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Going Back To SchoolIs It Worth It?

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The “Hidden” Job Market

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SPRING/SUMMER 2009Volume 1, Number 1

EDU Colorado is printed by American Web on SFI-certified paper. It contains fiber from well-managed forests and meets EPA guidelines

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CONtRibutiNG eDitORs Jeanne Fischer Caitlin Kelly

ARt DiReCtORs Marissa Ayres Jennifer Harlow

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ACCOuNt eXeCutiVes Kim Beethe Anne Kremer Ellen Schneeweis Ellen Smith Tony Sollenbarger Char Stunkel

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Metro Mountain Media also publishes Ever After, Mountain Vacations, Front Range Family

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Your Guide To Education, Careers & Personal Growth

eduCOLORADO

7 The “Hidden” Job Market How networking can clue you in to hard-to-find jobs

9 Going Back to School—Is It Worth It? Weighing the risks and benefits of furthering your education

11 How to Get Money for College Find the best resources for financial aid

13 Tips for Getting into College Learn what you can do now to get into the school of your dreams

14 The Associate’s Advantage What can this two-year degree do for you?

16 Achieve Success with Quick and Easy Goal Setting How to improve your work and personal life in just one hour per month

18 How to Thrive in Today’s Work Environment You can achieve success at work even when the economy is hurting

20 Paying for College Later In Life Going back to school? Learn how to finance your continuing education

22 The Benefits of an Online Education Learn about the benefits of online education and how to finance it

24 The First Step To Your Dream Job May Be A Vacation Vocation Vacations can help you make your dream job a reality

26 The Secrets of Resume Writing Perfect your resume with this expert advice

32 Dealing with Frustrating Job Searches in a Tough Economy Great tips to help when finding a job seems impossible

34 Top Ten Jobs Requiring a Two-Year Degree Learn about these exciting career paths

35 Occupation and Wage Estimates Considering a career change? Check out the descriptions and wage estimates of popular jobs

39 Stand Out From the Crowd Adding a cover letter to your resume can help you stand out from other applicants

41 Directory 49 Resources Several Denver-area organizations are dedicated to helping you through tough times

50 How to Get Help With Your College Application The college application process can be overwhelming. Find out where to go for help

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By Barbara Locke

Forming a social network can clue you in

to hard-to-find jobs.

The “Hidden” Job Market The “Hidden” Job Market

Many jobs aren’t advertised in the daily newspaper, at local career centers or at

temporary employment agencies. So how do people find these jobs? Many people forget about an important and valuable resource: word of mouth. For years, everyone’s talked about the “Good Old Boy” network, traditionally a group of men with similar interests, education, and social class who have bonded together in an informational network to give each other a helping hand and to keep as many of themselves in power/jobs as possible.

The system works, and it can work for you, even if you’re not old or a boy. First, you need to reach out to friends and acquaintances who understand your skills and employment goals. Would you like to work in a floral design shop? Get to know some people who work in the field. Maybe you know someone who works in a shop already, or you know someone who teaches floral design at the local community college. Ask around to see if they know someone who might be hiring, especially if their busy period is coming up. Many businesses hire extra help around the holidays—if you do a great job, you could be asked to stay on.

Let your friends and family know what kind of job you’re looking for so they can let you know what job openings might be available at their workplaces. They can ask their neighbors and spouses for you, as well. If you ask ten friends for information, and they each ask ten people on your behalf, your inquiry could get out to as many as 100 people or more. In a small town, that might be enough to get you to the door of your future employer.

If you don’t have the perfect training for a job you’d like, consider accepting a different job within an

organization and take extra time after hours for some on-the-job training for the position you originally wanted. Sometimes when an employer sees how hard you’re willing to work to achieve your goals, he or she will be inclined to offer you just what you want.

If you want to catch an employer’s eye and you’re not hurting for money at the moment, another way to impress someone is to volunteer. You can pick up the skills you need as you work on site, and when a job becomes available, you’ll be on the inside when it’s time to apply.

The more contacts you make, the wider your network, and the more likely you are to land a job. In small towns, there’s an average of 25 to 50 applicants for every clerical opening, and big cities may have five times as many. Personal contacts can give you a much-needed leg-up when competition is fierce. Let people know you’re looking and have them pass on a recommendation or a good word, if they can. Be a name-dropper—remind the employer someone he or she knows recommended you.

Because you’ve made a personal contact with an employer or other crucial person once doesn’t mean they’ll remember you. Make contact again, even if you’ve left a resume or had an interview, to remind them of your interest. If common business practice says it takes the average person seven times hearing something before they remember it, the same is true of your name and face. You’ll find persistence pays! edu

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H ave you experienced the frustration of earning an education credential only to find that your chosen career path was a dead

end? Because it is perfectly understandable to change careers, you might consider the option of earning a different credential. When you think about all of your career options, the decision to go back to school comes down to economics. Can you afford to leave your present career path to pursue a new degree?

For many Americans, there is a more important question than what path they want their career to take. They are concerned with the health of the U.S. economy. Everyone is wondering where is the economy heading? What type of income will they need in five years to maintain their present lifestyle (i.e. their current mortgage payment)? Will they be able to afford their bills with wages resembling their present earnings?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis report for July 2008, “Personal income decreased $89.9 billion, or 0.7 percent, in July, in contrast to an increase of $7.4 billion, or 0.1 percent, in June and an increase of $218 billion, or 1.8 percent, in May.”

Realize that your future ability to afford your present bills is endangered by rising prices for goods and services, from electricity to groceries. You might need a higher earning capacity as early as next year, or you might need more ways to condense your budget.

In challenging economic circumstances, you can ponder the customary questions like whether you can afford to leave your career path, how much you can spend or borrow for your education, and how long it will take you to finish. Additionally, consider these questions:

What will the demand for this career be after you finish school?

You can search for economic forecasts of the job sector over the next few years. You can weigh the demand for this job versus the future prospects of your present career choice.

What will your earning potential be when you are finished?

Sometimes looking at demand is not enough. Your future career might double or even triple your earning potential after graduation. That is an economic benefit to which you should give serious thought.

What are the future needs of your family?A career change may require different working hours than you

presently work. In two years or four years, think about what age your kids will be. Will your new career be compatible with your parenting obligations? How will you balance your job with your spouse’s workload?

How does this prospective program match with your personal financial goals?

Beyond the demand for this new career and its earning potential, think about the long-term feasibility of this career. Gauge your personal commitment to pursuing this career over many years. Do you have what it takes to stick with a new career path and simultaneously achieve your financial goals?

The option of returning to school is a huge decision when your personal income depreciates because of economic factors beyond your control. Look down the road and decide if investing your time and money in additional education is your best choice. edu

Going Back To School Is It Worth It?

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f i n a n c i a l

Obtaining funds for your education is nowhere near as difficult as it seems. There are thousands

of sources that you can research, and nearly everything can be located and applied for without charge. There are more than a billion dollars in unclaimed scholarships and educational funds every year. Why not try to get your piece of the pie?

Tip 1: Gather your information before applying

In order to qualify for most financial aid, you must have confirmed admission to an educational institution, and nearly all sources of aid will independently verify your admission. The type of institution, course of study, and part of the country all will have great effect on what types of aid you are eligible for. In addition, gather as much information about your background, both personally and educationally, for maximum effect. Many private scholarships have ethnic, gender, household

income, or other qualifiers. Since these are privately funded

(the majority of available financial aid is private), there are no restrictions on what the funding agency can require.

Tip 2: Go big firstThe Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA)

is the starting point for every search for financial aid. This form is incredibly simple to fill out, requiring virtually no verifying information. With that, you have applied for the most widely available sources of aid, most specifically Pell Grants and Stafford Loans. Both are funded by the federal government based on income level and tuition, regardless of academic achievement. Pell Grants are not repaid, but they are very limited, and fail to fully fund even public school tuitions. Stafford Loans are larger, and come in two categories, subsidized and unsubsidized, but their funds must be repaid. The only difference is that unsubsidized loans accrue interest while the loan recipient is attending school full-time, while subsidized loans do not accrue interest until after full-time attendance ceases.

Tip 3: Look for local scholarshipsThere are many listings, both electronic and

manual (books and ad listings), with thousands of scholarships of every variety, from $100 stipends to full rides. But to look manually through all these listings will take weeks and result in lots of frustration, dealing with vague requirements and reams of red tape. You are best served to use a free scholarship search engine. The largest and easiest is Fastweb.com, but other effective engines include Scholarshipexpress.com, College-scholarships.com, and Scholarships.com, among many others. It is suggested that you use a few very effective engines to optimize results.

Maximize your search efforts by focusing on those scholarships that are the best matched to your qualifications and desired goals. The application may be long, but it is very important. Quality time will be spent interviewing with agents of funds whose goals are complicit with your own.

Tip 4: There is no such thing as overkill when applying for scholarships

Apply for as many scholarships as possible. Maximize your results by applying for those scholarships that match you best, as discussed above, but remember there are a million fish in the sea. Keep

How to Get Money for College The more

thorough your search for

financial aid, the less burden you will bear when you finish your education and

begin your pursuit of a career and a fulfilling life. Exhaustively pursue every

avenue, and seek help from every available source.

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Court Reporting is a career that’s vital, exciting, and rewarding, with coast-to-coast opportunities at your fingertips. Reporters can work in the legal community, provide communications access for people with hearing loss, be an independent contractor, or run their own reporting firm.

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edu COLORADO • Spring/Summer 200912 Spring/Summer 2009 • edu COLORADOwww.educolorado.com 13

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throwing out your line! You never know what the applicant pool is like, so the more you apply, the better your chances of getting to the vital second step: the test or interview.

Tip 5: Prioritize local fundsLocal agencies like to provide scholarships to

local candidates, someone they can hold up to their members as being part of their society. It also is much easier to interview for and test for local funds, and many funding agencies will not even consider someone outside their area, regardless of how great their qualifications are. This also applies to state funds. In California, there is an equivalent to the Pell Grant called the Cal Grant, with the same rules but even lighter on the funding. However, they are also very easy to apply for, and qualify thousands of students every year, so not applying for these local type funds is missing out on easy money

Tip 6: Steer Clear of Debt!Stafford Loans have great interest rates, but it

can be tempting to apply for every bit of funding you can get. Stafford Loans include books, housing, and other household expenses into your need basis for funding, and can provide thousands of dollars a year beyond what you actually need to pay for tuition or other mandatory expenses. Remember that every dollar must be re-paid, and chances are that as a new graduate, you won’t make a million dollars a year. To avoid the burden of excessive debt, only apply for what you need. This applies doubly to independent (non-Stafford, locally funded) loans, where the interest rates may start off low, but increase once you graduate.

The more thorough your search for financial aid, the less burden you will bear when you finish your education and begin your pursuit of a career and a fulfilling life. Exhaustively pursue every avenue, and seek help from every available source. This hard work will profit you immensely in the future. edu

Apply for as many scholarships

as possible. Maximize

your results by applying for those scholarships that match you best…

but remember there are a million

fish in the sea. Keep throwing out your line!

GradesOverall: Colleges are looking for students with

strong overall grades because it is a good predictor of future achievement. It will also free up more college options for you.

Trends: If your grades start lower but steadily improve, colleges will be impressed with your dedication. If you maintain strong grades, they will like your consistency.

Standardized TestingSAT/ACT: Students come from different schools

and backgrounds but take the same standardized test. This levels the field and helps compare you with the rest of the nation.

