Resume Tips for the 21st Century

Your resume should serve as an organized and concise synopsis of who you are, the education, skills, and experience you bring to the table, and should also indicate where your career is headed. While this has always been true of resumes, the 21st century resume needs to be created using programs that support both traditional printed products as well as digital formats that translate well over the internet. With that in mind, here are 5 resume tips to help Bryant & Stratton students and graduates embark on a successful, 21st century career path.

Use your resources. The internet is a wonderful place to look for resume tips, and to view examples. However, if this is your first or second attempt at creating a professional resume, take advantage of your resources. Bryant & Stratton College offers free career services to our students and alumni. This includes:
Access to Resume Tools, a web-based application that allows you to create a resume, manage and edit it, present it to future employers, etc.
Optimal Interview, a program that allows you to interface with real-to-life, simulated interviews so you can practice and hone your answer strategies.

Some communities offer free career advisement through temp agencies and employment centers. Take advantage of these services as you tailor your professional resume and portfolio.

Paper and Digital. You will want to have your resume available in both paper and digital formats. One copy on MS Word is not sufficient. There are times where MS Word documents do not translate across varying digital platforms. This means your resume may come through with incorrect punctuation or random symbols. You may want to invest in an HTML copy of your resume so you can feel confident it will be viewed as you intended.
Make sure it’s manageable. HR professionals are often inundated with resumes once a job opening is posted. To keep your resume easily scannable, limit the content to one or two pages. Stick to an easily legible business font, such as Arial, Georgia, or Times New Roman. Also, limit your use of bold or italics as these don\’t always scan well. You want your resume to be as easy to read and understand as possible.
Use concise keyword phrases. The Wall Street Journal reports that 50 percent of applicants don\’t have the skills advertised for by recruiters. In order to cut through the fluff, the majority of Fortune 500 companies and other large businesses are using applicant tracking systems to weed out mismatched applicants. These tracking systems are high-tech scanners that only forward resumes with the right skills, work experience-related keyword phrases the recruiters and HR staff are looking for. The more clear and concise you are, using specific job skills, accomplishments, and work experience-oriented phrasing, the better chance your resume has of making the cut.
Use effective hyperlinks. Since so many resumes are digital, you can use hyperlinks to add depth to your content. The resume should be the skeleton of who you are in terms of goals, objectives, experience and accomplishments. Then, you can hyperlink to your website, your LinkedIn profile with stunning recommendations, any published work, etc. within your digital resume. Or, consider using a QR Code next to your name and have it link to an expanded, web-based CV.

Finally, your resume should serve as a marketing document, targeting a specific audience. Be prepared to have multiple versions, each one tailored to a particular sector of the job market. Contact Bryant & Stratton College to learn more resume tips for your 21st century resume.

Guide to Becoming a Successful Administrative Assistant

Did you know that successful Executive Administrative Assistants work in nearly every industry, from agriculture and manufacturing, to education and Fortune 500 companies. Administrative assistants often make the first impression on prospective clients, and they provide critical administrative support so fellow employees and upper-level management can do their jobs effectively.

The administrative assistant goals you have set now can help you enjoy a successful lifetime career. Here are some administrative assistant goals you can work toward to land a job at your dream company.

Goals and Objectives for Administrative Assistants

Get an education. There was a time where a high school diploma or GED was enough to get a job as a secretary and work your way up to an administrative assistant position. This is no longer the case in a competitive job market and a society in which going to college is becoming the norm, rather than the exception. According to O*Net Online, more than 50% of administrative assistants employed in the U.S. have some type of college education, and that figure is as high as 67% for executive-level secretaries and administrative assistants.

Bryant & Stratton College offers an AAS in Office Management that will show employers you have what it takes to set goals and accomplish them. Your diploma will also demonstrate your proficiency with modern office technology. After taking our administrative assistant classes, you will be eligible to take the Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) Certification exams for Word®, PowerPoint®, Excel®, Outlook®, and Access®.

Look for an entry-level position. If you are currently in high school, or have the flexibility to get a new job, try to obtain an entry-level receptionist or secretary position at a local company. In addition to determining whether or not an administrative assistant position is right for you, you will also be gaining valuable work experience that will prepare you for your future career. In addition, the positive impression you make in an entry-level position will gain favorable referrals and recommendations that will help you get that next great job.

Some employers will help to finance your education if they are happy with your work and want to support your professional development. If you aren’t able to make a job change right now, that’s fine too. Our online degree program is flexible and fits around your current work schedule.

Be flexible. Speaking of being flexible, flexibility is another administrative assistant goal that should not be taken lightly. Modern innovation is such that the technology you learn and use today might be considered outdated within just a few years. Your ability to adapt to new technology and work theories, and your willingness to continue your training and education will be invaluable to your employers.

Also, the demands placed on an administrative assistant can be overwhelming at times. More than almost any other position in the company, your day-to-day work responsibilities can be incredibly varied. From greeting new customers and top-level clientele, to making last minute coffee or lunch runs, there is almost no task too big or too small for an administrative assistant. Your flexibility will allow you to handle each task with grace.

