Tuesday, December 31, 2019

A Boastful Resume From a Modest Example

A Boastful Resume From a Modest ExampleA Boastful Resume From a Modest ExampleSome resumes ignore the best parts of a career. Jan Baidens resume did.Jan Baiden never expected to be laid off.Im 59 and Ive never been out of work, she said. Ive worked since I welches 21 years old. Jan Baiden never expected to need a resume again. She said she is like most executives near a high point in their careers - confident that tenure and experience made herbei job secure and put her in strong position to find her next job based on her record.I think many people dont take notice of these things unless theres a necessity, Baiden said.But Baiden was laid off from her position as a direct-marketing executive and needed a resume once again. It was up to date, but her achievements were buried in tasks and modest language. Thats another common trait among executives near a high point in their career, said Becky Erdelen, a certified professional resume writer who works with Ladders and helped Baiden cra ft a more assertive resume.Job seekers have a hard time finding the balance between pride and modesty, Erdelen said. Many know theyre not giving themselves the credit they deserve, but theyre uneasy about saying it any other way. They dont want to sound pompous and arrogant.To fix Baidens resume, Erdelen had to get her to describe the accomplishments in her career, some of which she hadnt even mentioned in her original resume. Erdelen interviewed Baden and had her provide detailed factsheets on her career.Going through the critique and doing the worksheets really made me sit down and go, What did I really achieve? Baiden said.It turns out she had had achieved quite a lot. Shed saved a company more than $200,000 by streamlining business processes and eliminating waste, Erdelen said. She turned around the performance of an entire department by replacing the entire staff.We had to work on pulling forward the accomplishments, rather than stick with a task-oriented resume, which doesnt really let people shine, Erdelen said.Its how you say itWording can be key, Erdelen, said. She was able to pump up Baidens resume using a broader vocabulary and action verbs that made her accomplishments seem more dynamic.To be able to market a client and make it an interesting read, you have to use a variety of action verbs that are more powerful and attention-grabbing, Erdelen said. So, she championed, she directed, she realized savings instead of generated them.Baiden said shed tried spicing up the wording herself but didnt get very far. You cant spearhead everything, you know? You need to be able to describe very similar accomplishments in very different ways for different positions, she said.While Baidens resume is still in progress, she said its nearly finished after three drafts. The most rewarding part, Baiden said, was discovering new insights about herself and her work as seen through the eyes of another person.I dont know what I ever said to get Becky to describe me in th e way that she did, but its incredible, she said. She included information that I never would have said about myself that was actually true

Thursday, December 26, 2019

Register to Watch Live ASME Design and Manufacturing Impact Forum Webcasts

Register to Watch Live ASME Design and Manufacturing Impact Forum Webcasts Register to Watch Live ASME Design and Manufacturing Impact Forum Webcasts Register to Watch Live ASME Design and Manufacturing Impact Forum WebcastsIf you cant attend the Advanced Design and Manufacturing Impact Forum in Buffalo, N.Y., next week, you can still register to view free, live webcasts of five of the Impact Forum sessions. The first webcast, Advances in Computer Aided Engineering (CAE) Big Data, Last Mile Asset Models, and the Industrial Internet, will take place on Monday, Aug. 18 from 220 p.m.-310 p.m. Eastern Time. The session, featuring speakers from the National Institute of Standards and Technology and Genpact, will examine the convergence of machine and data, and how big data and the industrial internet will enable smart manufacturing.The following day at the same time, join representatives from VEXTEC Corp. and 3D Systems as they present Medical Devices Life Sciences Innovative Medical Dev ice Prototyping - 3D Printing and Biocompatibility. This 50-minute session will focus on emerging medical equipment designs that offer novel solutions in an integrated and efficient manner.On Wednesday, Aug. 20, the Engineering for Global Development (EGD) Impact Forum session will focus on innovations in design and manufacturing for emerging markets in the developing world. The webcast, which will take place from 1230 p.m.-130 p.m. Eastern Time, will feature presenters from GE Healthcare, Brigham Young University and D-Rev.Immediately following that webcast, from 130 p.m.-220 pm. Eastern Time, the session Innovation Entrepreneurship The Role of Robotics in Advanced Manufacturing will feature speakers from Rethink Robotics, Mechatronics, ABB Inc. and Yaskawa Motoman Robotics who will discuss new robot technologies that can enable applications beyond the traditional manufacturing environment.The fifth live webcast, The Engineering for Global Development Panel, will be broadcast lat er that afternoon, from 330 p.m.-500 p.m. Eastern Time. This panel discussion, a follow-up to the earlier EGD Impact Forum, will explore the expanding role of EGD research in both the developing world and academia, as well as the role that industry plays. Moderated by Amos Winter, assistant professor of mechanical engineering at Massachusetts Institute of Technology and past winner of the ASME Innovation Showcase (IShow), the discussion will feature panelists Christopher Mattson of Brigham Young University, Samuel Hamner of D-Rev, and Bob Hauck from GE Healthcare. A question-and-answer session will follow the panel discussion.Although the webcasts are complimentary, registration is required. Visit www.asme.org/events/advanced-design-manufacturing-impact-forum/live-webcast to sign up to view one or all of the webcasts.

