Search 4 career colleges

Be honest with yourself: Have you ever been in your office and thought “What is that terrible smell?” And then realized it was YOU? This, my friend, is an office no-no. And if you’re guilty of this major offense, who knows what else you may be doing to put off your co-workers.

Below is a list of 5 things you should never do at work (and maybe other places, too).

1. Take something that doesn’t belong to you. From your co-worker’s lunch to the box of paper-clips on your desk – stealing is obnoxious, wrong and unethical. Sure, you may think that the overtime you put in gives you an entitlement to free post-its, envelopes and staples, but it doesn’t.

2. Talk behind a co-worker’s back. Resist the urge to spread gossip at all costs. It’s a nasty habit that won’t get you anywhere – it certainly won’t get you promoted. Instead of making it your goal to know everyone’s personal business, make it your goal to know everything about your company’s business.

3. Take advantage of office technology. The copy machine, the computers, and the printers do not belong to you. Don’t create multiples of your resume, print off a copy of Wuthering Heights or spend tons of time writing and reading personal e-mail.

4. Hit on your co-workers. Sure, there are tons of stories about successful office romances. But, there are also tales of the embarrassed, the heart broken and the sexual harassment suit filers. If you absolutely must ask a fellow employee out, make sure you know your office romance policy, and don’t seek dates on the clock.

5. Show up with a fever and a snotty nose. Your coworkers might be happy that they don’t have to cover for you while you’re out sick, but that won’t last long. They’ll soon be irritated that they have to listen to you blow your nose, cough and sniffle all day long. Chances are, you’ll probably get others sick and they will resent you (you may also have to cover for them while they’re out sick).

Everyone is guilty of doing something that annoys their co-workers or goes against company policy. In today’s society, there are tons of rules and regulations, so it’s almost impossible not to. But in most cases, using common sense, sound judgment and a daily dose of deodorant will help you to steer clear of committing severe office no-no’s.

Do you have anything to add to this list? I’m interested in hearing helpful, funny and enlightening stories about your workplace experiences.

I recently wrote a blog that concentrated on the importance of career networking. It provided a few examples of methods you can use to build and maintain a network of professional support.

Knowing how to network is incredibly important – especially when you’re searching for a new job or career. And, knowing what NOT to do is just as important.

Here are a few networking tips on what NOT to do:

1. Don’t tell everyone! While it’s definitely a good idea to tell your friends and family that you’re interested in finding a new job, there are a few people with whom you shouldn’t be so forthcoming. Namely – all of your co-workers.

It makes sense that you may start to feel like your co-workers are trusted old friends after working with them for a good amount of time. Sure, you may even have in-depth water-cooler chats with Tom from HR on a daily basis. However, that does not make him a good person to talk with about your job search. Trust me, when it comes to your job search, people like Tom are not your allies. You’re better off keeping this information to yourself around the office.

2. Don’t advertise your job search on social networking sites! Even though networking groups like LinkedIn.com can be a great resource for career networking, if you’re currently employed, make sure your page doesn’t give “job hunting” as one of the reasons you’ve joined the site. That lets all of your professional connections know about your job search. And, if your current employer gets wind of this information, you may get the boot before you’ve found a new position.

3. Don’t use your real name online! If you’re searching for a new job, it’s a good idea to use a pseudonym on any web sites that might make you seem unprofessional. For instance, if your MySpace or Facebook page displays photographs of you partying, make sure you use a fake name. Many potential employers are in the habit of Googling their job candidates. So make sure that your name doesn’t ruin your chances for future employment. There’s nothing wrong with having fun with your personal pages – as long as you make sure to separate them from your professional pages.

Sometimes, job networking can be an art in subtlety. Make sure you’re talking to the right people, at the right times, at the right places. Does anyone have any other networking no-no’s to share?

You’re lucky. You enjoy the company you work for – so much, in fact, that you’d love to take on additional responsibilities and make greater contributions to the organization. That means it might be time for you to think about how to advance in your career.

Below are 8 helpful hints on how to get ahead at work.

1. Find your niche. Identify your interests and the areas in which you naturally excel. Then apply those to your company. Think about the kind of work you would enjoy performing in your new position. People who do what they love, love what they do.

2. Be vocal. Tell your superiors that you’re interested in taking on the additional responsibilities associated with the role you aspire to. After all, they’ll never know that you want to move up the company ladder if you don’t tell them. They may even help point you in the right direction by providing you with guidance and helping to establish goals.

3. Time it right! Make sure that you’ve proven yourself and your commitment to the company before bringing up the topic of promotion. Join committees, take on additional responsibilities and demonstrate your enthusiasm prior to bridging the subject.

4. Consider relocating. If the position you want is filled by a star company player, look into other divisions of your company. If you’re willing to move to pursue a new opportunity, you might make moving upward a whole lot easier.

5. Build a network. Identify people in your company who support you. Make sure that your coworkers have faith in your abilities and know that they can rely on you to come through. “Go-to” people make their way through the ranks more quickly than those who keep to themselves.

6. Ask for guidance. Find people who are working in positions similar to what you’re seeking. Ask them for suggestions on how you can advance your career in a similar direction.

7. Go to school. If you need additional skills, enrolling in school can help you get the tools you need to advance your career.

8. Get feedback. Ask your superiors for written evaluations on your performance.

Knowing what the big-wigs think of you will help you determine when it’s appropriate to ask for a promotion.

Getting a promotion can be very self-assuring. It lets you know that you’re on the right track and that you’re valued as an employee.

But, before you start moving up the company ladder, make sure that you’re headed in the right direction. A lot of people assume that any upward motion is positive. That’s not always the case. Before accepting a promotion, think carefully about whether you’ll be happy in the new role and whether it will benefit your long-term career goals.

If you have any other tips for our readers on how to get ahead at work, I’d love to hear from you.

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?

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!

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.

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.

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!

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!

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.