(ARA) – We’ve all heard the bad news: There is a global recession, the housing market continues to decline, the banking industry is struggling and unemployment continues to rise.

But, if you are one of the many whose employment has been affected by the recession, there is a silver lining. Entrepreneurs account for 50 percent of the gross domestic product and 50 percent of job creation in America. Small businesses grew rapidly in the last two recessions. If you prefer being part of an existing company, many companies are looking to upgrade their talent, especially smaller companies who will value previous experience.

Ready to start your own business? A recent study by Network Solutions and the University of Maryland investigating the overall health of U.S. small business shows that 69 percent of small businesses were profitable in 2008 and, of those, 69 percent say their success was equal to or better than the previous year.

“This is a great time for personal change. Pursue a lifelong passion or turn your professional experiences into profit for yourself,” says Rebecca Rodskog, a corporate change management consultant and founder of Rodskog Change Consulting in New York.

Ever thought of freelancing or consulting? Have a penchant for chocolate? Do you have a talent for knitting? Is calligraphy something you happen to be good at? Believe it or not, you can make money from these skills by starting your own business, says Rodskog.

Having started out on her own after years in corporate America, Rodskog now offers several tips for turning the recession into revenue:

* Take it small scale at first. We’re not talking comprehensive business plans and venture capital commitments. Step one would be to get yourself online. Creating a Web site for your business or to tout your skills is neither difficult nor expensive, and it’s a great way to get yourself started. Let’s face it, everyone searches online first when they are looking for a service or product.

* Proactively network. Connect with new people on social and professional networking sites such as Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Plaxo and Xing. And don’t forget to network offline too. Attend industry, chamber of commerce and community events — and always have a business card with you. Some of your best marketing can occur through your own face-to-face and offline communities.

* Work with partners. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from those who have an expertise you don’t. You can also consider bartering your skills for theirs to keep your costs down.

Not ready to go out on your own? If starting your own business isn’t in the cards for you, Rodskog also suggests a few things to keep in mind to be sure you stand out in the crowd.

* In this market, flexibility and adaptability are key essentials to finding a new job. Consider new categories and positions that you otherwise might not pursue.

* Tap into one of the many Web sites that specialize in career changes like: www.careerchange.com, www.rodskog.com, www.careerapple.com and www.how-to-change-careers.com.

* Believe in the power of the collective. Offer to help others when you can — whether it’s passing along a job tip, article or helpful contact.

For more information and other valuable tips from Rebecca Rodskog and Network Solutions, visit www.growsmartbusiness.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Tags: recession, recession tips

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Succeeding in your own business definitely relies not just on luck, but on preparation, money and time.

(ARA) – If you’ve been sending lots of resumes and getting the runaround, you’re not alone. According to the U.S. Labor Department, unemployment is the highest level in 25 years.

Is it any wonder that many unemployed, underemployed and workers fearing the loss of their jobs are now considering going into business for themselves? After all, if you’re self-employed you’ll never be laid off, right? And entrepreneurs are truly the backbone of the American economy; they create 80 percent of all the jobs in America, without the benefit of bailouts or handouts.

But is self-employment right for you? The prospect of being your own boss may look appealing, but what are the real benefits — and risks — of going it alone?

While preparing to write her book “The Accidental Startup, Business Basics for the Chance Entrepreneur,” author, Fox Business, CNBC and CNN media personality and financial expert Dani Babb surveyed 200 entrepreneurs and discovered that just 10 percent were unemployed when they started their own business. Another 26 percent were working part time and wanted full-time work, and 63 percent were already employed.

Yet with unemployment figures continuing to increase, Babb predicts so will the ranks of “chance entrepreneurs,” those who find themselves suddenly out of work and unable to find another job. If you’re among those ranks, it would be wise to weigh all the risks and benefits of becoming self-employed.

