Search 4 career colleges

I’ve been surfing the internet all day looking for colleges. I have to admit something … I’m starting to wonder whether or not I even want to go to school! Is it even worth it?

I know a ton of people who didn’t go to school and they’re doing fine. I mean, look at Bill Gates. He’s like the richest, most successful person on the planet, and he didn’t go to college. Why should I?

People always give you a ton of reasons to go to school. Don’t get me wrong, I think it’s a good idea for some people, but it might not be for me. But I also don’t know how I can get a better job without going to school.

Arg! It’s like there’s a cartoon good angel sitting on one of my shoulders and a devil sitting on the other one.

The devil cartoon keeps telling me that I’m not smart enough and that I shouldn’t even bother trying to go to school. The angel keeps telling me that I am smart and that I can do whatever I put my mind to.

If I’m honest with myself, I know that I want to go to school. I want to have a shot at a bright future and not have to struggle the way my parents did when I was young. I think sometimes I just get scared that I won’t do well. But, I can’t live in fear. Bill Gates probably doesn’t. Ha!

Alright, back to searching for schools. This site has actually been really helpful for me – thanks for letting me vent like that. Hey, does anyone have any advice for someone looking for schools?

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If you’re searching for a job, you’re probably coming across a lot of openings that seem to suit your skills almost perfectly. It’s like there are tons of openings for oranges, but you’re more of a tangerine. Your skills are close to the ideal fit, but some small detail is slightly off.

What do you do?

On one hand, you don’t want to waste your time or get your hopes up on a job that’s not going to work out in the long run. On the other hand, you can’t let these opportunities pass you by. After all, you might be a tangerine right now, but who’s to say an employer wouldn’t spot your potential orange status?

Okay, I’ll put aside the silly food references and give you some solid tips for your resume. There are plenty of things you can do to get noticed by employers when your skills are almost, but not quite, a match.

1. Use a resume that emphasizes your experience. A functional resume will allow you to highlight the work experience you do have that most closely aligns with the position you’re applying for. List your job responsibilities according to what you think the employer will find most valuable to their organization.

2. Include a skill category to emphasize your unique strengths. This allows you to include information that may not be directly related to your work history. For example, how would someone looking at your resume know about your Microsoft Suite proficiency if your work history has been in landscaping? Make sure that you include your interpersonal skills as well. Employers seek out applicants who have the ability to work well with others.

3. Send a cover letter along with your resume. This is your chance to convince the employer that you can make valuable contributions to their company. Demonstrate that you have researched the company and your desired position by addressing the job description and what qualifies you. Concentrate only on what skills you will bring to the desired position. Do not reference skills you lack.

4. Demonstrate your ability to learn. If your skill set falls a bit short, use your resume to highlight instances where you have acquired a new skill. Or, sign up for a class at your local career or community college and include this in your cover letter.

5. Highlight your attributes. Your resume and cover letter are your chance to sell yourself. Make sure not to exaggerate your skills, but always concentrate on the value you will bring to an employer.

I’m always open to new, helpful ideas that can steer job seekers in the right direction. So, if you have any tips for people who are trying to find a job, send them in.

Or, if you have any questions, I’m happy to answer them. May all your job hunts be fruitful!

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Are you tired of just talking about getting a new job or career? Sometimes, it’s a good idea to sit back and listen to what employers are saying.

That’s what an employment services company called Manpower Inc. did. They surveyed more than 2,400 employers to find out what, and who, they’re looking for.

According to the survey, employers are struggling to fill positions in America. This isn’t because of a lack of candidates; we all know people who are struggling to find employment. In part, it’s because of a lack of talent. And when employers find people who fit the bill, they’re willing to flip the bill. People with the right skills and experience are seeing bonuses, pay incentives and higher salaries across the board. This has redefined what professions make up some of the best paying careers.

Listen to what employers are saying about some of the top 10 paying jobs. With the right training and experience, you could be on your way to one of America’s best careers.

Based on the findings of Manpower’s survey, the Top 10 Jobs For the Future are:

1. Sales representative
Education and qualifications: Usually, a 4-year degree is preferred. However, candidates who do not hold a 4-year degree can get a leg-up on the competition by demonstrating experience and a history of success in sales. Excellent communication skills are the deal maker when it comes to this career field.

2. Teacher
Education and qualifications: Education and training qualifications for teachers vary depending on the subject taught and the academic level. Teachers in technical and vocational schools may find that expertise in the subject matter may suffice, while other applicants may be required to hold a Ph.D.

3. Mechanic
Education and qualifications: Career colleges, vocational schools and some high schools offer formal training programs. However, many mechanics learn on the job through assisting those with experience.

