Earn College Credit with Prior-Learning Assessments
By Kris Powers | August 23rd 2021
What are prior-learning assessments? Prior-learning assessments (PLAs) are methods that colleges, universities and other education and training providers use to evaluate a student's non-academic experiences and training. PLAs award college credit, certification or advanced standing for learning that has occurred outside of the more traditional learning environment. Students that participate in PLA testing can use these credits as a shortcut to graduation. Other common terms for these types of assessments include Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) and Recognition of Learning.
Enrollment on the Rise for Career Training Programs
By Kris Powers | June 30th 2021
Providers of career training programs across the country are seeing a jump in enrollment during the pandemic. According to a recent survey conducted among 1,500 Americans, as many as 43% of individuals under age 40 are thinking about returning to school and furthering their education. Those laid off or furloughed are especially likely to think about continuing their education. Their motivation? 57% of those surveyed expect that furthering their education would result in a significant salary increase and almost half (49%) want to start a new career.
8 Tips for the Post-Pandemic Job Search
By Kris Powers | June 16th 2021
It’s no secret that the pandemic wreaked havoc on employment. As the economy seeks recovery, TopResume, a resume-writing service, surveyed human resource professionals and hiring managers to learn how the pandemic affected the job search and hiring process.
The findings? Human resource professionals may be focused on different factors when considering job applicants than they were pre-pandemic. Job seekers should be aware of the latest trends in order to improve their chances of snagging their desired job. Here are 8 things to keep in mind:
1. Remote work may be here to stay
You Never Know What You Don't Know (Until You Know It)
By Kris Powers | April 27th 2021
I watched a video on LinkedIn this morning about a young color-blind student named Jonathan. In a science class at Lakeview Schools his fellow color-blind principal, Scott Hanson, changed his life by sharing his color-blind glasses.
Jonathan had most likely heard about colors; perhaps even been able to notice nuances between the darker and lighter shades of things; but upon putting on those glasses for the first time, he was so awestruck by the color and beauty around him that he cried.
4 Unconventional Ways to Find the Perfect Job
By Guest Blogger | April 7th 2021
If you had to estimate how many jobs the average adult holds before retiring, what would you guess?
If you thought to yourself, at least a dozen or more, then congratulations: you’re correct. Unlike past generations, when a twentysomething found a job and stuck with it throughout their lives, today’s employees travel varied, meandering career paths toward retirement.
In fact, in 2020, a freshly-minted college grad can expect to cycle through a dozen or more jobs, career expert Marya Triandafellos tells NBC. And that means if you aren’t satisfied in your current role, then you have ample opportunity to look elsewhere.
8 Tips to Make You Hire-ly Marketable
By Kris Powers | November 30th 2020
If you are seeking a promotion, looking for a job change or are considering a total career change, now is the perfect time to gain a professional advantage by enhancing your skills and qualifications to set yourself apart in today’s competitive business environment.
Online opportunities have made it easier than ever to brush up on skills you need. Where do you start?
Rejoining the Workforce
By Kris Powers | November 4th 2020
I’m an optimist; already looking ahead to a time when COVID will be a thing of the past – a horrible time in our history that will be talked about by future generations.
When we come out on the other side of this, and we will, there are going to be many men and women looking for employment. Perhaps you were laid off as a result of COVID, maybe you took a sabbatical to home school your children, or to care for an elderly parent. Whatever the reason, if you are planning on reentering the workforce again, there are steps you can take to make yourself more attractive to companies and more employable overall.
Practice Your Acceptance Speech
By Kris Powers | September 8th 2020
From the American Music Association to the Golden Globes, recipients of awards stand in front of the crowd and give thanks to all who helped get them there. Some speeches are short and concise, others drag on a bit too long and the music is cued to close them out. Whether short or long, those speeches have one thing in common. Those being recognized take the time to acknowledge that they did not get to that point alone.
If any part of your workday involves collaborating with others, my advice to you is “practice your acceptance speech”.
Mental Health Technician Professional Program
By Kris Powers | July 23rd 2020
Mental health technicians care for people who have mental illness or developmental delays. Mental health technicians, also known as psychiatric technicians or aides, are also responsible for the following according to BLS.gov:
COVID-19 and Remote Worker Burnout
By Kris Powers | July 21st 2020
As a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, millions of people have made the transition to remote work, many of them for the first time in their careers. In fact, Stanford economist Nicholas Bloom states that 42% of the U.S. labor force is now working from home full-time.
The compounding factors of the pandemic, having children home from school, worry about employment, health and community have all taken their toll. Concerns of downsizing and increased pressure to continue to be a top performer while working from home lead some employees to put in what feels like 125% while working remotely. Many are finding it difficult to “log off” from work and regain the work/life balance they may once have had.