There’s nothing like a New Year’s party to boost up your optimism and catapult you into forming New Year’s resolutions. However once the booze starts to wear off, it’s difficult to hang on to the positivity unless you have objective, concrete steps towards your career.  Here are five steps you can take to ensure 2012 is your best year yet, career wise.

Have a tete to tete…with yourself

Sometimes we are so focused on just finding a job, starting work and making money that we bounce on the first job vacancy we find. Fast forward a couple of years and many of us find ourselves stuck in a career that doesn’t speak to us. As this year comes to an end, take the time out to reconnect with yourself and find out what exactly is it that makes you feel fulfilled and satisfied. Take the top down rather than the bottom up approach and understand how you can express your creativity and talents to the world. Once you are clear about that, move on to the following tips to convert your passion into a career.

Continue to learn

You either grow or you stagnate, there is no middle ground in this competitive age. Whether it’s an online certification (http://aboutonlinedegrees.org/onlinecertificate.php) or a diploma or an advanced degree like an online master’s, always keep updating your skills and knowledge. If there is one thing that can guarantee 2012 will be better than 2011, its constant and never ending improvement, Tony Robbins style.

Network

This one cannot be emphasized enough as your network can really help you out in the job hunt.  You need to mark out a certain amount of time each week for networking purposes. Use social media and networking sites like Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn and leverage it to your advantage. Join clubs and associations that are related to your field.

Bounce on opportunity

You might be saying this goes directly against number one but it doesn’t. What I meant was that you shouldn’t pick up the first job that falls in your lap till you are clear about. Once you are, scream “Bring it on!” it’s time to pounce on every opportunity, or better yet create one. Get to know all about your field through college brochures, intern, do freelance work, and do contract work or whatever else it takes to get a head start.

Review last year objectively

Hindsight is always 20/20. You need to carve out time to carry out an objective SWOT analysis of last year. Chart your progress, see how many goals you managed to achieve last years, look at the misses, learn from the mistakes and above all thrive on the feedback that you get.

If 2012 is going to be the end of the world as we know it ;p , why not end it on a high note?

As the U.S. economy continues to salvage its traction, online degrees for finding a better career are in high demand. More and more US students are now considering to enrolling in an online degree program to expand their knowledge and expertise in order to beat the fierce competition in the job market.

Undoubtedly, distance learning has now made it possible to get quality education from the comfort of your own home. Now you can receive an accredited degree online in a variety of subjects and prepare you for better career prospects. The rising trend of getting online degrees among US students highlights the fact that online degree is undoubtedly the most significant yet flexible way to improve your knowledge and help you find a lucrative career.

Most Popular Online Degrees

Online degree programs are becoming a versatile, viable and popular alternative to traditional degree because more and more people gain access to the Internet. Here is a list of some most popular online degree programs that has gain tremendous popularity among US students.

• Accounting
• Marketing
• Business Administration & MBA
• Criminal Justice
• Early Childhood Education
• Healthcare Management & Administration
• Human Services
• Nursing
• Medical assistant
• Psychology
• Graphic Design
• Information systems management
• Web design and development
• Engineering

Data from the U.S. Department of Labor shows that job prospects in these industries are expected to increase in the coming years. That is the reason why more and more US students are enrolling in online degree programs. Once you achieved your degree, you will have plenty of career choices in numerous rewarding fields.

Get the Job that You Want with Online Degree Programs

Online degree programs are available in a wide variety of subjects allowing students freedom to locate the one that’ best for them as well as their career objectives. Find out your area of interest and select the degree level, online courses, or certificate programs of your choice. Opting for the right online degree program is now easier than ever.

Reasons Why US Students Consider Online Degree Programs

• The most significant reason of considering an online degree program is convenience. Distance learning allows students to access course material through the internet anytime and anywhere.
• Online education is a dynamic learning approach that gives students lots of flexibility, allowing them to expand their knowledge and competencies while maintaining a balance between work and social life.
• Another important reason that makes online degree programs more demanding is that it increases your chances of getting lucrative job opportunities. Students who wish to advance in their career to those who want to begin an exciting and rewarding career should consider online degree program.
• Opting for online degree programs helps you get the job that you want. It prepares you to work in numerous areas such business, healthcare, accounting, engineering, finance, education etc. In fact, you can attain valuable skill sets and competencies required to work successfully in today’s tough job market.

All in all, earning an online degree program is a more accessible and convenient option for students looking for better career opportunities and wishing get succeed in job market

If you are already working full time and want to change your career, you can opt for various online degree programs. Distance learning offers you maximum flexibility so that you can plan your schedule and study at your own pace.

Preparing For a New Career without Discontinuing Your Job

Students choose online degree programs for various reasons; predominantly due to the convenience they offer. For those working full time, online degrees help them in developing a career or in revamping their existing one without discontinuing their existing jobs and allows them to avoid a break of two- or four-year from work which they would otherwise have had to take in order to pursue higher education.

Online colleges help you to opt for online degrees at any place and can help you complete the course from the comfort of your home. According to the statics, in the fall 2009 term, over 5.6 million college students opted for at least one online course.

Getting Ready For a New Career

People working fulltime who are pursuing an online degree in a specific field need to follow certain things to ensure that they are ready for a new career. Firstly, they should be careful to opt for the degree that can help them revamp their career.

Moreover, they should not get distracted and stay focused. Though they are working, they should spend adequate amount of time on their assignments which are related to their online degree program. They should be disciplined and should manage their time effectively. They should dedicate enough time for their online degree program and plan a schedule that allows them to give proper time to the everyday activities.

Apart from gaining knowledge, they should also develop the necessary skills required for a new career. If need be, they can even opt for internship or on-the-job training specific to the chosen career. Online certification programs are also beneficial in developing careers in niche areas.

