Allied Health Offers Opportunities for Business Professionals

This infographic on the boom in allied health careers highlights the fastest growing health fields over the next decade. What isn’t shown is the opportunities that exist for business professionals within the healthcare industry. According to the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics data the number of healthcare administration jobs should increase by 22% and healthcare management is projected to add almost 70,000 jobs by 2020.

 

Infographic by U.S. News University Directory, your source for the Best Allied Health Programs Online.

Education Pays – Especially for Small Business Owners!

Is it possible to invest in learning new tricks of the trade during these tough economic times? In fact, now might be an excellent time to learn applied business strategies if you do so with a focused plan. A wise small business owner makes complex decisions every day while persevering in business. By investing in yourself, you may gain a greater foothold in this challenging market, and those who can survive hard times are ready to seize prosperity when it arrives.

Business Administration Courses—Do They Actually Work for the Small Business Owner?

Some small business owners are lone wolves who believe in discovering new trails on their own while other more social creatures gladly participate in workshops and classes. For both types of people (and everyone in between), a wise approach could be a well-researched business administration course or training program. Small business courses succeed when they answer specific goals that you need, especially when your own interest is peaked.  Rather than simply waiting for the economy to change, think about the aspect of business that you wish to improve and look for targeted business administration courses which address those topics.

Investing in Yourself—A Realistic Look at the ROI

After choosing your specific target goal, take some extra time to really analyze the ROI. Think about a place where you tend to lose time regularly (most of us have one), and choose a business administration course that answers this need in a direct way while suiting your personality—so that you can enjoy yourself while advancing your skills. Though one of your strengths may lie in innovative marketing strategies, perhaps the best course for you could be a small business accounting class that will teach you how to save time and frustration in managing your accounts. Conversely, if money management is an aspect of business that you have already perfected, learning new marketing tips or business planning techniques may provide the most effective ROI. When you find that 10 hours/week on a task decreases to 5 hours/week because of your new knowledge and increased efficiency, you can see a clear ROI value.

How to Do it All—Maintain a Business and Invest in the Future

Many small business owners choose to take online business administration courses. There is more than one benefit to this. Of course, you are able to save the time you would have invested in a commute to a campus. You’re also able to engage in parts of the class (if not all of it) as your own schedule allows. One other benefit is simply to use the latest technology in your training. Most small businesses have an online presence, and many are pursuing innovative tracks to increase their business to the nationwide or global level. By engaging in a business administration course online, you may gain interesting insights into interactive, web-based options you have not yet pursued.

While your business may be standing firm in spite of the economic downturn, you can still prepare yourself to take it to a new level. By making clear and well-researched choices in your continuing education, you can guarantee your own ROI and give your business a boost. You can invest in yourself not to pass the time, but to optimize it.

Customer Relationship Management

Many of us are familiar with the idea of a customer-centric approach to business. In fact, we can experience the benefits of this business philosophy in daily activities ranging from the experience at the grocery store to the customer service call that turns out, unexpectedly, to be pleasant. There is good news for those who are interested in managing business organizations such that customer needs are truly met. Jobs in the field of customer relationship management are in demand.

What is Customer Relationship Management?

Customer Relationship Management, or CRM, refers to a business policy designed to reduce costs and increase profit by securing the loyalty of customers. Some people associate CRM with software programs that record information about customers and allow businesses to offer discounts according to that information. An example of this is for a business to provide a free item or discount on a customer’s birthday. However, the customer-centric approach is as old as business itself. Long before IT swept the modern world, wise business owners used various methods to research their customers’ habits; they also encouraged front-line salespeople to create trustworthy, personable relationships with the clientele. In today’s competitive business world, customer relationship management involves complex processes that must be accepted company-wide in order to succeed.

Why CRM Matters Now and in the Future

CRM involves both macro and micro-management in order to be effective. Though CRM entails befriending the clientele, there are serious choices involved in exactly which methods will cause the majority of customers to truly respond and maintain their loyalty. Although some small businesses spend only a few hundred per month in basic CRM strategy, large companies may spend millions in order to select and initiate a CRM plan. One of the key challenges can lie in implementation. In spite of large sums being spent in the process, if those who directly interact with customers are not clearly aware of how to project the company’s philosophy, the plan can fall flat. Also, due to the success of CRM in recent years, there is increased competition among businesses which further complicates developing a wise plan. In future, customer relationship management will increasingly consider the consumer’s neighborhood of business in order to discover a fruitful niche.

Where Can I Find Jobs in CRM?

