Thursday, 5 September 2013

0 Six Popular Online Degrees for Shy People

Is your shy personality preventing you from going back to school? Check out these degrees that you could pursue online.

By Terence Loose
Want to go back to school, but worried your shy personality will hold you back? Maybe you're terrified at the thought of learning in a room full of students...
Good news: classrooms and lecture halls are no longer prerequisites of higher education. In fact, shy people can go back to school from the privacy of their own home, thanks to online education.
"I think online education is a great tool for those who are shy," says Dr. Suzanne Anthony, a clinical psychologist and former college instructor and administrator. She adds that online education allows shy students to "speak up" or present their work in an environment that's more comfortable for them.
Think online education is right for your shy personality? Check out these six degrees...

Online Degree #1 - Bachelor's in Business Administration

Do you hope to one day join the boardroom at a successful business firm, but aren't quite ready to join the classroom? An online bachelor's degree in business administration might be just the thing to satisfy both those needs.
Why it's Right for the Shy: Anthony says taking courses online might help those who are anxious about the face-time of an in-classroom program. She adds that "a degree in business administration is such a versatile degree that I could see these graduates going into a wide range of fields and positions. So they might be able to pick a career that perfectly fits their personality."
But just what might you study? According to the College Board, a nonprofit research organization that promotes higher education, a business administration and management degree could teach you how to help an organization plan and organize their activities. Common courses might include financial management, business statistics, human resources management, economics, and marketing.
Related Careers:* Financial Analyst, Human Resources Manager, Financial Manager

Online Degree #2 - Bachelor's in Computer Science

Do you find the schmooze-free world of computers a wonderful place to be? Then you may want to consider pursuing an online degree within this techie industry. Specifically, a bachelor's degree in computer science.
Why it's Right for the Shy: "I could see a shy person really gravitating toward computers," says Anthony. "And in today's world of social media, [a degree in computer science] can still offer a lot of social interaction, so it could be a very healthy choice for the shy."
As for what you'll study, here's what the College Board has to say: You'll likely learn how humans and computers interact, from a scientific perspective. Courses such as artificial intelligence, software engineering, digital system design, and the theory of formal languages are typical.
And it's a degree that lends itself to online learning since it has to do with computers - which are instrumental in the online educational experience, says Velvet Miscione, a counselor at  Coastline Community College in California.
Related Careers:* Computer Programmer, Software Developer, Computer Systems Analyst

Online Degree #3 - Associate's in Paralegal Studies

Are you fascinated with the law? Have you thought about pursuing a degree in the field, but aren't too keen on having all eyes on you during a classroom mock trial? You might consider earning an associate's degree in paralegal studies online, where mock trials aren't the focus of the program.
Why it's Right for the Shy: "A majority of a paralegal's coursework - how to research the law, how to write and prepare legal documents, and use law libraries and computer programs - would be a good fit for a shy person because they don't require presentations in front of others and such. The fact that it's online as well only makes that more true," says Anthony.
Considering the College Board's description of this major, Anthony's assessment rings true. The College Board lists courses like civil procedure, ethics, litigation, and legal research and writing as typical for the degree. It also adds that students could pick up legal research skills, conduct investigations, write legal briefs, and keep legal records.
Related Careers:* Paralegal, Legal Assistant

Online Degree #4 - Bachelor's in Graphic Design

Are you eager for your creative side to thrive, but not so pumped about the idea of being on stage or performing? Pursuing an online bachelor's degree in graphic design could be the perfect tool to express your creativity - while staying in your comfort zone.
Why it's Right for the Shy: "Many creative people are actually shy as well. And since graphic design relies a lot on computer work, but also allows a person to fulfill their creative side, I can see this as a great choice for those creative shy types," says Anthony. "And since it relies so heavily on computer work, this degree seems a great fit for online learning as well."
As for what graphic design students study, the College Board says they work on both design and computer skills to help them create a look for books, magazines, CD covers, websites, and more. Students may also get the chance to study coursework that includes graphic design techniques, history of graphic design, Photoshop for designers, and typography.
Related Careers:* Graphic Designer, Desktop Publisher

