It is important to remember, however, that there are no guarantees; it is important to determine the true value of an MBA in each unique career field.

Will an MBA launch my career?

While an MBA can enhance your career, increase earning potential and possibly give you a competitive edge, it isn’t always necessary to obtain one to achieve these results. Take the time to research your desired position to gauge whether the skills acquired through an MBA program are a necessary credential. Some graduates find it worthwhile to gain work experience before applying to business schools, and many business schools favor applicants who have real-world experience.

“Prospective MBA students need to look at the big picture,” said Dr. Donna Loraine, DeVry University provost and vice president of academic affairs for DeVry, Inc. and dean of DeVry University’s Keller Graduate School of Management. “We’ve found that students who map out long-term career goals and determine the potential benefit and relevance of an MBA in advance end up being the most satisfied with the value of their advanced degree.”

What is the financial ROI of an MBA?

It is crucial that students fully understand the commitment required for continuing education.  According to the Corporate Recruiters Survey from the Graduate Management Admission Council (2011), tuition for an MBA program can soar above $100,000 – pursuing one can be a life-changing decision.

It can be beneficial to work with a financial planner to determine the return on investment. Scholarships, financial aid options and paid internships can help ease the financial impact.

Is there only one type of MBA program available?

MBA programs that can be tailored to specific schedules, concentrations, geographic locations and online needs have made earning an additional degree possible for many students.

How can I help maximize my MBA?

Career services can help students make the most of their education. For example, DeVry University’s Keller Graduate School of Management recently partnered with CareerBuilder to supply its MBA students with a variety of career resources and counseling at no additional cost.

Students have access to dedicated career coaches, writing assistance and online tools for effective job searching, as well as insight for building a competitive edge.

Whether you are seeking more professional responsibility or a higher salary or are striving to climb the corporate ladder, an MBA can be a valuable asset, but only when utilized correctly.

Conduct research and map out your options before making this significant career decision. By thoroughly preparing, you can increase the likelihood that your MBA delivers success.

For more information, visit www.keller.edu and www.devry.edu.

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Whether your goal is to land your ideal job upon graduating from college or earn that promotion you have been eyeing in your current job, it’s vital to have the support of those around you for your cause.

Garnering the support of others is possible but takes effort, according to Guy Kawasaki, best-selling author and former chief evangelist for Apple Computer. He calls this process “enchantment.”

Kawasaki’s latest book, “Enchantment: The Art of Changing Hearts, Minds and Actions,” explains how one can attain and utilize enchantment to convince people to dream the same dream that you do.

“Enchantment is more than simply manipulating others to help get your way,” says Kawasaki. “The goal is long-lasting support that can be mutually beneficial – not a one-time sale or transaction.”

“To achieve enchantment, individuals must build a strong foundation to implement it,” says Kawasaki. “That foundation is built on three pillars: likability, trustworthiness and a great cause.”

Likability
As the old saying goes, you never get a second chance at a first impression. The first step of enchantment is to get people to like you. You must accept others in order for them to accept you.

Identifying passions you share with others will help to break down barriers and develop better relationships, which ultimately makes you more likable.

Trustworthiness
Deserving and gaining the trust of others is crucial for enchantment to occur. To earn the trust of others, it’s vital to exhibit both knowledge and competence, especially in the workplace.

Knowledge means you have expertise, thanks to your education and experience. Competence means that you have progressed beyond knowing what to do, to doing what you know.

In some cases, individuals may have to go back to school to earn an additional degree to gain knowledge and competence in order to develop or deepen trustworthiness.

“If you must further your education, research schools thoroughly to find the program that fits your specific goals,” says Kawasaki.

For those looking to gain career-specific knowledge, DeVry University is an example of a school which provides actual hands-on coursework, with many classes taught by professors who are actively working in the same fields they teach.

Great Cause
Finally, you must ensure you have an enchanting cause. As an employee or job seeker, your cause is you!

