From Burnt Out to Behind the Burner (301) (NewsUSA) – Many Americans in unrewarding careers are choosing to enter new fields as unemployment rates continue to soar. Forced from longtime positions in some of the nation’s largest industries, men and women alike are making the jump into the world of professional cooking as they trade pinstripes for chef whites. “Our culinary arts and pastry career programs have been attracting students of all ages and professional backgrounds,” said Rick Smilow, president of the Institute of Culinary Education in New York City. “We have everyone from former Wall Street bankers to marketing managers to talented kids out of high school or college, all of whom are looking to switch careers in the rocky economy.” But a diploma from a leading culinary school doesn’t only lend itself to a position as a chef. More and more culinary school graduates are using their degrees to enter the fields of hospitality, food media and personal start-ups from coast to coast. Professionally trained chefs can go on to command kitchens or boardrooms, which allows them to dip into an industry driven by their passion rather than economic gains. “Our students go on to work in some of the top restaurants in the country,” Smilow said. “But they aren’t all working directly as chefs; a lot of them get involved in fields like research and development at major food brands, work in food media or are entrepreneurs building food businesses.” The rise of culinary school enrollments may signal an oncoming tidal wave of career-changers, as economic woes leave many with a desire to start new in an industry once only considered a dream job. So while the economy may be down, attitudes will be up as more and more Americans find happiness in the world of food. For more information, visit www.iceculinary.com.

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RALEIGH, N.C. – With suspicious fires, chemical spills and plant explosions a more frequent part of our local landscape, Wake Technical Community College is launching a new program to ensure that our area has the most highly-qualified responders. Wake Tech’s associate’s degree program in Fire Protection Technology offers the latest in response technologies and techniques, providing firefighters, arson investigators and hazmat specialists with the skills and credentials to address critical and risky situations. The program, which starts this fall, is offered to high school graduates who want to enter the field and to professionals who want to improve their career advancement opportunities by earning their degree.

The two-year program, to be held at Wake Tech’s Public Safety Education Campus in Raleigh, includes coursework in hazardous materials, firefighting strategies, and fire investigations, as well as supervision and leadership. Wake Tech’s “flip-flop” schedule will give students the option of attending classes on alternating days each week to accommodate work schedules.

“Employers are looking for a degree now, in fire safety as in other first-responder fields, as a basic job qualification,” says Janie Slaughter, department head for Fire Protection Technology at Wake Tech. “They’re also basing promotions on education and credentials, making them much more competitive. This is the trend.”

Graduates will find opportunities for employment in insurance organizations and industry as well as municipal fire departments. The degree will also provide a foundation for continued education at a four-year college or university. Wake Tech already provides in-service continuing education training for more than 4,000 area firefighters each year

Read More:CarolinaNewsWire

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Emerging careers in science and health care

(ARA) – Growth in technology is contributing to career options at an increasing rate. Many industries, from information technology to environmental science to health care, benefit from new and enriching career opportunities afforded by rapid advancements.

Ten of the 20 fastest-growing careers are health care-related, with 26 percent of all new jobs created falling into this category, according to the U.S. Department of Labor’s “Career Guide to Industries, 2010-11 Edition.” New career possibilities are opening for individuals with vocational training, college diplomas and advanced degrees.

Growing demand for health care professionals

“In terms of health care, the speed of change is anywhere from two days to six weeks. Knowledge is doubling faster than in the 1990s when IT was producing software on average every few days,” says Micki Holliday, director of career services at Brown Mackie College – Kansas City, located in Lenexa, Kan. “In addition to knowledge expansion, research indicates that the aging population is pushing science and health care to the forefront in needs. New people, new habits and skills and new orientation to the world are bringing in new opportunities.”

The unique baby boomer population represents a large demographic that, despite growing older, is staying active longer. “It isn’t just young people jogging and exercising today. It permeates all generations. Technological advances in medicine are helping people stay active longer. We’re building bodies better,” she says, referring to the ability to replace hips, knees, and organs with more advanced technology. “The demand for a higher quality of life through technology drives innovation. Most things involving health care are considered a boom industry.”

