By Paul D. Rosevear
|
|
Have you ever considered giving back as a career? A tremendous need exists for those with a strong interest in helping others on a full-time, professional level. Not only are there a variety of opportunities in public service-related areas, there are also hosts of rapidly growing educational programs available that transform human interest in a hot professional pursuit.
Take Your Passion to the Classroom
Not many are aware that such goodwill programs exist. "People are usually surprised to find that we have coursework in a niche of their particular interest," explains Jay Goin, University of Phoenix - Texas vice president. "We've got curriculum that addresses topics like crisis intervention, public policy, advocacy, human psychology, counseling - opportunities for someone to learn how to make a difference on the individual-, family-, group-, or community level."
Many of the school's programs, and similar coursework at other institutions, have been in place for a number of years, but have only recently been receiving mainstream attention from those looking to make a career change for the better (both figuratively and literally).
"We conducted a survey and found that 61 percent of those considering a career change want to do so because they desire something more fulfilling," explains Goin. "We're seeing lots of examples like someone who works at a company in a human resources-type role, but [would rather] be the company go-to counselor. Or, somebody who is in law enforcement, but would like to work on crisis intervention side of things."
Recycling Yourself
For Jeff Short, 18 years in the business world compelled him to pursue a profession with more meaning. "When I first graduated college, my main objective was making money," he explains. After building a business with more than 450 employees, Jeff realized that something was missing. "You work so hard to build a business from the ground up, and then you sell it - which is the goal for most people with businesses. After that, it's gone," he explains. "When you get older, you start feeling a desire to impact people, and give back to your community."
Jeff's community is Garner-Hayfield, Iowa, a small town of 3,000. When he learned that its school district was suffering from a shortage of instructors for specialized courses - particularly industrial technology classes, which were his favorite in high school - he decided to find a way to help bridge the gap.
"I was contemplating going back to night classes to get my teaching certification, when the state of Iowa approved Kaplan University's master of education and intern teaching program," he says. When he graduates from the online program, Jeff will be eligible for hire. "It's worked out perfectly because of the flexibility of studying. I can work the classes into my schedule."
The enthusiasm Jeff has for recycling himself back into the community with a brand new degree is precisely what Becky Shermis had in mind when she designed the curriculum. "It's all about 'growing your own,'" explains the dean of teacher education for Kaplan's Graduate School of Education. "These people already know the culture of the town and the nature of its students. If we can bring folks in from the community to help give back, they are more apt to stay and really make an impact."
A Curriculum for Compassion
After graduating high school, Jessica Baldino followed in the footsteps of her mom and began working at a local hospital while trying to figure out what her life's focus would be. That's where she discovered that transforming her desire to help people into a full-time profession was possible.
"I always knew I wanted to go back to school, but what I really wanted was to be able to make a living and help people at the same time," she says. "I enrolled in Oakton College's nursing program, which has a flexible online curriculum, and I'll be finishing my degree in four weeks."
Once she's completed the coursework, Jessica's inclination to care for others will also be her livelihood. "It's so fulfilling to not only make helping others my career, but also to explore the academic side of it," she says. "Beyond the technical things like learning how to administer medicine, we learn about communication tactics with patients, the history of the profession, and have discussions on ethics."
Learn How to Make a Difference - Literally
What students are recognizing as a benefit of these online education programs is that they are able to schedule their coursework in a manner that frees up time to put their education into practice.
"Our courses not only emphasize theory, but also theory to action," explains Dr. Gary Kelsey, a faculty member at Walden University's School of Public Policy and Administration, which offers courses in philanthropic subjects such as nonprofit management, fundraising, and organizational development and planning. "We encourage students to apply real human and organizational issues to coursework."
Much like how Jessica was able to blend the hands-on desire to reach out to others with the application of related coursework, Kelsey cites a similar blend of theory and practice as part of Walden's online coursework. "Public sector professionals must have a greater understanding of how they can work together to achieve greater results." That means, that before you can make a positive difference in the way your community functions, you've got to learn what makes the system tick. Once you acquire that academic foundation, you can effect change in a smart, informed, effective manner.
Who would have thought that pitching in to raise awareness for cancer victims, lobbying for safer streets at night, or advocating for community development could become your full-time passion through education? By hitting the books, you'll get the opportunity to take the activities you find fulfilling at home - with your family, friends, and colleagues - and turn them into a lucrative career. Now there's a reward you can take to the bank.
© 2006 Classes USA, Inc. All rights reserved.