Day: March 15, 2020

WHY YOUR PERFORMANCE REVIEW WON’T WORK FOR SENIOR EMPLOYEES

Everyone needs a performance review, right? Well, we all need feedback—and annual performance reviews are just one way to do that (albeit not a perfect one). The annual review (hopefully in addition to regular feedback) gives us at least one time per year when everyone knows where he or she stands and what the manager expects for the next year.
This works pretty well for entry-level employees. But what about people in the executive suite? It’s not such a simple review process when it comes to executive performance—while it’s relatively easy to set benchmarks and compare results for account manager Jill and account manager Joe, the C-suite is made up of unique responsibilities, metrics of success and leadership requirements. You can’t really compare the Chief Marketing Officer to the Chief Financial Officer the same way you can compare two Account Managers.
So, how should the “review” process work for senior employees?

A Different Set of Expectations

The expectations for executives are not only different from each other, but also different from the rest of the company. In a recent article, Dave Girouard, CEO of personal finance startup Upstart, outlined six things he expects of his senior team.
  1. I have a high degree of confidence that [your function] will consistently execute well.
  2. You have the skills, commitment and leadership necessary to lead your team for the company we aim to be in two years.
  3. You’re chronically discontent with where the company and your department is today. I don’t spend a lot of time challenging you to do more or to do better—you’re the challenger. I more often find myself at the receiving end of aggressive plans from you to do more, to take your department—and in fact the whole company—to the next level.
  4. You exercise great judgment and wisdom when it comes to what’s critical to our business.
  5. You have a paranoia and sense of urgency matching my own.
  6. I’d trust you to meet one-on-one with our most critical constituencies on the most difficult topics.
These things are substantially different from the expectations of everyone else in the company. We don’t expect the customer service rep to devote her whole life to the company, but, in a way, we do expect the Senior VP to. (Not that work-life balance isn’t important for executives—it is, but there are tradeoffs in obtaining power, prestige and high salary, and a loss of some work-life balance is one of them.) You don’t treat a Senior VP the same way you treat a Junior Analyst.
The Executive Team needs the ability and the authority to change on a dime if they determine a change is needed. This doesn’t mean they shouldn’t check in with the CEO and the Board of Directors, but they need that freedom.

How Executive Freedom Impacts Feedback

How does this weight of responsibility impact how companies should provide feedback to executives? While senior people need feedback and mentoring, most of their feedback should come through the results that they see and analyze themselves. For instance, the CHRO shouldn’t need the CEO to sit down with her and say, “I see that turnover is up. Here’s what you should do about this.” Instead, she should be going to the CEO and saying, “Turnover is up. Here is what I’m going to do about it, unless you have any objections.”
In reality, this should be the way that most reviews are done for senior employees. Executives should be self-sufficient workers who determine the best way to do their job and are constantly looking for ways to do it better—which can be a lonely role.
CEOs should have one-on-one meetings with each member of the executive and senior team. The senior employees should proactively bring up problems with the CEO and the CEO should provide feedback on the executives’ recommended solutions. The Board needs to be apprised of what is going on, but the responsibility for goal setting and measuring those goals falls squarely on the department head’s shoulders.
This means that executives need to be different than regular employees—even the best of the best regular employees—and their feedback process needs to also be different. While senior employees should have a listening ear and support when necessary, they also need to be their own best critic.

Career Profile: Networking Technology Careers

Can’t think of the last time you did anything at work or home (and everywhere in-between) without some form of technology? That’s why the computer and information technology field is loaded with opportunity. From laptops, to phones, to games to home appliances, to cars, computer technology is everywhere.
Since the computer technology market has a wide variety of jobs at varying levels of education and experience, it is definitely a field worth exploring. Not to mention, it has high salaries, low unemployment and rapid growth (much higher than the average 11% of all careers) as well as great work-life balance.
Sound too good to be true? Check out our summary of the IT jobs ranked as the top four by U.S. News and World Report  using data from the of Labor Statistics’ 2014-15 Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Software Developer
What would your phone, computer or tablet be without apps and software? Nothing. Software developers are the creative and technical minds behind designing and improving them. And since you just can’t live without either, software developers are in high demand. The career is expected to grow 17 percent between 2014 – 2024, which is a whopping increase of 186,600 jobs. A Bachelor’s degree in computer science will get you in the door and earning a median salary of about $9100,000 a year. That’s more than twice as much as the median $48,320 of all jobs and it requires no work experience to break into the field.
Computer Systems Analyst
With the keyword being ‘systems,’ these analysts are concerned with how a company’s hardware, software and networks all work together. Process-minded and business-minded individuals who know computers may find interest here. In fact, entry-level education is a combination of a bachelor’s degree in computer or information science, business or liberal arts and skills in information technology or programming. Growth between 2014 and 2024 is projected to be 21 percent (118,600jobs) and the median salary is over $85,000 a year.
Information Security Analyst
As cyber attacks, security breaches and other technological risks grow, so does the demand for information security analysts, the fastest growing of the top 4 jobs. At 18 percent projected growth, this job will increase by 14,800 workers by the year 2024. Information security analysts monitor and protect the security of organizations’ computers and networks, and employers value their service to the tune of $90,120 per year with a bachelor’s degree in a computer-related field and less than five years work experience.
Web Developer
With an associate’s degree in web design or a related field, knowledge of programming and graphic design, and a love for creating websites you could become a web developer. Web developers create the look of websites and make sure they are fast and able to handle a lot of traffic. In 2014 about one-fourth of web developers were self-employed, which also gives you the potential for having a side gig. The annual median salary without experience can be as high as $64,000. The growth in web developer jobs is predicted to be 27 percent (39,500) from 2014 to 2024.
Other computer and IT jobs worth exploring are:
  • Computer network architects who design and build data communication networks and intranets.
  • Database administrators, who use specialized software to store and organize data; make it accessible to authorized users; and secure it from unauthorized users.
  • Computer support specialists, who provide help and advice to organizations and employees.
You can find information about these jobs and more in the field at the Bureau of Labor Statistics website. To learn more about technology degrees at Bryant & Stratton, click here.

