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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Other careers in hospitality management include:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Q: Why is the paralegal field an exciting one?

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

Q: Where are the jobs?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By: Josh Galle, Veterans and Government Recruiting Lead and Kelly Young, Human Resources Program Manager at Humana Like many corporations, Humana has recognized the value that military veterans bring to the workforce.   From strong project management skills to punctuality and extensive travel experience, Veterans are an attractive candidate pool.  However, finding practical ways to translate your military experience into layman’s terms as someone transitioning out of the Service can be difficult.   Here are some tips to help you sell your military experience in the corporate world.

Focus on transferrable skills It may be that your military job doesn’t directly translate into a job in the corporate workforce.  (Who knew there would be a limited market for bomb technicians in corporate America?!)  In that case, focus on the skills you have that are generally transferrable to business roles- things like team leadership skills, project management, your proven ability to work with individuals from different cultures and backgrounds, strong accountability and execution skills, etc.   Be sure to have experiential examples to back up each of these qualities, and reference them in interviews.

Minimize acronyms and jargon The average recruiter may not be familiar with the military jargon and acronyms that are second nature to those in the Service.  Have someone without military experience review your resume, checking for use of acronyms and jargon.  When in doubt, spell out the acronyms and translate the jargon into layman’s terms.   For instance, spell out Corporal instead of CPL and when possible substitute with a corporate title, i.e. Squad Leader can be displayed as Security Supervisor or Manager.

Network with other Vets Don’t underestimate the power of your military network.  Stay connected via social media sites like LinkedIn and Facebook with others you’ve met or worked with during your military career.  Talk with other Vets in your area to see if their employers are hiring.   Often, valuable referrals can come through friends, neighbors, and former colleagues who know that you are looking for new opportunities post military career.

Seek out Veteran-friendly employers Many organizations now have targeted recruiting efforts to source Veteran talent.   Check out the Top 100 Military Friendly Employers listing and this listing of Federal Contractors and other vet friendly employers.  

Interested in finding out more about Humana’s Veteran’s Hiring?   Be sure to check out our Veteran’s Talent Network.    In addition to competitive benefits that focus on health and well-being, one of the best resources available to veterans and military spouses once they join Humana is the Veterans Network Resource Group. This group, which meets both in-person as well as has an online community through our enterprise social media site for military veterans and military spouses, helps veterans and their families transition to civilian life and share common experiences. This group also supports community service for veterans and provides input to Humana on how we can better serve our military and government members.  

To learn more, visit http://careers.humana.com/ Josh Galle is a Recruiting Lead at Humana, focusing on recruiting for Government business and leading the organizations efforts on hiring and retaining Veterans and in Humana’s workforce.

Josh is a decorated Veteran who served 8 years (Active & Reserve) in the United States Marine Corps and has a passion for helping Veterans and their families.  Josh is also a co-author in a recently published book, “An American Crisis: Veterans Unemployment” available from Inspired Authors Press and on Amazon.com.

Kelly Young is a Human Resources Program Manager at Humana. Kelly is responsible for coordinating enterprise learning and developing the talent of professionals within the organization.  Josh and Kelly have partnered various times to write publications to help support Veterans who are re-entering the corporate workforce.

Part of being successful academically and professionally is tackling major assignments and projects early.  While midterms can seem daunting, a thorough approach can help you feel more confident in the expectations for the assessment.

The first step to preparing for midterms is to figure out what information is available about the midterm for your particular course. Some midterms are available at least a week early, and there should be at least a basic description of the midterm in your tracking calendar. If you would like to know more about your midterm, ask your instructor. He or she may be able to provide you with the material early. However, if you are not able to obtain further information, I recommend viewing the midterm on Sunday so you can see if it is a timed assessment or essay.

This allows you to look over the material and email your instructors any questions you might have. It’s also useful to think about the purpose of a major assessment overall. A major assessment is designed to test your knowledge of the course material, and possibly to apply the knowledge to a work-related scenario. With this in mind, consider your progress in the course. Do you thoroughly understand the lecture and textbook reading? How are you performing on the weekly activities? Has your instructor indicated an area you might need to improve or an idea you might not understand correctly?