It’s important to carefully review your qualifications in order to set yourself up for success. Kawasaki recommends reviewing your cause against the following criteria:

Deep
Intelligent
Complete
Empowering
Elegant

Once you’ve assessed your cause, it’s time to tell your story. “The goal is to immerse people and captivate their interest,” says Kawasaki. “Don’t be afraid to make it personal. In fact, it’s essential that you do.”

To learn more about the art of enchanting others, visit www.guykawasaki.com. To learn more about DeVry University, visit www.devry.edu.

Using the Art of Enchantment for Career Success was posted at Copyright Free Content. | http://www.copyrightfreecontent.com

Despite the benefits of degree programs, many students do not complete the process due to perceived barriers, such as a full-time job, family commitments or worries about achieving a balance between their personal and professional lives. Others are eager to start a career and make money.

Although they may think they are getting a “head start” on their careers, many of these students will find that former classmates who completed their degrees have quickly caught up with them professionally and are better equipped to achieve longevity and advancement in their career.

“Job seekers drastically improve their chances of getting hired by developing what I call ‘the full suite’ –skills, experience and education,” said Joyce Barden, CPA, CBM, senior professor at DeVry University. “It all starts with education.”

Regardless of how long you have been out of the classroom, completing a degree program helps to ensure a competitive edge in the job market.

Here are four compelling reasons to re-commit to education and complete your degree:

Open doors to your future.

A bachelor’s degree could be the ticket to a new career or a stepping stone to advancement in your current field. By completing your degree, you will master a skill set and possibly uncover hidden strengths.

Increase your salary.

Last year, full-time workers with college degrees earned 83 percent more than those with only a high-school diploma.

Build your network.

Returning to school will help you meet new people, develop potential business partnerships and explore new avenues for career growth. Everyone we allow into our network can offer new ideas that will help us to grow personally and professionally.

There is a program that works for you.

Whether you take online courses or attend classes on campus, you should know that many schools are committed to accommodating students’ busy schedules.

Such schools often offer integrated programs that allow full-time or part-time students to learn at their own pace through an accelerated track or a more traditional program.

Annette R. Uncangco, MS, director of career services at DeVry University, recommends finding a school that offers flexible scheduling options that allow students to complete their education while balancing current job and family commitments.

Advancements in education have helped to remove many previous barriers to going back to school, allowing many to complete the education they started. Despite your past, it’s never too late to invest in your future.

For more information, visit www.devry.edu.

First Step Toward Career Success: Degree Completion was posted at Copyright Free Content. | http://www.copyrightfreecontent.com

A national online survey conducted by the Career Advisory Board [careeradvisoryboard.com] established by DeVry University brings to light how job seekers can better position themselves by focusing on the attributes employers value most. The findings of the Job Preparedness Indicator conducted Sept. 6-12, 2011 by Harris Interactive revealed that employers are unable to find qualified candidates for open positions.

In fact, only 14 percent of the 540 hiring managers surveyed said that within the past three years “nearly all” or “most” job seekers have had the skills their company looks for in a potential employee.

However, most job seekers believe they have what it takes to succeed. More than half (56 percent) of the 734 adults looking for work who were surveyed are confident they know what qualifications are required for employment. In addition, 72 percent are confident they know how to present their skills during an interview.

“These findings highlight the striking gap between what skills hiring managers value in a candidate and how job seekers describe themselves. But some of the disconnect between hiring managers and job seekers is due to misconceptions about what is most important to the other party,” notes Dan Kasun, senior director of developer and platform evangelism at Microsoft Corporation and Career Advisory Board member. “Job seekers should utilize these findings to better calibrate the way they present themselves to employers.”

According to the study, hiring managers place the highest value on the following skills across all job levels (entry, middle and managerial):

1. Strategic perspective
2. High integrity
3. Global outlook
4. Strong base work ethic/dependable
5. Accountability

For those looking to enhance their marketability to employers, Career Advisory Board members offer the following actionable advice:

1. Stay Current to Remain Relevant: Job seekers must commit to being “continuous learners” to stay current in the career game and enhance their global outlook. Subscribing to industry publications and becoming active in professional organizations help candidates stay abreast of issues and trends and gain perspective on local, national and global levels.