Businesses in all fields that have direct customer relationships have the need for CRM. This means that the prospective job availability is spread across the country and involves many different types of businesses including banks, retailers and technological companies. Some businesses will emphasize the software side of CRM while others will focus on customer service, and many will require both aspects. In 2012, CRM jobs are expected to be in demand, and growth in this field is likely to continue.

How Can I Prepare for CRM Opportunities?

In choosing a regionally accredited school, you will want to consider an associate’s degree, a bachelor’s degree and/or a master’s degree. The associate’s degree involves a two-year program which works well for those who are not sure if they want to fully invest in the field before giving it a try. However, this degree does limit graduates to junior or entry-level positions. A bachelor’s degree requires four years and allows for a standard starting salary in the field as well as some opportunity for advancement. To secure high level employment in this field, a master’s degree is beneficial. This equates to two additional years following completion of the bachelor’s, six years of educational training in total. A master’s degree can help you to begin your employment at a higher salary and facilitates your ability to apply for increasingly higher levels jobs within the company.

Customer Relationship Management and You

CRM is likely to bring interesting challenges in upcoming years as companies compete using new technological platforms. If the customer-centric approach to business appeals to you, now may be a great time to leap into this established, yet growing field. Those with expertise in customer relations will always be needed in business. Those who understand both people and technology will have many intriguing opportunities in the future.

Commercial Contract Management Careers

Contract management careers can be very challenging and engaging. They can also be highly lucrative, particularly if you have attained National Contract Management Association (NCMA) certification.

There are many different positions available in this field, and you have the opportunity to work with a variety of different organizations and industries. Whether you are a veteran contract manager looking to expand your experience or a relative newcomer interested in learning more about contract management careers, you should familiarize yourself with all of the opportunities available for employment and advancement in this diverse and exciting specialty.

Contract Management Careers

Earn a Contract Management Certification

NCMA Certification and Contract Management

Government Contract Management Careers

Whether the government is your employer or customer, government contract jobs can be challenging, rewarding and very lucrative. Coordinating business relationships between government agencies and outside contractors is extremely intricate and regulated work, which is why skilled and certified contract managers are in demand for a variety of positions in this field.

Government Contract Careers

Government Contracting

How to Obtain a Government Contract

What is Government Contracting?

Business Analysis Career Path

Today’s Business Analyst

The 21st century business analyst’s world is multifaceted. As a mediator, moderator, connector and ambassador, the business analyst must bring the business needs together with IT resources. Successful business analysts tend to be clear communicators, smooth facilitators, precise analyzers and team players.

Plus, the ideal analyst has the versatility of various business functions, such as operations, finance, engineering, technology or architecture. Jay Michael, a business analyst for Colfax, agrees that the business analyst role is fuzzy at many companies.

He says, “I usually describe what a BA does by telling people I am a bridge between business systems from the end user to functional implementation of technical solutions. But when you tell somebody that they look at you like ’OK, what do you really do?’”

What Does a Business Analyst Do?

As you explore the business analyst career path, you’ll need to clear up the confusion and learn about the many hats business analysts wear. From being a good communicator and data analyzer to possessing project management and technical skills, business analysts regularly use a variety of techniques.

They are the bridge that fills in the gap between each department throughout every step of development. Modern Analyst identifies several characteristics that make up the role of a business analyst as follows:

• The analyst works with the business to identify opportunities for improvement in business operations and processes
• The analyst is involved in the design or modification of business systems or IT systems
• The analyst interacts with the business stakeholders and subject matter experts in order to understand their problems and needs
• The analyst gathers, documents, and analyzes business needs and requirements
• The analyst solves business problems and, as needed, designs technical solutions
• The analyst documents the functional and, sometimes, technical design of the system
• The analyst interacts with system architects and developers to ensure the system is properly implemented
• The analyst may help test the system and create system documentation and user manuals

Project Manager Career Path

Project Manager Jobs and Salaries Are on the Rise

A recent PMI report indicates that 25% of companies that have reduced their headcounts in other specialties will still be hiring project managers, while an Anderson Economic Group study projected that approximately 1.2 million project management jobs will need to be filled each year through 2016.

The availability of open positions is just part of the appeal of a project management career path; the substantial salaries are another enticement. Payscale.com reports that IT Project Managers typically earn between $74,299 and $103,710 a year. PMI’s annual salary survey indicates that those with industry certification – such as the Project Management Professional (PMP®) designation – earn upwards of $100,000 annually.

Career opportunities and potential earnings are two of the most important factors that individuals must consider before choosing a career path, and the field of project management scores well on both points.

