions that follow may vary from that point for each candidate. To read more about how the CAT system works, take some time to review NCSBN's PowerPoint explanation about CAT.

At the point of minimum answers to questions, you can basically determine if you will pass or fail. If you are clearly above the passing standard at the minimum questions, you'll pass. If you are clearly below the standard, you'll probably fail. If you fall too close to the standard to allow a definitive result, you'll continue to answer questions until a final assessment can be determined. Read more about how the answers to the questions are determined at NCSBN's FAQ.

You have five hours to complete the exam, and this time includes the introductory computer tutorial and two ten-minute breaks. The NCLEX examination is scored once by the computer on which you take the test, and a second time by the National Council's testing service. It will take about a month for your state board of nursing to send the results of your exam to you.

If you fail the test, it's not the end of the world. In fact, you're somewhat at an advantage if you need to retake the exam, as your state board of nursing will mail a diagnostic profile to you that outlines both the areas of knowledge where you performed well and areas where you performed poorly. You can retake the test as many times as you need to pass. The National Council's policy dictates that you wait at least 91 days before retaking the test, but individual state boards may impose other requirements. Check with your state board to learn about your local restrictions.
Testing Tools

You can find many online tools that are designed for both the NCLEX-RN and the NCLEX -PN. Some companies offer their materials for a fee. Some of these companies, listed in alphabetical order, include:

* InternetExam Online Practice Exams
* Kaplan Nursing
* Measure Up
* NCLEX Excel
* NCLEX-Practice
* Peterson's
* Test Prep Research
* Thomsen Delmar Learning

You can also purchase review books and sample tests in book form, such as the books at InformIT, eBookMall, and Amazon (do search for NCLEX). And, you can also take NCLEX prep courses in a traditional classroom setting through the following companies:

* Kaplan
* NCLEX Excel
* Nursing Education Consultants
* Rineheart and Associates

You may not be able to afford all the help offered above, but you can find resources online for free including a Google book search for NCLEX (beware of outdated documents for many topics). Other sites you might peruse include the following:

* 4Tests
* Caring4You
* Delmar's Online NCLEX Review
* Exam Cram
* NCLEX & HESI Online Course
* NCLEX Course Review
* Nursing Study
* Study Guide Zone

Test Preparation

Now that you know most of the basics about the NCLEX, we want to pass on some tips about how you can prepare for this test. If you took the SAT or ACT in high school, you may soon realize that the NCLEX isn't much different in its style (or in its pressure or stress!). The major difference is that the NCLEX is necessary for you to pursue a nursing career. With that said, you can take the pressure off a bit by reminding yourself that you can retake this test if you fail.

To increase your odds for success, you need to plan ahead. Here are some tips that may help you pass the test with ease:

1. Learn How to Learn: Before you begin to cram for these exams, read the tips listed at OEDb's article about memory and learning. There are 75 tips listed here, but they're all sorted into categories that you can tackle easily. For instance, you'll need to set aside a place at home where you can study quietly, and you'll need to know whether you truly need flashcards to learn or not. You might not be a visual learner!
2. Practice Testing: Tests often make people very nervous, and this is a huge source of stress. To help eliminate some of this stress, try to simulate a testing atmosphere at home. Use the resources listed below to develop tests, and spend a good hour taking the test in a quiet atmosphere without a break. You'll develop endurance, and you'll also learn your weaknesses as well as your strengths with these 'tests.' Practice with online testing, as this exercise will reduce stress over taking the test online during the actual exam.
3. Get Plenty of Rest: Sleep is one cure to stress, and sleep will also help you to improve your memory. If at all possible, try to get a good night's rest not just the night before the exam, but for the entire week prior to the exam.
4. Take a Deep Breathe and Read Each Test Question Slowly: One way to understand a question on the test is to rephrase it. This way you can pick out all the verbs, nouns, and any other grammatical directives that will turn a 'trick' question into a reasonable query.
5. Be Confident: Fear is a big stress factor. But, if you've learned your material and you know it (not just memorized it), then why worry? Your confidence in what you know will help you to ride through this stressful exam. If you pass, then that score will validate your confidence. If you fail, then you have all the tools at your fingertips to try the test again. Just because you fail the exam does not mean that you are a weak, bad, or otherwise worthless individual.

If you heed the tips listed above and the all the material listed at NCSBN, you may end up enjoying the whole testing process. Good luck!

http://noedb.org/library/nursing-education/the-ultimate-guide-to-the-nclex-exam

Nursing School Rankings: What Are the Best Nursing Programs?

2007-10-30T00:41:00.000-07:00

A high demand for nurses in the United States has led to the creation of many nursing school programs. As professionals and students would attest, however, not all programs and schools are created equally. Indeed, you should thoroughly research a school before you begin to pursue a nursing degree.

If you are looking for the "best" nursing programs in the country, you will find that certain organizations have ranked schools based on important factors. However, no two lists are exactly alike, as said organizations use slightly different criteria for each list. Below, we will examine the two most widely recognized nursing school rankings from U.S. News & World Report and the National Institutes of Health (NIH), as well as other resources. Each will shed more light on what makes a school noteworthy and how you should decide on which nursing program to pursue.
U.S. News & World Report

Each year, U.S. News & World Report releases a special set of college and university rankings. Entitled "America's Best Colleges", it collects many Top 100 lists. From "Best National Universities" to "Best Black Colleges", each list is created using a different set of criteria. Nursing students can look to this collection of rankings for nursing school-specific lists.

U.S. News & World Report offers several annual rankings for nursing programs, including a general list for "Best Nursing Graduate Schools". Other lists are more specific, ranking the best colleges for various nursing specialties. These specializations include nursing service administration, family nursing, adult nursing, pediatric nursing, geriatric nursing, surgical nursing and psychiatric nursing.

U.S. News & World Report compiles college and university rankings through a unique process. The publication uses peer reviews to determine which schools have the best reputation. Also considered is how students scored on standardized tests, as well as how many students were accepted to a given college. Other factors include available faculty resources, tuition fees, alumni donation rates and graduation rates.

The latest edition of U.S. News & World Report's "America's Best Colleges" should be available at all major bookstores and your local library. You can also purchase an online edition through the publication's official Web site, which will grant you instant access to the many rankings from your home computer.
National Institutes of Health

The National Institutes of Health, or NIH, regularly contributes funds to hospitals, schools, businesses and other organizations in order to promote important medical research. Money is extended to schools and universities that have proven to be effective and reputable institutions. Each year, the NIH releases nursing school rankings, reflecting which schools received the most funding from the NIH.

The NIH extends millions of dollars to nursing programs each year. It is an unbiased, peer-review process that leads to approval for funding, which is why the annual school rankings are held in such high regard. To be given medical research funds by the NIH indicates that a college or university is making great strides within the medical community. Naturally, such schools should be worth consideration by potential students.

The organization's official Web site offers specific data in regards to annual award trends. There, you will be able to view rankings that are organized by state, hospital, medical school and more.
OEDb

For those of you who are seeking an online undergraduate nursing degree, you should consult the college rankings at Online Education Database (OEDb). OEDb, an exhaustive guide to the nation's top accredited online schools, features colleges with online nursing programs on their well-executed rankings list.

The combination of factors used to compile OEDb's college rankings is unique and unbiased. The qualifying criteria includes acceptance rate, financial aid, graduation rate, peer Web citations, retention rate, scholarly citations, student-faculty ratio and years accredited. U.S. News & World Report combines similar metrics, though their process is more simplified.
The Princeton Review

The Princeton Review (TPR), not unlike U.S. News & World Report, publishes an annual guide to America's top colleges. Entitled "Best 366 Colleges", this guide offers rankings in many different categories, from "Best Classroom Experience" to "Best College Newspaper". These lists are compiled less scientifically than U.S. News & World Report's rankings, as TPR's annual guide is based on student feedback.

If you are in search of a more personable guide to America's best nursing schools, you should consult this annual collection of rankings. TPR has found that nursing is one of the top 10 most popular college majors amongst today's students and, accordingly, includes many colleges and universities with nursing programs in their annual guide. The latest edition of TPR's "Best 366 Colleges" can be purchased online or found locally at a major bookstore or library.
StudentsReview.com

The rankings offered by StudentsReview.com are compiled from surveys taken by undergraduate and graduate students who have attended the schools in question. The site aims to provide "answers to the questions college students wish they had known to ask". By simply specifying a college major, state, degree level or social interest, users will have instant access to personalized college rankings.

Prospective nursing students, by selecting "nursing" as their major of choice, will be provided with a ranking list of the site's top-reviewed nursing schools. Though the methodology behind the site isn't as scientific as OEDb or U.S. News & World Report rankings, it will afford you the chance to really know how students feel about their alma mater. Detailed reviews are available on the site and a simple grading system allows students to vote on a school's overall performance, specific departments and campus social life.
Community College Week

Community College Week (CCW) is bi-weekly news source that focuses on two-year community, technical and junior colleges. Each year, CCW publishes a special report on the "Top 100 Associate Degree Producers". Also included with this report are specific rankings for popular college majors. The "Top 50 Associate Degrees: Nursing" [PDF] should be of interest to prospective nursing students who wish to earn a two-year degree.

The rankings offered by CCW are compiled using only one set of metrics — the total number of degrees awarded by each college. Though degree conferral is important when considering a school, you may wish to use these lists in conjunction with another resource, as you will want to know additional details about a college before enrolling. However, these rankings are important in that they uniquely focus on associate degrees and they break down numbers according to gender, which may be of great importance so some students.
Conclusion

Determining which nursing school to attend involves more than just referring to cold statistics. However, the rankings above should assist your search for the best nursing program. Naturally, the "best" program will differ from one student to the next, as each person will have different needs. No two colleges offer the same programs, amenities and atmospheres.

Before you use any college rankings to determine which school you attend, you should always research how the rankings were compiled. For example, a school's financial aid program may be of more important to you than student-faculty ratio. In that case, you may wish to rely on a list that favors financial aid data. Comparing several lists side-by-side may give you the best perspective on nursing programs, which is why we have offered a variety of resources above.

http://noedb.org/library/nursing-education/nursing-school-rankings

Strategies For Employment Cover Letters That Sizzle!

2007-10-29T02:16:00.001-07:00

There is a saying in sales that you do not sell the steak, you sell the sizzle. This is every bit as true in writing an employment cover letter. Here are some tips that will help you write a cover letter that sells the sizzle.

Your Personal Sales Letter

Above all else, your employment cover letter is your personal sales letter. This is your chance to show the hiring manager that you are the one for the job. This is not the place to be timid. This is where you stand out form the crowd. Your cover letter needs to scream “Look at me!”

Thanks to the internet, it is possible for a hiring manager to receive hundreds of applications for a job posting. With that amount of volume, most applications will only get a quick glance. If there is nothing to grab the attention of the person hiring, your application will end up in the circular file without getting a second look. Your cover letter must grab the manager’s attention, and make them look deeper into your qualifications.

Target Your Cover Letter

One of the biggest things you can do to make your employment cover letter sizzle is to target it to a specific job at a specific company. This starts at the very beginning. If you want to show that you’ve done your research address the cover letter to the person who is reviewing it. “Dear Ms. Jones” has much more power than “Dear Hiring Manager”. While most classified ads don’t include this information, sometimes it just takes one phone call to find what you need.

When you write the body of your employment cover letter, keep a copy of the classified ad in front of you, and write the letter as an answer to that ad. If the ad mentions specific skills and qualifications, you can write about how you have the experience to meet those qualifications.

