7 Inspiring Ways to Fill a C.V Gap

If you’re unsure about taking your studies online, here are ten convincing reasons to choose e-learning over traditional study environments.

1. Convenience

The only commute you’ll have to deal with when you choose online study is the walk from your bedroom to a study. This is a huge advantage to online learning as not only are you saving time in getting to and from a physical location – you’re also saving on transport costs.

2. Flexibility

Online study doesn’t interfere with work commitments or family life. The self-paced nature of online learning means if you’re swamped at work or have an important family event, study can be put on hold until your busy life accommodates your learning goals. Many online courses, including those with Australian Online Courses, have no expiration date – so you can take weeks or years to finish your study program.

3. Concentration

When you control your study environment there are less distractions to get in the way of absorbing course content. Many students will attest to the fact that loud, inconsiderate people in their lectures make it difficult to concentrate. There are also other factors, such as a lecturer’s tone and voice volume that can hinder learning. When you control your environment digitally you enhance your learning, and improve your ability to absorb important course information in less time.

4. Interaction

We’re not all extroverts. Those among us who fall more heavily on the introversion spectrum will often participate more fully when in an e-learning environment. The absence of a face-to-face or group situation will give confidence to the more shy or introverted student, allowing them to ‘chat’ and interact more fully with lecturers and other students. The ability to ask questions privately, either through email or a phone conversation, with a course facilitator is a huge bonus for more quiet, reticent students.

5. Career Advancement

When you commit to an online course you don’t need to quit your day job. You can still continue to work full-time or part-time while you work your way through your studies. This means you won’t have any employment gaps on your C.V due to furthering your education.

6. Fill C.V Gaps

Life can throw us curve balls from time to time. It’s how we deal with these blows that determine how successful we’ll be in future. So, if you’ve lost your job, through redundancy or by choice, why not start an online learning course to enhance your confidence and your C.V? If you’ve started a family and are taking time off to be a full-time parent, studying online is an excellent way to fill any employment gaps with academic achievement.

7. Variety

There’s no shortage of choice when you’re not limited by geography, from four-year degree programs to professional development certificates, there are literally hundreds of learning topics and levels of education online. So, if you’re interested in an obscure area of study you don’t need to move cities – it’s all there at the tip of your fingers with an e-learning study provider.

8. Affordability

There’s no doubt about it – studying online is more affordable than traditional learning at an on-campus facility. In addition to the reduced costs of commuting, your study materials are all electronic (in most cases) so there’s no need to pay for costly textbooks and printed course materials.

9. Comfort

You may want to get out of your pajamas to start your study day – but you don’t have to! There are no physical classes to attend so attire is optional. However, don’t get too comfortable! You might like to abandon the couch and set up a workspace that enhances your productivity. Take a look at 10 Tips For a Beautiful and Productive Home Office to set up your study space.

10. Improve Your Technical Skills

When you choose to study online you have the added benefit of improving your technical and computer skills. You will take part in an e-learning environment that will require the development of new computer skills, such as navigating different e-learning management programs. You will experience and learn how to incorporate audio and video materials into your learning and assessments and discover how to join online discussions and forums.

Creative writing is a wonderful hobby but writing every day can be a challenge. What if you could incorporate it into your career? People have probably told you to study for a “real” job, but there are legitimate career paths where creative writing skills are essential. Here are ten of the best.

1. Advertising Copywriter

Advertising copywriters work in a creative department and report to the art director within an advertising, media or full-service agency. The job involves writing words (copy) to client briefs to create, develop and produce successful advertising campaigns.

Copywriters create headlines, slogans, catchphrases, straplines and body copy for hardcopy materials and write specialised copy for websites, social media and mobile applications. There may be opportunity to write scripts for radio jingles and TV commercials.

2. Arts Administrator

If you’re passionate about the arts, a career as an arts administrator might be for you. This role is responsible for the management of activities and projects required by organisations in the arts sector, including arts festivals, community and arts organisations, theatres, galleries and museums. Your creative writing skills will involve contributing to publications that accompany events and activities.

3. Creative Director

Creative directors work in graphic design, film, music, video game, fashion, advertising, media, or entertainment industries. This role may also be useful in other creative organisations such as web development and software development firms. The creative director may also assume the roles of an art director, senior copywriter, or lead designer.