2. Gain Real-World Experience: Job seekers should pursue internship and volunteer opportunities. These experiences allow job seekers to pick up relevant skills that can be transferred to the workplace. Internships and volunteering also offer valuable opportunities to develop critical and analytical thinking skills.

3. Seek a Mentor and Be a Mentor: Building a strong relationship with a mentor can help job seekers gain critical workplace knowledge that will support career growth in their field. Through mentoring relationships, job seekers have a window into a realistic career path and what it takes to succeed in their career of choice. To learn more about the Career Advisory Board or the Job Preparedness Indicator, visit careeradvisoryboard.com.

Remodel Your Career Toolkit to Meet the Needs of Employers was posted at Copyright Free Content. | http://www.copyrightfreecontent.com

While older generations used to build their networks one handshake at a time, today’s networkers foster and maintain connections online through the use of social media tools.

Whether you’re a social media novice or aficionado, it is important to remember that unlike connections made through face-to-face contact, when building an online network, credibility is assessed via digital profiles.

“It’s essential for professionals to understand that digital tools like LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter allow our professional and personal worlds to blend,” says Jason Seiden, co-founder of Ajax Social Media and a member of the Career Advisory Board, presented by DeVry University. “You must learn to bring the edges in and ensure your online profile exudes both elements effectively, without misrepresenting either.”

Building or revising your digital profile may seem daunting, but there are simple ways to bolster it to showcase what you have to offer, helping you connect to the right people more quickly.

For those feeling unsure where to begin, Seiden offers actionable advice for building a strong digital profile to position oneself for online networking success.

Build a profile that stands out.

Distinguish yourself by telling your story. Have your profile reflect more about who you
are and what you have learned rather than what you have done. Think of your profile as a mirror: instead of trying to sound professional, give yourself permission to reflect who you are.

If your reflection shows gaps relative to the demands of positions you are applying for, consider acquiring the skills or enrolling in degree programs needed to qualify. “DeVry University is a great choice for professionals interested in increasing their marketability because it offers flexible scheduling options, allowing students to take online courses, classes on campus or a combination of both,” says Seiden. “Having the ability to complete your education while balancing job and family commitments can ease stress as you create a blueprint for advancing your career.”

Build the well before you’re thirsty.

Even online, building a strong network takes time, effort and continual maintenance.

As you begin reaching out to industry contacts, don’t be too eager to connect. Be cognizant of who you are contacting and how they can help you as you advance your career.

While it’s easy to get caught up in your online networks, traditional relationships are still important. Seiden advises, “Take your relationships offline. Pick up the phone or meet face-to-face.” Simple tactics like these are the key to lasting, mutually beneficial connections. By fostering strong relationships ahead of time, you will have the confidence to reach out in the future to take your career to the next level.

For career development insight, visit DeVry’s Career Services and for additional social networking tips, visit jasonseiden.com.

Digital Networking: How to Build Strong Career Connections was posted at Copyright Free Content. | http://www.copyrightfreecontent.com

Build a profile that stands out.
Distinguish yourself by telling your story. Have your profile reflect more about who you are and what you have learned rather than what you have done. Think of your profile as a mirror: instead of trying to sound professional, give yourself permission to reflect who you are.
If your reflection shows gaps relative to the demands of positions you are applying for, consider acquiring the skills or enrolling in degree programs needed to qualify. “DeVry University is a great choice for professionals interested in increasing their marketability because it offers flexible scheduling options, allowing students to take online courses, classes on campus or a combination of both,” says Seiden. “Having the ability to complete your education while balancing job and family commitments can ease stress as you create a blueprint for advancing your career.”