Do a little research on the company. Look at their web site and try to find out about their philosophy and values. As you write about your qualifications, be sure to word it in a way that reflects those values. For instance, if the company values strong customer service, you can give examples of your strength in providing strong customer service. The point is, make sure you target your employment cover letter to a specific company.

Let Your Passion Show

Another tip to make your employment cover letter sizzle is to make it sound alive. Many cover letters come across to the reader as being a lifeless list of qualifications. That’s not what the cover letter is for. This isn’t meant to be a reflection of your resume. A good employment cover letter is a chance to show that you are a live person, and that you truly want to use your skills to fulfill a need within the company.

Use wording in your cover letter that shows what you are passionate about. If there is something about the job you are applying for that you really love to so, say so. “I am a qualified teacher” doesn’t carry the same energy as “I am passionate about helping young people learn”.

When you are done writing your cover letter read it out loud to yourself. If it sounds boring to you, it probably is. Go back through and look for words and phrases that can be replaced by more energetic words.

Say It Like You Want It

Do you want this job? If you do, your employment cover letter must say so. One failing of many cover letters is that the writer never gets around to asking for the job. They express interest in the position, but that’s not quite the same as specifically asking for it. Also, don’t forget to give your contact information, and not just in the header. Tell the person hiring “I can be reached for an inter view at…”, and then give them you phone number. Make this as easy on them as possible.

As far as tone, confidence is the key. Run a grammar check on your cover letter to check for passive voice. “I have experience” is not passive. “My experiences have been” is passive. Make sure your statements are positive and confident.

Your employment cover letter can sizzle. All it takes is some time and effort to make it a unique reflection of yourself. Show the hiring manager that you are a live, passionate person, and that you can help fulfill a need. Show them that you sizzle.

http://www.articlecube.com/Article/Strategies-For-Employment-Cover-Letters-That-Sizzle-/175767

Careful Career Management Is A Great Way To Succeed In Your Career

2007-10-29T02:06:00.000-07:00

In today’s world of increasing world-wide competition, technological change, and market forces, good career management is mandatory. You must take charge of your career as if you are the quarterback of the game setting up the play for the final touchdown. In order to be on top in your field, you can’t afford to relax after you find employment and take it for granted that you will always have it or that it will never change. Most employees would not want that anyways. It would be boring and eventually lose its charm.

So, how do you work in a shaky work area while staying positive and in control? You don’t want to get so paranoid that every little rumor from the corporate mill has you wondering if you are next in line for a layoff. You want to be prepared in case of a layoff, but you also want to be positive that you are a needed asset to your company. Don’t assume you will not be replaced, but don’t assume the company is going under either.

In the workplace, employees have become commodities. Think of yourself as a product that you are promoting to your company, day in and day out. If the product you are selling is a benefit to your company, it will continue to buy your brand. If, however, your product isn’t maintained, is easily replaced for less money, or becomes difficult, then the company will not buy the product.

One of the most necessary factors of a company is to generate profit. If the commodity they hold, you, is not valuable to them when it comes to profit, then they may decide in tough times to lay you off and look for some other way to meet your function. That’s the reality of business.

The previous view was what initiated much of the stampede towards outsourcing in previous years. Many positions were not only easily replaced for less in other countries, but the business owners making the change saw no benefit to keeping an American employed versus hiring someone in a foreign. One of the main areas that this trend left an impression on was the outsourcing of technical support and customer service call centers.

Now, we are beginning to see the problem with the view of a human being as just a piece in a giant machine. The outcome is that workers leave those positions and look for jobs elsewhere in another sector of industry. Meanwhile, people from foreign countries may not understand the cultural environment of the buyers they are doing business with in the United States. The result is that customers get frustrated with their purchasing experience and sometimes choose to do business elsewhere.

Now, we have a trend on the rise called insourcing, where Americans are being hired by companies in India to answer calls in call centers so that the buyers are met with someone who comes from the same cultural enviroment and can speak their language. This is how many workers have made themselves valuable to their company as human beings again. This is why you should never take for granted the power of how your cultural upbringing and soft skills can lead your further in career management.

http://www.articlecube.com/Article/Careful-Career-Management-Is-A-Great-Way-To-Succeed-In-Your-Career/175371

Health Education Career: A World Of Opportunity

2007-10-26T05:32:00.000-07:00

People who are thinking about a health education career should know that PE or �Phys. Ed.� is now categorized as Kinesiology. Kinesiology is the study of movement and the effects of movement in the area of health and wellness. Knowledge is power and a person studying for a degree in Kinesiology will gain wisdom in all areas of the body and how movement relates to each. They also receive training in topics like cardiopulmonary resuscitation, health and nutrition, as well as disease prevention.

Of course there�s more to a health education career than just PE and the healthcare industry is one of the largest areas of employment in the world today. Physical therapy, psychology, and medical technician are all examples of jobs available.

Other professions in the healthcare industry are Medical Scientist, Pharmacist, and Chiropractors. In fact, any occupation dealing with mental, physical or emotional aspects of humanity is considered a health education career. Even fields like, medical transcriptions, medical office assistant, and certified nursing assistant fall under this title.

Training is essential when it comes to a health education career. From technical colleges and universities, to online facilities and specialized medical training, there are numerous ways to obtain the knowledge you need and/or the degree necessary for a career.

Health Administration, Geriatric Health, Public Health, Advanced Occupational Studies, Advanced Physician Studies, Health Education and Doctor of Physical Therapy are examples of the types of degrees necessary to obtain a health education career.

There are other forms of careers surrounding health education. A Master of Health Education degree is usually required when someone chooses to do more than work in a health education career. This level of training takes someone from practicing in their chosen field to teaching it. These people are leaders in the health care industry.

Community health as well as environmental health is also very popular today. In order for people to be healthy, the world we live in must be healthy. In the US, government controlled programs like Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are two examples of how the health and well being of our workers as well as the environments we work in are being monitored.

So whether you choose the human or environmental element, benefits of a health education career are far reaching to those who pursue it. Not only do you teach others the importance of maintaining good health, this is information you can use for all the years of your life and pass down for future generations.

http://www.youreducationguides.com/career/

Travel Nursing Career - A Dream Come True?

2007-10-25T05:14:00.000-07:00

Deciding what job to pursue after college entails more brain cells that most activities. Unlike deciding on what car to buy or what clothes to wear, one must give the decision its due because it will effect your happiness and quality of life for the next three to four decades.

Most people believe that a career in travel nursing is stuff that dreams are made of. For those currently following this career path… most of those who have experienced this lifestyle agree that it is a great way to make a living but there are a few who argue and refute this. But all agree that it's entirely up to you whether your career in travel nursing becomes to a dream come true.

How do you start on a career in travel nursing?

Let's divide the answer into two parts: travel and nursing. We'll tackle the latter first. To be able to pursue a career in travel nursing, you must of course be equipped with a creditable nursing degree. Now some may possess one-year-diplomas and call themselves professionals but unfortunately for them, not all hospital or healthcare employers accept that as enough credentials. If you only have a vocational degree tucked under your belt, then perhaps you'd rather pursue a career in care giving rather than travel nursing. Caregivers, after all, still get to travel across the globe. It all comes down to the skills.

The second half of a Travel Nursing career is the traveling. So you're the proud holder of a nursing degree and you're duly licensed to practice nursing. The next step to tackle then is learning how to go about your travels. Most people prefer to seek recruitment agencies for help in this matter. These agencies are ably experienced in assisting people interested in making a fortune in travel nursing. But you must beware! There are several recruitment agencies that may just be a scam to whisk your money away. And remember, using their services means paying some fees and if in some instances the fees are high so be careful and be wary. Ask questions and don't go with any agency that you don't feel is being 100% honest with you and if there fees are out of line then find another agency or you can always go it alone.

A few things to consider when traveling are the need of a passport. First, check with the embassy in your country of choice and see if they require a visa. Second, make sure that all your nursing documents, proof that you have graduated from a reputable school and have passed the necessary examinations, are all duly authenticated. A career in travel nursing may mean jumping from one country after another so it would definitely reduce your stress level if all your papers, even your resume, are supported with valid reference documents.

How do you adjust or embark on a life of travel nursing?

Experienced travel nurses provide us with plenty of advice and tips to make sure that first time nurses in this particular career will have an easier transition into the field.

Double-Check Everything
At least three to five days prior to your departure make sure that you haven't forgotten anything. Make a checklist of all essentials and cross them off the list as you pack them. From documents to the clothes you've packed, make sure that everything in your list is accounted for. A career in travel nursing is a demanding job and leaves little room for error so it's best to start on the right foot.

Research Your Destination(s)
A travel nursing career requires that you to go to different countries meet different people and adjust to different cultures. Researching destinations beforehand will help avoid miscommunication, reduce the possible culture shock and basically just make your experience a whole lot more enjoyable and less stressful.

Ask For An Early Move-in
An early move is suggested by experienced travel nurses because it enables you to relax and breathe a little before embarking on your new travel nursing job. Familiarize yourself with the place and the people. And best of all, enjoy the new sights because one of the major perks of having a career in travel nursing is of course... the travel.

While the compensation and perks are quite exceptional because the Travel Nursing Career is such a high demand, highly sought after position it's a bit more difficult to secure than most other nursing positions. As a result, most employers are very picky so make sure that you have what it takes. And if you don't, then improve your skills (education and / or experience) or find another sector of the nursing profession to make your career.

A great place to begin researching your Travel Nursing career is at http://www.eyeonnursing.com. A website dedicated to being a complete resource on Nursing.

http://www.advancingwomen.com/Education_Articles/public_html/travel-nursing-career---a-dream-come-true-2.php

Defining �Higher Education Career�

2007-10-24T04:49:00.001-07:00

Also known as secondary education, a �higher education career� defines the teaching of children and adults.

Beginning in 6th or 7th grade, a higher education career revolves around children in their early teens on up through vocational or technical school, junior college, college and university.

Folks working in a higher education career, often spend as much time advancing their own studies as teaching others.

Degrees Available For Those Seeking A Higher Education Career:

* Masters in Education � Middle Level (grades 5-8)
* MEd � Masters of Education in Secondary Curriculum, Assessment and Instruction
* Masters of Education in Leadership (necessary if your dream is to become a principal or school administrator)
* Masters of Arts in Education, Administration and Supervision � Necessary for those aspiring to become principals and/or superintendents of schools and/or school districts
* Doctorate or PhD � Highest level of education attainable, a PhD is sometimes required for those teaching on the college level.

Special Skills Needed To Work In A Higher Education Career:

Depending on which grade level you are teaching, those in a higher education career need skills that are age appropriate to their students. For example, someone teaching children ages 13 � 18 will need special communication skills, counseling ability, a knack for making subjects challenging as well as fun and interesting as well as educational. Here is a basic list of personal and professional talents needed to succeed in a higher education career.

* Patience � You are teaching youngsters whose personalities are emerging from childhood to fledgling adults.
* Passion � If you�re not passionate about your subject(s) as well as the students you teach, then you�re less likely to make an impact on your students.
* Compassion (counseling abilities) � Adolescent years are the most difficult for teens as well as their parents. This is a time when an otherwise docile child might become unruly and rebellious. As a teacher, you may be called upon to help them sort out their emotions and work through �what for them are- traumatic situations.
* Imagination � The world in which we live is a constant challenge to someone in a higher education career. How can you make subjects like World History, Civics and Literature exciting for someone who spends much of their time in front of a television or playing video games? Having a good imagination helps!
* Strong sense of values � You are helping to shape future generations.