While scientists and doctors are in demand, it is critical that health care facilities hire correctly trained support staff so that others can do what they do best. Doctors need others to provide care. Entry-level employment opportunities arise at hospitals, doctor and dentist offices, rehabilitation facilities, nursing homes and home health care companies, says Holliday. “Industry can’t move forward without trained professionals. They want to hire workers with education, knowledge and certifications.” Health care positions in growing demand include all types of medical and lab technicians, as well as insurance, financial and administrative professionals.

Advancements in science spawn new opportunities

Growth in the science and engineering sectors feed the health care boom. The biotech industry is huge and growing in every area, from operations and manufacturing to clinical research and quality control. This opens the door for a myriad of trained professionals to find employment. To learn more about health care career opportunities, visit www.brownmackie.edu.

“What type of people are needed to support biotech companies? Everyone from lab technicians and research associates to cabinet-makers who build lab-safety storage,” Holliday says. “One scientist I know of was about to culminate a two-year research project when a lab tech walked by with a test tube in hand and scratched his head. That single act negated the whole project. It is of the utmost importance for companies to hire people who are trained and certified in lab protocol.”

Biotech companies also need trained, entry-level people to fill positions in administration, billing and research. “You can contribute to this growing industry without becoming an engineer,” Holliday says. “The title isn’t new, but the work is new due to advances in technology.”

In all disciplines, health care and science industry employers need workers who are educated and are skilled in protocol. Schools provide the foundation for working in a specific environment. Companies and device manufacturers then provide additional training on the job. “That’s another career opportunity,” adds Holliday. “There is a growing need for trainers, too.”

Holliday’s father was a research assistant in the late 1940s. “Can you imagine what he’d think of today’s equipment? Tests taking minutes instead of weeks. Noninvasive surgery that enables patients to go home a few hours later,” she says. “Our students are contributing to these miracles of time and science by providing businesses with the manpower needed to run the experiments, provide the treatments and create the tools and remedies.”

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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Small businesses get credit boost from new fund

(ARA) – Despite signs of economic recovery, many small business owners continue to struggle to borrow money to sustain or grow their companies. This can have a big impact on local communities, which rely on small businesses to create much-needed jobs and provide critical services. With many traditional credit sources continuing to keep a tight rein on lending, many small business owners simply do not have access to conventional means of credit.  The good news is that small business owners are increasingly able to access alternative and innovative sources  of financing, including Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs).  

CDFIs, which were created more than 30 years ago, provide affordable loans and banking services in communities that are underserved by traditional banks. These institutions have developed valuable community and business expertise, designed specialized loan products and they have a remarkable track record of success. CDFIs loaned and invested more than $2.2 billion in fiscal year 2008. Since their inception, CDFIs have provided more than $22 billion in financing, supported more than 51,000 small businesses and helped create thousands of new jobs.  CDFI loans to small business typically range from $15,000 to $300,000.

In addition, CDFIs often offer non-financial services, such as entrepreneurial education, savings programs and financial literacy training, which can help small business owners develop and grow their operations and prepare the next generation of entrepreneurs for success.

“CDFIs are a critical economic lifeline to small business owners, especially during periods of prolonged economic weakness,” says Bob Annibale, global director of Citi Microfinance and Community Development. “In many cases, they can make the difference between whether or not a small business struggles to survive or expands and creates new jobs, supporting  local economic growth and the community.”

While small business owners who work with CDFIs hail from a wide range of industries and geographies, they all share one thing in common: a need for quick financing that is not fully being  met by traditional banks.  For example, entrepreneurs in the heart of Big Sky country in Montana received two CDFI loans totaling more than $100,000 that enabled them to get their new lumber operation up and running, while the owner of a preschool in New Orleans borrowed money from a local CDFI to fund vital repairs to her building in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.

In coastal Maine, the owner of a specialty seafood company was able to access significant venture capital to expand the company’s distribution nationwide, while continuing to create jobs. In Austin, Texas, the owner of a small construction company received a $40,000 loan to pay for materials and other up-front costs associated with the industry.  In all these instances, the need for affordable loans was met with speed and flexibility and was often accompanied by invaluable entrepreneurial education and low-cost training as well as technical assistance in branding and marketing.

