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The Online Learner

11 Posts tagged with the work tag Info and advice on building your skills

Entering the working world after school can be daunting enough without worrying about money. Unfortunately, now that you're really on your own, there is nothing more important than staying smart about your personal finances. Here are ten tips to help you get off on the right foot financially.

 

1. Start Saving - Apartments and cars are expensive, and entry level jobs don't pay much, but don't use this as an excuse not to stash away a percentage of your pay. Not only is it critical to get into the habit of saving early in your life, but you'll want to have a cash reserve saved up for the unexpected and at some point, a down payment on a home. To make saving painless, have 10% of your income automatically deducted from your paycheck.

 

2. Build Credit - If you don't already have a credit card, sign up for a card with cash rewards. Use it to buy your everyday purchases like gas and groceries, but pay it off in full every month! In time, this will build your credit history so you can get approved for auto loans or a mortgage when you need them.

 

3. Make a Plan to Get Debt Free - If you graduated with credit card debt, make a plan to pay it down quickly. Focus on high-interest credit card balances first, and put as much extra cash as you can towards the debt every month. Whatever you do, avoid going into more debt. It can be tempting to spend your new paycheck on new clothes, going out, and lavish vacations, but doing so will cost you for years to come.

 

4. Open a 401k - If your employer offers a retirement plan like a 401k, don't miss out on this important benefit. Ask your human resources manger about enrollment paperwork, and elect to contribute at least 6% of your before-tax income to your fund. Many employers will match 50% of your contribution, and this money will grow, tax-free, for your entire career. If given the option, choose "high-risk" portfolios that have the potential for high returns. You're young, so you can tolerate the risk. To read more about 401ks, check out this earlier posting.

 

5. Open a Roth IRA - In addition to your employer-sponsored retirement plan, get into the habit of saving for the future on your own. A Roth IRA is the perfect way to go. You can open one from most financial institutions and contribute up to $5,000 annually (as of 2008). Unlike a regular IRA, you contribute after-tax dollars to a Roth, but when you retire; your distributions are not taxed. This is the perfect complement to your 401k, which lets you contribute pre-tax dollars, but will be taxed when you take distributions in retirement.

 

6. Learn to Budget - In order to make sure you don't go into debt, learn to set up a simple monthly budget and stick to it. Write down how much you make each month and then tally up your expenses like rent, gas, cell phone, food, student loan bills, entertainment, etc. Aim to keep your expenses well below your income, and save the rest. If you find that you spend more than you make, take a long hard look at what you can cut out of your spending, or take on an extra job to make ends meet. There are many free online tools that can help you with your budget, including one of my favorites: Mint.com.

 

7. Start a Business - Don't think you're the entrepreneur type? You don't have to be to earn a little extra cash from your own business. One of the key ways people become financially successful is by creating income streams outside of their salary. Think about ways you can turn a hobby or interest of yours into a part-time gig. Maybe you have an impressive MP3 collection and could DJ parties, or you're an IT whiz and can help people with their computer programs. Know your way around the Web? Start a blog that earns revenue from advertisers and affiliates.

 

8. Set Goals - Successful people figure out where they want to go, and then figure out how to get there. You should do the same, both financially and professionally. Make a plan for where you want to be in five years, and reevaluate your progress every couple of months. How much do you want to be earning? Where do you want to live? How much do you want to have in the bank?

 

9. Improve Yourself - Your greatest asset is your education and skills that you can use to find employment or run a business. Consider whether an advanced degree could improve your earnings potential. If going back to school isn't for you, continue to enrich yourself by reading plenty of books in your field or taking a few extra classes. You never know when a new skill will propel you into a new position or make you worthy of a big raise.

 

10. Give Back - Finally, remember that money isn't worth working for if you only spend it on yourself. Even if you can only spare a few dollars a month, choose worthy causes and give to them. Knowing that you're helping to make a difference to others less fortunate or to advance important research is worth every penny.

0 Comments Permalink Tags: courses, career, job, work, learning, strengths, money, skills

So you just got promoted into your first management position. Congratulations! Now what are you going to do? Believe it or not, everything has changed and you need to adjust accordingly.

The transition from player to manager is an exciting, but challenging, one. It takes most people out of an area in which they have been comfortable and successful for some time into more unfamiliar territory. Moving from being one of the team to leading it can be daunting.  It's not business as usual because now-  the expectations are different. It's important that you realize that your focus needs to shift and how you communicate with former peers must change.

