Pick The Right Job For You

6 Tips for making sure your next job is the right job for you
Are you ready for a change in your career? If you answered yes, you are not the only one.
According to the 2004 U.S. Job Recovery and Retention Survey released by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and CareerJournal.com, 38% percent of the human resource professionals surveyed said they have noticed an increase in turnover since the beginning of 2004.
Why are people leaving? According to the survey, better compensation, better career opportunities, and dissatisfaction with their current job. The job market is shifting. More jobs are being created. Demand is up and supply is beginning to drop. It may be an employee's market sooner than we think.
If you are ready to switch jobs, it's important to make a good decision. You don't want to walk into someone else's nightmare. You want to make a good choice, not ANY choice, but the right one.

So, How Can You Make Sure You Make A Good Choice?

Start with the interview. Listen to your heart. Most people who are unhappy in their jobs knew on the interview that the job was not right for them. They chose to ignore their intuition because they wanted the money or the prestige of having that company or title on their resume.

Don't let the wrong job happen to you.

Follow the tips below to make sure it doesn't.

1. If You Don't Get Along With Your Boss On The Interview, You Never Will

Clicking with your boss is essential for a good work life. If you notice on the interview that your boss does not get you, or you do not get him/her, this will not change once you start working there. Use the interview to find out if your boss is interested in what you have to say and understands what's important to in your career before you accept an offer to work there.

2. If You Don't Get Along With Co-Workers, You Never Will

If you sense there is a problem with someone you will be working with, listen to what your inner voice is telling you. Working relationships with people you do not like on the interview will only get harder as the time you spend with them increases. If you prefer team oriented environments and your future co-worker says she and others prefer to work alone, recognize that the environment is not a match for you.

3. Stop Worrying About Being Selected

Wanting to be selected by an employer sometimes has us talk ourselves into a situation we might not have taken if we were thinking more clearly. The purpose of an interview is for both parties to interview each other to see if there is a fit. Don't try to talk yourself into believing a job is for you when you know in your heart that it is not. This is a recipe for disaster.

4. Decide What You Want First

Make a list of what's important to you in a job before going into the interview. Is your workspace a priority? Then ask to see if before you make a decision. Do you want to work 9 to 5pm? Then ask your future boss and colleagues what their days consist of. If they tell you that they arrive in the office at 7am and leave around 8pm, you should expect the same. (Don't kid yourself into thinking otherwise.) Deciding what you want ahead of time will give you the opportunity to ask questions to assess whether you really want the job.

5. Don't Sell Out

It is ok to take a job because you need the money. But if it's not the right job for you, then give yourself a timeframe for moving on, and then stick to it. I work with many clients who agreed to less than perfect positions believing they would stay for just one year. But the year frequently became two, and then more, even though the jobs were not satisfying. An interim position is just that. Don't sell out.

6. Be Yourself

There really is no other way to find out if you will be accepted for who you are or not. You may fool the people with whom you interview to get the job, but you will only be fooling yourself once you get there and you have to be someone else.
So what do you say? You only have one life to live so it might as well be a life you love!

Is Online Education Right for You?

Why do you really want to return to college?

Understanding the real reason for returning to college is vital to your success. If you're returning to college just to have something to do in the evenings, returning to college is not for you. But if you are returning to college to better your lifestyle, get a raise, advance your career, or set an example for your children, then there's a 90% chance you'll not only complete your courses, but get a good education in the process.

Why do you want to pursue an online education instead of attending a traditional in-person college?

If you're a social butterfly who flourishes when others are around, attending an online course may not be for you. If, on the other hand, you're quiet and reserved, online education can be your ticket to success.
"Research indicates that quiet students often thrive in online courses," says Dr. Stella Thompson, an online Assistant Professor of English at Prairie View A&M University. "This environment enables quiet students to consider a response and to compose and revise that response multiple times before making their knowledge public."

Do you tend to quit a project due to lack of motivation?

If you can't stay motivated on your own, an online institution is not your best choice for getting a degree. Attending an online college means you must be self-motivated. You won't find the professor, or another student reminding you to get to work, stay on task, or turn your assignments in on time.
"Completing a degree online demonstrates a tremendous commitment and discipline on behalf of the student," says Shari Sterling, Director of Enrollment Management at Northcentral University. "The student must be self-motivated to be successful."

Do you work better alone or with other people around?

Can you work in solitude? While you may be networking with other people through the Internet, you won't see these people face-to-face and that can feel isolating at times.
Do you need in-person study groups to help you complete assignments and shoot ideas off of, or can you find the same help from Internet interaction? Why does one method work better for you than the other?

Do you learn better by reading, by listening, or by seeing?