Contact the Admissions Office at Bryant & Stratton College if you are interested in pursuing a career as an administrative assistant. Our friendly admissions counselors will work closely with you to help you attain your administrative assistant goals

Career Outlook: What is a Virtual Assistant?

Graduates of the Office Management degree program at Bryant & Stratton College are prepared for a number of career options, including working as a Virtual Assistant in a number of business settings.

If you’re starting or in the middle of administrative assistant training, you may be thinking about what you’ll do after graduation (if you’re not, then you should!). Becoming a virtual assistant might be a good option for you. Virtual Assistant working at computer

What is a virtual assistant?

A virtual assistant is a contract worker that businesses can hire to perform a variety of administrative duties. Virtual assistants operate as their own business, building a client base and working remotely from a home office or an independent workspace. Working as a virtual assistant allows for greater schedule flexibility, and gives individuals the opportunity to specialize in the areas of administrative work that they enjoy the most.

Interested in this unique career path? Here’s what you need to know about becoming a virtual assistant.

What are the roles and responsibilities of a virtual assistant?

Virtual assistants handle a variety of administrative and business tasks, depending on their client base. These tasks may include:

Writing business newsletters, and other communications tasks
Making phone calls, scheduling appointments and sending emails
Updating social media accounts for a brand or business
Managing website content and web design

Many virtual assistants choose to specialize in a particular area, such as web design or social media management.

What is the benefit of hiring a virtual assistant?

Many business owners choose to contract with a virtual assistant because they do not need the support of a full-time employee, but rather, someone to manage a few certain tasks. Hiring a virtual assistant is more affordable because the business is not responsible for providing office space, equipment or benefits. These eliminated costs also benefit the virtual assistant, as they generally make more money per hour than a traditional administrative assistant would.

What is the virtual Assistant salary?

Because virtual assistants are self-employed, salaries vary. According to payscale.com, virtual assistants can make between $21,372 – $64,066 depending on where they are located and their level of experience.

How does working as a virtual assistant differ from traditional employment?

As a virtual assistant, you have more control over your schedule and workload. You decide how big of a client base you would like to maintain, which hours you will work, and what types of services you would like to provide. Location and commute are not an issue, making it an ideal profession for highly mobile individuals (for example, military spouses). But the freedom of self-employment also brings the burden of self-motivation. This role requires someone who is a self-starter, so work gets done and clients remain happy.

What training and skills are required?

There is no formal training required to become a virtual assistant. However, virtual assistants do need the skills and a certain level of knowledge to be successful.

Administrative & Communication Skills: In order to provide a quality service, and build a client base, a virtual assistant must have strong communication skills, and be able to perform administrative tasks.
Office Technology Skills: Technology knowledge is also a must, as you will use a variety of online tools in order to communicate with and perform work tasks for your clients.
Business and Accounting Skills: It is also important to have a certain level of business savvy, as you are essentially running your own business. Understanding how to network, handle clients, and manage your finances are all necessary skills in order to be successfully self-employed.

Having formal administrative assistant training through a certification or degree program can help you hone these skills, and give potential clients proof of your experience and professional know-how.

If you are considering pursuing self-employment as a virtual assistant, online schooling can be a good choice especially if you are on the move or have time commitments restricting your access to on-campus courses. For more information on administrative assistant courses at Bryant and Stratton, click here. Ask about our online course options.

Government Jobs for Criminal Justice Studies Majors

There are many types of jobs you can earn with a Criminal Justice Studies degree, most of them depend on your interests and specialties. Regardless of the career path you choose you will likely start your career in the public sector. Many entry-level jobs for criminal justice majors are in local, state or federal governments so understanding the differences between these levels of governments could be helpful in thinking about where you want to work after graduation.

One of the key differentiators between the different levels of government is geographic jurisdiction – or the physical range of the government’s authority. Local governments have the smallest jurisdiction, typically limited to a single city or county. If you are employed by a local government your roles and responsibilities would only pertain to a small area of activity. Some criminal justice professions you find at the city or county level are:

Police officers
Legal assistants who work for a county courthouse
Security Guards in the Mayor’s Office or courthouse.

State governments typically oversee local governments and activities that impact the state as a whole. Examples of employment at the state level include:

Corrections officer at a state facility
Legal assistant in the State Courthouse.
State Trooper

Federal employees deal with problems, issues and laws affecting the entire nation, like border security or the transportation security administration. Jobs at the federal level include:

Border Patrol
Park Ranger (with relevant experience)
Paralegal Specialist with Homeland Security

Another big difference in working for these different levels of government is how close you will be to the people you potentially serve. Employees of local governments often get to see the impact of their work in their own communities. But, they also may hear criticisms from neighbors or family member about actions taken by their employer. State and federal workers often have greater distance between the people they serve and where they live, in part because the populations affected are much bigger than at the local level.

As you move through your criminal justice studies degree at Bryant & Stratton College think about not only what type of job you want after graduation but also the setting. You’ll be spending a great deal of your week at your job so you want to make sure it is somewhere you will feel challenged, be able to put your skills to work and that will be conducive to your productivity.