As a new manager, you need to set new boundaries with former coworkers. While you can still maintain your friendships, you need to draw these new boundaries in order to establish your authority and credibility. It's not about becoming demanding and asserting yourself in aggressive ways. Rather, it's taking seriously your need to refocus your thinking so that you position yourself as a leader deserving of the respect of others.

Time and experience will develop and refine your management skills, but additional training will prime you for the process of transitioning into a management role. In the online course Taking on a Management Role, you will find an overview of the changes a manager may face.

Through our partnership with SkillSoft, we are currently offering 10 self-paced, MyPath Knowledge Center to MyPath Community Memebers.

 

This course is targeted toward anyone who is about to be promoted, or who has just been promoted to a first management or supervisory role

There are no prerequisites for this online course, however students should have a good understanding of the experience gained from working in an organization.

 

In the course Taking on a Management Role you can learn to…


  • Recognize the value of stopping to consider what a management role involves before taking it on.
  • Identify the five core functions of management.
  • Characterize how a manager spends his time in a described situation.
  • Determine the constraints and demands on a new manager in a described situation.
  • Recognize the value of reviewing what may happen during the transition from player to determine whether the management decision-making process has been correctly applied to a given situation.
  • Sequence the stages in the management decision-making process.
  • Determine what action should be taken in a described situation.
  • Determine how a company's culture impacts a new manager, in a given situation.
  • Recognize the benefits of making time to pursue personal development.
  • Categorize factors as either drivers for, or resistors against, the success of a new manager.

If you would like a sneak peek of the course, see the brief lesson or SkillBrief * from Taking on a Management Role below

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Seven Stages of Transition to a Management Role

A move that takes you out of your comfort zone, out of a familiar job, and into a challenging new role can be difficult to handle. Change is unsettling for most people, and even welcome change usually requires a period of adjustment. The transition to a management role, even when it has been eagerly anticipated, can involve a roller coaster of emotions.

J. Adams said in his book Seven Stages of Transition that: "It is recognized that any change in a person's routine, planned or unexpected, will provoke a standard sequence of emotions." This transition process has a number of stages:

  • immobilization
  • minimization
  • depression
  • acceptance
  • testing
  • seeking meaning
  • internalizing

Understanding the transition process and knowing that you are not alone in experiencing these emotions, will help you to deal with each stage more effectively. To find out some more about how you might be feeling at each stage in the transition process, consider the stages listed below:

Immobilization – It is the new role that you wanted, but you are not quite sure what to make of it.

Minimization – You may try to carry on as though nothing has changed, because this seems to be the easiest route. You might be tempted to choose a lot of your old tasks and ignore the management elements of your new role.

Depression – You may feel a sense of panic, anger, or depression as a result of your own high expectations, and the pressure that you feel to perform well.

Acceptance – This is real progress. At this stage, you begin to realize that you can do the job, and that, in fact, you have already begun to make a difference.

Testing – At this point, you will feel free to do the job your own way and confident enough to try out new ideas.

Seeking Meaning – For the first time, you give yourself the chance to reflect on what you have learned so far about yourself and about others around you.

Internalizing – Now you identify yourself with the job more readily. You are no longer inexperienced, but instead, comfortable in your position as manager.

If you have already been promoted to a management role, you might want to identify which stage you have reached. Each stage in the transition process provides you with a new learning experience. These experiences will also help you to support your own team's development more effectively in the future.

As a manager, you will want to have some control over your own development. It is helpful, therefore, to consider what you can do to deal with the difficulties of, and capitalize on the strengths of, each transition stage.

The actions that you can take are as follows:

Immobilization – You may feel that there is so much to do that you end up doing nothing. You can feel very isolated at this point, and it is wise to seek some support. Talk to your manager or mentor about how you feel, and try to identify some clear objectives.

Minimization – Be wary; this can be a difficult stage. It may be tempting, but you cannot pretend that things have not changed. Your staff members need clear leadership from you, not direct interference in their work.

Depression – At this stage, you need to remind yourself of your past successes. Break the current challenges that you face down into manageable tasks. Make sure that your objectives are achievable, and reward yourself when any task is completed.

Acceptance – Make the most of your positive feelings during this period. Now may be the time to tackle some of the more difficult tasks.

Testing – Having the confidence to express your own views represents significant progress, and is a positive step. Make sure, however, that you retain a healthy balance, and avoid being aggressive. Be assertive instead.