5 Networking Tips for Online Students

No matter what your plans are for your future and your particular career, networking is an essential tool for achieving your goals. If you are an online student, you may worry that your lack of face-to-face interaction is impeding your networking opportunities. But fear not, for there are still many ways in which you can participate in networking. Here are five networking tips for online students that can get you started:
  1. When possible, meet in person
Although online classes lends itself to fewer—or, in certain instances, no—face-to-face interactions, it can be helpful to arrange several in-person meetings (if possible). For instance, consider starting and ending the semester by meeting with your professor. If you and your professor live far from one another, arrange work sessions with those classmates in close proximity. Look for events in your area where experts in your field may be found and put in an appearance. Face-to-face interactions can create deeper, more meaningful impressions than a simple email, and they can also widen your circle of connections.
  1. Alternately, participate in video chats
Face time is an essential component of networking, but logistics may make it very difficult or outright impossible for you to hold in-person meetings. In these instances, video chat platforms like Google Hangouts or Skype are a useful alternative. With video chat, you will still be able to regularly meet “face-to-face” with professors and classmates no matter their city, state, or country.
  1. Seek out on-campus opportunities
Networking need not be limited to your current classmates and professors. If you live near your campus, join an extracurricular activity that piques your interest or that may attract other individuals with goals similar to your own. If you do not live near your campus, investigate whether local colleges and universities have opportunities for the general public. Attending a guest lecture, for example, may connect you to others in your field. Colleges big and small boast an assortment of offerings, so take advantage.
  1. Join and remain active on LinkedIn
In our digital age, not all networking is limited to face-to-face interactions—online networking can also enable you to build a promising career. If you have not yet done so, create a LinkedIn account, and ensure your information remains accurate and up-to-date. Make as many connections as you can, beginning with people you know, and then moving on to their networks. Online networking may lead to opportunities that you would have never uncovered yourself, as well as connections that would have been difficult to make in person.
  1. Consider less obvious sources for networking
Wherever you live, there are likely opportunities to join in-person groups that indirectly promote networking. Perhaps you join a young professionals group on Meetup, or an intramural sports team in your area. These groups are often social in nature, which can be an entertaining and more relaxed way to make connections that may help you in the future. The most important advice to keep in mind is to always be open to and aware of possible networking opportunities. Such opportunities are available by the dozen—all you need to do is learn to recognize them, and then seize the moment.
Catherine Martin is a contributing writer for UniversityTutor.com, the world’s largest global marketplace for finding independent tutors.

TED TALK TUESDAY: WHAT TO DO WITH BIG DATA

Last month, we announced a partnership with TED to bring curated TED Talks to Cornerstone Learning. Needless to say, we\’re ecstatic about the opportunity and believe they will serve as a powerful addition to learning programs around the world. For a peek into the potential of TED Talks for your L&D program, we\’re debuting monthly \”TED Talk Tuesdays,\” where we\’ll share a cant-miss talk and its takeaways for HR teams.
First up: Susan Etlinger, a data analyst with Altimeter Group, on why using big data responsibly requires critical thinking skills. It\’s prudent advice for HR leaders currently using or interested in launching an analytics program. Watch the video below, and keep reading for three key lessons from her talk:

\”We are not passive consumers of data and technology.\”

Etlinger emphasizes that we shape the role data plays in our lives, including the meaning we take from it. In order to get the most of big data, she says, we have to pay as much attention to how we think as to how we code.

\”Facts are stubborn things, but sometimes they\’re stupid, too.\”

Etlinger shares a story about her son, who was diagnosed with Autism at age two. While the facts labeled him at the developmental level of a nine-month-old baby, she reveals why those facts alone didn\’t tell the whole story—he could communicate in ways that existed outside of the typical \”checkboxes.\” Facts are vulnerable to misuse, consciously or unconsciously, Etlinger says, which is why it\’s important for us to question our frames of reference.

