When searching for a community college, you want to select a school that cares about students being successful with the coursework and after graduation, in finding well-paying jobs.

The Aspen Institute

Part of your research should include the honors that schools have received, and here’s a new one we wanted to bring to your attention. The Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence was launched in 2011, and as more people look to commercial colleges for affordability and convenience, it is great to see these schools receiving the spotlight.

The award recognized community colleges with strong results in student learning, completion, equity, and post-college employment and earnings.

The winner was … Florida’s Valencia College. The Orlando school has some pretty impressive numbers, with more than half of its full-time students either graduating or transferring within three years of entering college. And 30 percent of the students who enter Valencia transfer to a four-year college.

Here’s an incredible story from the writeup about Valencia College that shows how the school (which received a $600,000 award) has been a source for local employers, helping connect students with job openings.

“Jim Lipscomb, a Northrop Grumman manager in Orlando, used to spend half the year on the road, looking for workers qualified to help make laser sights for military hardware. Competition was fierce—a good candidate had five or ten job offers to choose from—and those he hired often left Florida in months, homesick for Texas or Idaho or Iowa.

Now, Lipscomb doesn’t need to leave town. Over the last several years, he has hired nearly every laser technician who has come out of Valencia, which created a program in response to growing industry demand. Valencia is doing its part to fill a national shortage of laser technicians while linking local residents to well-paying jobs for local residents.”

Here are the nine finalists for the Aspen Prize, which also are partnering with businesses and creating innovative programs for their community college students. You can read each of the finalists’ stories, too, to see what those schools are doing to stand out.

• Lake Area Technical Institute (South Dakota)

• Miami Dade College (Florida)

• Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College

• Mott Community College (Michigan)

• Northeast Iowa Community College-Calmar

• Santa Barbara City College (California)

• Southwest Texas Junior College

• Valencia College (Florida)

• Walla Walla Community College (Washington)

• West Kentucky Community and Technical College

Former Secretary of Education Richard Riley, who co-chaired the jury that selected the winners, made these comments in connection with the award:”Community colleges for too long have been under-appreciated. By 2018, more than 60 percent of American jobs will require some kind of post-secondary qualification, and community colleges are uniquely poised to answer the needs of both employers and students looking for economic security.”

If you’re attending any of these schools or planning on starting there soon, definitely check out how you can benefit from their initiatives that are worthy of the spotlight!

-Lori Johnston

I’m sitting in the movie theater, watching “The Muppets” with my 5-year-old son, and I realize that amid the references to past decades, musical numbers, and appearance of favorites like Animal and Beaker, a comeback story like this can apply to going back to college, too.

Featureflash / Shutterstock.com

Before you say “mahna mahna,” check out these four ways “The Muppets” might inspire you to get on the path to a new career.

1. It’s not too late to do it.

Fozzie Bear’s eyebrows are graying, and a robot from the ’80s drives them around the country. It may seem like The Muppets are past their prime (it is, after all, their first new movie in 12 years), but they don’t let changes in technology or pop culture get them down in their quest to save their old theater. If you’re concerned you’re too out of date to go back to school, it doesn’t have to be that way.

2. Don’t let no stop you.

From TV executives to baddie Tex Richman, who plans to buy the theater and tear it down, there’s plenty of reasons for the Kermit and the Muppets to give up. It’s the same for you – people may make comments that could put holes in your college or career dreams, but don’t let them affect your decision.

3. Have your support team.

New Muppet Walter and humans Gary (Jason Segel) and Mary (Amy Adams) are huge fans on the Muppets, convincing them to get together again. The Muppets also enlisted the help of old and new friends, with Neil Patrick Harris, Selena Gomez, Whoopie Goldberg, and other celebrities supporting the furry cast during the telethon. Find your own support team who can encourage you along the way as you head back to school to learn more about your field or a new career.

4. If a Muppet can do it, so can you…

Miss Piggy as a high-profile fashion editor; Gonzo as the owner of a successful plumbing company … OK, if a Muppet can have a new or second career, what’s stopping you?