A great way to make sure you really understand a concept is to explain it to a friend, and think about how you will use the knowledge in the workplace. Take the initiative to read the supplemental reading provided by your instructor (located in the tracking calendar) as well as your own research. Once you feel that you have an understanding of the course material, it’s time to think about the midterm itself. If it is a timed exam, you will need to ensure a block of time is set aside in your schedule.

Consider the circumstances that will contribute to minimal distractions. Do you need to leave the house, or do you have a lunch hour where you will be able to concentrate and work uninterrupted? Upon taking the exam itself, look carefully at the content. Pay attention to any “action words,” such as “explain,” “identify,” or “analyze.”  Pay close attention to any word count or research requirement. A common error I see as an English instructor is students not including research, or the research included is not scholarly enough.  If a rubric is provided, be sure you have read it and understand how you will be graded on the assessment. Lastly, before submitting your work, read it over to look for areas where you might have rushed. Are your ideas explained thoroughly? 

Are there any grammatical errors you might have overlooked? If the midterm has several components, check off each component to ensure that it is addressed.  When you feel like the midterm is your best work, submit! Midterms and all major assignments can be stressful, but it’s helpful to remember there is a purpose. It is essential to understand the concepts related to your major.

This is knowledge that will be used in your field either directly or indirectly. Each major assignment is an accomplishment of being closer to your goal of being not only in your field, but successful and competitive!

I recently had the opportunity to sit on a panel in the business school of a local University to discuss the intricacies of job searching.  

The members of the panel were representing the highest profile companies in the region and all eloquently offered great tips and suggestions on myriad topics including:  crafting a targeted resume, how to work a career fair, online applications, interviewing and ultimately securing that dream job we all have been programmed to try to find. Afterwards, a very assertive woman came up to inform me that she had already put into place all of the tips that the panelist had given and she also had applied to over 40 jobs in the last three and half months, but found obtaining that dream job elusive. 

Then it hit me. Did she have 40 dream jobs? 

Was it just semantics or was there a clue here that might help solve her dilemma? So, I asked the recent graduate to tell me what her dream job looks like. She immediately started describing a company, its culture, the environment, the type of people she would be working with; nothing describing the responsibilities or job itself. I turned the tables a tad and asked her, 

\”What companies have this profile?\” 

For the first time in our conversation, she was stumped. Well, there is our answer folks.  While she was dream job-hunting, she should have been searching for the dream company. I have spent quite a bit of time thinking about this specific job seeker and moreover this topic since our encounter. It occurred to me that the tools we use now to find the right place for employment are drastically different from those used 20 years ago.

From a job seekers point of view, the gift of the internet has allowed for an easier application process. The other gift of internet job seeking is the wealth of company information at our fingertips. That being said, I can easily understand how the massive amount of data that is readily available could be overwhelming. The curse of the internet, when it comes to job searching is just that…we are programmed to dream job search with the unlimited view of job posting after job posting.

What happened to getting your foot in the door at the right company and proving yourself so that you can wiggle into the dream job at the dream company? Countless great professional careers start this way. It is easier to get the dream job if you are applying from within. Starting with the right company in a position that may not be ideal allows:  investments to be made, loyalty and pride to be built, obtaining a sense of greater good and ultimately career goals to be realized. Here are a few tips to help uncover your dream company utilizing the gift of the internet and social networks:

So, stop searching for jobs. Try searching for a great company with great people who mirror your values and get on board. The ultimate benefit is you will stop searching for jobs.

Steve Talbott is Talent Acquisition Manager at Enterprise Holdings Inc. He joined the company in 1992 as a management trainee in the Kansas City area and has held several operational and talent acquisition roles in the company since. Today, Steve oversees the internal and external hiring for Enterprise Holdings in St. Louis. 

If you are just starting your career, and wondering whether it is appropriate to use a professor as a reference, relax. It sure is! Human resources staff and hiring managers receive resumes and applications from soon-to-be and recent graduates all the time. And, although they will understand your limited experience, they won\’t excuse you from the requirement of having great references.