Seeking Meaning – Allow yourself adequate time to reflect on what has happened to you, on what you have learned, and on how many of your attitudes may have changed.

Internalizing – Congratulations! You have reached your goal, and are no longer surprised when you are introduced as a manager. Remember to use your experience of the early stages of the transition process to understand others who are facing some kind of major change.

Do not be concerned that the emotions associated with some of the stages are negative. Dealing with these stages successfully will improve your management skills. You cannot expect everything to change overnight. You will take some time to adjust to your new managerial role, but this is natural.

As the transition process demonstrates, you will pass through clear stages on the way. Understanding these stages, and how you might feel, will help you to handle this important progression in your career more successfully.

____________________________________________________________________________

* SkillBriefs are condensed summaries of the instructional content of a course topic. SkillBriefs are designed to be used as an instant reference. While taking a SkillSoft Course, select the Resources tab in the Navigation bar, then click SkillBriefs. This opens a new window where you can access the information.

It can be hard for former colleagues to treat you as a manager if they have worked with you for years as their peer. But you are now in a role that gives you responsibility for assessing their job performance and giving important input into their work lives. It can place you at odds with your staff/friends and may sometimes require you to make tough decisions with which others may not agree. That's part of being a manager so the sooner you accept that, the better.

0 Comments Permalink Tags: training, skills, work, change, management, program, career, online_learning

I have lived in the San Francisco Bay area for more than a decade. In that time, I have survived two major tech booms (and busts). The boom times result in tons of innovation while the busts create a time for reflection, transition and reinvention.

People take wildly different approaches to recessionary times. Losing a job can prompt some to move to a new city. Others may choose to travel for an extended amount of time. During the down market of 2000, when a friend or acquaintance said, “I am taking a few months to travel in Thailand” that was code for, “I just got a pink slip from my Internet start-up and I don't know what I am going to do now”. Taking a year to travel in during your late twenties or early thirties may add a number of years to how long you will work overall, but you may enjoy traveling more than when you are in your seventies. For others who have no savings, they may have no other choice but to wait it out.

Below is a great video by a (reinvented) Bay Area film maker. She highlights three different people who have taken three very different approaches to the current economic downturn.

Of course, recessionary times prompt many to take on a new career. How does an IBM Engineer with multiple patents become an expert on China, a 20-year tech industry veteran become a middle school math teacher or a tech analyst become an artisan bread baker?  An article in this months San Francisco Magazine profiles several Bay Area residents who give their take on why and how they have started a new career.

Interested in a new career? If so, it is important to take the time to evaluate your present situation, to explore career options and to choose a career that will be satisfying for you.

Ten Steps to a Self Reinvention

1. Evaluate your current job satisfaction. Keep a journal of your daily reactions to your job situation and look for recurring themes. Which aspects of your current job do you like/dislike? Are your dissatisfactions related to the content of your work your company culture or the people with whom you work?

2. Assess your interests, values and skills through self help resources like those found here on MyPath. Review past successful roles, volunteer work, projects and jobs to identify preferred activities and skills. Determine whether your core values and skills are addressed through your current career.

3. Brainstorm ideas for career alternatives by discussing your core values/skills with friends, family, networking contacts and counselors.

4. Conduct a preliminary comparative evaluation of several fields to identify a few targets for in depth research.

5. Read as much as you can about those fields. MyPath offers online access to 250 leading technology, engineering, finance and best-in-class business books from leading publishers in the Books 24x7 Reference Library. After you have done your research, reach out to personal contacts in those arenas for informational interviews.

6. Shadow professionals in fields of primary interest to observe work first hand. Spend anywhere from a few hours to a few days job shadowing people who have jobs that interest you.

7. Identify volunteer and freelance activities related to your target field to test your interest e.g. if you are thinking of publishing as a career, try editing the PTA newsletter. If you're interested in working with animals, volunteer at your local shelter.

8. Investigate educational opportunities that would bridge your background to your new field. Consider taking an evening course at a local college. Spend some time at one day or weekend seminars. Contact professional groups in your target field for suggestions.

9. Look for ways to develop new skills in your current job which would pave the way for a change e.g. offer to write a grant proposal if grant writing is valued in your new field. If your company offers in-house training, sign up for as many classes as you can.