Bryant & Stratton College offers an associate degree in Criminal Justice Studies along with diploma programs that focus on the criminal justice field. If you are interested in learning about any of the programs at Bryant & Stratton College, please call 1.888.447.3528 to speak with an admissions representative.

Five Tips for Setting and Achieving Career Goals

The definition of success is different for everyone. This is why setting goals for your education and future career is so important. Without a plan of where you want to go and how you’re going to get there, it’s difficult to accomplish anything. A healthy dose of willpower doesn’t hurt either.

The task of setting goals and holding oneself accountable should be nothing new to college students who attend, as it requires them to be self-starters, find their own source of motivation, and work at their own pace to get coursework done.

If you are in the process of setting career goals for yourself, here are five tips you can use to make sure you can follow through and accomplish them.

1. Be specific.

When identifying your goals, it’s important to be specific about what you want to achieve. Vague statements like, “I want to be more successful,” make it impossible for you to determine whether or not you have met your goal. More specific goals, like “I want to find a new job,” are easier to visualize and obtain. When possible, set measurable goals – set a time frame and/or specify amounts for your intention.

2. Be positive.

When framing your goal, it’s better to think positive. For example, when setting a standard for your academic performance, instead of saying, “I don’t want to fail any classes” or “I won’t get in to that program with my grades” say “I aim to get at least a 3.0 GPA” or “I can take a make-up course and meet the requirements”. Putting yourself in a positive mindset will help you stay motivated and enthusiastic about your ambitions.

3. Be realistic.

Don’t set yourself up for failure. Identify and choose goals that are challenging, but within your reach. Prioritize a few main goals rather than spreading yourself too thin. Willbpower is like a muscle, and if you try to achieve too many things at once, you just might get “fatigued” and sabotage your chances of achieving any of them. Break each goal into steps, or mini-goals, to make the tasks seem less daunting so they are easier to complete.

4. Make connections between actions and goals.

Once you have decided what you would like to accomplish, it’s important to identify how you will get there. Tying actions to each goal not only helps you build a road map to success, but also verifies that the goal is obtainable.

5. Assess and revise accordingly.

It’s important to have a certain degree of flexibility with the goals that you set. Your aspirations, as well as your circumstances, are likely to change at any point after long-term goals are set. Assess and revise your goals as these changes arise in order to make sure you are working toward something you actually want.

If your path to career success includes pursuing a college degree, Bryant & Stratton College might be for you. Our programs aim to help students achieve their academic goals and prepare for career success after graduation.

Interested in learning more about the online degree programs offered by Bryant & Stratton College? Call 1.888.447.3528 to speak with an admissions representative.

UVM Oaxaca Travel Program Sparks Alumna’s Interest in Immigration Law

Traveling to Oaxaca forced Amber Attalla to question her confidence in governmental policies and the media. It also changed her life.

Attalla, who graduated from UVM in 2011 with a degree in psychology and participated in the Oaxaca Semester Abroad Program, is now a student at the University of Maine School of Law. In November, she volunteered at an immigration detention camp in Artesia, New Mexico, where women and children — who fled domestic and gang violence in El Salvador, Honduras, and Guatemala — were incarcerated after crossing the Southwest border

The conditions were shocking to witness and devastating for the women and children to experience, Attalla says. Children as young as infants were among the detainees. Nearly every child Attalla met with was sick with flu-like symptoms, noting that mothers reported that their children had lost weight and were having nightmares, according to Attalla’s recent interview with the Bangor Daily News.

Attalla spent a week at the Artesia center and was one of two legal representatives from the law school to travel to the southwest in the wake of a humanitarian crisis along the US-Mexico border. Attalla minored in Spanish at UVM and is fluent in the language, allowing her to act as legal counsel to the detainees under the supervision of practicing attorneys.

What troubled her the most was how attorneys for the US Department of Homeland Security had portrayed the detainees — women and children — as terrorists.

We talked to the 25-year-old law student about how the UVM Oaxaca Semester Abroad Program helped shape her views on immigration law and why immigration policy is one of the most severe human and civil rights issues of our time.

Interview on Oaxaca Travel and Policy

You first traveled to Oaxaca, Mexico as an undergraduate at UVM. How did your time in Oaxaca open your eyes to the complexities and unfairness of immigration law and international policy? Did you decide to pursue a law degree after traveling to Oaxaca?

My time in Mexico, if nothing else, made me realize how little about the world I actually know. It has forced me to question every headline I read and every broad categorization I hear about an issue. It made me want to learn more about our country’s immigration laws, because I saw from my time in Mexico that what we see and hear about the issue is extremely distorted.

Oaxaca, Mexico

My time and experiences in Oaxaca were also life changing and guided my future decisions, including going to law school and developing an interest in immigration law. Living in Mexico was an eye-opening experience and allowed me to see first-hand the effects of international and US policy on communities in Mexico, which are intrinsically tied to the driving forces behind our nation’s migration patterns.