\”Show your math.\”

Last but not least, Etlinger advocates for transparency with data. She encourages us to be clear about our hypotheses, our methodologies and our confidence in the results. Did the data really show us this, she asks, or does this result just make us feel more comfortable?
As data becomes increasingly influential in human resources, it\’s important to heed Etlinger\’s advice. We need to make sure we\’re asking the right questions, and looking for the true answer—not just the one we want to find.
Check back next month for a new TED Talk Tuesday post!
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCzOJDJZHoBttdHAjJsnN9w?sub_confirmation=1

Getting Creative About Gaining Work Experience

It’s really no surprise that employers want candidates with work experience that help demonstrate employability skills. Why wouldn’t they? With so many unemployed and underemployed people, employers have the luxury of being very selective.
Work experience is the key
College graduates may make themselves more marketable with paid or unpaid experience on their resume in addition to their degree. Students in online degree programs can also make time in their academic schedule to gain the same type of work experience as traditional students through internships. Jodi Shirley was in the elementary education field for years when she decided she wanted to work in criminal justice. She knew work experience would be the key to moving into her new career. Plus, her school required a 120-hour internship. She works full-time, attends school and has a family with three very active teens. None of that stopped her.
“I waited until summer break and worked at the local police department,” Shirley says. “I started working there the first day I was on vacation and worked 8:30 to 5 every day, with no pay, in the records department.”
For Shirley, it was worth every minute.
Working in the evidence department wasn’t exactly what I wanted to do, but in the same building I had exposure to parole and probation, criminal investigation and 911 communications,” she says. “With a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, I could go in many career directions and this internship allowed me to work in and observe several of them.”
Leading to a full-time position
This kind of unpaid work experience has other benefits for job seekers too.
“Many people have gotten jobs based on the networking contacts they created while volunteering,” says Kimberly Baker, Program Manager at Bryant & Stratton College Online. “Your professional networks may give you an ‘in’ to unadvertised jobs, so it is important to build a network in the new field.”
Internships are a popular way to gain this experience. In a recent survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers, 63 percent of paid interns in the class of 2012 had at least one job offer when they graduated. Of those who did not have an internship on their resumes, only about 40 percent had an offer. But official internships are not the only way to get started, general work experience is the key and students can earn that in many different ways.
Online students should be creative
“Our online students participate in capstones instead of internships. Other students can look for volunteer opportunities in order to get the same benefits,” Baker says. “While you may have some general skills to offer, make a point of figuring out what important skills you don’t have and ask your supervisor to include those skills in your internship or volunteer tasks.”
The most competitive job seekers will be the ones who can obtain a variety of meaningful experiences to develop employability skills, so it is ok to be creative.
“Go to the chamber of commerce and network with small business owners. Often, they need all the same help as a large business but cannot afford to hire full-time people,” says Abby Kohut, career consultant and recruiter. “Offer them your services for a low rate and a small number of hours each week. Back office skill sets like marketing, accounting and IT work great with this approach and these skills are needed across all industries.”
Establish your credibility and get motivated
So, whether you call it an internship, volunteer work, a practicum, field work or a co-op, get all the benefits you can out of your work experiences. Don’t forget that this type of work can help you establish credibility in your field and visibility if you intern someplace at which you eventually want to work. And that’s still not all that’s in it for you.
“I learned more than I expected and more than what the books could teach me,” Shirley says. “I can put these experiences on my resume and talk about them in an interview or when I am networking. Not to mention, I enjoyed it so much that it really motivated me to get on the application process like never before.”

Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria a Growing Threat to Public Health

Amid the extensive coverage of a growing Ebola epidemic last fall came news that President Obama had signed an executive order to combat what could become an even more invasive world health threat: antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
“The evolution of antibiotic resistance is now occurring at an alarming rate and is outpacing the development of new countermeasures capable of thwarting infections in humans,” declared an accompanying report from the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology. “This situation threatens patient care, economic growth, public health, agriculture, economic security, and national security.”
The World Health Organization similarly has warned that a “post-antibiotic era – in which common infections and minor injuries can kill – far from being an apocalyptic fantasy, is instead a very real possibility for the 21st century.”
To do its part in the fight against antibiotic resistance, the Vermont Department of Health has joined the U.S. Centers for Disease Control’s (CDC) “Get Smart” program to educate patients and health care providers about proper antibiotic use, says Patsy Kelso, Ph.D., state epidemiologist.
Now that it’s cold and flu season, it’s an ideal time to issue reminders about when – and when not – to prescribe antibiotics.
“Germs that cause colds and flu thrive in winter, resulting in symptoms that make people feel miserable,” Kelso explains. “Antibiotics treat bacterial infections, but they won’t touch an infection caused by a virus, which is the likely culprit for most stuffy noses, sore throats and coughs.”

What is the impact of antibiotic-resistant bacteria?