4. Technician
Education and qualifications: Technical schools, career colleges and community colleges usually provide programs leading to an Associate degree in engineering technology. Creativity and good communication skills are necessary for success in this field.

5. Management/executive
Education and qualifications: Education and training qualifications depend on several factors like the size and specialty of the organization. Usually, employers are seeking a candidate with a proven track record of experience and usually a Bachelor’s degree or other advanced degree.

6. Truck driver
Education and qualifications: Career colleges offer training leading to the proper licensing. Employers are seeking candidates with clean driving records and the ability to handle machinery.

7. Driver/delivery
Education and qualifications: Employers are seeking candidates with valid driver’s licenses and clean driving records.

8. Accountant
Education and qualifications: Depending on the organization, education requirements can vary from professional certification or licensure to a Master’s degree. Employers are seeking candidates with proficiency in accounting and auditing computer software.

9. Laborer
Education and qualifications: Education for laborers, like those working in construction, usually entails on-the-job training or completion of an apprenticeship program.

10. Machine operator
Education and qualifications: Career colleges, vocational schools and community colleges offer training programs. Some machine operators learn on the job or through a formal apprenticeship.

Listening to what employers have to say can be one of the best move you make when you’re thinking about entering the workforce or changing your career. This Top 10 list was compiled from responses given by employers.

What are you hearing from businesses in your area? I’m interested in knowing what skills employers are looking for. And, as always, if you have any helpful hints, please drop me a line.

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I’ve talked to people of all age groups about their career paths. As you can imagine, these conversations fall into a broad range of categories – they come in as many shapes and sizes as there are job descriptions. The one thing that has remained constant has to do with dream jobs.

Usually, when I ask people what their dream job is, the only people who can answer definitively are under the age of nine. Of course, this makes sense since kids don’t have to worry about things like paying bills, or paying for their own child’s education. So, they’re free to give answers like “professional friend maker” if they want.

Really, though, if you think about it, we can learn a lot from children about getting a handle on our careers. What are kids doing that we don’t?

Play make-believe! If you’re waiting for inspiration to strike, you’re going to be waiting a long time. Don’t limit yourself! Stretch your imagination out and pretend that you’re working in your dream job. What does it look like? Try to look at it from as many angles as possible and then boil it down to key attributes.

Find a super hero. Children all have people they look up to, whether their hero’s are real or fictional, they all embody certain characteristics that they want to emulate. Who’s your professional hero? Find someone who actually has your dream job. Ask them how they got there and find out more about the job responsibilities.

Believe in your own ability. Remember when you actually believed adults when they told you that you can become anything you want to be? Guess what?! That’s still true. As adults, we tend to put all sorts of limitations on ourselves. We start to think that we aren’t capable of achieving certain goals and we get used to settling for less. Believing that you can land your dream job is more than half the battle.

Take tests. Children have to take tests and quizzes in school. They’re constantly being challenged to increase their competency levels and to demonstrate what they’ve learned. You can take some really helpful career assessment tests that can help you learn about jobs that suit your strengths, interests and personality. They can help you narrow down your dream job.

Choose your favorite subject! Whether it’s Art, English or Math, kids always have a favorite subject to study. What’s your’s? People who get to use their natural talents at work are usually more likely to love their jobs. Think about what you love to learn and then hit the books! Going back to school can sometimes put you on the fast track to your dream job.

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We’ve all heard people say that job hunting is like a job in and of itself. And, from what I’ve heard, it can be a full-time nightmare. But, we’ve all seen people who decide to change jobs and then manage to land a great position within a few weeks.

So, this made me start to wonder … why is it so easy for some people to find a job? And why do so many others have to send out countless resumes and feel rejected for months before they can find employment? Why do some people who are just as qualified as their “lucky-in-job-hunting” counterparts struggle to find jobs?

What are they doing differently?

So, I decided to take a look at what really works for people. I came up with a few job hunting tips based on what I found.

Networking: This was a big “light-bulb” moment for me. After talking with a few friends and doing some really unofficial research (mostly comprised of searching the web), I realized that people who are able to find jobs really quickly usually already have a solid network in place.

Everyone knows the old adage “it’s not about what you know, it’s about who you know.” It makes sense that people who keep in touch with other professionals automatically have a leg-up when it comes job hunting. Think about it. Wouldn’t it be nice if you could put your resume directly into the right hands?

D.I.Y. Networking
So, what about people who don’t already have a million strings to pull? The good news is that there are actually a lot of resources for creating a network of people who can potentially help you find a job.