About 700 women and children were picked up in south Texas by US Customs and Border Patrol officers last year. They were then turned over to US Immigration and Customs Enforcement and ended up at the Artesia detention center, according to news reports. Originally held in facilities in Texas, the detainees — women, as well as children under the age of 17, who had no criminal records — were moved to the Artesia center last summer. Can you describe the work you were doing to help the detainees?

We [Attalla and another Maine law student] prepared the women for bond hearings and represented them before immigration judges who sat in Denver, along with the government lawyers, and appeared in Artesia by video conference. We each saw between five and 10 clients every day.

Once a cash bail was set and paid, a woman and her children could be released. Bail ranged between $4,000 and $12,000. Most went to live with a relative until a hearing could be held to determine if she qualified for asylum. If so, she can stay in the US, obtain a work permit and a job, and eventually apply for citizenship. If not, she and her children face deportation and a return to the exact conditions they fled in the first place.

According to a Bangor Daily News article, the conditions at Artesia sounded extremely difficult. Why don’t more people in the United States know about the conditions these women and children people are living in? Why are there the assumptions that these women are “terrorists,” rather than victims of domestic or gang violence?

I think that observation is the precise point that makes the situation so appalling. The lack of transparency and the mischaracterization by the media dilutes awareness of what is, in my opinion, one of the most severe human and civil rights issues of our time.

Amber Attalla spent a week volunteering at detention camp in New Mexico.

I could never have imagined that a system of family imprisonment could become commonplace in this country. Unfortunately, the reason I couldn’t have imagined it is because the information is simply not widely available, and the information that is available is distorted by media bias.

The categorization of these women and children as “national security threats” is based on the need for the government and others in opposition to justify otherwise frivolous, harmful, and costly detention (paid to private corrections companies).

There is outrage among human rights organizations, the ACLU, and legal professionals, but I think the current state of the heated immigration debate in our country has created a bias of hatred and resentment that shields many individuals in our country from seeing this as a humanitarian crisis.

Any plans to return to the Artesia center to volunteer?

The Artesia detention center closed, and all of the families that remained were transferred to a new facility in Dilley, Texas, which has a much greater housing capacity. I am hoping to fundraise in the next couple of months so that I am able to go to Texas in the spring to volunteer at the Dilley Center.

Did your experience in New Mexico make you re-evaluate how immigration lawyers can make a difference?

I was definitely compelled by the experience, and it alleviated any doubts I previously had about pursuing a future career in law. I was able to see how access to legal counsel and effective advocacy can change someone’s life.

I was especially moved by the experienced attorneys I was working with, many of whom had left their practices back home and were using vacation time and their own funds to travel to Artesia and work 15+ hours a day as volunteers. It was inspiring to see both the dedication and outrage among the legal community about what is happening.

How has your volunteer work at the immigration center changed you?

My experience in New Mexico provided me with even greater motivation to be the best advocate that I can be. I wouldn’t say that I will necessarily approach my work differently. Rather, I feel that the experience gave me more exposure and insight into the factors that influence the need to flee one’s country and seek protection under our country’s asylum laws. I think that the exposure will certainly be helpful in terms of being a better attorney for my clients

Health Care Finance Raises Many Questions in Reform Debate

By Steven Kappel

Health care in the United States has been one of the most complex and contentious public policy issues for the last 100 years (Teddy Roosevelt’s 1912 presidential campaign included a call for a national health care system). While the organization and delivery of care have often been a part of reform discussions, financing has most often been the central reform issue, with proposals ranging from a single payer to more competition.

Most obviously, financing is a question because of the economic impact of health care. About one-sixth of the entire United States economy is accounted for by health care, from hospitals to pharmaceutical manufacturers. Even more striking than the size of the health care economy is the rate at which it is growing. In 1960, health care accounted for just over 5 percent of the U.S. economy. By 1990, that figure was 12.5 percent. In 2011, health care was 17.9 percent of the U.S. economy, putting pressure on wages and prices throughout the entire economy.

However, the overall cost of care and its rate of growth are only part of the problem. How those costs are distributed across the population is an equally important and difficult question. Should wealthier individuals pay more than those with fewer resources? Should behavioral choices such as smoking affect contribution?

These questions are mirrored when we think about payment for health services. How should payments be calculated, both within a specific profession (primary care physicians and surgeons) and across professions (nurse practitioners and physicians)? Should the amount paid for a service reflect its value (to the patient? to society?), or the cost to produce it?

Ultimately, the question that lives at the heart of the reform debate – like many other public policy questions – is who gets what when? Put in slightly different terms, who says no? Health care financing is always a balancing act between what we want or need and what we can afford (and who that “we” is). How should that balance be maintained and whose responsibility is it? Government? Private insurers? Do we prefer a market solution – by which we manage this balancing act in many areas of our lives? Or is health care something different, like education – something to which we as citizens have some level of entitlement? Is this entitlement limited or unlimited?

While financial questions are often defined arithmetically, financing questions in health care also have a powerful ethical dimension. Do we have obligations to others? If so, how do we choose to structure those obligations? As Richard Lamm, former Governor of Colorado has said, “Making a budget is the deepest expression of one’s values and priorities.”

Is Criminal Justice Studies Right For You?

