Creating a High Performing Team.

One of my favorite quotes is from Albert Einstein, who said, “I never teach my pupils, I only provide the conditions in which they can learn.”  This is a key concept to remember when you start exercising more leadership the further you get into your career.  In determining what kind of leader you will be, you need to know how to create the conditions to produce a high performing team that will grow.

Learning the ropes as a manager can be a long and difficult ride, but it doesn’t have to be.  Here are the most common tips to use to foster an atmosphere of growth within your teams.

1. Your title is not enough: Sorry to tell you but the titles of “director,” “manager” or “VP” will not move your people to outperform their past efforts. It is about learning to earn the respect of your team.  It is about getting out of your office and getting your hands dirty, showing them you are willing to work just as hard as they are to get the job done!

2. We are friends: You have to have defined lines to properly lead others. Yes, you want to have an open door policy for your team, but seek a balance that helps them to help themselves.

3. Goals? What is that: Along with defined lines, your people need to have clear goals they have to accomplish every day, week, month, quarter and year. These need to be 100% understood so they know how to prioritize their day to accomplish projects and tasks in the proper order.

4. I have to hire someone now: The impact of hiring the wrong person can only create more stress on you and your team. Take your time when hiring, make sure they are a good fit within the company and your team’s culture. Hire a team member not just a body!

5. Everyone is motivated by money: Although your employees do need to pay their bills, many of them are not solely motivated by money. Some are motivated by work/life balance and maybe telecommuting can get their performance to increase. Others may need a pat on the back, extra responsibility, or even a sense of camaraderie with the company or team. Everyone is different so help them build SMART goals and watch them shine!

We know there is so much more to being a manager, and that is why we have released our newly expanded catalog of professional enrichment courses.  Built for convenience and packed with quality instruction, our professional development and enrichment courses can help you master many of the obstacles you face when improving your career and teams.  These courses range from business and health to courses that help grow your perspective on the world.  These affordable courses can range from 1 hour of your time to just a few weeks to finish. Bama At Work, The University of Alabama partners with World Education to offer students 100% online career training programs. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google + , LinkedIn or visit our website for more info and news about Professional Development, Online Training and how to improve your professional profile.

Article by Kelly Fuhlman, Director of Social Media  for World Education , and is personally involved in helping others make a better life for themselves through education. World Education is one of the main partner of the University of Alabama for Online Certificate Programs.

Show Your Skills with Digital Badges.

When it comes to the hiring process, social media is now something many employers check out when evaluating candidates.  Whether it’s a LinkedIn page or Facebook profil or even Twitter, wouldn’t it be great to have your education institution endorse you with digital badges for the skills you have learned?

For many adults, the idea of a “badge” comes with memories of our childhood as a Boy Scout or Girl Scout. We had to earn each badge by completing a task and demonstrating our knowledge and skill. We then handed that badge over to our mom or grandmother to sew onto our vest so we could display it with pride. What if there was an opportunity as an adult to earn knowledge and skill badges with the ability to digitally display for all to see? With Digital Badges from World Education.net and Bama At Work, you can do just that!

Digital Badges are a way of displaying the skills you possess based on the courses you have completed; think of it as your own portfolio.  Your skill badges are issued by your education institution, so it is your own university that is vouching for you.  You can download your digital badges as you complete your courses.  They are stored in your “Backpack” online, and from there you can share them via Twitter, LinkedIn, Google+, and Facebook.

We are committed to enhancing your value and this is another tool we provide to help you succeed in the modern workplace.  Bama At Work, The University of Alabama partners with World Education to offer students 100% online career training programs. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google + , LinkedIn or visit our website for more info and news about Professional Development, Online Training and how to improve your professional profile.

Article by Kelly Fuhlman, Director of Social Media  for World Education , and is personally involved in helping others make a better life for themselves through education. World Education is one of the main partner of the University of Alabama for Online Certificate Programs.

The Advantages of Blended Learning for Six Sigma Courses.

Blended Learning is defined as a Lean Six Sigma training model that integrates multiple delivery modes and learning activities.  Generally, it consists of a mix of e-learning, classroom exercises, coaching and job application.  It is designed to reach a globally and educationally diverse audience in any industry.  It is designed to be highly interactive and flexible with “High Touch” access to mentors who will aid in the application to real business problems.