-Lori Johnston

For all of our holiday traditions, it takes hard work to make them happen year after year. We’re not just talking about baking those special cookies, reading holiday books with kids, finding the perfect gift for someone, or taking a little one to meet Santa.

Throughout the holidays, you’ll be coming into contact with people in careers that are super busy this time of year. But some of these fields need workers, and if you’re considering a career change, see how holiday activities and traditions might lead you to one of these five professions.

Event planner
From the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade to seasonal tree lightings and parades in other metro areas and small towns, event planners are needed to coordinate all the details and volunteers. Programs such as hospitality management give folks the education to work as an event planner, which also are in demand for company parties and social events tied to the holidays.

Advertising manager
If your child keeps telling you about the toy they’ve seen on TV and just have to have, you have experienced the power of advertising. Toy makers ramp up the marketing this time of year, so that their products become the must-have item, and professionals with advertising expertise and training from advertising programs help generate buzz for companies.

Financial adviser
Before the year comes to an end, many folks touch base with their financial advisor or planner to make contributions to 401(k) and other steps that can help lower their taxes. The know-how you get from a financial planning school prepares you to help individuals and families seeking to save as the year comes to an end.

Nonprofit director
If you’re volunteering with a charitable group or donating money, cans, clothes, toys, or other items to those in need during the holidays, the spirit of giving could take you into a new career. The nonprofit industry is seeking people who are passionate about a cause, who can use their knowledge of business, marketing, finance, technology, and other areas to help a nonprofit group reach more people, all throughout the year.

Photographer
Family and pet photos are the focal point of all of those holiday cards, and it’s wonderful to see kids grow up and people share photos during the holidays.

Phil Bekker, a faculty member in the photographic imaging department at The Art Institute of Atlanta, says there can be enormous satisfaction in being involved in a creative field like photography. To be successful, though, a key skill that a photographer needs is people skills, which will endear them to potential clients. He adds that a personal style sets a photographer apart from others and makes them more in demand that other photographers.

For many holiday cards, those amazing portrait shots require a photographer with the training to get the right shot, and that includes one with all family members smiling!

-Lori Johnston

If you’re at a career crossroads, or simply need to make a change (hey, resolution time is right around the corner!), a new book can help you gain some perspective and get you on the road to change. Justin Ahrens’ “Life Kerning: Creative Ways to Fine Tune Your Perspective on Career and Life,” makes for a great stocking stuffer for yourself, the recent grad, or career changer in your life.

CollegeSurfing.com had the chance to chat with Ahrens for some further insight… read on.

CS: Tell me a bit about your background and schooling.
JA: I attended Illinois Wesleyan University, a small liberal arts University in central Illinois. Sort of hard to believe now because my view of the world has changed so much. But it was perfect for me because I was challenged by my peers and that is when I realized it was up to me to make my life and experiences what they could be. I think I always knew that, but college really drove it home. So I took extra classes and had four internships to do what I could to be prepared.

CS: How did you come up with the idea for the book?
JA: I moved around a lot when I was a kid. I went to a new school every year, except maybe one until I got to High School. All of that school readjustment really made me conscious of social environments. I think this book is a group of life observations to this point. I came up with the idea originally as a talk for a conference based on a bunch of notes I had taken from people who asked me many of the same questions. And the name just came from thinking about ways to call slight adjustments — kerning seemed just perfect, plus I liked that it was unique.

CS: I love the idea of creating space for yourself. I think most people do this around New Year’s resolution time. Can you talk about why it’s important to not limit this activity to just once a year? And what doing so can accomplish?
JA: How many resolutions have we made and not fallen through on? And is your peace and happiness a constant goal, or will a once a year realignment do the trick? I think the most important part of consistent check in is being conscious or aware of yourself on a regular basis. A once a year “check up” or realignment is not going to have a lasting effect.

CS: You talk about the importance of learning someone’s name and handwritten thank-yous in the book. Any other little things we should all be doing to help shape and develop our careers?
JA: The main power behind those points is to be purposeful. Second it’s to be aware of the world around us. How can you do that? Learning someone’s name or writing a thank you causes you to slow down and pay attention. Apply that concept across the board, especially in those areas of your life that keep you most egocentric or lacking in satisfaction. Be purposeful, be present, and you can make some headway.