Citi recently launched the Communities at Work Fund, a new $200 million fund that will provide financing to CDFIs in urban and rural areas in all 50 states.  The fund was created in partnership with the Calvert Foundation and the Opportunity Finance Network (OFN), two organizations expert in CDFIs. To learn more about the Communities at Work fund or to find out if your small business can benefit from the program and how to apply, visit www.communitiesatworkfund.com.

To find out a local CDFI and enquire about a loan, visit www.communityinvestingcenterdb.org.

The current economic climate may be challenging to entrepreneurs, but alternative financing sources like CDFIs can help small businesses keep their doors open – and keep thousands of Americans on the job.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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RALEIGH, N.C. – Wake County residents looking for new skills and inspiration came to hear more about the Plus 50 program today at Wake Tech’s Western Wake Campus in Cary. The Plus 50 Open House featured information on the program’s latest course offerings designed with students age 50 and above in mind. Wake Tech is one of 15 colleges across the country participating in a three-year initiative to reach out to these students.

“It’s clear that ‘retirement’ has a whole new meaning for baby boomers,” says Pat Fontana, Director of the Plus 50 program at Wake Tech. “Our Plus 50 courses offer new pathways and adventures for people whose lives are changing direction.”

Wake Tech’s Summer 2010 Plus 50 offerings include:

• Find Your Ideal Career – A workshop designed to help students explore career options by discovering what they really want to do and learning how to use their strengths to their advantage.
• Internet and Email – A course that teaches the basics of the web and how to communicate through email.
• Coupon Camp – A daylong course on couponing and meal planning that includes a hands-on trip to the grocery store.

Future Plus 50 courses include Lifestyle Financial Strategies, Getting Organized and an introduction to becoming a Virtual Assistant. Classes are offered at Wake Tech’s Western Wake Campus in Cary and Northern Wake Campus in Raleigh. For information call 866-5145 or visit http://plusfifty.waketech.edu. Plus 50 is funded by a grant from The Atlantic Philanthropies and is led by the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC).

About Wake Technical Community College:
Wake Technical Community College (Wake Tech) is a two-year, public institution providing education and training for the citizens of Raleigh and surrounding Wake County. As the second largest community college in the state, Wake Tech provides a comprehensive array of learning opportunities and serves an annual enrollment of more than 65,000 students. Wake Tech spans the region with five campuses and two training centers, and offers classes at multiple community sites as well as online, through distance education media. Curriculum (for-credit) programs in a variety of academic and technical specialties offer more than 165 degrees, diplomas and certificates, including two-year associate’s degrees in science, applied science, the arts, and general education. University transfer programs prepare students for entry into four-year institutions; focused training programs prepare students for immediate employment. Wake Tech also offers a broad scope of continuing education courses, including training for entrepreneurs and small business owners, public safety officer training (fire, rescue, and law enforcement), high school equivalency classes, and non-credit courses for personal enrichment and professional development. Wake Tech provides customized workforce training for new and expanding industries and a cooperative education program that interfaces with the corporate community. For more information, please visit http://www.waketech.edu.

SOURCE:CarolinaNewsWire

RALEIGH, N.C. – Florianna Thompson, an instructor in Wake Tech’s Early Childhood Education program, has received the Dorothy B. Graham Child Care Leadership Award from the Child Care Services Association (CCSA). Thompson received the honor at the 9th Annual Triangle Child Care Awards Breakfast on March 5.

CCSA is a nationally-recognized nonprofit working to ensure affordable, accessible, high-quality early care and education for all children and families. It recognized Thompson for her leadership in improving early childhood education in the Triangle.

Thompson has 30 years of experience in the field of child care and has been an instructor at Wake Tech for the past ten years. Prior to joining Wake Tech, she was a program coordinator for Wake County Smart Start. She has a Master’s degree in Education and a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Development and Family Relations.