SAT II: Subject tests work in your favor because you can choose your strongest subjects. Many colleges require the SAT II Writing Exam, which tests basic grammar and syntax. Invest in a review book; even a used one will do.

AP: If you did well in the class and think you can score well, consider taking the AP exam. High AP scores show readiness for college-level work and national standing — two birds with one stone.

Community ServiceCommitment: Colleges want dedicated students

who can balance extracurricular activities and volunteer hours in addition to their course load. Explore a range of groups, causes or hobbies. Select the ones you like and stick with them. The longer you are with your group, the better.

Leadership: If there is a group or club you enjoy, get more involved. If you are shy or want to start small, be a project leader; if you are adventurous, run for office. Either way, you will be displaying your ability to lead and take on more responsibility.

The ApplicationRecommendation Letters: Teachers, instructors,

and advisors for your extracurricular groups are all great people to approach. These people should know you well so they can attest to your character and your maturity/readiness to handle college.

Tips for Getting into College

Start early and give yourself

the most time to work on all of

these components and you will be a strong candidate.

By Sarah J Sky

Interview: If you are nervous, practice with friends/family until you have the basic responses down. The interviewer is usually an alumnus so this is also a chance for you to talk to someone who went there. Ask questions to appear interested and inquisitive. Ask about their experiences; even, ask for advice.

The SchoolsHave a Plan: Sometimes, dreams do not work

out exactly the way you planned. Apply to a range of schools you would enjoy attending; that way, you have viable alternatives in case you do not get into your top choice or cannot afford it. Besides, you can work really hard and transfer later. Some schools have linkage programs too, where you are guaranteed a transfer as long as you do well.

Do your research and apply to:•2-3 “dream” schools (schools that you definitely

want to go to but may be a bit challenging to get into) •2-3 “zone” schools (schools that have a reasonably

good chance of getting into)•2-3 “safety” schools (schools that you can

definitely get into)Start early and give yourself the most time to

work on all of these components and you will be a strong candidate. Then, you can sit back and let the

acceptance letters roll in. edu

f e a t u r e

Spring/Summer 2009 • edu COLORADOwww.educolorado.com 1514 edu COLORADO • Spring/Summer 200914

d e g r e e s

making a change.

Westwood College offers degree programs in technology, business, design, justice and healthcare. At Westwood, you’ll take classes that focus on your career from day one. Don’t wait. Start today.

Earn your bachelor’s degree in just three years.

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The Associate’s Advantage

In today’s uncertain economy, job skills and a good education are more important than ever. Although

it might seem like an uphill battle, there are options for people who are looking to better themselves and their families. How can you get ahead when the economy is looking so anemic?

Consider earning an Associate’s Degree. It takes half the time and half the expense of a four-year degree and the rate of return on the investment is well worth the effort.

What is an Associate’s Degree?Completion of a two-year course of business study

at a community, junior or business college level will earn you an Associate’s Degree. An Associate’s Degree is considered a “transfer” degree, meaning it can count toward the first two years of study for a Bachelor’s degree, which can take another one to four more years of courses to complete, or can be an end product itself.

This type of degree is regarded as an “entry-level” degree that prepares students for business from the ground up. A student can then elect to take their degree directly to the work world, or continue on to earn their Bachelor’s.

As an “entry level” degree, an Associate’s Degree opens up opportunities and will get your foot in the door of many different career choices. According to the Bureau of Labor, the following careers all show positive growth through the year 2016.

How am I Supposed to Pull This Off?Our lives are busier now then they’ve ever been.

It’s difficult to fit educational needs into already tightly scheduled days. However, the payoff is worth it, and there are some options as far as getting it done.

Grants, loans and scholarships. There is a lot of financial help out there if you know where to look. Research online, talk to students who have completed their degree and ask questions. Call the library, talk to a high school or college guidance counselor. Don’t overlook even the tiniest grant or scholarship—they all add up.

Community colleges. Community colleges are often cheaper and centrally located. Some offer special programs for the “non-traditional” student who may be working and supporting a family. Call the college and set up an appointment with the guidance or financial counselor, and see what they can do for you.

Online universities. Finding an accredited university online that offers the course study you require is a great option to explore. With online courses, you can study at your own pace, and fees are usually much lower since you’re avoiding campus overhead. However, make sure you find out if any of your grants or scholarships are compromised by taking courses online; some do not support the online format for education.

Company support. Some employers offer a

program to compensate their workers for taking courses or earning a degree while employed. Talk to your Human Resources department to see if there is such a program available where you work, and take advantage of it. It’s not a benefit if you don’t utilize it!

Earning an Associate’s Degree can help you find

employment, increase your chances of promotion and a raise in pay or lead to further education. In these tough economic times, we all need every edge we can get. An entry-level degree can lead to all kinds of opportunities and is well worth the initial investment.

It’s grim out there, for all of us. Planning ahead and acquiring a degree may go a long way toward making things just a little bit more secure for you and your family. edu

making a change.

Westwood College offers degree programs in technology, business, design, justice and healthcare. At Westwood, you’ll take classes that focus on your career from day one. Don’t wait. Start today.

Earn your bachelor’s degree in just three years.

westwood.edu

Earning your Associate’s Degree can help you further your career and stay

afloat during tough times.

Earning an Associate’s Degree can help you find employment,

increase your chances of promotion and a raise in pay

or lead to further education. In these tough economic times,

we all need every edge we can get.

There are many other career choices available; these are just a few. However, the careers listed above range in salary from $40,000 to over $71,000.

Occupationaltherapistassistants

+25% +30%

Environ.engineeringtechnicians

RegisteredNurses

ComputerScience

Radiologictechnologists

andtechnicians

+25%+23%+15% +22%+15%+13%+10%+5%

Computersupport

specialists

FashionDesigners

Industrialengineeringtechnicians

DentalHygienists

Paralegalsand legalassistants

Growth In Associate Degree Careers

16

f e a t u r e


g o a l s

Taking just one hour per month to set goals for yourself can drastically improve your work and personal life.

Achieve Success with Quick and Easy Goal Setting

By Roz Andrews

Do you feel as if you are drifting through life without achieving anything? Do you often

make excuses for not taking positive steps towards a long-term goal? If so, perhaps you would benefit from setting quick and easy monthly goals in all areas of your life. Here is a system for doing so in just one hour a month:

Buy a notebook for the specific purpose of setting your goals and recording your achievements. You may also use a computer, laptop or Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), as long as it is easy for you to consult your list of goals frequently.

During the last weekend of every month, set aside one hour to record your goals for the next month. Write the name of the month at the top of two pages. At the top of the first page, write “Work Goals,” and then list all of the things that you would like to achieve at work in the coming month.

Once you have finished writing your work goals, put the heading “Personal Goals” at the top of the

second page and write down all of your personal goals for the month ahead. In this category, include everything that you would like to achieve outside of work, such as goals relating to relationships with family and friends, hobbies, interests, personal development, educational and general interest courses, etc.

After recording all of your goals, look at them again and prioritize them. Put a number by the side of each goal to indicate how much of a priority it is to achieve that goal in the month ahead.

Write the number one by the side of the goals that are your highest priority. Put a number two next to the goals that you will try your best to achieve, but which aren’t the top priority. Number three is for goals that are less of a priority—it would be good to achieve them in the month ahead, but it wouldn’t be a disaster if they were left until the following month.

After you have finished setting your monthly goals, narrow your focus with work and personal goals for the week ahead. Try setting some smaller goals that will lead you towards achieving the highest priority monthly goals.

During the week, look at your list of goals often and cross each one off the list as soon as you achieve it. This will give you an instant feeling of satisfaction and motivate you to attain another goal.

At the end of the first week, review your progress and set goals for the second week, based on your overall monthly goals and your progress in the first week. If there are any top priority goals that have not been crossed off your list in the first week, transfer them to the second week without being judgmental. If you didn’t manage to fulfill all of your top priority goals in the first week, it doesn’t mean that you are a failure and that you should give up goal setting. The secret of high achievement is to consistently persevere rather than give up at the first hurdle.

Repeat this process for each week of the month. On the last weekend of the month, review your progress over the past month. Did you accomplish more or less than you expected to? Did you enjoy

attaining some goals and avoid others?If you achieved less than you expected, perhaps you

set yourself too many goals. Try setting fewer goals next month and see if you feel the satisfaction that comes with achieving most of what you set out to do. If there were some goals that you avoided, then listen to what this is telling you about yourself. Perhaps it means that you should change your job or find extra help with your business. If you felt a failure because you didn’t accomplish everything on your list, continue with the exercise and remember that it is an ongoing process. What you do not achieve in one month, you can easily transfer to the next month.

Look at all the goals that you did not achieve in the previous month and decide whether you wish to transfer, modify or discard them. You may decide that you still wish to attain one of your original goals, so you would transfer that to the new month’s list. If there was a specific reason for not reaching a certain goal in the previous month, you may wish to modify

that goal so that it will be more attainable this month. If, however, you have realized that a goal has become unimportant for you, you may discard it. You will waste time and energy clinging to goals that are not a priority or which take up too much of your time to be worthwhile at this point in your life.

Repeat the exercise each month for a year and you will be amazed by how productive and well-rounded your life has become. At the end of the year, you may even be pleasantly surprised by the ways in which your goal setting has prompted you to change your life for the better. edu

The secret of high achievement is to consistently persevere rather

than give up at the

first hurdle.

Only a handful of students from around the country were allowed into the Democratic National Convention, and those selected were Cisco Networking Academy students from Westwood College. Exclusively invited by Cisco, these Networking Academy students helped install the modern technology that did everything from enabling the media to send their news articles back to their worldwide offices, to allowing the then presidential nominee Barack Obama to place a phone call.

Westwood students got hands-on experience while obtaining a bachelor’s degree in computer network management or information systems security – the perfect combination for graduates to land a high-paying, in-demand career. Also, Westwood College graduates can obtain advanced certifications in the Cisco Certified Network Professional program, giving them another leg-up in the career ladder.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, network and computer systems administrators have an average annual salary of about $65,000(1) and skilled computer network managers are in-demand jobs. A quick search on Monster.com shows that in Denver there are more than 800 information technology and software jobs available today.

If you’d like to know more about how you can be on your way to earning a bachelor’s degree in information technology in just three years, please visit westwood.edu or call 877-789-7317.

Accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology (ACCSCT). Candidate — The Higher Learning Commission; Affiliate — North Central Association Telephone: (800) 621-7440 or (312) 263-0456 Website: http://www.ncahlc.org/.(1) U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and wages, May 2007

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How To Thrive In Today’sWork Environment

By now just about everyone has noticed the slowdown in the overall economy. The current

period of economic weakness has many causes, from the bursting of the housing bubble and the resulting foreclosure crisis to a weak dollar and a weak manufacturing sector. No matter what the causes, however, it is up to all of us to do what we can to survive the current problems and emerge stronger for the experience.

And make no mistake about it – it is possible to prosper even in the weakest of economies. As with many things in life, the key to economic survival is preparation, and there are some skills each of us can

learn to safeguard ourselves and our careers when things start to go south. Not all of these steps are easy to take, and not all of them will be right for everyone, but chances are you could benefit from these simple yet powerful tips.

Tip #1Grow Your Skills

If your employer offers training for its workers be sure to take advantage of every course you can. Even if the courses seem unrelated to your current job duties they may be valuable in the long run. Seeking out training also indicates to your employer that you are willing to go the extra mile

to improve yourself and your career. Whether your ultimate goal is to land a better job or just enjoy more success in your current one, you can’t go wrong with extra knowledge.

