Month: March 2020

5 Tips to Help Women in Business with Career Management

Though there has been significant progress concerning gender equality in the workforce, women are still lagging behind men when it comes to executive positions in business. According to career information at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Center for Women in Business, women are particularly underrepresented in the C-suite and on corporate boards. The center’s data finds that women currently hold just 4.2% of CEO positions in Fortune 1000 companies.
Sheryl Sandburg, chief operating officer at Facebook and a high profile woman in business, recently asked women to “lean in” to their careers. Her book of the same title has sparked conversations across the country on how to empower women to reach their full potential.
Follow these five career management tips to help you stand out and assert yourself as woman in business.
  1. Know your stuff
Before your next meeting, take some time to get up to speed about what will be discussed. Review the meeting agenda, if one is provided, or ask the individual who scheduled the meeting about what might be covered. Do background research on the topic so that you go into the meeting understanding the issue at hand and ready to discuss your thoughts.
  1. Share your ideas
Coming to the meeting prepared is a great step towards taking charge of your career, but it is most effective if you share those thoughts and ideas with the group. It can be overwhelming to speak up in front of so many people, however if you’ve done your research beforehand you can be confident that what you have to share is well informed. Not every idea will be a success but sharing shows initiative and, with the group’s collaboration, might even spark something bigger and better.
  1. Toot your own horn
Women often underplay their achievements at work for fear of sounding egotistical or self-centered.  Men, on the other hand, see the value in sharing their successes because it presents them as capable and accomplished. Women should follow this lead and toot their own horn to share their wins with others. Try to also cheer others on and wish them well when they share successes with you to foster a supportive environment for all.
  1. Admit when you need help
It isn’t always easy to admit when you’re stumped or need help. Remember, asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness, but rather a sign that you are open to different ideas or perspectives. It also shows that you have realistic expectations for yourself. If you know you won’t be able to finish something by the deadline, asking for assistance can help progress the project so that it can be completed on time, which may benefit the whole team or company. 
  1. Seek mentorship
Many successful women often offer anecdotes about how their mentors helped them in their professional career. Seek out someone in your field whom you admire, whose career you would like to emulate and ask if they would serve as a mentor to you. A mentor can offer advice, guidance and assistance from their experience in the field, which can be helpful as you learn the ropes.
If you are interested in a career in business, consider enrolling in the Bryant & Stratton College Online business administration degree. You can learn more by calling 1.888.447.3528 and speaking with an admissions representative.

Redefining Progress in the Genuine Economy

A genuine economy creates more benefits than costs. Benefits are relatively easy to count. Just add up all the stuff that people buy and sell every day. But what do economists miss when they only count goods and services bought and sold in the marketplace? What’s missed when the only value of our time is what we get paid to work? What about the myriad of costs that never get charged, such as the costs from depleting and polluting the environment? And how are both costs and benefits from an economy distributed among its citizens? Enter: the Genuine Progress Indicator.

All growth is not created equal

Before the 1940s, there were no economy-wide indicators to help guide economic policy. Policy makers in the U.S. and around the world were flying blind during the Great Depression. The economic advisers to President Franklin Roosevelt literally counted freight cars to answer the question: Is the economy growing or shrinking? With nations gearing up for the second world war, they also needed an economic gauge to transition in and out of military production. The Gross Domestic Product was created to answer these basic questions about the size, transitions, ups and downs of an economy.
World leaders today are almost singularly obsessed with GDP as a gauge of standard of living. Is it growing? How fast? How much GDP is there per person? But more and more people are asking: What kind of growth, and for whom? Even one of the chief architects of the GDP, Nobel Prize–winning economist Simon Kuznets, warned in 1962: “Distinctions must be kept in mind between quantity and quality of growth, between its costs and return, and between the short and the long term. Goals for more growth should specify more growth of what and for what.”
In 1968, Senator Robert Kennedy popularized the critique and laid out a road map for new indicators. In a speech at the University of Kansas, he lamented that the GDP “does not include the beauty of our poetry or the strength of our marriages, the intelligence of our public debate or the integrity of our public officials. It measures neither our wit nor our courage, neither our wisdom nor our learning, neither our compassion nor our devotion to our country, it measures everything in short, except that which makes life worthwhile.”