Although we�re talking mostly about working with teenagers here, those who teach adults should strive to maintain some if not all of these special skills. Though adults don�t usually face the same challenges as teenagers, it�s still nice to know that a college professor can laugh and smile and make learning fun.

http://educationforlifesite.com/career/career-education-health-in.php

Education Career Information About Physical Therapist

2007-10-24T04:45:00.000-07:00

Information is knowledge and knowledge is power. Therefore, if it is your desire to become a physical therapist, it is imperative that you get as much information about the education necessary to pursue this career. Education career information about physical therapist opportunities can be found in numerous ways.

A quick Internet search using the words �education career information about physical therapist� revealed over 2 million links! Other means of researching this occupation would be contacting your local Physical Therapy office and asking questions as well as talking with a guidance counselor in high school and/or the nearest college.

Youngsters desiring to work in this field should make Science the biggest part of their high school and college education. Career information about physical therapist skills can also be obtained by volunteering in a physical therapy setting. However, before concerning yourself with the education career information about physical therapist, let us first define the profession.

One of the fastest growing professions within the healthcare industry, physical therapists (PT�s) help patients with injuries as well as limited and permanent disabilities restore function and improve mobility. They also train people in the art of pain management through physical movement. Physical Therapists also help teach and promote overall health and well being through physical fitness.

Researching �education career information about physical therapist� uncovered the fact that a person who desires to become a physical therapist must have a Masters and/or Doctoral degree from an accredited college or university. Although a highly paid profession, individuals wishing to be a physical therapist should be caring and compassionate. They also must possess exceptional people skills in order to teach patients as well as their family members about treatments.

Normal working hours for Physical Therapists are during the day, and in most instances, physical therapists work in a hospital or clinical environment. Physical therapists are also called upon to work with teachers, parents and other healthcare professionals to ensure proper classroom and home environments for children with physical disabilities.

People aspiring to become a Licensed Physical Therapist can often gain invaluable experience and knowledge by working as a physical therapist assistant. A Physical Therapist Assistant is responsible for overseeing much of the actual therapy that is prescribed by the physical therapist. Some duties of a PT Assistant are massages, electrical stimulation and traction.

For more education career information about physical therapist and/or physical therapist assistant positions, contact the American Physical Therapy Association. Other resources for education career information about physical therapist are Special Ed Careers (dot) org, Health Care Monster (dot) com, and Career Planning (dot) com.

http://educationforlifesite.com/career/

Refreshing your CV to help your search for new construction jobs

2007-10-19T05:14:00.000-07:00

It is a good idea to refresh you whole CV when next searching for a construction job rather than just adding in your last employment. Most people fall into this trap and it risk their CV’s becoming outdated.

The job you are applying for will require particular skills and abilities so you can tailor the CV accordingly. You will gain more construction experience and relevant skills that you can use to highlight how suitable you are.

Firstly, work out exactly what types of skills, experience and abilities will be required in the construction jobs you are applying to and then look at your own. If you are changing to apply to construction manager jobs from for example, electrical construction jobs, you will need to extract specific skills and the experience you have gained that are relevant to the new role and highlight your strengths in these.

Move onto an education and training and pick out the construction related areas that will be relevant to the role and include these in your CV.

Then think about any additional activities and hobbies that you may have that will help sell yourself in. For example, if you are applying for a builders job and have been working on building a house with a friend, explain what you have done highlighting what you have learnt and how you have developed.

It is extremely important that you tailor your CV to the construction jobs you are applying to and ensure you make the changes necessary to make you stand out. If the reader can see your skills match exactly what they are looking for, you will not have any problems finding new construction work.

http://www.articlebin.com/view-Refreshing_your_CV_to_help_your_search_for_new_construction_jobs-75624.html

Nurse Staffing Agency Business – Optimaxing Success

2007-10-18T05:32:00.000-07:00

The idea of competitiveness nowadays, is synonymously and completely approximate with the notion of proper staffing, creative business thoughts, and the managerial aspect coordinated with the skills and impressive scheme to attain the goal, not just being successful, but also to be in top amidst the numerous victorious companies. Recruiting staff is necessarily the implementation for highly rated sense of motivation and flexibility capable of determining the logic of business structure in this modern society.

Proper nurse staffing is evincing through finding the right person with the appropriate skills and talents beneficial for the company. It is by means of due process whether he/she is already working for the company or maybe employed with the opposing business. These days that the initiative of knowledge economies where talents and disciplines becomes the new significance and asset in order for the business to reach the competitive advantage.

Creative business thoughts of finding reasonable phases, strategies, and methods for financial stability in constructing the standard rules for sourcing of monetary funds for the business are the ideal philosophy. Implementing strict protocols suitably for the business is assuring one of the best ways including to execute parameters guiding the aspect of finances. The principle of using the money wisely is through investing on the human resources and to the system.

A nurse staffing company may offer a variety of services, including temporary help, temporary-to-permanent placement, long-term and contract help, managed services like outsourcing, training, human resources consulting, and assuming the payroll and financial permanence for the business. In this way, the management will be amenable on dispensing irrevocable verdict balancing the financial area, the work force, and to the business technique, foreseeing futuristic position for the business though discharging short-term decisions are necessarily to affect long-term judgment. Categorizing the staff will involve as much as it needs especially in instigating the necessity for the business: dividing the employees and coming up with the team.

There are two types of management styles, an open opposed to a closed style. Although either style can work, an open style tends to work best in smaller staffing companies. An open style creates a team environment where management takes the input of the staff into consideration. Employees, particularly younger ones, enjoy an open environment. A closed style, on the other hand, tends to work for larger companies where communications are more difficult. To know how the company is doing, well-run companies benchmark themselves against their competition including growth rates, margins, profitability, duration of assignment, and fill ratios, et cetera.

One has to balance, with regard to financial parameters, investment in people and systems against short-term profits to make the right long term decisions. Operating parameters should measure productivity, or how hard one is working, and efficiency, or how smart one is working. And essence of proper staffing with the design of unparalleled business management must be the choice.

http://www.articlejoe.com/Article/Nurse-Staffing-Agency-Business---Optimaxing-Success/43853

Call Center Jobs in the Philippines: How to Land One

2007-10-18T05:30:00.000-07:00

“The last few years have seen a steady increase in the number of available call center jobs in the Philippines—an unsurprising fact considering that the country is now one of the top outsourcing destinations in the world. With its attractive pay (most companies offer at least 15,000 pesos or $300 a month) and generous benefits, answering telephones and talking to irate callers located halfway around the world have become not only one of the most plentiful but also most attractive and sought-after jobs in the Philippines.

So what does it take to launch a successful Philippine call center career? What skills do you need to land a lucrative job in one of the country’s many contact centers? What exactly do you need to do to be able to proudly wear the prerequisite headset?

First and foremost, you have to have a good grasp of the English language. It would help if you have an American accent, but this is not really a requirement as most call centers actually have their new-hires undergo training where they are taught about the American culture, expressions and accent. What they are more concerned about is your pronunciation and if you can speak clearly.

So when you are being interviewed for a call center job, make sure to pronounce your words clearly, avoid “ums” and other similar expressions and try to formulate your answer in your mind (quickly though) before you go blurting out an answer.

Second, you must display a great deal of patience. As mentioned earlier, you will be handling a lot of angry, unreasonable and simply outrageous clients. Being in the customer service industry, you must always show restraint and a great deal of patience with your callers.

If you want to be a call center agent, you also have to have great communication skills, and by this I don’t just mean talking with an American twang. You have to be able to clearly construct and express what you want to say so that the caller you are speaking to may be able to fully understand your meaning. In the call center industry, miscommunication is a mortal sin.

A basic working knowledge of how to use computers is also required of those who wish to work in contact centers. A computer is one of the tools you will be using most in your job, so call centers require applicants to at least know how to run one.

You have to be smart too, or at least, a quick and rational thinker. While some may think that call center agents are nothing more than glamorized telephone operators, there is actually more to the job than mindlessly answering phone calls. Not only do you have to pacify angry and sometimes, unreasonable, callers, you have to be able to digest and analyze what they are saying and give reasonable answers to their questions. What do you do for example, if a client asks you why his new computer is not working? How do you convince a caller on the brink of canceling an account to change her mind and give your products or services another try? Think being a call center agent is all about having a pleasant voice and accent? Think again.

Most of all, you have to exhibit a willingness to work hard. One of the reasons why call centers pay their employees more is they demand more from their employees. You have to work while the rest of the country slumbers; you have to report to the office during holidays; you have to give up your “night life” because, well, you’ll be working at night.

Ready to try your luck with a call center job?

http://www.articlejoe.com/Article/Call-Center-Jobs-in-the-Philippines--How-to-Land-One/43858

Career Education

2007-10-17T05:15:00.000-07:00

A competitive world motivates people to seek a higher education that can mold their future. Career education is a systematic program designed for students. It is a basic and increasingly relevant component of student and adult learning. It includes activities and experiences designed to increase knowledge of self, occupations, training paths, job searching skills and decision-making strategies.

Many schools and colleges provide courses as well as counseling on career education that helps in nurturing the ""whole person"". Career education programs are designed to enable students discover their potential. These programs focus primarily on three interconnected areas, learner, interpersonal and career development. Within these three areas, students acquire an understanding of their critical and analytical skills.

A comprehensive career education program enlightens students on the relevance of their school experience. It is designed to give students a jump-start in their career through exploration of a variety of career opportunities. It is also intended to ensure that each student receives a quality education to prepare for higher education and their first job in a competitive market.

The strategies of career education programs include career contextual learning, which emphasizes the application of academics in areas beyond the classroom.

The programs help students develop learning skills and strategies that they could use in the workplace. It makes them manage and become responsible for their own learning.

Online career education has grown in popularity. More and more people choose online classes over traditional education in the classroom. Universities and colleges are responding to this growing need by offering a wide variety of online programs, classes, and degrees.

Career education programs have proved to be very beneficial for students. They encompass educational plans that define their aptitudes, abilities and values. Students relate their abilities to specific careers and prepare a research project on an occupation, which matches their goals and abilities.

Career Education provides detailed information on Career Education, Career Education Online, Life Centered Career Education, Career Education Programs and more. Career Education is affiliated with Adult Continuing Education.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Marcus_Peterson

Health Care Resources Article

2007-10-16T05:47:00.000-07:00

Advanced Nursing Degrees Give Missouri Patients More Options

Nurse-owned clinics in rural Missouri are replacing the country doctor, reports the AP/St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

Patients in search of treatment for minor health concerns like sore throats, ear aches, and sprained ankles are finding relief in clinics owned by nurses with advanced nursing degrees. Nurses with advanced degrees, typically referred to as Nurse Practitioners, are able to directly treat patients in rural locations while maintaining contact with a supervising physician who reviews patient charts and care plans.
Advanced Nursing Degrees Across the U.S.

More than 12 nurse-owned clinics have sprung up in Missouri over the past few years. It's also a trend that's happening nationwide, with health care clinics opening in strip malls and super stores like Wal-Mart.

Many nurses are attracted to advanced nursing degrees as an opportunity to treat patients more independently. Advanced education can give Registered Nurses a more in-depth understanding of medical science and the chance at even more rewarding, challenging careers.
Find Advanced Nursing Degrees that are Right for You!