Sunday, December 22, 2019

Experienced Correctional Officers Resume Template 2018s Top Format

Experienced Correctional Officers Resume Template 2018s Top FormatExperienced Correctional Officers Resume Template - 2018s Top FormatIf you love your job as a correctional officer but are looking for a new distributionspolitik of work, its time to update your resume.Experienced correctional officers have already gone through the basic training required for the role, but if youve undertaken more training during your career, remember to include this on your resume to show an eagerness to learn. Common examples are courses in inmate rights, advocacy courses, crisis prevention education, and advanced first aid training. The longer youve worked as a correctional officer, the more responsibilities you have gained, so be sure to include supervisory or management elements from your past jobs on your resume.Study this experienced correctional officers resume sample for inspiration before you write your own. Create ResumeAddison Hudson100 Main Street, Cityplace, CA, 91019(555) 322-7337 exa mple-emailexample.comSummaryCorrectional Officer equipped with a strong moral code and excellent crisis management techniques. Focuses on safety in all interactions with inmates and staff.HighlightsInmate rightsRestraint techniquesEthical standards of conductFirst aid and CPR certifiedCourtroom practices familiarityTrained in defensive tactBehavioral disorders familiarityState and federal laws knowledgeExcellent problem solverArmory and key controlVisitation guidelines understandingCrisis Prevention Intervention (CPI)AccomplishmentsAverted a potential riot by effectively handling a confrontational situation with other corrections team members.Completed extensive crisis prevention and intervention training programs.ExperienceSR. Correction OfficerJune 1987 to December 2011, Southern State Correction Facility, Delmont, NJAssisted in restraining violent and unruly inmates.Monitored inmate behavior to prevent crime, escape attempts and other dangerous activities.Implemented defensive ta ctics and physical restraints to maintain the safety and security of personnel and the general public.Safely transported inmates to and from work sites.Maintained records and logs of man hours, materials and equipment used.Conducted internal security checks and distributed meals.Continually monitored dormitories for inappropriate activity.Supervised the meal distribution and observed inmates during meals.Conducted pre-trip and post-trip equipment inspections of transport vehicles and equipment.Transported inmates to and from medical and dental appointments, funerals, work details and court hearings.Apprehended escapees safely while following proper techniques.Supervised inmates during meals, visits, recreation, telephone calls and shower time.Signed in all visitors and completed appropriate visitation log forms.Received property from incoming inmates, provided receipts and inspected items for contraband.Routinely reviewed housing assignments and reassigned inmates when needed.Inform ed inmates and visitors of rules, safety and security procedures and responsibilities.Maintained communications with all other areas of the facility at all times.Escorted prisoners to court appearances in a timely fashion.Instructed inmates on work details and transported them to work sites.Performed warrant pick-ups and turnovers at other jails and prisons.Employed de-escalation techniques, verbal commands and used physical and mechanical restraints to address unruly inmates.Maintained correct physical head count at all times.Attended regular trainings and maintained appropriate certifications.EducationHigh School Diploma Customize ResumeExperienced Correctional Officers Resume Questions1. What goes in the header of an experienced correctional officers resume?The header of the resume is one of the first things that hiring managers will notice about your document. Place your full name at the top of the header, as shown in the experienced correctional officers resume sample. Then, yo u should include the city and state of your address, your phone number, and a professional email address. If you have URL links to a portfolio or a social media account for your career, you can include this information at the bottom of your header. The resume builder tool can help you get started on creating a header effortlessly.2. Whats the best format for a resume PDF, MS Word, or txt?Its important to format your resume properly when you send it electronically to recruiters. A majority of employers ask applicants to send resumes as MS Word documents. Another possibility is to send your document as a PDF, which can be a good option to keep all of your fonts and formatting consistent across different types of computer systems. Rarely, you may need to send your resume as a text file. Ideally, whichever method you choose should keep your document legible and clear on a screen, similar to the experienced correctional officers resume sample, or in print.3. What should go in the experie nce section of your experienced correctional officers resume?The experience section of your resume is the lengthiest part of the entire document, as shown in the experienced correctional officers resume sample. Generally, you should format this part as a chronological list of your work history in the field. This is the place where you can show off your greatest accomplishments. Avoid listing every single responsibility from your previous jobs. Instead, provide evidence about your achievements in each position with specific details.4. How do you write a summary statement for an experienced correctional officers resume?The summary statement is a great way to pitch yourself as a top candidate in corrections. In the experienced correctional officers resume sample, the applicant writes two sentences touting specific skills that employers in this field desire strong crisis management skills, a commitment to safety, and a stellar moral code. When you write your own summary statement, choos e two or three essential skills for the job posting and write two or three short sentences demonstrating your expertise in these areas.5. Whats an example of a great experienced correctional officers resume?An effective resume should point out a candidates best attributes and skills related to corrections. As you can see in the experienced correctional officers resume sample, this means a powerful summary statement, a list of top skills for the industry, a history of work experiences, and an education section. To make your resume stand out, you should make a point to include compelling examples of your accomplishments in the field. Accomplishments can go in the experience section and show your abilities with managing prisoners, navigating tough situations, and dealing with stress.More Law Enforcement and Security ResumesEntry Level Correctional Officers Resume TemplatesExperienced Protective Services Resume Templates