The field of criminal justice can be attractive to anyone interested in how justice is dispensed in the US and around the world. Earning a degree in Criminal Justice Studies from Bryant & Stratton College is the perfect way to pursue a career in the field of criminal justice.

The right program is a mix of finding the right fit for your personality, academic habits and needs, qualified instructors, and the flexibility and structure needed for your unique situation. To help you think through some important characteristics for a degree program, we’ve identified four questions for you to answer.

What degree level is best?
There are a lot of career paths that start with earning a criminal justice studies degree. But, there are differences depending on what degree-level you choose. An associate degree in criminal justice studies will give you a broad understanding of the U.S. criminal justice system by studying its aspects including law enforcement, courts, corrections and private security. A diploma in Criminal Justice and Security Services provides the key foundation for students to pursue jobs in security while also having the opportunity to continue their education with an associate degree if they so choose.

What is your best learning environment?
Some people like to learn on their own and to set their own schedule to work around an existing job, raising a family or other responsibilities. Others like to very structured environments and sitting in a classroom with a teacher and other students. If the first scenario appeals to you then earning a criminal justice studies degree online might make sense. Online degrees offer flexibility to choose set your own schedule, as there is not set class to attend each week. To figure out whether an online classroom or a traditional environment is best for you, spend some time thinking about your life, your weekly schedule and your learning habits.

Is there balance in what skills are being taught?
A good criminal justice studies degree will offer a balance between theoretical training, practical knowledge and soft skills development. The first two types of knowledge in that list may be assumed but don’t underestimate the value of the last category. Employers across all field are increasingly looking for new hires with strong soft skills. In field related to criminal justice the ability to work with people of diverse backgrounds, curiosity, analytical skills and good problem solving are all important. Be sure to think about what kind of soft skills are being cultivated in the programs you are considering.

How much field experience do the instructors have?
There are a lot of changes taking place in the domestic justice, legal and security systems. Instructors who have spent time teaching as well as working in the field can offer unique insights the most current information and best practices in criminal justice. Seasoned professionals can also be helpful in building a job search network when you get closer to graduation.

If you’d like to learn more about earning a degree in Criminal Justice Studies at Bryant & Stratton College, call 866-948-0571 today!

5 Ideas for Making Your Return to College a Success

There are 37 million Americans who started college but dropped out before they earned a degree. Since a college degree is still important to increasing earning potential and job security some of these people may be considering filling out an application for college and going back to school.

For those adults going back to school, it’s a big step forward. But, it’s not without challenges. The National Center for Education Statistics reports that only 28 percent of adult students (those who are 25 years or older) complete college. So what’s holding these people back from reaching their goal?

There are a lot of factors and everyone is different. A Pew Research Center study found among those surveyed who did not have a four-year college degree and who were not currently enrolled in college, two-thirds attributed the lack of a degree to needing to support their family instead. Other research from organizations like Apollo Research Institute uncovered reasons such as anxiety about not spending time with friends/loved ones, worrying about intellectual ability to complete coursework, and experiencing stress because class interferes with normal routine, as challenges people face in earning a degree.

The top reason college students drop out however continues to be financial. Paying for college is a big undertaking and can seem almost impossible, especially if someone has other financial obligations. Yet, investing in a college degree can still be a great driving force when it comes to getting and retaining employment. According to the Hamilton Project, over a lifetime of work, a college graduate with a bachelor’s degree would earn over $500,000 more than an individual with just a high school diploma.

So, if you’re one of the 37 million people with some college credit but no degree don’t lose heart when faced with the challenge of returning to school. Knowing why you are going to apply for college and keeping your long-term goals in mind will aid your efforts. Here are some other tips that will help too:

Think about why you dropped out initially. Identifying the reason or reasons that prevented you from earning a degree the first time will help you think about what you need to do differently this time around.
Research all your financial options to find financial aid for college including scholarships for returning students or moms going back to school, grant programs and student loans. With student loans be sure you know exactly what you are signing up for and don’t use the money for non-school related purposes.
Ask a lot of questions before you apply for college. Make sure you understand what kind of instructors are at the school, whether they have the right degree program for you and whether there is specific support for adult students.
Start using a calendar. Going back to school while balancing a job or family obligations can be tough. You are going to need all your time management skills to stay on top of things. Use a paper or online calendar to keep track of school assignments, tests and other important items as well as schedule regular study slots so you can stay committed to your degree.
Get your support team onboard. Everyone needs a little bit of help. This could mean asking your spouse or your kids to chip in at home, finding a study buddy in class or talking to your instructors and academic advisor about getting academic support. Wherever you need help, make sure you get it before it’s too late to matter.

Going back to school is a commitment that’s worth making. At Bryant & Stratton College, we offer online classes that are outcomes-based in a flexible and personalized environment which can be a great fit for adult students. If you are interested in learning more about the online degree programs offered by Bryant & Stratton College, please call 1.888.447.3528 to speak with an admissions representative.