In the first chapter of “The Accidental Startup,” Babb explores the benefits of working for yourself, including:

* A stable income
* No more fear of losing your job
* Additional income
* Freedom to make decisions
* Flexible hours
* The chance to do something you’re passionate about
* Pride of ownership
* Earning potential

You should also consider the risks and downsides of self-employment, including:

* Feeling of instability as your business struggles to grow
* Potential for failure
* Unforeseen costs
* Potential for long hours
* Lack of vacations
* Difficulty in building your business
* Blurring (or disappearance) of work/life boundaries

You also need to consider financial aspects of being an entrepreneur, Babb advises. You’ll need to insure your business and learn the tax basics of being self-employed, payroll taxes, corporate taxes, etc. You’ll likely have to pick up your own healthcare costs, and provide coverage to employees. You have to consider if self-employment really will make you better off financially than just getting another job, or if you will be content just breaking even.

Once you’ve decided if self-employment is the right move for you, you’ll need to develop a business plan, raise capital and manage finances, learn about your customer, know what to expect during the first year and develop a strategy for growth.

“You may become an entrepreneur by chance, but succeeding in your own business definitely relies not just on luck, but on planning, preparation, money and time,” Babb says.

Published by Alpha Books, “The Accidental Startup” examines the reasons and motivations that lead to entrepreneurship, and helps new business owners plot a step-by-step guide to starting and running a business. The book is available in major book retailers across the country and from online merchants.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Tags: Business Basics for the Chance Entrepreneur, chance entrepreneurs, Dani Babb, starting a business, starting your own business, The Accidental Startup

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(ARA) – In today’s challenging economy, a number of people find themselves looking for a new job. Not only are job losses on the rise, many are finding that rapid changes in the corporate landscape have left them ill-equipped for a new position. Either their skill sets need to be updated or it’s too difficult to compete in a field with too many applicants. Yet despite gloomy unemployment statistics, some industries are not only seeking applicants who are ready to make a change, they are even offering paid training.

It may strike some as ironic that during a time when the financial markets in general have experienced so much volatility, sales positions in financial services are actually experiencing expansion and growth. Opportunities exist for motivated, success-minded individuals who want to attain more than a new job; for many it’s a chance to pursue a promising career with a future.

Personal qualifications valued over experience
If you’ve never worked in financial sales, the prospect might sound intimidating at first. But the fact is, for those people who are dedicated, willing to work hard and are persistent, a career as a licensed financial professional can absolutely be the right decision.

There are many qualifications and transferable skills from other occupations that can give you a leading edge in the financial services field. Someone with a background in network marketing or public relations, for example, may have key relationship building skills. Those with a customer service or sales background could also be a good fit. Even fields that don’t seem obviously compatible like teaching and counseling could give an individual the kind of excellent listening skills needed to succeed as a financial professional. And since employers typically look for a staff of professionals that mirrors the communities they serve, the field is wide open to people from a variety of diverse backgrounds.

A timely opportunity
The timing for entering the financial sales field has never been better. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment field for personal financial advisers is projected to grow by 41 percent, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. For one thing, increasing numbers of advisers will be needed to assist the millions of workers expected to retire in the next 10 years.

“As more members of the large baby boom generation reach their peak years of retirement savings, personal investments are expected to increase and more people will seek the help of experts,” says John Greene, president, agency distribution with The Prudential Insurance Company of America. “Plus, since many companies have replaced traditional pension plans with retirement savings programs, more individuals are managing their own funds, creating jobs for advisers.”

What motivates you?
Everyone wants to feel that their work has meaning and that they are somehow making a contribution to the greater good. Embarking on a new career as a financial services sales professional can offer significant rewards as you help others achieve their financial goals. Planning for retirement; saving for college; purchasing life and disability insurance; estate planning — these topics are all on the forefront of nearly everyone’s mind right now. Training for a career in financial services sales is an opportunity to meet a marketplace demand that will only increase in the coming years. If you are looking for a rewarding, career with the potential for long-term growth, a sales position in financial services may be just what you’ve been looking for.

To learn more about a position as a financial professional call (877) 569-9623 or e-mail afinancialservicescareer@prudential.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Tags: financial professional, financial services, looking for a new job, sales positions in financial services

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(ARA) – The economic downturn in the United States has caused major job losses in recent months. With more applicants seeking fewer jobs, it becomes increasingly important to do more than simply “dust off” your resume.