The same thing holds true for tuition reimbursement programs. Now is a great time to take those college courses you’ve always wanted, and the fact that your boss will pick up the tab should be enough to seal the deal. If you find yourself wondering how college will fit into your busy schedule, keep in mind that there are many distance learning and computer courses available these days. So talk to your boss and chart a course for your future educational and career success.

Tip #2 – Don’t Be InvisibleMany long term employees have become so

good at their jobs that contributions to the company are taken for granted. If this sounds like you it may be time to make yourself a bit more visible to the powers that be. Simple things like volunteering for an additional project or working on a team your boss is putting together can get you the recognition you deserve and remind everyone that you remain a valuable part of the team.

Don’t wait until annual review time rolls around to take note of your contributions. Keep a record of your accomplishments, from day to day routine work that is nonetheless essential to special projects and the important role you played in their success. And most of all, try not to blend into the background.

Tip #3 – Keep Your Network Tool SharpWe have all heard the statistics proving that most

jobs are found through networking and not through the want ads. Those stories are very true, and it is important for all workers, whether they are content where they are or looking for greener pastures, to build up their network of colleagues, friends and other professionals. Having a network in place will make it easier to land another job in the event of a

layoff, but it will also make it easier to help your own company find workers when they are needed.

Tip #4 – Seek Out More Face TimeModern technology has made it easier than ever

for workers to telecommute and work from home, but telecommuting full time is not always a great idea. Working from home on a full-time basis can be particularly dangerous when the economy slows down and companies look for ways to cut costs and trim excess workers.

If you have been working from home on a full-time basis it may be a good idea to ask about working onsite at least a day or two each week. Making such a move will help you reconnect with coworkers and enjoy more face-to-face interaction with the management team. While backing off from telecommuting may not always be possible, many companies offer flexibility to those employees who typically work out of their houses and on the road.

If a part-time return to office based work is not available it may be a good idea to schedule some working lunches and other office get togethers. From formal staff meetings to casual lunches, these events are a great way to get the scoop on what is really happening at the office and with the company as a whole. The information gathered in this manner can be invaluable, whether you are looking for a way up the corporate ladder or just a way to protect your current job.

The downturn we find ourselves in has been a different sort — at least so far. While many previous downturns in economic growth were accompanied by sharp rises in the unemployment rate, so far these issues have not arisen. There is of course no guarantee that a steep rise in unemployment will not materialize, and smart workers will need to be prepared for this eventuality. So why not use the steps above as a guideline to protect yourself, your family and your career goals? You will be glad you did. edu

You can survive the current economic problems and emerge stronger from the experience

And make no mistake

about it — it is possible to prosper

even in the weakest

of economies.

if you want to teach,learn to reach.

Learn more today at argosy.edu or call 800.377.0617Argosy University, Denver | 1200 Lincoln Street | Denver, CO 80203*Not all degree levels are available for every program. Argosy University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North CentralAssociation (NCA) (30 North LaSalle Street, Suite 2400, Chicago, IL 60602, 1.800.621.7440, www.ncahlc.org). ©2009 Argosy University® 09-AU-3218 – 2/09

As an educator, your ability to engage and inspire is key to success. That’s why all ofArgosy University’s education programs emphasize the interpersonal skills you’ll needto make the grade. Because knowledge is one thing, teaching it quite another.

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Do you ever think about going back to college? If so, you’re not alone. Faced with today’s

economic challenges and the need for new and different job skills, many adults are considering some type of continuing education.

Going back to school can be exciting but expensive. Not only do you need to consider tuition, fees and books, but also additional costs such as childcare and transportation. If you plan to take time off from work while you study, the decrease in income should be factored into your overall cost as well.

The numbers can add up pretty quickly, but don’t be discouraged. With a little creative thinking and some research, you can find ways to help pay for education at any point in life.

Where to get informationStart with your school. Many universities now

offer financial aid specifically geared to re-entry or nontraditional students. Next, talk to your employer.

If you’re going back to school to enhance your work skills, your company may have tuition assistance available for employees.

If you are interested in a particular field, be sure to look into industry-specific scholarships. And don’t forget your local community. There may be grants available through community associations or the chamber of commerce.

Help from Uncle SamWhile private loans and scholarships are definitely

worth researching, there are several federal loans that offer lower interest rates and better repayment terms, depending on your financial situation. Some loans that may apply to nontraditional students include:

• Stafford loans: The most common type of college loan funds, for both undergraduate and graduate students, has two varieties: subsidized loans (based on need) that defer interest on the loan for specified periods, and unsubsidized loans where need is not a factor. For both kinds of loans, you must be enrolled at least as a part-time student.

• Federal Perkins Loans: A Federal Perkins Loan is low-interest for both undergraduate and graduate students with “exceptional” financial need. Aside from need, you must also be enrolled halftime to qualify.

These loans are just the tip of the iceberg. A school financial-aid counselor can help you explore other government-sponsored loans and grants.

Tax AdvantagesThe IRS offers a variety of aids and incentives to

continue your education.• 529 College Savings Plans: Many parents turn to

529 Plans to benefit from tax-free growth while saving for their kids’ college. But you can also open a 529 Plan for yourself. Most 529 Plans require low minimum contributions and allow you to contribute monthly, so there’s a plan for every budget. Earnings grow tax-free, and as long as you use the proceeds to pay for qualified education expenses—tuition, room and board, books and anything required by the program—you don’t pay taxes on withdrawals; there are other state and federal tax issues to consider so it pays to do your homework ahead of time.

• Tuition tax credits: A tax credit allows you to subtract the amount of the credit from your federal income tax bill, dollar for dollar. Two credits that apply

Paying for College Later in Life

By Carrie Schwab-Pomerantz

Continuing your education and

getting your college degree

may be a challenge, but paying

for it doesn’t have to be.

specifically to tuition and fees are the Hope Tax Credit and the Lifetime Learning Tax Credit. Although there are different parameters for each tax credit, both have family income limits of between $47,000 and $57,000 for single filers and between $94,000 and $114,000 for joint filers. For eligibility specifics and how to claim the credit, consult IRS Publication 970, financial websites or talk to your tax adviser.

• Tax deductions: A number of tax deductions for tuition, fees and student loan interest are all worth exploring. Once again, talk to your tax adviser. Every dollar saved is a dollar toward your education costs.

Finding money in your backyardIf you’re a homeowner fortunate enough to have

equity in your home as well as a home equity line of credit, you may have a viable option for funding your education. In this case, you could most likely borrow at a favorable rate — and the interest may be tax deductible.

And while I would never recommend borrowing against your retirement savings, you can, in fact, withdraw money from both a traditional and a Roth IRA without penalty for education expenses. However, you may be required to pay federal and state income tax on your withdrawals. All in all, although this might be a choice, I’d consider it a last resort.

Whether it’s for job advancement, salary increase or personal enrichment, don’t let finances keep you from pursuing your education goals. It may cost money to do it, but it may cost more in lost opportunity if you don’t. edu

Carrie Schwab Pomerantz is Chief Strategist, Consumer Education, Charles Schwab & Co., Inc., Member SIPC. You can e-mail Carrie at [email protected]. To find out more about Carrie Schwab-Pomerantz and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

COPYRIGHT 2008 CREATORS SYNDICATE INC.


d e g r e e s

By Glen Shikunov

The Benefits Of AnOnline Education

Throughout America, busy people are struggling to make a decent living with no degree and change

nowhere in sight. These people never had a chance at a college level education, an education that everyone deserves. Colleges all over the world have set up online classes to help individuals like these, but some people are still skeptical. The online programs are new and the public is questioning their credibility. The answer to these concerns is simple: online classes have the same credibility as campus-based classes.

Online schooling provides an easy-to-access way for adults and teens alike to take classes at the college level without the need to attend the campus. The

benefits of these types of classes are immense. An online education gives you freedom, above all else, to take the class whenever you see fit. Most adults work a standard nine-to-five job and cannot attend early classes on campus. With an online based education you can access your class material at any point of the

Online programs offer a convenient,

cost-conscious way to earn your degree

and land a career in

the field you truly want for

yourself.

day, any time of the week, and do the homework, testing, and readings whenever you find time.

Lower Tuition CostsOnline classes have the luxury of immensely

lowering your tuition costs as well. Most online classes give you the in-state rate per credit of that school, and at times even lower then that. Instead of the tens of thousands you’d pay at a campus-based program, online schooling may cost as little at fifteen hundred dollars per year for full-time students. Expensive tuition is a big factor when it comes to deciding whether to go back to school for adults, don’t let high costs prevent you from majoring in the field you actually enjoy and not the one that you use to pay bills.

Lastly, convenience of travel is a big factor when it comes to a comfortable environment to take your classes. Taking classes from home in the morning with a cup of coffee at hand sounds much better then waking up early to drive to some classroom with five

hundred other people. Comfort level has always led to better results, and I believe you will find out for yourself that the comfort of your own home is the best environment imaginable to get your degree in.

A Better PaycheckAn online education will lead you toward a better

path in life. Your transcript does not state where you took the classes, but simply what school you took them from so there is no need to worry about some employers frowning upon online schooling. Online programs offer a convenient, cost-conscious way to earn your degree and land a career in the field you truly wanted for yourself. Classes are filling up fast, time for you to get in on the action. Sign up today and strive hard toward the degree of your dreams. Online classes are in no way easier then campus - based classes, but if you apply yourself, a degree in your preferred field will be waiting for you in the future, and with that a better paycheck as well. edu

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The First Step To Your Dream Job May Be A Vacation

By Lloyd Mayerson

Have you ever been stuck in a clogged traffic artery during your morning commute, feeling numb about the day ahead

and wondering what it would be like to have a career you loved? Well, that’s exactly what happened to Brian Kurth before he left the telecommunications and dotcom industries behind to found VocationVacations, a one-of-a-kind company that gives people a chance to try out a “dream job.”

“As a teenager, I was going to become an architect. I also loved travel, and I love animals,” says Kurth, a former product marketing specialist with AT&T and Ameritech. “I wanted to test-drive being a dog trainer and dog day care owner, but there was nothing out there like VocationVacations at the time.”

How It WorksEventually, Kurth’s lack of contentment with his work inspired

him to create a business that helps others explore their passions and find fulfilling careers. The idea is simple. Under the guidance of expert mentors, “vocationers” can sample a new career path in an intensive, hands-on training program lasting up to three days. These dream job vacations are designed to give adult participants maximum exposure to their field of interest, and Kurth aptly refers to them as mini-internships on steroids. Vocationers don’t just shadow and observe their mentors. They’re immersed in the work.

Since starting in 2004, Kurth has enlisted career mentors in more than 150 vocations across 30 states. Among the featured occupations you may have only dreamed of pursuing are Antique Dealer, Fishing Guide, Make-Up Artist, Private Investigator and Wine Maker, just to name a few. But also available for test-driving are a number of gigs you may have never dreamed existed such as Horse Adoption Agency Director, Flight School Owner, Music Therapist, Pageant Producer and Sword Maker.

Or perhaps you’d like to learn the ins and outs of working as a professional voice-over artist. Joe Thompson of Huntingdon, Pennsylvania did. “I walked away with a real 58-second demo…that I can use to interview for potential work,” Thompson explains. “I also came away with a clearer vision about where my niche will be and how to move ahead.”