Tuesday, December 17, 2019

New study confirms correlation between fiction and emotional intelligence

New study confirms correlation between fiction and emotional intelligenceNew study confirms correlation between fiction and emotional intelligenceIts funny how you dont really comprehend how much you love writers like George Macdonald until youre an adult. Its an enduring demonstration of the gift all the best children fiction authors seem to possess masking vital character building lessons in engaging escapism.You had no idea that a tale about a pointy-eared, hairy-toed curmudgeon deathly afraid of the world outside his door could make puberty that much less terrifying. Or how the unlikely friendship of a mole and a water rat perhaps cautioned you so profoundly against indulging in biases.Follow Ladders on FlipboardFollow Ladders magazines on Flipboard covering Happiness, Productivity, Job Satisfaction, Neuroscience, and moreThose of us that sought refuge in the arms of reverie had a hunch that we were all the better for it, but now a recent study confirms it.Fiction inspires empath yThe correlation has been explored exhaustively over the last couple of years, but the methodology that informed these studies was often subject to criticism. Psychologist David Dodell-Feder wanted to quiet the skepticism that prods the impact fiction has on emotional intelligence once and for all.Taking 14 previous studies conducted on the matter into account, Feder found the data to be overwhelmingly in favor of the positive effect genre literature has on EQ, particularly empathy.The virtue was measured via participants ability to correctly read the expressions of others, ability to correctly surmise how others might feel in different situations and readiness to consider things with a perspective other than their own.Art Markman, Ph.D., head of human dimensions of the Organizations program observed boosts to these qualities to occur after very little reading had been done. The findings animate the way he and his colleagues construct their programs. Markman believes the instrumenta l role fiction plays in the sharing and understanding of feelings to be evident in his classrooms, in confirmation of the reported statistics, statingBy showing you the world through the eyes of other people, literature can give you a window into others thoughts or feelings.The exercise of retaining plot lines and chapter names has also been proven to greatly improve cognition and even add years to your life.The British Psychological Society research Digest put together five experiments relying on hundreds of respondents on the internet. They similarly concluded that just reading a few pages of fiction a day (pulling from a wide range of subsects) enabled the participants to be better at interpreting facial gestures and the emotions of others. The post additionally adds that no such effects were found from reading non-fiction.You might also enjoyNew neuroscience reveals 4 rituals that will make you happyStrangers know your social class in the first seven words you say, study finds10 lessons from Benjamin Franklins daily schedule that will double your productivityThe worst mistakes you can make in an interview, according to 12 CEOs10 habits of mentally strong people

