Maybe you have already gained a degree or maybe you have absolutely no interest in embarking on a four year course to achieve one. Either way when it comes to getting a job you can be absolutely sure of one thing - employers are picky, very picky! And they can afford to be because they have so many job applicants to choose from.
The trick is to make sure you stand out amongst all the other applicants and one very good way to ensure that you do is to have qualifications relevant to the job you are applying for.
That's where a degree is often simply not enough. Sure, a degree says you have a certain level of intelligence and that you have proved your tenacity and ability to apply yourself through several years of study. But all too often the subject of a degree has little application in the real world.
What an employer is hoping for is an app1icant with experience directly relevant to the job on offer. There are only two ways you can obtain this knowledge. Either you gain knowledge on the job or you learn it through a specific career education course.
Obviously the former costs nothing and has the benefit that you are getting paid to learn. The problem is that all too few employers are prepared to make the financial commitment necessary to train you and, even if they do, you have no control over the quality of that training. So the disadvantage of learning on the job is that what you learn may be inadequate and let you down when the time comes to progress your career with another employer who may soon realize your deficiencies.
Therefore, the best solution is to a career training course that will provide career education relevant to the job you seek. If you are unsure of what type of job you should train for, it makes sense to first take a career aptitude test to establish your core skills and interests.
Indeed, regardless of whether or not you have a degree and regardless of whether or not you already have a job, taking a relevant career training course should be a serious consideration. That's because a proper career education is vital to your career success and, with the advent of the Internet, there is no excuse for not obtaining it.
In fact, the Internet is revolutionizing education and bringing it within reach of people all over the world. Consider the advantages of studying career training online:
No longer are you limited to just taking a career training course in your own town. Not even your own country. Now you can take career training courses online from which ever institution provides appropriate career education provided, of course, the cost is affordable.
You don't have to give up your present job because you can study in your spare time and at your own pace.
By studying at home you can save yourself the cost of commuting to a bricks and mortar college. You can save the cost of student accommodation and the expense of living away from home.
Mums can still look after their children and study when they are at school or asleep.
Your ethnicity is not a bar online and nor are disabilities.
Of course, one of the big advantages of attending a bricks and mortar college is the opportunity to meet fellow students from all walks of life, social background and race. It's through these social interactions that lifelong friendships are born and our tolerance of others increased for the common good.
But even that advantage is replicated online through the use of college based forums, discussion groups and chat rooms.
Now one problem most of us suffer from is a tendency to procrastinate and you may be wondering if this affliction will prevent you from getting the most from an online career education course. So you'll be relieved to know that online career training courses appoint an instructor who will send you course materials and set assignments and deadlines for their completion.
The Internet is fast becoming the easiest way to get extra educational qualifications. Make sure you take full advantage of what, in a recent Forbes magazine article, influential thinker Peter Drucker dubbed "webucation". So take full advantage of it to catapult your career to new heights.
Why Vocational and Career Education Are Important
There are three major reasons why every school district should offer strong vocational learning opportunities:
1. Vocational competence is critical to the economic health of our nation.
2. A significant number of students, both college-bound and non-college-bound, are experiential learners who will learn academic skills best from developing them in a career or application context.
3. Delaying the career or application context until after grade 12 lowers motivation and learning achievement for many experiential learners.
Consider these characteristics of experiential learners:
1. They are often as or even more capable of complex learning than traditional learners.
2. They learn academic skills best from concrete tasks and a focus on real-life problems.
3. They often do not work to their potential in the relatively abstract-linear environment of traditional classes.
So, not having vocational or career learning options is a major disservice to the many experiential learners in any school population.
Advantages of Career and Vocational Education
When strong vocational learning options are available in a school district, they present these advantages:
1. They help many experiential learners reach higher achievement levels. (Too few policymakers have given adequate attention to a major weakness of American public education - - lack of inclusion of a strong application component in learning programs. Refer to the work of Dr. William Daggett, president of the International Center for Leadership in Education, for solid research comparisons in this area. The Center's web site is LeaderEd.com.)
2. Career path exploration helps many students make more information and dedicated choices on college enrollment. Students often discover the career path they love and are more motivated to pursue college study.
3. Career context makes subjects and courses more meaningful to students. Application adds to the strength of learning.
4. The career context makes it more feasible to teach and promote a continuous improvement culture in relation to the real world of work.