A Good StartMoving ahead, for many, is the key. Although some people

participate in the programs simply for fun or to expand their horizons, nearly 75 percent are looking to change careers. As Kurth is quick to point out, however, taking a VocationVacation is only the beginning of the process, which may entail returning to school, developing a business plan, and budgeting for the cost of the transition. “It’s the first step in a series of many steps to get to your ultimate dream job or dream business,” Kurth says.

Nevertheless, the results have been positive. Approximately

20 percent of all vocationers to date have either completely switched careers or undertaken a course of action to turn their dreams into reality. Baby Boomers and GenXers make up the majority of the participants, but vocationers have ranged in age from 18 to 80 and include people with very diverse backgrounds, from attorneys, IT developers and insurance executives to teachers, students and clerical workers.

The most popular VocationVacation categories are culinary, entertainment, sports, fashion, design, hospitality and animal care. But Kurth is adding new programs all the time. “Probably the one that’s most exciting that we’re just launching is archaeologist. And that’s one that we’ve been trying to get for four years.”

Kurth is also growing his company by offering similar VocationVacations in different geographical locations across the country. To fuel this expansion, he’s begun partnering with university alumni associations to create incentives for their graduates to join his pool of mentors. “We want one in every major city,” Kurth says, “so people don’t have to travel if they don’t want to.”

Funding the ChangeVocationVacations generally cost between $949 and $1,199

and include career coaching, an optional online Myers Briggs Indicator (MBTI) assessment and a journal for documenting the VocationVacation as it happens. While Kurth’s company offers no funding or financing advice, he suggests that career changers talk to an accountant since these types of expenses may possibly be tax deductible. Kurth also notes that some people have had the cost of their VocationVacations covered through outplacement services after being laid off from their jobs, and some have even managed to secure their own grants in order to pursue their passions.

And in the end, passion is what drives most people to take a VocationVacation. “The common denominator,” according to Kurth, “is they want to be fulfilled at the end of the day, and they simply want to be happier because they realize now that work and home life are not mutually exclusive. It sounds corny, but it’s the pursuit of happiness.”

For more information, you can visit VocationVacations at vocationvacations.com or call toll-free at 866-888-6329. edu

Experts agree that volunteering

is an excellent way of not only

testing an occupation, but also gaining the practical experience

needed to launch a new career.

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The Secrets of Resume WritingBy Jaimie Marzullo, Certified Professional Resume Writer

Everybody knows the basics of resume creation: name, contact information, education,

experience. The majority of people even know “advanced” resume-writing guidelines, such as using bulleted statements and relevant verbs.

So why do some people get a lot of interviews from their resume, while other people get few or none?

It’s the most frustrating and sometimes infuriating part of a job search: figuring out where you went wrong when the interview offers just don’t come. Is it your skill set? Are you too old or too young? Does that short-term job in a different field make you appear less dedicated? Do they think you’re not ready to take that big step up?

Whether those statements are true, we can’t know for sure. What we can address here is this question: is it your resume? The answer to that is almost certainly, “yes.” The reason this can be said with a degree of certainty is that if you are applying for positions for which you are reasonably qualified and are not getting interviews, then something on your resume is missing the mark.

This is where we get into the heart of resume writing, the part of it that makes some people stand out and is comprised of more than just the right verbs or layout: the real secrets, the tips and tools that are rarely shared because instructors don’t know them or they’re committed to teaching specific formats and writing styles. The lack of

knowledge regarding these resume guidelines creates a troublesome skill gap, as a resume that seems polished on the surface leaves no clue that the sender may have more to offer than can be seen on paper.

Before you apply for one more job, take a few minutes to review your resume with the following guidelines in mind.

Resumes and recruiting are subject to trends

Hiring preferences change over time and hiring managers can immediately spot a resume written under outdated guidelines. The danger in this has less to do with appearances than it does with seeming current. Industries evolve and companies need employees with expertise in modern systems and processes. Submitting a resume with obvious hallmarks of days-gone-by, such as creation on a typewriter or use of an “Objective” statement, will instantly peg you as being out of date and/or out of touch in the modern workplace.

Some trends are necessary offshoots of technological advances, and this is an especially important consideration. For example, a great number of resumes are submitted by email. Ensuring that a

resume will look the same on the company’s computer as it does on yours is an entirely new concern, one not thought of in the ages of snail-mail and fax. Other trends reflect current aesthetics, important for creating a strong, positive first impression.

There are many options for learning what represents current good practices in resume writing. Libraries and bookstores are an excellent source of resume-writing advice. Whole sections are dedicated to the craft of designing the perfect resume. When considering a resume-writing book, remember that a professional binding doesn’t elevate the content to anything more than what it is: advice. And just like taking advice in anything, consider the source before plunging in.

There are two things to evaluate before you buy or borrow a resume-writing book: the publication date and the credentials of the author. There are dozens of well-written, highly praised resume books still on shelves that, despite their success, are no longer relevant because they are simply too old. Anything published more than five years ago should definitely not be considered. If it’s common in your industry to submit resumes using technology, try to find something less than two years old. The more recent the publication date, the better.

Another option for guidance is web-based resume samples and articles. The same standards for

books apply to articles and websites about resume writing: make sure the data is

recent and the author is a recognized expert in resume writing.

Read the written advice, but pay particular attention to samples. If you can find them, gather sample resumes that outline professional backgrounds and goals that are similar to your own, then photocopy or print them. If your target job is in a different field than your background, look for samples in each industry and study them for similarities and overlaps in skills. Do not search for resumes of people in your field or on university websites, as those may or may not reflect quality in resume creation — find samples written by professional resume writers. Look for trends and commonalities in the samples to determine what is currently desired. The moral here is, when the time comes to spruce up your resume, remember that you want to model it in the current style. Bypass the old books and pamphlets from your college days or the job search you ran ten years ago.

There are no hard-and-fast rulesPerhaps one of the greatest disservices done by

books, websites and classes that teach basic resume-writing rules is that they often give the impression that those rules are absolute. The result is resumes printed in unreadable 7-point font in an effort to condense an accomplished career onto a single page, or missing the mark because space is designated based on quantity of skills and experience, rather than quality.

There are no rules in resume writing that cannot, and should not, be broken under the right circumstances. The goal of the resume is to make the

job seeker look good. Period. It’s very much like a television commercial — commercials are

filmed on camera and viewed by an audience. Beyond those very basic parameters, though, they

differ greatly from one another and each is scripted in order to highlight its product in the best way.

In spite of those differences, well-done commercials are all professional and attention-getting. Likewise, all resumes are arranged on a page and will be read by a hiring manager or recruiter. Beyond that, great allowances can be made in order to emphasize a job-seeker’s capabilities, as long as the choices made are executed professionally and skillfully, with respect for the hiring company’s needs.

If you are struggling to adhere to a widely accepted “rule” of resume writing, just ask yourself, “Which will

Re-vamping your resume may be the

key to finding your

dream job.

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make me look better?” If breaking the rule promotes you more strongly, do it. It’s that simple. For example, if you were the hiring manager, which would you rather read: a two-page resume in 11-point type, or a one-page resume in 7-point type? (Readability always wins out over length.) If you know the current trend is to have a paragraph summary at the top of the resume but you struggle to sound educated while writing in this style, then create the bulleted summary that makes you sound fantastic instead. Conveying solid communication skills and a high level of education is more important than following the current style.

Be selective in what you shareA common misconception is that a resume

should be a professional autobiography. Nothing could be further from the truth. The resume is a marketing document. It is far more like a commercial advertisement than it is like a biography. As such, avoid falling into the trap of including experiences just because you have them. Evaluate each experience and judge its value on the basis of what it contributes to your goal: gaining an interview for a specific job.

Timeline is the first of these components because it is critical that your resume maintain as consistent a timeline possible (timeline meaning the period of time worked at different jobs and the movement from one position to another). An inconsistent timeline, with gaps in employment or a large number of jobs in a short period of time, is a significant concern for hiring managers, so never create this issue if it’s not necessary. However, if you have multiple overlapping

jobs or an irrelevant position that, if eliminated, leaves a gap of less than a year, consider eliminating those experiences that are not relevant to the job being sought. (Listing work experiences by years, rather than by months and years, can easily mask a gap shorter than one year in length.) Determining what could effectively be eliminated requires an examination of the skills demonstrated in the different jobs. Positions in a different industry than the one you are targeting, or that use an entirely different skill set, can often be removed. The purpose of this streamlining is to ensure that your resume, with every line, is targeting a very specific type of job. Each soundbite on your resume that does not advocate for your ability to perform the job you are applying for is one more detail that makes you seem better suited for another line of work.

Write for the future, not the pastAnother misstep is allowing past education and

professional experiences to dictate the resume. This is only effective if the job you are seeking is identical to positions you’ve held in the past.

Remember that the resume’s job is to get you an interview for a certain career opportunity. The only way to get that interview is to convince the hiring manager that you have the skills needed to perform that job. It doesn’t matter that you are the most highly decorated dental hygienist ever to work in your city, if what you want to be is a news reporter. A resume that deals extensively with outstanding skills as a hygienist may get you a new patient, but it won’t get you an interview. What will get you an interview is a resume that demonstrates the skills necessary to be a stellar news reporter.

Find out what skills are required for the type of job, or specific job, that you are seeking. If you have access to a detailed vacancy announcement, use that as your model and compile a list of the skills being sought. Even better, make a list of the actual verbs used in the vacancy announcement and reiterate them in your document. This will establish the framework within which your experiences should be conveyed. Bearing in mind the skills you’ve identified, review your work history and streamline the data to align with the requirements of the job you want.

If you are making a logical, small move in your career this task will be fairly simple, as your recent work history will have clearly prepared you. If you are trying to take a large step, or moving to a different industry

Re-vamping There are a few

components to consider

when reviewing experiences, most notably timeline

and skills.

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altogether, you have more work cut out for you. In these cases, focus on basic skills, rather than job-related tasks or products. If your background is in retail sales and you want to move into office management, interpersonal skills and supervisory experience can be emphasized. Identify the terminology of your target industry and use those phrases: what is known as “customer service” in retail can be labelled “relationship management,” a phrase more appropriate for office management. The skills may have been used in a different environment and to achieve different ends, but at their root, they’re still the same. Don’t highlight the differences. Focus on the skills themselves, allowing hiring managers to envision the ways in which your experience can be transitioned into their environments.

Details MatterThe fact that details matter on resumes is not a

secret. What is not widely known, however, is just how vitally important small details can be.

Hiring managers and recruiters often use your resume not only to provide a timeline of your work history, but also as an example of your work quality. Even if the skills and experiences are right, misspellings and grammatical errors can cost you an interview because they indicate a lack of attention to detail. If you are applying for an administrative position requiring exceptional knowledge of word processing software, using a recognizable pre-made resume template will undermine your claims of expertise in document creation. Poorly worded sentences will label you as having sub-par communication skills. Attention will even be paid to how well-balanced your skill sets are: the information you include will be assumed to be what you find most important. If significantly more space is dedicated to leading and reprimanding employees than to teamwork and coaching, your managerial skills will probably be called into question.

The best ways to ensure that you are not hurt by unintended errors are to take time away from your

resume before proofreading and to have a trusted friend act as a second set of eyes. Spell-check, then proofread yourself. After that, take two or three days away from the document before proofreading again. Lastly, have a friend or family member with good English language skills look the resume over as well. An objective point of view is especially helpful for finding quirky phrasings that make sense to you but don’t flow well for someone else.