Are you looking for advanced nursing degrees in Missouri? The University of Phoenix offers campus-based and online nursing degrees that are accredited by CCNE. Fill out this information request form to learn more and take the first step towards enrolling.

http://www.dynastyeducation.com/advanced-nursing-degrees.html?type=article

Finding a Good Job in a Lousy Job Market: The 50/50/50 Method

2007-10-15T05:34:00.000-07:00

You'll likely land a good job if you do these three things.

At 50 fast-growing organizations, contact a person with the power to hire you. How do you find growing organizations? See which organizations have large ads in the Sunday paper. Contact them even if they don't list a job you might be qualified for. Or visit venturewire.com. It lists companies that have received an infusion of cash and so are more likely to be hiring.
Once you get an organization's name, visit its website or call directory assistance to get its main phone number. Then ask the organization's switchboard operator for the correct spelling of the person responsible for hiring people like you, for example, the sales manager if you're looking for a sales position. Then ask for that person's phone number and e-mail address. On the phone or in a letter, explain, in a human way, why you're looking for work, why you picked that organization, and what you bring to the table. More often than you might think, a job gets created for you or you gain the inside track on an upcoming opening.

Contact 50 people who like you and might know someone who could potentially hire you for a suitable job. When people say, "I don't know of anyone," ask if they'd keep their ears open for you. If so, you've just recruited a scout. Tell them that, if you're still looking, you'll check back in a month. That tends to keep them more vigilant.
Answer 50 on-target want ads. The internet makes it easy to find them. Websites such as craigslist.org, bayrecruiter.com, monster.com, and careerbuilder.com list literally millions of openings, and napanet.com lists local jobs. Just enter your desired location and keywords, and matching job openings pop up instantly.

http://www.martynemko.com/articles/finding-good-job-in-lousy-job-market-505050-method_id1181

Nine Ways to Tell You're Ready for a Promotion

2007-10-13T05:21:00.000-07:00

So you noticed the new job board posting on your way back from lunch. They finally decided to fill the assistant manager spot in your department! Trouble is, you've only been in your current position for about eight months. There's also been some talk of hiring from outside. Should you go for it anyway? Here are some ways to tell if it's time to power up the corporate ladder.

1. You're currently one notch lower than assistant manager. If your job title includes the word Senior, then you've likely earned some recognition at your place of employment. Is assistant manager the next step up? Why not give it a shot? The worst thing that can happen is that you don't get the job... and hey, there's always next time. When you go for the gold, people will realize you're quite a gem. Start getting noticed for your ambition and drive!

2. A large portion of the department responsibilities falls into your lap. Don't underestimate your own worth. If you're currently doing the work of two or more people and doing it well, then you should be compensated for it. Is it possible you were overlooked? Don't feel slighted. Negativity holds us back from getting where we want to be. Instead, take a strategic leap forward. Sometimes people get so wrapped up in their own issues, they fail to see what's before their eyes. You know the job like the back of your hand, and that's far more than a stranger off the street knows. Speak up and make your capabilities known!

3. Your manager consistently looks to you for solutions. If you're playing problem-solver at the office, that's a pretty good sign that people value your input. What better indicator of your ability is there than a boss who seeks you out for answers? Does your supervisor come in from meetings and immediately drag you away for a private pow-wow? You've already got a foot in the door! Now get the rest of yourself behind that desk in the corner office for a view of the skyline!

4. Your manager confides in you regularly. Are you the Big Cahuna's main confidante? Good office chemistry is hard to come by. If your boss trusts you with everything from top-secret office rumors to "what to do with that belligerant marketing coordinator," to the fight he had with his wife last night, this speaks volumes about his opinion of you. Sounds like you've very naturally clicked into Position 2 in the chain of command. Time to lock in to more money and an official manager status on paper.

5. You're well-known and respected among your colleagues. Do people smile and greet you by name when you walk into a group setting? Do managers of other departments frequently solicit your opinion? When the boss is away, do your peers appoint you to act in his absence? Being the office social butterfly is one thing. To know that your fellow employees admire and respect you for the job you do is another. One of the biggest indicators you're ready for a promotion is if your boss's boss has faith in your ability. Having a support system in place works in your favor and can be the 'in' you need to get ahead.

6. You're often asked to represent your team of coworkers in meetings. As much as we dread them, meetings are a vital part of daily corporate life. Meetings are where opinions are voiced, issues are hashed out, schedules are coordinated and progress is made in leaps and bounds. A great leader can speak on behalf of a group. A great leader can effectively communicate in all directions- from upper management to lower, from lower to upper, and also laterally. If people place their faith in your ability to get a message across, that means they're willing to let you represent them. There is no better indicator of management potential than being summoned as a spokesperson. Take it as a great compliment, and then take the next step toward your success!

7. You feel personally responsible for the welfare of your department. Do you find yourself thinking and speaking for the group? Are your peers in your best interest? Often, you can sense when you're ready for a position of increased responsibility. The true commandier operates from the point of view of 'we' instead of 'me.' Do you feel genuine pride when a member of your team goes above and beyond the call of duty? Do you act as the automatic diplomat and defender? When a coworker encounters a setback, are you truly moved to help them overcome their problem? Do you empathize with their disappointments? Rejoice in their victories? It's time to heed the call!

8. Your peers look to you as an advisor and comrade. Corporate life is full of folks at cross-purposes. Clashing wills, clashing personalities, misunderstandings, injustices of all kinds. If you have a gift for navigating through the rough waters, smoothing ruffled feathers and healing bruised egos, maybe it's time to seriously think about moving up. Trust is earned, not bought. If you have been offered the gift of others' trust in a setting where people mow over each other to get ahead, that is truly a great thing. Use it for the good of the group!

9. You truly love your job. You know in your heart how you feel about your job. Do you dread getting up every morning? Or do you look forward to facing the challenges of a new day... tackling that project... making your own small contribution to the bigger picture? If your work is your passion and you truly love what you do, it will be very apparent to those around you. Enthusiasm is contagious. If you can light a fire under someone's behind, there is no one more suited for a position of authority. This is your time to shine... so be a star! Get the recognition you've worked so hard to achieve, and step up toward making an even more powerful difference for the future of your company.

http://www.jobpostcanada.com/nine_ways_to_tell_youre_ready_for_a_promotion.php

Job Search For Older Applicants

2007-10-13T05:20:00.000-07:00

Jobs and over aged applicants

Though some employers would prefer a younger workforce, the older applicants still have a wide variety of career choices to choose from.

Employers are starting to see the potential of older and much-experienced applicants as can be seen by the statistics below:

q In Australia, Bureau of Statistics showed that between the period of August of 1989 to that of August of 2003, the workforce aged 15-24 lost more than 380,000 jobs to older workers.

Aside from the fact that most of Australia's younger generation became full-time students, employers favored the older applicants.

q In Netherlands on the other hand (by December of 2000), over 500,000 thousand of their employees are 55 years old and above. This figure had been increasing steadily since 1995.

To have a head start from the younger applicants, one has to take into consideration the following:

1. In writing one's resume, put more weight in highlighting the accomplishments without necessarily bragging about it.

One could have these lists of accomplishments and previous posts held work for one's advantage over younger applicants who may not even have any experience on the same field.

An individual's employment history receives as much scrutiny as the applicant itself. While employers tend to look for gaps or lapses of time when the applicant has been unemployed, they also tend to focus on the length of service one had rendered for their previous employers.

Frequent change of work (usually within very short

time frames) can be alarming for prospective employers.

2. Read and enroll in programs that will refresh your knowledge on certain fields especially if engaged in professional sectors. This will keep you individual abreast of the latest trend in such fields.

3. Search the Internet for vacancies. A lot of agencies place ads on the net that advertises help for senior citizens in looking for jobs. Various search engines made easier and specific (can choose the following categories: career, location and field of interest) are also available.

Jobs that do not usually look into the age of the applicant are the following:

1. Professional work that are into specialization. For applicants in the medical field (i.e. Doctors) experience is the basic determinant of being hired.

2. Lectures or speaking engagements. Speakers that are invited to discuss certain topics do not really have an age requirement. Rather, qualification focuses more on first hand knowledge and experience.

3. Writers. Writing novels, plays or children's books are one of those professions whose only requirement is good writing skills. Also, one can do the job at the comfort of their own homes, a plus factor for those in their advanced years.

About the author:

Jay is the web owner of http://www.jobs-in.com Jobs | Job Search, a website that provides information and resources on searching for jobs nationwide. You can visit his website at: http://www.jobs-in.net Online Jobs

Employment Job Searching Using the Internet

2007-10-13T05:19:00.001-07:00

Finding employment opportunities has never been easier than now- with the consistent and constant growth of the Internet. Using the Internet, job seekers can simply find vacancies of their choice in the location of their choice. With a simple click of the mouse, a huge list of job opportunities is literally at their fingertips.

Once upon a time, the only way job seekers can find jobs is by browsing the classifieds section of the paper. This method of job seeking is not only tiring (what with the small prints) but it is limited within the area where the job seeker is residing. Job seekers who wish to find employment outside of their state or county will have to get their hands on classifieds of the state itself. Although this is not an entirely tough thing to do, but at the end of the day, you would have to sort through a huge stack of newspapers just to find the job that you want!

One of the most amazing things about finding employment on the Internet is that job seekers can sign up a membership account. Membership accounts are usually free, but with the free job seeker account, the options are limited. With a paid job seeker accounts, you'll have more freedom and can place more information and details into your portfolio. However, millions upon millions of people have successfully found their dream jobs by using the free membership accounts offered by these employment agencies.

With an account with the employment website, the job seeker can place their personal information, contact details, education history and history of employment directly into the website's database. Some employment websites even allow job seekers to place their

recent photos into the database, which is useful to the employer, for verification purposes. With the entire resume placed in the database of the employment website, the job seeker searches through the database of vacancies in the website. A simple search can be done through the employment website's search engine. You can fine tune the search by category, location, country, area of expertise, job type, and more. Interested job applicants with their resumes in the database will only have to log into their employment account, click apply, and the resume will be automatically sent to the potential employer.

Compare this with the way things were done about a decade or more ago; in order to apply for a job, you have to type a whole cover letter individually, print out your resume and send it by post. Although this task is not very hard to do, but it limits the choices of the job seeker down; and the process is slow, if the application actually reaches the employer or not. The postal industry did not have such a smashing record at that time.

As you can see, finding employment on the Internet is not only free, it's extremely convenient. On top of that, you can search, browse and apply any time you want, irregardless of whether it's office hours or not! 24 hours a day, 7 days a week - the employment website is available to every single one of their job seeker members.

About the Author

Dakota Caudilla, journalist, and website builder Dakota Caudilla lives in Texas. He is the owner and co-editor of http://www.your-next-job.com on which you will find a longer, more detailed version of this article.

Becoming a Star Performer in your Career

2007-10-13T05:18:00.001-07:00

So what's the difference between a star performer who can name his/her salary and get whatever job he wants, and someone who can't? Very successful people tend to put a lot of effort into improving themselves. Coach Dean Smith of the University of North Carolina talks about how when he first noticed Michael Jordan, he didn't see NBA material. Jordan didn't even make his high school's varsity basketball team. However, the UNC basketball clinic accepted Michael for a summer training program because he was quick on his feet and showed potential. Coach Smith talks about how his staff was amazed at the amount of effort Michael put into practicing and learning the skills that ultimately made him a great basketball player.

