Reasons to Choose an Online Degree in Fashion Design

An Online Degree Program in Fashion Design can help you to develop a lucrative career and pursue a wide variety of career prospects. Along with this online degree, you can even opt for specialization in specific areas like jewelry design, accessories, clotheslines for different age groups, pet attire, costumes or shoes. Moreover, based on figures provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), about a fourth of all fashion designers are self-employed with most of them located in New York or California.

As the need for trained professionals in this field increases at a very pace, you can expect a good salary based on your creativity and talent in designing clothes. With a degree in fashion Design you can become a fashion designer, fashion coordinator, fashion editor, fashion consultant, brand assistant or brand manager, fashion tendencies investigator, event organizer, pattern maker and jewelry designer.

Reasons to Choose an Online Degree in Interior Design

More people are now using professional interior designers who can design and recreate the look of their homes and offices. You can now opt for an Online Interior Design which will train you to make the space more functional, based on the code of the buildings as well as its aesthetic value.

An online degree in this field can help you evaluate and analyze the requirements of your clients along with understanding the spatial relations and architectural blueprints, usage of appropriate color pallets and lighting. It also helps you to understand the arrangement of different components and elements. If you are creative, you can create functional design for a house or building apart from having an aesthetic appearance.

An Online Degree in Interior Design can help you to work as an interior designer. You can pursue this profession either as a freelancer or you could work for specific design houses. As an interior designer you would be designing various setups like office buildings, offices, restaurants, schools, medical centers, department stores, boutiques, libraries and residences. If you want to start a career in this field, you can opt for an associate degree but a master’s degree in this field can help you develop a lucrative career with attractive salary.

Both Online Fashion and Interior Design Degrees can help you to use your creative skills to design products according to the brief provided to you by your client.

Here are a few real life examples to help inspire you:

Some Success Stories

• Rachel Atkin, Anna Dawson and Wendy Tustin-Payne successfully graduated from a nursing school in March 2009 in Hamilton with master’s degrees. All three were successful in getting jobs and started working for Bay of Plenty District Health Board and Taupo District Health Board.
  Ms. Atkin got back to her studies after a break of 16 years. Initially she started writing 200-word assignments during her nursing course but eventually she moved on to writing as much as about 4000 words. She was also successful in working even while studying and is now working as a qualified nurse at Tauranga Hospital; she is now a Nurse Educator for the intensive and coronary care units.
  Likewise, Ms Dawson, a homemaker, was able to complete her master’s. She did this by cutting down on her social life and maintain strict deadlines. She wanted to become a nurse practitioner so she pursued a Master of Nursing.
  Ms Tustin-Payne, also worked full time while completing her course and is now working on developing and implementing a nurse entry programme in the Bay of Plenty.
• Pat Pulito, Nurse Educator Program Graduate, completed his MSN program. He is very satisfied with the difference he found in his career from his undergraduate nursing training which he completed in 1978. He indicated that his professors worked as facilitators and assisted him whenever he needed help.
• Simon Kyeyune has been working as a nurse aide at a Boulder facility since six years. After being a private aide, he became a resident assistant. Then in 2008, he completed the Nurse Aide Certificate in 2008 and became a Certified Nurse Aide. He started his academic pursuits by earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Business and Human Resources Management and then took up different courses required for becoming a nurse aide.
• Another success story is that of MichaelAnn who is a nurse aide and has been has been working at a Loveland facility for four years. She started her career as a housekeeper. She then studied and took up a course to become a Certified Nurse Aide. Her employer paid for her training and she completed it at FRCC and became a qualified and Certified Nurse Aide in 2007.

These are only a few success stories; hundreds of other people have managed to complete their degrees while juggling other responsibilities. These real world examples go on to show that it is possible to earn Online Nursing Degrees and become a qualified and registered nurse even while working and without discontinuing your existing job.

Do you have what it takes to complete your nursing degree?

A research conducted by the higher education research and consulting firm, Eduventures showed in a study “Hot Programs and Hot Markets” that, it is projected that 35 to 40 percent of college students over the age of 25 will be enrolling in online schools by 2014. Earning an online degree program is the convenient and easiest way to energize your future with a career switch. Here are listed top 5 online degree programs that can significantly boost your career potential:

1. Master’s in Business Administration (MBA)

Online Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) is a key to make a strong professional resume that helps you move up in your company or switch to a new and exciting career. Earning your MBA degree online allows you to increase your marketability and gives you an in depth knowledge of finance, marketing, and management.