Aside from spelling and grammar, details to watch out for include: Punctuation: Bulleted statements may end with or without a period — either is fine — but must be consistent. Every statement must have a period, or none may have a period. Margins: Make sure margins are consistent throughout the resume. Clear, consistent margins also give the resume a polished appearance. Font: Use one font style and size throughout the resume, with the exception of headers, which may be larger. Paper: If mailing in your resume, be certain to print it on a high-quality resume paper, not regular printer paper. Above all else, remember that your resume is there to speak on your behalf. Before sending it out, ask yourself, “What is this document saying about me?” Don’t submit your resume until you’re confident that it is conveying the right message. You may have only one chance to get the job of your dreams! edu

Find out what skills are required

for the type of job, or specific

job, that you are seeking.

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Dealing with Frustrating Job Searches in a Tough Economy

By Angela Baca

Are your fingers tired from filling out application after application? Are you going cross-eyed

from reworking your resume, perusing career sites and scouring the classifieds without any luck?

If you are frustrated with the job search in this tough economy, you are not alone. Many Americans have great qualifications, including work experience and higher education but are unable to find employment.

Many have turned to temporary employment while they continue the search. If you’re considering temp work, remember that this is not the time to feel haughty about your credentials and work experience. This is the time to be practical, to cast your net far and wide and to do a good job

When the economy is in bad shape, finding a job seems impossible. Luckily, there are ways you can find a good

job while keeping your sanity.

in your temporary position. The best thing that you can do is stay

positive, keep searching and bloom where you are planted. A good job opportunity will surface eventually if you can fight the disillusionment and find patience.

To be proactive, you must remember to be your own job coach. With the end result in mind, you must believe that an opportunity is lined up in your future. The present economy does not always reward your hard work with an ideal outcome.

“It may be necessary to take a job temporarily that doesn’t meet your expectations. Here are a couple of factors to be prepared for:

1. Payment downsides and upsides. The job might not pay as much as you want to make or were making in your last job.

2. Qualifications. You may be overqualified for the position, but you might have to take it because you really need a job.

3. Upward movement. You may not

see yourself going anywhere in this new position, but having a job is better than having no job.

4. Hidden opportunities. You may not understand why you got this job, but it may be the first step toward a great opportunity for a career that you never considered.

5. Surprises. Life has a way of taking you in new directions that you don’t understand. When you get there, you will be pleasantly surprised.

6. Do your best. Whatever job you find, do your best. You need to have good references and job stability throughout your resume.

7. Experience. Whatever you end up doing in this position, you will be able to acquire more skills and experience to sell yourself later on in your career.

Remember, your job search is not in vain. You will find more opportunities because the economy will improve. It always does. edu

If you have only searched the major Internet job

boards or scanned the classifieds in your local

paper, then you have missed out on the best places

to look for job openings. Avoid old job ads and the

competition of other applicants by scouting out these

little-known leads.

1. Buy your trade magazine. While the articles may

interest you, the classifieds in the back will really grab

your attention. People who read trade magazines

tend to be dedicated to their profession; at least that

is what businesses believe. Businesses that seek

to hire highly motivated employees will advertise

positions in industry magazines instead of local

classifieds. If you are looking for a highly skilled or

specialized job, you are more likely to find an opening

here than in your local newspaper.

2. Visit a convention. Plan to attend a professional

convention to investigate possible job leads across

the country. Ask vendors what their company’s hiring

plans are for the future, and you might just get the

inside lead on a new job. Remember to jot down

each lead’s name and number, and leave your business card with them.

3. Ask your Uncle Sam. The government would much rather take your money in the form of taxes

than pay you an unemployment check. So many unemployment offices will let you peruse their job

database even if you are not unemployed. These job openings come from a variety of sources and

are aimed at people with previous work experience.

4. Are you a member? Join a professional organization to get informed

about employment trends and job leads. Take advantage of

membership perks like newsletters, Internet forums and meetings.

Through these connections, develop a network to scoop up that

perfect job.

5. Go to the source. Many businesses post job openings on their

website before they pay money to list them anywhere else.

Most companies do not have a schedule for hiring, so make it a habit

to check sites regularly. Also, take the time to see what changes are

occurring in the company. If you notice a department has plans

to expand, call the department manager to see if they are

hiring. You might just be first in line for an interview.

Remember, your perfect job may be waiting for

you in one of these hidden spots.

Tara Gilbert is a freelance writer from

the Pacific Northwest.

5 Little-Known Places to Look for a Job

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Top Ten Jobs Requiring A Two-Year Degree

The career options for two-year grads are vast and varied. Here’s a list from the Bureau of

Labor and Statistics on the top jobs that require a two-year degree:

Computer Specialist: A Computer Specialist is an expert who provides technical consultation to users, and also offers assistance in the daily maintenance of computer systems and networks.

Dental Hygienist: A Dental Hygienist works under the direct supervision of a dentist and teaches patients proper oral health care, including preventative care and maintenance. Depending on state regulations, some hygienists can also become licensed to administer anesthesia, clean teeth and provide tooth whitening.

Fashion Designer: A Fashion Designer conceptualizes and designs clothing, shoes and accessories by studying fashion trends, fabrics, patterns and production.

Registered Nurse: A Registered Nurse’s duties vary greatly depending upon the chosen workplace, but all RNs evaluate and treat medical conditions by analyzing a patient’s medical history, performing diagnostic tests and administering medications and rehabilitation recommendations.

Environmental Engineering Technician: An Environmental Engineering Technician assists

environmental engineers in the development of methods to monitor and correct all types of environmental hazards.

Radiologic Technologist/Technician: A Radiologic Technologist administers x-ray examinations. They also prepare patients by clearly explaining the procedure, positioning them properly, and protecting surrounding areas from exposure to potentially harmful radiation.

Industrial Engineering Technician: An Industrial Engineering Technician assists engineers and scientists in research and development in areas of industry. They can have several different specializations, such as logistics, production design, quality, or sales.

Paralegal/Legal Assistant: A Paralegal or Legal Assistant provides administrative support to a lawyer, law firm or governmental agency. Working under the direct supervision of a lawyer, a paralegal assists in completing the legal work which is fundamental in sustaining a successful practice.

Occupational Therapy Assistant: An Occupational Therapist Assistant works under the guidance of an occupational therapist. As a part of a team, an Occupational Therapist Assistant plays a vital role in teaching patients with physical or mental disabilities to perform everyday tasks.

Computer Support Specialist: A Computer Support Specialist provides technical assistance, support, and advice to computer customers or users. edu

Over time, a two-year degree has proved to be much more than a stepping-stone to a Bachelor’s or Master’s.

Occupation and Wage EstimatesBy Sarah J Sky

Are you feeling unsatisfied with your current job? Do you feel ready to take on a new challenge? It may be time to step up and make a change in your life with a new career. Although venturing into a new career may require additional time and training, the long-term

financial and emotional benefits are well worth the sacrifice. You deserve a career that is both challenging and rewarding. We have compiled a list of some exciting job opportunities for your consideration—but keep in mind, there are thousands more out there. All you need to do is look. Who knows, you may just stumble upon your dream job!

Actuary Analyze statistical data, such as mortality, accident, sickness, disability, and retirement rates and construct probability tables to forecast risk and liability for payment of future benefits.

$45.87 $95,420

Administrative Services Manager

Plan, direct, or coordinate supportive services of an organization such as recordkeeping, mail distribution, telephone operator/receptionist, and other office support services.

$36.72 $76,370

Advertising Sales Agent Sell or solicit advertising, including graphic art, advertising space in publications, custom-made signs, or TV and radio advertising time. May obtain leases for outdoor advertising sites or persuade retailer to use sales promotion display items.

$25.14 $52,290

Archivist Appraise, edit, and direct safekeeping of permanent records and historically valuable documents. Participate in research activities based on archival materials.

$22.32 $46,420

Biological Technician Assist biological and medical scientists in laboratories. Set up, operate, and maintain laboratory instruments and equipment, monitor experiments, make observations, and calculate and record results.

$19.35 $40,240

Broadcast Technician Set up, operate, and maintain the electronic equipment used to transmit radio and television programs. Control audio equipment to regulate volume level and quality of sound during radio and television broadcasts. Operate radio transmitter to broadcast radio and television programs.

$18.00 $37,440

Computer and Information Scientist, Researcher

Conduct research into fundamental computer and information science as theorists, designers, or inventors. Solve or develop solutions to problems in the field of computer hardware and software.

$48.39 $100,640

Computer and Information Systems Manager

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as electronic data processing, information systems, systems analysis, and computer programming.

$54.75 $113,880

Court Reporter Use verbatim methods and equipment to capture, store, retrieve, and transcribe pretrial and trial proceedings or other information. Include stenocaptioners who operate computerized stenographic captioning equipment to provide captions of live or prerecorded broadcasts for hearing-impaired viewers.

$23.26 $48,380

Database Administrator Coordinate changes to computer databases; test and implement the database applying knowledge of database management systems.

$33.78 $70,260

Dental Hygenist Clean teeth and examine oral areas, head, and neck for signs of oral disease. May educate patients on oral hygiene, take and develop X-rays, or apply fluoride or sealants.

$31.21 $64,910

Diagnostic Medical Sonographer

Produce ultrasonic recordings of internal organs for use by physicians. $29.13 $60,590

Editor Perform variety of editorial duties, such as laying out, indexing, and revising content of written materials, in preparation for final publication. Includes technical editors.

$26.45 $55,020

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s a l a r i e sc a r e e r s

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Occupation and Wage Estimates .....

Executive Secretary/ Administrative Assistant

Provide high-level administrative support by conducting research, preparing statistical reports, handling information requests, and performing clerical functions such as preparing correspondence, receiving visitors, arranging conference calls, and scheduling meetings. May also train and supervise lower-level clerical staff.

$19.57 $40,700

Graphic Designer Design or create graphics to meet specific commercial or promotional needs such as packaging, displays, or logos. May use a variety of mediums to achieve artistic or decorative effects.

$21.80 $45,340

Insurance Sales Agent Sell life, property, casualty, health, automotive, or other types of insurance. May refer clients to independent brokers, work as independent broker, or be employed by an insurance company.

$28.16 $58,580

Legal Secretary Provide high-level administrative support by conducting research, preparing statistical reports, handling information requests, and performing clerical functions such as preparing correspondence, receiving visitors, arranging conference calls, and scheduling meetings. May also train and supervise lower-level clerical staff.

$19.50 $40,550

Librarian Administer libraries and perform related library services. Work in a variety of settings, including public libraries, schools, colleges and universities, museums, corporations, government agencies, law firms, non-profit organizations, and healthcare providers.

$25.41 $52,850

Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technician

Perform routine medical laboratory tests for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease. May work under the supervision of a medical technologist.

$17.36 $36,110


Paralegal/Legal Assistant Assist lawyers by researching legal precedent, investigating facts, or preparing legal documents. Conduct research to support a legal proceeding, to formulate a defense, or to initiate legal action.

$22.88 $47,600

Pharmacy Technician Prepare medications under the direction of a pharmacist. May measure, mix, count out, label, and record amounts and dosages of medications.

$13.25 $27,560

Radiologic Technician Take X-rays and CAT scans or administer nonradioactive materials into patient’s blood stream for diagnostic purposes. Include technologists who specialize in other modalities, such as computed tomography and magnetic resonance. Include workers whose primary duties are to demonstrate portions of the human body on X-ray film or fluoroscopic screen.

$24.59 $51,150

Real Estate Agent Rent, buy, or sell property for clients. Perform duties, such as study property listings, interview prospective clients, accompany clients to property site, discuss conditions of sale, and draw up real estate contracts. Include agents who represent buyer.