Michael Jordan didn't stop learning how to be a great player in that high school clinic though. He kept on practicing and learning until he got into the NBA. Then he kept at it more and more until it just became a way of life. He even was able to apply the same skill of continual learning to become a good baseball and golf player. People like to talk about how Michael fell short of expectations in these other sports but the reality is his being able to transition to those other sports was nothing short of amazing, even though he wasn't able to play at the level of athletes who had been playing those other sports as long as he'd been playing basketball.

If you want to make more money and to be able to command the types of positions you really want, you need to adopt a Michael Jordan attitude. When continued learning and growth becomes a habit and it's integrated into your lifestyle, you'll find yourself moving into a whole new echelon of career success. Continued growth is the key to being able to compete in today's era of globalization and high unemployment.

Hopefully by now you're excited

about the idea of integrating continual learning into your career. How can you do this? Well for one thing, successful people tend to maximize a concept that Human Resource professionals call "job stretch." Job stretch is the difference between what your skills are now and the skills that are required to perform a certain set of functions. Successful people seek to make their job stretch as wide as possible while still being able to do their job really well. This means volunteering for that project at work that you might have to spend some extra time researching to be able to do well. And it means applying for jobs that require slightly more expertise than you currently have, rather than slightly less. Having job stretch can make your work more engaging and exciting.

Another way to integrate continual learning is through formal education. This includes taking classes, earning degrees and certifications, reading, and generally absorbing knowledge in all ways possible. It used to be that taking classes meant committing to lengthy courses at a local university, which also required spending more time away from your family and loved ones. With the invention of the Internet, it's now possible to take classes online from accredited universities and technical schools. We have done some research and found a number of high quality online education offerings. To find out more, visit this web page:
http://www.jobsearchinfo.com/degrees.htm

About the Author

Scott Brown is the author of the Job Search Handbook (http://www.JobSearchHandbook.com). As editor of the HireSites.com weekly newsletter on job searching, Scott has written many articles on the subject. He wrote the Job Search Handbook to provide job seekers with a complete yet easy to use guide to finding a job effectively.

How To Find A Job Writing Grant Applications

2007-10-13T05:15:00.000-07:00

Do you have what it takes to land a job doing grant writing? Many people are looking for ways to develop a freelance business, but unless you know what it takes to do so, you might as well stop trying. There are several fields in which you can learn and have many jobs waiting for you. But, in others, you will need to properly be prepared for them before they pass you by. Here, we will talk a little about how to find jobs in grant writing.

First, we would like to touch on what you need to do to get those freelance grant writing jobs. You will need to provide your future employment offers with samples of your work. If this is your first assignment, you may need to create a few samples to provide. In any case, you may also need quite a bit of training in the areas in which you will write. For example, if you plan to write on technical subjects you will need to know about these as well as learning how to write.

Once you have the required knowledge, you can begin your search for jobs. There are many

businesses that use these specific skills to help generate the money they need to fund the business, research, or study they plan to do. In your specialized area, like that of technical fields, you will need to find businesses that do these things. You can find a wide range of options available online to you in your field. In any case, you will need to present yourself as a worthy candidate by providing good skills and good work ethics. Job vacancies are out there, in great numbers in certain fields. Employment with them will be based on your skills and attitude.

Opportunities in your field are waiting for you to open their door.

About the Author

Visit http://www.FreelanceWritingResource.com for more Articles, Resources, News and Advice about Freelance Writing Jobs.

Career education options for working adults.

2007-10-13T05:10:00.000-07:00

Ask yourself this question: “Do I like what I do for a living?” If you answered “no”, what are you doing about it? Maybe you have a “good” job, but it’s not very rewarding to you personally. Maybe you have job with good pay, but bad hours or worse – a job with good hours, but bad pay. Perhaps you’ve just done your job for too many years, or are excited to work in some of the new careers that just weren’t available when you finished school.

Whatever the reason is for you wanting to switch careers, there are some practical considerations to take into account.

How long will it take?
How will I find the time to do it?
How much will it cost?

This article will answer these questions and point you towards a more fulfilling career.

How long will it take to train for a new career?

The answer to this depends on what you want to train for. But, the majority of well paying careers that are currently seeking workers, take two years or less to train for. For example, becoming a machinist takes about 10 months. Training to become an X-ray technician can be done in a year. There are other training options that can get you a new job in only six months!

Your experience can also count. For example, if you work with computers on your job now, you won’t have to take word processing and spreadsheet classes if you want to be a medical coder. If you tinker with computers in your spare time while you’re working a retail management position, you’ll be ahead of the class when you train to become a help desk technician. Also, if you like working on projects around your house more than your job in an office, you’ll be more likely to obtain employment as an HVAC tech or electrician.

How will I find the time to go to school?

If you decide you want to train for a new career, there are many educational options. Traditional universities and colleges are one option, but tend not to offer a

lot of flexibility in their class times. Community colleges are a better option since they have flexible classes, but due to limited resources, some of the most in demand training programs like nursing and dental hygiene have several year waiting lists in many markets across the U.S.

The educational option many working adults choose is a career college. Career colleges offer flexible scheduling and have the proper resources to greatly reduce waiting lists, if they have any at all. The biggest drawback is they cost more to attend. Consider a career college to be like a private community college. However, the flexible scheduling and the shorter time to graduation compensate for the higher initial cost of a career college.

How much will career training cost?

This is probably the most difficult question. If you’re like most working adults, you don’t have an eight month emergency reserve fund stashed away but, you do have credit card bills, a car payment, possibly children and that nagging monthly rent/mortgage payment. Chances are you’re not in a position to quit your existing job. Due to flexible class schedules you’ll still be able to work and keep that income. Student loans or grants are a possibility to pay for tuition. Also, check if your company has a tuition reimbursement plan. Even though you’re thinking about leaving your job, your company may have a need for the career you’re interested in training in.

The bottom line is if you don’t feel satisfied with your current job, you don’t have to stay with it for the rest of your working years. There are a number of great careers available that pay well and require less than two years of training time.

http://www.jobpostcanada.com/career_education_options_for_working_adults.php

BSN to MSN Degree Review - Master Degree Information

2007-10-12T02:29:00.000-07:00

A degree in Nursing Education will teach you the necessary leadership skills you need to advance in your career. With a Masters degree in Nursing Education graduates may enter careers in research, academics or continue to advance in clinical nursing.

Summary of the Nursing Education Degree Program

In a Masters Degree program for Nursing Education you will acquire skills in research, problem solving and management procedures. You will be an institutional leader making significant contributions in advancing awareness of nursing principles, practices and new technology.

Specific Skills You Will Learn

A Masters degree in Nursing Education will prepare you to make nursing assessments, communicate the needs of patients, integrate information with new technology and be involved in nursing research. You will become a highly skilled practitioner in the policies, procedures and principles of nursing. You will develop leadership skills that will help you advance your career and directly report to top management.

Typical Coursework

Though coursework will vary depending on the college you choose, common areas of study in a nursing education degree program include:

* Theories of Nursing Education
* Writing for Publication
* Legal and Ethical Issues in Nursing
* Patient Education and Counseling

Career Related Information

Career Fields You Will Be Prepared to Enter

In choosing to earn a Masters degree in nursing education you will be entering into a highly demanding career. A strong sense of integrity, honesty and loyalty will be essential in maintaining an ethical research and teaching environment.

Occupational Outlook For Business Management Including Salary Information

According to, swz.salary.com, the national annual median wage for a MSN varies from $73,330 to $86,372. Your salary will depend on the size of the institution and region in which you are employed. There is great demand for highly-skilled nurses. According to bls.gov the need for skilled nurses is not matching the national need.

http://educhoices.org/articles/BSN_to_MSN_Degree_Review_-_Master_Degree_Information.html

Business Administration Master's Degree (MBA)

2007-10-12T02:28:00.000-07:00

The Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree opens a new realm of business and management possibilities to graduates. Read the following article to see why the MBA is the most sought after degree in the world.

Degree Description

A Master of Business Administration degree allows individuals with Bachelor's degrees to promote their business careers. Graduates with MBA degrees are seen to have great understanding of business principals and strategies along with the needed training and skills to apply this knowledge in the real world. Because of this combination of knowledge and skill, businesses look towards MBA graduates to lead, administrate and manage their companies successfully.

Degree Courses

While different MBA programs may emphasize certain skills, a MBA student can expect to strengthen the following skills:

* Economic
* Marketing
* Accounting
* IT Management
* Finance
* Business Law
* Communication
* Human Resource Management
* Leadership

Benefits of a MBA

With an MBA degree, graduates will have the skills and qualifications for mid-to high-level management position right out of school. In 2005 new MBA graduates were expected to earn an average of $88k annually with signing bonuses of around $17k, according to Wikipedia (wikipedia.com).

http://educhoices.org/articles/Business_Administration_Master%27s_Degree_%28MBA%29.html

Business Management Degree Information - Master Degree

2007-10-12T02:27:00.000-07:00

A degree in Business Management will teach you the necessary leadership skills you need to advance in your career. With a Masters degree in Business Management graduates may enter careers in finance, research and consulting in various high profile areas of business.

Summary of the an Business Management Degree Program

In a Masters Degree program for Business Management you will acquire skills in research, problem solving and management procedures. You will be an industry leader making significant contributions in advancing awareness of business practices and technology.

Specific Skills You Will Learn

A Masters degree in Business Management is to prepare students for entrepreneurship, human resources and technology management. You will become a highly skilled practitioner in the policies, procedures and principles of Business Management. You will develop leadership skills becoming counsel to your peers in top management.

Typical Coursework

Though coursework will vary depending on the college you choose, common areas of study in Business Management degree programs include:

* Database Management Systems
* International Law
* Taxation Law
* Management Accounting

Career Related Information

Career Fields You Will Be Prepared to Enter

In choosing to earn a Masters degree in Business Management you will be entering into a highly demanding career. A strong career path in business will be founded in both the public and private sectors.

Occupational Outlook For Business Management Including Salary Information

According to, swz.salary.com, the national annual median wage for a Business Manager varies from $77,779 to $136,925. Your salary will depend on the size of the company and region in which you are employed. There is a moderate demand for highly-skilled business Managers experts. According to bls.gov business managers are employed at a variety of Fortune 500 companies. These positions are high-level making competition for employment steep.

http://educhoices.org/articles/Business_Management_Degree_Information_-_Master_Degree.html

Civil Engineering Degree Info - Master Degree Review

2007-10-12T02:26:00.000-07:00

An advanced degree in Civil Engineering will teach you the necessary environmental policies and procedures you will need to advance your career. With Masters degrees in Civil Engineering graduates will join the competition for high-level positions in construction and mechanics.

Summary of the an Civil Engineering Degree Program

In a Masters Degree program of Civil Engineering you will acquire strong technical skills in Hydraulics & water resources engineering. Your coursework will need to be focused on the type of engineering you will want to be employed in. Upon graduation you will know how to apply your skills to solve a variety of environmental issues affecting construction. You will be an industry leader in implementing engineering and environmental policies and procedures. As a civil engineering graduate you will be prepared to enter into construction management. You should be working consistently in the heavy construction industry of major infrastructures.

Specific Skills You Will Learn

Students will become highly skilled practitioners focusing on creating, improving and protecting the environment. You will develop critical thinking and problem solving skills focusing on environmental strategies. As a graduate of a Masters program, your oral and written communication skills will be enhanced and you will be able to communicate information to diverse groups of people involved in environmental issues.