Project Managers Have a Place in Every Industry

Professionals who have embarked on a project management career path possess skills that can be used in virtually any industry – from information technology to consumer goods to business services. This career mobility ensures that project managers can readily find work, even if their current industry is affected by an economic downturn or cyclical demand.

Skills Required for a Project Manager Career Path

Before embarking on a project manager career path, you need to ask yourself whether or not you have a passion and aptitude for this type of work. If you’re up to the challenge overseeing the contributions of a diverse team and managing the expectations of key stakeholders, this may be the position for you.

A project manager career path requires strong communication and organizational skills, the ability to juggle multiple tasks simultaneously and an understanding of the functional roles of departments throughout the organization.

Project Management Training and Education

The first step in becoming a project manager is to get the right education. You don’t necessarily need a degree in project management, but you do need to have specialized training. Industry certification will give you an even greater edge in securing the best positions.

When evaluating your training options, consider what will make your résumé stand apart from the competition. A credential from an accredited university shows that you are serious about a project manager career path. The good news is that with the widespread availability of online programs, location is no longer a limitation.

Villanova University has made a name for itself as the leading provider of project management education online through its acclaimed video-based e-learning platform. Ranked by U.S. News & World Report as the #1 university in the Master’s category/North region for nearly two decades, Villanova offers a variety of project management certificate courses 100% online, as well as multi-course master certificate programs.

Students can earn a Master Certificate in IS/IT Project Management or Applied Project Management, both of which prepare participants to pass the CAPM® or PMP® certification exam. Those who have completed a master certificate or hold professional certification can go on to earn an Advanced Master Certificate in IS/IT Project Management or Applied Project Management.

Embark on Your Project Manager Career Path

Project management training and industry certification can help professionals land their first project manager position. Over time, successful project managers will be assigned projects of increasing size and complexity.

Those who prove themselves on the job and demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning have excellent advancement potential. Take the first steps toward a project manager career path today, and you’ll be on your way toward a wealth of job opportunities, a lucrative salary and genuine long-term career satisfaction.

Florida Tech Online MBA in Finance

Florida Tech University Online (Florida Institute of Technology)
and Bisk Education announced a new Master of Business Administration (MBA) program with a concentration in Finance, which brings yet another world-class degree to an international audience 100% online.  As the globalized and complex finance industry gets larger, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts extremely strong growth in Finance, with employment of financial analysts and advisors increasing 20% to 30% through 2018.  Florida Tech’s online MBA in Finance program allows professionals to develop the necessary business skills and in-depth financial knowledge required to succeed in this thriving field, with the convenience of online learning and no GMAT or GRE requirement.

Ranked a Tier 1 Best National University by U.S. News & World Report, Florida Tech and its renowned Nathan M. Bisk College of Business have earned a reputation for excellence, with expert faculty and hands-on learning. The MBA with a specialization in Finance provides the solid foundation today’s professionals need to seize new opportunities in an ever-changing business environment. Through Florida Tech’s innovative Essentials of Business Development sequence, students learn the core business fundamentals and gain valuable experience building a business plan from the ground up. Specialization courses help them develop in-demand skills in portfolio management, stock analysis and valuation, capital budgeting and international finance.

This new program is backed by Bisk Education’s University Alliance division, which enables 100% online course delivery through a multimedia, video-based e-learning system and provides marketing and enrollment support. “Florida Tech and University Alliance continue to break new ground in presenting impactful online MBA programs that empower today’s professionals to achieve real-world success,” said Adrian Marrullier, Executive Vice President of University Alliance.  “We are proud to facilitate Florida Tech’s efforts to bring the highest-quality degree programs to students worldwide.”

Marrullier also noted that Florida Tech MBA graduates enjoy excellent earning potential. In fact, a recent survey by PayScale* found that Florida Tech bachelor’s degree holders rank as the highestearning graduates among all private research universities in the state – which attests to the high quality of education enjoyed by all Florida Tech students.

Florida Tech’s online MBA students enjoy the same advantages as their main-campus peers, but without any geographic or schedule constraints. The only difference is in the method of course delivery – the Internet-based programs feature 24/7 access to streaming video lectures with downloadable MP3 and MP4 files, plus high-tech communication tools such as live chat rooms, online discussion boards and a dedicated email system.

Beyond the new MBA in Finance, Florida Tech’s graduate degree programs include nine additional MBA offerings from the Nathan M. Bisk College of Business, as well as a Master of Science in Information Technology. Florida Tech also offers a number of undergraduate programs online, including seven associate’s degrees and 14 bachelor’s degrees.  Registration is now open for Florida Tech’s online MBA in Finance program. Admission is on a rolling basis. For more information about Florida Tech University Online, visit FloridaTechOnline.com.