CS: How do find the fine line of how much time to devote to social media without becoming overloaded?
JA: That really varies per person. But for me it’s when I’m not getting my stuff done consistently or if I’m using that as the majority of my “social” interaction.

CS: The section on evolving in which you say to think of yourself as a lifelong student is very in line with our blog’s theme. Can you talk a bit about that idea?
JA: We have to understand, and be OK with (because we really have no choice), that as we live our lives, we are constantly changing. We can’t do anything about it. Life of course parallels that. The world, the weather, all things around us, are in constant flux. It’s a very American thing to strive to be comfortable, and work to reach or be at that “finished” state. The reality is that the happiest we will ever be is when we are actively living our life. I think that is a result of being engaged with the world around you and the larger world. Studying what makes you tick, brings you joy, tears your heart apart, is all incredibly important. These items are what motivates you and limits you. Knowing these will help you expand or contract those areas of your life.

CS: Most of our readers are career changers, or people just starting out and heading back to school to decide what they want to do. Any specific advice for them in how to find the right career fit?
JA: We spend the majority of our life at work… I know that can be a depressing thought. So the question to ask is what role do you want work to play in your life. Is it just a means to an end? Is it part of what feeds your soul? Neither are more right or more wrong, but we should do something that brings us some level of satisfaction. I believe a lot of that starts with how you look at your job. Having an honest understanding of its role and its purpose to you is question one. The second is to find a job that helps fit that perspective and designing your life to work within that construct. Maybe it’s working on a cause so you may need to take a pay cut. Maybe it’s taking on a little debt going back to school to do what you wish you had done. Whatever the reason, be honest with what it’s role is and why you are doing it. This will help in your decision making processes and your overall enjoyment.

-Dawn Papandrea

Take a look at the college degree held by Ginni Rometty, who will take over as IBM’s first-ever female CEO and president on Jan. 2, 2012, and you’ll see someone who committed in college to a career in technology. She earned her bachelor’s of science degree with high honors in computer science and electrical engineering from Northwestern University.

Technology is a job sector where more women are needed, and Rometty’s promotion reflects that companies are seeking female leaders with technical experience.

If you’re interested in working in the technology industry, don’t be intimidated by pursuing fields such as computer science while browsing college websites and course catalogs. While the technology field needs people in all types of roles, from human resources to public relations, leaders like Rometty reveal that focusing on science and technology from the onset can be rewarding.

But females are discouraged from technical education pursuits, Caroline Simard, vice president of research at the Anita Borg Institute for Women and Technology, recently told the New York Times. She said:

“Research shows that the majority of people have an implicit bias that associates science and technology with gender, so from a very young age, girls are not encouraged to pursue these careers. Women like Ginni Rometty are a powerful antidote against the stereotype.”

While IBM is a top global company, there are small- and mid-sized technology firms in your own town that need leaders, and by focusing on a technical education in computer science, software engineering, or other tech fields, you could position yourself to take on a leadership role and further help break the glass ceiling.

-Lori Johnston

A new program offers scholarships for police officers shines light on schools that are working to accommodate public servants and shift workers.

Herzing University recently announced  that the  International Union of Police Associations (IUPA) has joined its Badge-to-Grad Scholarship Program, which offers members and their families a discounted tuition rate. Among the school’s offerings are programs in criminal justice, homeland security, paramedic, and fire science.  IUPA members will also have access to master’s, bachelor’s and associate degree and diploma programs in the technology, business, healthcare and design fields.

This is great news for those in the law enforcement field, but it’s encouraging for all working adults as well. It shows that more and more institutions of higher learning are recognizing that people who are already part of the workforce can benefit from returning to the classroom. As such, it’s easier than ever to find degree programs that can be completed at your own pace, online, or during night/weekend schedules.

It’s also a good reminder that there might be opportunities to go to school at a discounted rate, or even have your tuition reimbursed, depending on your industry and employer. It’s up to you to find out about such programs so the entire school expense doesn’t have to fall on you.