Overuse and improper use of antibiotics leads to bacterial resistance. It allows infectious organisms to adapt to antibiotics, making drugs less effective. This leaves patients vulnerable to a number of serious infections, such as carbapenem resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE), Clostridium difficile (C. diff) and Methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA),
Each year, 23,000 Americans die and 2 million get sick from antibiotic-resistant infections, according to the CDC. More than half of all deaths are caused by a C. diff – a bacterial infection that causes severe diarrhea and leads to at least 250,000 infections and 14,000 deaths each year in hospitalized patients.
The annual impact of antibiotic resistance on the U.S. economy is estimated at $20 billion to $35 billion in excess direct health care costs, and as much as $35 billion in lost productivity due to missed work time, the CDC says.
Another issue complicated by antibiotic resistance, according to a CDC report on “Antibiotic Resistance Threats in the United States”: “Many of the advances in medical treatment – joint replacements, organ transplants, cancer therapy, and treatment of chronic diseases such as diabetes, asthma, rheumatoid arthritis – are dependent on the ability to fight infections with antibiotics. If that ability is lost, the ability to safely offer people many life-saving and life-improving modern medical advantages will be lost with it.”

How ‘Get Smart’ is getting out the word

The “Get Smart” program is aimed at educating health care providers, hospital administrators, policy makers and patients about the need to decrease inappropriate antibiotic use.
For instance, the Vermont Health Department issued an advisory to providers and pharmacists alerting them to updated guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics that promote more stringent criteria in diagnosing ear infections, which could potentially limit antibiotic use. The Health Department also has run an advertising campaign, sponsored a video contest for university students, printed informational inserts for pharmacy bags and organized a continuing medical education event for health care providers to raise awareness about proper antibiotic use.

Americans’ attitudes toward antibiotics

Americans don’t always understand the link between their individual antibiotic use and the greater threat of antibiotic resistance.
Kelso points to a Pew Health Group report on Americans’ Knowledge of and Attitudes Toward Antibiotic Resistance. It indicates that Americans seem aware of what causes antibiotic resistance. However, many don’t always follow through on their best intentions regarding proper antibiotic use.
The report notes that:
    • 86 percent of those surveyed knew they should complete a full course of antibiotics even if their symptoms disappeared. Yet many admitted to stopping mid-course when they felt better, often because they didn’t like the side effects or taking what they perceived to be “unnecessary” medicine.
      • 87 percent of those surveyed understood that antibiotics are effective for fighting bacterial infections, such as strep throat and some sinus infections. Yet 36 percent incorrectly believed that antibiotics could treat viruses such as the flu and common cold.
        • Less than half (47 percent) said that taking antibiotics when you don’t need them can weaken their effectiveness for others in the community, and 39 percent believed an individual’s antibiotic use has no impact on the rest of the community.

        Doctors’ perceptions regarding antibiotics

        The “Get Smart” campaign also is supporting health care providers in their goal to decrease antibiotic use. Doctors sometimes feel pressure from patients – and especially parents of young children – to prescribe antibiotics when children come down with a cold or cough, Kelso says.
        However, parents don’t always ask for the antibiotics when they visit the doctor’s office; doctors just think they want them.
        “When doctors are surveyed, it turns out they over perceive sometimes how much patients expect antibiotics when they haven’t indicated they want them,” she says. “That is one message we have been educating Vermont health care providers about.”
        Dr. Kelso shares these statistics from CDC surveys:
        • Only 26 percent of patients visiting the doctor’s office with a cough or cold sought an antibiotic while 42 percent simply wanted a health care provider to rule out an infection and 35 percent wanted relief for their symptoms.
        • Yet 54 percent of health care providers believed that patients were visiting the doctor’s office to obtain an antibiotic.
        That misperception, Kelso believes, could lead to more doctors prescribing antibiotics when they don’t need to.
        Still, there are patients – often parents of young children – who push doctors for an antibiotic, she says.
        “Parents tell the doctor, ‘The last time my kid was sick he had this antibiotic, and felt better in a few days,’ ” she says. “But it could be that the antibiotic that they got last time had nothing to do with their child getting better. Sometimes, it takes less time to write a prescription than to explain to a parent why you aren’t writing a prescription.”

        A solution for doctors and patients

        To help health care providers caught in this situation, The Health Department provides a prescription sheet instead of an actual prescription for antibiotics.
        “If a doctor isn’t going to write a prescription for an antibiotic, then he or she can give the patient this sheet,” she explains. “It says: Here’s what you can do to feel better; here’s what you can take if you have a fever or aches. If you’re not better in a few days, here’s what you can do. The idea is that people walk away from the doctor’s office knowing that the doctor listened, but didn’t give them something that won’t help and in fact could be harmful.”

