Do You Want A Career Change?

People changing their career or frequently changing job roles was once frowned upon and raised an alert to prospective employers. Thankfully, this is not the case any more. More and more people now change their careers quite a few times and on average can make twelve to fifteen job changes, according to the Department of Labour Statistics.

It is now the case that when a prospective employer is faced with an applicant with many job changes under his/her belt, they see this as a positive: it shows the ability to be flexible and adapt in the workplace. This is actually highly sought after now. If you are wondering whether to take a mid-career move, it may work in your favour to do so. Here are some tips if you are currently facing this decision.

What are the options for career change?

Have a good think about where you want to be, what you would like to do. There are many important factors to consider with this type of life change including salary and benefits. These should not be the only reason for your move, you should strive to find a career that will provide you emotional benefits as well as tangible ones. It is commonly known that people who hate their jobs are increasingly prone to stress-related illnesses and are generally not as healthy as they could be with a job they love. Research your chosen career well - learn it inside out so you are clued up on the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities required.

What is your current position?

Where are you at the moment? Do you feel as though you are stuck in a rut, not moving anywhere very fast? Take a good look at your current position, personally as well as career-wise. It may be that a career switch is just the thing you are looking for. There is not point wasting time stuck in a job where your existing skills are not being pushed or where you feel as though you have reached a dead-end. A new career may be right up your street.

What skills can you bring to the table?

Look at your transferable skills. These are skills that you can bring from a previous job to adapt to a new one. You will most likely be asked about these in interviews, so make sure you can readily identify them.

Which education moves do you need to make?


Whichever career you opt for, there will most likely be training needed. With the growth of the internet, there is a wealth of online educational courses to choose from. These are easily accessible, and can be done at your own pace, in the comfort of your own living room. If you are not a fan of online, however, you can also look into schools or universities that offer part-time courses. There is bound to be something you are looking for out there.

Can you get help if you need it?

Asking for help is never a bad thing to do. You will most likely reach points where you are slightly confused as you embark on your ideal career. A life coach or mentor can help advise you with direction and can help work through your goals and aspirations. This will enable the move from past to future career run more smoothly. If you are attending a course at a college or university, talk to a career counsellor there.

Changing careers mid-life can seem an impossible and frightening task. This really just requires you to keep alert and be on top of your goals. This way you can achieve a career that fulfils your aspirations either professionally, personally or financially. Once you have made the successful career move, it is unlikely that you will look back.

How To Get An Online Degree ????

Distance learning has come a long way since it was developed during the 1840's as correspondence courses which delivered education to students who were not located on a single campus or site. In essence, distance learning allows students to learn from, and communicate with, tutors either at times of their own choosing or in real time via printed or electronic media instead of having to physically attend courses.

While distance learning has been around for many years and has certainly revolutionised the way that students learn, it is not without its drawbacks. Innovations that allow correspondence to be conducted through regular post, utilising books, CD-ROMS, radio and television, have given the student a richer and more convenient learning experience, but they have failed to address one of the fundamental factors behind effective learning - 'face time'. Lack of face time with peers and tutors is often cited as one of major reasons why many students struggle with distance learning. Unlike in a traditional classroom setting where personal interaction forms an integral part of the leaning experience, distance learning does not provide for real-time feedback with tutors. Nor does it promote social interaction between students where they can exchange ideas and material, or engage in subject-based or other supportive dialogue. Many students struggle in isolation and often drop out because they are expected to navigate through a course that is primarily designed to suit the traditional campus based model of lectures and end of term exams, with little regard for what keeps students motivated and supported throughout the programme.

While students may receive a syllabus, books, and other course material, as well as pre-recorded audio and visual learning materials, many still have to venture to a physical location to sit exams or to attend tutorials to achieve rigorous assessment and interaction with others. Therefore the concept of a genuine "distance learning" course is often not the reality. Yet the world of distance learning is moving fast and the introduction over recent years of an integrated software application called a "Virtual Learning Environment" (VLE) has enabled distance learning providers to overcome many of these challenges.

According to UK-based business degree online course provider Kaplan Open Learning a Virtual Learning Environment is an integrated online learning platform that facilitates the management of educational courses for both students and teachers. By using the latest internet technology, providers like Kaplan Open Learning have created an online university degree programme that replicates a real classroom environment with a tutor and a classroom of students. The Virtual Learning Environment offers the benefits of distance learning without the drawbacks, providing students with the flexibility to attend classes and study from anywhere: work, home or even on the move. The system is designed to track and manage the learning process in real-time and it provides students with immediate access to learning materials. However, the real innovation is that this learning platform has created an environment in which both students and tutors can actively take part in real-time conversations and students can listen to, and view, live lectures and seminars over the internet. Regular assessment of students' work ensures their progress and engagement throughout the course. The Virtual Learning Environment also has other value-added communications features including discussion forums, chat, blogs, quizzes and exercises. Learning platforms allow education providers to organise their courses and bring together many teachers and learners around a single environment. The Virtual Learning Environment enhances distance learning techniques and opens up new learning and communication opportunities for students and staff after hours, off-site and in a range of informal settings including the home, work place, or on the move.