There are two levels of Lean Six Sigma offered through this program:  Green Belt and Black Belt.  The duration for the Green Belt is approximately 4-6 months.  The duration for the Black Belt would be approximately 6-8 months.  During the journey, an individual will work online to review the course material, work individual exercises that are geared toward working on a process improvement project tied to the business, and complete short quizzes at the end of each lesson.  A mentor/coach oversees the work and provides individual and group workshops, study halls and in-class simulations that reinforce the learnings.

At the end of the course, a completed improvement project is reviewed by the mentor/coach for completeness, content, and tool application.  Individuals will also be asked to take a final comprehensive exam.  A passing grade of 70% or better qualifies the individual for certification.  The University of Alabama will provide the certification credentials upon approval of the mentor/coach. With our new blended format, you get the best of combined learning environments to enable you to master the material with a minimum amount of travel and in-person class time, but with a high degree of personal interaction with our faculty and other students in your class!

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google + , LinkedIn or visit our website for more info and news about Six Sigma courses, professional development for the workplace and how to improve the efficiency of your organization.

Article by Dianna Rockett, MBA, SIX SIGMA MASTER BLACK BELT, and President and CEO of Donald E. Smith Associates, Inc . a business management consulting firm specializing in process improvement initiatives using Six Sigma Methodology. She is also a our instructor for the new blended Six Sigma program.

7 Questions to ask Your Career Coach in Online Training.

We often see the term “coach” and think about athletics or using a trainer at the gym to help us fit into our summer clothes.  Yet we rarely think about a career coach to help guide us through our pursuit of a better life at work. Let’s face it: as jobseekers, we only have so much knowledge of how to polish our resumes, put the perfect cover letter together to get the attention of a hiring manager, and find different ways to network. This is why having an experienced career coach who focuses on your success will help so much once you finish your education or certification program.

Many schools or universities offer “career coaching” as a part of their enrollment processes, but what is a career coach exactly, and what should you be looking for in a coach?  The bottom line is a career coach should help you assess your professional situation with a good amount of honesty, curiosity, empathy and compassion. With the normal amount of anxiety that comes with the job search, your career coach should help you feel comfortable and inspire you to keep going. The largest part of a career coach’s job is to bring you out of your shell and help you understand that just submitting your resume to online job search engines will not give you the kind of return you want. Career coaching is extremely personal so make sure you do your research before you commit.

Here are a few questions you should ask during your research:

1. Just like with a sports coach, you want to know a career coach’s win/loss record. If you are talking to a school or university, ask what their career services statistics are and get them to show you the following: their student graduation rate, success in passing certification exams, and their career statistics. If you want to learn more, look up Gainful Employment Regulations.
2. Find out their career path. You want to make sure that the person who is coaching you had both coaching experience and real world experience as well.
3. Geographic location is another option for you to consider. Technology like Skype gives you the opportunity to choose a coach from anywhere in the world. This is your own preference so make sure you are comfortable with your choice.
4. Interview your top two or three picks. Ask about the following: fees, rates (they may vary from $50 to $300 per hour), how often you will meet, and for how long. Most coach-client relationships last from six months to a year.
5. Whether it is a school or a career coach, you need to ask what is included in his or her “experience.” It should include some of the following: goal setting, time management, study skills, and your motivation to advance.
6. If you are working with your school or university, then there are also a few important questions you should ask and have answered. Will they help you build a solid resume? If there are certification requirements involved, ask them how they can help you. Are there hands-on job experience opportunities they can help you with such as externships or internships? Will they teach you how to market yourself and network? Also, find out if they will set up mock interview sessions with you to prepare you for that job interview.
7. More than anything chemistry and connection with your coach should be top on your list. You will have to be comfortable with sharing intimate details of your life with your coach, so it’s important that you like and see him or her as an equal.

Bama At Work and our partner World Education.net will assign our students a dedicated career coach from Day 1 who will assist them with a success plan from training to a fulfilling career. We offer our graduates career development assistance up to 1 year after course completion to make sure they are on track to find that dream job!

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google + , LinkedIn or visit our website for more info and news about Professional Development, Online Training and how to improve your professional profile.