10. Consider alternative roles within your current industry which would utilize the industry knowledge you already have e.g. If you are a store manager for a large retail chain and have grown tired of the evening and weekend hours consider a move to corporate recruiting within the retail industry. Or if you are a programmer who doesn't want to program, consider technical sales or project management.

Have you “reinvented” your career? If so, what did you do to make the transition happen?

0 Comments Permalink Tags: career, employment, change, skills, advice, work

Blogs, or web logs, are one of the fastest-growing means of mass communication. The "blogosphere" has affected elections and corporate policy, and some blogs have thousands of readers a day. Moreover, they are fun to read, and writing them can be enjoyable too.

Because the blogosphere is pretty crowded, it’s a good idea to find out a bit about the anatomy of a blog, what makes a good one, and what it takes to keep one going before you dive right in and start sharing with the world. Blogging For Dummies, 2nd Edition gives you all the basics so you can get a good start. And if you’ve been around the blog a few times and want to advance to the next level, Blogging For Dummies, 2nd Edition even takes a look at podcasting and videoblogging.

You’ll find out how to:

Make your blog stand out in a crowd, build an audience, and even make it pay

Choose the best software options, boost readership, and handle comments

Generate revenue from your blog with ads and sponsorships

Protect your privacy and your job

Deal with spam and the inappropriate comments from that guy who posts several times a day

Find your niche

Attract and keep readers

Use your blog to promote your business, cause, or organization

Add audio, video, cool widgets, and more

Here is a sneak peek excerpt from Blogging for Dummies, 2nd Edition

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Blogging for Dummies, 2nd Edition

by Susannah Gardner and Shane Birley

John Wiley & Sons© 2008 (368 pages)

_____________________________________________

Chapter 8: Finding Your Niche

Chances are good that if you're blogging only for your friends and family, you have a captive audience that stays interested no matter what you choose to blog about on any given day. (Though, even your mom might get a little tired of hearing about what time you got up and what you had for lunch!)

For most bloggers, however, being successful is defined as attracting, keeping, and growing an audience of interested readers who can't wait for the next pearl of wisdom to leave your fingertips … preferably an audience that leaves comments and interacts with you and with other readers.

This is no small challenge: You're in competition with every other source of news, information, and entertainment in your audience members' lives (not to mention your own if you find it hard to find time for blogging).

The key here is to find a niche and exploit it fully. I have no way of knowing exactly what your niche is — that's something for you to figure out. I give you some ideas and suggestions to help you start turning your mental gears, but then you're on your own.

After you've chosen a niche, though, the rest of this chapter helps you find out who your competitors are, what they're doing right, and how you can make the most of your subject.

Deciding what Belongs on Your Blog

Picking a niche and sticking with it can be tough to do. Fortunately, you get a lot of leeway in how you handle a subject, in evolving your own style, and in what you blog about. The medium allows for lots of experimentation, and your readers are likely to welcome new approaches and ideas as you go

 

For your own peace of mind, however, it's often a good idea to pick a broad theme and then explore within it. Do you like books? Why not blog about what you're reading and make recommendations? It's then a natural leap to movies based on books, and to authors … even a simple idea can give you lots of room to grow.

 

Some subject areas have proven to be popular and successful blog subjects already. You can take on the competition and start a blog about

 

Your kids: Baby books might have gone out of style, but that doesn't mean you can't document your child's growth in detail on a blog. Mommyblogging, as it has come to be called, is on the rise in a big way. Talk about a topic with an infinite variety of discussions, products, problems, and cute photos — this is it!

 

Your hobby or interest: Blogs are beautifully suited to making connections, so feel free to use yours to become part of a community of folks that share your passion for knitting, sport fishing, geocaching, carpentry, or whatever your interest is.

 

Technology: Many of the original bloggers chose technology as their focus, and what a great decision that was. There's a huge interest in technology and technology issues today. After all, more and more people have cell phones, personal computers, and MP3 players, and everyone has problems using them!

 

Politics: Do I really need to explain that political commentary and criticism can make a good blog? A number of popular political bloggers have turned their online punditry into thriving careers in traditional media.

 

News of the weird: Some very popular blogs make the most of the many strange Web sites by posting links and quick summaries of the site on their blogs. It's the lazy man's approach to surfing, and if you're interested in sharing the quirky oddities you find, you'll definitely find an audience for them.

 

Specialized news: Offer a service for your busy readers by aggregating all the news on a particular topic, with quick tidbits and links to sources. This can work for both serious and comic topics — think cranial surgery techniques to coverage of the latest teen sensation.