Have you ever taken courses or completed a program that was funded by your employer or an organization? Tell us about it.

-Dawn Papandrea

All the cups of coffee you’re consuming as a college student may not stop, depending on your profession.

CareerBuilder and Dunkin’ Donuts have brewed up a list of the top 15 professions that need coffee to get through the day.

Lots of lattes, mochas, espressos, cappuccinos and plain ol’ cups of coffee are consumed by folks in these fields, who no doubt battle coffee breath daily, too.

Whether you’re starting off in a career from the ground (get it?) up, or going to college to get an advanced education in a field where you are employed, coffee breaks may be part of your regular routine.

Here’s a look at professionals who need a java jolt to get through the daily grind.

1. Scientist/Lab Technician

2. Marketing/Public Relations Professional

3. Education Administrator

4. Editor/Writer

5. Healthcare Administrator

6. Physician

7. Food Preparer

8. Professor

9. Social Worker

10. Financial Professional

11. Personal Caretaker

12. Human Resources Benefits Coordinator

13. Nurse

14. Government Professional

15. Skilled Tradesperson (plumber, carpenter, etc)

If you’re already working in these fields or taking classes in one of these job sectors, are you finding you’re heading to the coffee shop or plugging in your coffee machine more frequently?

-Lori Johnston

Apparently, we’re nearing the end of Update Your Resume Month – as designated by Career Directors International – but you don’t have to rush around to meet a fall deadline. While back-to-school season is an ideal time to start fresh with a clean, crisp resume, it’s never too late to get this all-important document up to snuff. Review these tips (and more here) for your resume revamp.

>> Take note of where you’ve been.
When it comes to professional development, nothing is ever wasted. Maybe your boss made you go to a bunch of conferences, or you just decided to attend a few workshops and events on your own. Whether you loved ‘em or hated ‘em, they’re still worth listing on your resume. Include the title, date, and location of the event, the sponsoring organization, and the specific sessions you attended. If the training was relevant to your current career focus, list it closer to the top of your resume instead of the bottom.

>> Take note of what you’ve done.
Unless you’re stagnating at work (time for a job hunt?), chances are you’ve accomplished something in recent months. Special projects, cost-savings initiatives, leadership roles, and new business are all worthy of inclusion in your resume update. The more specific you can be about what you accomplished, the more relevant it will be. If you won an award or received a specific honor, list the exact name and date. If you’re drawing a blank, start saving all those “attaboy” emails in a separate folder to remind you what to include in your next resume update.

>> Think beyond work.
Yes, there is more to life than work… and your activities outside your job can actually benefit you on the job! Volunteer work marks you as a contributing member of society, and the leadership roles you take in nonprofits or industry groups can help you hone skills that are useful in your career. So don’t dismiss your work in the community watch program or at church as separate from your professional life. It’s all connected, and your involvement in outside activities reveals important aspects of your character and your commitment.

>> Consider what you want.
Now it’s time to think strategically. Spend some time evaluating your current career goals, and then peruse your resume to see if it reflects those objectives. Add a focus statement at the top of your resume to clarify who you are and what you do, and then review your resume to see if each item is relevant to your stated focus. If you have concerns about an item’s relevance, try using targeted keywords to rephrase the description so that it connects to the rest of the document.

>> Commit to ongoing updates.
Updating your resume feels overwhelming if you only pull it out when you’re looking for a job. Do yourself a favor: don’t let your resume gather dust while you plug away in your current position. Take a few minutes at the end of every month to review any new accomplishments and skills, and record them on your resume right then and there. If you think of your resume as a living document, always ready to be modified, it’s much more likely that it will be an accurate reflection of your true skills and abilities. And when the next job opportunity arises, you’ll be ready for it!