Build the well before you’re thirsty.
Even online, building a strong network takes time, effort and continual maintenance.
As you begin reaching out to industry contacts, don’t be too eager to connect. Be cognizant of whom you are contacting and how they can help you as you advance your career.
While it’s easy to get caught up in your online networks, traditional relationships are still important. Seiden advises, “Take your relationships offline. Pick up the phone or meet face-to-face.” Simple tactics like these are the key to lasting, mutually beneficial connections. By fostering strong relationships ahead of time, you will have the confidence to reach out in the future to take your career to the next level.
For career development insight, visit DeVry’s Career Services, and for additional social networking tips, visit jasonseiden.com.

Networking in the Social Sphere Builds Strong Career Connections was posted at Copyright Free Content. | http://www.copyrightfreecontent.com

According to a recent study conducted by The Conference Board, job satisfaction is at an all-time low – only 45 percent of Americans are satisfied with their current job.

It can seem overwhelming for those yearning to step into a field that better suits their passions. Certified career coach Maggie Mistal specializes in helping individuals explore their purpose and find work they love. She advises individuals to break down the process into three steps:

1. Soul Search

Spend time reflecting on your natural abilities, skills you enjoy and how you would like to utilize them to contribute to an organization.

“I help people see there are many facets to their ideal careers, and while salary is important, it’s not alone on the list,” says Mistal.

And only after you complete the soul search does Mistal recommend moving forward with the next two steps in her process.

2. Research

Once key interests and skills have been identified, you must commit to researching the new career field you wish to pursue.

An excellent resource is the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Handbook.  It can be accessed online, and provides job descriptions, average salary range and even projections for fields expected to grow in the coming years.

While researching the fields you’re interested in pursuing, you may find there are gaps between your skills and those required to move forward. In some cases, you may need to go back to school to earn an additional degree.

“While going back to school may seem overwhelming, schools like DeVry University, for example, do a great job offering flexible scheduling options that allow students to take courses onsite or online, or a combination of both,” says Mistal. “Having the ability to complete your education while balancing job and family commitments can help ease stress as you change careers.”

3. Job Search

Beginning the search for your dream job will be less intimidating if you already have a strong network in place.

“A great place to start building relationships is with your professors,” says Mistal. “Students at schools like DeVry University have an advantage because many are taught by industry-leading professionals who work in the same fields they teach.”

By implementing these steps, individuals will achieve the confidence to embark on the career of their dreams. As the old saying goes, “Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.”

To learn more about in-demand career fields, visit devry.edu, and for advice on finding work you love, visit Maggie Mistal’s website .

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Many adults are striving to find the balance between work, family and education; others feel they are too overwhelmed by responsibilities to even consider pursuing a higher degree.

Online education is a great solution for working adults seeking an advanced degree. Online programs enable working adults to accommodate their busy schedules. However, despite the schedule flexibility that online learning offers, adult students must prioritize their responsibilities and commitments in order to complete assignments on time.

“Parents aren’t the only ones who need to understand that going back to school is a time-consuming process—everyone in the family should understand the commitment as well,” says Savitri Dixon-Saxon, Ph.D., LPC, NCC, associate dean of Walden University’s School of Counseling and Social Service. Walden University offers more than 60 online doctoral, master’s and bachelor’s degree programs.

Here are five tips from Dr. Dixon-Saxon for achieving balance:

•    Choose a focus or specialization that you truly care about. The juggling act will be much more challenging for you if you don’t enjoy your field of study. Choose a focus area you are passionate about.

•    Set aside time for your studies. Set specific time frames for studying and completing assignments. This requires discipline and time management, but once you establish a routine, it can help keep you on track.

•    Find a place to do your studies. It’s easy to be distracted, so find a quiet place to study away from excessive noise and interruptions.

•    Ask for help. Make connections early on with classmates and faculty members to set up online study groups and start the term off right.

•    Renew your energy. Take time for yourself as part of your schedule. Spend time with your family and friends to recharge your batteries.

For additional tips for a successful online learning experience, go to www.WaldenU.edu/studytips.

Working Adults Going Back to School was posted at Copyright Free Content. | http://www.copyrightfreecontent.com