Typical Coursework

Though coursework will vary depending on the college you choose, common areas of study in Doctoral degree programs include:

* Environmental Economics
* Managing Environmental Risks
* Water Quality Control
* Chemical and Biological Processes in Environmental Engineering

Career Related Information

Career Fields You Will Be Prepared to Enter

In choosing to earn a Masters degree in Civil Engineering you will be preparing to plan, design, build, and manage major construction. According to cee.mtu.edu, Civil Engineers are problem solvers. Graduates will find themselves meeting the challenges of traffic congestion, energy needs and urban redevelopment. You can directly impact the health and well-being of the people in the communities in which you are involved in construction.

Occupational Outlook For Civil Engineering Including Salary Information

According to swz.salary.com, the national annual median wage for a person graduating with a Masters in Civil Engineering varies from $86,429 to $101,207. Your salary will depend on the size of the company and region in which you are employed.

http://educhoices.org/articles/Civil_Engineering_Degree_Info_-_Master_Degree_Review.html

Clinical Psychology Degree Review - Master Degree Info

2007-10-12T02:22:00.000-07:00

A degree in Clinical Psychology will teach you the necessary leadership skills you need to enter into a rewarding career. With a Masters degree in Clinical Psychology, graduates may enter careers in academics or health care or start their own practices.

Summary of the Clinical Psychology Degree Program

In a Masters Degree program for Clinical Psychology you will enhance your critical thinking and problem solving skills. A Clinical Psychology degree is specific to healing and helping people maintain a sense of health and well-being.

Specific Skills You Will Learn

A Masters degree in Clinical Psychology will prepare you to make assessments and communicate the needs of patients. You will be expected to be organized and multi-task oriented. Graduates will counsel their peers in the policies and procedures of psychology.

Typical Coursework

Though coursework will vary depending on the college you choose, common areas of study in a Clinical Psychology degree program include:

* Psychobiology and Animal Behavior
* Human Learning, Memory and Cognition
* Personnel and Industrial and Organizational Psychology
* Case Management/Clinical Practice

Career Related Information

Career Fields You Will Be Prepared to Enter

In choosing to earn a Masters degree in Clinical Psychology you will be entering into a highly rewarding career of helping people cope with their lives. A strong sense of integrity, honesty and loyalty will be essential in maintaining an ethical practice. With a Masters in Clinical Psychology you may enter into fields of research, teaching, or work in school systems or you may create your own practice.

Occupational Outlook For Clinical Psychology Including Salary Information

According to, worldwidelearn.com, the demand for psychology graduates is due to increase through 2014. The expansion of health care and the increasing focus on psychology studies in schools will drive growth across the field. Those graduates in Masters Programs trained in applied specialties like counseling, health, and school psychology stand to benefit the most. According to, swz.salary.com, the national annual median wage for a Chemical Dependency Counselor varies from $36,832 to $46,480.

http://educhoices.org/articles/Clinical_Psychology_Degree_Review_-_Master_Degree_Info.html

University Of Phoenix

2007-10-12T02:21:00.001-07:00

As the largest private university in the country, University of Phoenix is a tremendous success story. Much of this success comes from designing its programs to fit into the typical working adult's schedule. Classes are offered during the day, at night, or on weekends, or online, making it possible for most people to find the time to fit education into their schedule. With 50 campuses and 91 learning centers in 29 states, the University of Phoenix provides a close location to a large percentage of the population of the United States.

University of Phoenix also requires its students to be at least 21 years old. The average student is in their 30s, and has many years of practical experience. Many are executives or business owners. This helps insure that the class is filled with highly motivated people who are ready to learn. In addition, classes are all designed to emphasize the application of course material to real world problems. This helps students get immediate and tangible benefits from the education they receive.

Undergraduate classes run for 5 weeks, and graduate classes run for 6 weeks, allowing students to take classes without having to commit to being available for 16 weeks in a row as with traditional universities. Students who take classes continuously can complete a degree program in as little as two years.

Many different types of programs are offered, all designed and tailored to meet the needs of high demand careers. As of their 2003 Annual Report, University of Phoenix has:

More than 200,000 students
More than 17,000 faculty
More than 95,000 students attending University of Phoenix Online
More than 45,000 students in its undergraduate and graduate business schools
5000 students in Criminal Justice administration programs
More than 6300 students in bachelors and masters degree in nursing programs
More than 12,000 students pursuing education degree programs.
A student population growing at more than 60% per year

University of Phoenix Online is the largest online university in the world. It currently provides education to students in 91 countries across the globe. Using its flexible online learning format, students can log into at any time that best fits their schedule and do their work. This provides the ultimate in learning flexibility. In addition, they can log in from anywhere in the world where they have an Internet connection available

http://www.education-online-search.com/articles/special_topics/university_of_phoenix

Career Test

2007-10-12T02:19:00.000-07:00

Millions of people are looking for help in determining what career will be best for them. Many of these people turn to career tests to get help. But do they help? This article will discuss three different popular career testing solutions. This article is not a review or comparison between the tests, and does not attempt to pick a winner. Rather, this article focuses on how career tests work, and how they may be helpful to you.

Career testing from three different companies were reviewed. The reviewed career tests were from:

• Career Key (free)
• American Career Test
• Thinking Craft

All 3 companies offered a similar basic methodology for ferreting out your best possible career. The questions are designed to get you to reveal aspects of who you are and your preferences. There are no right or wrong answers. It is important to answer these questions as honestly as you can. After all, you are trying to learn about yourself!

Here is some information on each career test and how they work:

Career Key

Career Key asks you questions about the kinds of jobs you think that you might like, what skills you think you have, what types of things that you like to work with and more. The questions are fairly direct in nature. There are 5 total screens that cover the following information:

• Career test screen 1: Jobs that interest you – you are offered a list of 43 jobs and are asked to check all that interest you.
• Career test screen 2: Things you like to do – you choose the best answer for you for 6 different questions about things you like to do.
• Career test screen 3: Your abilities – you choose the best answer for you for 6 different questions about your abilities.
• Career test screen 4: How you see yourself – you choose the best answer for you for 6 different questions about how you see yourself.
• Career test screen 5: Things that you value – you choose the best answer for you for 6 different questions about things that you value.

You need to complete all 5 screens before being provided initial results. These results provide a summary of your major personality characteristics. You learn whether or not you are realistic, investigative, artistic, social, enterprising, or conventional. Each characteristic is given a numeric score from 1 to 20, with 20 being the highest, and 1 being the lowest. Of course, you have some aspect of all of these characteristics, but the Career Key test seeks to tell you which areas you are most like.

Once you have learned this about yourself, you are offered the chance to see what types of jobs relate to each characteristic. You are encouraged to click on the characteristics that the tests gave you the highest score on, but can click on any of them if you like. Once you click on one of these characteristics, you are given a list of different types of career choices that match up with the characteristic. At that point it is up to you to make sense of the results and relate it to your own career choice. The business model is great – its free. But the test leaves you with limited information about your career choices. You can take the Career Key test at http://www.careerkey.org.

American Career Test

American Career Test offers a career testing service that uses 3 screens to ask you questions about yourself. American Career Test provides 3 screens of questions. The questions as you to evaluate different statements about yourself and provide honest answers about them, as follows:

• Career test screen 1: 30 statements about yourself that you attempt to comment as to “How true is this of me?”. Possible answers are: Rarely, Sometimes, Usually, and Most Always.
• Career test screen 2: 30 statements about yourself that you attempt to comment as to “How true is this of me?”. Possible answers are: Rarely, Sometimes, Usually, and Most Always.
• Career test screen 3: A list of 60 adjectives, for which you evaluate whether or not you or others would say it describes your nature. Possible answers are Rarely, Sometimes, Usually. In addition, this screen has 10 questions about different work activities and whether or not you are interested in them. Possible answers are None, Some, and Much.

American Career Test lets you take the test for free. But once you are done you can’t get your test results until you pick a payment plan. Possible payment plans are:

• Basic career test report - $7.95 – You get a personal profile plus a summary of the 25 top career choices for you.
• Bronze career test report - $24.95 – In addition to the basic report, your scores are compared against national averages.
• Silver career test report - $34.95 – In addition to the bronze report, your career suggestions are prioritized taking into account your character mix.
• Gold career test report - $59.95 – In addition to the sliver report, you receive a Management function profile, a management type profile, and a management level profile.

These test reports can help you get some insight into your personality, your motivations, how you like to work, how you compare to others, whether or not you are inclined towards management, and of course, the best career choice for you. American Career Test has done a nice job of presenting the questions and the test results. You can take the American Career Test at http://www.acareertest.org.

Thinking Craft

Thinking Craft’s test questions focus more on personality choices. You are asked to choose between two pairs of personality traits. In some cases, you will find yourself choosing a pair where you don’t like either choice, but you still must pick one over the other. An example of the 2 choices is: individualistic / considerate or fearless / industrious. The choices become difficult if you consider yourself individualistic and fearless, but not considerate or industrious. All in all you make 18 such choices.

Once you are done with the test, you get a variety of different types of data to consider. The first is the Assessment Graph. The assessment graph provides you a rating of four key characteristics: Interactor Style, Analyzer Style, Synthesizer Style, and Concluder Style. Thinking Craft offers a detailed explanation as to what each of the various characteristics mean.

In addition, the Thinking Craft test report offers extensive detail in many other aspects of your personality, as well as suggestions on how to act on them. Some of the test report information includes:

• Career Test Result Page 1: The Learning Style Assessment –a report on how you learn.
• Career Test Result Page 2: On-line Learning Guides – a report on how you can optimize your study and learning experience.
• Career Test Result Page 3 : Classroom Strategies – a report on how you can get the best results in the classroom.
• Career Test Result Page 4: Study Tips – a report on how you can get the best results while studying.
• Career Test Result Page 5: You on the Job – a report on what you are like on the job.
• Career Test Result Page 6: How They See You On The Job – a report on how others see you on the job.

Thinking Craft’s test reports are very personality focused, intending to help you see more about yourself, how to get the best results for yourself, and how others see you. They can help you learn more about how to succeed. The test reviewed here was specifically career focused, but does a nice job of presenting the questions and the test results. You can take the Thinking Craft test at http://www.thinkingcraft.com.

http://www.education-online-search.com/articles/special_topics/career_test

SAT Writing Questions

2007-10-12T02:17:00.000-07:00

Beginning in March of 2005, the SAT Reasoning Test has a new writing section. The SAT writing questions take up 60 minutes of the test and are delivered in two sections, a 25-minute essay, and a 35-minute multiple choice section.

Essay - The essay is treated as a first draft. Spelling and punctuation errors should not impact the score of the essay unless they are so pervasive that they impact the reader's ability to understand the essay. The student will be presented with a prompt, a quotation or short passage, which they will then use to develop a well thought-out essay.
Multiple choice questions - The writing multiple choice questions deal with identifying errors, improving sentences, and improving paragraphs. There are 49 multiple choice questions in the writing section of the SAT.

SAT Score for Writing

The SAT Score for the writing section is more complicated. First, the student will receive an SAT score for the writing section as a whole on the 200 to 800 scale. In addition, the student will receive two sub scores. The first sub score is for the essay. The second sub score is for the multiple choice part of the writing test.