 

A personal diary: If you have enough going on in your life to keep you interested in it, you can stick with the tried and true blog. With a unique voice and great writing, you can attract readers who will to be friends.

________________________________________________

Want to learn more?

Blogging for Dummies, 2nd Edition is one of the Knowledge Center offerings found on MyPath.com in the Books 24x7 Reference Library.

To access via MyPath, login to MyPath then go to Knowledge Center by SkillSoft.

Click the Books24x7 link and begin your trial. Other than becoming a MyPath Community member, there is no other action required!

With your free trial subscription, you gain online access to a selection of leading technology and best-in-class business books from leading publishers, including Blogging for Dummies, 2nd Edition. Your trial subscription is good for 30 days and will begin with your first use of the library.

Ready to learn? Visit the MyPath Knowledge Centerand start your free trial today!

0 Comments Permalink Tags: community, books, work, program, networking, 24x7

Managing a Project

Posted by Lisa Ford Mar 9, 2010

Albert Einstein said, 'The bitter and the sweet come from the outside, the hard from within, from one's own efforts.' Are you a person who can drive a project on the outside, and hold yourself responsible from within? Can you be the force, the influence, and the point person who holds the keys to ultimate success? That's what it takes manage a successful project.

The factors of a successful project almost always end up depending on how much money and time is needed to create a product worthy of the customer. The online course Managing a Project will help you manage the constraints of time, money, and schedules, and how they relate to the overall quality of your project and product.

This course is targeted toward a diverse range of managers and staff members who wish to acquire the necessary skills to successfully manage small- to medium-sized projects. The expected duration is 2.5 hours.

Lesson Objectives Include:

 

 

Managing Project Quality

Project Management Applications

Managing Project Activities

Maintaining Control of a Project

Managing Project Risks

 

Would you like to learn more ways to improve your project management skills? Check out the online course Managing a Project found in the MyPath Knowledge Centerlibrary. This library of self-paced, online courses is available to all MyPath members for 30 days- with no additional commitment.

 

Are you ready find more time in your day? Visit the MyPath Knowledge Centerand start your free trial today!

 

 

0 Comments Permalink Tags: project_management, online_learning, work, project, skills, training

Many people find themselves thrust into a project management role with no formal training or experience. When this occurs, it is important to be prepared to deal with the significant changes in your role. Your responsibilities broaden from managing yourself to managing others, from short-term to long-term goals, and from tangible to intangible issues. Time and experience will develop and refine your project management skills, but additional training will prime you for the process of transitioning into a project management role. In the online course Transitioning into a Project Management Role, you will find an overview of the changes a new project manager may face, including the development of a successful project team.


This course is targeted toward a diverse range of managers and staff members who wish to acquire the necessary skills to successfully manage small to medium sized projects.


There are no prerequisites for this online course, however students should have a good understanding of the experience gained from working in an organization.

Below is an example SkillBrief* from Transitioning into a Project Management Role.

The Transition to Project Management

One of the most difficult aspects of becoming a project manager is changing the essence of how you work. As you move into a leadership role, it is important to let go of old ways of relating to your work and to your colleagues.

As a new project manager, you must transform the way you perceive your responsibilities, your focus, and your ability to work with and influence others.

  • "attention to things" transforms to "attention to people"
  • "concern for yourself" transforms to "concern for others"
  • "short-term focus" transforms to "long-term focus"
  • "solving problems" transforms to "managing problems"

Attention to people

A new project manager has to transition from hands-on work to delegating work to team members. A good project manager knows when to let go of duties and acknowledge that it is not the technique, but the results that matter.

Concern for others

As a project manager, you must learn to put what is best for the team ahead of what is best for yourself. A team flourishes in an environment where each member's contribution is recognized and valued.

Long-term focus

In project management, time is a valuable asset that must be planned and spent just as carefully as a budget. Good project managers plan priorities and deadlines, so they are always aware of which areas need the most immediate attention. With good time management practices, you will become more conscious of the choices you make and more aware of habits that interfere with efficiency.

Managing problems

A project manager is in the position of managing complex and interwoven problems, rather than solving them. Project managers guide their teams to identify the problems, while the team members identify and implement the actual solutions.

Management style

In project management, it is important to consider how you will manage your project – your personal management approach. The ability to get a job done is based on personality, experience, and attitude. Your application of those traits in the workplace is known as your management style.