        How to get better when you have a virus

        According to the CDC, there are additional steps patients can take to treat viruses, including:
        • Ask your healthcare professional about over-the-counter treatment options that may help reduce symptoms of viral infections. Remember that colds, flu, most sore throats, bronchitis, and many sinus or ear infections cannot be treated with antibiotics.
        • Drink more fluids.
        • Get plenty of rest.
        • Use a cool-mist vaporizer or saline nasal spray to relieve congestion.
        • Soothe your throat with crushed ice, sore throat spray, or lozenges. (Do not give lozenges to young children.)
        • Avoid smoking, second-hand smoke, and other pollutants (airborne chemicals or irritants).
        • Take acetaminophen, ibuprofen or naproxen to relieve pain or fever. Know what is safe to give your child.
        • If you are diagnosed with the flu, consider asking for a prescription antiviral drug that can be used to treat flu illness.
        • For ear pain, put a warm moist cloth over the ear that hurts.
        • For sinus pain, put a warm compress over your nose and forehead to help relieve sinus pressure, breathe in steam from a bowl of hot water or shower.
        • For a cough, use a clean humidifier or cool mist vaporizer or breathe in steam from a bowl of hot water or shower.
        • Wash your hands with soap and water. If soap and water are not available then use hand sanitizer

        Skiing and Riding in Vermont

        By Jen Butson, Vermont Dept. of Tourism and Marketing
        The best skiing and riding in the east is in Vermont.
        Starting with America’s first alpine ski tow, built on a Woodstock farm in 1934 and the first chairlift in the nation on Mt. Mansfield in 1940, plus the first Nordic ski center at Trapp Family Lodge, the first ski academy at Burke Mountain, and Burlington as headquarters to Burton snowboards – Vermont is a historic leader in U.S. snowsports.

        Winter in Vermont

        Today, Vermont is a true winter destination. Adventure and relaxation are found in abundance! This is a serious skiing state – with 19 alpine ski resorts, 30 cross-country touring centers and, in total, 6,090 acres of alpine terrain, 1,209 trails, 184 lifts, 1,900 km of Nordic trails. Vermont skiing and riding accommodates every level, from the advanced downhiller to the training toddler, from moguls and terrain parks to quiet cross-country jaunts on back-country skis or snowshoes.
        The ten-year average annual mountain snowfall is about 207 inches, and the majority of Vermont’s alpine terrain is covered by state of the art snowmaking. With these conditions, it’s no wonder world-class athletes have grown up and trained in Vermont.
        Vermont is home to the first U.S. Olympic gold medal winner in Nordic skiing, Bill Koch, as well as Olympic medal winners Ross Powers, Hannah Kearney, Hannah Teter, Billy Kidd, Andrea Meade Lawrence and so many other successful Olympians.
        The Vermont Ski Areas Association has resort information, trail stats, lodging info, conditions, plus deals and events for beginners to experts. Visit www.skivermont.com.
        Beyond skiing and riding, head out on an exhilarating dog sled ride through the snowy fields, join a moonlight snowshoe tour or take a sleigh ride across breathtaking landscapes. Then partake in Vermont’s always fresh, oft fireside dining and engaging arts scene. Enjoy festive villages dressed up for seasonal celebrations, snowman building, ice skating, and all the playful, hillside sledding you can handle in between.

        Overcoming Even the Most Difficult “Ands” In Life

        Rosie Gourdine was building her home healthcare business. The mother of five, who children ranged in age from 23 to five, had just finished medical assisting school and was deciding her next step. Bryant & Stratton College recruiters called. And called. And called. and after six months, rosie decided this was the right move for her and her business. she enrolled in the associate degree in medical reimbursement and coding and set her sights on graduation. then, her mother died. and, her house burned down. and, she moved across country. but Rosie, was back in class the next day – after every single incident.
        “I alerted my instructors and everyone was helpful, but that didn’t stop me,” Rosie said. “they told me i could push my work back but i made sure my homework was done on time. “life comes with all kinds of challenges. people kept telling me, ‘i can’t believe you are back in school, i would fall apart’. i said, ‘really? when you go to pieces and you are the leader in your household, what does that show your kids?’.”
        Rosie was no stranger to managing difficult waters. Soon after her youngest son was born, her mother fell ill with cancer. then, her mother-in-law fell into a coma and lost the use of both of her arms and legs when she awoke. for two years Rosie shuffled between Massachusetts and new jersey, with a newborn in tow, to take care of the two ailing women. When her mother finally succumbed to the disease, she dismissed the sentiments of others that she needed to stop her own life too.
        “She suffered for five years. She went through chemo but I’m going to cry now? That’s selfish,” she said.
        When their home burned down, due to faulty wiring in the attic, rosie and her family spent time in hotels and at various relatives’ homes. she was constantly bouncing between internet connections and computers to complete her schoolwork. “It didn’t stop me, i kept going,” she said. Now, she has moved her family across country to Minnesota, where she grew up and where her parents operated their own construction and real estate firms. being a small business owner is the life Rosie knows.
        She hopes to have her home healthcare business up and prospering there by the end of the year. “If you are determined you can make it happen,” she said. And after six months, Rosie decided this was the right move for her and her business. She enrolled in the associate degree in Medical Reimbursement and Coding and set her sights on graduation.
        Then, her mother died.
        And, her house burned down.
        And, she moved across country.
        But Rosie, was back in class the next day – after every single incident.