Don’t discount your friends and family! Tell them you’re looking for a job. They know people, who know people. And, they care about you, so they’ll be likely to help you get the word out. Plus, a lot of jobs aren’t ever advertised – the only way you’ll ever hear about them is through word-of-mouth!

Join professional organizations. Lots of professions have groups that meet to network. You’ll have the chance to develop relationships with the right people who already hold jobs in companies you might be interested in joining. These organizations usually also provide helpful employment information about job listings and job placement.

Use Internet resources! Lots of job search sites have message boards. Get into conversations with other people who are trying to find employment. You can exchange job hunting tips and connect with a community of people who are all invested in a search similar to your own. There are also social networking sites like LinkedIn.com that specifically work toward connecting professionals. Use these resources – I know they’ve worked for a lot of people. You can also easily maintain these connections even after you’ve found a job. That way you’ll be one of those people who have a network in place when you need one.

Talk to schools in your area. There are probably lots of people at your college, or even your high school who can point you in the right direction. These folks know a lot of people in the community, so you might be able to tap into their network. You might find a career placement advisor who can help you find a job. You might also get advice on a program of study that could open a lot of doors for your future employment opportunities.

I know that there are tons of other effective job hunting methods out there. I’m interested in knowing what works for people. If you’ve got any job hunting advice you think might help people out, let us know!

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In the time you’ve spent looking for an educational opportunity to follow high school, you may have run across a lot of choices – from community colleges to universities. Another option is the career college – sometimes called a technical or vocational college.

The origin of the career college goes back over 100 years. Back then, not many people had a chance to go to a university. And many universities were exclusive to men. A career college offered people of different social classes (including women!) a chance to learn specific business skills that weren’t taught in school.

The first career college, according to many historians, was Foster’s Commercial School of Boston. Founded by Benjamin Franklin Foster in 1832, it was the first established school in the United States to specialize in training for commerce. By the mid-1830s, there were 15-20 private institutions in existence teaching business classes. The oldest private career school in continual operation in the U.S. is Duff’s Mercantile College (now called Everest Institute). Located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, it was established in 1841.

A career college focuses on teaching skills that are specifically required for a particular job. Whereas in a college or university you have core classes required for all students (such as freshman composition), career training programs usually include only courses pertaining to your field of study. In the early days, schools focused on business skills, such as accounting. Nowadays, career colleges may target information technology, healthcare, trade skills or culinary arts. Some schools offer a blend of programs, so you can choose what kind of program you want or even a specialization.

When you graduate from a career college program, you may be awarded with a diploma, a certificate or even a degree. The outcome depends on the program itself. Usually, career training is designed to get students into the workforce as quickly as possible. These programs result in a diploma or certificate. A career training program that offers an Associate or Bachelor’s degree usually takes longer but offers a more well-rounded education.

To decide if a career college is the right choice for you, think about the kind of work you hope to do and examine the educational requirements for that job. You’d be surprised at the number of jobs that don’t require a 2- or 4-year degree. If you are not interested in a traditional college education and your career path has training available, a career college might be right for you!

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Searching for jobs can be a whole lot easier when employers are already searching for you. Jobs in healthcare make up at least 5 of the fastest growing occupations, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics November 2007 Monthly Labor Review. That means that getting training in health care could take the ache out of your future job search. Check out the careers below that made the cut.

Dental assistants
What they do:
Dental assistants work closely with both dentists and patients. They perform a variety of patient care, office, and laboratory duties under the supervision of dentists. Assistants make patients comfortable and prepare them for treatment.

Getting the training you’ll need:
For the best opportunities, you can get training in dental assisting programs offered by community colleges, junior colleges, career colleges, trade schools, technical institutes, or the Armed Forces. Most dental assisting programs take 1 year or less to complete and lead to a certificate or diploma.

Dental hygienist
What they do:
Dental hygienists educate patients on good oral hygiene. On the job, they remove soft and hard deposits from teeth and provide preventive dental care. They examine patients’ teeth and gums, and record any diseases or abnormalities.

Getting the training you’ll need:
Most dental hygiene programs grant an associate degree, although some also offer a certificate, a bachelor’s degree, or a master’s degree. A minimum of an associate degree or certificate in dental hygiene is usually required for practice in a private dental office. Many career colleges offer dental hygienist programs.

Medical Assistants
What they do:
Medical assistants keep the offices of health practitioners running smoothly. They usually perform administrative and clinical tasks. However, the duties of medical assistants vary according to their place of employment.