With the year wrapping up we thought of providing you a roundup of the best online degrees of 2011. NACE, National Association of Colleges and Employers, which is the leading source of information about the employment of college best paying graduates, conducted a survey and listed the highest paid degrees in the current year.

It was interesting to note that all 10 of the highest paid degrees were engineering fields! With advancements in technology affecting each and every sphere of the business world, people with advanced technical skills are in great demand.

Here is a list of the top 10 online degree programs of the year 2011.

10. Systems Engineering

Annual median starting salary: $58,909
Systems engineering is a holistic and interdisciplinary field where the engineers are involved in designing various systems.

09. Materials Engineering

Annual median starting salary: $59,826
It is an exciting hand on field where you study the properties of different materials and then decide which one should be used for the production of a specific product.

08. Mechanical Engineering

Annual median starting salary: $60,345
All those people who loved to take apart their toys can fulfill their childhood passion by designing machines and manufacturing automotive and plastics.

07. Electrical/Electronics/ Communications Engineering

Annual median starting salary: $61,021
As the semiconductor technology is used in all products therefore there is not much difference between the two fields now. These engineers’ graduates assemble electrical and electronic systems.

06. Software Engineering

Annual median starting salary: $62,738
Software engineers are involved in various stages of the software development process.

05. Computer Science

Annual median starting salary: $63,402
Computer scientists provide solutions to companies’ technological needs through computer programs and software solutions.

04. Mining and Mineral Engineering

Annual median starting salary: $63,969
As the name suggests, mineral engineers are involved in extracting minerals. This field combines onsite supervision and off field design of mines through computers.

03. Computer Engineering

Annual median starting salary: $64,499
The revenge of the geek! Computer geeks were the third highest paid grads in 2011. Computer engineers are needed both in the public and the private sector.

02. Chemical Engineering

Annual median starting salary: $65,618
This field is for people who have a strong aptitude for and foundation in physics, chemistry and biology. Chemical engineers experiment with different materials and products in the lab and then find ways to bring this to the market.

01. Petroleum Engineering

Annual median starting salary: $80,849
It’s all about oil these days! The highest paid degree and that too by a great margin is the Petroleum Engineering Degree. Petroleum engineers look for reservoirs of oil and natural gas, since the demand for these engineers is greater than the supply these engineers commanded the highest pays in 2011.

The above survey shows that demand for engineers is likely to grow in the year 2012 as well. Join one of these programs in a top online school and get ready for a well paying career.

Are you looking for a career that is personally satisfying and financially rewarding at the same time? Do you know how to get the career you want? Pursuing your dream job is not easy especially if you don’t have the right degree and experience. In these tough economic times where many people are competing for the same jobs – only the most qualified wins!

Pursuing a Career with an Online Degree

The key to finding the career you really want, and one that will give you the most job satisfaction is to do a self-assessment of your skills, education, interests and personality. By doing this assessment, you will learn more about who you are and what you want to do. This way you can find a career that is a perfect match for you and one that you will enjoy doing for a long time. Once you have decided which field is best suited for you, you should search for an accredited online college with the degree program of your choice.

Job Searching Tips to Get the Career You Want

Doing a job search can be very intimidating and frustrating, but it is part of the job hunting process. The only way that you will find a career you want is by going through the process. Don’t give up. Keep looking until you get the job you want. Don’t waste too much time on careers that you know are not a good fit for you. Invest your time wisely by looking for career opportunities that you will enjoy doing. Finding a job is easy, but getting a job in the field you want to make a career in can be challenging.

Here are some extra tips for career success:

• Determine your professional goals
• Develop a plan of action
• Be persistent
• Stay positive
• Update your skills by using online degree programs
• Network with family, friends and networking groups
• Don’t give up

Do you have what it takes to get the career you want?

Employers prefer to hire candidates who have a degree that is compatible with the job they are applying for. So, before you go job hunting make sure you have what it takes to get the career you want. If you realize that the job you want requires further qualifications that you don’t have, opt for online degrees in the field of your choice.

How did you get to the career of your choice? Have you faced any hardships or it was smooth sailing for you? We would love to hear your success story. Use the comments section to share your opinions on the topic.

Most of the time, a college degree can provide an individual with a decent opportunity at landing a lucrative career. These careers often lead to financial security so a college degree is seen as a good investment.

Online degrees are also seen as affording these same advantages however, not all online degrees are equal. So if you are looking for a return on your investment with your online degree program-these are the 8 online degrees to avoid in 2011.

1. Music Therapy

This degree is purported to give you the ability to help patients using melodies but finding employment with this degree has been difficult for graduates.

2. Latin

Latin is considered a classical language and it has been used to study text from bygone eras. Learning this language is a noble goal however, when looking for a career using it has not made a return on its investment.

3. Philosophy

As above, the study of philosophy will expand your intellectual prowess but an online degree in philosophy will not get a graduate a high paying job.

4. Film

On the face of it finishing an online degree program in film looks like an ideal way to break into the film industry, however statistics point out that the most you will get with it is an internship.

5. English

Unless a graduate is planning to pursue further education an online degree in English by itself will not qualify him or her for much byway of employment.

6. Communications

The problem with an online degree in communication is that the jobs it qualifies one for can be accessed without a degree and many employers will hire the non-degree holder because they can pay them less.

7. Bowling Industry Management

The combination of the declining bowling sports and entertainment industry and the tendency of those without degrees holding these positions contribute to making this a low paying job.

8. Family and Consumer Sciences

This online degree program is a rewording of the home economics courses which used to be offered in many high schools in the nation.

These are 8 online degrees to avoid in 2011. They will probably not provide a solid foundation for employment. That is why it is important for anyone considering an online degree program to investigate what the prospects for the degree will be upon graduation.