This is the major premise behind two powerful new models for secondary and higher education: career-oriented colleges and career academies in high school. Advocates of both movements see career-oriented education as the wave of the future — a way to save both students and employers time and money.

Career-oriented college is one model of higher education growing rapidly in response to changing demands in the labor market. The U.S. Bureau of Statistics estimates that 90 percent of the fastest-growing jobs in the country over the next decade will require some form of post-secondary education, creating a huge demand for higher education. With a national focus on ensuring all students master 21st century skills, many higher education institutions are focusing more on hands-on work experiences, internships and real-world problem solving.

For many students looking to enter the job market quickly, the benefits of a career-oriented education outweigh the typical community college model. “We design our programs to respond to the needs of the labor market,” says Chris Tilley, regional vice president of Everest University in Florida. “This means we target our programs to the fastest-growing jobs and constantly review and improve them to make sure that our students receive high-quality training in their fields.”

Many career-oriented higher education institutions have also begun to focus on helping students get the skills they need in the most efficient way possible, by offering fast-track programs, night classes and online courses. “We know our students’ lives are busy. The vast majority of our students are juggling families and full-time jobs. That’s why we offer flexible programs to fit their lives,” says Bruce Jones, president of Everest University in Orange Park, Fla. Some career-oriented higher education institutions also offer mentoring or job placement services.

Some policymakers are looking even earlier than college and creating career academies at the high school level. Career academies are high schools that combine regular academic content with career-specific studies, mentoring, internships and hands-on training. Despite their recent rise to fame, career academies are not new to the educational arena — they are almost 40 years old, with the first two academies beginning in Philadelphia in 1969. Since then, they have spread throughout the country.

The premise of career academies is quite simple. Most career academies are designed for the last three years of high school, and each is built around a certain career theme, such as health and medicine, business and finance, architecture and construction, education and child development, engineering and information technology. In their coursework, students combine both core academic content as well as career-specific information.

The academies also offer a number of enhancement activities such as excursions, speakers, paid and unpaid internships and job shadowing. Many career academies also support students’ development of career skills such as resume writing, interviewing or mentoring.

Recent research shows that these career academies pay off financially. A recent longitudinal study traced career academy graduates over the past decade, and found that those who graduate make more money eight years after graduation than do their peers who did not graduate. The difference? Approximately $2,088 more a year. That’s about the pay increase students received after attending community college for one or two years.

The report also found that career academies do not affect college attendance rates. Advocates argue that career academies do not replace college, but do make graduates more competitive in the workforce by giving them addition experience and exposure.

Is more career-oriented education the wave of the future? Some say so. “We believe in the power of hands-on education. We think it’s important to practice what you’re learning. That’s why we incorporate hands-on training into all our degree programs at Everest. We know our students learn better by doing the work themselves than they would just sitting in a classroom,” says Tilley.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

If you plan to enter a vocational trade school in your area, you should be able to make sure of what type of profession you want to get into. Different vocational trade schools offer different training modules aimed to prepare and arm a student with a special set of skills for a certain kind of profession. After you do, you also need to check out the vocational trade schools that you wish to enroll in.

Before you decide on one vocational trade school to enroll in try to compare programs that the different schools in your area offer. Get the information that you need from these various schools and learn what they have to offer. Try to find out as much as you can about the facilities of the different vocational trade schools and see if they are adequate enough to answer their students’ needs.

Ask about the types of equipment such as computers and tools that they have that are used for training. Learn about the supplies and tools that the students themselves must provide during the course of the training. Try to visit the school when you can to see firsthand the condition of the classrooms and workshops used by the students.

If you are concerned about the quality of training given at the different vocational trade schools in your area, get some idea of the program’s success rate for each of the school. Ask what percentage of students is able to complete the program. A school with a high dropout rate could mean that students may not like the program or the training being given. Try also to know if training credits earned are transferable to other schools or colleges.

This might prove useful in case you wish to pursue your education later on. Knowing that your training has transferable credits, you may be able to lessen your time spent on advancing your future studies. If most of the reputable schools and colleges in your area say they don’t, it may be a sign that the vocational school in question is not well regarded by the other institutions.

Student Loan Options

(ARA) - In these challenging financial times, parents make certain sacrifices to ensure they can navigate the crunch and provide their children with the things they need most.   Given the frequent need for sacrifices when it comes to paying for college, parents owe it to themselves to make sure they focus on value.

Securing the right education at the right price means “doing the math” to determine the real cost of a college education.  While the reality check may not be pleasant, it can lead to considerable money-saving decisions when it comes to funding a child’s college education.

A few smart, simple rules can help families determine a realistic number to start budgeting for.

Math Rule 1 - Know Your Estimated Total Costs
Tuition is just one part of the total cost of college. It’s important to factor in books, meals, housing, transportation and other expenses (even decorating the dorm room) when making a college financial plan. Your school should be able to provide helpful information on costs. Meanwhile, here are a few insights that may help:

* Four-year public college - If you’re in-state, the average budget is about $18,000 per year, of which tuition and fees are $6,185. The average out-of-state budget should be about $28,000, of which tuition and fees are $16,640. Students considering a public college should be mindful that tuition and fees are approximately one-third of their total budget.