* 2010-11 College Salary Report: Top Private Research Universities by Salary Potential, PayScale.  http://www.payscale.com/best-colleges/top-private-universities.asp (accessed October 28, 2010).

About Florida Tech
Florida Tech is a regionally accredited university that is world renowned for its distinguished faculty, comprehensive curriculum and unyielding innovation. Florida Tech is ranked a Tier 1 Best National University by U.S. News & World Report. It is also rated by the Fiske Guide to Colleges and named in Barron’s Best Buys in College Education. Founded in 1958, Florida Tech has more than 50,000 alumni. Its main campus is located on 130 subtropical acres in Melbourne, Florida, on the state’s famous Space Coast.  Florida Tech, with the assistance of University Alliance, has one of the largest nationally ranked online programs in the nation with more than 38 of the most sought-after associate’s, bachelor’s and master’s degree programs.
Florida Institute of Technology is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award associate, baccalaureate, master’s, education specialist and doctoral degree.

Project Manager Career Change

What Is Project Management?

One of the biggest misconceptions about a project management career is that it’s essentially the same as a more traditional management career. While it’s true that project managers need to have strong leadership skills, their role is primarily to manage projects – not people.

Unlike departmental managers, project managers are not part of the typical supervisory structure most companies employ. Instead, they work as a sort of free agent – a project management career involves coordinating the work of many people and divisions in order to complete a particular assignment. Throughout the course of a project, the project manager will interact with individual contributors at all levels of the company in relation to various deliverables.

Always a New Challenge

While a project manager generally relies on the same skill set for each project, the projects themselves can vary significantly. The constantly changing focus of this type of work is what makes a project management career so attractive to many people. This dynamic field is ideal for those who enjoy taking on new challenges. However, if you’re serious about pursuing a project management career, you’ll need to be sure you can handle the demands of the job.

Essential Qualities of Project Managers

Successful project managers are highly organized and pay meticulous attention to detail. They have a knack for seeing the big picture and how each individual piece of the puzzle needs to fit into place to make their project a success. They also possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills. While these qualities are important for all business professionals, they are absolutely essential in a project management career because of the need to closely coordinate the efforts of many different people.

Excelling in the world of project management also requires the ability to make good decisions quickly. Project managers must know how to size up a situation and determine the best way to proceed to avoid costly delays. While thorough planning is critical to the success of a project, the best project managers are able to adapt to unexpected circumstances and adjust their plans accordingly on short notice.

Enhance Your Project Management Career Prospects Through Industry Certification

Acquiring the skills and traits of an effective project manager is just the first step. To get your project management career off to a successful start, you should attain industry certification through the Project Management Institute (PMI®). By completing a formal project management training course, you can develop the expertise needed to pass the exams to achieve certification as a Project Management Professional (PMP®) or Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM®). These certifications will make you a more attractive candidate for project manager jobs and enable you to carry out the responsibilities of that position more effectively.

Six Sigma Green Belt Careers

Six Sigma Green Belt Career Paths

Professionals with Green Belt certification are thoroughly familiar with the basic tenets of Six Sigma and are able to apply its principles to their work on a daily basis. The positions best suited for Green Belts include mid- to upper-level project managers, process engineers, consultants and manufacturing engineers.

There are a multitude of Six Sigma Green Belt career paths available in virtually every industry, due the fact that Six Sigma can be effective in improving business processes in many different fields. That’s why a growing number of companies are looking to fill a wide variety of positions with candidates who are adept at applying the principles of Six Sigma.

In general, the highest-level leadership positions are reserved for Six Sigma Black Belts and Master Black Belts. However, Six Sigma Green Belt certification will set you apart from non-certified applicants vying for positions that require advanced process management skills. It can also prepare you to continue on to higher levels of certification if and when you decide to pursue an executive leadership position.

Leading job-search sites have thousands of postings from well-known companies offering Six Sigma Green Belt career opportunities. Employers such as UnitedHealth Group, Honeywell, GE and Volkswagen have been actively seeking professionals with Six Sigma certification to fill a variety of positions*, such as:

• Lean Six Sigma Consultant
• Lead Manufacturing Engineer
• Process Development Engineer
• Compliance Structural Engineer
• Reliability Engineer
• Operating System Specialist
• Senior IT Project Manager
• Warehouse Operations Manager
• Business Process Analyst
• Project Engineer
• Director, Performance Excellence