2. Associate’s in Information Technology (IT)

An associate’s degree in IT could be the way that leads to a challenging career. It is the best fit for those who have good communication, problem-solving, critical thinking good communication skills. Students can take online courses such as computer networking, web technologies, systems analysis and design that can prepare them for a variety of tech-savvy careers. In addition, the Department of Labor predicts that the computer systems design and related services industry is expected 45 percent job growth from 2008 to 2018, making an IT degree one of the most demanding degrees.

3. Bachelor’s in Accounting

An online bachelor’s degree in accounting offers you the expertise and knowledge to help you pursue a career as an accountant. The field of accounting is highly progressive that shows future job growth and career development opportunities. With an online bachelor’s degree in accounting, you’ll have the convenience of taking online courses like tax accounting, auditing, business law, when and where you want.

4. Associate’s in Paralegal

Individuals who are curious about the legal field and love reading writing and conducting research can earn an online associate’s degree in paralegal studies. Earning an associate’s degree in paralegal helps students become more familiar with the justice system and prepare them to pursue a new career as a paralegal. According to the department of labor, paralegals will be in high demand in the future, which will most likely increase the employment ratio of paralegals.

5. Associate’s in Medical Assisting

An online associate’s degree in medical assisting is a smart option for individuals who want to build their career in health care industry. You can complete your associate’s degree from home and take online courses that would help you learn about everything from taking basic medical tests to keeping medical records and care for patients.

Online college degree programs allow students to fit into their lives. If you are a busy professional and cannot be able to attend traditional classes because of your busy schedule, you can go for an online education. This flexibility makes online education a preferred way of learning among most of the individuals.

Choosing an Online Journalism Degree

An Online Journalism Degree help online students with various theories and principles required in areas like journalism, public relations, mass media and communications as well as advertising. To enter into this field, you need to have a high school diploma so that you can pursue an online degree at the undergraduate level from any accredited online journalism school. If you want to advance in this field, you should pursue a master’s degree to get managerial positions. You can even consider an online certificate course which can be completed in a shorter duration.

Coursework for an Online Degree Program in Journalism

With an online degree in this field, you can consider courses like design of news, advanced reporting, web publishing, mass media and society and media ethics, strategic advertising campaigns, mass media & cultures. You can consider an internship in magazines, newspapers, websites or electronic media. An online doctorate requires you to complete and present a thesis as well. It is also recommended that you opt for an online degree program which is accredited by the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications (ACEJMC).

Careers with an Online Journalism Degree

With an Online Degree Program in Journalism, you can opt for various career options ranging from news reporter, news analyst, commentator, blogger or columnists. With all these careers, you need to stick to deadlines so that the news is delivered on time. With an online degree at the undergraduate level, you can get entry level jobs and you need to pursue a specific area. With specialization, you can consider niche areas. With the popularity of internet, online students are now venturing into internet blogging or content development as well.

Based on the figures provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wages for journalists in 2008 was $34,850 and for public relations specialists it was $51,280 in 2008. However, it is estimated that there might be about six percent decrease in the employment for professions like news analysts, correspondents and reporters between 2008 and 2018. But there will be an increase in resumes for employers in small publications and online reporting. The average salaries for reporters and correspondents were $43,780, as of May 2010.

Online Journalism Degrees offered through online learning can help you to develop a successful career without discontinuing your existing job. Online degrees offer flexibility and convenience so that you can pursue the course at your own pace and comfort.

Ways to Control Plagiarism in Online Schools

Plagiarism of online assignments is totally unacceptable in online classes and is usually managed through strict policies followed at online schools. Here are a few ways plagiarism can be avoided and controlled:

1. There are two forms of plagiarism – accidental and deliberate. While accidental plagiarism is not considered wrong, deliberate plagiarism can lead to serious consequences. Accidental plagiarism is when references are included but without in-text citation of the information taken from different sources. Intentional plagiarism is when information is taken without any form of reference from any source. Care should be taken to avoid both these forms.
2. At times plagiarism occurs due to vague and unclear lectures by instructors. It is important that they regularly review their content and ensure better clarity which is especially important in case of virtual media being used. Instructors can provide additional information and resources to avoid students from plagiarizing in online assignments.
3. Online plagiarism checkers like TurnItIn can be used by online schools to ensure students are not tempted to look for easy way out for their assignments.
4. Informing online students of the consequences of plagiarism in online assignments can ensure many of them do not plunge into it. Instructors can provide a report of plagiarism with the assignments even if it is zero percent to help them analyze their work and let them know that their papers have gone through plagiarism checks.
5. It is important to change the mindset of online students regarding their online assignments.
6. Students should treat their assignments as interesting papers in which they get a chance to indicate what they have learnt through online learning rather than just research material.
7. It is better to choose a topic which is provided by the instructors. Clarify all doubts and then start compiling stuff about the topic rather than just going to the various websites and collecting information.
8. Students should clarify different formatting guidelines with their instructors which they are not clear of.