Towards a more genuine indicator of progress

Soon thereafter, in 1972, Yale economists William Nordhaus and James Tobin introduced the Measure of Economic Welfare to ask: If an economy grows by depleting assets, is that true growth? In the 1980s, World Bank–economist Herman Daly and theologian John Cobb developed the Index of Sustainable Economic Welfare, a composite index that further expanded the scope of social and environmental factors, and broadened the question to: If the benefits of growth don’t outweigh the costs, is the economy delivering sustainable well-being? And through an interdisciplinary effort led by the think tank Redefining Progress in the 1990s, the Genuine Progress Indicator was born.
The GPI of today takes into account income inequality and non-market benefits such as spending time volunteering or parenting one’s kids. It also deducts negative effects, including depletion of natural assets such as forests and wetlands, and pollution of our air, land and water. While the GDP per person in the U.S. has grown many times over since Kuznet’s warning and Kennedy’s critique, the U.S. GPI peaked in the late 1970s and has been flat ever since.
redefining-progress
US GPI Graph (from Redefining Progress)

States Lead the Way on GPI

The aftermath of the Great Recession has brought a renewed interest in alternative indicators of economic and broader well-being. While the U.S. and other nations have seen steady GDP growth since the financial crisis of 2007–2008, more and more people have been left behind. U.S. income inequality has hit levels not seen since the 1920s, and the growing costs of climate change, water pollution and fossil-fuel dependence have renewed Kennedy’s prophetic call for new metrics of progress.
While one can hope for congressional leadership on new metrics of progress, a growing number of states have decided not to wait. Maryland was the first state to adopt the GPI in 2010, when Governor Martin O’Malley launched an initiative to present the state’s GPI through an online tool. And in 2012, the State of Vermont passed GPI into law. In 2013 O’Malley hosted a GPI summit, which was attended by representatives from 20 states, and now Oregon and Washington are moving in this direction. In 2014, the University of Vermont held a practitioners’ summit, where analysts from across the country came to learn the best practices for measuring GPI.
And why stop with just dollars and cents? While the GPI was designed to put all values into economic terms and compare with the GDP, there are even broader indicators that address quality of life. The World Values Survey, for example, asks people more generally about their life satisfaction, and more specifically about their needs, wants and aspirations. What these metrics strive for in the broadest sense is to understand how the economy contributes to quality of life, and what trade-offs exist between material well-being and the interconnected health of our communities, societies and environment. These broader indicators of “happiness” also show a leveling off in recent decades, again, in spite of a growing economy.
American homes are bigger than ever, we have more luxuries and conveniences than any generation in history, we have witnessed the fullness of a consumer society. But who has been left behind? Has consumption translated to well-being? What would the future hold in a post-consumer society

Want a Career in Public Health? Northern New England is the Place for Public Health.

Some of the fastest growing public health careers in the United States include biostaticians and epidemiologists. Many of those careers are experiencing growth rates of up to 27 percent over the next decade, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Not bad, considering that overall employment is projected to increase by 14 percent.
But what about northern New England? If you want to live and work in Vermont, New Hampshire or Maine, what is the outlook for jobs in public health?
The health care and social assistance sector – which includes jobs in public health – is growing faster than other industries in northern New England, the BLS notes.
VermontSimilar to the rest of the region and the country, Vermont is expected to see a surge in health care jobs over the next decade. The health care and social assistance sector is expected to grow 15 percent, compared to 8.2 percent for all jobs in the Green Mountain State.
The job growth rate projected for public health careers includes:
  • Health educators, 21.3 percent
  • Health care social workers, 19.3 percent
  • Environmental scientists and specialists, including health, 11 percent
  • Social and community service managers, 10 percent
  • Medical and health services managers, 10 percent
  • Community and social service specialists, 9.3 percent
  • Statisticians, 5 percent
  • Occupational health and safety specialists, 3 percent
New HampshireThe Granite State is expected to see a 24 percent jump in the number of health care and social assistance jobs over the next decade, compared to 10.4 percent growth for total employment. Put into perspective: The health care industry will account for nearly 30 percent of all new jobs in New Hampshire over the next decade.
The field of public health will see tremendous job growth compared to other fields:
  • Health educators, 37.2 percent
  • Medical and public health social workers, 28.3 percent
  • Social and community service managers, 22.3 percent
  • Community and social service specialists, 20.1 percent
  • Medical and health services managers, 18.9 percent
  • Environmental scientists and specialists, including health, 17.9 percent
  • Statisticians, 9.4 percent
  • Occupational health and safety specialists, 8.2 percent
MaineAs Mainers age, the state will experience numerous job openings. The health and social assistance sector – where approximately a quarter of the workforce is over age 55 – faces the most retirements. Couple that with the fact that Maine is the “oldest” state in the nation – with numerous health care needs for its aging population – and you can understand why the state is concerned about finding more health care workers.
Jobs in the health and social assistance sector are expected to grow nearly 16 percent, the highest of any industry in the state. That compares to a 5.5 percent increase for total employment.
Most of the careers in public health will follow this growth trend. Among them:
  • Health educators, 24.2 percent
  • Medical and public health social workers, 18.5 percent
  • Medical and health services managers, 15.9 percent
  • Epidemiologists, 15.2 percent
  • Statisticians, 4.8 percent
  • Social and community service managers, 4.3 percent
  • Community and social service specialists, 3.6 percent
  • Environmental scientists and specialists, including health, 1.9 percent
If you are planning on working in Public Health, Northern New England is following the national trend of seeing an increase in jobs in health care and social assistance sector, which will create 28 percent of new jobs over the next decade in the United States