Article by Kelly Fuhlman, Director of Social Media  for World Education , and is personally involved in helping others make a better life for themselves through education. World Education is one of the main partner of The University of Alabama for Online Certificate Programs.

 

Happy Halloween!

There’s nothing spookier than a workforce in need of training…

Fear not, Bama At Work is here to help you and your organization meet all of your professional development goals!

There’s no need to be afraid of the competition when you have strong leadership, sharp skills and fine-tuned processes.  Our wide variety of certificate programs can help you meet your educational objectives, improve proficiency, and advance in your career.  They can even be customized and provided on-site for companies with specific needs.

Are you terrified of not meeting your CEU requirements? Our conferences are vast in scope and well-known for their rich content, atmosphere and networking opportunities.  If you’re frightened of starting a new career, our online programs are available for you to start anytime, anywhere, at your own pace.

 Experience hair-raising, spine-chilling success in every position and profession by taking advantage of what Bama At Work has to offer. Go ahead and give us a ring at 205-348-6222 or explore our website, if you dare! Happy Halloween!

What to Look For in an Online Certificate Program ?

With the growing cost of a college degree, many students are leery of taking out thousands of dollars in student loans.  In looking for alternatives many of these students are turning to short certificate programs that are significantly less of an impact on the pocketbook and can be completed in 6 months to a year. These courses are short and get right to the training needed without any excess costs for the student.  As good as they are for your time and budget, how can you be sure of the quality of the program you are taking?  If you are considering a certificate program, please pay attention to these “buyer beware” tips you need to follow:

• Accreditation of the school.
  You need to ask the institution if they are regionally or nationally accredited. If the representative you are talking to starts to stutter on this question and begins to ramble about memberships and associations, then you need to be suspicious! Regional accredited schools are most of your colleges and universities, like The University of Alabama with Bama At Work. If you receive a certificate from a recognized school you are covered on the accreditation question and employers will see this as a trustworthy institution. Sometimes the best way to ask this question is “Are you approved by the Department of Education?”. Do your research!

• Preparing for a certification exam.
  Many certificate programs prepare you for an exam that will certify you to work in a certain industry. Many careers in the health and fitness industry require you to have a certain amount of hours in training and an 80% or above on your certification exam before you can work with clients or patients. Make sure the school you choose is an approved training provider and offers vouchers to take the exam.

• Career Services.
  Many schools say they have career services that help students find a job after the training is done. However, you need to find out what services they specifically they offer. When you ask the question “How are you going to help me?” and they fumble over that question or simply give you a document, chances are you will not be happy.  However, if they offer you a personal career coach, resume writing tech, webinars for current students to attend for career development, and also stay with you at least 1 year after completion then you have found the right place!

• Cost and time commitment.
  This is where your research comes into play. Make sure you compare prices before choosing a school. Many schools will charge a premium for programs that you can take elsewhere with the same training, accreditation and vouchers, sometimes at 50 to 60% cheaper. Again, check the credentials of the schools but also make sure you are not paying more than you should for a certificate program.

Using these 4 tips should help you choose the right school and program that fits your needs and not break the bank. Make sure when it comes to your money and education you are an informed consumer!

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google + , LinkedIn or visit our website for more info and news about Professional Development, Online Training and how to improve your professional profile.

Article by Kelly Fuhlman, Director of Social Media  for World Education , and is personally involved in helping others make a better life for themselves through education. World Education is one of the main partner of the University of Alabama for Online Certificate Programs

The Role of Simulation Software in Electronic Online Certificate Programs.

Training students to use bench top equipment, robots, PLCs, and laboratory equipment is a crucial stepping stone for their development as technicians in the industrial workplace. But how would you gain this crucial experience in an online program? Our programs accomplish this by utilizing leading commercial simulators to introduce new content, develop new designs, and learn the troubleshooting and programming skills that are fundamental in a successful student’s skill set.