5. Strong secondary school vocational programs provide workplace skills to some students who do not plan to attend college immediately after graduation from high school. They also equip many college-bound students with skills useful in part-time work that helps in financing college study.
Evaluating Your Local Situation
Do you want to evaluate the strength of your local vocational and career options for students? Look for positive responses to these standards:
1. The local school mission statement recognizes career/vocational education as a valuable service to many college-bound and non-college-bound students.
2. The career focus is placed on all levels of the K-12 programs - -
a. Elementary schools using career-focused stories, readings, field trips.
b. Middle schools providing strong technical (applied) literacy learning opportunities, especially to encourage continued interest in science. Also, providing after-school career exploration options perhaps with the help of local or area vocational centers.
c. High schools providing a broad spectrum of both career exploration and initial skill development on different career paths. NOTE: The number of vocational programs should be adequate to serve students with different talents and interests. There should be technical or science-focused programs, people-focused programs, and traditional trade programs.
d. High school guidance providing help on preference matching between talents and careers.
e. High school vocational programs presenting beneficial articulation with both 2-year and 4-year college programs to reject completely the error of viewing vocational courses as something only for the non-college-bound. That latter stereotype was founded on ignorance of the value of different talent or intelligence areas.
f. High schools providing strong information on and articulated access to apprentice training programs as a viable and important option for graduation.
3. Fiscal support and facilities are maintained on modern and attractive levels for both classical and vocational programs, never allowing one area to play second-fiddle to the other.
4. Local educators and government leaders are working to correct any state and national inattention to the needs and talents of experiential and vocational learners. NOTE: That inattention is evidenced by over-emphasis on written high stakes tests and concurrent outright failure to provide performance evaluation options for highly talented experiential learners under initial implementation of the No Child Left Behind Act. Reasons given for this serious failure are nothing but outright rationalizations to provide excuses for avoiding the work of constructing comprehensive assessment programs. Narrow written tests alone are an "easier" even though cognitively weak option. Can you imagine riding in an airplane with a pilot who has passed a written test but never before actually successfully flown an airplane? At some point in the future a higher quality assessment program must be pursued for the good of students and the good of our nation.
5. Local educators and government leaders work actively to ensure three other realities for quality vocational programs:
a. Secondary vocational programs being protected against misuse such as referral of a disproportionate share of learning disadvantaged students (who often need more effective basic academic programs) or misbehaving students (who can be dangerous to themselves and others in shop situations). NOTE: The mission of vocational schools involves career path selection and preparation. They are not special education schools but, like all schools, can serve their share of special education students. If over-used for the special education purpose, the primary mission is subverted and many talented experiential learners are tragically excluded.
b. Business and industry representatives being kept deeply involved as advisors to and evaluators of all secondary vocational programs. NOTE: This is the path to keeping programs relevant to evolving careers and to having businesses provide special help (internships, equipment, etc.) to an important source of future employees.
c. Secondary vocational programs being given strong annual funding for modernization of teaching youngsters to use equipment no longer used in the real world of work.
If the response to any one of the above basic standards is negative, you have identified an area where corrective action should be taken.
This is one of many articles on the resource web site http://www.SuccessInTeaching.info produced and maintained by Ronald Fitzgerald, D.Ed.
Education is said to be a lifelong process; it is a journey rather than a destination. However, many people having once acquired a basic degree and a few years of work experience pay little attention to enhancing their prospects with specific career education. Hectic professional schedules and personal commitments weigh heavily on their minds and the challenge of starting on an educational course all over again is a daunting one. In the competitive environment that exists today, this attitude of maintaining a static state of affairs with respect to one's education could mean a string of missed opportunities when it comes to job hunting or even growth in the current organization. As the job market is cluttered with many thousands of qualified job applicants, employers are constrained to apply stringent screening processes when recruiting. What this means for job seekers is that there is really no alternative to enhancing their career with specific career education. Pursuing a degree relevant to the business needs of the industry and the function of their specialization is critical.
Stand Out
When there are limited job vacancies in an organization and multiple applicants who meet most of the specified eligibility criteria, the employer looks out for special skills in the candidate in terms of specific career education. An additional qualification can serve to make your candidature stand apart and tip the scales in your favor. Any practical exposure that you have acquired in a previous job or any knowledge you have acquired through a specific career education course, speaks well of your ability to learn continuously.