Essay sub score: This will be scored on a 2 to 12 scale. A score of 2 means that the essay is "fundamentally lacking". A score of 12 is outstanding.
Multiple choice sub score: This will be scored on a 20 to 80 scale.

How Is the Essay Scored?

The student written essay will be scored by trained high school and college teachers with classroom experience. Each essay will be scored separately by two readers. They will be treating the written essay as a whole and looking at the student's ability to develop, organize, express and support ideas. They will also be looking at sentence structure and word choice. As mentioned above, the essay will be treated as a first draft and some spelling and punctuation mistakes will be tolerated without an impact on the score. The essay represents one third of the total SAT score for the writing section.

http://www.education-online-search.com/articles/testing/sat_testing/sat_writing_questions

SAT Vocabulary

2007-10-12T02:16:00.000-07:00

Achievement Tests - The name used for the subject specific tests of the Admissions Testing program prior to 1994, when they were renamed to SAT II: Subject Tests. These were again renamed in 2005 to SAT Subject Tests.

Admissions Testing Program - The old name, prior to the 1993/1994 academic year, for what is now the College Board's SAT Program.

ATP - See Admissions Testing Program.

College Board - More commonly used name for the College Entrance Examination Board.

College Entrance Examination Board - Non-profit association founded in 1900 whose mission is to facilitate the college admission process through standardized academic measurement programs. Among its best known programs are the SAT, PSAT/NMSQT, and the Advanced Placement Program (or AP).

CR - Acronym for the Critical Reading section of the SAT test starting with the New SAT (SAT Reasoning Test) in 2005.

Educational Testing Service - The Educational Testing Service administers and scores the SAT Reasoning Test, the SAT Subject Tests, as well as other tests.

Equating Section - Another name for the unscored section of the SAT.

ETS - See Educational Testing Service.

Grid-in - Another name for student-produced response questions. With these questions, a student must come up with an answer that they then write into a special grid. 10 questions of this type appear in the math section of the SAT Reasoning Test.

M - Acronym for the Math section of the SAT test.

Multiple Choice - A question type where the student selects and answer from several choices. The Majority of the questions on the SAT tests are multiple choice.

New SAT - A label given to indicate the major redesign of the SAT Program culminating with the introduction and delivery of the SAT Reasoning Test in March of 2005.

PSAT - Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test first introduced in 1959. Became the PSAT/NMSQT in the 1970s.

PSAT/NMSQT - Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. This test is used as a qualifying test for National Merit Scholarships.

SAT - Scholastic Aptitude Test.

SAT I - With the 1993/1994 academic year the SAT test was renamed the SAT I: Reasoning Test. Many simply referred to it as the SAT I.

SAT I: Reasoning Test - In the 1993/1994 academic year the SAT test was renamed the SAT I: Reasoning Test.

SAT II: Subject Tests - In the 1993/1994 academic year the Achievement Tests were renamed SAT II: Subject Tests.

SAT Program - One of the major programs of the College Board. The SAT Reasoning Test and SAT Subject Tests are part of the SAT Program.

SAT Reasoning Test - As of March of 2005, the name SAT I: Reasoning Test has been shortened to SAT Reasoning Test. This is also referred to as the "new SAT". Prior to 1994 this was simply called the SAT.

SAT Score - The SAT score consists of a score for each of the SAT sections. Prior to 2005, there was an SAT Verbal and an SAT Math score on a scale of 200 to 800. With the "New SAT", starting in March of 2005, there are now three scores, one each for SAT Writing, SAT Math, and SAT Critical reading. Each score is on the familiar 200 to 800 scale. There are also two sub scores for the SAT writing section, one for the multiple choice part of the section on a 20 to 80 scale, and one for the essay on a 2 to 12 scale.

Student Produced Response - An SAT question type found in the math section of the SAT. With these questions, a student must come up with an answer that they then write into a special grid. 10 questions of this type appear in the math section of the SAT Reasoning Test.

Subject Tests - The shortened name given to the SAT Subject Tests.

V - Acronym for the Verbal section of the SAT test from the old SAT I: Reasoning Test, prior to the New SAT in 2005, and the old SAT, prior to the 1993/1994 academic year.

http://www.education-online-search.com/articles/testing/sat_testing/sat_vocabulary

SAT Reading Questions

2007-10-12T02:15:00.000-07:00

Beginning in March of 2005, the SAT Reasoning Test has a Critical Reading section that replaces the old Verbal section. The SAT Critical Reading questions take up 70 minutes of the test and are delivered in three sections, two 25-minute sections, and one 20-minute section. There are a total of 67 multiple choice questions in these sections consisting of 19 sentence completion questions and 48 reading comprehension questions.

SAT Score for Critical Reading

The student will receive an SAT score for the Critical Reading section on the 200 to 800 scale.

What Happened to Analogies?

Analogies have been dropped from the new SAT for several reasons. Questions of this type are not very relevant to current high school curriculums. In addition, analogy questions had a tendency to encourage students to memorize vocabulary as one means of studying for the SAT test.

http://www.education-online-search.com/articles/testing/sat_testing/sat_reading_questions

SAT Prep For Parents

2007-10-12T02:14:00.000-07:00

The SAT test is an important part of the college admissions process. College admissions have become much more competitive than it was when most parents were applying years ago. Your child's SAT score is one of the components that a college or university considers when evaluating your child's application. Because of this, an SAT score has the potential of impacting whether or not they get into the college or university of their choice. As you are probably aware, going to college, and choice of college, can have an impact on their success and earning potential later in life. Because of this, it is important not to take the SAT test preparation process too lightly.

Get Involved

You should not leave your child's preparation for the SAT Reasoning Test to chance. You should encourage them to create a test prep plan or you should help them to create such a plan. At a minimum, an SAT test prep plan should be written down and include specific goals and target completion dates for those goals. Space should also be left on the plan for "checking off" or measuring completion. In addition, you should monitor your child's progress against the plan. Be willing to help with preparation if needed.

Be Encouraging Without Creating Stress

There is a fine line between helping and encouraging and creating stress. It is important to maintain a positive and helpful environment so that your child does not come to fear the test. You will need to maintain the "appropriate" amount of involvement to understand if your child is preparing for the test adequately. You may also want to consider helping your child to learn relaxation techniques for when they are in the test.

Encourage Your Child to Take the PSAT/NMSQT

While not as long and rigorous as the SAT Reasoning Test, the PSAT/NMSQT is a good beginning for SAT test prep. It will help your child to become familiar with the test in an actual test setting. Knowing their score may also help to give you some insight into where they need to provide extra focus for SAT prep activities. In addition, the PSAT/NMSQT is required for the opportunity to compete for a National Merit Scholarship.

Consider SAT Prep Courses and SAT Tutors

Preparing for the SAT Reasoning Test requires focus, dedication, and perseverance on the part of your child. There are a lot of things that compete for your child's attention and time such as their social lives, sports, and other extracurricular activities. It is easy for them to get distracted or simply not be able to make the time to prepare as they should. For this reason, you should consider enrolling your child in an SAT Prep course or hiring an SAT tutor. These are good ways of forcing them to make the time and actually study. With these options there is already a test prep plan, the content and outline of the course. The course instructor can also monitor your child's progress and give you feedback on how they are progressing.

http://www.education-online-search.com/articles/testing/sat_testing/sat_prep_for_parents

SAT Prep

2007-10-12T02:11:00.000-07:00

SAT Prep for the SAT Reasoning Test: There is no secret to preparing for the SAT Reasoning Test. There are two major areas a student should address in their prep:

Practice, practice, practice
Finding their weaknesses and improving their skills in those areas.

For many students, a tutor can help them improve their skills faster, and get more out of their practice tests. Practice tests help students become familiar and comfortable with:

Test instructions
Test format
Test question types
Test question content
Timing your progress through the test

The more familiar you are with the test, the less time you will have to spend navigating and understanding the test, and the more time you will be able to devote to actually answering questions on the test. Practicing, by taking practice SAT tests, is the best means of preparing for the SAT Reasoning Test. Doing this will, however, requires dedication, focus, and perseverance on your part.

Why Prepare for the SAT Reasoning Test?

Your SAT scores have the potential to significantly help or hurt your chances of getting into the college or university of your choice. The more competitive the college or university, the more important are your SAT scores, as well as your grades, high school transcripts, extracurricular activities, recommendations, written essays.

Create an SAT Test Prep Plan

The best way to start preparing for the SAT Reasoning Test is to develop an SAT Prep plan. You should specifically map out what it is you want to accomplish and your timeline for completion of specific milestones.

Set Specific Goals

When creating an SAT Prep plan, it is important to set specific and measurable goals. Setting general goals such as "take a bunch of practice exams" does not help you because there is no way to measure your progress. You need to set specific goals with target dates for completion. For example, you should set goals such as:

When to take the PSAT/NMSQT (sophomore year, junior year, both).
How many practice tests you will take and when you will complete them.
What sections will need extra focus and how and when you will accomplish studying for them.
Whether or not you are going to take an SAT prep course and when you will take it.
You may even want to set goals for how well you improve answering questions on the practice exams you take.

Write It Down

Do not trust your plan to memory. Write it down. Write down tasks and target completions dates. Leave room on the plan for "checking off" or measuring completion of tasks.

Measure Yourself

It is very important for you to measure your progress against your plan. If you are not making enough progress perhaps your plan was too aggressive and needs to be modified. If you are making progress faster than anticipated then your plan may not be aggressive enough. You should consider enlisting a third party, such as a parent or a friend, to review your progress against the plan. Having someone else measure your progress may help to provide extra incentive.

Take the PSAT/NMSQT

While not as long and rigorous as the SAT Reasoning Test, the PSAT/NMSQT is a good beginning to your test prep. It will help you to become familiar with the test in an actual test setting. Your score may help to give you some insight into where you need to provide extra focus for your SAT prep activities. In addition, you have to take the PSAT/NMSQT if you want the opportunity to compete for a National Merit Scholarship.

Consider SAT Prep Courses and SAT Tutors

Preparing for the SAT Reasoning Test requires focus, dedication, and perseverance It is easy to get distracted or simply not be able to make the time to prepare as you should. Taking an SAT Prep course or hiring an SAT tutor are good ways of forcing yourself to make the time and actually study. With either of these options, there will already be a test prep plan, the content and outline of the course. There is also a third party, the course instructor, to evaluate your progress and keep you on task.