Thursday, December 12, 2019

The states where youll find the highest-earning millennials

The states where youll find the highest-earning millennialsThe states where youll find the highest-earning millennialsAre you a millennial? Looking for a new place to live? Well, you may want to consider the following cities.Personal finance site WalletHub put together an analysis of the top cities for millennials (Pew Research Centerdefines millennialsas being born from 1981 to 1996) based on rankings that didnt include which cities have the best avocado toast or the most Instagrammable neon signs.The study looked at job earnings, unemployment rates, voter-turnout rate and affordability (the cost of a Starbucks latte was factored in) as well as education and health. So which states got the best ratings?D.C. comesout on topOur nations capital not only has the highest percentage of millennials living there, but they are also earning the most. Other cities that saw high millennial earning averages included New York, Massachusetts, Washington,and California. North Dakota managed to snag that No. 2 spot thanks to its affordability and percentage of millennials living in the state (second only to WashingtonD.C.).Washington D.C.North DakotaMinnesotaMassachusettesIowaWisconsinUtahNebraskaColoradoSouth DakotaSouthern states not as millennial-friendlyAs for which cities fared worse, the South was hit the hardest, taking up seven of the 10 spots.FloridaSouth CarolinaArkansasOklahomaLouisianaAlabamaNevadaMississippiWest VirginiaNew MexicoThough Mississippi is one of the most affordable places to live, it ranked very low forQuality of Life (49) and Economic Health (50.)The lowest average earnings for millennials were found to be in New Mexico, Missouri, Maine, Idaho, and Mississippi and the highest unemployment rates for this generation were in Alabam, Georgia, New Mexico, North Carolina, South Carolina and Mississippi.Some other results from the study

Saturday, December 7, 2019

The Do This, Get That Guide On Resume Mistakes

The Do This, Get That Guide On Resume Mistakes What Is So Fascinating About Resume Mistakes? Try to remember, making mistakes is inevitable, but we always have the capability to spot and after that fix them. Among the most common resume mistakes most men and women make is making one resume for all of the jobs theyre applying for. Click the next link for more resume-writing ideas to help you prevent the top resume mistakes. Even when you were qualified but you end up having a resume thats mediocre and full of mistakes, then your odds of getting the correct job continue to be very low. Whether there are gaps in your resume, be certain to spell out the main reason why. Okay, in the event you checked out the 4 resume mistakes above and cant locate any issues, it might be two or three different things. Then you have to take action to make certain that youre consistently able to spell out your katechese in a clear, easy-to-understand method. Let us just say that it is a huge excep tion. Word processing software offers us extensive choices concerning font styles, however there are just a handful which should be employed on a resume. Like with several things in life, acquiring a purpose in mind when you craft your resume is crucial. A functional resume format may be the very best approach to do that. The format of a resume is equally as crucial as any other part of a resume. Wherever youre in your career progression, from new resident to experienced physician, you want to be certain your resume is strong if you would like to continue to advance. Your resumes ought to be in top-notch form before you begin sending it to your potential employers. Have a look at the subsequent infographic to learn what the top resume fails are, and the way to steer clear of them. The Fundamentals of Resume Mistakes Revealed The degree of professionalism required nowadays, particularly if youre searching for a good job, is quite large. When you may add concise information about strategies and outcomes, it makes a huge impression. To acquire an interview, you must juggle competing priorities, every one of which demand multiple, simultaneous pursuits. If you wish to succeed at your work, youve got to assess and work on any areas wherever your communication abilities may be lagging. Following that, managers search for different reasons to lower the resume stack further by eliminating resumes based on content. Potential employers expect you to be in a position to supply references. Now, geschftlicher umgang professionals and not only, are using many kinds of digital tools as a way to increase their professional efforts. Despite the fact that you are aware that its only one of the hundreds of different resumes submitted from who-knows-where. You also ought to make sure you avoid giving out information that may raise questions like your reasons for quitting your prior jobs. Whether there are certain skills that are related to your field or the job which youre applying for, always list them in the skills section if youve got them. Instead an easy collection of software you understand how to use with no extra qualifiers is fine. Then, obviously, there are the complicated dance steps connected with a very simple job application. Resumes arent supposed to be a location where you lie to be able to impress. Developing a high-quality resume is 1 part art, 1 part science, and an entire bunch of work when done correctly. Everything on your resume needs to be accomplishments-driven. Possessing an optimized resume will enhance your odds of landing that dream job that youve been always on the lookout for. Resume Mistakes at a Glance Wall-to-wall text is nauseating and hard to follow along with. Thus, your job application should be adjusted for each specific job youre applying for. Keep in mind, tailoring a resume wont be such a daunting task if youre applying for jobs in which you are in fact qualified to do. Read the work de scription to learn what the employer is searching for and think past the work ad. Vague Job Dates Employers usually concentrate on the length of time you have stayed in your prior jobs. If you are interested in an employer to follow-up and give you an interview, you need to make it simple for them. An employer doesnt wish to just understand what youve done they need to observe how well you actually did it.