        Which path to follow? A closer look at healthcare degrees at Bryant & Stratton College

        The healthcare industry is booming. A variety of online healthcare degrees can prepare students for a career in healthcare offices around the nation. But, which to pick? The answer relies heavily on your career goals.
        Bryant & Stratton College Online currently offers three similar healthcare administration degrees with very different career paths: medical administrative assistant, an associates degree, an associates degree in health services administration, and a bachelor’s degree in health services administration.
        Here is a closer look at each:
        Medical Administrative Assistant
        This two year, associate degree program can help students learn to become top notch medical office staff. That career is generally an entry level position that may have potential to grow into a managerial position however that depends solely on the company where a student is hired.
        Basic medical office staff members can expect to perform normal administrative tasks such as organize files, schedule appointments, answer phones and speak with insurance providers. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the median pay for a medical administrative assistant at roughly $ 30,590a year.
        The Bureau also expects the number of jobs available in the field to continue to rise every year by about 23 percent, which is considered above average growth.
        Graduates who are working in the field and want to move toward earning a managerial role in the office may consider expanding their portfolio by earning a bachelor’s healthcare administration degree.
        Health Services Administration
        Bryant & Stratton College offers both an associate’s and a bachelor’s degree in Health Services Administration which allows students to choose the path they wish to follow. Students can learn the foundational knowledge required to work in various managerial and administrative positions within the healthcare industry.
        While there is no requirement for students to pursue an associate’s degree before continuing towards a bachelor’s degree, the associate’s degree in health services administration provides vital pieces of framework for success in administrative positions within the healthcare field. Additionally, credits earned in the associate’s degree can be transferred into the bachelor’s degree program upon completion of the first degree.
        However, students do have the opportunity to begin their educational career with the bachelor’s degree.
        This program gives students a more rounded look at office management to include classes in accounting, business, health administration, anatomy and physiology. Healthcare administrators, also known as health service managers, may manage an entire facility or a specific department within a larger facility. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the median pay at $ 94,500, annually.
        Jennifer Wozniak, program director – allied health for Bryant & Stratton College Online said employers routinely push for their employees to return to school and learn those valuable skills that will help them be successful in leadership roles.
        Current healthcare employees who are seeking to switch their career may also find success with a healthcare administration degree. Current managers, she said, could build on their existing skill set and build a more solid background in specific niches such as legislative changes to the healthcare system and disaster management.
        Which health degree program to choose?
        Decide first what type of setting and career you want – billing and clerical work or managerial? Once you make that decision, choosing the program is easy.
        In either case, Wozniak said the online healthcare administration degree programs allow students to have flexibility as they move to the next level in their career planning.
        “You can be a stay-at-home mom or work a full-time job and still study online,” Wozniak said. “The online format allows that.”
        For more information about enrolling in a healthcare administration degree, check out our Admissions page.
        https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCzOJDJZHoBttdHAjJsnN9w?sub_confirmation=1

        DEAR REWORKER: MY FORMER EMPLOYEE IS BAD-MOUTHING ME

        Dear ReWorker,
        Help! I\’m dealing with a disgruntled former employee. She was fine while she worked here, and I even agreed to be a reference for her in the future. But since she left she has bad-mouthed me and my company—even leaving a terrible Glassdoor review. Meanwhile, she quit without a new opportunity lined up and still doesn\’t have a new job. How do I handle this situation?
        Sincerely,
        Getting a Bad Reputation
        ___________________________________________________________________________________
        Dear Bad Reputation,
        Barring employees that leave for personal reasons like becoming a stay-at-home parent or moving out of town, someone who quits without another job lined up is either deeply unhappy in their current role, or is simply flaky. I suspect that your former employee was both of these things.
        She probably assumed that she would easily land a new job and could just leave all her frustrations behind by quitting. Now she doesn\’t have a job and blames you for her problems.
        However, understanding her doesn\’t really help your situation. So what do you do about it?
        Nothing. You do nothing. Think about it: if she\’s complaining on social media, it\’s unlikely that anyone outside of her small circle will notice. As for Glassdoor, one bad review will be counteracted by the good reviews you have.
        But, if you hire an attorney to send her a cease and desist letter, or furiously Tweet back at her and accuse her of lying, she\’ll feel like this is a battle that she has to win. If you just ignore it, she\’ll get tired of screaming into the wind.
        With that said, you should still be proactive about your company\’s presence across social media, online forums and other channels where people talk about their jobs. Building a solid social media identity ensures that if someone starts saying horrible things about your company online, you\’ll have an avenue where you control the information, and where you can direct readers that want to find out more about your brand.
        Even if your company is small, create a Facebook page or a Twitter account. Your posts can be boring—in fact, being boring is the best way to stay out of trouble. Just make sure that what you share is positive: \”We are so excited to have Bob\’s House of Pancakes as our new client today!\” or \”We\’re sending out tax forms this week! If your business needs help with their forms, give us a call!\” Think of it as marketing.
        Your goal is to have your Twitter account appear in a Google search above a Tweet containing your former employee\’s rants.
        As for her complaints, they\’ll blow over.
        Your ReWorker,
        https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCzOJDJZHoBttdHAjJsnN9w?sub_confirmation=1