Online Degree #5 - Bachelor's in Accounting

We're going out on a limb here, but we're guessing that most accounting majors don't need to minor in performing arts or speech. In other words, if you're shy - and you love numbers - an online bachelor's degree in accounting may be the role you've been waiting for.
Why it's Right for the Shy: "Accounting programs work with online education very well," says Miscione, who adds that it's "a very attractive field of study for the shy because students tend to work with numbers more than people."
And from the look of the commonly offered courses in this degree, Miscione's observation seems to hold true. The College Board says typical major courses in this field include auditing, cost accounting, and tax accounting. You'll probably also learn how to analyze, record, interpret, and communicate an organization's financial information, adds the College Board.
Related Careers:* Accountant, Auditor, Personal Financial Advisor

Online Degree #6 - Associate's in Health Information Technology

Have you always wanted to study something related to medicine and patient care, but want to avoid face-to-face time with patients? Then here's something to consider: With an online associate's degree in health information technology, your studies will likely focus more on data than bedside manners.
Why it's Right for the Shy: This major is a very good choice for the online and shy student who wants to prep for a career in the health care field, but doesn't necessarily like the hands-on aspect that the nursing field might require, says Miscione.
Still don't know if this degree is right for you? Maybe this bit of info will help: Typical courses, according to the College Board, are medical terminology, health care law, introduction to coding, and health care statistics.
Related Careers:* Medical Records Technician, Health Information Technician
*All potential careers information comes from the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2012-13 Edition. Related careers were determined on the basis of the Handbook, which referenced the degree as being either required, preferred, or good preparation for the related career.
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Posted by USA Media at 09:42
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0 Five Careers That Aren't Going Away

Looking for a career that will be around till your retirement - and then some? Check these five out.

By Terence Loose
Unless you've got a rich uncle or plan on winning the Lottery, you need your career to last a while. Decades would be nice. And for that to happen you have to find a career that will actually be needed decades from now. But what types of careers are those?
For staying power, think careers that are ingrained in our society's infrastructure, says Deb Hornell, a business and management consultant with 25 years of experience.
"These are jobs that are needed for society to function and thrive," she says. Jobs like nurse, police officer, and even software developer make the list.
Wondering what other careers will likely be around for your lifetime, and your kids'? Keep reading to learn about five jobs that aren't going away.

Everlasting Career #1: Registered Nurse

Projected Job Growth 2010 to 2020: 26 percent, with 711,900 new job opportunities.*
Let's face it, we humans aren't exactly perfect. Unlike the Man of Steel, we get sick, injured, old - and that's with routine check-ups. So the occupation of registered nurse is not only a noble calling, but one that will be needed for the foreseeable future, says Hornell.
And it's not all drawing blood and patching up wounds. Nurses also consult with doctors on patient care and management, help perform diagnostic tests, educate families and patients on health, and even provide emotional support in times of need, says the U.S. Department of Labor.
Why It's Everlasting: "There will always be a need for personal care in medicine, no matter how sophisticated medicine gets," says Hornell. And nursing is a very hands-on profession, she says, one that no amount of technology will be able to replace in full.
No wonder the Department of Labor says that not only will registered nurses' job prospects be "excellent," but they are number one on the list of the Department's list of occupations with the largest numeric growth projected from 2010-2020. That's a healthy prognosis.
Education Options: The Department of Labor says there are three educational paths prospective nurses follow: a bachelor's of science in nursing (BSN), an associate's in nursing (ADN), or a diploma from an approved nursing program. They must also be licensed.

Everlasting Career #2: Police Officer

Projected Job Growth 2010 to 2020: 8 percent, with 54,600 new job opportunities.*
Unfortunately, we do not live in Shangri-La; crime happens. So until human nature changes a whole lot and we all turn into Good Samaritans, Hornell says we'll need law enforcement and police officers.
But despite what you may see on TV, police work is not all high-speed chases and shootouts. Yes, they give tickets, patrol areas, and arrest bad guys, says the U.S. Department of Labor. They also write detailed reports (the infamous paperwork TV cops always complain about), prepare cases, testify in court, and even give first aid to accident victims.
Why It's Everlasting: "Being a police officer is a very tough job, so these are people for whom it's a calling. It's part of their moral fiber, and that's good, because we will always need them," says Hornell.
She says public safety is always high on the [government's] list of priorities, so this job will never be cut out of society.
Education Options: Police officers must have a high school diploma and graduate from their department's training academy, the Department of Labor says. In addition, many agencies may require some college or a college degree. The Department also says that many colleges have programs in criminal justice.

Everlasting Career #3: Elementary School Teacher

Projected Job Growth 2010 to 2020: 17 percent, with 248,800 new job opportunities.*
As much as some of our dilapidated public schools might suggest it, as a society, we really don't want dumb kids. In fact, education will always be a primary - if underfunded - part of the American infrastructure, says Hornell. So we will always need teachers.
Elementary school teachers do everything from making lesson plans to preparing students for standardized tests to helping individual pupils challenge themselves to gain new skills, says the U.S. Department of Labor. There's also a bit of disciplinary action, as the Department says they enforce classroom rules to teach kids proper behavior. We all remember that.
Why It's Everlasting: "There is a correlation between success in reading in the early grade levels and high school graduation rates and college graduation rates," says Hornell. "So elementary teachers are vital to give kids a strong foundation in learning and success in the early grades. So teachers will always be needed."
And the U.S. Department of Labor says because of the significant number of older teachers reaching retirement age, between 2010 to 2020, the coming years will see new openings for the next generation of teachers.
Education Options: Elementary (and kindergarten) teachers must have a bachelor's degree in elementary education and be licensed if they want to teach in public schools, says the Department of Labor. Other requirements vary by state, some of which might require a bachelor's degree in the subject taught, such as math or science.

Everlasting Career #4: Accountant

Projected Job Growth 2010 to 2020: 16 percent, with 190,700 new job opportunities.*
As long as there's a monetary system, there will be a need to keep track of income and expenses. And you know what they say about death and taxes. So count on accountants being around for the duration, says Hornell.
Accountants do a variety of things to help individuals and organizations, such as examine financial records, prepare taxes, and recommend cost-reducing strategies, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.
Why It's Everlasting: "Accountant may not be the sexiest of jobs, but it's absolutely essential to business. And my sense is that, after some of the scandals that have happened over the last 10 or 15 years, and people being attuned to our businesses being ethical, the need for ethical accounting is very important to businesses," says Hornell.
She adds that the occupation of accountant is part of an essential "economic infrastructure," and therefore will always be needed in our society.
Education Options: According to the Department of Labor, most accountant jobs require applicants to have at least a bachelor's degree in accounting or a related field.

Everlasting Career #5: Software Developer

Projected Job Growth 2010 to 2020: 30 percent, with 270,900 new job opportunities.*
When was the last time you got through an entire day without interfacing with something that used computer software? In fact, how about a single hour? The fact is, computers are now key to just about every segment of society, from the register that rang up your morning Starbuck's to the smartphone you used to Tweet how good it was.
Software developers are the creative minds behind those programs and apps, says the U.S. Department of Labor. They analyze people's needs, then design and test computer software to meet them, says the Department of Labor. I guess that means we actually needed talking phones and the ability to know what Paris Hilton was up to every four minutes.
Why It's Everlasting: "This is another infrastructure job, from the standpoint of technology. It's part of the foundation of our society and so it will always be in demand." says Hornell.
The Department says that mobile technology, the health care industry, and concerns over cyber security will all result in the need for more programs to be developed. It all spells an increasing demand for software developers.
Education Options: The Department of Labor says that software developers usually have a bachelor's degree in computer science, computer engineering, or a related field. Mathematics is also acceptable, they say.
* All job growth statistics come from the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2012-2013 edition.


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Posted by USA Media at 09:32
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