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Education and Job Security

Online Certificate Programs That Give You a Competitive Edge

With ever-rising prices for everyday items like gasoline and food, many people worry about their family's future stability. The unpredictability of both the economy and job market can make anyone feel helpless. Start recession-proofing your résumé today so you feel valuable to your boss, not vulnerable.

Take stock of your current job position and industry. What complementary skills can you learn to broaden what you offer in the workplace?

Most likely, there are new software programs or services you can learn that will expand your marketability and secure your spot in the "Hired!" list. For example, if you are a manager, what new technical skills can you learn that will increase your value? If you are a nurse, how can studies in social sciences or administration augment your résumé?

Online certification programs can pave your way to increased knowledge and skills — which translates into increased job security and flexibility — and possibly a promotion and salary raise. Online programs have numerous benefits over traditional on-campus programs:

• Online courses and programs are accessible from any location; when you travel — down the street or across an ocean — you will be able to keep up.
• Online programs let you access your assignments and course materials at any time of the day.
• Online programs are very flexible; you can participate in class discussions when it's most convenient for you (and your family!).

Not preparing for the job market of the future now is one mistake you can't afford to make. To help you recession-proof your résumé, here are eight jobs and their related online certification programs to register for today.

1. Programmers — .NET

Computer programmers may want to pick up .NET programming skills. This Web development technology is used in a variety of settings and industries for developing dynamic Web applications. For example, .NET is used for building e-commerce Web sites, designing and building graphical user interfaces, interfacing with databases, and reporting.

Future Outlook: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, computer software engineers and network systems and data communications analysts are among the fastest-growing occupations in America.

Want another option? Boost your earning potential with courses in database administration, information systems, and computer security.

2. IT Support Specialists — Technical Writing

IT Support Specialists are the individuals we turn to when we need PC troubleshooting, Internet connectivity, network setup and other tech-related issues. IT specialists will want to consider putting their technical expertise on paper with course work in technical writing. The demand is high for technical writers, who do everything from writing product manuals to troubleshooting guides to best-selling publications like the "For Dummies " series.

Future Outlook: According to CareerPlanner.com, the demand for technical writers is on the rise.

Want another option? Learn Web development skills so you can update and protect Web-based information technology materials online.

3. Marketing Managers — Graphic Design

It's not important to be good at what you do — it's important to be great at what you do. Greatness is being competent — and creative — in your job skills. To increase sales and profitability, marketing managers need stunning print and online ads, enticing e-mail campaigns, creative tradeshow booths, unique promotional events, and more. A certificate program in graphic design can help you create innovative marketing materials that propel you ahead of the competition.

Future Outlook: According to CareerPlanner.com, "marketing positions should see good demand, but only for the best."

4. Real Estate Agents — Home Inspection

During economic downturns, real estate agents can consider online courses and programs that provide complementary skills in areas such as home inspection or appraisal. Such positions remain in relatively high demand as banks and mortgage companies require inspections and other services on properties for sale, including foreclosures.

Future Outlook: According to CareerPlanner.com, the job outlook for real estate agents is good. Make it even better with broader skills in the industry.

5. Teachers — Educational Technology

Educational technology skills will enhance a teacher's professional development in any subject and grade level. Skills such as conducting online research, designing collaborative projects, developing student e-portfolios, and even managing online grading systems all contribute to a teacher's effectiveness, both in and out of the classroom.

Future Outlook: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for teachers will remain high, particularly in the areas of math and science, and especially for schools in urban and rural locations.

Want another option? The demand for marriage and family therapists is expected to rise nearly 30 percent from 2006-2016. Consider a career makeover or gaining complementary skills in this area.

6. Administrative Assistants — Medical Billing and Coding

Increase your earning potential with a certificate in medical billing and coding. Professions in the medical industry are showing rapid growth across the board, including medical billing and coding specialists. America's aging populace and the growing number of regulations governing the health care industry is fueling the demand.

Future Outlook: According to the American Academy of Professional Coders, the average salary is 21 percent higher for a certified coder than non-certified.

7. Nurses — Life Care Planning

Registered nurses can improve their already-positive position in today's job market by learning new, related skills. From life care planning to case management to clinical trials research — the field of health administration offers diverse pathways for professional development. Keep your eye on in-home health care for marked growth.

Future Outlook: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, rapid employment growth is predicted for nursing, psychiatric, and home health aides.

8. Human Resources — Psychology

A certificate program in psychology will enable all types of people working in human resources to identify the basic needs of an employee as defined by Abraham Maslow's hierarchy of needs. According to Maslow, individuals have basic needs (physiological, safety, and love/belonging) that must be met before they can attain internal satisfaction and contentment (self-esteem and self-actualization). For a person in HR, course work in psychology can help them better understand how to enhance their employees' self-control and initiative. They will learn how to motivate and appreciate!

Future Outlook: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, careers in human resources are expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations, and those who have earned certification are expected to have the best job opportunities. Seal the deal and earn a certificate in a related field, such as psychology, too.

Want another option? Want to share your expertise in-house or in the field? Make good use of your communication style and people-skills and explore training and development programs.

The next time you feel buffeted by changes in the economy or job market, shore up your professional skills with an online certificate or degree. A recession-proof résumé will enable you to adjust — and come out on top — during low times.

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Ronni Rowland is a writer based out of Orange County, CA. She regularly writes for eLearners, McGraw-Hill Higher Education, and San Diego Family Magazine. Her work has also appeared in Nick Jr. Family Magazine, Daughters, Montessori Life and the Orange County Register.

We welcome all comments directed to: recession [at] elearners [dot] com.