how going back to school will advance your career

Welcome back to Liz Becker who's written a very cool guest post for us before. The topic of further education is such a trend at the moment, there must be some truth in the saying "you're never to old to learn".

In today’s competitive job market, many people are finding that going back to school can help to give them a leading edge when it comes to earning promotions and finding a new position in their career. While many people might consider the idea of going back to school, it is often difficult to determine if the extra work and expense will actually be worth it in the end. However, once someone begins to explore the idea of going back to school, they quickly discover that not only is it easier than ever to go back to school, but many companies also support their employees advancing their educations by offering financial incentives and opportunities for advancement.

Advantages of Going Back to School 

Deciding to pursue an advanced education can have many significant advantages. First, going back to school shows employers that a person has the initiative to set personal goals, place importance on an education, and that they care enough about their work to learn more about how to improve their skills. 

Gaining an advanced degree can also lead to promotions or a new job title. For people who feel that their career has begun to stagnate, an advanced degree or certificate can be a great way to jump start their drive to pursue new goals. Going back to school can also be a way to make a career move into a different field of work.

Finding the Right Degree Program 

Once a person has decided that they will go back to school, they will then need to find the right program to fit their needs. One of the best ways to find out what degree program is best is to look at the job qualifications for the career that they would like to pursue. For example, a nurse might look into completing a master’s degree program, while a computer technician might prefer to obtain an advanced certificate in a particular type of software.

How to Fit School into a Busy Schedule 

Most people who decide to go back to school will also need to continue working. Trying to juggle work and school can be made easier by exploring the programs that are offered by accredited online colleges and schools. These schools now have online courses that use the latest technology to offer students a flexible schedule. The new technology means that courses can now be delivered in a wide range of formats that can fit any student’s learning style.

Going back to school has become an essential part of advancing in one’s career. By earning an advanced degree, people can expect to gain promotions, higher salaries and professional recognition. Students who decide to pursue an advanced degree can now take advantage of the latest technology to find a degree program that will work with their busy schedule.

Liz is a blogger, freelance writer and recent college graduate of Indiana Wesleyan University . She currently performs market research for an online marketing firm when she is not contributing her own thoughts and observations to the online community.

courses every professional could benefit from taking

Happy Friday everyone! Hope your week has been great so far! Today I am happy to introduce another eager and motivated guest writer called Liz Becker. I love her post because I am a big fan of continuous education.

Every professional has an array of skills that are specific to whatever type of work is being done. There are also a core set of skills that can benefit any professional because of the common elements in nearly every work environment. These skills can be enhanced, refreshed or learned for the first time through a few simple college classes:

1. Communications

There are several varieties of communications classes available in colleges and universities. These classes can help professionals to learn the most effective ways to relay ideas or instructions to co-workers. Communications can cover speaking in public, writing or visual communication with charts and graphs.

Nearly every professional position involves daily communications between an employee and co-workers, management or clients. Ineffective communications skills can hinder a career and can generate confusion among co-workers and clients.

This type of class can become necessary when an individual rises to a level where large groups of people, the media or government committees must be addressed in concise and unambiguous ways.

2. Introduction To Business

Every professional from a pharmacy technician to a lawyer works within the framework of a business. There are various factors that can determine exactly how a business works and what contributions an individual is responsible for making towards the success of the company.

Understanding how businesses work can allow a professional to advance more readily through a familiar structure. Knowing basic terminologies, concepts and processes can give an individual the ability to more readily contribute to the business as a whole instead of filling only a niche position.

3. Computer Literacy

There are very few professionals who do not work with computers, mobile devices or some form of technology on a daily basis. Computer literacy classes are designed to give students an overview of how technology works and how the Internet functions. This can give a professional the extra skills that are necessary to become more efficient or to take on new responsibilities.

The can also be important for tech-savvy employees who have not kept up with changes in the computer industry. Learning how to use new programs, new web services and learning what techniques have fallen into disuse can all become valuable skills that can benefit nearly any career.

These classes are all introductory and can be taken at a variety of schools. Some people might even benefit from taking certain classes regularly every few years in or to remain current. Communicating effectively with others, understanding how an employer operates on a larger level and being able to efficiently use new technologies are all skills that can benefit any professional regardless of the industry.

Liz is a blogger, freelance writer and recent college graduate. She currently performs market research for an online marketing firm when she is not contributing her own thoughts and observations to the online community.

 

interview with a career enthusiast

I have a good friend, Liezl McLean, who is currently the editor of the SA Career Focus Magazine - I have always wanted to do a quick interview with her for my blog. I love the mag because it's great guide for youngsters who need to make informed career choices. Each addition features a variety of career options and includes interviews with people who are in those roles at the moment. So let's hear it from a lady who deals with all types of careers on a daily basis.

How did you come to be a magazine editor?

After undertaking loads of odd travel jobs before studying (such as working at an assembly line in a Smarties factory, waitressing with a crazy chef, changing nappies at a nursery school in London and doing some grape picking in Bordeaux), I was finally ready for a more ‘serious’ job. I love the media industry and believe it plays a vital role in our country.

What are the things you love about your job?

I constantly get to meet the most weird and interesting people! You never know who you’ll be interviewing next and every person is worth a feature! I also love the fact that one never stops learning in this industry – you constantly have to read up about whatever topic you’re going to write about next, whether it’s politics, sport or lifestyle.

And the not-so-glamorous parts?

Late night editing to meet deadlines. The result: a coffee addiction. (Think I need to go for counseling)

After featuring so many different job profiles in the magazine, what are your top 5 career tips for young professionals?

• Find out what you ENJOY doing.
• Choose a career that utilises your natural strengths – the job will come naturally.
• Make sure you have some self-knowledge - this includes an understanding of your interests, abilities and personality.
• Sharpen up your career knowledge. In other words, know what the job is really like. Do a job shadow or speak to someone in the industry who knows the daily activities.
• It’s not all about the money.

There you have it - great tips from someone who's tried out some interesting jobs herself and eventually chosen one that is just right for her.  Have you checked out this magazine before? I wish I had a career guide like this when I was still in high school!! 

why you shouldn't stop learning after graduating

I really enjoyed my time at university. Even with the pressure of exams and intense assignments I used to feel so alive when I was studying!  I know reading and studying isn't everyone's cup of tea, but continuous learning can play a big part in your career success! Am I serious, you ask? Yes, here's why:

1. Showing that you are continuously improving your skill set shows initiative and self-discipline. What do ALL employers love? Initiative and self-discipline!!
2. Attending a workshop or seminar is an ideal opportunity to network and meet peers or experts in your industry.
3. If you are up to speed with current trends and breakthroughs in your industry, people around you will start referring to you as an expert on certain topics - serious boost for your personal brand!
4. If you read or study to grow your skill set you can improve your performance at work as you learn. Any employer will love seeing you apply new knowledge to the benefit of the company.

So some of us have the funds to do a new course or programme every few years, but what about those of us who don't? You may even still be paying off your student loan. Here are the cheap ways to keep up with the experts without paying for a academic qualification:

• BLOGS: You know it! There are blogs for almost every industry available online. If you have Internet access you can subscribe to regular blog posts and they'll be delivered straight to your inbox. No need to browse for hours, the information comes to you in short relevant chunks - for free!
• SEMINARS: I follow an HR company that regularly hosts networking breakfasts and seminars for minimal attendance fees. They often feature experts in our industry who share their knowledge and allow time for questions, and I am always motivated to grow after spending time with them even for one morning. 
• BOOKS: Books aren't expensive. Books are easily accessible. Books can even be more current than old school academic qualifications. Reading will distinguish you among your peers when you can make relevant and valuable contributions to a project at work.
• MENTORS: Do you have a mentor? This one one of the most powerful free tools to keep you learning at all times. If you do have one, see if you can schedule meetings at regular intervals and come with questions. If you don't have a mentor, here are some tips to help you find one.

