Explore the job market

For your chosen profession. Online platforms like Indeed, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn are excellent resources for seeing what jobs out there, in what quantity, and where they might be located. You can also get a sense of what sort of salary range you might expect.  

Get your professional story down on paper

You’ll need to create a professional resume and cover letter that truly highlights your skills and tells your professional story in the best way possible. It should be tailored specifically to each position you are applying for. A well-crafted resume can be the thing that sets you apart from the competition so make sure to consult a professional or career services for assistance. 

Speaking of professionals

Talk to a career counselor about your goals and get their professional feedback on your resume, the job market, and what they think your next step should be. 

Practice for interviews

Everyone probably has a palm-sweating, heart racing interview story. Let’s face it, it can be very intimidating to sit down across from someone and tell them why they should hire you. So, get some practice by anticipating what questions you might be asked and practice your responses. Get someone to do a mock interview and keep at it until the nerves are gone! (or at least under control.) 

Learn about the company

Research the company you are interviewing with. If you appear knowledgeable at the interview about what the company does, its history, etc. It shows employers that you’re really interested in working for them.  

Do your homework on interview etiquette

You don’t necessarily have to show up in a 3-piece suit but make sure you’re looking professional and well-groomed without going overboard. Keep strong cologne or perfume to a minimum and avoid heavy makeup that appears more club than office. Keep tattoos and piercings covered where possible. The point is to avoid things that can distract the attention from your skills and what you bring to the table professionally. 

There are plenty of unknowns when you’re about to embark on the road to a brand-new future. But taking control of the process is a step towards removing those unknowns and landing the job you always dreamed of. After all, luck is just the thing that happens when preparation meets opportunity! So, make your own luck by being prepared for what comes next with these 6 tips for a less stressful job search. If you’re looking for a place to get started on a whole new future, check out the programs at ĐÇżŐ´«Ă˝. With Allied Health, Technical and Trade, and AP /Payroll & Human Resources ĐÇżŐ´«Ă˝, ĐÇżŐ´«Ă˝ is not just helping students get education and training, we’re also helping them navigate what happens after. Our Career Services Department will be with you every step of the way to assist you with all of the above on your journey to a brighter future! Contact us today to learn more or to schedule a consultation with our admissions department. 

In fact, . So, if you’re among the many parents going back to school later in life, you’re in good company. But you’re also probably wondering how you’ll balance it all. Fortunately, we’ve got some great tips for navigating the road to completing your education and keeping your sanity while you do it.

Set yourself up to succeed with a plan

Let’s face it, you’re going to face some obstacles. How do you get the little one to soccer practice or make it to the parent-teacher conference when you have a class at the same time? Have a plan in place for how you’re going to deal with all of the above and any other family obligations you have. Talk to family and friends to build a support system up front. Chances are, they’ll be eager to help you achieve your goals of a better future. You should also be upfront with your employer to make sure they understand what you’re trying to accomplish. Some employers even offer tuition assistance.

You should also consider creating a study space that actually works for you. After all, it can be tough to concentrate with the maniacal sounds of “baby shark,” or the Jonas Brothers on blast in the background. It should be comfortable, quiet and a place you like being. And finally, make time your friend, not your enemy. If you’ve always been an early bird, capitalize on that by getting up an hour early to study. If you’re a night owl – use it to your advantage. Plan ahead for all aspects of what getting your education will involve.

Believe in why you’re doing it

Not just believe in it, take the time to make sure your child or children believe in it too! There’s nothing worse than leaving your little tyke wailing for you to “don’t goooo!!” Explain what and why you’re doing this and get them invested in your future by helping them understand this is about their future too! Which is actually the truth. According to a study published by the , children of college-educated parents are much more likely to pursue and complete an undergraduate degree than children whose parents did not attend college. That’s a pretty motivating reason to get back in the classroom! Not to mention, the average college graduate reportedly makes considerably more money than the average high school graduate.

Nobody said it would be easy but if you’re prepared and totally pumped to get on the path to a future that improves you and your family’s life – you CAN do this! You can take the first step by checking out the programs at ĐÇżŐ´«Ă˝. With a variety of Allied Health, Technical and Trade and Business programs to choose from, ĐÇżŐ´«Ă˝ is ready to help you make your dream of a better and brighter future a reality. Contact us today to learn more or to schedule a consultation with our admissions department.