When you read information, do you comprehend what you've read easily or must you read the information several times to understand what is being said? If you find it difficult to comprehend information when read, and learn better through visual or audible techniques, you may want to find a traditional institution.

Can you write your thoughts down so others understand what points you are conveying?

Since online courses require the use of written words to ask and answer questions, as well as turning in assignments, you must be comfortable with sharing your ideas in written form.

How many hours can you devote to learning, studying, and homework?

You need to set aside time every day to work on your courses. Whether you're researching, reading, completing an assignment, or meeting your classmates in an online forum, your education needs to have a priority in your busy schedule.
"Just because you don't have to attend school at a particular time everyday, doesn't mean you don't need a daily or weekly regimen," says Terri Main, an online instructor and teacher of 20 years. Your schedule "may vary from day to today, or simply be spending 30 minutes a day on your education, but it needs to be consistent."

Does your work require you to travel a lot?

If you're constantly away from your home computer, it can be difficult to get your assignments done. However, it's not impossible. If you travel a lot, you'll need to invest in a laptop computer and wireless Internet access.

Do you have a working computer in your home?

If your computer is over two years old, it could be outdated and unable to handle the demands of attending an online institution. You need to find out what kinds of software programs are needed for the course you plan to take and if your computer has enough RAM, and hard drive space.
Keep in mind that you can use an older computer, but if it doesn't have enough memory or space to run a particular program it will stall and freeze, which can be very frustrating and eventually cause you to quit.

Do you have dial-up Internet access or high-speed cable/DSL?

The courses you take will determine which Internet access is best. If you have dial-up Internet access, you'll need to set aside more time for research, uploading, and downloading.

Do you understand how the Internet works?

When taking online courses, you'll need to understand more than just how to log onto the Internet. You'll need to understand:

• how search engines work;
• how to send and receive email;
• how to attach documents in an email;
• how to download programs or documents to your computer;
• how to find downloads later, when you need them;
• how to use hyperlinks;
• how to use chat rooms, message boards, forums, or instant messaging and what the proper etiquette is;
• how to protect your private information; and
• how to protect your computer from hackers, spam, and viruses.

Do you know how to cut and paste?

Sometimes you'll need to take information you've written in one program and put it in another program. This is called "cut and paste." If you don't know how to do this, find out how before you begin your online education.

Do you find learning new computer programs easy or hard?

Depending on the online course you take, you may need to download new software programs. If you find it difficult to learn new computer technology, you'll need to either set aside more time for learning, or take a traditional class.
"Online learning can be completely dynamic and engaging! Whether it is due to health, excessive job travel, military personnel stationed overseas, or living in a remote or rural area, continuing your education and earning your degree online" is possible, says Sterling.
Are you ready to take the next step?

What is Online Education?

by
Online Education Columnist

Online education, also known as distance learning or e-learning, differs from traditional education because students are not required to visit an actual classroom and listen to an instructor face-to-face.
Online education is "a classroom without walls," says Dr. Stella Thompson, an online Assistant Professor of English at Prairie View A&M University. It's "engaging in assisted, self-directed learning."

Education Equals Higher Salaries

In the past, working adults weren't able to further their careers because of time restraints; including, but not limited to, working overtime, business travel, and caring for families. Online education takes away those time restraints by offering a completely virtual learning experience.
Working adults can now continue their education, earn higher degrees, and earn more money by attending courses that primarily take place over the Internet.

Benefits of Learning Online

Online education is truly about student convenience. Students can check in, work on assignments, and turn them in when their schedules permit, not when the college doors are open.
Online education means students no longer have to:

• quit their jobs to attend college,
• take time off from work to attend a specific course,
• find a babysitter,
• spend hours in rush hour traffic or drive 200 miles to the nearest University,
• spend precious minutes looking for a parking space, and then
• waste more of those minutes walking from class to class.

It also means students:

• learn at their own pace,
• gain more one-on-one access to their instructors, and
• earn degrees in less time than it would take to juggle traditional courses.

How Online Education Works

After researching the best accredited institution, students are required to apply to one of the college's degree programs. Once accepted into an online program, students are asked to sign up for appropriate courses. After the registration process is complete and students are accepted into the program, the real work begins.
Students begin their course studies by logging onto the Internet. Once they're in their appropriate classroom, they'll learn by reading assignments, asking questions, and receiving instructor feedback. Some courses even offer forums and/or chat rooms where students can gather, with or without the instructor, to discuss assignments. Finally, students are graded on homework assignments, final projects, and test scores.
While most online courses are done using the above method, some courses are done during set times with more sophisticated programs, like the one Mrs. Strong-Millsap uses in her high school courses.
"In the program I teach, all students log in at the same time each day," says Joanna Strong-Millsap, a high school distance learning instructor. "We use microphones and headsets to communicate in real time. And the software program the school provides allows me to use a white board, PowerPoint presentations, and film, video, and audio clips. We can even pull up websites."