Anthony Davis, director of career services at Brown Mackie College in Fort Wayne, Ind. offers advice to help those now seeking employment. “If a worker has been laid off, the first priority is survival! Pay the bills, feed the kids, and hope that no major medical expenses come during this time,” he says. He goes on to offer these insightful tips:

1. Escape your own paradigm.
“We tend to get locked into one view of ourselves. It can be helpful to consider re-inventing yourself before applying for any positions,” says Davis. “Before updating your resume, consider what skills and abilities you have that can transfer to your job search.”

“The priority in evaluating yourself should be to become aware of your skill base,” says Davis. “It requires introspection to identify both hard and soft skills.” Hard skills are demonstrable, measureable abilities. They include proficiency in working with different computer programs, or the number of years of experience. Soft skills are intangible. They include interpersonal skills, and critical thinking — skills that are difficult to measure, but ones that can be included in a resume and mentioned during interviews.

“For example, someone who worked as a food server could list sales skills, computer skills, interpersonal skills and the ability to multi-task. This can open whole new areas of prospective employment. People don’t readily think of their own assets this way,” Davis says. “Look at yourself as a total person. What hobbies do you have? What sports do you play? What skills have you picked up through life that you can transfer and apply to an occupation?”

2. Keep your expectations high, but realistic.
“We’re in recession. Those who love to eat steak may need to consider hamburger,” Davis says. “What’s available in your labor market right now?” He recommends considering work values in addition to money. “Values change based upon life circumstances. It’s not just a one-time process. People change with age and circumstance,” says Davis.

Are you looking for authority on the job, or do you prefer to work alone? Is creativity important to you? As Davis points out, “Living true to your work values equals work rewards.” He emphasizes the importance of matching prospective career fields, and employers, with your own work values. “Don’t make yourself out to be something you’re not,” he says. “Be truthful. You may sell something else to land the job, but you won’t be able to maintain it. It’s OK to say ‘No’ to an employer based on values.”

3. Do your research.
“Research everything. Look into the category, the prospective employer, and your local labor market,” says Davis. “Consider where you live and where you are willing to work. Read projected outlooks from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and talk with others in the field. Find out what qualities you need to cultivate to be a good prospect.”

In summary, Davis points out, “If the old saying ‘you get what you put into it’ holds true, then if you put four hours per week in your job search or career change, you should find yourself a great four-hour-a-week job. Keep the faith in yourself and give it your all. Make finding your next position a full-time job.”

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Tags: job search, seeking employment

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(ARA) – In this economic environment, everyone is looking for resourceful ways to decrease spending and save money. This is especially true for small business owners, as they look to reduce expenses, take advantage of discounts, increase cash flow and in turn, improve their business’s bottom line.

Here are several resourceful and creative ways that small business owners can save money as they navigate today’s economy.

* Barter

While bartering may sound a little old fashioned, it’s a great way to work out deals between businesses and save cash. For example, if you are a paper supply company, barter to provide a printing company with all their paper needs in return for free copies. If you are a graphic designer looking for an accountant, offer your creative design expertise in return for sound financial advice. Through bartering, you can work out deals that are beneficial to you and the businesses you partner with. In addition, be proactive in your efforts to enhance existing business relationships in terms of operating expenses, etc. In tough times, many companies are willing to work out deals to retain your business.

* Save

Take advantage of programs designed to help you save money on everyday business necessities, such as office supplies and computers. Bank of America recently launched an online shopping portal called Add It Up where small business owners can earn up to 20 percent cash back from more than 270 retailers when they shop online with their Bank of America check card. Participating retailers include top names such as Staples.com, HomeDepot.com, Walmart.com, and Costco.com, where small business customers spent the most money in 2008.

“Small business owners make frequent purchases from these retailers as they manage their day-to-day business needs,” says John Durrant, Bank of America Small Business Strategy Executive. “By shopping online through the Add It Up portal, small business owners can potentially save over $1,000 a year — that’s a savings of more than $80 a month, which could equal the money you spend on gas to visit clients, or monthly shipping expenses.”

