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Recession Proof Yourself with an Online Degree

an Online Education can give you a competitive advantage in a Rough Economy

With the turbulent economy and dismal job market, pursing an online degree does not seem wise. However, there has never been a better time to earn a degree from an accredited online university. Do not let the recession stop you from reaching your maximum earning potential and getting the job you have always dreamed of.

The following is a list of reasons why online degree are still worth earning even during these hard economic times:

Cost. Online schools charge less per credit hour than most private colleges and institutions.
Increased earning potential. Additional degrees increase earnings. In a study released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, men with bachelor’s degrees on average make on average $1,209 a week while median weekly wages for high school graduates was $714. The ninetieth percentile of men with advanced degrees earned $3,434 a week. Higher degrees generally mean higher wages.
Valuable experience with technology. Technology is continuing to play a bigger role in almost all industries. Earning an online degree will give you experience in using technology; you will gain knowledge in emailing, videochatting, posting on messageboards, using the internet to do group work, and using a variety of programs such as Excel.
Ensure job security. An extra degree will provide you with additional skills and knowledge. Filling in gaps of knowledge will not only make you an invaluable employee, but will help you compete with newcomers in the field.
Flexibility. An online degree allows you to stay at your job and be on top of your obligations. Rather than planning your life around your education, you can plan your education around your life.

Online Programs Help Career Changers

how completing your degree online can help you to switch careers

Changing careers is a major decision; one that should not be made on a mere whim or flight of fancy. Many things must be taken into consideration before making such an important choice. In some cases, completing a degree from any number of online programs helps make a career change possible. Complete the following steps to determine if switching careers is truly the right decision for you.

Analyze your current career - Compare your job responsibilities and work environment against your preferences. Doing so will help you discover what you like and dislike about your current job. You may discover that you need to switch jobs not careers. For example, if you are dissatisfied with your company’s culture, switching jobs might be the answer. Disliking occupational characters indicate a career switch may be the correct course of action. For instance, if you are a research scientist who dislikes working in a lab, then switching careers may be right for you.
Analyze your financial situation - Changing careers is costly. When switching careers, people often start at entry level jobs which may not pay as much as their current jobs. Consider all costs. A new career may require additional training; traditional educational programs may require you to work fewer hours or none at all. Unemployment insurance does not cover people training for new jobs. An online degree allows you to work while training for a new career. The flexibility of an online program allows you to fit your education into your life rather than planning your life around your education. Furthermore, online degrees cost less than many traditional programs.
Analyze yourself - What work values, aspects of a job that you find meaningful and important, are the most important to you? Work values can range from the level of autonomy to job stability. What skills do you have? Consider your current and past jobs, hobbies, and volunteer work. What skill gaps do you have? Online degrees and programs can help you fill in any skill deficits. What interests do you have? People tend to be happier in careers that match up with their interests. There are many interest inventory tests online which can help match your interests with a potential career. The Bureau of Labor also has job descriptions which can help you choose a new occupation.

Online Education Business People

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Online Education and Green Jobs

Online education and Green Jobs

President Obama launched a platform that he hopes to create thousands of green jobs based on energy efficiency, renewable energy, and cleans energy projects. Many reports predict that green jobs will be an area of greater growth compared to other areas of the economy. The Pew Charitable Trust reported that the number of green jobs grew in the United States by 9.1 percent.

The hope is to create 5 million green jobs within a decade. Some of these green jobs include: manufacturing of hybrid cars, building consultants, environmental study professors, wind turbine engineers, and lawyers for biofuel companies. Many distance learning schools offer these prgrams of study so that you can begin a new career at your own pace.

Higher Education at a University Online Pays for Itself

STUDY REVEALS higher earnings and lower unemployment rates

A study by the Bureau of Labor Statistics found that as an individual's education increased, their wages also increased. More education also means a lower unemployment rate and an online degree may help. Attending a university online is a good step towards increasing your earnings power and keeping your job once you have one.

The study was based on data from 2008 annual averages for persons age 25 and over. Earnings are for full-time wage and salaried workers.

The Hottest Careers

earning aN ONLINE COLLEGE degree Prepares YOu for fast growing jobs

nursing-career According to a study released by the US Department of Labor, the nation’s economy will continue its shift from a goods providing economy to a service based one. The shift will be reflected in the employment trends. The education and health supersector are predicted to create the most jobs – 5.5 millions jobs by 2016. Employment in the professional and business supersector is expected to see the highest rate of growth at 23.3%. This supersector includes accountants, financial managers, scientists, and computer scientists. Of the occupational groups, professional and related occupations should add the most news jobs—5 million. Most of the growth in this group will be seen in health care practitioners, computer and mathematical jobs, and education, training, and library occupations. Getting an online education is an excellent way to prepare yourself for a new career while still earning money at your current job.

PDF Downloads
Going Green Envronmental Jobs	Summer, 2009
Career Guide to Industries
Management, Business, and Financial	2008-09
Engineers, Life and Physical Scientists, and Related Occupations	2008-09
Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations	2008-09
Education and Community and Social Service Occupations	2008-09
Computer and Mathematical Occupations	2008-09
Legal and Social Science Occupations	2008-09
Health Diagnosing and Treating Practitioners	2008-09
Health Technologists, Technicians, and Healthcare Support Occupations	2008-09
Service Occupations: Cleaning, Food, and Personal	2008-09
Protective Service Occupations	2008-09
Sales Occupations	2008-09
Office and Administrative Support Occupations	2008-09
Farming, Fishing, Forestry, and Transportation Occupations	2008-09
Construction Trades and Related Occupations	2008-09
Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Occupations	2008-09
Production Occupations	2008-09