All Courses Are Not Created Equally

Different programs require different levels of computer and/or Internet knowledge. Therefore, it is vital students take the time to speak with potential instructors, previous college students, and even the computer tech department to get a better understanding of the teaching methods and technology used.
"Online instructors, like those teaching traditional courses, bring to their courses their own personal experiences, teaching objectives, and preferred methodologies. In addition, the institution's technology and technical support also influence learning experiences," says Dr. Thompson. "Some courses are text and content-focused, while other courses emphasize more technical skill and interaction with technology."
If students don't take the time to understand how the courses are designed, they could end up in a class that is too technologically advanced and suffer academically.
So while traditional colleges will never fade away, online educational institutions are growing in number and enrollments because they offer the working class a chance to advance in their careers, develop a higher level of personal confidence, and fulfill life-long dreams.
If you're ready to jump-start your education, an online course may be just what you need

How your attitude can affect your job search

by
Online Education Columnist

Does your career seem to be going nowhere fast? Is it because of the economy, your company, your boss, or your co-workers? Is it everyone's fault but your own?
Your career gets better when you make it better, and that requires your participation. Circumstances can throw us off-track from time to time, but, the person responsible for the direction of your career is you (even if it does not feel that way).
Being responsible for your career sets you free. Once you are accountable, you can assess what's working, and eliminate what's not. You can make changes that need to be made because you know you are the person who can make them.
Once you take responsibility, you have no one to blame anymore. You get the control back into your career. You can move forward because you know you have to power to do so.
So How Do You Take Responsibility For Your Career? Follow These Five Steps Below:
1. You Decide To Be Responsible
An attitude that begins with "I don't care" or "I'll wait for things to improve on their own" can one day become a problem that is so overwhelming that you are not sure how to deal with it (don't let this happen to you! If you are already overwhelmed by a complacent attitude, know that there is a way out). If you do not deal with your career now, you will have to deal with it later. If you are not working on your career, your career moves without direction. No direction means no goals, which means no progress.
Being responsible does not mean you are chained to your commitments. It means that you recognize that if your career is not going in the direction that you would like it to go that it's up to you to take it in a different path.
2. You Find Someone Who You Can Help With Their Career
What? Help others? What about me?
Sometimes when we are upset about our careers we go inward. Introspection is good when it helps us regroup, not good when all we think about is our career problems. Looking to helps others can motivate you to take action. Helping a colleague with career challenges will give you objectivity about your situation. You'll also get energized, inspired, and motivated; you'll feel better. Helping someone else will help you move forward in ways that you'd never imagine.
3. You Become Inspired
My clients ask me what inspiration means. I tell them that inspiration is an almighty force that arises from inside. It lights you up and gives you more power than you ever expected. It's what pushes you to pick up the phone, write another letter, or send out another e-mail when you don't feel like it. Recall a time in your career when you were excited and energized because everything was going your way. Apply that feeling to where you are now.
To become inspired, put your disappointments behind you. They serve only to hold you back. Recognize that your career will improve when you take responsibility for improving it. Inspiration will help you to change your career for the better.
4. You Create A Plan
What do you want to happen in your career? Are you crystal clear or do you have a muddied idea of where you would like to be?
You cannot get to where you want to go unless you know where you are going.
How do you know? You listen to your gut. You listen to that nagging feeling inside that won't go away. You take small steps in that direction. Will you have all of your answers up front? No. But if it feels right, it probably is right.
Create your vision. Where would you be if you could not fail? What would you do if there were no obstacles in your way? Get your vision on paper and look at it everyday. Then, develop a plan for reaching your goal. What will you do first? Second? Third? When will you do it? Get this down on paper and use your calendar to keep you on track. Once you know what you want, the rest is implementation.
5. You Achieve Your Goals
Goals are achieved when you are working hard towards them on a regular basis. Your goals may not be reached on your timetable (most goals are not), but trust that you will get there. Know that the work you put in today will bring the rewards you seek tomorrow.
So, what do you say? You only have one life to live, so it might as well be a life you love!