Thompson serves in various leadership roles in the child care industry:

• She is a member of the Early Childhood Leadership and Policy Network.
• She is a member of the National Advisory Committee for CONNECT (The Center to Mobilize Early Childhood Knowledge).
• She is a Peer Reviewer for the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).

Thompson is the mother of 3 and lives in Garner.

About Wake Technical Community College:
Wake Technical Community College (Wake Tech) is a two-year, public institution providing education and training for the citizens of Raleigh and surrounding Wake County. As the second largest community college in the state, Wake Tech provides a comprehensive array of learning opportunities and serves an annual enrollment of more than 65,000 students. Wake Tech spans the region with four campuses, three training centers and offers classes at dozens of community sites and through Web-based and other distance education media. Curriculum (for-credit) programs in more than 150 academic

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Degrees that will make you indispensable in the workplace

(ARA) – From digitizing and analyzing America’s health records to developing the next big video game or hardware program, careers in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields continue to gain prominence in the work force. In fact, the U.S. Department of Labor predicts a growing demand for technological advances will result in a job growth of 22 percent for STEM occupations between 2004 and 2014.

As employment opportunities within these new and emerging industries continue to expand, educational institutions are taking a look at refining curriculums to provide career-focused higher education, and better prepare students for careers in specific fields.

To do this, universities are working directly with high-caliber employers to ensure their future employee needs will be met. DeVry University, for example, works directly with companies including IBM and Cisco to create these student programs. DeVry University graduates from the last five years have worked at 96 of the Fortune 100 companies.

“Students are looking to obtain the education and knowledge needed to succeed in the high-growth industries that continue to thrive,” says Donna Loraine, vice president, academic affairs for DeVry Inc., and dean, DeVry University’s Keller Graduate School of Management. “Our academic structure is one that allows for swift implementation of new programs and curriculum once we notice a specific need, allowing us to better prepare students for these in-demand 21st century careers.”

According to the Center for Education Policy Analysis, technology is pervasive in almost every aspect of daily life, and as the workplace changes, STEM knowledge, skills and the ways in which problems are approached and solved in these subjects are important for a variety of workers.

DeVry worked closely with Cisco using the Cisco Networking Academy program to deliver curriculums that teach students how to design, build, troubleshoot and secure computer networks.

“Working with DeVry University to equip students with technical knowledge and hands-on experiences will help meet growing demand for skilled workers in a variety of industries ranging from broadband and wireless to healthcare and green technologies,” says Amy Christen, vice president of corporate affairs at Cisco and general manager of the Cisco Networking Academy. “Individuals that are trained in the latest technology careers today will be well-prepared for a variety of exciting career opportunities tomorrow.”

In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics is anticipating an approximate 45 percent growth in the computer software engineer and application occupations. Anticipating this demand, these student/employer partnerships aim to prepare soon-to-be graduates for these technology careers, while helping to fill a growing need for professionals in the emerging industries around the world.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

 You can find money to pay for college

(ARA) –  In a competitive job market, earning a degree can be the biggest single step one can take to enhance career value and earning potential. As many bask in the glow of making plans to increase their career potential, the prospect of paying for college is a sobering reality.

Few of us have funds set aside for this endeavor. In addition, the College Board’s annual “Trends in College Pricing” reports a rise in tuition costs at public and private institutions for the 2009-2010 school year. According to the report, annual tuition and fees at private four-year colleges rose 4.4 percent to $26,273, and public university costs rose 6.5 percent to $7,020.

Prospective students often don’t know where to start. But take heart; Darlene Violet, director of Financial Aid at Brown Mackie College – Akron, Ohio,  offers advice on funding your education. “The U.S. Department of Education distributes $96 billion a year in grants, work-study assistance, and low-interest loans,” Violet says. “Every student begins the process of seeking financial aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid form, known as the ‘FAFSA.’” Information submitted on the FAFSA form determines the amount a student may receive through a federal Pell Grant, which is based on financial need. The recent economic stimulus program increased Pell Grant funds by $500 per student. Financial aid is available for those who qualify.