5 Reasons to Take an Online Course This Fall

As the summer continues, your mind may begin to return to more academic topics. After all, the fall semester will be here before you know it. Chances are that you have already selected all or most of your fall courses, but perhaps you are now reconsidering your class schedule—whether by choice, or because circumstances demand it. As you ponder your schedule, consider adding an online course to the mix. Why? Here are five reasons to take an online course this fall:
  1. An online class can offer you flexibility
Registering for multiple preferred courses during a single semester can often be near-impossible. Luckily, online classes offer scheduling flexibility that traditional courses simply cannot rival. For instance, certain online classes allow you to complete work on your own time. This flexibility can enable you to squeeze another course into your schedule, or to balance school with full-time work.
  1. Your options may be broader
In addition to offering scheduling flexibility, online class catalogues may have a wider reach than in-person class catalogues—in other words, they may boast a larger variety of courses. This may even allow you to sign up for a class that is not offered on campus at your school. Such a course may be essential to your career path and major/minor, or it may be in a subject of personal interest.Bryant & Stratton College Online Student
  1. An online class may save you money
Online courses are often less expensive than traditional in-person classes (though this is not always the case). Given the cost of college tuition and the likely possibility of graduating with debt, this can be a very appealing quality of online courses. Set aside time to compare costs, and if you believe that it will save you a significant amount of money, consider at least one online class this fall.
  1. You may earn needed credit
You may be taking an online course to supplement your existing class schedule, or it may be a task that you are completing while you work full-time or embark on a gap year. Whatever your situation, the credits you acquire may be transferable to multiple colleges and universities. Just ensure that the course you select is offered by an accredited program.
  1. You will strengthen key academic skills
Because online classes do not meet in a physical classroom, you may be nervous about the lack of structure. However, online courses can build crucial skills that you will require for almost any job. Since classes are conducted electronically, there is perhaps a greater need for communication than in a traditional class. You will learn the best ways to communicate with peers and professors, and working digitally will also boost your technology skills—which are becoming increasingly important in nearly every industry. If you are still uncertain about online courses, speak with someone who has taken one, and ask for his or her feedback. Even if you have some hesitation, why not register for one online class this fall? You never know what you may learn about yourself as a student.

Catherine Martin is a contributing writer for UniversityTutor.com, the world’s largest global marketplace for finding independent tutors.

Important Factors for Choosing the Right Online College

There are many factors to consider in selecting a school in order to make sure you will be able to thrive personally and academically. While online college is not right for everyone, it can be a great opportunity for people who like self-paced learning, need to balance school with a busy schedule or need a flexible schedule to meet family obligations. But, before you enroll, taking the time to think about some of the questions below will help you feel good about making an investment in your education and help you get to graduation.
Where to look? We probably don’t have to tell you the internet is a great resource. Today colleges have websites, social media profiles, blogs, webinars and other resources that can help you see what the school has to offer. There are also lots of sites that offer reviews of online degree programs where you can read what real students and alumni have to say. Looking at some of these resources will help you at least narrow your list of prospective schools.
Can I take a tour? Of course with an online college taking a physical tour isn’t possible, but talk to the college admissions representatives at your top schools about taking a virtual tour. Find out about the technology that is used, what resources are available to students and how classes are delivered. Learning more about the school’s offerings will help you judge the quality of the college and get a better understanding of online education.
Who can I talk to? During your virtual tour, make sure you’re able to speak with a variety of people at the college. Want to know what a class will be like? Set up time to speak or chat online with an instructor. Ask if there are students or alumni you can speak with or if the college can share what student have said about the school. Also, talk to the financial aid office to find out what kind of scholarships or grants might be available. You can also find a college’s social media profiles to see what students are saying or post a question and get their feedback directly.
What career help is offered? More than likely you are going to school to change or advance your career. As you gather information about a school, make sure you consider its career services offerings. You want to be sure the school you choose is focused on giving you the right skills to manage your career. Talk to the career services counselors about what resources are available to students and look online for information about job placement rates.
Finding a school that is just as invested in your employability as you are can be important to your future success. You want to make a good decision when selecting an online college. So, it’s time to start researching and asking questions. Good luck in your search!
Interested in learning more about the online degree programs offered by Bryant & Stratton College Online? Call 1.888.447.3528 to speak with an admissions representative.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCzOJDJZHoBttdHAjJsnN9w?sub_confirmation=1

DEAR REWORKER: CAN YOU FIRE AN EMPLOYEE FOR CALLING IN SICK TOO OFTEN?