There are three basic styles of management:

reactive – A project manager with a reactive leadership style accommodates the immediate needs of the team without adapting to current changes and trends.

inactive – A project manager with an inactive leadership style uses short-term planning and copes with problems only as they arise.

proactive – A project manager with a proactive leadership style initiates action and is flexible with control over the project. Team members are encouraged to take ownership in the project.

The only effective approach to project management is proactive. Teams that are proactively organized and led show greater cohesion, productivity, innovation, and performance. Reactive managers are always playing "catch-up" with their plans. Inactive managers just let their projects stagnate.

 

Basic principles

Projects differ in scope and complexity, but there are basic principles to which every project manager should adhere.

Continuous improvement

  • meet project requirements – The most basic responsibility of a project manager is to deliver the project on time, on budget, and within scope.
  • make timely decisions –Team members depend on the decisions of the project manager to complete their own work.
  • set goals and make a plan – A plan is a measurement tool that allows you to assess how successfully you are achieving your goals.

Creativity

  • propose change – A proactive manager is not afraid of changing and adapting to new influences and situations.
  • encourage high standards – Set the example for your team.
  • foster innovation – A facilitative and enabling approach creates a balance between innovation and expectation.

Discipline and detail orientation

  • taking calculated risks – A good project manager is aware of risk but is not inhibited by the fear of failure.
  • creating dissonance – Encouraging your team to express divergent opinions and ideas can lead to expansion and innovation.
  • developing mental discipline – A proactive manager focuses attention on the needs of the team and the objectives of the project.

Remember that without a good project manager, even a well-conceived project can devolve into chaos. All it takes is the right preparation and mind-set, and the willingness to transform.

Course: Transitioning into a Project Management Role
Topic: Transitioning to Project Manager

Would you like to learn more ways to improve your Project Management skills? Check out the online course Transitioning into a Project Management Role found in the MyPath Knowledge CenterMyPath Knowledge Centerlibrary. This library of self-paced, online courses is available to all MyPath members for 30 days- with no additional commitment.

 

Are you ready find more time in your day? Visit the MyPath Knowledge Centerand start your free trial today!


* SkillBriefs are single-page, condensed summaries of the instructional content of a course topic. Use SkillBriefs as an instant reference after you have completed a course

0 Comments Permalink Tags: learning, performance, skills, project_, management, work, online_learning, online

Online learning is different in many respects from the traditional face-to-face learning we're all used to, primarily in the way we get our information and how we interact with instructors and classmates. Many people say they learn more online, and their retention is better too.

Consider that good students in the traditional setting may fair poorly in an online environment, while struggling students may excel with online courses. This can be explained in part due to differences in learning styles. Visual, self-directed learners do well at online learning, but others succeed because online instructional design is often sophisticated and planned to reach a wide variety of learners.

Lifestyles play a big role in the success of online learners too. These are the traits that successful online students possess, to varying degrees:

  • Self-Directed
  • Motivated
  • Comfortable with computers
  • Able to use email, internet browser, word processor
  • Like to read and write
  • Inquisitive
  • Disciplined
  • Independent
  • Able to stay on task

These questions may help you decide if online learning is for you:

Are you self-directed and motivated?
Most of online learning happens on your schedule. You'll need to be self-directed and motivated to complete activities on schedule and initiate the communication required to be successful. You'll be responsible for creating the structure to finish each course.

Are your technical skills adequate?
Along with having access to a computer and not being overwhelmed by typing, online learners should be comfortable with internet browsing and searching, email, sending and reading attachments, word processing, and sometimes downloading and installing software plug-ins (a normally simple but sometimes intimidating task).

Do you have strong reading skills?
Reading can play a large part in any class, and especially online. The ability to read and comprehend subject matter without it being a chore is critical to your success.

Does written communication come easily for you?
In most cases writing is the primary method of communication in online classes, so you should be at ease with writing to express your thoughts, share ideas, and ask questions.

Will you ask questions when you need to?
If you typically don't hesitate to seek help when you need it you'll do fine. Since you'll be in an online environment it's important to let your instructor and classmates know when you need help. Remember that they won't be able to see your looks of doubt, confusion, or other body language to tell when things aren't going well.

Will you miss the social interaction?
Interaction with instructors and classmates in online learning is often an integral part of the learning experience. Absent is the in-person contact - being able to see facial expressions, hear reactions, and speak. Campus life may be different or non-existent too.