Paralegal Career Guide

If you are considering pursuing a career as a paralegal or legal assistant, you’re not alone – according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for this position is expected to grow by 8 percent between 2014 and 2024, resulting in 21,200 new jobs during that time span. While the demand for paralegal professionals continues to grow, the job market remains extremely competitive. Accordingly, it’s important to understand the roles, work environment and level of expectations for paralegals and legal assistants.

Here is a quick run-down of the facts you need to know about what it takes to work as a paralegal.

What does a paralegal do?

Your role and responsibilities as a paralegal will likely vary depending on your place of employment. However, paralegals and legal assistants are generally responsible for supporting lawyers by maintaining file systems, doing legal research, and drafting cover letters and other legal documents. Developing your administrative, organizational and communication skills is a must. You also will likely serve as the first point of contact for new clients to your organization, so being personable is an additional helpful skill to have.

Where do paralegals work?

By and large, paralegals work for law firms and legal organizations. However, there are also a variety of paralegal positions available in legal departments for corporations. Banks, insurance companies and real estate agencies are just a few examples of companies that often hire paralegals and other legal professionals in-house. According to the BLS, most paralegal positions are full-time.

What level of training and education is required?

Currently, there are no concrete training or education requirements for paralegals – this will vary from organization to organization. Most paralegal professionals have an associate’s degree or a certificate in paralegal studies, which can be earned via traditional schooling or an online degree program.

You may also choose to become certified through a national paralegal organization, such as the National Association for Legal Assistants (NALA). Paralegal professionals can earn their certification by successfully completing the exam offered by the association. Some associations, like NALA, offer an advanced exam in addition to the basic certification – earning an advanced certification allows you to specialize in a particular area of law.

What is the job outlook for paralegal and legal assistant positions?

While employment for paralegals and legal assistants is expected to continue to grow in the coming years, it is still a very competitive field. Professionals who are experienced and formally trained will have the best chance of finding a job.

Thinking of pursuing a degree in paralegal studies? Bryant & Stratton College offers an associate’s program for paralegal studies, in addition to a variety of online degree programs. Want more information? To speak with an admissions representative, call 1.800.895.1738.

Career Insight: Hospitality Management

Hospitality management careers are exciting, fast-paced and have a variety of paths. Many hospitality management jobs involve traveling, anticipating customer needs, entertainment, as well as juggling every detail of an event, the customer experience and facility operations. Few of these jobs are 8 – 5; the hours are long and the work week is rarely limited to weekdays. However, hospitality managers enjoy many employee benefits during time off, like travel, lodging and meals at extremely discounted prices.

One area in this industry that is expanding is meeting, convention and event planning.

“Applicants for our scholarship program for event services has grown from a handful a few years ago to a huge number every year,” said Julie Pingston, President of the Event Service Professional Association.

“A bachelor’s degree in hospitality management is becoming required for jobs more and more, but people can also transfer in from other fields,” she said. With that, the pay has also risen. Larger organizations have more positions that offer opportunities to grow from [frontline management] to middle management and even executive level,” she said.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for meeting, convention and event planners was $46,840in 2015 and the job outlook for the following 10 years is 10%, which is faster than the average growth rate of all other occupations. http://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/meeting-convention-and-event-planners.htm

These professionals usually work onsite at hotels and convention centers to coordinate all aspects of professional meeting and events, such as choosing meeting locations, arranging transportation and planning activities.

“What makes this so attractive to me is that every event has something unique about it I can solve. One day I may find a player piano for the venue, on another day I might resolve a very complicated parking situation and on another day I might have to create the perfect menu at the right price,” Pingston said.

Other careers in hospitality management include:

Lodging Managers. For a median annual pay of $45,810, they ensure that guests have a pleasant experience at hotels, resorts, boarding houses and other lodging establishments while running the establishment efficiently and profitably. About 39 percent of them were self-employed in 2012 and there will be little or no change (1 percent) in employment in through 2022. http://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/lodging-managers.htm

Food Service Managers manage the daily operations of restaurants, hotel, schools, etc. This includes, inventory, preparation, safety compliance, budget and customer service. The median annual salary in 2012 was $47,960 and about 40 percent of them were self-employed. The job outlook, at 2 percent, will barely change. http://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/food-service-managers.htm

Travel and Tourism Managers hold jobs like travel agents, cruise directors and tour managers. They oversee all aspects of travel such as, booking trips, entertainment, staff, budget, sales, etc., for an annual pay between $32,000 and $124,616, according to hcareers.com. http://www.hcareers.com/us/resourcecenter/tabid/306/articleid/573/default.aspx

Casino Managers, the most lucrative in the industry, manage all operations of casinos, including customer relations, facility management, entertainment, security, etc. in states where gambling is legal. The annual salary, according to hcareers.com is $124,618 and up. Most of these managers work their way their way up through the ranks into management. http://www.hcareers.com/us/resourcecenter/tabid/306/articleid/573/default.aspxThinking of pursuing a degree in hospitality management? Bryant & Stratton College has several hospitality programs to get you started. Want more information? Click here to learn about a degree in hospitality.

Bryant & Stratton College Launches EmployableYOU™

Bryant & Stratton College announced that it will roll out EmployableYOU™ this winter — a focus on employability providing a guided experience that prepares students for the dynamics of the changing workplace.