A specialized career-training course that helps hone existing skills and develop new ones is something every professional should seriously consider, irrespective of their years of experience. Prior to enrolling in any such education program, it is advisable to take a career aptitude test that helps ascertain your existing skills and interests. If you are already employed, it may not be possible to attend regular college and you could consider enrolling in online career education programs. The emergence of the Internet has created endless opportunities in online and virtual education programs.
Education Types
As a result, enhancing your career with specific career education programs is a very feasible option today. You could choose programs that are offered at universities in different states and even countries; this permits you to study during your free time and at your own pace. You can even choose to study along with fellow students and opt for joint sessions via web-based technologies. Most specific career education institutes have a number of college-based forums, discussion groups and chat rooms, which helps fellow students in collaborating and discussing course related projects.
Dedication And Hard Work
Though there is more flexibility available in terms of time, location and pace in the case of specific career education, it still calls for serious effort from the student in order to acquire the certification. Typically, specific career education programs, much like regular college degrees, require students to submit journals and projects, and attend examinations. Though these requirements might make a working professional feel pressured, overall, it makes good sense to invest time in career education specific to the field of expertise.
Tony Jacowski is a quality analyst for The MBA Journal. Aveta
Solution's Six Sigma Online ( http://www.sixsigmaonline.org ) offers online six
sigma training and certification classes for lean six sigma, black
belts, green belts, and yellow belts.
Career education is a systematic program for students and adult learners who seek higher education to develop expertise in specific jobs. Career education helps increase knowledge of self, choices of occupation, training opportunities, job search skills and decision-making strategies. Many schools and colleges in the United States provide courses on career education that can help to mold a student's future.
Curriculum
Educational and occupation exploration prepares students for a meaningful career. Career education programs create an awareness and exposure to learning. In a competitive job market, employers are demanding more skills to save on time and money required for training. An education that focuses on building skills in your career can be valuable. Due to the growing needs of organizations across industries, universities run a variety of career education programs.
Career education programs are a coordinated system of experiences and learning activities that bridge school and work. These programs include professional courses in all fields of expertise such as art and design, business, education, engineering, medical, law and computer science. The mission of career education program is to provide deliberate and systematic opportunities and resources for all learners to engage in meaningful career and character development. They help ensure that each student receives quality education to prepare for higher education.
Teaching Methods
Students succeed when they see a purpose behind their academics. A career education program improves students and motivates them in their academic performance. It provides an opportunity for students to choose career-related coursework and experience to advance their careers. It also gives them an option to choose a career of their own interest. These programs focus on learner, interpersonal and career development of students to acquire an understanding of their skill. They help to discover their potential, and develop learning skills and strategies that could be used in the workplace.
Disciplines
Major career education programs at different universities are art and design, business, culinary, education, engineering, health and medical, law and criminal justice and computer science.
Art And Design- Offers programs in interior design, graphic design, advertising and commercial design, animation fashion design, film and video, game art design, photography, music and video.
Business- Offers programs in construction management, supply chain management, forensic accounting and project management.
Culinary- Offers programs in baking and pastry, catering, chef training, culinary arts and restaurant management. They also include specialized programs in curriculum designing, early childhood education, educational administration, special education and teaching.
Engineering- Offers programs in electrical, mechanical, electronics, environmental, manufacturing and computer engineering.
Health And Medical- Offers programs covering counseling, care and management.
Law And Criminal Justice- Offers programs in court reporting, criminal justice forensics, law enforcement and legal services.
Computer Science- Programs in sciences include aviation science, veterinary science, science and biotechnology. These programs are in coherence with the job market.
Overview
Modifications in the ever-changing job market are also incorporated in these programs. Many universities provide scholarships or loans as a financial assistance to students. These programs emphasize application of academics in the work place. Career education programs help students develop directly applicable expertise in order to make them more employable.
Tony Jacowski is a quality analyst for The MBA Journal. Aveta Solution's Six Sigma Online ( http://www.sixsigmaonline.org ) offers online six sigma training and certification classes for lean six sigma, black belts, green belts, and yellow belts.
Depressed about your work? Feeling dispirited? A savvy career
education review may tell you it's not your job.
Career education wisdom says, "You have to choose to do the best
you can with what you have where you are." So, short of finding
another job, what can you do?
Here are some tips that can help you see work in a new light and
spice up a dull job.
1. Start to see the big picture. Lots of people are ready to
tell us what we should be. But we need to find out for ourselves
what we want to be. So, ask yourself, "What is it that I'm
doing? How important is it? How does it fit into the big
picture?"