Do you have the discipline to study regularly?
Like a traditional school you'll need to set aside adequate time for study. You may discover that you need to be online frequently to complete assignments or communicate with classmates and instructors. You can plan to spend at least as much time working assignments and studying as you would with a traditional course, and you'll be setting your own pace in many instances.

If you're satisfied with your answers to these questions, you're likely to do well in an online learning course. A no-cost / no-risk way of trying online learning is by accessing the MyPath Knowledge Center. There are 10 eLearning courses available in project management, personal development and more. In addition, more that 200 fully digitized online books are available in IT, business topics, finance, engineering and more. Try it today!

0 Comments Permalink Tags: learning, books, work, project, courses, skills, online_learning

Training for a New Career

Posted by Lisa Ford Nov 20, 2009

Recently, we have received some questions from MyPath members asking for tips on how to manage the costs for training for a new career.

Here are some general guidelines:

Consider the typical salary for your new career interest and ask yourself how much debt you are willing to take on to earn that particular salary.

After an exhaustive career exploration that involves researching jobs and conducting informational interviews with people in target career fields, many job seekers determine they need additional training to develop skills for a new career. However, it is important to research the possible training providers as intensely as you have researched your career interests.

Whether you are interested in a community college, a four-year institution, a short-term training program, a professional certification program or a private training provider, here are some questions you should ask.

How much is this going to cost?

School can be pricey. While it may give you new skills for a completely different career or add to the skill set you already have to make you a more marketable job candidate, it does not guarantee employment. Consider the typical salary for your new career interest and ask yourself how much debt you are willing to take on to earn that particular salary. Using these figures, calculate approximately how long it will take you to pay back the debt and consider the sacrifices — such as holding off on buying a new house or car — that you may have to make as a result.

Also, be sure to take advantage of resources available to help you with financing your education or training. One way to secure financial assistance is through the Workforce Investment Act. This federal program was designed to assist qualified unemployed, underemployed or dislocated workers by providing job-training scholarships.

Another means of support can be found through the Department of Education, which provides federal student aid for eligible individuals. Federal student aid is accepted at all community colleges and most public and private universities. Typically, most for-profit schools as well as non-degree-bearing programs such as continuing education or certification classes do not accept federal student aid, but you should check with the financial aid office at your school or training provider of choice to be sure.

Information about and a free application for federal student aid (FAFSA) are available at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/

How many students who complete this training program end up working in a related career?

If you are going to make the commitment to train for a new career, you want to ensure the training and skills you receive will actually allow you to find work in that field. Credible training programs and schools should have this information and be willing to share it with you. Moreover, they should be able to direct you to graduates of the program who are successfully working in that field. You can set up a time to speak with them about any specific obstacles they faced in making the transition from school to work and ask them if they would do anything differently if they had the chance.

Does this program prepare me to obtain certification in my chosen field?

Many occupations have professional certifications that are recognized as industry standards. Find out what the standard certification is for your career of interest and ask the training provider whether you will be able to successfully obtain that certification after passing through its program. Also ask the training provider for data on its graduates’ certification exam pass rates. That information will give you an idea of how well the program does in preparing students to attain necessary professional certification in their career field.

What tutoring and additional help are available outside of class?

Many of you may be going to school for the first time or returning to school after a long hiatus, so you may be a little rusty. Ensure that there are sufficient resources available for any additional support you may need. Ask about tutoring programs, mentors and instructors’ office-hour schedules.

Does the program provide internships?

Internships offer you an opportunity to put your newly acquired skills into practice in a real-world work setting. Experienced professionals in your field will groom you as you learn the ins and outs of the industry and discover which areas you need to improve upon. Internships also provide an excellent opportunity to network with individuals and organizations in your new career of interest.

Are there other ideas and suggestions?  What are some creative ways you have managed the costs of changing careers?

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MyPath has partnered with SkillSoft and Books24x7 to bring our members a 30-day, free membership to a library of online courses and industry-leading business books.

What materials are offered in the Knowledge Center Library?

SkillSoft e-Learning Courses

Whether you’re looking to refresh an old skill or learn a new one, you’re sure to find a course that fits your needs. We’re currently offering 10 self-paced, online courses:

· Project Management Fundamentals

· Transitioning into a Project Management Role

· Managing a Project

· The Principles of Financial Management

· Taking on a Management Role

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· Developing Excellent Time Management Habits

· Working for Your Inner Boss: Personal Accountability

· Programming Techniques and Strategies

 

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Ready to learn? Visit the MyPath Knowledge Center and start your free trial today!