$26.49 $55,090

Registered nurse Assess patient health problems and needs, develop and implement nursing care plans, and maintain medical records. Administer nursing care to ill, injured, convalescent, or disabled patients. May advise patients on health maintenance and disease prevention or provide case management. Licensing or registration required. Include advance practice nurses such as nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, certified nurse midwives, and certified registered nurse anesthetists.

$30.04 $62,480


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s a l a r i e s r e s u m e s

Your resume says a lot about your skills and experience. But it does little to explain the kind

of person you are and the life experiences you’ve had. This is where a cover letter comes in. Whereas the rest of your resume gives basic facts about your history and references, a cover letter allows you to speak directly to potential employers. It is a chance to let the person behind the resume shine through. A cover letter is your chance to grab the attention of employers to make you more than just a piece of paper.

A cover letter is the ideal place to explain any gaps in your work history, such as going back to school or starting a family. These are both valid reasons to have gaps in your work record, but without any explanation they may actually hurt your chances of landing the job. A brief explanation of employment gaps can do wonders to reassure potential employers. Your cover letter is also a place where you can highlight any special skills or

useful coursework that could set you

apart from other applicants. For example, pointing out

Stand Out from the Crowd Adding a cover letter to your

resume can help you stand out from

other applicants and catch

the attention of potential employers.

By J. Bonner

your previous coursework in accounting could make you a greater asset than other candidates. This is especially helpful if you have a degree that is not directly related to the job for which you are applying. You cover letter is your chance to explain what classes you took, what grade you received, and what skills you gained that make you uniquely qualified for the position.

In addition, your cover letter serves as an opportunity to bring up life experiences that further qualify you for the job. For instance, if you are applying to be a daycare provider but do not have adequate work experience, point out that you gained experience taking care of younger siblings or your own children. It is little things such as this that may give you the edge over another equally qualified applicant.

As you can see, a cover letter is a beneficial addition to your application. It would be a shame to waste such a wonderful opportunity. So, go on and tackle your first draft. If you need help with the format or do not know how to begin, there are several free resources on job related websites to give you a boost. Try searching for “cover letter” on your search engine and you are sure to find a wealth of knowledge. Good luck! edu

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Occupation and Wage Estimates .....

Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agent

Buy and sell securities in investment and trading firms, or call upon businesses and individuals to sell financial services. Provide financial services, such as loan, tax, and securities counseling. May advise securities customers about such things as stocks, bonds, and market conditions.

$43.49 $90,470

Technical Writer Write technical materials, such as equipment manuals, appendices, or operating and maintenance instructions. May assist in layout work.

$30.18 $62,780

Telecommunications Equipment Installation and Repair

Set-up, rearrange, or remove switching and dialing equipment used in central offices. Service or repair telephones and other communication equipment on customers’ property. May install equipment in new locations or install wiring and telephone jacks in buildings under construction.

$24.88 $51,760

Title Examiners, Abstractors, and Searchers

Search real estate records, examine titles, or summarize pertinent legal or insurance details for a variety of purposes. May compile lists of mortgages, contracts, and other instruments pertaining to titles by searching public and private records for law firms, real estate agencies, or title insurance companies.

$19.78 $41,140

Veterinary Technician Perform medical tests in a laboratory environment for use in the treatment and diagnosis of diseases in animals. Prepare vaccines and serums for prevention of diseases. Prepare tissue samples, take blood samples, and execute laboratory tests, such as urinalysis and blood counts. Clean and sterilize instruments and materials and maintain equipment and machines.

$13.90 $28,920


Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (www.bls.gov)

There are so many

opportunities “”

There are so many

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CALL 970.330.8008CLICK www.aims.eduCOME BY 5401 W. 20th Street, Greeley, CO 80634

Kyrstin CarpenterAims graduate

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nATIOnAL AnD STATE COLLEGESAims Community College5401 W. 20th St., Greeley970-330-8008104 E. Fourth St., Loveland970-667-4611815 8th Ave., Greeley 970-339-6550260 College Ave., Fort Lupton303-857-40225590 W. 11th St., Greeleywww.aims.eduAims Community College has more than 130 degree and certificate programs, offering the most affordable tuition in the Front Range. With three campuses, day and evening classes, extensive online course offerings and top-rated faculty, it’s easy to see why Aims is the right choice at every step.

Alta Colleges/Westwood College Westwood Online7350 N. Broadway, Denver303-650-50503150 S. Sheridan Blvd., Denver303-934-279010851 W. 120th Ave., Broomfield303-466-1714www.westwood.eduAlta Colleges, Inc. includes Westwood College, Westwood College Online and Redstone College. Westwood College has degree programs in the Institutes of Business, Design, Technology, Industrial Services, Justice, and Healthcare. We have two Denver campuses as well as many others across the United States. Westwood College Online enables students to complete selected programs without attending campus based courses. Redstone College, our Aviation campuses offer degrees in Avionics, Airframe & Powerplant Maintenance, Construction Management, and HVAC/R. Apply today!

American Sentinel University2260 S. Xanadu Way, Suite 245, Aurora1-800-729-2427

American University of Paris950 South Cherry Street, Ste. 210, Denver303-757-6333

Arapahoe Community College5900 S. Santa Fe Dr., Littleton303-797-4222

Chambers College1300 9th St., Greeley970-346-0099

College America3645 Citadel Dr. S., Colorado Springs 719-637-0600

Colorado International College2600 S. Parker Rd., Aurora303-306-0170

Colorado Mountain CollegeWe’re a college in the middle of the Colorado Rockies, delivering a personalized education in 11 locations, including three residential campuses. This is a personal, two-year education similar to what you’d get at private, four-year colleges, but with the backdrop of the Colorado outdoors. We offer a full range of learning opportunities from Aspen to Vail. 255 Sage Way, Aspen970-925-7740103 S. Harris St, PO Box 2208 Breckenridge970-453-675727900 County Rd. 319, PO Box 897Buena Vista719-395-8419690 Colorado Ave., Carbondale970-963-2172333 Fiedler Ave., PO Box 1414, Dillon970-468-5989150 Miller Ranch Rd., Edwards970-569-29003000 County Rd. 114, Glenwood Springs970-945-74811402 Blake Ave., Glenwood Springs970-945-7486901 South Hwy. 24, Leadville719-486-20153695 Airport Rd., Rifle970-625-18711330 Bob Adams Dr., Steamboat Springs(970) 870-4444

Colorado Online Learning13300 W. 2nd Pl., Lakewood303-339-4080

Colorado Springs Adult Education917 E. Moreno, Colorado Springs719-328-2975

Colorado State University970-491-6909

Colorado State University – PuebloAdministration Building Rm. 202 2200 Bonforte Blvd., Pueblo719-549-2462

Colorado State University – Global Campus8000 East Maplewood, Bldg. 5, Ste. 250, Greenwood Village1-800-920-6723

Community College of Aurora16000 E. Centretech Pkwy. #S107, Aurora303-360-4700

Community College of Denver6221 Downing St., Denver303-289-2243

Daniels College of Business2101 S. University Blvd., Denver303-871-3411

Everest College1815 Jet Wing Dr., Colorado Springs719-638-6580

Front Range Community College3645 West 112th Ave., Westminster303-404-5000

Johnson & Wales University7150 Montview Blvd., Denver303-256-9300

Kaplan College500 E. 84th Ave., # W200, Denver(303) 295-0550www.denver.kaplancollege.comUnlock the door to new and exciting career opportunities with Kaplan College. We offer various certificate and degree programs that could help you become more versatile in the workplace and achieve your professional goals. The knowledge and training you receive at our Denver, Colorado campus could make you more desirable to employers.

Resource Directory A Little Insight from the Video Professor

EDU: Has the use of your products grown in the current economic conditions?Scherer: In a down economy like this, we are seeing more people use our products because they’re trying to get a better job or just keep their current job. The more people know about computers and how to operate different software packages, the more valuable they become to their employees. Our customers are really a cross-section of everybody, from school-age kids trying to get ahead in class to grandmothers learning how to use the Internet; however, most are in their 20’s to 50’s and are looking to improve their computer skills for work purposes.

EDU: In your opinion, what are the crucial skill sets for remaining competitive in the job market?Scherer: People need to know and understand essential software such as Word, Excel and PowerPoint. The most popular software packages being used in business are also the most popular learning programs we have. People often say things about our DVDs like, “I know all about Word, I don’t need that,” but when they actually use our lessons, they realize how much they don’t know, all the shortcuts and features they never realized were there. Our lessons are for everybody, whether you’re a beginner or advanced user.

EDU: How do your DVD lessons compare with a traditional classroom environment?Scherer: I consider our lessons way more user-friendly. They eliminate having to drive back and forth to a class—time where you could be sitting at home watching one of our DVDs. The lessons are about an hour-long and move at your own pace, whereas classes move at an instructor’s pace. You might be bored and ahead or frustrated and behind, but with our lessons you can go at the pace you need and learn the things you want to know.

EDU: Besides learning software applications, what are some other ways customers are using your products?Scherer: We have a popular series that teaches people how to sell items on eBay. More and more people are doing this and making money by turning clutter in their garage to cash. We’ll be coming out with some more lessons on starting a home-based business soon focused on things like setting up a website and other key parts of creating your own businesses.

EDU: How do you measure the success of your products?Scherer: For me, it’s mainly when people recognize me and come up and say what a good job we did and how much our products have helped them. That’s the best testimonial we could ever get.

John W. SchererCEO & FounderVideo Professor

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John W. Scherer has a unique perspective on continuing education and the skills needed to stay competitive in the workplace. Scherer, better known as the Video

Professor, founded his company of the same name more than 20 years ago. Today, it is still producing DVD tutorials for popular software applications such as Word, Excel and PowerPoint and clients include Coca-Cola, AT&T and the U.S. Army. We asked Scherer about the growing importance of software expertise and how his products

are evolving to create new opportunities.

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Morgan Community College920 Barlow Rd., Fort Morgan970-542-3100

Naropa Extended Learning2130 Arapahoe Ave., Boulder303-245-4800

National American University1325 South Colorado Blvd., Ste. 100 Denver303-876-7100

Pike’s Peak Community College5675 South Academy Blvd., Colorado Springs719-502-2000

Ppnc School of Ministry2130 Academy Cir. Ste. F Colorado Springs719-264-8604

Red Rocks Community College13300 W. 6th Ave., Lakewood303-914-6600

Regis University3333 Regis Blvd., Denver1-800-388-2366

Remington College6050 Erin Park Dr., Colorado Springs719-532-1234

Teikyo Loretto Heights University3001 S. Federal Blvd., Denver303-936-8441

University of Colorado – BoulderBoulder303-492-1411

University of Colorado – Colorado Springs1420 Austin Bluffs Pkwy., Colorado Springs719-262-3000

University of Colorado – Denver1250 14th St., Denver303-534-4139

University of Phoenix2809 E Harmony Rd., #160, Fort Collins970-226-18443151 South Vaughn Way, Ste.100, Aurora303-694-909310004 Park Meadows Dr., Lone Tree303-694-90938700 Turnpike Dr., Westminster303-694-90932864 S. Circle Dr., Colorado Springs719-527-90005725 Mark Dabling Blvd., Ste. 150 Colorado Springs800-834-4646

University of TexasPO Box 8058, Austin TX, 78713512-475-7387www.utexas.eduThe University of Texas is dedicated to improving the quality of life for the people of Texas and the United States. We are a leading provider of education with a depth of resources unmatched by other public universities. The university serves our

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PICTURE THIS: You’re doing what you love to make a living. Instead of subscribing to “Thank God it’s Friday”, you’re proudly sounding off with, “THANK GOD IT’S MONDAY!” Why? Because you love working out and you’ve become a highly skilled, educated PERSONAL FITNESS TRAINER.