 CircuitLogix Simulator running a resonance lab

The Electronics Technician Certificate and Electromechanical Technician Certificate programs make use of CircuitLogix and 3D Lab simulators.  3D Lab provides a simple bench top lab environment within which students learn introductory circuit building skills. Components and testing equipment are assembled in the virtual bench top environment, and students build and test circuits.  CircuitLogix provides a more advanced experience as students become more familiar with components and circuit building. It uses a 2 dimensional “schematic capture” environment, very similar to the actual industrial design tools used by professionals to develop their circuits. These simulation tools, integrated within the program content, introduce schematic capture, demonstrate live circuits, teach troubleshooting, and provide a design environment where you can design and test real circuits without having to step into a real bench top lab.

LogixPro simulator running an industrial silo simulation

Two different PLC simulators are integrated into our two PLC technician certificate programs These simulators provide an environment where students can gain experience with the operation of PLCs, and design ladder logic programs to solve automation problems.

The PLC Technician certificate program uses LogixPro, which simulates the Allen-Bradley 500 series PLCs, while the PLC Technician II certificate program uses PLClogix, a simulator for the Allen-Bradley Rockwell 5000 series PLCs. Our PLC technician certificate and LogixPro provide a basic introduction to PLCs in manufacturing and simulates RSLogix 500, and SLC 500 series PLC software. The PLC technician II certificate and PLCLogix covers a similar experience in PLC theory; however, it covers more advanced programming content and applications, and emulates Rockwell’s Logix 5000 series PLC software.

Our Robotics Technician Certificate utilizes RoboLogix, a simulator developed to simulate robotics systems and a control environment using to teach pendants. This program provides students with an introductory foundation in the theory and application of industrial robotics while specifically teaching how to program an industrial robot’s movement and actions in a manufacturing environment.

These simulators are yours to keep after completion of the certificate programs, allowing the student to design, test, program, and troubleshoot programs and circuits before applying them on the job in their future positions. The fundamental skills developed by students within the simulators for these programs give our graduates exceptional practical skills upon graduation that can readily be transferred and applied to the workplace.

To learn more about professional development, online training and how to improve your professional profile, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google + , LinkedIn or visit our website.

Article by Scott Duncan,  Manager Business Development for George Brown College. George Brown College offers online certificate electronic online certificate programs in its partnership with Bama At Work.

Is There a Skills Gap in the American Workforce?

According to the Department of Labor, nationwide there are 4 million jobs which go unfilled, yet there are also 10 million Americans unemployed. How can we have millions of open job opportunities with so many Americans out of work?

Normally in America we assume that if we have these high unemployment numbers then this means that jobs are scarce.  There have been many conversations in Congress and stories from news programs that tell a different story. We essentially have what is being called a “skills gap”. This gap can explain much about our current situation and, if addressed properly, we could help our unemployment rate decrease.

So let us address the issues with unskilled workers. With college admissions at an all-time high it is puzzling that, according to a Manpower survey “Growth 2012 Talent Shortage Survey”, 49% of employers struggle to fill jobs. Basically there are jobs waiting to be filled, but current job seekers who may have a good education lack the skills needed to do these specific jobs. America in some ways has become snobbish when it comes to finding the perfect “career.” It seems we are conditioned to the idea that if we show up in a suit and tie with a day full of conference calls and meetings then this is seen as a career. On the other hand when we hear someone say I work at a chemical plant, oil refinery, landscaping business or in some of the IT jobs, then we regard these positions as “just over broke” (JOB) work. However it couldn’t be further from the truth.  These manual and/or blue collar jobs are the skills needed to help Americans stay competitive in manufacturing and IT industries.

We have also raised a generation of talented young adults who feel a sense of entitlement as it relates to their job options. A quote from Thomas Edison captures this: “Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.” This quote is so true with many of our young generation — it’s as if they feel like a corner office in a tall high-rise is the only way to go. Along with the “it should be handed to me” mentality, it can be difficult for employers to find employees with the work ethic needed to succeed in open positions.

On the flip side, let’s face the fact that companies are cutting back on benefits for their employees. Corporations in the past would offer “perks” like tuition reimbursement for continuing your education as well as free programs and courses through their Human Resources department. These days, with the tighter economy and higher cost to offer health insurance to employees, companies have offered less and less of these benefits. Many small-to medium-sized companies are unable to offer these benefits to their employees to keep them relevant and prepared for the future.