0 Comments 0 References Permalink Tags: career, development, training, courses, work, skills, learning

Let’s say you need to add some pop to your resume and you need it as quickly as possible.  You don’t have time to earn that degree just yet, the job market is tight and you’re looking for an edge and/or you just want to update and sharpen your skills.  Here are five fairly quick things you can do to add some pop to your resume.

 

Certify


If there is an industry standard that leads to a form of certification such as what you often find in IT, such as a CPA, PMP, etc. that you are qualified for in your career field of choice, go ahead and certify.  It may be time consuming and somewhat expensive in the short run, but not compared to a second degree.  You can also start looking at diversifying your skill set.  For example if you are a Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) you can perhaps supplement this with a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification as well.

 

Earn a Certificate of Completion


Earning a certificate of completion is different than certifying. A certificate of completion is often either academic or professional training in a wide variety of fields. Everything from liberal arts to military intelligence to hotel management can be found in this category.  The price can range everywhere from around a hundred bucks to many thousands of dollars depending upon where you go, how the course is delivered and the purpose of the certificate.

 

Take focused courses


Taking focused courses where you can raise your knowledge and even print a transcript is a great way to expand your skill set and can be done relatively inexpensively and fast.  In some cases you can even take the courses for free.  The trick here is to build a portfolio of work where an interested employer may be able to see you’ve done and what you’re capable of.  Perhaps you can add a “skills” section on your resume and place them there.  If you get asked how you learned these skills you have a lead into an interesting conversation.

 

Volunteer


Volunteering is a great way to build experience when you have relatively little to none.  Maybe you haven’t gained that management position because you’ve never managed anything.  Volunteer organizations may welcome the skills that you do have and appreciate your eagerness to learn more.

 

Become a part of a project


Lastly, if you have a job already start looking for projects that will push your skill set further and force you to grow.  Often there are many project teams that need more people to help out, especially in unfunded projects.  Not only can you list these on your resume but it is a great way to network and build experience.

I hope these tips help. Do you have others you would like to add? Please share some creative ways you have enhanced your resume.

 

The great aim of education is not knowledge but action.

            Herbert Spencer (1820- 1903)

0 Comments 0 References Permalink Tags: learning, work, volunteer, jobs, resume

Online learning casn be an effective to jumpstart your own development. An online learning environment allows you to “attend class” at times and in locations that are most convenient to you. The key to maximizing your learning success is proper preparation and setting expectations.

 

9 Success Factors for e-Learning

 

1.    Make time for e-Learning.

     Set aside specific times to work on your courses and stick to your schedule. Internet based courses do not have the regular meeting times and terms that instructor-led courses have, so you can set your own time schedule.

 

  1. Pace yourself.

Deciding your own hours is great, but make sure you do not fall behind in your schedule. Catching up is difficult. Create milestones or check points to help you stay on track.

 

  1. Prepare for the course by reviewing its organization, navigation, tools and resources.

Read the introductory materials in the course before getting started. Exploring the materials will clarify the course structure and help you work efficiently once you begin.

 

  1. Be a strategic learner.

Look at the learning outcomes and scan the assignments prior to starting the course. Keep the outcomes and tasks in mind as you work through sections of the course.

 

  1. Don’t feel that you need to read everything.

Students have different learning styles and some don’t need to read everything to succeed.

  1. Maintain a positive attitude.

Don’t become discouraged if you run into difficulties. Developing new skills and knowledge is sometimes difficult, but the gain is worth the pain. Moreover, it may take some adjustment to get comfortable working remotely.

  1. Take the initiative.

Learning is a process and there is not necessarily one right answer to most questions. Online learning allows you to balance independent learning with mentoring.

 

  1. Collaborate.

Helping others and sharing your view will enhance your learning and make it more fun.

  1. Share your experiences.

Ask yourself whether the material in the course is consistent with your experience, and analyze why or why not. Share these ideas with others to challenge your own thinking and learn from the ideas of your colleagues.

 

What would you add to this list of tips?  Have you found online learning to be easier or more challenging than expected?  We would love to hear your experience.

 

 

 

If you paint in your mind a picture of bright and happy expectations, you put yourself into a condition conducive to your goal.

            Norman Vincent Peale (1898- 1993)

 

 

 

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