Personal fitness trainers find career opportunities everywhere: 24-hour Fitness, Lifetime Fitness, Bally’s, Fitness Together, Mountainside Fitness, Fitness 19, The Point Athletic Club, Anytime Fitness, Better Bodies, Powerhouse Gym … they are ALL looking for highly skilled, certified, educated personal trainers.

But not all personal trainers are created equally … you could opt out for the cheap, quick, weekend or on-line certification that comes with a three-day “learn how to pass the test” course and no real education. Learning to become a trainer on-line is like learning how to play golf on-line or learning how to swim on-line. Not.

When you graduate from NPTI Colorado and take your “Certified Personal Trainer” examination from the American Council on Exercise (ACE), the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), or the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), we’ll pay for 50% of the exam fee when you pass.

NPTI Colorado graduates start their personal training careers earning between $18 - $30 hourly. You’ll find career opportunities in health clubs, personal training studios, outdoor boot camps, working with medical professionals such as physical therapists and chiropractors.

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University of the Rockies555 E. Pikes Peak Ave. #108, Colorado Springs719-442-0505

United States Air Force AcademyColorado Springs719-333-1110

Weston Distance Learning2001 Lowe St., Fort Collins970-461-3586

TRADE AnD TECHnICAL SCHOOLSAcademy of Cosmetology Arts940 Speer Blvd., Denver303-282-5012

American Bartenders & Casino Dealers School1050 Wadsworth Blvd., Lakewood303-937-6229

American Institute of Bail Bonding and Bail Enforcement441 Wadsworth Blvd., Lakewood303-232-8800

Armbrust Real Estate Institute7100 E. Belleview Ave., #211 Greenwood Village303-904-1808

Artistic Beauty Colleges8996 W. Bowles Ave., Littleton303-904-44003811 E. 120th Ave., Denver303-451-58083049 W. 74th Ave., #A, Westminster303-428-510016800 E. Mississippi Ave., Aurora303-745-6300

Aveda Institute of Denver700 16th St., Denver303-567-7500

Batky Howell Training7245 S. Havana St., #100, Centennial 303-302-5300

Barnett Bicycle Institute2725 Ore Mill Rd., #23, Colorado Springs719-632-5173

Bartending College of Denver1355 S. Colorado Blvd., Ste. #080, Denver303-758-5000

BL International Beauty College3465 W. Alameda Ave., Denver303-975-8961

Boss, Inc.1320 Pearl St., Boulder303-444-9779

Boulder Tec/Cosmetology School6600 Arapahoe Rd., Boulder303-447-5210

Casino Dealers School1355 S. Colorado Blvd., Empire Park Bldg.-C, Ste. 80-Lower-Level, Denver303-753-4551www.casinodealercollege.comThe Casino Dealer College is the premiere Casino Dealer School in Denver Colorado. We are Denver’s largest Casino Dealing School. We have the experience, instructors and connections to train and help place you in the Casino Dealer Job you want. Our Denver location is one of our newest and most modern Casino Schools to date, and you can be ensured that you will only be learning and practicing on real, casino quality equipment using KEM cards, 11.5 gram chips, and professional speed cloth tables.

CDL College14800 Smith Rd., Aurora303-367-1030www.cdlcollege.comHave you always wanted to go to truck driving school, but did not have the time or the money? With our unique, accredited program you can keep your current job and pay for the program as you go. With $500 down, you can start today! Keep your current job until you finish school. Pay for your training as you go. Get a new career in the trucking industry, driving delivery trucks and buses or 18 wheeler and construction trucks.

Classy Pet Grooming School1542 W. Eisenhower Blvd., Loveland970-667-7632

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CLE International1620 Gaylord St., Denver303-377-6600

Clear Creek Academy of Jewelry and Metal Arts6810 Broadway, #L, Denver303-429-1401

Coldwell Banker Real Estate Academy101 University Blvd., # 60, Denver303-750-0909

Colorado Academy of Physicians Assistants4582 S. Ulster St., Denver303-770-6048

Colorado Advanced Esthetics7009 S. Potomac St., # 100, Centennial303-790-2700

Colorado Locksmith College Inc.4991 W. 80th Ave., #103, Westminster303-427-7773

Colorado School of Trades Gunsmithing School1575 Hoyt St., Lakewood303-233-4697

Colorado Technical University4435 N. Chestnut St., Colorado Springs1-888-897-6555www.coloradotech.eduWhen you strive to reach the peak of your potential by pursuing an industry-current college degree, you can create opportunities to achieve personal, professional and academic fulfillment. At Colorado Technical University, we not only understand the importance of these goals, we set out to help you accomplish them. Our multi-campus institution of higher learning is focused on preparing career-focused individuals for success in their chosen professional career fields.

Concorde Career College111 Havana St., Aurora303-861-1151www.concorde.edu If you want a rewarding career in healthcare, Concorde Career College Aurora’s intensive training programs will have you entering the job market as soon as possible. As the recognized leader in

specialized healthcare training, Concorde Career College offers everything you need to earn a career in healthcare.

DeVry Institute of Technology1870 W. 122nd Ave., Denver303-280-74001175 Kelly Johnson Blvd. Colorado Springs719-632-30006312 S. Fiddlers Green Cir., Ste. 150E Greenwood Village303-329-30001870 W. 122nd Ave., Westminster303-280-7400

Denver Academy of Court Reporting9051 Harlan St., Unit #20, Westminster303-427-5292www.dacr.orgAre you looking for an exciting career? Consider the many career opportunities in court reporting! Earn an average yearly income of over $61,800 in the field of court reporting, according to the National Court Reporters Association (NCRA). Work from home as a broadcast captioner, in courtrooms as a judicial reporter, or in classrooms as a communication access realtime (CART) provider. Earn your Associate of Applied Science (AAS) Degree. Train for high-demand, high-tech careers in broadcast captioning, webcasting and CART. DACR is the only National Court Reporters Association (NCRA) approved school in a five-state region, including Wyoming, Nebraska, Utah, Montana and Colorado

Denver Arts & Technology Academy3752 Tennyson St., Denver720-855-7504

Denver Automotive & Diesel College460 S. Lipan St., Denver303-722-5724

Denver CNA Training School399 Federal Blvd., Denver303-936-0424

Denver Joint Electrical Apprenticeship5610 Logan St., Denver303-295-1903

Denver School of Massage Therapy14107 E. Exposition Ave., Aurora303-366-4325

Denver School of Nursing1401 19th St., Denver303-292-0015www.denverschoolofnursing.orgDenver School of Nursing serves students, the nursing profession, health care organizations, clients receiving care, and the increasing needs of society for qualified nurses by offering programs for students who seek careers in nursing and other medical fields. The programs offered build on foundations of general education common to nursing education, and all of our programs meet or exceed common standards for nursing education programs in Colorado.

Emily Griffith Opportunity School1250 Welton St., Denver720-423-4700

Environmental Technology Institute11891 E. 33rd Ave. # C, Aurora303-340-5781

Heritage College12 Lakeside Ln., Denver303-477-7240www.heritage-education.comOur Colorado Heritage campus in Denver operates as a massage therapy school, medical assistant/medical assisting school, X-Ray Medical Technician® school, pharmacy technician school, esthetician school and personal trainer school. While Heritage cannot guarantee employment, our training is designed to lead to entry level positions in meaningful careers and jobs in such diverse professions as X-Ray Medical Technician®, Pharmacy Technician, Esthetician, Medical Assistant, Personal Fitness Trainer, and Massage Therapist.

Home Real Estate Academy7743 E. Bayaud Ave., Denver303-363-9882

Institute of Business and Medical Careers, Inc.1609 Oakridge Dr., #102, Fort Collins970-223-2669

Intellitec Medical Institute 2345 N. Academy Blvd., Colorado Springs719-596-7400

Intellyst Medical Communication2101 S. Blackhawk St., #240, Aurora720-748-8800

Iron Workers Apprenticeship3385 Walnut St., Denver303-296-6626www.iw24jatc.com/apprenticeshipprogramThe Ironworkers Apprenticeship is a training program designed to prepare the apprentice for a career as a Journeyman Ironworker. This is vocational-technical training, and upon successful completion of this program, the student will have accumulated 42 college credit hours that are transferable to the state Community Colleges. The curriculum covers all areas

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of the trade and is taught by Journeyman Ironworkers who bring years of experience and vast technical training to the classroom.

Lincoln College of Technology460 S. Lipan St., Denver303-722-5724www.lincolnedu.comAre you searching for a rewarding career? From its beginnings as Lincoln Technical Institute in 1946, Lincoln College of Technology has been committed to providing students with the hands-on skills and training needed to succeed in the ever-changing employment landscape. As a degree-granting college that offers both Diploma and Associate Degree programs in the Automotive, Health Sciences, Business and IT, Skilled Trades, Spa and Cosmetology or Culinary Arts fields, Lincoln College of Technology establishes and maintains an environment that fosters learning and your advancement—both in and out of the classroom. With a wide-range of programs and campuses through the United States, Lincoln College of Technology can help you start your future in a rewarding career, now.

Mise en Place Cooking School1801 Wynkoop, Ste. 175, Denver303-293-2224

Mr. B’s Culinary Arts School3784 S. Logan St., Englewood303-761-4058

Naomi’s Mile High Beauty College3455 W. 32nd Ave., Denver303-455-3687

National American University5125 N. Academy Blvd., Colorado Springs719-590-83001325 S. Colorado Blvd., Ste. 100, Denver303-876-7100www.national.eduNational American University has been a cornerstone of higher education, offering flexible associate, bachelor’s and master’s degree programs designed specifically for working adults who are seeking new careers, new adventures and new lives. Our guiding principles clearly focus on the individual needs of each student, with one-on-one attention that is unparalleled anywhere in higher education.

National Beauty and Massage Therapy College2200 W. Alameda Ave., #5B, Denver303-934-1288

National Personal Training Institute1658 Cole Blvd., Bldg. 6, Ste. 50Lakewood877-215-2643www.nptitrainer.comThe National Personal Training Institute of Colorado offers personal trainer certification, education and courses for those interested in becoming a personal trainer. Our unique school offers the right personal trainer education to help you become a certified personal trainer and start your career in personal training!

Nutrition Therapy Institute, Inc.1574 York St., Ste. 100, Denver303-377-3974 www.instituteofnutrition.comFounded in 1999, NTI is a private holistic nutrition school offering one of the most highly regarded academic programs in the country. At NTI, we’re about challenging, in-depth programs covering the full spectrum of nutrition and holistic education. Most importantly, NTI provides a depth of knowledge that gives our students an outstanding foundation as professionals in holistic nutrition.

Nurse Wise/Script Assist3773 Cherry Creek Dr. N., # 1050, Denver303-777-5700

Real Estate Training Center3500 S. Wadsworth Blvd., Ste. 408 Lakewood1-866-311-RETC (7382)

Rocky Mountain Laser College651 Garrison St., Lakewood303-237-9100

SAGE Technical Truck Driving School10401 E. 102nd Ave., Unit A, Henderson1-800-867-9856770 Horizon Dr., Grand Junction1-800-523-0492 www.sageschools.comSAGE Truck Driving Schools have provided top quality, comprehensive professional truck driver training to thousands of

students across the country for almost 20 years. The CDL training program at SAGE schools provides thorough driver training and trucking job placement assistance for the trucking industry.