In fact, according to , one in five college students are parents. So, if you’re among the many parents going back to school later in life, you’re in good company. But you’re also probably wondering how you’ll balance it all. Fortunately, we’ve got some great tips for navigating the road to completing your education and keeping your sanity while you do it.

Set yourself up to succeed with a plan

Let’s face it, you’re going to face some obstacles. How do you get the little one to soccer practice or make it to the parent-teacher conference when you have a class at the same time? Have a plan in place for how you’re going to deal with all of the above and any other family obligations you have. Talk to family and friends to build a support system up front. Chances are, they’ll be eager to help you achieve your goals of a better future. You should also be upfront with your employer to make sure they understand what you’re trying to accomplish. Some employers even offer tuition assistance.

You should also consider creating a study space that actually works for you. After all, it can be tough to concentrate with the maniacal sounds of “baby shark,” or the Jonas Brothers on blast in the background. It should be comfortable, quiet and a place you like being. And finally, make time your friend, not your enemy. If you’ve always been an early bird, capitalize on that by getting up an hour early to study. If you’re a night owl – use it to your advantage. Plan ahead for all aspects of what getting your education will involve.

Believe in why you’re doing it

Not just believe in it, take the time to make sure your child or children believe in it too! There’s nothing worse than leaving your little tyke wailing for you to “don’t goooo!!” Explain what and why you’re doing this and get them invested in your future by helping them understand this is about their future too! Which is actually the truth. According to a study published by the , children of college-educated parents are much more likely to pursue and complete an undergraduate degree than children whose parents did not attend college. That’s a pretty motivating reason to get back in the classroom! Not to mention, the average college graduate reportedly makes considerably more money than the average high school graduate.

Nobody said it would be easy but if you’re prepared and totally pumped to get on the path to a future that improves you and your family’s life – you CAN do this! You can take the first step by checking out the programs at ĐÇżŐ´«Ă˝. With a variety of Allied Health, Technical and Trade and Business programs to choose from, ĐÇżŐ´«Ă˝ is ready to help you make your dream of a better and brighter future a reality. Contact us today to learn more or to schedule a consultation with our admissions department.

Tip 1 – Ask yourself why you want a change.

To know where you want to go, you need to ask yourself why you want to leave your current job in the first place. Is it the actual work you’re doing? Your schedule? The work environment? If you don’t identify why you aren’t happy in your current role, it will be hard to take the next step to finding a role you are happy with.

Tip 2 – Brainstorm and research.

You know you don’t want to do what you’ve been doing. But what are your interests? Think about a career you wouldn’t mind getting out of bed for every day, what that career potentially pays, and what the job market looks like. After all, it is about earning a living. Ultimately, listen to your gut about what you see yourself doing and research what steps you need to reach your goal.

Tip 3 – Figure out how you get there.

Determine what skills you currently have and what skills you need to change your career. That means doing your homework on what qualifications and training might be required for the career you’re contemplating. Look for training programs and schools in your area and ask questions! After all, it’s a big decision, and getting advice and information from people who already work or train others in the industry you’re looking at can put you on the right track right out of the gate.

Tip 4 – Take action!

Now that you’ve gathered all the information, put your plans into action. Consider when you want to be working in your new career path and think about what you’ll need to put in place to make your dream a reality. If you have a family, consider options for getting your training that are manageable for your lifestyle. Most programs offer some flexible options and depending on your chosen career path, many training courses are offered online in virtual classrooms. Talk to a career counselor or the admissions department at the school you’re considering and find out what financial aid options may be available to you. But the most important thing? Take the first step. It might be the hardest, but it will also be behind you once you’ve taken it!

No matter what your situation is, it’s a tough decision to switch careers and you might be a little (or even a lot) apprehensive to rock the boat that is your life. But they’re your minutes! Why not spend them doing something that brings you a whole lot more happiness in the long run? If you’re considering what’s next for your future, a great place to start is by checking out the programs at ĐÇżŐ´«Ă˝. With Allied Health, Technical and Trade and Business ĐÇżŐ´«Ă˝, ĐÇżŐ´«Ă˝ offers a variety of options to choose from. Transform your life by taking your career to the next level today. Contact us now to learn more or to schedule a consultation with our admissions department.

• Welding
• HVAC
• Electrician
• Medical Assisting

Shorter Time Frame for Completion

Not only does the specialized training of a technical school program prepare you for real-world opportunities by teaching practical skills employers are looking for, but it also allows students to complete their education in a much shorter time frame. Specialized, focused training skips the extracurriculars and electives so students get right into learning the skills they will actually use on the job. Translation – you can be working and more importantly, earning, in your chosen field in around a year.