Monday, December 2, 2019

Clear Company Offers Roadmap for Transparent Companies

Clear Company Offers Roadmap for Transparent Companies Does your company desire greater employee performance? Well, the folks at ClearCompany, the first talent alignment platform that bridges the gap between talent management and business strategy, says youll need to become more transparent. And to help you accomplish this, ClearCompany has developed a new infographic, A Roadmap to Greater Company Transparency.Are you ready to begin the journey?First, the infographic explains the most common problems on the road to greater transparency poor communication, incomplete goal cascading and misaligned employees.Only 14 percent of companies have workers who understand the company strategy, goals and directionLess than half of workers (44%), while familiar with company goals, cannot name themAt best, A CEO can only see 10 percent of his/her companys alignmentThe infographic also notes that on this journey youll have to remove a few roadblocks and chose alternate, more efficient routes.Roadblock A mere 5.9 percent of companies communicate dailyAlt Route Businesses with effective communication have 50 percent lower turnoverRoadblock Less than half of companies are aligned with even 80 percent of their goalsAlt Route 72 percent of highly engaged employees understand their role and how it contributes to organizational successRoadblock 15 percent of the U.S. workforce is disengaged, costing businesses a total of $350 billionAlt Route Employers with higher levels of engagement report 22 percent higher productivityAfter identifying common problems and choosing alternate routes, according to the infographic, the benefits of a transparent company are evident. Those range from aligned work and more productive employees to faster onboarding and happier workers.

Thursday, November 28, 2019

What Do Employees Value Most in the Workplace

What Do Employees Value Most in the WorkplaceWhat Do Employees Value Most in the WorkplaceBusinesses in every industry are faced with the task of recruiting and retaining quality employees. Smart business owners know that they have to offer competitive pay and benefits to potential recruits, but there are many different factors that job seekers consider when evaluating a potential offer. Here are seven things that employees tend to value fruchtwein in the workplace Competitive Salary Lets face it salary is always a key factor in employee recruitment and retention. Employers that pay better than average wages tend to attract (and keep) the highest quality employees. While salary isnt everything, it does factor heavily into an employees perception of their own value within the organization. The only way to compensate for low wages is to provide an exceptional work environment with opportunities for career development. Good Benefit Package Employees do place a fair amount of val ue on a comprehensive benefits package. Benefits that employees find desirable may include many different options including health insurance, dental insurance, paid vacation, sick leave, maternity leave, tuition reimbursement, housing allowances, travel compensation, training courses, and the opportunity to gain industry certifications. Flexible Schedule Having a good work/life balance is always a plus for workers, so they tend to value the chance to have flexible hours. Employees tend to favor jobs where they can have earlier or later start times. They also appreciate the ability to work from home, either during normal work hours or to finish up projects that could not be completed at the schreibstube (in the latter case earning some compensatory time or extra pay depending on the nature of their employment). A flexible schedule can be particularly valuable for those with kids, pets, or other family commitments. Opportunity to Advance Employees like to know that there is a pathway that will allow them to move up the ladder in an organization. They do not want to be stuck in a dead end job with no possibility for career growth and development. Employers that promote from within and offer development opportunities will have a higher rate of employee retention than those that do not. Recognition It is always nice to be recognized for contributions at work, whether this recognition comes in the form of verbal praise, promotions, bonuses, or other perks. Even organizations that cant afford expensive rewards programs can instruct the management gruppe to let employees know when they are doing well.An employee of the month program is just one example of a zero cost form of employee recognition. Effective Management Leadership starts at the top, and a poor management team will discourage even the most dedicated group of employees. Organizations with strong leadership and vision will be able to hold on to quality workers. At the very least the manageme nt team should be involved in goal setting, enforcing company standards of performance and behavior, and recognizing the contributions of various team members. Team Atmosphere A good team is critical to the success of a business, so co-workers are very important to an employees perception of their job. If the team doesnt function it can cause big problems over the long term, leading to higher than normal levels of employee turnover. Management can often be helpful in correcting problem behavior before it becomes pervasive throughout the team. Final Word A positive work environment includes many factors, and businesses would be wise to check as many of the boxes as possible. Employers that do not provide a quality work environment will have to verstndigung im strafverfahren with an increased number of employees turning in their resignations to pursue employment with those that do.