Beyond completing the FAFSA, many turn next to student loans. “An education is always a good investment,” says Violet, “but many people don’t realize the loans must be paid back starting six months after leaving school. I advise students to seek out and apply for scholarships.” Wide varieties of organizations offer scholarships, from fraternities and sororities to community groups, foundations, and corporations. Winning candidates receive funds based on a vast spectrum of criteria, including ethnicity and cultural heritage. “Students just don’t take the time to find them,” Violet continued. “It can be a lot of work.”

The Scholarship Committee at Brown Mackie College – Akron hired a group of honor students to help others navigate through the many scholarships available, complete the application forms, and provide feedback on essays written for submission. “This allows students the security to delve deeper into the scholarship world. It’s well worth it,” Violet says.

Scholarship awards can be as important to the educational institution as they are to the student. Federal guidelines, known as the 90-10 rule, mandate that no more than 90 percent of the funds received by a college can come from Federal loans and grants. A minimum of 10 percent must come from outside sources, including scholarships, private loans, and the students’ own financial contributions.

Violet recommends checking additional resources as well. “Many employers will pay or reimburse tuition expenses, sometimes even for immediate family members. And the Veteran’s Administration offers benefits to those who have served our country,” she says. The Workforce Investment Act offers grants to those who qualify, and many churches offer scholarship opportunities. In addition, the Orphan Foundation of America offers scholarships to students who are wards of the state.

Further savings can come in the form of a temporary tax credit. The American Opportunity Tax Credit, included in the economic stimulus bill signed by President Barack Obama, can be worth as much as $2,500. People who earn $80,000 or less a year (or $160,000 or less for joint filers) can claim this credit on money paid for tuition, certain fees and course materials for higher education in 2009 and 2010. For complete details, visit www.irs.gov.

Once a student enters college, Violet advises making other financial considerations:

Ride public transportation. In addition to saving on fuel and parking fees, public transportation provides time for students to get a head start on assigned reading and homework.

Avoid credit card offers. However tempting the offer seems, credit cards charge interest on purchases and impose fees for late payments.

Work while attending classes. Many students work full- or part-time while earning their degrees. The federal work-study program helps eligible students find employment on campus.

“Taking the time to apply for scholarship funds is a step that can help now while they’re in school, and in the future when no bill comes due,” Violet says.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Simple Ways College Grads Can Give Back to their Alma Maters

(ARA) – A college education does far more than give graduates a competitive edge when entering the working world. For many people, college marked a time when they forged friendships and romances that last a lifetime. Is it any wonder, then, that so many college graduates seek creative ways to nourish their bond with their alma mater years – often decades – after they’ve left the college’s hallowed halls?

From following their college’s sports teams to carrying the same school coffee mug from job to job, many alumni are passionate about their schools. In fact, 57 percent of college graduates say their college years were the best years of their lives, according to the MyExpression(TM) Alumni Survey sponsored by Bank of America. Nearly 50 percent still consider themselves college sports fanatics and 58 percent would like their children to follow in their collegiate footsteps, the survey found.

With prices rising on everything from gas to groceries, it can become challenging for some alumni to make cash donations to their colleges or universities. More than half (55 percent) of survey respondents don’t donate to their alma maters, and just 27 percent donate $100 or more per year. Of those who don’t donate, 38 percent say it’s because they just haven’t gotten around to it, or that it is difficult to juggle donations amid other financial and time obligations.

There are, however, creative ways to support your school without spending a dime. If you still live near your school, you can volunteer with programs and campus events, provide tutoring in your major field or donate your time and professional experience by speaking with current students. If you no longer live close to your alma mater, contact the student services department to find out if there are ways you can participate remotely – whether it’s offering tutoring services online or volunteering a few hours for the school’s student information hotline.

Another easy way to support your alma mater is through affinity banking products. Bank of America offers branded credit cards, check cards and checks that support a variety of alumni organizations, professional organizations and charitable causes through its MyExpression product line. For passionate alumni, every time a new MyExpression alumni checking account is opened and for every subsequent purchase made with a MyExpression check card, a contribution is made to the alumni organization featured on the card. Given that two-thirds of alumni own college-branded gear, and nearly 50 percent proudly don a college-branded sweatshirt, a college-branded check card that gives back may be just the hassle-free combination of pride and passion alums are looking for.