-Robyn Tellefsen

Sorry, Penelope Trunk, We Disagree

Let me preface this post by saying that I think Penelope Trunk is pretty cool. She’s the founder of Brazen Careerist and two other startups, and her career advice is always fresh and fun – if not a bit irreverent. But in one of her recent posts, she basically says that graduate degrees in the humanities are useless. Here’s why she’s wrong:

>> Employers still look for graduate degrees when hiring.
Even if a graduate degree is not required for entry into a particular field, many employers still say that, given the choice between a candidate with a master’s degree and one without, they’ll hire the one with the degree. A recent New York Times article confirms this notion, calling the master’s degree a “sorting mechanism.” Plus, plenty of non-science professions (e.g., teaching, clergy, psychology) do require graduate degrees just to get in the door, and that trend will continue. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, careers that require first professional or master’s degrees are expected to grow by about 18 percent each; those that only require on-the-job training are expected to grow by 8 percent each.

>> Graduate degrees can get you promoted.
Trunk’s post seems to be directed at students who have never worked a day in the real world, but one doesn’t need to get a graduate degree in a vacuum. Many students go to grad school while they’re working – with the blessing (and even the tuition assistance) of their employer. When grad school is directly applicable to your field and can help you do better on the job, everyone benefits. Workers who are committed to self-improvement will always be in greater demand than those who are resting on the laurels of old accomplishments.

>> You can make more money with a graduate degree.
In a conversation about making a living with graduate education, it would be shortsighted not to mention the salary potential of advanced degrees. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2008, the median annual earnings of young adults with a master’s degree or higher was $55,000. That’s 20 percent more than bachelor’s degree holders earned ($46,000). And for those who say you have to take grad school debt into account, remember that there are lots of ways to do grad school on the cheap (fellowships, scholarships, teacher assistantships, etc.).

>> You do need a graduate degree in order to teach.
Teaching jobs may not be easy to come by these days – especially at the college level – but they are out there. And you can’t get in without an advanced degree. Maximize your employability by choosing your school and program wisely, and making good connections once you’re there. Given a choice between two grad schools, go with the one that has the best reputation in your field, one with a high employment rate for graduates of your program.

>> Education is never a waste of time.
Even if none of the above points were true, and grad school didn’t enhance career prospects, I’d still make the case that education is valuable for its own sake. Grad school gives you an opportunity to focus your attention and delve deeply into a topic, to do research and consider new possibilities, and to gain philosophical understanding. Not only are these kinds of activities helpful in your career, they make a difference in your life as a whole. And we are whole people, not career robots. Anything you can do to challenge yourself and broaden your perspective – including grad school – is inherently worthwhile.

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to grad school. While there are certainly “wrong” reasons to go to grad school, there are plenty of “right” reasons, too. Be selective in your search, and you’ll be amazed at the doors that a graduate degree can open.

-Robyn Tellefsen

If you think the tests stop once you have your degree, think again.

But one test that’s becoming more common in the job application process often has nothing to do with what you’ve learned in college.

It’s the personality test, which companies are using to help determine job seekers’ behavior and work style.

The Wall Street Journal reports that: “More than 80% of midsize and large companies use personality and ability assessments for entry and midlevel positions as either pre-employment or new-employee orientation tools.” The stat is from Development Dimensions International, a global human-resources consultancy. You’ll find the tests in industries such as health care, technology, finance, operations, and retail, the WSJ reports.

These assessments have been widely used in retail positions but are quickly spreading to other industries, including finance, technology, health care and operations.

If you’re taking one as a job applicant (Msnbc.com reports that this is happening even before the initial email or phone interview, when folks apply for a job online), the results could help a company determine your chance of succeeding or failing in a certain job. While this is a company decision, when you’re searching for a major, it may be worthwhile to take a personality test (even common ones like those by Myers-Briggs) to make sure you have the personality to be in a particular industry.

But some groups are concerned that the tests could discriminate against mentally disabled job candidates. CVS, for example, agreed to remove statements that candidates were required to respond to, including “You change from happy to sad without any reason” 
and “There’s no use having close friends; they always let you down,” after the Rhode Island ACLU filed a complaint with the state Commission for Human Rights.

Yes, you need to know the subject and how to do the job, but the use of personality tests show that it’s not just the degree that makes a job candidate.

-Lori Johnston