SAT Prep for the SAT Subject Tests

Preparing for the SAT Subject Tests is different. These tests are much more focused on the type of material that should have been covered in the classes that you have taken. Your prep for the SAT Subject Tests should be much more focused on review of classroom material similar to the way that you would get ready for a final exam. You should also consider taking an SAT Subject Test as close to the completion of your high school class or classes on the topic.

http://www.education-online-search.com/articles/testing/sat_testing/sat_prep

About The SAT Subject Tests

2007-10-12T02:10:00.000-07:00

The intent of the SAT Subjects Tests (formerly SAT II: Subject Tests prior to 2005, and Achievement Tests prior to the 1993/1994 academic year) is to measure a student's knowledge in a specific subject area. SAT Subject Tests are an excellent way for a student to demonstrate to a college or university proficiency in a particular subject. Most colleges and universities require that a student submit the scores of one or more subject tests as part of the application and admissions process.
Offered Tests and their Structure

All of the SAT Subject Tests are one hour in length. All are multiple choice tests. SAT Subject Tests fall into five subject areas:

1. English
* Literature - This test measures how well a student can read and interpret literature. It consists of 60 multiple choice questions.
2. History and Social Studies
* U.S. History (formerly American History and Social Studies) - This test measures how well a student has learned what is typically taught in high school U.S. History and Social Studies courses. It consists of 90 to 95 multiple choice questions.
* World History - This test is similar to the U.S History test with a focus on global history. It consists of 95 multiple choice questions.
3. Mathematics
* Math Level 1 - This test measures a student's knowledge of content that should be taught in the first three years of college-prep math. It includes Algebra I and II as well as one year of geometry. This test consists of 50 multiple choice questions. Some of the questions assume that the student will be using either a scientific or graphing calculator.
* Math Level 2 -This test measures a student's knowledge of content that should be taught in more than the first three years of college-prep math. It includes Algebra I and II, one year of geometry, and precalculas and/or trigonometry. This test consists of 50 multiple choice questions. Some of the questions assume that the student will be using either a scientific or graphing calculator.
4. Science
* Biology E (ecology)/M (molecular) - This test measures a student's knowledge of college-prep general biology. There is a core of 60 multiple choice questions. A student then chooses whether to complete 20 additional multiple choice questions in either ecological biology or molecular biology.
* Chemistry - This test measures a student's knowledge of college-prep chemistry. This test consists of 85 multiple choice questions.
* Physics - This test measures a student's knowledge of college-prep physics. This test consists of 75 multiple choice questions.
5. Languages - With the exception of the Latin Subject Test, all of the other language Subject Tests have 80 or more multiple choice questions. The Latin test has 70 to 75 multiple choice questions. Language Subject Tests with listening require that the student use an acceptable cassette player with headphones.
* Chinese with Listening
* French or French with Listening
* German or German with Listening
* Spanish or Spanish with Listening
* Modern Hebrew
* Italian
* Latin
* Japanese with Listening
* Korean with Listening

SAT Subject Test Scoring

All of the SAT Subject tests are scored on the 200 to 800 scale. The language Subject Tests with Listening also have sub scores. The French, German, and Spanish Subject Tests with listening have sub scores for listening and reading on a 20 to 80 scale. The Chinese, Japanese, and Korean Subject Tests with Listening have sub scores for listening, reading, and usage, also on a 20 to 80 scale.
The English Language Proficiency Test (ELPT)

The final delivery of the English Language Proficiency Test was in January of 2005.
The Writing Subject Test

The final delivery of the Writing Subject Test was in January of 2005. The new Writing Section of the SAT Reasoning Test contains content that is similar to what was in this test.

http://www.education-online-search.com/articles/testing/sat_testing/about_the_sat_subject_tests

About The SAT

2007-10-12T02:09:00.000-07:00

The SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test) was created by the College Entrance Examination Board, more commonly referred to as the College Board, in the 1920s. It was first delivered in June of 1926 to just over 8,000 students. In 1927 the test was first scored on the now familiar scale of 200 to 800. By 1930, the SAT had been divided into two sections, the SAT Verbal and SAT Math sections, which have stayed with the test for most of its history. The subject specific Achievement Tests were first introduced by the College Board in April of 1937. In 1947, the Educational Testing Service (ETS) was founded to do research, assessment development, test administration and scoring, and other education related initiatives. The Educational Testing Service has been administering and scoring the SAT ever since. The PSAT (Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test) was introduced in October of 1959. In the 1970s, through a partnership between the College Board and the National Merit Scholarship Corporation, the PSAT was changed into the Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT). In the 1993/1994 academic year, the College Board introduced a newly designed SAT Program with the SAT Test becoming the SAT I: Reasoning Test and the Achievement Tests becoming the SAT II: Subject Tests. In March of 2005 the "New SAT" was introduced after another significant redesign program. With the introduction of the New SAT, the test names changed to SAT Reasoning Test and SAT Subject Tests.
The SAT, From Modest Beginning to a Major Force

From its modest beginnings in 1927, when just over 8,000 people took the test, the SAT has grown to a record number 1,419,007 test takers in 2004, or 48% of students nationwide In 2004, 53% of SAT test takers were female with average SAT scores of 504 on the SAT verbal section and 501 on the SAT math section. 47% of SAT test takers in 2004 were male with average SAT scores of 512 on the SAT verbal section and 537 on the SAT math section.
SAT, SAT I, SAT Reasoning Test - What's In a Name?

In a little over 10 years there have been two redesigns of the SAT test and several name changes. Enough has changed to possibly lead to some confusion. The SAT Program (referred to as the Admissions Testing Program prior to 1994) is one of the major programs of the College Entrance Examination Board, or College Board. The College Board's other major programs include the PSAT/NMSQT and the Advanced Placement Program (or AP).
The SAT Program includes:

1. The SAT Reasoning Test. This is what most people simply refer to as "the SAT". Prior to 2005 this test was referred to as the SAT I: Reasoning Test. Prior to 1994 it was simply the SAT.
2. The SAT Subject Tests. These can also be referred to simply as "Subject Tests". Prior to 2005 these were referred to as SAT II: Subject Tests. Most parents, and anyone who took the tests prior to 1994, would remember these as Achievement Tests. Subject tests are available in: English, history and social studies, mathematics, science and languages.

The "New SAT"

The New SAT represents the first major redesign of the SAT Program since the 1993/1994 academic year. Introduced in March of 2005, major changes have been made to the SAT Reasoning Test including:

* The addition of a new writing section with a written essay as well as multiple choice questions.
* In the math section, higher-level math, including topics from third-year college prep math courses, is now included.
* A Critical Reading Section (previously known as the verbal section) which includes short and long reading passages. Analogies have been eliminated.

Very little, beyond the name, has changed in the SAT Subject Tests. There is no longer an SAT Subject Test on writing since writing has been added to the SAT Reasoning Test.
The Purpose of the SAT

The SAT Program is designed to facilitate the college admissions process by providing a nationally standardized way of measuring critical thinking skills and knowledge. The intent of the test is to measure how well a student has mastered the skills necessary to be successful in college. Grades alone do not accomplish this because they are not standardized across schools. Standardized tests, such as the SAT, are one of the components used by colleges and universities in their admissions process, along with: a student's grades, high school transcripts, extra-curricular activities, written essays, and, potentially, interviews.

http://www.education-online-search.com/articles/testing/sat_testing/about_the_sat

About The PSAT NMSQT

2007-10-12T02:06:00.000-07:00

The PSAT/NMSQT (Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test) was first introduced in 1959 as the PSAT. In the 1970s, through a partnership between the College Board and the National Merit Scholarship Corporation, the PSAT was changed into the Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT). The PSAT/NMSQT serves two purposes:

1. As the preliminary SAT, the PSAT/NMSQT provides a student with a means to become familiar with the format of the SAT Reasoning Test in an actual test environment while also providing feedback, through the score, on areas for focus for SAT prep.
2. It is the qualifying test allowing students to compete for National Merit Scholarships.

Format of the PSAT/NMSQT

The PSAT/NMSQT is not as long or rigorous as the SAT Reasoning Test. The PSAT/NMSQT is 2 hours and 10 minutes in length. Like the SAT Reasoning Test, it is divided into three sections:

1. Critical Reading - this is a 50 minute section
2. Math- this is a 50 minute section
3. Writing - this is a 30 minute section

Most of the questions on the PSAT/NMSQT are multiple choice. There are some "student-produced response" or grid-in questions in the math section. In grid-in questions a student must write their answer in the supplied grid. There is no student-written essay on the PSAT/NMSQT as there is on the SAT Reasoning Test.
The PSAT/NMSQT Score

As with the SAT Reasoning Test, three scores are delivered for the PSAT/NMSQT, one each for the Critical Reading, Math, and Writing sections. Unlike the SAT Reasoning Test, the scores are on a 20 to 80 scale, and there are no sub scores for the writing section. In addition, a "Selection Index", which is simply the addition of the three scores, is also reported. The Selection Index is used in the National Merit Scholarship qualifying process.

Typically, a student's high school will deliver their PSAT/NMSQT scores to them.
When to Take the PSAT/NMSQT

A student should plan on taking the PSAT/NMSQT in the fall of their junior year. Students must take the test in the fall of their junior year to potentially qualify for the National Merit Scholarship competition. Many students first take the PSAT/NMSQT in the fall of their sophomore year. Students who take the test in their sophomore year do not qualify for the National Merit Scholarship competition and must retake the test in the fall of their junior year to compete.
Where to Take the PSAT/NMSQT

The PSAT/NMSQT is not given in test centers as is the SAT Reasoning Test. It is given at a student's high school or other school in their community. Students should check with their school's guidance counselor for test dates, times, and locations.
National Merit Scholarship Notification

Notification of qualification as a "Commended Student" or National Merit Scholarship Semifinalist happens automatically in September of a student's senior year. A student's school will notify them.

http://www.education-online-search.com/articles/testing/sat_testing/about_the_psat_nmsqt

Associates Degree Distance Education

2007-10-11T04:49:00.000-07:00

Masters degree online programs are the choice of many people who work full time, own their own businesses or who are caregivers. Using their home computers these ambitious individuals are doing what it takes to further their career by enrolling in Masters Degree online programs. The lure of distance education can be attributed to the fact that people can earn their degrees at their own pace and in the privacy of their own homes. With no mandatory classroom attendance or large tuition costs distance education is coming to the rescue of busy people.

What makes distance education unique is that it pulls from the newest strides that are made in technology. This allows professors and students the ability to communicate with each other regularly. This is a far cry from correspondence schools of yesteryear. Today students can interact with their professors, watch their classes in real time and they do not have to fear that they are receiving a below par education simply because they are earning their degree from home. Students stay in the loop and are as up to speed as the students who are actually physically sitting in on the lectures.

Masters Degree online programs are geared toward students who are willing to work hard to earn their Graduate Degrees. Professors already know that you are capable of most anything because you have already earned your Bachelors Degree. When students enroll in Masters Degree online programs they are identifying themselves as the elite in their chosen fields. These students will be greeted by Professors who are respectful and encouraging. These Professors understand that their cyber space students are trying to realize their dreams while leading busy lives. Online professors go above and beyond to help their students see their dreams come true.

http://ericae.net/published/masters-degree-online-programs.htm

Associates Degree Computer

2007-10-11T04:48:00.000-07:00

With the numerous Associates Degree computer colleges vying for your enrollment one of your first endeavors you will have to undertake will be to choose one which is accredited. Many Associates Degree computer colleges say they are accredited, but for it to truly be legitimate they need to be recognized by the US Department of Education or the Council for Higher Accreditation.

There are key points that the US Department of Education uses to identify online colleges and universities. First, the online college or university must meet be able to meet established standards and offer assistance to students. Online colleges and universities must also have set goals that will increase its educational standards. Staff and faculty must be involved in evaluation and planning as necessary and the school must have criteria in place for federal financial assistance.

What a terrible fix you would be in if you paid for an Associates degree computer college only to find that your online credits were not valuable elsewhere, or that future employers frowned upon your choice of online colleges! Truthfully, many employers will view a degree from an unaccredited college or university as moot and pointless. They may also feel that it is a mark on your ability to investigate, prepare and make important decisions. The chances are great that if you enroll at an online computer college or university that is not accredited it will all have just been a waste of time and money.

With a little research it is not hard to locate an online college that is accredited. When you do you can relax. You will know that all of the work you will be putting into your education will be rewarded. You will have an acknowledged degree and the respect of future employers.

http://ericae.net/published/associates-degree-computer.htm