        Debunking Myths about Administrative Assistants: What They Really Do

        Most people are familiar with the role of an administrative assistant. But there are many misconceptions about the skills, training and level of responsibility that come along with the job. Administrative assistants don’t just answer the phone and take notes; they handle a wide variety of tasks that are absolutely essential to daily office operations. Here are some of the most common myths about administrative assistants, debunked and an explanation of what administrative assistants\’ duties really entail.
        Myth: Administrative assistants don’t need any training.
        Most entry-level administrative assistant jobs only require a high school diploma. However, that’s not to say that training isn’t beneficial to your pursuit of a career as an administrative assistant. Formal administrative assistant training, such as certification programs offered by professional organizations or an associate’s degree in Office Management from Bryant & Stratton College, help you build your employability skills so you can increase your chances of getting hired and do the job right once you’ve secured a spot at a company.
        Myth: Administrative assistants only handle clerical work.
        Clerical work remains an important component in the daily role of an administrative assistant. But over the years, the job has expanded to include a variety of responsibilities. According to a report from the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP), administrative assistants’ workload has increased as companies cut their support staff. In addition to routine clerical work, administrative assistants may also be expected to organize meetings, prepare research reports, do some light project management, and manage other tasks around the office. The word \’administrative\’ means anything related to the running of a business or organization. In short, administrative assistants need to be prepared to “wear many hats” in the office.
        Myth: Technology know-how beyond basic computer skills isn’t necessary.
        To be successful in today’s office environment, administrative assistants need to be able to do it all – and that includes technology. As previously mentioned, “wearing many hats” means being able to handle everything from managing documents and spreadsheets to using contact management software to syncing an employee’s iPhone to the company’s email system. It is important to be comfortable handling a variety of technology needs around the office when applying for a position as an administrative assistant.
        Are you looking for administrative assistant training online? Bryant & Stratton College offers an Office Management degree, as well as a variety of online degree programs and certification programs. Online courses prepare students with the knowledge and practical skills they need to start a successful career path. Want to learn more about the programs offered by Bryant & Stratton College? Call 1.888.447.3528 to speak with an admissions representative.
        https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCzOJDJZHoBttdHAjJsnN9w?sub_confirmation=1

        Mastering the Fine Art of the “I screwed up” Statement

        The longer you work, sooner or later it’s going to happen to you: the major mess-up. You did something that was the result of perhaps not quite paying attention, missing a major detail, skipping a step in a work process to beat a deadline, or figuring that it wouldn’t really make that much difference if you just relied on someone else’s information rather than verifying it for yourself. The result: a classic screw up, the kind that’s going to be embarrassing at best, send your boss through the roof at worst.
        It’s happened to all of us who’ve spent any time in the workplace, and after being read the riot act several times, you realize that the best way – in fact, the only way – to handle this type of career crisis is head-on. As soon as you realize you’ve made a mistake that may have an impact on the company, you want to pull together the following information, and be prepared to lay it out for your boss:
        1. Identify what the mistake was, and the potential damage that did or may result from the mistake.
        2. Identify what steps you can take or have taken to remedy the situation. (Your boss may have different or additional actions steps for you to take, but it helps if you’ve already tried to come up with some solutions.)
        3. Identify what happened to cause the mistake (focus on the relevant process malfunction or missed step; you don’t need to tell your boss that you missed something because you stayed up all night playing Texas hold’em with your friends and were suffering from major sleep deprivation).
        4. Describe what steps you will take in the future to make sure the mistake doesn’t happen again (again, focus on the process – how you will double check the key information, verify that all steps have been completed, etc. No need to mention your pledge to avoid playing cards til 4:00am on a weeknight in the future….)
        Your goals in mastering your “I screwed up” statement are to make it clear to your boss that you know you messed up, and you intend to take responsibility for it (thus building your boss’s confidence in your honesty and reliability). Also, you want to make sure that you’re the one delivering this information rather than the woman three cubicles down who’s got it in for you.
        Bottom line:
        • Never let your boss learn of your screw-up from anyone other than you.
        • Never try to hide information about a mistake; know that it will almost always surface, and in the worst ways at the worst possible time.
        • Never let your boss get blindsided by something you did and concealed from him/her; it makes bosses look bad, and they’ll never forgive you for it – or trust you again.
        So start rehearsing your speech now: “Boss, do you have a moment? I need to tell you about a situation that came up and how I’d like to handle it if this meets with your approval….”
        About the Author
        Acclaimed Career Coach, Kim Dority is a frequent presenter for Bryant & Stratton College Online. Dority is an information specialist, consultant, career coach, published author and adjunct professor at the University of Denver in Colorado. She has written extensively on career development for students and new graduates and is a frequent presenter, lecturer and panelist on career-related topics. Kim’s areas of expertise include professional branding, career transitions and career sustainability.
        https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCzOJDJZHoBttdHAjJsnN9w?sub_confirmation=1

        Skiing and Riding in Vermont

        By Jen Butson, Vermont Dept. of Tourism and Marketing
        The best skiing and riding in the east is in Vermont.
        Starting with America’s first alpine ski tow, built on a Woodstock farm in 1934 and the first chairlift in the nation on Mt. Mansfield in 1940, plus the first Nordic ski center at Trapp Family Lodge, the first ski academy at Burke Mountain, and Burlington as headquarters to Burton snowboards – Vermont is a historic leader in U.S. snowsports.