Sure, reading books or attending seminars might cost you some of your free time, but it will pay off before you know it! You can also have a look at this post on extended learning beyond your campus years.

Any tips for juggling work and continuous education from my readers?

how to prep for your first day at a new job

So you have made it through the screening and interviewing, and it's the first day at your new job! The stress of getting the position is over and now it's time to brace yourself for what lies ahead. Maybe it's your first REAL job and you have no idea what to expect?

Here are a few basics to help you prep for the first day:

1. Get loads of sleep - Before I start a new job it's usually hard to fall asleep the night before, but try to hit your pillow as early as possible! It's very important that you arrive sharp and focused as you'll most likely receive tons of information to process. Remember that your first day is what most colleagues will use to create their impression of you!
2. Test drive your route - Take a drive by your new office a day or two before hand. Visualisation helps many people prep for important events! If you want to do it just to see how long it takes you to arrive, that's also a good idea.
3. Pack a lunch just in case - You don't always know how busy your first day will be. Maybe there's a shop close by to get a sandwich from, but just to eliminate one more uncertainty for the day it's wise to bring a lunch box just in case. Some companies take new employees to a first-day-lunch (lucky lucky!!) but don't bet on it.
4. Do some homework - Have you had a good look at the company's website? The more you know beforehand, the more of the information you receive will fall into place. You'll also be able to ask sensible questions and score some first-impression-points!
5. Time for a trim - Why not go for a brand new haircut!? There will be a lot of eyes on you when you arrive, so why not give your personal brand a boost from the get-go? While colleagues don't know you yet, your appearance will play a big role in their impression of you (and your abilities).
6. Prepare to take notes - Have your smart phone or note book handy. Odds are that there will be a lot of rambling going on and by lunchtime you will have forgotten what was covered in the first orientation session. You want to avoid asking your new employer to repeat themselves. I tend to forget a lot of facts if I don't make notes.
7. Say "cheese!" - Try to be pleasant and accommodating. Usually your new employer will go out of their way to make your first day welcoming, so remember to say please and thank you. Try to smile and make eye-contact to cement relationships from the start, and avoid frowning too much when you're concentrating.

For more great tips on rocking your first day at a new job, have a look at these tips and this video!

reading list update: change anything

If you read this previous post, you’ll remember that I was the lucky winner of the book Change Anything (Patterson, Grenny, Maxfield, McMillan and Switzler). I really enjoyed reading it during the holidays!

The theory is that anyone can improve their ability to achieve hard-core goals in what the authors call “the new science of personal success”. We have all tried living healthier, saving money or kicking a bad habit, and in this book we look at some other factors that play a role in achieving (or failing to achieve) hard-to-reach goals.

Focusing on some very basic skills anyone can master, you can increase your odds of achieving your goals. Some of us enjoy blaming their failures on "being born with less will-power than others", but there are practical skills that can help us succeed despite our potential lack of will-power. I found the principles very easy to understand and apply in my personal life. I look forward to also try applying them in my job!

I experienced the book as being very encouraging. It trains you to identify things that pull either for you or against you in your pursuit. Once you can spot them, it becomes easier to customize your plan of action and implement changes that actually aid your progress. I really enjoyed the experiments used to determine some of their theories and outcomes, and when you buy the book you also have a limited period of access to their online content (including videos of some of their experiments – fun!)

This book can help readers excel in their careers, but also in many other areas of their lives. Great ideas I can implement in multiple areas of my life for the price of one book, I think it's a bargain!

If you've also read it, let us know your thoughts!

I won, I won!!

I won a competition! Yeh! The prize: a book! Yeh?

It's no trip to Spain (maybe next time), but it's very relevant to my blog and I am always happy to add a free book to my reading list!

How did I win it? One of the magazines I keep my eyes on is HR Future. I recently answered a question posted in the magazine, indicating why I would recommend the magazine to others. I remember my manager recommending it to me some time ago, and my answer was that the content is continuously changing my old school academic view of HR into a more practical and innovative one. I had completely forgotten that I entered, and received the notification out of the blue the other day ☺.