Saturday, November 23, 2019

Project Management Training Options

Project Management Training OptionsProject Management Training OptionsMany people leading projects today havent got there through a concerted effort to be a project manager. Ive never met anyone who will confess to having wanted to be a project manager as a child - most of us didnt even know the role existed. Then we get into the workdistributions-mix and suddenly there are projects that need to be done. Just like that youre a project manager, whether you have the job title or notlage. Whether you fell into project management like this, or took another route - perhaps a project management degree - and made it a definitive career choice (like me), training is always a good thing. How Attending Project Management Training Is Beneficial Project management training helps you enhance your skills, be more successful at work and build your reputation as a great project manager. Project management training can significantly boost your income. The most recent PMI Salary Survey research shows that those project managers with the PMP credential specifically can earn on average around 20% more than those without. Employers recognize that training and qualifications have an impact on your professionalism and success rates and are prepared to pay for that. Project management training can give you skills in areas that you would benefit from developing. There are courses covering every single one of the project management knowledge areas and soft skills as well. So whatever it is that you feel you want to improve, there will be a course out there to support you. There are literally hundreds of project management training courses out there and it can be daunting to start the selection process of choosing which is best for you. The best place to begin is to work out what sort of training you want. Do you learn best with other people around? How much time have you got to study? Here is a look at the different options available for project management training, including cla ssroom study, learning online (with and without an instructor), self-study and blended learning. Classroom Training Classroom courses can be full-time or part-time and last for almost any duration. Its common to see PRINCE2 courses and PMP boot camp-style courses lasting a week. The APMP, a predominantly UK project management qualification is also marketed as a week-long classroom course. However, if you sign up for a Masters degree in Project Management, you could easily be in a university classroom environment for a year on a full-time basis, more if you choose to study part-time. Classroom courses are available all over the world, in every major city and cover a multitude of topics. As well as the certificate-based preparatory courses, classroom learning lends itself well to soft skills, such as leadership or project communication. You will also find courses dedicated to niche or expert subjects such as scope management or managing change on projects. What to Expect In the cl assroom for a short course you can expect to be with a small group of normally around 15 delegates. If you are part of a degree course, you may be with dozens of fellow students in your intake, depending on your university and how the modules of your degree are structured. What happens in a classroom courseis highly dependent on the trainer. You may find yourself sitting through 8 hours of slide presentations for a week. Or you may find that your trainer has a program of interactive exercises, case studies, and activities to break up the theory. This also depends on the content its far easier to build exercises around the things that could derail your project than it is on something like how to hold a lessons learned meeting. You should also expect some of the material to be things you already know unless you are a very beginner. As the trainer has to address the learning needs of everyone in the room, and youll all be at different levels, they will necessarily cover subjects that y ou are more confident in. Best for People who can afford to pay the high cost of classroom training. People who enjoy studying with others in a sociable environment. People who would lack the motivation otherwise to complete their training and who would benefit from having structured content and someone leading them through it. zugnglich Training With Instructor Courses with a defined curriculum lend themselves to online training. Many project management training courses endorsed by professional bodies fall into this category because they have been around a long time and can be licensed to professional training firms who deliver the content to an industry standard. Qualifications like the PMI Risk Management Professional (PMI-RMP) fall into this category. What to Expect Online training with an instructor is where you work through course material online via a web interface. It may include Reading materialsQuizzes or other assessmentsPodcastsVideos. You then have scheduled time wi th your instructor, normally live through webinars, audio conferences or facilitated chats in the virtual learning environment. This is your time to ask questions, get clarification on the materials and concepts, and network