Here\’s how to set the right conditions to make sure potential employers get high quality feedback from your professors.

Pick the right professor(s) – Hopefully, you have built a rapport with at least a few of your professors. Have you had one-on-one discussions with any of them? Which of them could vouch for your character, abilities and potential? Sophia L. Marshall, Cross-Cultural Career Coach and Speaker, suggests selecting two: one who taught a general course and one who taught a specialty course because they can both speak to different things for the job you are applying for.

Ask permission – This serves several purposes. First, he or she won\’t be caught off guard when the employer calls. And, it will guarantee you have the professor\’s preferred and accurate contact information. It also gives the professor the chance to decline being contacted. In a 2012, a Careerbuilder survey of nearly 2,500 hiring managers and 4,000 workers, 62 percent of the employers who contacted a reference said the reference didn\’t have anything good to say about the candidate.

Prep them for success – Even if you have a great rapport, the professor (and anyone who serves as a reference) will appreciate getting information that helps them provide quality feedback. Tell them what you are applying for, provide a copy of your resume and point out a few key points for discussion.

\”For example, for the professor who taught the general course you could say: ‘please highlight my leadership skills as I was the team lead on the recent (project name) project’,” Marshall said. “The key here is to talk about a general soft skill that you developed as a part of his/her class.” Your request with a professor of a specialized course would have a different focus.”

Ask that professor to highlight your knowledge in a few skills with correlations between what you studied and what the company is looking for,” she said. “It\’s good to be specific here, like a programming language, server knowledge or other type of technical skill.”

And when you choose a reference, choose wisely. What this person says about you can directly impact your being selected for a position. According to the survey, 69 percent of the respondents have changed their minds about a candidate after speaking with a reference. Of those, 47 percent had a less favorable opinion about the candidate while 23 percent had a more favorable one. So, the lesson here is that you can use professors as references.

And, although you can never be absolutely sure what they will say about you, you can set the conditions for a favorable outcome by making sure they are prepared and willing to be called.

Professional associations can be a terrific resource for anyone starting out their career. An IT professional organization can also be a great way to keep up on changes in the industry. To find out more about the benefits of associations as well as other helpful information about starting an IT career, Bryant & Stratton College spoke with Barbara Viola, owner of VioTech Solutions and Co-Chair Chapter & Regional Support of the Association of Information Technology Professionals (AITP).

A: Joining a professional association, such as AITP can offer students and new graduates an easy way to network with those working in their industry; develop more knowledge about our industry and possibly even develop leadership skills. Our AITP students can join (or start up) a student chapter and be exposed to guest speakers within the field, participate in our annual NCC – national collegiate conference and compete for awards in a variety of IT disciplines, such as programming, database development, PC skills, .net, public speaking, etc. In 2013 we met in St. Louis, Missouri and had over 700 attendees from around the country, coming from as far away as Alaska. We also had many national companies in attendance recruiting graduating students with over 500 open positions! So, joining a professional organization can be a great way to gain valuable networking contacts either as a student or graduate, and to keep abreast of what’s happening in the industry, and possibly even get your first or subsequent jobs! They can also run for Chapter officer positions and develop leadership skills and add to their resumes.

IT is all about change and that’s why most of us gravitated to this field – we love the constant change and how our jobs are constantly evolving. Social media, mobile communications, the cloud, VM ware – there are so many technology innovations that have and are occurring, that it is important for IT professionals to have a well-rounded education. We need to be prepared for the many changes that are occurring within the industry. While you are in school students should try and investigate areas of IT that could be helpful in your future; security, web development, and taking some business courses in finance, management skills, etc. will prove valuable as you gain experience and take on management level positions.

If a student does not have experience their field, they are at a very distinct disadvantage with other IT students when they graduate. While you are in college is when you need to be exposing yourself to your future career. This is when you are able to decide if IT is the right career path for you and which area interests you the most. Students without this exposure tend to take longer to find a position and may be forced to accept whatever is open, rather than pursuing the specific area of IT they would like to work in. If I have two student applicants and one has worked in the field during college, I tend towards hiring the one with work experience. Why? They have shown that they know what is involved in working in a business setting in IT and are sure that this is the field for them. An added benefit is that their work experience often gives them the confidence to realize that they can be successful in their future career.