“People are always looking for easy ways to support what’s important to them.  However, prioritizing one’s college or university among so many other responsibilities – financially and otherwise – can be a tall order,” says Stephen Gillin, Affinity Banking executive.  “That’s exactly where the Bank of America MyExpression alumni accounts fit in. Alumni can easily convert their school passion into support for their school, simply by making their everyday purchases with their MyExpression alumni account.”  

Alumni and university fans can learn more about MyExpression Banking products at more than 6,100 Bank of America banking centers, or online at www.bankofamerica.com/myexpression.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

(ARA) – What do a recent global crackdown on Internet child pornography and the arrest of Dennis Rader, the infamous “BTK” serial killer have in common with the Sept. 11 attacks on America? All are high profile crimes investigated not only by conventional police investigators, but by those specially trained in computer forensics, a new area of crime fighting.

Computer forensics is a branch of forensic science pertaining to legal evidence found in computers and digital storage mediums. Experts in this field investigate data storage devices such as hard drives, USB drives, CD-ROMS, floppy disks, etc., identifying, preserving and analyzing documentary and other digital evidence.

While most of the attention given to people working in this field comes from the work they do with police to help solve high profile crimes, that is not the only role they play. Individual companies are hiring forensic computer experts to perform such roles as determining the root cause of a hacker attack, collecting evidence legally admissible in court, and protecting corporate assets and reputations from crimes such as white-collar fraud.

Andrew Hildebrand, CPA, CVA, JD and dean of business programs at DeVry University in Fort Washington, Penn., offers this example of just how important a computer forensics expert’s role is in a corporate investigation of financial crime. “First a CPA would be contacted by an attorney to work on proving financial fraud. The CPA would need to have financial records and data, some of which may be in electronic format,” he says.

“Many times in these types of fraud cases, the suspect has attempted to cover-up the crime by deleting various documents, such as MS Word memos and MS Excel spreadsheets,” Hildebrand adds. “Once the accountants have some idea of what they are looking for, we can work with the computer forensics professional to recover the deleted material. During every step from seizure of the computer through to court testimony, the computer forensics professional will use their expertise to ensure that the data is recovered and the laws of evidence are respected.”

Realizing the growing need for trained professionals with this area of expertise, schools such as DeVry University, one of the country’s largest, publicly held, degree-granting higher education systems in the U.S., have developed special degree programs to train the experts of tomorrow. DeVry University offers an accelerated bachelor’s degree program in Computer Information Systems with a specialized track in computer forensics that can be completed in three years. As they are pursuing their degree, students learn how to follow the trail of computer clues that are left behind when someone commits a crime of technology. They also learn how to document evidence and how to coordinate with law enforcement to track the movements of the bad guys.

“Students will be prepared for jobs such as security auditor, security specialist, security administrator, security analyst, Web security manager, security director, digital forensic investigator, privacy officer and compliance officer,” says Rajin Koonjbearry, an instructor at DeVry University in Dallas. “These jobs are in high demand and will continue to grow because of new and changing regulatory requirements.”

Among the career avenues available for students graduating with a specialization in computer forensics:

* Law Enforcement. Police departments and sheriff’s offices nationwide are looking for computer forensics professionals to help them investigate computer-related crimes.

* Corporate. Those with a computer forensics background can help companies protect their computer systems from outside attacks.

* Private Organizations. Any private organization with its own network needs computer forensics professionals to maintain surveillance on their systems.

* Software Programmers. The advice that the computer forensics degree holder can provide a software company about the stability of their programs is always welcomed.

“We are responding to the changing IT industry in order to ensure DeVry University graduates are prepared to excel in emerging industry areas,” says Eddie Wachter, Ph.D., dean of academic affairs at DeVry University Central Florida. “Professionals who know how to protect companies and consumers from cyber crime will be in great demand in our increasingly networked world, and the new specialized options give our students the edge in this evolving industry.”

To learn more about DeVry University’s Computer Information Systems (CIS) degree program, log on to http://www.DeVry.edu  .