with other course delegates. Best for People who need someone to keep them motivated with regular check-in points. People who can be self-motivated enough to complete the rest of their work with a tutor standing over them. People who would benefit from having the accountability of a group but who cannot make it to a classroom course. Online Training Without Instructor Online training is a huge growth area for project management (and other business sectors) and youll find there are plenty of self-paced courses that you can use at your leisure. Online training is practical for those who are short on time or who need the flexibility of being able to study anywhere. What to Expect Online training without an instructor relies on you working within the virtual lea rning environment to access and review the course materials alone. The downside of not having time with a live instructor is that you may lose the motivation to continue. Online study can be quite lonely if you dont have a group of people going through it with you, helping you on the way. It can also be quite tricky to work out concepts that you dont understand because you are limited to the materials you have purchased. If you dont understand them, there is nowhere to go, except to materials outside of your course, to get more information or the same information explained in ways that make it click. As for the online training with an instructor, your virtual classroom will include a mix of video, screenshots, audio content, articles to download or workbooks and most likely quizzes to test your knowledge. You may also find that your course gives you access to sample exam papers if it is designed to help you prepare for and pass a certification. Best for People on limited budgets. Pe ople with strong self-motivation. People with limited time to study who want to make use of downloadable materials on, for example, their commute. Self-Study Self-study is exactly what it says you build a training program that suits your particular needs, outside of purchasing any formal course. It relies on you first knowing what your training needs are, and then being able to source resources to help you develop professionally. You can self-study your way to qualifications and simply pay the exam fee, but you have to be sure that you can commit to the study to make it worth your while. Theres a big risk with self-study for exam courses that you havent covered all the material or understood the concepts correctly and that can knock your confidence. In certain situations, it could even cause you to fail the exam. Having said that, self-study is cost-effective. If you are highly motivated, have plenty of time and are prepared to research what it is you need to know, it is a good way of making sure that your development activity is completely focused on what you need to learn. What to Expect A lot of hard work Sourcing books or organizing mentoring sessions can be time-consuming. You may still need to buy online courses or learning materials such as access to sample exam papers. Youll need to build a study timetable if you have a hard deadline like an exam coming up. And you probably wont get as much employer support either. Your manager will possibly pay for training courses and give you time away from work to attend them. You might not get that if you explain that you are self-studying. At the other end of the scale, something like reading a book is professional development, and self-study, and isnt that hard. It really depends on what you want to achieve. For shorter, targeted pieces of continuous education, self-study is perfect. Best for People who are highly motivated. People who are extremely clear on their end goals and their learning requirements. P eople who can hold themselves accountable and who can make time for their professional development. Blended Learning More and more were seeing blended learning taking off in the project management arena. Blended learning is a combination of online and classroom, with elements of self-study thrown in. In fact, its all the learning options mixed together. For that reason, it appeals to lots of people because it offers the best of multiple environments. What to Expect Youll get access to an online training environment with course material, and access to your tutor through forums or scheduled office hours. You will also get time in the classroom with your cohort and your tutors. The idea is that you can kick-start your learning in person and then continue your development in your own time, checking in with the class every so often. This works best for long courses like degree courses or other certification programs offered by further learning institutes that run over a period of mon ths. Best for People who want the best of all training options, or who arent clear what sort of learner they are. People who want the flexibility to fit around their existing commitments but who still want the personal touch from a trainer and a cohort of fellow delegates. Read Next How to Choose a Project Management Course. The guide to helping you pick the right location, price, content, and duration for your needs. With so many training options available, you are sure to be able to find one to meet your needs.