Many adults are heading back to school in an effort to stay competitive in the job market. As a result, some colleges are seeking to update their accreditation status to entice more students to choose their school.
For instance, San Diego Continuing Education, which is a part of the San Diego Community College District’s adult education branch, just received a new six-year extension, the San Diego Union-Tribune reports.
Officials told the news source that school received its accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, which states that the institution’s program stands up to the standards set forth by the approval board.
“Maintaining accreditation is extremely important because it validates the high level of instruction and service students can expect to receive when they come to our institution,” Anthony E. Beebe, president of San Diego Continuing Education, told the news provider.”
The school serves more than 100,000 students in the San Diego area and offers non-credit classes on campus and online.
According to the Babson Survey Research Group and the Sloan Consortium, nearly 5 million students in the U.S. were enrolled in online courses during the 2008 academic year.
]]>The job markets are down nationwide, with an estimated 15 million people currently unemployed and jobless rates at 17 percent in some states. Other states, however, are faring better than others. Your chances of finding or keeping a job in these states, although not ideal, are better than in others.
10. South Dakota (-1.1 percent; 4,342 jobs lost) – If you can get used to a slower pace of life, frigid temperatures, and heavy snowstorms, this Great Plains state is a fine alternative.
9. Nevada (-1 percent; 12,696 jobs lost) – Surprisingly, despite its strong emphasis on gaming and hotels, this state is holding its own against the economic crisis and has been able to lure tourism, despite tightening pocketbooks, with deals like a $5 steak and egg breakfast or $30 hotel rooms. You can be sure, however, that more people are opting out of the Bellagio to stay at the Golden Nugget.
8. Oregon (-1 percent; 17,737 jobs lost) – With a variety of industries, from shoes to international trade to agriculture, this state has the job market diversity to weather the economic storm.
7. Nebraska (-.9 percent; 8,374 jobs lost) – This home state of legendary investor Warren Buffett has also done a fine job withstanding the economic crisis, perhaps because of its high concentration of agriculture.
6. New Mexico (-.9 percent; 7,164 jobs lost) – With virtually no manufacturing, real estate, tourism, or financial sectors to speak of, this state remains unchanged by the financial meltdown.
5. North Dakota (-.8 percent; 2,809 jobs lost) – Something is going on up in them there Plains states. One guess is agriculture, a few strong companies, and a general lack of manufacturing.
4. Texas (-.7 percent; 71,930 jobs lost) – This state has performed well in creating job growth over the last few years by attracting large companies with tax breaks and jobseekers with a family-friendly atmosphere. Plentiful jobs and an affordable cost of living should keep this state in the top 10 for years to come.
3. Washington (-.2 percent; 6,939 jobs lost) – Like its northwest neighbor, this state enjoys a diverse job market, from computers (Microsoft) to fruit companies (you know, apples). Its metropolitan center boasts a family-friendly atmosphere, beautiful scenery, and a strong emphasis on health. These factors have made Seattle a magnet for big companies.
2. District of Columbia (-.1 percent; 633 jobs lost) – Okay, you know that big stimulus bill that went through Congress earlier this year to the tune of $800 billion? Well, guess where a huge chunk of that money is going? Why, to hire more government workers in nearly every agency from the CIA to HUD, of course. Where will those jobs mostly be located? In our nation’s capitol, of course.
1. Colorado (.8 percent; 18,708 jobs created) – That’s right. The negative sign is missing on this one. One state in the Union will actually experience positive job growth this year. Like so many of the top 10, this state boasts strong business growth, breathtaking surroundings, and a family-friendly environment. Talk about living the high life.
No matter what state you choose to live in, there are great opportunities in each of them. That’s why ClassesandCareers.com is a great resource to help prospective students understand their educational options.
To seize these job opportunities, visit ClassesandCareers.com and sign up to meet with a live education advisor. They will help you find the right major to get into the best jobs.
1. Networking
In this market it's very important to ask your friends, family, and acquaintances if they know of any openings. Since there are few jobs and so many applicants these people can really help you. Because they know you and your skills, they can probably put in a good word for you. But don't be annoying or pester them because that can backfire and you may not get a job or ever see them again.
2. Employment Listings
Check the employment listing in your local newspaper and websites like craigslist and ladders. Although you may not know anyone at the company you want to make sure to get an interview and let them know that you are interested in the job. And don't do it on an occasional basis you have to stay on top of it and go onto it every day at least. Because they might only accept a certain number of applications and you want yours to be among the first.
3. Check Company Sites
Many companies won't use job search sites to post their openings so you should be looking at the sites of companies you're interested in working for. And make sure that you write a cover letter with these and cater your resume to that specific job. Don't just hand out a generic resumes or they may not know how qualified you are for the job.
4. Door to Door
Nothing shows dedication than walking in and asking companies if they are hiring. If you call on the phone many companies will say that they're not hiring because calling around makes you look lazy. Whereas if you walk in and ask you can at least meet the receptionist and you can carry on a conversation to show that you have people skills and the receptionist can pass on her thoughts to the recruiters.
5. Writing Letters
Another tactic is to decide what you want to be doing and then send out a letter that tells about yourself and your skills to companies in that field. This may cause interest in you and set you apart from others. Plus even if there isn't any opening right away they may hold onto it and call you in for an interview when they do decide to start hiring. Advertise yourself and show them why you would be a great employee to have onboard.
The job search can be extremely frustrating and difficult but these 5 tips may help you find a job. Even in this tough economy it is possible to find a job but you have to put in the time and effort. Hopefully,after a short search you will be able to find a job but remember that the application process is something you have to be constantly engaged in. You can't just do it for a short time, get frustrated and quit it's a daily process that you have to struggle against in order to get one.
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