Dear ReWorker,
We hired an employee at the beginning of this year to work the front desk of our medical office. She worked for 10 days, but has been out sick sporadically (with doctors notes) since then.
When she has been in the office, she hasn\’t performed very well and we see that she is not a good candidate for this position. She uses her cell phone, works very slowly and shows no initiative. It\’s all very discouraging.
My other employees are working harder than usual to pull her weight. I want to hire a replacement ASAP, but don\’t want to break any medical leave laws. What should I do? Is it legal to fire an employee for calling in sick too often?
Sincerely,
Needing a New Employee
___________________________________________________________________________________
Dear Needing,
My first question for you is: do you have an absentee policy? Every business needs a policy that dictates how many days employees can miss due to illness, what procedures to follow and when to bring a doctor\’s note.
Legally, an employee—even one that\’s stricken by some horrible disease—isn\’t covered by the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) until they\’ve worked for a company for at least a year, so you\’re not obligated to hold her position open while she takes care of her medical issues.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), though, is a different story. If your company has more than 15 employees, all workers are eligible for protection on day one. If your new employee has a serious disability that results in these absences, you\’re required to make a \”reasonable accommodation\” for her.
What is reasonable? That depends on the job. For instance, it\’s reasonable for an accountant with migraines to work in a quiet, dim area or have a special computer screen. It\’s not reasonable for a bartender in a dance club to work in a quiet, dim area.
Absences can sometimes be considered reasonable, but most likely not for the employee you\’ve described. As a front desk worker, being on site is a core function of her job, so excessive absenteeism wouldn\’t be considered a reasonable accommodation.
With that said, unless you live in Montana, you\’re in at at-will state, so you can let your employee go whenever you choose to do so. It\’s rare to do this without warning, however, so here\’s what I recommend instead.
Focus on her behavior at work, not the absences. Even though it\’s unlikely that she\’s covered by any legal protection, there\’s a chance that the reason she is calling in sick so often is because she has suddenly developed a serious illness—it\’s certainly not her fault, and we should attempt compassion.
Sit her down and say, \”Jane, you\’re on your cell phone often. You show no initiative. Other people have to work harder to make up for your work ethic. We are going to put you on a performance improvement plan (PIP).\”
Present her with a formal document that states the areas she needs to improve and ask her what training or help she might need. Then, make it clear that she has 30 days to change her ways and meet all of the conditions of the PIP. Warn her that if you don\’t notice a difference, you\’ll terminate her.
If she starts complaining about her health, say that you understand, but explain that she still has to meet these conditions within 30 days, ill or not.
And, in the meantime, put together an absentee policy and follow it strictly. When rules are clearly laid out, it makes it easier for employees to separate right from wrong behaviors, and gives employers the right to dole out consequences when rules are not followed.
Sincerely,
Your ReWorker
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCzOJDJZHoBttdHAjJsnN9w?sub_confirmation=1

5 Tips for Negotiating Like a Boss

What should you do when you nail the interview, get the job and your potential employer asks: “What are your salary expectations?”
Tell her!
A recent poll by the Society of Human Resources Management and careerjournal.com found that most job seekers are not comfortable negotiating employment terms, especially money.  In fact, 78 percent of those polled stated that they did not like talking about money. If you are among this group, try following these tips to successfully negotiate your fist ‘real’ salary.

1. Don’t be intimidated. Be informed.

Do your research. There is no way you can be in the ballpark of an acceptable salary if you have no idea of the going rate. For some jobs, there may be little chance to negotiate your salary, like positions that have established pay scales, especially those that are published online. These would  include federal, state and local government jobs, military jobs and jobs at public schools. For most other jobs, you can determine the general pay ranges by browsing the websites, Salary.com, Payscale.com and careeronestop.org.

2. Understand the job and the employer needs.

\”It is a myth that companies try to pay as little as they can to get good talent. Now they may be frugal and, to a certain extent, pay the relative market salary, but the vast majority of companies know that they get what they pay for,\” said Tony Beshara, president and owner of Babich &  Associates recruitment firm.
At every opportunity during the job search process be specific about the impact your accomplishments made in the past and be sure to talk about accomplishments that demonstrate the skill set the employer needs. Don\’t hesitate to ask the employer about the challenges, goals and upcoming projects. Then, draw the connection of how you can contribute to them, without being overly confident.
\”Take your ego out of the deal. Money is usually going to take care of itself, if and only if you have presented your prospective employer with value,\” Beshara said

 3. Figure out what you need out of the deal.

Successful negotiating requires knowing how much you need to live comfortably. Draw up a budget or use a worksheet like ______ to figure out the high end and low end of what you can feasibly accept. Then, go a little bit higher, just in case you have to \”give up a little\” in the negotiation process.
Know that money isn\’t everything, either. Do you need access to medical, dental or vision insurance? Will the company eventually pay for continued formal education, training or licensing? Does the company have a telework policy? These benefits cost the company money and are considered a part of your compensation package. Many times they are a more than worthy tradeoff for a few extra dollars. Finally, having a job you love and opportunity for development that will help you meet your short-term goals is priceless.