Less Time is Less Money

The cost of a one-year program versus a four-year program is likely to be far less, making it a much more affordable proposition.  Although the overall program has a lower price tag, there are still financial aid options available for those who qualify.

Flexible Schedules

It can be tough to manage your every-day life and still get an education that puts you on the path to a brighter future.  The flexible nature of technical school programs allows for a better work-life balance, with a variety of evening and online classes to choose from.

Long-Term Job Prospects

Let’s face it, specialized training means not everyone can do what you do. And when it comes to essential workers, Welders, HVAC Technicians, Electricians and Medical Assistants – all fit the bill. That means your long-term job prospects are not going to be as easily affected by many things. Why? Because what you do IS essential!

The reality is that the world needs people – with real-world skills. And choosing to pursue specialized training for careers that are always going to be in high demand, is a pretty powerful way – to empower your future. If you’d like to learn more about careers in Welding, HVAC, Electric or Medical Assisting, check out the programs at ĐÇżŐ´«Ă˝. With flexible schedules and instructors ready to share their real-world experience, ĐÇżŐ´«Ă˝ can help you get the hands-on training and skills you need to get out there and create your own successful future! Contact us today to learn more or to schedule a consultation with our admissions department.

What is it that makes a particular career essential?

According to the , “essential workers are those who conduct a range of operations and services that are typically essential to continue critical infrastructure operations. Critical infrastructure is a large, umbrella term encompassing sectors from energy to defense to agriculture.” If you’re thinking that covers a lot of ground, you’re right. But let’s explore a few examples of what makes an essential career essential.

Healthcare workers

This is pretty much a no-brainer, but there are few times in modern history when healthcare workers were needed more. And the healthcare industry is made up of far more than just talented doctors and surgeons. The nurses, medical assistants and administrative healthcare workers are equally important to the vitality and effectiveness of a medical team. Consider the typical duties of these healthcare heroes.

• Vocational Nurse(VN) – LVNs provide essential assistance to doctors and registered nurses and play a key role on a medical team. They routinely prepare patients for exams, perform lab tests, record vital signs, update medical records and much more.

• Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) – CNAs work under the supervision of a registered nurse and provide personal patient care such as bathing, feeding and dressing patients, as well as recording vital signs, answering patient calls and monitoring a patient’s behavior.

• Medical Assistant Administrative & Clinical – This versatile healthcare worker fulfills an important role by performing clinical duties as well as the administrative side of the equation. Medical assistants greet patients, schedule appointments, process insurance forms, record patient medical histories and more. But they will also routinely take blood pressure readings and monitor heart rates.

People working in any of these healthcare careers are more than just critical members of a healthcare team, they are some of our most essential workers during a crisis.

Critical technical trades

Maybe less obvious as essential careers in the workforce, there are several trade and technical careers that are undoubtedly critical to keeping infrastructure intact during any local or national crisis or disaster.

• Electricians – When you ask yourself “what »ĺ´Ç±đ˛ő˛Ô’t run on electricity”, you can quickly come to the conclusion that without skilled electricians the giant machinery of not just healthcare but just about everything that moves would come to a screeching halt.

• HVAC Technicians – The world survived before central heat and air, right? Of course. But it’s safe to say a lot more people would struggle to survive a pandemic without the ability to not only manage the climate inside homes, hospitals and buildings everywhere, but also to control the indoor air quality. HVAC professionals are also the folks keeping refrigeration systems smoothly functioning to protect critical medical supplies, food and other essentials that simply wouldn’t fare well without it. There just isn’t enough ice.

• Welders – There are some essential careers that by their very nature are essential to other essential careers. Welders are integrally involved in just about every kind of infrastructure operation including HVAC, electrical and more. Without these employees working to manufacture the parts, technicians would be unable to service and repair the machinery.

Amidst a global pandemic, there are likely a lot more changes to come.  But what has become clearer than ever before is that essential workers, the men and women who get up and go to work every day – pandemic or not, are keeping the wheels on the bus in the post COVID-19 world as we know it. So, if you’re looking for what’s next for your career, why not consider a career path that makes YOU essential. If you’d like to learn more about the essential careers above, check out the programs at ĐÇżŐ´«Ă˝. ĐÇżŐ´«Ă˝ is training the next generation of indispensable heroes who keep our communities going in good times and bad. Contact us today for more information or to schedule a campus tour.