School of Natural Medicine3000 Folsom St., Boulder303-588-6887

Scofield Business Services1777 S. Bellaire St., Denver303-757-7768

TechSkills7000 E. Belleview Ave., #100Greenwood Village720-529-8000

Ohio Center for Broadcasting1310 Wadsworth Blvd., #100, Lakewood303-937-7070

Phlebotomy Learning Center1780 S. Bellaire St.. #780, Denver303-584-0575

PIMA Medical Institute 7475 Dakin St., Denver303-426-1800www.pmi.eduWhy attend a Denver school that has just introduced medical when you can choose a highly experienced and proven educational leader to be your alma mater? For more than 30 years Pima Medical Institute has offered quick and affordable education. Our Denver medical career college has been servicing the community since 1988.

Platt College100 S. Parker Rd., Aurora303-369-5151www.plattcolorado.eduPlatt College offers diploma, associate degree and bachelor degree programs. All programs are dedicated to providing not only the essential technical skills necessary for success but also the people skills and self-confidence that will enable each graduate to reach his or her full potential.

Real Estate Training Center3225 S. Wadsworth Blvd., #S, Lakewood303-421-9078

Rock Creek Laser & Esthetics Institute357 McCaslin Blvd., Ste. 110, Louisville303-543-8304www.rockcreeklaser.comRock Creek Laser and Esthetics Institute offers state-accredited training programs in professional hair removal and esthetics. Located on-site at the Rock Creek Laser and Medical Spa facilities, these programs cover a wide range of esthetic services in a unique, intimate mentoring environment.

Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design1600 Pierce St., Lakewood303-753-604

United Beauty School1907 W. Mississippi Ave., Denver303-922-1852

University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine13065 E. 17th Ave., Aurora303-315-8017

Westwood College of Technology7350 N. Broadway, Denver303-426-97973150 S. Sheridan Blvd., Denver866-552-7536

Yoh Engineering & IT8601 Turnpike Dr., Westminster303-296-1764

PRIVATE SCHOOLS AnD SERVICES:Belleview Christian College & Bible Seminary3455 West 83rd Ave., Westminster303-427-5461

Charis Bible College850 Elkton Dr., Colorado Springs719-635-6029

Colorado Christian University8787 W. Alameda Ave., Lakewood303-963-3000www.ccu.eduSince 1914, Colorado Christian University

has offered a comprehensive education that develops students intellectually, professionally, and spiritually. As the only member of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities in an eight-state region, CCU is uniquely positioned to offer students a distinctive variety of educational opportunities and experiences.

Colorado College14 E. Cache La Poudre, Colorado Springs719-389-6000

Colorado School for the Deaf and Blind33 N. Institute St., Colorado Springs719-578-2100

Colorado School of Mines1500 Illinois St., Golden303-273-3220

Iliff School of Theology2201 S. University Blvd., Denver303-744-1287

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Nazarene Bible College 1111 Academy Park LoopColorado Springs

Rocky Mountain Bible College and Seminary3190 S. Grant St., Englewood303-657-5636

United States Air Force AcademyColorado Springs719-333-1110

Vineyard University11502 E. 5th Ave., Aurora303-363-9669

A Plus Tutoring3570 E. 12th Ave., Ste. 204, Denver303-377-2048

Academic Resources Corp1777 S. Bellaire St., Ste. 339, Denver303-759-8371

Kaplan Test Prep1310 College Ave., # 400, Boulder303-444-1683

Key Results1235 Oakhurst Dr., Broomfield303-439-0495

Learning Power1548 Old Tale Rd., Boulder303-938-0136

LearningRx Learning and Reading Center8700 Turnpike Dr., Ste. 430, Westminster303-412-6303

Sylvan Learning Center24310 E. Glasgow Dr., Aurora303-693-63669473 S. University Blvd., Highlands Ranch303-220-86078246 W. Bowles Ave. Unit R, Littleton303-972-4040

Video ProfessorDenver 1-800-525-7763www.videoprofessor.comFounded by John W. Scherer, Video Professor has been the leader in comprehensive, self-paced computer software tutorials for almost 20 years. At the core of Video Professor’s teaching initiative is providing home users as well as corporate professionals with valuable and user-friendly learning solutions for today’s most common software titles.

Reaching Your PotentialIt’s no secret that right now, times are tough for everyone. In a climate of economic uncertainty and stress, it’s easy to feel

overwhelmed and unsure about your next step in life. Thankfully, there are a number of Denver-area organizations dedicated to helping you become the best possible version of yourself. Whether you are starting over after an abusive relationship

or you are looking for a new, more satisfying career, there are people that can help. Read on to discover some of the many organizations dedicated to lending you a hand and helping you reach your full potential.

Center for Work Education and Employment1175 Osage st. ste. 300, Denver, CO 80204303-892-8444 • http://www.cwee.org/

The mission of CWEE is to provide career training for low-income individuals and families in the Denver area. This organization pro-vides courses in career exploration, GED test preparation, computer skills and job interview preparation. Follow-up services are also offered so program graduates can receive additional training and help if they receive a promotion or other job change. For partici-pants with busy schedules, the CWEE offers “After Hours” comput-er-based courses that cover programs such as Microsoft Word. The CWEE has placed its program graduates in a wide variety of careers ranging from assistant managers to customer service representa-tives and everything in between. Since 1982, CWEE has helped over 8,000 low-income adults learn and expand new skills to help them find and keep long-term and meaningful employment.

Denver Works2828 N. Speer Blvd. #103, Denver, CO 80211303-433-0300 • www.denverworks.org

DenverWorks was established to aid the thousands of unemployed individuals in metro Denver. For the past 13 years, this organization has provided com-puter skills training, job readiness training, interview coaching, job placement and clothing for almost 15,000 men and women. In addition, this organization provides job training for young people in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Labor’s Youth Opportunity and Youth Offender programs. DenverWorks boasts a 60% job placement rate, with clients earning an average of $11.00 per hour. The organization has established relationships with over 225 businesses and employment agencies in the Denver area. DenverWorks is especially dedicated to those most in need of aid, including individuals who lack the necessary education, trans-portation, language skills or access to adequate child care.

Gateway Battered Women’s ServicesPO Box 914, Aurora, CO 80040

www.gatewayshelter.org

Gateway Battered Women’s Services exists to help Aurora and Arapahoe County-area women and children who are victims of do-mestic violence. Gateway was formed in 1977 following the merger of the Aurora Community Mental Health Center’s Battered Women’s Shelter Project and the Arapahoe Battered Women’s Task Force, and began operating in 1979. The organization’s North Shelter provides 30-day housing for women and children escaping abu-sive situations. Residential services include weekly group therapy, counselors, and a safe and structured environment for children. A 90-day extended-stay program is also available. Non-residents receive individual counseling, group counseling and access to sup-port groups. The mission of the Gateway shelter is to provide vic-tims of domestic abuse with a safe, secure environment in which they can rebuild their self esteem and their lives.

Mi Casa Resource Center for Women360 Acoma St., Denver, CO 80223(303) 539-5597 • www.micasadenver.org

Mi Casa Resource Center for Women has been serving Denver’s La-tino community for the past 32 years. The organization is dedicated to becoming Colorado’s premier business and career development program serving the Latino population. Mi Casa provides a variety of services including Adult Basic Education and GED classes, com-puter training courses, ESL classes, entrepreneurial workshops and small business networking events. In addition, the center offers a Construction Pre-Apprenticeship program, an intensive eight-week course for those interested in the construction industry. The re-source center offers services for young members of the Latino community as well. The Mi Casa After-School Program provides homework help, college and career exploration, technology work-shops, gardening, yoga and many other programs for students.

SCORE – Counselors to America’s Small Business721 19th Street, Suite 426Denver, Colorado 80202(303) 844-3985 • www.score.org

Since 1964, SCORE has provided education and support to small-business owners around the country. The organization is dedicated to the formation, growth and success of these businesses. Local SCORE chapters provide free counseling to business owners, as well as low-cost workshops. These workshops teach people how to start, promote and develop their business and manage growth, as well as how to help the business survive during times of economic hardship. SCORE’s volunteers are retired and current businessmen and women who donate their time and energy to helping people achieve their dreams. Some of SCORE’s most successful clients are well-known businesses such as Vera Bradley Designs and Jelly Belly Candy Company.

Labor’s Community Agency7510 West Mississippi Ave. Ste. 230Lakewood, Colorado 80226-4570Phone (303) 744-6169 www.laborscommunityagency.org

Labor’s Community Agency is the Community Service Arm of the AFL-CIO and is a resource for union members and their families. For individuals and families dealing with unemployment, the agen-cy offers employment placement, employment counseling, referrals and resume help. The agency offers services such as alcohol and drug assessment, court-ordered community service and counsel-ing. Training classes and workshops are available, including those designed to improve individuals’ self esteem, fitness, relationships, and success at work. Workshops are also offered to help those dealing with eating disorders, addiction, grief and loss. The motto for the agency is: “Working, Serving and Giving.”

r e s o u r c e s

50 edu COLORADO • Spring/Summer 200950

How To Get Help With

p r e p a r a t i o n

How To Get Help With Your College Application

By Kim Kunaniec Applying for college can be a daunting task. Form after form has to be filled out and sent in to the

right schools. A personal statement has to be written and recommendation letters need to be obtained. However, there is no reason to feel alone in the college application process. There are many resources available for students who want help and advice.

The toughest part of getting help with college applications is simply asking for it. Many students are afraid of letting people know that they are overwhelmed with the process. But you have to remember that your teachers, counselors,and parents all want you to succeed and can offer great advice and strategies.

Teachers Take the time to ask your English teacher to review your essay. Colleges are interested in the content of your personal statement, but if it is written with poor grammar or organization they may wonder if you are ready for college. Having a teacher proofread it and offer suggestions can help you tell your story.

Counselors If your high school has a college counselor available, it is their job to help guide you through the application process. Do not be shy about meeting with your counselor to discuss your applications. Your

counselor will be able to provide the guidance you need to submit the best applications possible.

Admissions Workshops Many colleges offer seminars and workshops for students who are in the application process, but few people take advantage of the opportunity. Check the websites of all the schools you are applying to, because they may have events scheduled for potential students. Take a notepad and pay careful attention to anything that an admissions officer has to say. They know what works (and what doesn’t) better than anyone else.

Parents You may want to ask your parents for their help in the process too. Like the others, they can help you proofread and organize your submissions. However, make sure that all the work is your own. With the increasing competition for spots at top colleges, many admissions officers are noticing essays that seem too good for a teenager to have written. Letting your parents get too involved in the process may end up costing you a place at your top choice school.

Applying to college does not have to be complicated. Asking for help when you need it is the sign of a mature student. Don’t be afraid to let people know that you need a hand. edu

Applying to college does not have

to be complicated. Asking for help

when you need it is the sign of

a mature student. Don’t be afraid

to let people know that

you need a hand.

College of Architecture and Planning

College of Arts & Media

Business School

School of Dental Medicine

School of Education & Human Development

College of Engineering and Applied Science

The Graduate School

College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

School of Medicine

College of Nursing

School of Pharmacy

School of Public Affairs

Colorado School of Public Health

Changing Lives. Saving Lives. Building Futures.

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