4. Point out the win-win situation.

“When a company and candidate are trying to work out an equitable arrangement, it has to be a win-win for everyone,” Beshara said. “Put yourself in their shoes. See it from both your point-of-view and theirs, and then work with him or her to come to reasonable terms.”

5. Need an example of the type of email you can write to begin salary negotiations?

“Mr. or Ms. Hiring Authority, I’m really excited about this job offer. Based on my research, the salary range for this type of position is _______________. Through our discussions, it sounds like we are a perfect match for at least three reasons: First, in general, my background exceeds the stated requirements of the job; second, my ________________ skills/experience will help meet the goals/challenges you mentioned during the interview (name them); and third, your company has the resources for highly self-motivated employees like myself to engage in various professional development opportunities that will benefit both of us. This is definitely a win-win situation and I am confident we can come to an agreement.\”
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCzOJDJZHoBttdHAjJsnN9w?sub_confirmation=1

Webinar Recap: Ramp Up Your Job Search with LinkedIn

As job-search efforts ramp up across a battered economy, job-hunters need every effective tool that can find. LinkedIn is one of the most robust tools available, with a wealth of tools, resources, and processes to help connect you with the right job. Best of all? It’s free, and really easy to use!
During the presentation, acclaimed career coach Kim Dority shared her unique perspectives on just how to utilize LinkedIn for your professional needs.
Kim also covered how to :
  1. Identify and use all of LinkedIn’s job-search options, including targeted alerts
  2. Optimize all of the sections of your Profile to stand out to potential employers
  3. Develop and execute a strategy to enable your connections to help you find the right job
Watch Recorded Webinar Now
Kim’s Key Take-Aways:
  • Enhance your visibility to employers by completely building out your LinkedIn profile.
  • Research industries, companies, and careers to get a comprehensive sense of your job and career options.
  • Explore job openings to understand the possibilities, assess your competitiveness, and see what interests you.
  • Apply for jobs via LinkedIn or through the company’s website.
  • Prepare for the interview by researching your interviewer, company, and industry.
Kim’s Recommended Resources
Build Your Career Opportunities on LinkedIn, by Kim Dority, https://www.bryantstratton.edu/career-life-prep
How to Find a Job on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, MySpace and Other Social Networks, by Brad and Debra Schepp
Job Searching with Social Media, by Joshua Waldman
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCzOJDJZHoBttdHAjJsnN9w?sub_confirmation=1

Want a Career in Public Health? Northern New England is the Place for Public Health.

Some of the fastest growing public health careers in the United States include biostaticians and epidemiologists. Many of those careers are experiencing growth rates of up to 27 percent over the next decade, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Not bad, considering that overall employment is projected to increase by 14 percent.
But what about northern New England? If you want to live and work in Vermont, New Hampshire or Maine, what is the outlook for jobs in public health?
The health care and social assistance sector – which includes jobs in public health – is growing faster than other industries in northern New England, the BLS notes.
VermontSimilar to the rest of the region and the country, Vermont is expected to see a surge in health care jobs over the next decade. The health care and social assistance sector is expected to grow 15 percent, compared to 8.2 percent for all jobs in the Green Mountain State.
The job growth rate projected for public health careers includes:
  • Health educators, 21.3 percent
  • Health care social workers, 19.3 percent
  • Environmental scientists and specialists, including health, 11 percent
  • Social and community service managers, 10 percent
  • Medical and health services managers, 10 percent
  • Community and social service specialists, 9.3 percent
  • Statisticians, 5 percent
  • Occupational health and safety specialists, 3 percent
New HampshireThe Granite State is expected to see a 24 percent jump in the number of health care and social assistance jobs over the next decade, compared to 10.4 percent growth for total employment. Put into perspective: The health care industry will account for nearly 30 percent of all new jobs in New Hampshire over the next decade.
The field of public health will see tremendous job growth compared to other fields:
  • Health educators, 37.2 percent
  • Medical and public health social workers, 28.3 percent
  • Social and community service managers, 22.3 percent
  • Community and social service specialists, 20.1 percent
  • Medical and health services managers, 18.9 percent
  • Environmental scientists and specialists, including health, 17.9 percent
  • Statisticians, 9.4 percent
  • Occupational health and safety specialists, 8.2 percent
MaineAs Mainers age, the state will experience numerous job openings. The health and social assistance sector – where approximately a quarter of the workforce is over age 55 – faces the most retirements. Couple that with the fact that Maine is the “oldest” state in the nation – with numerous health care needs for its aging population – and you can understand why the state is concerned about finding more health care workers.
Jobs in the health and social assistance sector are expected to grow nearly 16 percent, the highest of any industry in the state. That compares to a 5.5 percent increase for total employment.
Most of the careers in public health will follow this growth trend. Among them:
  • Health educators, 24.2 percent
  • Medical and public health social workers, 18.5 percent
  • Medical and health services managers, 15.9 percent
  • Epidemiologists, 15.2 percent
  • Statisticians, 4.8 percent
  • Social and community service managers, 4.3 percent
  • Community and social service specialists, 3.6 percent
  • Environmental scientists and specialists, including health, 1.9 percent
If you are planning on working in Public Health, Northern New England is following the national trend of seeing an increase in jobs in health care and social assistance sector, which will create 28 percent of new jobs over the next decade in the United States
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCzOJDJZHoBttdHAjJsnN9w?sub_confirmation=1

