Become a Certified Success in the World of Business and Finance
By Zach Chouteau
There’s no denying that today’s business and finance sectors have
become more competitive than ever. It has become critical for
professionals to not only have the necessary skills to succeed, but the
certification employers are looking for.
This challenging environment has always posed a potential problem for
the busy professional trying to take a step up in the business world,
or transition into another career in the sector. A full-time return to
school to enhance their knowledge and credentials means leaving their
current position behind -- and investing substantial time and money
pursuing an additional degree.
For these individuals, Kaplan University’s online Business and Finance
Sector programs may be the ultimate solution to reaching their goals.
With deep roots in higher education that date back to 1937, and a
flexible schedule that lets you study anytime, anyplace, Kaplan
University’s certificates in Financial Planning, Risk Management,
Project Management and Executive Coaching can be completed in as little
as 12 months – without interfering with your job or disrupting your
life.
“The fields of financial planning, project management, risk
management, and executive coaching are experiencing exponential growth,
providing a wealth of opportunities in the evolving business world,”
said Kristina Belanger, Dean, Kaplan University’s School of Continuing
and Professional Studies. “These rewarding occupations are leading
choices for individuals seeking professional growth and diversity, and
Kaplan University’s online, self-paced programs provide busy
professionals with a flexible learning environment to gain competitive
skills for more rapid career advancement.”
Financial planning, for starters, has been repeatedly described as
among the most prestigious of modern professions – supported by
statistics from the U.S. Department of Labor forecasting job increases
of more than 34 percent by 2012. The same reliable source states an
average annual salary of $79,990 for personal financial advisors in
2003. Not only that, but proven expertise in the field can allow you
the option of either working for yourself or a world of high-end firms
throughout the country.
To win the trust of potential employers or prospective clients in the
business world, however, you’ll need applicable skills and proper
certification. That’s where Kaplan University’s Certificate in
Financial Planning comes in. The course teaches you all you need to
know about analyzing a client’s financial situation – strengths,
weaknesses, and how to best achieve their financial goals. From savvy
tax management to smart investing to retirement planning, you’ll be
steeped in all the crucial information necessary to be a certified
financial planner.
Project management is another area where Kaplan University can help
open doors to a variety of new career opportunities. Learning how to
increase a company’s chances for maximum profits by optimizing time,
money, and personnel, is a skill respected by organizations everywhere.
From business to information technology to real estate and more,
project managers may earn from $60,000 to $100,000 annually on average,
with senior project managers holding yearly salaries ranging from
$70,000 to $150,000.
As a Project Manager you’ll be respected in your industry as someone
capable of leading important initiatives as you advance your career.
You’ll be the one CEOs and company presidents turn to as a leader for
their organization’s most critical undertakings. Perhaps best of all is
the universal applicability of the knowledge and skills that Kaplan
University can provide with this program – which can be put to use for
the rest of your working life, regardless of the direction your career
may take.
If you hold at least an associate’s degree, and have an interest or
background in such fields as business, human resources, accounting or
finance, Kaplan University’s Certificate in Risk Management can help
you earn from $66,000 to $110,000 annually. Risk control, loss
prevention, and adhering to today’s stricter compliancy laws have made
risk management an essential aspect of doing business in today’s
corporate world. A Certificate in Risk Management from Kaplan
University will give employers the confidence that you know your stuff
inside and out.
Risk managers recognize and review an organization’s loss exposures
including property, liability, personnel, and net income in order to
promote growth through profit, continuous operation, and stable
earnings. Kaplan University will teach you all this, plus other
critical skills such as enterprise risk management (ERM) and creating
risk management programs. You can then apply your knowledge and skills
toward pursuing a top position with a number of companies, or entering
the field as an independent consultant. Like Kaplan University’s other
certificates, this program can be completed in as little as 12 months,
learning at your own convenience.
Executive coaching is now a major growth industry. More and more
businesses are employing executive coaches to instill leadership
development among managers and executives to bolster an environment of
ongoing organizational change. Executive coaches thoughtfully listen --
and ask the right questions -- to assess an individual’s attributes,
needs, and coachability. Kaplan University’s Executive Coaching
Certificate offers the necessary skills for observing, recognizing, and
intervening for full business effectiveness. It can teach you to teach
leaders to better comprehend organizational dynamics and to climb up
the corporate ladder.
In a recent summary poll of executive coaches, 65 percent of
respondents reported yearly compensation of $85,000 or more.
Opportunities exist in a number of business environments, including
corporations, non-profits, government offices, and independent
consulting.
Whether you study financial planning, project management, risk
management, or executive coaching, you’ll have the chance to expand
your employment and career opportunities. Through developing your
professional acumen and abilities you will be able to explore new job
prospects with virtually any professional industry where business
skills are valued. Should you choose to go into the market on your own,
you’ll hold the certification and skills needed to win over prospective
clients.
Perhaps best of all, Kaplan University online programs allow you the
flexibility and convenience to quickly improve your skills and resume
without compromising your current daily life. For the working
professional striving to reach their career goals, this might be an
ideal option.
For more information about Kaplan University, visit http://kaplan.searchforclasses.com or http://www.searchforclasses.com/ To read more of his articles and to learn more about online education visit http://www.searchforclasses.com/newsletter/ or http://searchforclasses.blogspot.com/
Written by: Matt McAllister