* Four-year private college - The average budget should be about $35,000 per year, of which tuition and fees are close to $24,000. Students considering a private school should consider their tuition and fees as just over two-thirds of their total budget.

* Two-year college - The average estimated budget for a two-year college is about $13,126 per year. Tuition and fees are just $2,361 of that amount. Students considering a two-year college should understand that tuition and fees are approximately 20 percent of their total budget.

Math Rule 2 - Know the Impact of One Percentage Point of Interest and Shop Around for the Best Rate on Student Loans

If, after determining the total cost, you and your child decide you need to borrow, keep in mind that even a small change in rate can make a substantial difference in the overall cost of a student loan. For example:

* A $10,000 private student loan that has an average percentage rate (APR) of 8.69 percent will cost $20,512 in interest if you defer payment until after graduation.

* Meanwhile, a $10,000 private student loan with an APR of 6.92 percent will cost $14,797 in interest if you defer payment until after graduation.

In other words, a less-than-2-percent difference in the rate of interest on a $10,000 loan translates to a $5,700 difference in the amount you’ll have to repay.

Math Rule 3 - Understand the Impact of Your Repayment Decisions

Using the same examples above, recalculate the interest payments if the borrower starts repayment on the student loan immediately.

* The first loan’s total interest owed is reduced to $11,056, a savings of nearly $9,500 in overall interest paid.

* The second loan’s overall interest amount paid reduced to $8,420, a nearly $6,400 difference.

Because payments need to be made consistently, it may not be realistic for many students to start repayment immediately. However, knowing that interest accrues during the deferment period and that you have to make it up by paying it back later should help parents and students make smarter borrowing decisions.

Student loan company MyRichUncle offers handy tools for prospective borrowers. One tool, called the APR Monthly Repayment Calculator, provides student loan borrowers a new process where they can view examples of private student loans and repayment from several different vantage points, including the cost difference between different repayment terms, different repayment options and the impact of different interest rates on the overall cost.

For more information on student loans and for online tools, visit www.MyRichUncle.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

“Members of Gen Y - or the ‘Millennials’ - have a clear vision of what they want from a career, and it’s a vision that is unique to them and the technologically advanced, environmentally and socially aware world they grew up in,” says Deb Marquette, manager of field talent attraction for Thrivent Financial for Lutherans. “This generation of workers is motivated, conscious of their place in the global community and determined to make a difference in the world.”

While it’s difficult to generalize characteristics of an individual based on their generation, there has been a lot of research conducted to find commonalities among members of Gen Y. Here is what the research says you might be looking for in a career, and tips to help you find a career that is a good match for you.

1. You want to make a difference.

More than 60 percent of 13- to 25-year-olds feel personally responsible for making a difference in the world, according to research by Cone Inc. and AMP Insights. Look for companies whose values align closely with yours. You may find the most career happiness with companies that support your activism and charitable efforts, and participate in or support charities and issues important to you. As an example, Thrivent Financial matches a challenging career with outreach opportunities, including Thrivent Builds-an alliance between Thrivent Financial and Habitat for Humanity.

2. You’re not afraid of competition; in fact you crave a challenge and hard work.

Being competitive with themselves and others comes naturally to Gen Y employees, who want to do their work better and faster than their co-workers, research by NAS reveals. Look for companies that nourish your competitive nature with rewards programs that recognize performance.

3. You would like to be self-employed, or at least in a career that provides plenty of autonomy.

While many Millennials would like to be self-employed, few are able to do so because of high start-up rates and the cost of paying for health insurance, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Look for companies and careers, like Thrivent Financial’s sales opportunities, that offer entrepreneurial-type benefits, like flexibility and unlimited income potential, along with the support and backing of a Fortune 500 company. “Look for a job where you can be on your own, but not alone,” Marquette advises.

4. You understand the value of experience.

More than half of graduating college seniors don’t expect job offers upon graduation and 74 percent think relevant work experience is most important in getting a job, according to monstertrack.com. Seek companies, like Thrivent Financial, that offer internship programs where you can accrue relevant work experience while you’re still in school.

5. You want to work for a company that speaks your highly technological language.

In 2006, 97 percent of college students polled by Harvard Institute of Politics reported they had visited Facebook in the past month. Look for an employer who understands how you use technology to communicate - from e-mail and intranet to YouTube and social networking sites - and is willing to speak the same language.

To learn more about career opportunities with Thrivent Financial, a company committed to conducting business with integrity and respect for your values, visit www.thrivent.com/careers/college/.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Accounting Careers

(ARA) - Looking for a career with lots of growth potential? According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of accountants and auditors is expected to grow at least 18 percent by 2016 — a rate faster than the average for all other occupations. And in the meantime CNNMoney.com says accounting positions rank among the top five open positions in the United States.

The best job prospects are for accountants and auditors who have a college degree or certification, especially the Certified Public Accountants (CPA) designation. This high demand equates to higher starting salaries, job security and flexibility, especially for MBA graduates and CPAs.