* Evaluate Expenses

Take this time to reevaluate all of the annual service contracts that your business currently has in place. You may no longer need the comprehensive and often costly full-service phone plan because you use your cell phone to make most business calls. You may also consider getting rid of your traditional fax machine and utilize free online faxing Web sites in its place. Other items to evaluate include changing over traditional, printed company newsletters and mailings to paperless communications, as this can reduce your yearly business expenses for paper, ink, and printing. Savings that seem small in the short term can help make your company profitable in the long run.

* Network

Through networking, small business owners can learn how their peers and fellow entrepreneurs in the local business community are navigating their business through the current economy. Many online networking sites, like Bank of America’s Small Business Online Community, are free to join, provide expert content and the opportunity for small business owners to get immediate feedback. To get some offline face time with colleagues and peers, find out if your local chamber of commerce hosts networking events that you can attend to meet small business owners in your area. Tapping into the experience of your small business peers is a great way to gain additional savings tips.

* Promote

Advertising is a good investment for business dollars, but keep in mind that you don’t always have to spend big bucks to conduct a successful advertising campaign. Consider advertising through an e-newsletter or a series of e-mail marketing campaigns. These online techniques are usually less expensive and allow you to target specific customers. If you want to continue with direct mail, be sure to cull down your mailing list and eliminate any customers you haven’t heard from in a while. Or, consider slipping advertising materials and coupons into items you are already mailing out, such as invoices.

* Travel

In this current economic environment, eliminating any business travel that isn’t absolutely necessary can save small business owners a great deal of money. In place of traveling to see customers and clients, plan weekly meetings using free Web or phone conferencing applications. If you must take a business trip, try to plan ahead and do your homework. A little researching for a less expensive flight or hotel can go a long way and save big money.

For more information about Bank of America’s Add It Up online shopping portal, visit www.bankofamerica.com/additup.

Bank of America, N.A. Member FDIC (c) 2009 Bank of America Corporation

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Tags: tips for small business owners

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Tip: If you're already having nightmares about oversleeping on the day of the big exam or forgetting an internship interview with a Fortune 500 company, it's time to create an online calendar.

(ARA) – As the recession continues to take its toll, college grads have to work harder to stand out. Businesses expect to hire 22 percent fewer recent grads in 2009, according to a survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers. Competition for available jobs is fierce, even among candidates armed with a college degree.

If you’re one of the millions of graduates looking for a job this year, there are some basic things you can do to stay ahead of the competition.

Use technology to stay ahead of the game
Windows-powered PCs can help you stay ahead of the competition when it comes to college funding, admissions and job opportunities.

Use your networking skills
You probably already know that social networking sites are a great way to meet new people, but they can also help you stay ahead academically and begin job networking before you graduate.

Be sure to use a network that matches your interest and objectives — and there will probably be more than one that fits your needs. Networking and resume sites that allow you to post virtual resumes are a great way to get your information in front of a large group of potential employers.

Create a calendar
If you’re already having nightmares about oversleeping on the day of the big exam or forgetting an internship interview with a Fortune 500 company, it’s time to create an online calendar. An online calendar allows you to share access with other important people in your lives, so you can remember that important interview as quickly as you remember to call Grandma on her birthday.

Find a job that relates to your major or your interests
Working and going to school isn’t easy, and you’ll be even less inclined to enjoy your job if it bores you. While you may not find your dream job right now, any opportunity to see if you enjoy working in your ideal industry is a good learning experience.

Look for internships
Now is a prime opportunity to get experience that can build into a full-time job after graduation, and it’s also the one time in your life when you can live very cheaply. Internships don’t often pay well or anything at all, but they often count for course credit and always build your résumé, so take advantage of them while you can.

Start job hunting a semester (or more) before graduation
Every May, the job market is flooded with new graduates ready and eager to find work. If you start sending out résumés, going on interviews and networking ahead of your classmates, you can have a job lined up before you even get your diploma. You can really enjoy walking across that stage even more when you’ve already accepted an offer.