Career Choices for Business Students

From an AAS in Business to a BBA in Business Management, there are several different types of business degrees that provide the education, skills, and training you need to be successful in the world of business, or to start your own company.
Obtaining a business degree from Bryant & Stratton College will open the doors to professional opportunities, career advancement, and will help you maximize your lifetime earning potential. In general, there are two types of business degrees: Associates and Bachelors. Here are examples of the types of careers our students pursue after receiving a degree from Bryant & Stratton\’s business program. All median salary information and projected job growth through 2020 is provided by O*Net Online.
Career opportunities for graduates with an AAS in Business
Human Resources Specialist This career is ideal for those who enjoy working with people, and are good at assessing where an employee best fits into the company\’s vision. Some human resources specialists work in-house, managing employee files, tracking employee evaluations and reviews, and overseeing wage and benefits information. They may also be called upon to resolve employee disputes. Others serve as recruiters, attending career fairs and using online employment sites to find employees who are qualified to fill available positions. The projected job growth for HR specialists is higher than average and median salaries are $55,800.
First-Line Supervisors There are a variety of roles for individuals interested in first line management positions. You can work in the food and beverage sector, retail, or production and manufacturing. In every case, the first-line supervisors take an active role in hiring and managing employees, scheduling, and making sure goods and services are produced according to current health safety standards. They also serve as the liaison between employees and upper management. In both the food service and retain sectors, first-line supervisors also work to ensure clients and customers have a satisfying experience. The median salaries vary according to industry.
Customer Service Representatives As a customer service representative, it is your job to maintain customer satisfaction with your company\’s products and services. In many cases, this job is performed via the phone and the internet, working with customers and conveying their comments and queries to managers, so the company can continually tailor products and services to meet the customers\’ needs. In addition to educating the customers, customer service representatives also resolve complaints. The median salary is $30,580.
Career opportunities for graduates with a BBA in General Management
Office Clerks Office clerks perform a wide range of duties, depending on the type of business in which they are employed, including answering phones and email queries, administering correspondence, and ordering and keeping inventory of the office supplies. They may also be responsible for note-taking and transcription, as well as word processing. The median salary is $27,470.
First-Line Supervisors of Office Workers In this position, employees wear a multitude of hats, from manager to customer service representative. In addition to working with HR to hire and train employees, you also work to facilitate employee relations, help the office to run efficiently, and may work directly with the public to increase customer satisfaction. Median salaries are $49,330.
General Operations Managers This position is also referred to as General Manager or Superintendent and encompasses a wide range of duties and responsibilities in both the public and private sectors. They are responsible for creating, implementing, and revising policies to ensure their company runs efficiently. They are in charge of creating budgets, purchasing, and are ultimately responsible for the company\’s bottom line. The median salary is $95,440. Contact the Admissions Office at Bryant & Stratton College to learn more about the different types of business degrees we offer.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCzOJDJZHoBttdHAjJsnN9w?sub_confirmation=1

IT Online Training Courses – Become a Leader on Your Own Terms

If you’re one of those lucky young people who knows exactly what you want to do with your life, then congratulations. However, these days, by the time people enter the collegiate realm, put themselves through school, or get a job to begin supporting their family – the career vision can evolve multiple times. Successful IT online training courses can transform a basic skill set or a general knowledge/interest into more specific and marketable abilities.
Keep Ahead of the Game
In a competitive job market, you want to be able to demonstrate that you have the best training, and are well versed in the most up and coming technological trends. IT is so much more than fixing computers and developing software. You need to be thinking in terms of mobile application development, IT management opportunities, and IT security, so you can market yourself appropriately to a wide range of prospective employers.
Diversify Your Skill Set
So, you think you want to become a computer programmer? Exposure to the right training can help you to diversify your skill sets so that you become a programmer with a credible knowledge of software development for applications or system software. Your computer networking classes can help you to develop various niche skills, such as computer systems analysis or network and computer systems administration. Exposure to these microcosms of the IT umbrella will provide more well-rounded skills and abilities.
Hone Your Skills
Don’t get too comfortable once you have completed your program. Check back with your college and take advantage of new classes and training which will continue to enhance and enrich your technical abilities. The flexibility offered by your online college will make it easy to take a class here and there – at your convenience – to keep in touch with the latest technology trends, and/or to add to your current degree.
The right IT online training courses will keep your technical abilities sharp, and give you the competitive edge in the applicant pool.