Growth in Accounting
Tom Vucinic, president of Becker CPA Review, shares several factors driving the growth in the accounting profession:

* Legislation: The accounting scandals that led to the passage of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, created an ongoing demand for accountants well trained to meet the demands of today’s sophisticated business principles.

* Globalization of Markets: More companies, particularly multinational companies, are adopting or need to interpret International Financial Reporting Standards.

* Technology: Advances in technology continue to push the accounting profession. To reduce costs and stay competitive, companies must integrate and automate financial reporting and compliance processes.

* Aging Workforce: The shortage of experienced accounting professionals is becoming more pronounced as baby boomers retire. Companies are increasing recruitment and retention efforts now to be ready for a large swell in retirements that will occur over the next decade.

“It’s not just corporate and public accounting that is hot — forensic, governmental and international accountants are experiencing an increase in demand as well,” says Vucinic. “I’ve never seen the transformation that we’ve had over the past three or four years with such a high demand — a demand that’s not being met by the current supply of accountants. This is a great opportunity and people should embrace it.”

Meeting the Demand
DeVry University, with its Keller Graduate School of Management and Becker CPA Review, is helping to meet this increased demand by providing an integrated, fast-track path for accounting career-minded students to earn the credentials to become one of the most respected and sought-after business professionals in today’s hottest career. Whether starting as a high school graduate, transferring from a community college or changing career focus, students can begin at DeVry University, where they will earn their bachelor’s degree in Business with a concentration in Accounting. Continuing through Keller Graduate School of Management and its courses that utilize the Becker CPA Review methodology, those students can earn their master’s degree in either Business Administration (MBA) or Accounting & Financial Management (MAFM), and prepare to sit for the CPA exam.

“The CPA is a certification credential, whereas the MBA indicates a broad base of knowledge,” says Tom Barrett, a senior faculty member with Keller/Becker CPA Review. “The MBA in combination with the CPA designation tells an employer not only have you demonstrated that you can put this information together and pass one of the most difficult tests out there — the CPA exam — you’ve learned management skills, marketing skills, you’ve got the whole package.”

And today’s accounting professionals are recognizing the importance of taking a lifelong learning approach to their careers.

“We all know the business world is a dynamic environment; it changes quickly,” says James Harrison, student at the Keller Graduate School of Management. “To be competitive, you can’t just ‘keep up.’ You have to stay ahead by continuing to learn and hone your professional skills and experience. Continuing your education — especially in accounting — can give you a competitive advantage.  A keen understanding of accounting principles can sharpen the skills you need to thoroughly understand almost any business.”

For more information about the DeVry-Keller-Becker Fast Track, visit www.devry.edu/accounting or call (800) 683-5546.

*In New York, DeVry University and its Keller Graduate School of Management operate as DeVry College of New York.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

“The educational system is continuously evolving,” comments Carlos Cashman of CourseAdvisor. “Today’s students are highly diverse in what they need. Colleges and universities are offering more program options than ever to fit the changing face of the American student.”

For some, a brick-and-mortar school is the foundation of the college experience. But more and more students are finding that online education is more affordable and flexible. With millions of adults currently pursuing degrees online, school administrators are realizing that this trend is only going to increase.

If you have been thinking of attending college, it’s important to find what works best for your personal situation. By visiting CourseAdvisor.com, you can search a variety of educational resources and work with the “Education Wizard,” an online tool that helps students learn more about what they are looking for and what programs would be best for them.

Many students will find that an online education is the best option, but they don’t know much about how it works. For most students, e-learning is more convenient, flexible, and often more satisfying than going to school in a traditional campus setting. So how does an online education work?

Asynchronous Classes
Some online education programs are asynchronous. This means the instructor’s teaching and the students’ assignment completion do not happen simultaneously. Asynchronous online programs are usually the most flexible, allowing students to work on assignments with as much time as they need and on their own schedule, whether before breakfast, after the kids are in bed, or some time in between.

Synchronous Classes
Online programs can also be synchronous, with the instructor and students all “tuned in” to the class at the same time. Synchronous e-learning programs provide the benefit of interacting as a group the way a campus class would, but also the benefit of including students (or a teacher) who cannot physically be on site. Synchronous e-learning is great for classes that include international students, or for students who are just too far away to commute to school.

Hybrid Programs
Online learning also includes blended or hybrid programs. Blended classes combine online coursework with some on-campus, in-person class time, giving students the advantages of both learning environments. A blended program can be effective for a class that requires some, but not 100 percent, in-person interaction among students or with the instructor. Medical assistant career training is one that might be offered in a blended format, combining some online study of medical billing and coding, for example, with on-campus training in taking patients’ blood pressure and other diagnostics.

“An online degree can be just as valuable as one from a campus program - it depends on the quality of the offering, the institution and the program, and over time we’ll see more and more acceptance of these ‘non-traditional’ type degrees,” comments Cashman. “The most important thing is for students to choose the method of education that is right for them. With all the educational options of the 21st century, there’s a program that can fit any lifestyle.”

To start learning more about what career path is right for you, visit www.CourseAdvisor.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent