December 18th 2009

Understanding the Nature of a Career College

In the first half of the twentieth century, there was a distinct divide between people who attended four year colleges or universities and those who went into specific careers that required technical skills. The latter individuals usually attended what were called trade schools or entered apprenticeship programs to learn a trade. In the past several decades, however, a hybrid form of education has become increasingly popular that combines the practical application of a trade school with the broader education of a more traditional university. This newer, more modern form of education is the career college.

Career colleges offer a balance of core courses such as English, math and the sciences, but focus more thoroughly on the components needed to enter the workforce prepared to pursue a specific career path. Most career colleges are tightly focused on their students’ desire to get an education that is extremely hands-on and technically oriented.

An increase in the need for technically trained, college educated employees is the largest driving force behind the increase in career colleges. Employers want students who are intelligent and able to think on their feet, so they have looked in the past for college educated students. However, the advent of computer technology, medical, and scientific technology meant that they then had to start from scratch in training their new employees. On the other hand, apprenticeship programs meant they were trying to train individuals right out of high school who often didn’t have the science, math or other knowledge needed to succeed. Career college graduates offer employers a balance that’s hard to find anywhere else.

For students, career colleges offer a variety of career options at a reasonable cost. Many career colleges offer associates degrees that can be earned in two years rather than four, putting them into the work force with two years less tuition they have to pay. They also find they are more motivated when they aren’t wasting their study time on coursework that has no relevance to their eventual goals. While many college students thrive on elective courses, Career College students appreciate not having to spend time and money on what they believe are “pointless” classes to fulfill a requirement.

Many career colleges also offer four year programs for students who want to advance their careers by getting a Bachelor’s degree in order to improve their resume or pursue a promotion. The flexibility of the program’s offerings is another appealing aspect of career colleges. Many students begin working in their chosen field upon receiving their Associate’s degree, and work toward their Bachelor’s degree in the evenings or through an online or distance learning program.

Career colleges offer a wide range of programs to suit almost every interest. Most are technology oriented or focus on a particular field such as healthcare. Some of the most popular include: health & information sciences, paralegal studies, medical transcription, information technologies, medical assistant, radiology, business administration, administrative assistant, veterinary technology, medical coding & billing, pharmacy technology, healthcare reimbursement, criminal justice, management information systems, and human resource management

These are just a few of the many career college offerings. If you feel that a career college may be the right path for you, do some online research and visit several schools that offer courses that interest you. The best way to discover if a program is right for you is to meet the instructors and get a feel for the learning environment.

You should also make sure that the school is accredited by one of the national accrediting agencies recognized for overseeing the quality of technical and career schools in the United States. The U.S. Department of Education has a list of several appropriate agencies that they approve. Their website is a great place to start your research.

Andy West is a writer for Online Degree Choice and The Great Minds.

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July 7th 2009

Computer Repair Technician Jobs – Or Hire Yourself!

The good news about computer repair technician jobs is that technology is always changing and will require highly skilled people to provide support and service. The bad news is that the IT department is a high cost administrative area that is a slow moving target for budget cuts.

Most IT departments expand or contact based on the projects and technology desired or even required by any given company. There are very good times and very bad times for most computer repair technicians. I know, I’ve been in the Computer Repair business both as a contractor, self-employed or even as a fulltime employee for over 30 years.

The best way to deal with these up and downs in available work is to have a solid fall back plan that allows you to prosper in either situation. Computer Repair is a huge market in both commercial and individual areas.

Computers break, software confuses and disorients many people. That’s a fact. Although the user interfaces are becoming more friendly, the technology necessary to make them work is getting more and more complex. Throw in the Wild West style of the Internet and you have a perfect scenario for someone with the proper skills to make money full or part time.

But where most “techies” get into trouble is in both the day-to-day business requirements and selling and marketing their services. People skills are also important when running your own company. If you watch any movie about computers and software, and the folks who really understand them, they paint a pretty sad picture of the individuals involved.

It’s not quite that bad, but there are many facets that are true. Large IT departments often have an attitude that they are smart and everyone else is dumb. This type of environment is not a good training ground for the self-employed. In fact, it’s not a good thing for anyone, the department or the clients they serve.

Never the less, that less than good attitude is there and predominate. I was fortunate early on in my career to have a mentor who truly understood the fact that the only reason the IT department exists is to serve the rest of the company. Many IT folks never get that salient fact.

The successful computer repair business owner must know how to sell and market their services to both individuals and small business owners. They should also have some good people skills, because every computer has an operator. And many of the common computer repairs have to do with the individual between the chair and the keyboard.

Doing freelance computer repair work can be very profitable on both a part or full time basis. You’re selling knowledge and time for the most part. Sometimes hardware is involved but over half the service calls have to do with software, configuration, and problem solving.

So no matter what the computer repair technician jobs situation is, you can supplement or even replace your income by selling your self. The tax benefits alone can be a huge advantage. Being somewhat of a geek myself, I love being able to buy the high tech toys and getting to take a deduction since most items directly apply to my job.

So with the addition of a few new skills (business marketing and people), any computer repair technician can make some good money part or fulltime. So what kind of money is possible doing computer repair work?

Well, lets say you want to start out slow and just make some extra money for a great vacation, new toy, or college tuition for the kids. If you just do about 10-12 hours of part time work a month, only charge minimal amount ($50 an hour instead of the going $75), you can make an extra $7200 a year.

Maybe you save another $2-$4K in taxes, which gives you another $1,000 cash. So that’s quite a little jolt to the household budget for whatever. And if you should get a pink slip, for whatever reason, you could even crank up the part-time business to help fill the gap.

Of course the trick is acquiring those new skills. That’s where I might be able to help you out. Like I mentioned earlier, I’ve been in the computer repair business for a long time. During those fun filled years I’ve developed both marketing and business practices directly related to the computer repair business.

I’ve compiled all the information into one big package that teaches and provides many marketing and business operating tools. Everything from a basic website, to software, and even marketing materials. This is not some general business guide. Every piece of information, every software tool, and marketing piece applies to a computer repair business.

And all of the material has proven to be successful in own computer repair business. There is no theory here, just proven successful methods I use everyday. If you want ot find out more, click on the link below.

So if you are looking for computer repair technician jobs, you might want to consider hiring yourself. I don’t know of any other business that you can start for less money or has a larger target audience.

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