Plagiarism is something that should not be treated lightly as it can adversely affect online student’s grades and can lead to penalties in their online degree.

Do you know of other ways in which plagiarism can be controlled and curtailed? Do share your tips with us.

Top 7 Facebook Timeline Tips for Professionals

Facebook Timeline was launched recently to enable you to change your default profile from recently updated information to an extensive summary of your life. You can include photos, updates, videos and places you have visited. It is divided into two sections with a line in the center indicating the passage of time which enables you to add events which occurred even before you joined Facebook.

Facebook Timeline enables you to give more details about yourself in terms of your personal as well as professional details. It can now be used as a detailed resume where you can put your pictures and all other relevant information. Some tips for professional Facebook users are:

1. It is important that you strike a balance between professionalism and privacy so that the information included in the Facebook Timeline can be viewed by others but your privacy is intake.
2. You should keep your cover image appropriate with photos which can be viewed by all depending on your requirement.
3. Regularly update your professional details so that your prospective employers can reach you.
4. Include all your achievements related to education, work and accomplishments which can be highlighted on Timeline.
5. Change your timeline based on the target audience. If you want your boss or a client to view it, you should include all your professional details.
6. Tap your map by highlighting major events in your life and display your achievements prominently.
7. Facebook Timeline has one major photo which is considered to be the primary picture with other pictures/visuals arranged on the side or at the bottom. Choose your default picture which best portrays you professionally.

Facebook Timeline will increasingly be used by employers in their hiring process. Through Timeline they will verify dates, interests and achievements. Make the best use of timeline, make use of the 7 day period where you can adjust and remove unwanted info and make sure that the information you provide is authentic and credible.

While you’re at it don’t forget to check out our new look on Facebook!

Did you know that there are many great twitter feeds out there that can help Online Nursing students in their education?

Top Nursing Twitter Feeds

Reports confirm that nearly 70 percent of nurses utilize social media daily. Twitter is one of the best places for nurses to get latest information related to their field. Students can almost immediately begin finding out nursing info in addition to getting in touch with professional nurses, nursing students and nursing instructors from around the globe.

Twitter allows nurses via online learning get hold of things like patient care, career opportunities, instructors and nursing news bulletins. They can also connect with other people with parallel interests and make use of the available community support.

Online nursing students can stay informed about current trends in the nursing field 24/7 by subscribing to the following tweets.

1. @AMA

The American Medical Association (AMA) provides nursing students with news on vital medical and community health matters. Subscribe to this feed and get to know about the most pressing issues in the nursing world.

2. @ANNAnurses

ANNA (American Nephrology Nurses’ Association) is the twitter feed that talks about nephrology nursing practices i.e. it especially deals with nursing issues related to kidney diseases.

3. @NursingIdeas

Nursing Ideas is a Canadian based website that shares thoughts on ways to get better nursing, medicine and medical care.

4. @NotesOnNursing

NotesOnNursing in the special Twitter feed of Hartford Foundation PO. It discusses subjects that influence the wellbeing and health of senior citizens across the nation.

5. @AmJNurs

AMJ (American Journal of Nursing) Twitter feed represents the journal that has been presenting important opinions on nursing for over 100 years. Now those seeking Online Nursing Degrees can follow them on Twitter.

6. @WSJHealthBlog

The Wall Street Journal’s Health micro-blog provides an outstanding resource for medical information. Highly recommended.

7. @WorldwideHealth

A focal point for unconventional remedies, World wide Health provides you all the news you need about alternative medicine.

8. @cnnhealth

CNN Health brings you “breaking health news, tips and features on living better.” Discover the latest medical news here.

9. @sumedicine

This twitter feed is from the country’s top health school. You can even ask questions from experts at the Stanford University on their Twitter page.

10. @harvardmed

Follow the twitter feed of one of the premier medical schools in the world and get to know the latest research, education news and trends about nursing.

Have we missed any of your favorite nursing feeds? Share your favorite tweets with us below.

A list of the best careers in 2012 has been compiled by the U.S. News based on the employment projects of the Labor Department. The top careers were chosen based on the various factors like projected growth, average salaries from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and job satisfaction. The professions were also chosen based on the probability that they will hire a lot of professions in the coming years. The professions shortlisted for this list are the ones that featured high on most of the above factors.

Top 10 Best Jobs in 2012

The top jobs for fresh graduates for the year 2012 are:

1. Nursing

Nursing is likely to be one of the top careers in 2012 as it has enormous growth prospect. It is likely to grow at a rate of 26 percent. There are a variety of online degrees available in this field which enable you to pursue this degree at your own convenience and pace and without discontinuing your existing job.