EmployableYOU goes beyond traditional academic theory and textbook learning by enhancing important workplace capabilities such as teamwork, persistence, managerial potential, fiscal responsibility, technology skills, and literacy skills. EmployableYOU embeds these competencies into the curriculum for all students and provides students with ample opportunity to learn, master, and demonstrate these important work skills within every course in their program of study. Bryant & Stratton College has developed EmployableYOU in response to a critical need to create more meaningful connections between higher education and the workplace.

According to a 2013 survey by Bryant & Stratton College and Wakefield Research, 80 percent of 18-34 year olds believe they are job-ready and possess all the skills, experience, and education needed to advance in their desired career path or obtain their next job. In contrast, a study by McKinsey & Company found that almost 40 percent of employers planning to hire have had openings for six months or more. These employers attribute their inability to fill the openings to a lack of skills, qualifications, and training in entry-level applicants.

“Employers expect applicants to be job-ready in their knowledge and use of technology and in their communication and critical thinking skills,” said Cindy Susienka, President and CEO of Bryant & Stratton College. “However, employers tell us that many students entering the job market are behind in these important attributes. That is why we created EmployableYOU.”

By integrating career-related connections with classroom study, Bryant & Stratton College draws a powerful correlation between the classroom and the authentic work of each discipline. The newly launched EmployableYOU combines course content across the College with real-world activities and workplace competencies to develop skills that will help students to be successful in their careers.

“EmployableYOU is so much more than writing a resume and doing mock interviews. This experience is embedded into the curriculum. It builds tighter connections between theory-based learning in the classroom and the real-world needs of the workplace,” said Beth Tarquino, Chief Academic Officer.

“While career readiness has been at the heart of Bryant & Stratton College’s mission for the past 160 years, EmployableYOU addresses the needs of employers by putting academic study in the context of on-the-job career requirements in every class. EmployableYOU helps students gain confidence in their ability to articulate and demonstrate essential workplace knowledge, skills and abilities leading to success at every step.”

Under this fully integrated classroom-to-workplace experience, students develop and assess their career-related skills and embedded workplace capabilities by immersing themselves in their field of study. In this safe learning environment, students continue to practice and hone their skills while completing required courses. Students transfer their learning to employment preparation activities including portfolio preparation, mock interviews, resume writing, and internship/practicum experiences while leveraging placement resources.

To ensure that EmployableYOU is aligned to current workplace needs, Bryant & Stratton College has actively solicited the input from the employer community. The College’s commitment to fostering these critical relationships was evidenced by last month’s Employability Summit, where Bryant & Stratton College convened educator and employer stakeholders to create actionable solutions to the challenges employers are experiencing around workforce development.

To view a webcast of Bryant & Stratton’s recent Employability Summit, visit https://www.bryantstratton.edu/employability-summit/. To learn more about Bryant & Stratton College and EmployableYOU, go to https://www.bryantstratton.edu.

About Bryant & Stratton College Bryant & Stratton College is a private career college that provides career relevant education with a focus on employability and student success in a personalized environment. The College is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, which is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education, and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. Bryant & Stratton College has campus locations in New York, Ohio, Virginia and Wisconsin, as well as an Online Education division, and a Professional Skill Center. For 160 years, Bryant & Stratton College has offered students access to career relevant education leading to bachelor′s degrees, associate′s degrees and professional certificates in the fields of business, criminal justice, design, financial services, healthcare, hospitality, human resources, paralegal studies and information technology. General information can also be found on the College′s website at https://www.bryantstratton.edu.

Four Practices for Prioritizing Your To-Do-List

When you’re enrolled in online school or working at your job (or maybe both), one of the key tenets to good time management is being organized.

Typically this means creating a to-do list. But, if you’re like most people your ongoing to-do list can get to be multiple pages (or screens) long. Sometimes it can be long enough that you simply throw in the towel and decide to catch up on you DVR full of The Bachelorette instead. But a tiny twist to your approach could help. Making your list is step one, but learning how to prioritize that list is just as important. Try out some of the ideas below and you’ll be surprised how much you get done in one day.

Be honest Understanding the difference between what you think is important and what is truly important is, well, important. We’d all like to think we’re Superwoman (or man) but there is only so much you can truly get done in one day. Figure out what absolutely has to get done that day and make sure it’s at the top of your list.

Tackle the tough first If everything on your list is equally important then work at the most difficult, least enjoyable task first. This “eat the frog” approach encourages you to do the toughest task first because then the rest of your projects for the day will seem easier.

Start with speed and ease Alternatively, you can look for the items on your list that will take five minutes or less (an important note here: be sure to write down everything, no matter how brainless. Sometimes the most obvious tasks are the most important). By starting with these easily accomplished items you can build the momentum and energy needed to complete other pieces of your list.

Email time limit We all love email. It’s a quick and easy way to communicate, but it can be a real black hole for productivity – especially at work. Since we’re all connected 24/7, it can seem like you have to respond to every email immediately when it lands in your inbox. But, you’ll be able to stay more focused on your to-do list and be more productive if you set specific times of day to check and respond to emails. By making email less of a priority, you’ll be able to concentrate on what really matters. One of the biggest excuses for not going back to school is lack of time. But, maybe by putting in to practice the tips above, you’ll find room in your schedule to finally take the next step in your career by earning a degree.