Getting the training you’ll need:
Postsecondary medical assisting programs are offered in vocational-technical high schools, career colleges, postsecondary vocational schools, and community and junior colleges. Programs lasting 1 year usually result in a certificate or diploma. Training in 2-year programs usually results in an associate degree.

Pharmacy technicians
What they do:
Pharmacy technicians work closely with licensed Pharmacists to provide medication and other health care products to patients. The duties performed by pharmacy technicians working in retail or mail-order pharmacies vary according to state rules and regulations.

Getting the training you’ll need:
Although most pharmacy technicians continue to receive informal on-the-job training, employers favor those who have completed formal training and certification. Many career colleges and other postsecondary schools offer training programs leading to certification.

Physical therapist assistants
What they do:
Physical therapist assistants work closely with physical therapists and patients. Under the supervision of a physical therapist, they help provide treatment that improves patient mobility, relieves pain, and prevents or lessens physical disabilities of patients.

Getting the training you’ll need:
In many states, physical therapist assistants are required by law to hold at least an associate degree. Career colleges, community colleges and other postsecondary vocational schools offer programs that include both academic and hands-on clinical experience.

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How can you know for certain what you want to be when you “grow up”? I know I have been asking myself this since I graduated. How can I choose the right college? Is there even such a thing as choosing a college that is right for me? These are the questions that run through my mind every day. And I have all of the resources I need to figure out the age-old question: Where should I go to college?

With the invention of the Internet, the Worldwide Web has been used as the greatest research tool out there. I can look up college majors and school programs that will fit my needs. I have focused on career colleges. I want to learn a trade that is both rewarding and satisfying. Becoming a chef has been a dream of mine for years. And now I can turn my passion for food into an exciting career.

I don’t have to worry about dragging out my college career for 4 years. There are so many programs out there where I can earn my Associate degree and get to cooking!
The path for me was easy to choose, but for some it might be more difficult. You can learn more about career colleges at a number of web sites. I went to Search4CareerColleges.com, and I found a career college in my area that fits my needs.

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The right skill set helps you compete in the job market
Let’s be simple and honest: your education is an investment toward getting yourself into a higher earning bracket. You want your education to be a broad experience to provide a good foundation for a wider variety of job titles after you earn that degree. The thing to think about as you formulate your degree path is that it might be a good idea to build a blend of technological abilities and people skills to help you truly succeed. This will also help as you work your way into a new career that might not be everything you had at first hoped.

If you find you are headed in the wrong professional direction, start by examining your skills, work values and personal interests. Linking work to personal interests is the best way to find a satisfying job that you look forward to performing everyday.

Some facts to consider as you contemplate the switch
It’s easier to use your transferable functional skills to change industries than to make a radical career change - switching both your work role and the industry you inhabit. If you decide you want to work in a different industry, find out all you can about it. What are the technological requirements for performing the work? Who are the major players? Who are the suppliers? What is the client demographic? What’s the state of the business to business service sector? After identifying the answers to these key issues, you can start thinking about potential jobs and how you will fit in.

Consider these facts:
• Information and communication technology skills are becoming more important for most jobs. The ability to find, organize and communicate effectively is an invaluable skill in today’s business world.

• Focus on verbal literacy, mathematical literacy and document literacy.

• Interpersonal and self-directional skills: Learn to work both independently and with teams to maximize effectiveness on the job.

• Global awareness: The rise of the international market demands cross-cultural awareness and language skills.

• Business literacy: Think of every job as a business job.

• Civic literacy: Learn about the social issues that affect your area to help your business be a leader in your community.

Be honest about your change of heart
Once you’ve got some insight into the skills and abilities you most enjoy using and industries you might want to enter, it’s time to get practical. Career switchers often experience a pay decline. Decide if you can make this adjustment. If not, you must acknowledge the difficulty you will have adjusting to a more financially restricted lifestyle. Otherwise, if the primary thing you want from your job is compensation, then you forfeit the right to say the job isn’t stimulating as you earn the level of pay you desire.

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Once you stop applying for jobs and start searching for a career, you’ll need more than an application to get noticed. The key to getting an interview is to have a great resumé. Writing a quality resumé is no easy task. It takes planning, patience and several revisions.

1. Basics
The resumé is your way to put your best foot forward and get employers interested in you. Keep it short. This is just to introduce you; it’s not your autobiography. If you are just out of school, your resumé should be no more than a single page.

Obviously, the most important information on your resumé is your contact information. Don’t laugh! It’s amazing how many people forget to include this necessary information. Be sure the top of your resumé includes your:

• Name
• Home address (including city, state and ZIP)
• Phone number (including area code)
• E-mail address

2. E-mail Addresses
It’s important to remember that if you include an e-mail address, it should be professional. Your name (e.g. yourname@pro.com) is always appropriate. Your alias for playing video games (e.g. d3str0yer@netfan.com) is not.

3. Web Pages
As with the e-mail address, keep your web page professional. Treat it like an extension of your resumé. Don’t include a web address that could be considered unprofessional. Using a web site like http://www.i_h8_my_neighbor.com is a surefire way to never get an interview.

Even if you don’t include your web address on your resumé, some prospective employers may search for your name on the Internet and come across your page. Consider what kind of image you are projecting. Be businesslike, not social.

Don’t use your name on a web page that shows you partying or trying to get a date. Avoid personal pages that read like an open diary. Also, keep your name off of pages that champion your political or social beliefs. You never know what might offend an employer. In short, be completely professional wherever your name appears online.

4. Career Objective
The objective of your resumé is to get an interview, but what is your career objective? What is your 5-year plan? Let potential employers know up-front what your professional objectives are and how their position fits into your goal.

“My career goal is to utilize my programming skills in a corporate IT position.”

If you see the job as a mere stepping stone until something in your field opens up, keep your objective professional and generic, filling in the appropriate places with your personal details:

“My career objective is to use my [specific talents] in a [professional or creative] setting.”

Just remember to focus on what really matters to you. If you can’t write a good objective for the position you are applying for, perhaps it isn’t the right position for you.

5. Skills
Unless you have been working in your chosen field for awhile, it’s best to avoid a resumé that focuses on experience. Your summers working for a lawn service or your stint at the local burger joint are not likely to be applicable when you first enter the corporate world. Instead, you’ll want a resumé that will highlight your skills and make it possible for employers to see your potential.

Now is not the time to hide your light under a bushel. You need to let an employer see what you do well and how you can excel in the position you want. Brag, but in a professional tone, about all the things you know how to do.

List the skills you have learned that are applicable to the job for which you are applying. Skills should be at the top of your resumé, beneath your career objective. Be sure to use bullet points and action verbs when creating lists. Always start each line with a powerful verb. This will set your resumé apart from others. For example, your list could include:

• Familiar with Dreamweaver
• Experienced with HTML and CSS
• Adept at Photoshop and Adobe Creative Suite
• Proficient in all Microsoft Office products

Don’t fudge your experience. If you have no experience with ABC software, don’t tell them you do. It will probably come out in the interview and damage your chances of getting the job.

6. Experience
Now that you’ve hooked your potential employer with your skills, it’s time to discuss your experience. Be sure to list experience in reverse chronological order (most recent experience at the top). List any internships under experience, even if it was through your school.

What experience you should include is up to you. If you have a lot of small, part-time jobs, it might be best to choose only those that are relevant to the job you want. If you worked for years before getting your education, avoid listing any job more than 10 years old. Be aware of large gaps in your history. If you had no job for 3 years while you traveled Europe, be prepared to explain that gap.

7. Education & Certification
When listing your education, include the name of your college along with the city and state where it is located. Be sure to add your graduation date (or expected graduation date, if you are still taking classes).

If you received professional certification as a part of your education, be sure to list what certification you received. If you are in a profession (like nursing) where certification must be renewed periodically, include the dates of your certification.

Do not include your high school unless you have not attended any postsecondary education.

8. Professional Groups
If you still have room (remember, don’t go over one page if you’re just out of school!), it’s okay to let your prospective employer know a little bit about you. If you are involved with a professional organization, list it. Professional organizations might include professional associations, business organizations or chambers of commerce. Remember to list the dates of your involvement with the group and any position of importance you may have held.

9. Community Activities
Community activities showcase your interest in the surrounding area and let potential employers know you like to stay busy. Your best bet is to list any community activities (charity work, etc.) that showcase your professional skills. For instance, if you are applying for a job as a web designer and you are the web master for the local humane society, be sure to note it.

10. Honors
Don’t be shy! If you have received any professional awards, add them to your resumé. As with the skills list, remember to be professional and begin each line with an action verb:

• Won Best in Show for Design – 2007 Springfield Webbies
• Received Mach 5 Award of Excellence in Auto Repair – 2007

After you write your resumé, set it aside for a week. Come back later with fresh interest and look for weaknesses. Are there dates that don’t make sense? Could you pick a better word? If you have parents, teachers or mentors with business experience, have them look over the resumé. Ask them for honest feedback. Be prepared to revise your resumé several times.

When you are finished, you will have a resumé you should be proud to send to employers. Remember that your resumé is only a calling card. The goal is to get an interview and discuss your strengths with an employer face-to-face.

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