2. Software Development

Software Development is an emerging field owing to the extensive advancements in technology. You can further enhance your capability by opting for various on-the-job trainings and online certifications.

3. Pharmacy

Pharmacists earn the highest average salaries as compared to other professionals on the list. Moreover they enjoy very attractive job prospects.

4. Medical Assistance

Medical Assistants do not require any kind of formal training however, qualifications are of added benefit. Online degrees help students get the necessary qualifications in a short duration.

5. Database Administration

Database Administrators store information in data chips. They need to be competent and have required qualifications like a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science or Management Information Systems.

6. Web Development

Web Developers develop creative web content by using their application and HTML code knowledge. It is considered to be one of the most satisfying jobs and the job prospects are very bright. You can pursue a bachelor degree in a computer-related concentration.

7. Computer System Analysis

Computer Systems Analysts advice their clients on their technical needs and have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in any computer specific fields.

8. Physical Therapy

Physical Therapy is a top career which requires a master’s degree and is considered to be one of the fastest growing jobs in the next decade. It is likely to grow by nearly 40 percent by 2020.

9. Computer Programming

Computer Programmers enjoy high job satisfaction, attractive salaries and job prospects. However they need to update their skills regularly and hone their programming knowledge.

10. Occupational therapy

Occupational Therapists offer emotional support to patients with various mental, developmental, physical and emotional disabilities. It is considered to be one of the fastest growing fields; you need to have a minimum of a master’s degree in this field.

This is an extremely useful list put together by the US News as it tells you the best jobs by considering a number of factors and not just the pay scale, so don’t forget to bookmark this page for future reference!

Choosing an Online Master’s of Education in Training and Development

Online Master’s of Education in Training and Development Degree enables you to gain knowledge as well as skills needed to train employees who are recruited in various fields like business, military, government and various other industries. With this online degree, you can train employees to use new technologies or systems and also offer guidance on industrial procedures.

You can study Master’s of Education in Training and Development online and learn about the theories and principles related to human performance and various strategies of adult education. You can develop training programs for various requirements based on the theories and principles learnt.

To pursue this online degree program, you need to have a minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree in Education or Leadership Management. An online degree in this field involves coursework like adult learning, leadership fundamentals, student development theory, issues related to higher education, organization and marketing of training development programs as well as task analysis.

Career with an Online Master’s of Education in Training and Development

According to the figures provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were about 205,020 training and development specialists in the United States in 2009. Their median annual wages in 2009 were $52,120. People who worked for the management divisions of various companies, businesses or educational institutions earned more. The salary is better in these sectors than the salary of those who work for government agencies or healthcare facilities.

An Online Master’s of Education Degree in Training and Development can enable you to work in training positions in military, business, industry, government as well as non-profit organizations. You can work as a corporate trainer and develop training modules for specific target groups. After completion of this online degree, you will have advanced knowledge in instructional design and administrative and evaluation positions which focus on performance-based training.

If you are interested in developing a career as a trainer and imparting training to employees in various industries, go for an Online Master’s of Education in Training and Development.

1. Online Learning Courses in Healthcare

Online learning courses in the Healthcare field lead the way. Online degree graduates in this field outnumber graduates in any other industry and government statistics back up the fact that this sector is growing faster than any other field.

2. Online Business Courses

The next premier online degree is in Business. Online Degree Programs in Business are just behind Healthcare when it comes to number of students pursing them, and the value of these online degrees just keep rising.

3. Distance Learning Courses Information Technology (IT)

Online IT Degree Programs are a huge return on the investment for anyone planning to pursue higher education. Every industry needs IT professionals and distance learning is one of the best ways to get this training.

4. Online Learning Courses in Education

Online Degrees in Education persistently increase in significance all across the U.S. It is one of the most promising fields that can be studied via distant learning and it shows no sign of slowing down in the coming decade.

5. Distance Learning Courses Law and Legal Studies

Those with Online Degrees in Legal Studies or Law are foremost when it comes to getting great employment opportunities in the approaching decade, and labor figures and data corroborate what many have known for years.

6. Distance Learning Courses Software Engineering

All things contain microprocessors these days all across the world. This means Online Degrees in Software Engineering are very much in demand for those looking for great pays. Software Engineers were one of the highest paid professionals in 2011.

7. Online Management Courses

Graduates with Online Degrees in Management are extremely sought after in many fields of business and commerce. Statistics predict that even the current downturn in the economy will not put a damper on anyone that has earned an Online Degree in Management.

The hiring managers have spoken. If you want to increase your employment chances with your online degrees, consider getting a degree in one of the above fields and get started on your way to a financially lucrative career.