The book I won is called Change Anything: The New Science of Personal Success (click to see the website and video). It will be the first book I read on this topic, and I'm hoping it's a hit so I can share it with all my eager readers. It's a New York Times best seller, and what interests me is the fact that it focuses on more than just career success.

I'll give you an update as soon as I've read it. So many books, so little time and only one set of eyes...

Have any of you read this book?

building on your strengths

Do you read work-related books or blogs to keep you in the loop of what's relevant in your field? I've started doing this in my free time and it is radically changing the way I view work and my role at my current employer.

I recently did the Strengthsfinder 2.0 assessment out of curiosity. I majored in Psychometrics, so personality assessments always interest me. This one in particular has taken my career planning to a whole new level.

The assessment is based on Strengths-Based-Psychology, suggesting that we change our way of thinking from "what's wrong with me and how do I fix it?" to "what am I good at and how do I build on that?". Mind-blowing revelation for me, because all this time I have been buying books and reading up on how to fix all of my weaknesses (which is pretty depressing to say the least). Sure, it helps to work on things you want to improve on, but the majority of my energy and time should be going into developing my natural strengths. People pick up very easily when I am trying to be a different version of someone else, when all along I could have been the best version of myself.

I was surprised by a few of my top strengths, because they are different from descriptors typically found in personality assessments. Being "strategic" (for example) is something I've been taking for granted all my life, but now I can look for opportunities at work to exercise this strength, and if my current role doesn't require this skill I can consider choosing a career path that does.

What I also love about the assessment is that it doesn't give you your score per item, and it only identifies your top 5 strengths. I usually look at my lowest scores instead of my highest ones, and beat myself up for not being strong in those areas. So phew... now I don't even know if I scored badly for any specific item.

Odds are, if you are doing what you do well every day, you are bound to be more engaged in your position. So you can get a copy in bookstores or online (amazon.com or loot.co.za), and in the book you'll find your password for the online assessment. With your registration also comes a 6 month free subscription to the Gallup Management Journal (FANTASTIC reading!) so you really get great value for money.

Have you read it?? Do you agree with this strengths-based way of thinking??

reading about management if I'm not a manager?

A reader asks: "Dear Wannabe|Employee, Is it a little over ambitious for me to start reading books on management when I'm still an entry level professional?"

One of the best things (career wise) I've started doing is to read up on management even though I am not a manager myself. I wanted to read a book on this topic in preparation of possibly being a manager in future, but I soon realised that reading up on management can actually help me become a more valuable employee.

Here's why:

• If I can make my manager's day easier, she will be sure to value me as a team member because I support the team's work load and not only my own. Something any employer will appreciate is when you consider the bigger picture and not only the tiny part you play.
• If I know what issues my manager may have to face on a daily basis, I can ovoid adding to those frustrations.
• If I know a thing or two about management before I become one, my chances of being great at it from the start are better than the average Joe's (not disregarding the mistakes I will most definitely make). I will know more about what I can expect, and how NOT to handle sensitive situations.
• If I read up on management I will most likely understand why my manager acts and makes decisions the way she does. Criticising a manager's decision making without knowing what in entails may come across as being shortsighted and (to be honest) a little foolish.
• If I have a terrible manager, reading may give me some insight as to how I may want to approach the issue. If I have an awesome manager, I will appreciate her even more.

So, the first book I chose to read on management is First, Break All the Rules (Marcus Buckingham and Curt Coffman), and I am hooked! It draws a clear distinction between managers and leaders, and how (many times) managers really aren't good leaders. It is helping me distinguish which kind of managers I want to work for, but essentially which type of manager I would like to be later on. I can start being a leader in my position even though my title doesn't say "manager" at the end. The author also focuses on what employees REALLY value in their jobs, and it has given me some food for thought as to what really makes me want to commit to a specific job.

Have you read it? Whatever the line of work you're in, I'm confident that it will benefit your career in a significant way!