My AITP Chapter just had their annual CIO panel and each of the five CIO’s who participated were adamant about the importance of soft skills in the employees that they choose to hire. One CIO actually told the audience that because skill sets are changing so rapidly, many of their job postings no longer include specific IT skills within the job description – they focus more on potential and how adaptable someone is to changing technologies. Taking a public speaking class while in school as one of your electives is a great way to develop a skill that you may find very useful to you throughout your career – it could also help you tremendously if you have thoughts of becoming a manager eventually. It is also important to have excellent listening skills, since a lot of what is done within a corporation is working in a team. You need to work well with others, listen to everyone’s ideas and be able to communicate effectively. We hear a lot about emotional intelligence and I can tell you that those IT professionals who are able to find and keep jobs throughout their career usually are very high in their emotional intelligence and working effectively within a team environment. Their emotional intelligence is more important than their expertise with a particular skill set.  If you ever want to reach the CIO level, these traits are much more important than any technology skill you may master.

A: It is a great time to be entering the IT field, and the outlook is very positive for our industry for the future. If anything, we are becoming more and more dependent on technology for every aspect of running a business. Women entering the field are in a great position in that there are not many of us and you can have a real advantage if know your stuff and are a hard worker. Your ability to do well in our industry has everything to do with your knowledge, and ability to work well with others. Employers want to hire you, since they want departments that are diverse and include both men and women.

Bryant & Stratton College Online offers several online degrees, including IT programs. If you are interested in learning about the degrees at Bryant & Stratton College, call 1.888.447.3528 to speak with an admissions representative

In general, there are two types of business degrees: Associates and Bachelors. Here are examples of the types of careers you may 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Contact the Admissions Office at Bryant & Stratton College or click here to learn more about the different types of business degrees we offer.

Go to school; get a job. Like many students, you may have been taught to expect that doing the former will ensure the latter. But many recent grads are struggling in their search for an entry point to their career.

The reason why?

Employers don’t think they’re ready. In a survey conducted by Bryant & Stratton College and Wakefield Research, 80 percent of 18-34 year olds said they believed they were job-ready and possessed all the skills, experience, and education needed to advance in their desired career path or obtain their next job. But a study by McKinsey & Company found that almost 40 percent of employers looking to hire new employees had openings for six months or more. These employers claim that they are unable to fill positions due to the lack of skills, qualifications, and training in entry-level applicants.

What’s the problem? Young job applicants can’t find jobs they are qualified for; employers can’t find job applicants who fit their requirements. This problem is often referred to as “the skills gap,” and at the answer is changing how students talk about their qualifications.

How can you boost your employability? A strong academic performance alone will not earn you a job. There are many skills and abilities you need to develop to become a desirable job applicant:

1. Hone your soft skills: Employers are looking for people that are able to think critically, communicate, work well in team situations and be a problem solver. Look for times during class assignments to work on these skills and ask for feedback from instructors so you can continue to improve.

2. Get real-world experience: Doing an internship, job shadowing and volunteering are all great ways to gain experience outside of the classroom. You can surface many of these opportunities on your own, or with the help of your advisor, instructors, and the Career Center

A lot of colleges are working on ways to help students naturally close the skills gap. If you are a Bryant & Stratton College student then our Career LifePrep program is helping you – even if you don’t know it! Career LifePrep combines course content across the College with real-world activities and workplace competencies to help students develop relevant skills. Keep an eye out for it in action next time you are in class. If you’re not a Bryant & Stratton College student and want to know if your school or the school you’re considering has a similar resource, here are some helpful questions to ask:

4. Flaunt it: It’s important not only to develop employability skills, but to prove yourself in an interview. Don’t just highlight your accomplishments – provide context on how they’ve given you the experience and ability to succeed in the workplace. Employers want to know how you will fit into their company, that you are able to learn quickly, and that you’re ready to go to work. Entering the job market may seem intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right preparation and mindset, you’ll be on your way to a new career in no time.