Remember that you’re a working student
Although a lot changes from high school to college, some things stay the same, namely, the need to remain focused on school and taking the job seriously. Don’t forget to study for an exam because of work. (And don’t forget to show up for work because you were having too much fun.)

Don’t forget to have fun
No matter how hard you work, this summer is still sure to have some special events and fun moments. Be sure to record them and share them with friends. Start with a good digital camera — prices have dropped in recent years, making them affordable for just about everyone. Look for features like red-eye reduction and the number of mega-pixels.

Don’t fall into the trap of leaving photos on your camera. Upload your images with online photo-sharing software or Web sites. Services like Windows Live Photo Gallery make it easy to edit, store and share photos for free. Consider creating photo books of your summer’s highlight images to share with friends.

For more creative ways to de-stress this summer, visit www.windows.com .

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Tags: college, graduates, graduates looking for a job

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"Teaching is a perfect second career for me," says Chastity McGraw, 35, of Charleston, W.Va. McGraw received a TEACH grant through Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, where she's pursing a master's degree in elementary education.

(ARA) – Do you picture yourself one day standing in front of 26 or more pairs of eyes, filling the brains of students of various ages with the information they will need to graduate from high school and go on to a fulfilling life? If molding young minds is your dream, you may be able to get federal help in fulfilling it.

Jobs will always be available in the field of education, and the prognosis for the next several years is that demand for teachers will grow an estimated 12 percent through 2016, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The BLS goes on to report that most job openings will result from the need to replace the large number of teachers expected to retire during the next seven years. Subject areas with the highest demand include elementary education, math, science, bilingual education, reading, special education and foreign languages.

In order to help fill the need for new teachers, the federal government created the Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) grant program offering undergraduate and graduate students up to $4,000 per year for tuition. Students who receive the TEACH grants sign an agreement to serve as a full-time teacher for four years at a low-income school in a high-need field once they’re finished with school.

“Teaching is a perfect second career for me,” says Chastity McGraw, 35, of Charleston, W.Va. McGraw received a TEACH grant through Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, where she’s pursing a master’s degree in elementary education.

TEACH grants require applicants to be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen and enrolled as an undergraduate, post-baccalaureate or graduate student in an educational institution that is participating in the TEACH grant program.

GCU has seen a dramatic surge in students applying for the grant money.

“This grant only became available this academic year, and we already have 267 students taking advantage of it,” says Dr. Cindy Knott, dean of GCU’s College of Education. “The students are high quality and committed to their careers — there’s no doubt that this program is going to have a major impact on the quality of teachers over the next decade.”

In addition to the TEACH grants of $2,000 per semester, GCU offers scholarships for high academic achievers attending classes on campus. Other financial aid may be available for online students.

Once she graduates, McGraw will be required to serve four out of eight years — not necessarily consecutively — at a public or private elementary or secondary school designated as a high-needs area. But she isn’t concerned about the commitment.

“Our entire state is full of eligible schools, so there’s no worry of not being able to serve in a high-needs area,” she says.

For more information about GCU and the TEACH grants, visit www.gcu.edu or call (877) 860-3951.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Tags: federal grants, grants, TEACH grants, Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education

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Many working mothers now perceive a return to school as not just a dream but a necessity.

(ARA) – Earning a degree has long been a dream of many working mothers. While it might seem the recession would put that dream even further out of reach for most, many working and single mothers are actually drawing inspiration from the economy to pursue their dream of getting a higher education.

“We are seeing an increase in the number of women returning to school,” says Adena E. Johnston, campus dean of DeVry University’s Philadelphia campus. “Degree completion programs are very popular for those who have not finished their education, but we’re also seeing more questions about the bachelor’s programs with an entrepreneurship specialty. Women seem to want to learn more about starting their own businesses or having more flexibility and control over their movement in and out of the workforce.”

There’s no arguing that an advanced degree can help mothers improve their employment situation, judging by Bureau of Labor Statistics. The higher an individual’s level of education, the less likely she or he is to be unemployed, according to the bureau. The unemployment rate in 2007 (the latest year for which data is available) for women 25 and older lacking a high school diploma was 8.2 percent, according to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Women’s Bureau. For those with a bachelor’s degree or higher, the unemployment rate drops to about 2 percent.