Online-Education.net Makes College Search Quick and Easy

by
Online Education Columnist

Austin, Texas (PRWEB) June 27, 2005-Online-Education.net, an extensive online education resource, recently developed a highly effective research tool that makes college search quick and easy. Named The Campus Finder, the tool is so easy to use that finding the right college, choosing a university, or locating online degree programs are literally just a click away.
To conduct a college search, simply insert the city, state, or zip code of the geographic area into The Campus Finder and the system will deliver all viable online education facilities in that area-for free. With a database of over 2,200 accredited public and private colleges and universities, The Campus Finder is the nation's largest, free resource tool.
"Our goal is to provide brighter futures for the working class, high school graduates, and anyone looking to change the course of their lives," says Benjamin Pfeiffer, founder of Online-Education.net. "The Campus Finder doesn't just tell searchers which institutions are in what geographic area, it tells them what courses a particular institution offers, what degrees are available, how to contact the institution, and what its web address is. It even offers a satellite map of where the institution is located."
What makes this powerful college search tool even more wonderful is the fact that Online-Education.net doesn't charge a membership or usage fee. "We believe we can best serve our visitors if The Campus Finder remains free and easily accessible," Pfeiffer continues.
To further assist visitors in their college search, Online-Education.net goes a step further by offering free assistance to visitors through personal, one-on-one email and phone support, specialized articles, and "ask the expert" columns.
Online-Education.net is a one-stop shop for anyone looking to earn a degree and advance his/her career through online education. To learn more about Online-Education.net, visit http://www.online-education.net today. To take advantage of the free, college search tool, visit http://campus.online-education.net/campus/.

Ask The Expert Columns Help Adults Further Careers

by
Online Education Columnist

Austin, Texas, August 23, 2005 - Online-Education.net, an extensive online education resource, recently signed on two well-known experts as columnists to help direct college bound students and the working class in the right direction to further both their educations and their careers.
"Knowledge is a wonderful tool, but it will only take you so far in life," says Benjamin Pfeiffer, founder of Online-Education.net. "Once a student graduates from college, he/she needs to know what to do with all that new knowledge-that degree. That's why our career coaches (a.k.a. columnists) will prove to be a valuable asset to our company. They'll help prepare college students and graduates for the real world-the corporate world."
Barbara Hauser, founder of Barbara Hauser Associates, a coaching, training and consulting practice, will take over the "Ask the Coach for Landing the Job You Want" column. The column will answer up to ten visitor questions per month, and will discuss techniques to help visitors land the perfect job-after all, the reason for returning to college is to land the job you want, not the job you're told you're qualified for.
Deborah Brown-Volkman, president of Surpass Your DreamsT, Inc., will teach a telephone seminar titled, "8 Steps To Your Ultimate Profession," which will discuss the key steps to changing one's path, returning to college, and finding a career he/she only dreamed possible.
Pfeiffer goes on to say, "We also offer a wide-variety of articles to help educate and inform our visitors. One of our most difficult articles to write, 'Accreditation, Transfer Credits, and Employers' has proved to be a wonderful tool in informing students what could happen if they don't do the research before they select the college."
Whether you've just graduated from high school, are returning to college after a few years in the workplace, or simply want to continue your education while working a full-time job, Online-Education.net is a great resource to check out. Besides the valuable columns and articles mentioned earlier, it offers a free tool known as The Campus Finder. The Campus Finder is a database of over 2, 200 accredited public and private colleges and universities. Visitors can search for a college by city, state, or zip code.
To learn more about Online-Education.net visit http://www.online-education.net today. To take advantage of the free, college campus search tool, visit http://campus.online-education.net/campus. Online-Education.net is a one-stop shop for anyone looking to earn a degree and advance his/her career through online education.

Adult Education Serves Many Educational Purposes

Playing in the Santa Barbara City College Concert Band is something that most people do out of love. It is a non-audition band, but its players are expected to know how to play their instruments reasonably well. This continuing education course is packed every semester. The band is a unique course because it isn't required as part of a degree program. Required courses usually don't get the same type of student enthusiasm, but can be much more important to some students in the long run.

Jumpstart your Career by Earning Your GED

One ever-popular course of study at many community colleges and adult education schools is the GED preparation course. Adults who haven't finished high school must take the GED test in order to get the equivalent of a high school diploma, which can be a very important document when it comes to finding a job.

Study for the GED Online

For those adults who have full time jobs and/or families to raise, there are GED preparation courses offered online. These courses are designed for the working professional who needs academic flexibility to balance their school work and career responsibilities. Online learning has become popular because online schools have created state-of-the-art learning tools unique to the online environment.
If you need to get your GED and can't get to a community college, consider taking an online course.

Kirk Bangstad is an artist manager and singer working in Chicago, IL. His previous experience includes consulting for technology companies in the Silicon Valley and serving as a field director and publicist for a statewide political campaign. Kirk holds a B.A. in Government from Harvard University.