Recognizing that you are part of a bigger machine and that you
are important to the functioning of that machine can give you a
sense of self worth.
2. Focus on other people. If you're concerned only about
yourself and your bad feelings, you only intensify the negative.
If you can help other people it puts your situation in
perspective.
For example, volunteer to help a co-worker finish a big project.
Or show someone how to use a particular skill you've acquired.
3. Let go and laugh. Forget the wrongs, real or imaginary, that
someone perpetrated on you a couple weeks ago. It's just not
worth holding on to. If you relive it over and over, you're
beating yourself up--not the other party.
When you let go of the past you embrace the present. That
includes learning to laugh. Laughter releases the tension in you
and allows you to let go and do your job better.
4. Know when it's time to say "enough." You may ultimately find
that even with your best attitude your job just doesn't live up
to your expectations. If you absolutely abhor what you're doing,
then it's time to start looking around. Find out what does turn
you on.
Career education advice recommends that you carefully explore
your options before precipitously making a move. Even in the
worst circumstance you still have a job and a paycheck. But just
men tally turning the corner and recognizing it's time to move
on can give your current job a boost, at least temporarily.
Take the time to prepare a carefully-crafted transition plan of
action so you don't lose sight of where you want to go next and
how to get there.
Tampa, FL September 18, 2004 -- 9Seconds co-founder, Ray Gonzalez to serve on the Council for Technical and Career Education for the School District of Hillsborough County.
The purpose of the Council is to seek input from the business community to enhance technical and career education offered at the secondary and postsecondary levels. The Council members will also spend time updating the Council on current and future initiatives.
Gonzalez is no stranger to the Hillsborough County School system, at least once a month Mr. Gonzalez dedicates a day to speaking with students from web design, business and marketing classes on everything from education, picking the right college and choosing the right major.
Gonzalez also works closely with the Business Technology Education Program for the Hillsborough County School District and even participated in the school districts Professional Study Day designed for teachers and administrators to refresh their skills as well as learning new skills and techniques by attending workshops. Gonzalez gave a powerful workshop on โ€œCurrent Trends in the Web Industryโ€.
โ€œI really love working with kids. High school is one of the most trying times for our teens and I love that I am able to give them a positive influence and help them find the right path, when they are faced with so many negative influences on a daily basis,โ€ says Gonzalez. โ€œI make it a point that every student knows how to reach me and that I am available day or night even if they just need someone to talk to.โ€
9Seconds, www.9seconds.com, is a full service interactive marketing company headquartered in Tampa, Florida. 9Seconds provides its clients with a complete approach to business development, offering business and marketing consulting services, search engine optimization, integrated marketing, advertising and public relations, web design and web development.
Career Education Strategy: Your Job Search Is A Business Venture
If you learn only one career education strategy, it should be
this one: the employment market follows the same rules for
success as the business market.
This is a key insight that supports alternative or
non-traditional job search strategies. We're able to cut through
the fog of traditional job searches that can take weeks or
months.
As a result, we're able to guarantee customers who practice this
insight the possibility of a job offer in as little as 14 days.
It's the career education strategy of a lifetime!
I recently read an article that quoted Larry Thompson, a film
producer. He says there is a simple four-step plan for success.
He uses it with all the Hollywood stars whose careers he
manages.
While Thompson's alluding to success in the film-making
business, it occurred to me that the same principles apply to
job search success . . . especially if you understand it as a
business venture.
1. Identify and focus on your capabilities and assets. Too often
we get hung up on what we can't do. Do what you dream of
doing--not what others want you to do. Build a list of your
talents and match them with opportunities. Your talent never
limits you. Only a shortsighted vision can do that.
2. Failure-is-not-an-option commitment. Write down event or
feelings in your life that can deepen your commitment to take
advantage of your capabilities and assets.
3. Build your personal dream team. Every successful person has a
team of supporters, mentors, professional, role models,
motivators, and reality checkers. Ask them for advice. Test
them. If they don't support and encourage you, drop them.
4. Make your own luck. How? Work hard, prepare for
opportunities, be in the right place at the right time. Make a
list of your top accomplishments. Acknowledge the effort and
commitment it took to achieve them. Then go after your job
opportunities, knowing that with passion and persistence you can
do anything.
This formula for Hollywood success struck me because it's the
same formula you need for job search success. It's one career
education strategy that will for the rest of your life.