Many working mothers, it seems, now perceive a return to school as not just a dream but a necessity. In an increasingly competitive job market, they recognize they can no longer afford to remain in low-paying jobs, or to be the only competitors in the field without a degree.

“In 1968, my father advised me I didn’t need a college education. He said all I needed was to get married and take up homemaking,” says Chris Dulaigh-Bates, a 56-year-old medical transcriptionist and mother of two. “I have worked out of my home for the last 17 years, but over the course of the last five years, technology and world trade have eroded away the job security I once enjoyed.”

“My future needs a new ending,” she says. “I’m going to school to help rewrite the ending to my story.”

Dulaigh-Bates is a DeVry University student who was awarded a full-ride scholarship in 2008 through a special “Project Working Mom” scholarship program for working mothers who wanted to return to school through an online program. For many working mothers, the online nature of the scholarship means they will be able to better fit their education into their busy lives, which already revolve around their children, family and jobs.

The flexibility of online learning may be contributing to the growing interest among mothers to return to pursuing higher education, Johnston points out. The ability to fit online class schedules into already busy lives means many mothers will be able to better balance work, family and educational obligations.

“Online education is the best route for me because sometimes my children with disabilities or special conditions require extensive involvement,” says Sandy Decker, a home daycare provider who is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in accounting from DeVry University. “This ability to attend school online will prove critical to my success as a student and allow me the flexibility I need as a mother.”

Johnston says schools are seeing an increase in the number of women seeking information, scholarships and degrees in areas deemed recession-proof, like accounting. “Accounting concentrations for undergrad and graduate students are popular as more and more want to be able to have portable skills,” she says.

“Working mothers looking to earn a degree should begin to identify their transferable skills, or those skills they bring with them as older adults who have significant life experience,” Johnston advises. “These students are usually motivated and just need encouragement as they move forward with their education.”

To learn more about DeVry University and its online degree programs that can help mothers achieve their educational goals while still fulfilling personal and work obligations, visit www.DeVry.edu.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Tags: back to school moms

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(ARA) – Impressive resume … check. Perfect interview suit … check. Hearing aid … uh, how’s that again?

If you’re among the millions of baby boomers that the recession has driven back into the job-hunting workforce, don’t overlook one of your most important professional assets — your ability to hear clearly.

About 15 percent of people aged 45 to 64 have some degree of hearing loss, according to the Better Hearing Institute. Yours could directly affect your ability to be competitive in the work marketplace and hinder productivity in a new job or career. You can protect your competitive edge by ensuring your hearing is as good as it can be.

Consider these important facts about hearing loss and how to deal with it:

* When was the last time you had a hearing test? Can’t recall? You’re not alone. Just 13 percent of general practitioners screen adult patients for hearing loss. While children might be routinely tested a few times throughout their school career, adults tend to overlook the possibility of hearing problems. Because hearing loss usually occurs gradually, over time, you may not notice a problem until it has become advanced.

* Hearing loss is not just a senior citizens’ problem. The majority of people with hearing loss — 65 percent — are below retirement age. More than 31 million Americans live with hearing loss, and 15 percent are aged 45 to 64.

* While certain professions are at increased risk of hearing loss, like firefighters, police officers, factory workers, farmers, construction workers, military personnel, heavy industry workers, musicians and entertainment industry professionals, hearing loss can affect anyone in any profession. Our world in general is far noisier and louder than it was even just 20 years ago.

* Even mild hearing loss can seriously impact your ability to communicate and be productive. Hearing loss can hinder your ability to listen well during an important job interview, or make you miss vital information during a meeting, phone call or teleconference.

* Hearing loss may be irreversible, but does not necessarily have to be continually degenerative. Getting your hearing loss diagnosed and treated early can help slow or even halt its advance.