4 Reasons to Contact your Dream Company Today

The job market continues to be competitive and job seekers looking for career information may find this tidbit helpful: do not wait for your dream company to contact you. If you wait for a company to contact you or post a job opening, you may be losing key opportunities. Still not sure that proactively reaching out to a company is in your best interest? Below are four reasons why it could help your job search efforts.
Demonstrates You’re A Self-Starter
Companies are looking for employees who seek out challenges and don’t need a manager to push them. By reaching out a company on your own, you’re demonstrating the work ethic you will bring to their team and that will help you stand out among other job seekers.
Proves You Are Passionate
Employers often complain about the template cover letters and communications they receive from job seekers. Companies want to know that you care about the mission and values of the organization, because invested employees are better at their job and contribute more to company goals. When you proactively reach out you are effectively saying, “out of all the companies out there, I want work for you.”
Quality Over Quantity
Reaching out to employers on your own also supports a healthy quality over quantity approach to job seeking. It can be tempting to simply blast out your resume and hope a company responds. But, career information experts often advise that job seekers should be more selective in their approach. By narrowing your job search you are more likely to end up in a career where you’re challenged and happy, rather than just a job.
Creates An Opportunity For An Informational Interview
Even if a company is not hiring, if you want to work for them you should contact them. Much of landing a job is networking and who better to network with then the people you want to hire you. Asking for an informational interview can be a great foot in the door as well as a way to learn about an industry. You can ask for resume help, their best career advice or talk about trends in the industry. Whatever you do, don’t flat out ask to be hired. Keep in mind that this is an informational interview and you don’t want the person you’re meeting with to feel like your after something more.
Being proactive in your job search will take more effort but you’ll experience a lot of benefits from that work. In terms of career management, you’ll be thankful that you put forth the extra time! If you’re looking for a career change or to advance your current career, check out the degrees offered by Bryant & Stratton College Online by calling 1.888.447.3528 to speak with an admissions representative.

A Future Entrepreneur Soars to New Heights at UVM

To call Tyler Brown motivated is a serious understatement.
The 22-year-old is the former director of operations at the Vermont Flight Academy. Now he’s a full-time student at the UVM School of Business Administration with a 4.0 GPA. He’s running for student government and recently joined the accounting club. Oh, and he plays a little intramural broomball, too.
A 2010 graduate of South Burlington High School, Brown attended the Burlington Technical Center and completed the post-secondary aviation technology program. While in high school and at the technical center, he won state and national awards in aviation maintenance from Skills USA, a national organization serving teachers as well as high school and college students preparing for careers in technical, skilled and service occupations.
It wasn’t long after the aviation program when he landed a job at Vermont Flight Academy to provide technical help with computers. He eventually worked his way up to director of operations, which involved maintenance and administrative work. After a month on the job, he told the president of the company that he wanted to contract out maintenance and focus solely on the business aspect.
“Back in high school, I wanted to be an aerospace engineer and get my Ph.D. Then I wanted to do aviation maintenance, and then maybe own my own shop. I thought I wanted to be a pilot. It’s never been just one thing I wanted to do,” he says. “But I kept thinking about business, and I realized that was my passion. My father owns an electrical company, so I’ve always had a little business blood in me.”
Brown pilots two-seater Cessna 152 and four-seater Cessna 172 planes. When he started at Vermont Flight Academy, the company had two planes and two instructors. Now it has 13 planes, four simulators, plus six full-time and six part-time instructors.
non-traditional-college-student

UVM student Tyler Brown
Brown wanted a college education and attended Vermont Technical College for a semester when he thought he still wanted to pursue aviation maintenance. But as it became clear that business was what he really wanted, Brown decided to go to UVM. He transferred into the College of Arts and Sciences last fall and was accepted to the UVM School of Business Administration in January.
To meet new people and immerse himself in the college experience, Brown participated in a broomball team in the fall and recently joined the accounting club. He is also running for student government.
While he’s juggling a full course load, he continues to work at the Vermont Flight Academy in an advisory role.
Even though he’s no longer the director of operations, Brown still manages the books, works with maintenance contractors, and consults with his successor. He is also working with Green Mountain Software to help develop and market an aviation app.
He also plans to graduate from UVM within three years.
How does he do it all?
“No sleep,” he quips. “I like to think that if I’m not stressed, I’m dead.”
Scott Tighe, a molecular biologist and manages the advanced genomics facility at the UVM Cancer Center, met Brown three years ago at the Vermont Flight Academy while he was learning to fly.
“Tyler ran Vermont Flight Academy and ran it very well. He kept planes rolling and addressing every single customer’s needs,” Tighe says. “Tyler is take charge, motivated, but careful not to overstep his bounds. He is very smart and listens to other people’s comments before he chimes in on a subject. He is a textbook case of a go-getter.”