So how do we help companies and employees prepare themselves for today and the future, especially when many of the careers available today did not exist 10 years ago? We have to keep learning even after we graduate from high school, college or vocational school. There are so many ways we can keep up-to-date with different opportunities and not have to walk into a classroom. Many colleges and universities offer 100% online certification courses to add to your resume and keep your brain moving forward. These courses range from leadership to IT, medical and skilled trades.

Bama At Work and its partner World Education are at the forefront of efforts like these to help keep Americans employed, and are committed to offer online certificate programs that will keep Americans up-to-date with relevant skills so they can find sustained employment. Many of these programs we offer are in the skilled trades, sustainability and IT industries. Many of these programs are low cost programs that allow students to study in the comfort of their own homes and on their own time.   So take heart, and with Bama At Work by your side, you can close the skills gap.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google + , LinkedIn or visit our website for more info and news about professional development, Online Training and how to improve your professional profile.

Article by Kelly Fuhlman, Director of Social Media  for World Education , and is personally involved in helping others make a better life for themselves through education. World Education is one of the main partner of the University of Alabama for Online Certificate Programs

How to get Comfortable with Technology for Online Courses .

Studying for online courses requires some unique considerations for you to understand in order for you to be comfortable, and thus effective, in completing your course.

Now, some people have the impression that online education can be lonely and voice the concern that they feel isolated at their computer with nowhere to go for help or guidance. Part of the underlying reason for this is many students do not have a total understanding of the obligations of the student when it comes to online education.  So let’s look at some of the technical issues that can help an online student be most successful.

TECHNOLOGY

The first thing you need to have is an understanding of the technical aspects of online education.  The goal is to be comfortable with the technology so you can focus purely on learning.  With this in mind everyone has different comfort levels with technology, and let’s face it technical issues will happen.  The question becomes what can you do to fix the problem?  By acquiring some fundamental computer skills, you can help make your studying easier and more effective.

• Ask and make sure your computer’s operating system and browser are compatible with the online curriculum.
• Make sure you are comfortable with doing general computer work:  being able to type a document or email, knowing how to search the web, clear cookies, enable or disable pop up blockers and attach documents, etc.
• Know how to routinely backup your files in the event of a computer malfunction or virus.
• Make sure to organize files in a basic manner so that you can easily find what you need to work on.

PROGRAMS AND EQUIPMENT

Be prepared to purchase some equipment and or programs you should have available or installed so that you can focus on learning the curriculum in your program.

You should have a printer and ink cartridges available for printing any necessary materials for review.  Don’t forget to have extra paper on hand!

•  Have a PDF reader installed on your computer.  PDF files are a common way to view course material offline or outside a course.
• Sometimes, documents are in other formats besides a PDF file.  In this case the student should have Microsoft Word, Open Office or Google Docs installed and ready to use when needed.
• Review FAQs for the course so you can see questions other students have had, and sometimes you may find tips on any additional equipment you should need.
• Check with your instructor to make sure you are getting all equipment for the program (such as headsets, foot pedals, textbooks, etc.) or if your school is shipping your equipment; ask for a tracking number and estimated time of arrival.

  INTERNET ETIQUETTE

Communicating in any medium should involve good conduct and respect for everyone involved.  Here are a few helpful tips you can implement to make sure you convey this online:

• Do not write emails in all caps—this is considered yelling at someone. Instead, underline or bold words that you wish to highlight.
• Contact your instructors during their working hours.  If you have an urgent issue, give your instructor a call or request to schedule a conference in advance to guarantee that both of you have time to speak.
• Remember that anything you write in an email can easily be forwarded to anyone.  So choose your words wisely and do not say things in emails that you might be embarrassed about should they be circulated.
• Student forums are also a way of communicating with other students (and instructors) on the Internet. Be polite and professional.  It is fine to make personal connections, but be careful not to raise inappropriate topics.

By becoming comfortable with the technology used in your online program you can ensure that you can overcome any obstacle that prevents you from focusing on your studies.  Be confident about your technical knowledge, and good studying to you!

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google + or visit our website for more info and news about professional development, Online Training and how to improve your professional profile.

Article by Kelly Fuhlman, Director of Social Media  for World Education , and is personally involved in helping others make a better life for themselves through education. World Education is one of the main partner of the University of Alabama for Online Certificate Programs