        Winter in Vermont

        Today, Vermont is a true winter destination. Adventure and relaxation are found in abundance! This is a serious skiing state – with 19 alpine ski resorts, 30 cross-country touring centers and, in total, 6,090 acres of alpine terrain, 1,209 trails, 184 lifts, 1,900 km of Nordic trails. Vermont skiing and riding accommodates every level, from the advanced downhiller to the training toddler, from moguls and terrain parks to quiet cross-country jaunts on back-country skis or snowshoes.
        The ten-year average annual mountain snowfall is about 207 inches, and the majority of Vermont’s alpine terrain is covered by state of the art snowmaking. With these conditions, it’s no wonder world-class athletes have grown up and trained in Vermont.
        Vermont is home to the first U.S. Olympic gold medal winner in Nordic skiing, Bill Koch, as well as Olympic medal winners Ross Powers, Hannah Kearney, Hannah Teter, Billy Kidd, Andrea Meade Lawrence and so many other successful Olympians.
        The Vermont Ski Areas Association has resort information, trail stats, lodging info, conditions, plus deals and events for beginners to experts. Visit www.skivermont.com.
        Beyond skiing and riding, head out on an exhilarating dog sled ride through the snowy fields, join a moonlight snowshoe tour or take a sleigh ride across breathtaking landscapes. Then partake in Vermont’s always fresh, oft fireside dining and engaging arts scene. Enjoy festive villages dressed up for seasonal celebrations, snowman building, ice skating, and all the playful, hillside sledding you can handle in between.
        https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCzOJDJZHoBttdHAjJsnN9w?sub_confirmation=1

        First Day: 5 Tips to Make the Most of Day 1

        Even though you’re not showing up in person, how you approach your first day of online learning will set the tone for the semester and your class experience. Here’s what you need to know to put your best virtual foot forward from day one.
        Complete Your Orientation Here’s your starting point. Your online orientation will cover all of the basic information you need to be ready for your first day. It will introduce Blackboard, the system your online learning will be based on. You’ll learn about the online bookstore, the library, how to find scholarly documents and more on setting yourself up for success. This should take roughly an hour to an hour and a half. Once you’ve completed orientation, you’ll be ready to log in.
        Logging In It’s not just a matter of knowing your login, said Ann Shaul, admissions manager for Bryant & Stratton College Online. The online schedule can be a little confusing for first-time students. Because classes run 7.5 weeks, the full roster doesn’t show up that first day, she said.
        “When they get into BSC Learn, they only see two of the four classes,” she said. “We get these calls of, ‘Where are my other classes?’ You won’t see them till the next session.”
        Be sure you look at the main course page, said Brandy McDonough, associate dean of instruction at online. Your instructor will likely have an announcement posted. It’s a good place to start every time you log in because that’s where important information will be posted, she said. Two days before week one starts, you can get into the introductory folder, which will include documents like supplemental syllabus, tracking calendar, office hours, course materials, grading structure, late policy and other things you need to know about that specific class, she said.
        “When students log in week one, that Wednesday, they’ll have access to lecture materials,” McDonough said. “It’s really important for a student to begin right there with that lecture content.”
        Know the Lingo Be sure you know the difference between an address bar (where you type in a URL) and a search bar (where you enter search terms on Google, Yahoo, etc.). Know your computer’s operating system (Windows XP, Windows 8, Windows 7, etc.). If you run into trouble, that will be one of the first questions the help desk attendee will ask, Shaul said. You also need to know your browsers; Blackboard is only supported in Firefox, which you can download for free.
        “Definitely terminology is very, very helpful,” Shaul said.
        Budgeting Time Shaul suggests you plan to spend 12-15 hours per week on each class, and that you be prepared to start working on the first day.
        “That’s super-important,” she said. “People just don\’t realize the amount of time it takes, especially for online classes.”
        You may find you need more or less time depending on the subject and work flow, but 12-15 hours is a reasonable starting point, she said. Depending on your academic strengths, you may find far more or far less will get the job done, so take note of how quickly you work through that first week. McDonough suggests you plan to hit the books the first part of the week.
        “Reading early in the week is very important to set students up for success,” she said. Once the reading is done, you’re in a better position to write and respond to posts, she said.
        Be Ready to Work You’ll be expected to start your posts immediately, Shaul said. For most classes, the initial discussion will be some kind of icebreaker. She recommends students write and save a basic introduction that’s about 300 words and describes your background, your interests, your career goals and other basic info. There may be some minor differences in that initial question for different classes, but your mini-bio will come in handy for each session.
        “Each instructor will have their own version, but by having that first blurb about yourself, it saves you so much time when you’re logging into classes,” she said.
        https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCzOJDJZHoBttdHAjJsnN9w?sub_confirmation=1