If you are interested in finding out how online school makes it easier to earn a degree while balancing a job and family responsibilities, call 1.888.447.3528 to speak with a Bryant & Stratton College Online admissions representative.

Staff Spotlight: Megan VillaReale, Associate Admissions Representative

Her role as an Admissions Representative means that Megan VillaReale spends quite a bit of time connecting with students on a daily basis.

However that hasn’t prevented her from enjoying one of her favorite hobbies away from work. Megan has amassed an impressive rotary phone collection over the past few years. While she doesn’t have a specific reason for her fascination, she gives a lot of credit to the phone she consistently used at her grandmother’s house.

“There are so many different styles and colors of rotary phones that it’s almost a challenge to find new ones,”

Megan said. Megan’s interests do extend well beyond her phone collection, however. She’s a movie buff who also loves to get out and camp whenever the opportunity presents itself. Her love for DIY Pintrest projects and the holidays hints that her home is probably sports the coolest decorations on the block each year. In fact, Megan went full-DIY last year at Halloween, making her own Rubik’s Cube costume for the holiday.

Favorite thing about Bryant & Stratton College: I work with a great group of people who are supportive of each other and it\’s a great feeling knowing you\’ve helped people achieve their educational goals.

Favorite Student Story: One of the best feelings I’ve had while working with Bryant & Stratton College Online is when I saw my first student on the graduation list. I clearly remember working with her and how much she wanted her degree to start a new career and life for herself so couldn’t help but be so proud of her and glad I was able to share in her success.

Advice for new students: NEVER be afraid to ask for help!! It is better to make an educated decision than just taking a shot in the dark.

Career Insights: Q&A with a Paralegal

Thinking about entering the paralegal career field? Now may be a good time. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ 2014-15 Occupational Outlook Handbook, the field is projected to grow by 8 percent at pace with the average growth rate for all occupations.

That translates into 21,200 jobs between 2014 and 2024.

How Much do Paralegals Make?

Generally, entry level positions in this field require an associate’s degree and the median annual salary is $48,810. For new paralegals, the salary is lower but there is plenty of room for advancement for anyone willing to put in the time and effort.

Is Paralegal a Good Career?

To catch a glimpse of what this great career really has to offer, we contacted Loretta Calvert, JD, the 2012-2013 President of the American Association for Paralegal Education (AAfPE) and Paralegal Studies Director at Volunteer State Community College.

Q: Why is the paralegal field an exciting one?

A: People are drawn to the legal field because it is interesting and always changing. Just today I received two notices about updates to different areas of law I practiced in. It is a challenge to stay on top of your field. Also, paralegals get to stand right beside attorneys when cases unfold and get to help people who might not have known their rights without the guidance of a lawyer.

Q: Where are the jobs?

A: Everywhere! There are jobs at law firms, in-house at companies, administrative agencies like the EEOC, state agencies like Department of Labor or Insurance, federal courts and federal asset forfeiture, healthcare, and so much more. The important thing is to realize that the job title does not always say paralegal.

Q: What kind of work do paralegals perform on a day-to-day basis?

A: There is a good portion of dealing with clients whether it is intake for new clients or updating current clients. There is drafting legal documents, researching statutes and procedures, and organizing evidence. Some law firms divide up duties based on a paralegal’s abilities and other law firms divide up work based on the attorney who uses the paralegal.

Q: What are the most important credentials and skills for paralegals?

A: Attend a program approved by the American Bar Association so you have more opportunities! Usually, taking a credentialing exam requires that you graduate from an ABA-approved school. Some job listings will also specify ABA-approved programs. Besides that, look for extra computer training. If you have IT skills and paralegal skills, you open up an entirely new set of job possibilities. There are companies that devote their services to running and restoring deleted files from computers, iPads, and telephones. Even law firms now want IT skills to help set up websites and manage webpages and cloud computing.

Q: What must-have advice would you give those who want to enter into this field?

A: Take a personality test like the Myers-Briggs and figure out what your natural inclinations are before you plan a career. The insights can help you figure out what jobs are a better match for you. If someone is an introvert then he/she will probably not want to work the front desk at a law firm. I would tell the introvert to look for jobs where he or she will review documents and manage databases. However, the extrovert will love working that front desk and greeting clients, getting the intake forms completed, and making people feel welcome.

Q: What myths are there about this field and what are the realities?

A: I often hear people say they want job stability and a lot of money. Job stability is unheard of in our current economy. People no longer stay at the same job for 20 years. As far as money, new paralegals are not rolling in the dough. Do what you love and the money will follow. Also, many paralegal students think they will be able to go to court with the attorney. Only seasoned paralegals accompany attorneys to court to assist with documents and technology during trial. Pay your dues and develop a good network, then you can roll around in the dough.

If you want to learn more about paralegal career options, contact the Admissions office at Bryant & Stratton College.

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