The Path to College as a Non-Traditional College Student

Brown is savvy with technology, and clearly has a knack for business and multi-tasking. It’s easy to see him as a CEO of a tech company or founder of a blockbuster start-up. Was going back to school at 22 really necessary? Brown believes a college degree is what he needs to truly succeed in the business world, especially as a technology entrepreneur.
“I highly value education. It’s not just what you get out of it, but (earning a degree) also shows you are dedicated to expand your knowledge in a particular career path,” he says. “Learning on the job is one thing, but being in school is entirely different. I’ve had so many road blocks in my career so far because I’m young and didn’t have my degree. If you are young and without a degree, it’s difficult.”
Brown also sees being at UVM as a way to network, build connections, and do informal market research with his peers. “That’s what business is. It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.”
His one regret? Not going straight to college right after high school.
“My friends here at UVM call me ‘Gramps,’” he jokes. “But really, at the same time, it’s never too late to go back to school. I take school very seriously because I’ve been out of school for a few years. I hold myself to a very high standard, and I think that people who generally take time off between high school and college have more respect for education when they return.”

What’s next for Brown?

“Aviation is not as important to me now, and it’s a hard business,” he says. “The work I’ve done has been rewarding, but now I want to create my own company

Should Every Child Get a Flu Shot?

Because the flu is more dangerous for children than the common cold, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control recommends that all children over 6 months old get a flu shot. Each year, complications from the flu send an average of 20,000 children under age 5 to the hospital. Some children die; in 2012-13, 167 children were lost to the flu.
“The flu is here every year, and every year we have to be prepared, and the best way to protect yourself and your family is to get a flu shot,” said Dr. Jan Carney, associate dean for public health, professor of medicine and lead faculty for the University of Vermont’s online graduate public health certificate program. “Even at the start of flu season, it’s not too late to get a flu shot. If you haven’t already, make sure you follow the Department of Health’s recommendations and get vaccinated.”
Dr. Carney suggests that parents:
The CDC especially recommends the flu shot for children younger than age 5, and children of any age with a long-term health condition like asthma, diabetes or disorders of the brain or nervous system. Children with such health conditions are at risk of serious flu complications, such as pneumonia.
In addition, adults who come in contact with children under age 5 or with children with serious health conditions also should get a flu shot. The 2013-2014 flu vaccine protects people against the influenza viruses most likely to cause illness this year. With few exceptions, the CDC recommends that everyone older than 6 months get a flu shot – every year.

Common Workplace Mistakes Made by Newbies

If you are stepping into your first “real” job after college you probably have a mixed bag of feelings about it. It’s exciting to meet new people, have new responsibilities and contribute to your new company’s goals. And it’s also little scary. That’s just how it goes when you’re a newbie, but that’s a bad thing. Some mistakes are expected and they are easy to avoid or correct as long as you are aware of them. Here are a few:workers hiding behind cubicle
  1. Flying Solo
“Although you’re new to the company, you’ll need the support of others to succeed in your career,” said Ericka Spradley, career coach and author. “Oftentimes, new employees fail because they don’t have a success team. As you partner with your leader, discuss mentoring options; as you progress in your role, identify those who have succeeded where you see yourself,” she added. And remember, employers hire a diverse workforce on purpose. Interact with people who have diverse thoughts, ideas and perspectives, not only with other recent grads.
  1. Staying in the dark
New employees often have to do a lot of reading and that can get quite boring and confusing. Mix things up a little to show interest in learning all you can. Jot down questions that come up while reading and use them as conversation starters that help enlighten you about things that are unwritten or not so obvious. “The beginning of your job is the time to ask questions. Your new co-workers expect you to be curious and are willing to help if you ask them. Plus, this will help you build professional relationships,” said Deborah Brown-Volkman, career coach and president of Surpass Your Dreams (www.surpassyourdreams.com).
  1. Not understanding your value
You don’t have to be a know-it-all or expert when you walk in the door, but know that you were hired for a reason: your employer is making an investment to fill a need. That investment in you is evidence that you bring something of value to the table. It may be hard skills, like computer programming or dental hygiene techniques, or equally valuable soft skills that newbies often bring:  energy, enthusiasm, passion and new ideas.
  1. Mismanaging time
“Because you’re new and may not be able to function independently for the first 90 days or so, you may have “breaks” in your day. These breaks occur because tasks are completed sooner than anticipated but employers still expect productivity,” said Spradley. “New grads may use these breaks to surf the internet or share social media updates, but a better use of this time may be: navigating the company’s intranet to understand policy, relevant news, employer updates; asking for more tasks or staying abreast of training,” she added. Brown-Volkman believes being a newbie is a state of mind. “If you feel bad about it, then it will be harder for you to adjust. Hold you head up high, put your shoulders back and watch how you carry yourself,” she said.