Only a health care professional can diagnose hearing loss and prescribe a treatment, which may include wearing a hearing aid. Hearing aids can help — discreetly, subtly and effectively. Many modern hearing aids are minimally visible and designed to help the wearer hear more clearly, even in situations where older models might not have worked as well, such as a crowded restaurant.

In addition, new technology from industry leader Starkey offers patient-proven features such as PureWave Feedback Eliminator, which eliminates the annoying whistling often associated with hearing aids; Acoustic Scene Analyzer, which instantly adapts the hearing aid for the greatest comfort and clarity even in the noisiest environments; and T2, a breakthrough technology that allows a hearing aid wearer to use a cell or touch-tone phone to conveniently switch modes or adjust volume without the need for additional hardware.

Employers consistently rank superior listening skills among the most-desirable traits a job candidate can offer. But the best listening skills in the world are useless if you can’t clearly hear what’s being said. If you’re experiencing hearing loss, a hearing aid can help you compete in a tough job market. To learn more about Starkey’s products, visit Starkey.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Tags: baby boomers, hearing, hearing loss, job hunting

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(ARA) – Facing the prospect of a layoff amidst the economic downturn, many jobseekers find themselves on the defensive. Some employees have found that they must distinguish themselves in their current profession, while others have decided to change fields altogether, looking to promising new industries such as health, technology and other growing areas. In response, educational and career training institutions have had to expand to meet growing demand for career training.

Criminal justice instructor Carol Sciannameo at Everest University in Largo, Fla., explains that a large number of jobseekers are returning to school, despite the recession. “Even though you might think that the recession makes higher education less affordable, we have actually seen increases in our enrollments despite economic difficulties,” he says. Sciannameo explains that students of all ages understand that education is an investment in their future.

Much of the growth in career education comes from workers who are seeking specialized skills or certifications needed to get a raise or promotion. Others simply want to keep their skills up-to-date in the face of changing technologies. And for others interested in entering a new career, a bachelor’s degree is now necessary, when once an associate degree or on-the-job training would do.

Long-term employment trends confirm students’ perceptions that higher education is more important today than ever before. In fact, a 2006 Department of Education report finds that jobs that require only on-the-job training are expected to see the greatest decline. In contrast, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports more than 90 percent of the fastest-growing jobs require individuals to have some form of post-secondary education.

According to a July 2008 study by the National Center for Educational Statistics, the most common areas of study for adult work-related coursework are health, business, trades and computer technology. The report finds that 35 percent of adult students participating in career-related coursework took courses in business and 32 percent in health.

Many higher education institutions are rushing to fill this demand. The NCES reports that in 2005, more post-secondary institutions offered coursework in the field of health care than any other field, with 3,700 institutions offering career programs in health care. Business and marketing was the second most common field, with 3,500 institutions offering business programs.

The focus on upgrading skills has meant that more adults are going to school than ever before, in all fields. Many educational institutions are trying to meet the unique demands of non-traditional students, by offering fast-track programs, night classes and online educational programs. With the growth of adult education, many institutions have tried to work around students’ busy lives. Students can often complete degree programs in a matter of months, as opposed to the years it takes to complete a bachelor’s degree, which helps account for the emergence of more career-training institutions and the explosion of online education. While most of the research on higher education tends to focus narrowly on universities, the 2008 NCES study reported that of all career-related credentials granted in 2005, a full 21 percent were associate degrees, and 36 percent were certificates from career-training institutions. And 13 percent of the career-related certificates came from career training institutions with programs shorter than two years.

Despite the additional time and cost needed upfront, research shows that higher education tends to benefit individuals who invest the needed time and effort. Data from the U.S. Census Bureau shows that while a high school graduate on average earns about $1.2 million over his or her lifetime, an associate degree holder earns about $1.6 million and a bachelor’s degree holder earns about $2.1 million — almost $1 million more than high school grads.

The possibility of increased salary is a powerful motivator for many potential students, even amidst a recession, says online instructor Chris Cozzolino from Everest University Online. “Our students recognize that education truly is the best investment they can make. They are willing to invest the time and effort needed to get a certification or degree that is necessary to find a stable career,” Cozzolino says.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Tags: career training, career training institutions, higher education

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