4. Digital Copywriter

A digital copywriter specialises in writing for the web. The basics still apply, so writing to inform and engage the reader and motivate them to do something, whether it’s to buy a product or use service, is important. However, digital copywriters must conform to a new set of rules, as people read differently online.

5. Editorial Assistant

This position involves editorial and administrative work. For instance, editorial assistants oversee freelance writers to make sure deadlines are met but also contribute to the editorial. In book publishing, editorial assistants work directly under specific editors. There is also opportunity to work in digital publishing for online publications, which involves editing and writing website content and using social media.

6. Lexicographer

A lexicographer produces dictionaries and tracks the progress of language. Duties typically include compiling, writing, editing and organising definitions for use in dictionaries, lists, lexicons and encyclopedias. The job may include compiling reference books, specialised texts, such as medical dictionaries, or edited dictionaries designed for specific audiences, such as children or students. Working with and defining words all day will enhance your vocabulary and exercise your creativity.

7. Magazine & Newspaper Journalist

A magazine or newspaper reporter writes features, stories and columns for print and online publications. They interview people and turn their interviews into compelling stories. They have strong editing and proofreading skills and can take on multiple tasks. As a feature writer, creative writing is essential to engage the reader to draw them into a story.

8. Web Content Manager

A web content manager is typically responsible for the content that appears on a website. They are typically in charge of content producers, content placement and content quality. Content managers are often part of the creative team that designs and structures the website.

9. Creative Writer

Creative writing is a broad field that can include many career paths. Creative writers may contribute articles to magazines or anthologies, work as authors or teach creative writing.

10. Public Relations

Public relations professionals need excellent writing and relationship building skills. They also need to be well-informed of what is current and newsworthy. They are good at analysing and disseminating information and are able to identify interesting angles that meet client objectives.

Creative Writing Courses 

Creative Writing Program

Certificate of Freelance Writing

Advanced Certificate of Professional Writing and Editing

If you’re looking for simple ways to improve your writing, whether you’re an aspiring novelist, business writer or blogger, you’re sure to be inspired by these ten tips.

1. Read, Read, Read!

Reading other peoples’ writing is one of the best ways to improve yours. If it’s blogs you aspire to write, subscribe to blogs of interest and read them daily. If it’s fiction, read books in the genre you want to write. Who’s your favourite author? What genre to they write? This is a good indication of the type of book you should write. Write what you know and enjoy. Download your favourite books in iBooks or if you prefer a ‘real’ book visit the library or a bookstore and stock up for some holiday reading.

2. Brush up on Basic Principles of Writing, Grammar and Spelling

If you don’t have a solid foundation to build upon your writing will fall down. Ensure you have the basics of English writing, spelling and grammar covered before you embark on a writing project. You can study a short course, such as Improve Your English Grammar with Australian Online Courses to ensure your writing is impeccable.

3. Join a Writing Group

There are plenty of online writers’ groups you can join for support, whether you’re writing fiction, blogging or any other form of writing. You can also join a community group of likeminded writers to help inspire and improve your writing.  A quick Internet search with your city and “writing groups” will bring up various options in your area. You can also join writers’ groups on LinkedIn and Facebook.

4. Study a Short Course

There are many professional development courses to improve your writing. These online writing courses are affordable, convenient and can be completed quickly to kickstart your writing practice or career. Australian Online Courses has many writing courses available, including Certificate of Business Writing & Communication, Creative Writing Program, and more.

5. Edit Your Work

No matter how good a writer you are you’re going to make mistakes. Online grammar and spell checkers are excellent tools but they’re not fool-proof. Print out a hard copy of your work – if possible – and read it forwards and then backwards to pick up on any missed errors. If you need to brush up on your editing skills, you can study a short course like the Advanced Certificate of Professional Writing and Editing from Australian Online Courses.

6. Read the Dictionary

Enhance your vocabulary by learning a new word every day. There’s the old-fashioned way – simply pick up a dictionary and flip to a random page. Or try an online Dictionary and sign up for their Word of the Day to have it sent to your email. You can also download the Word of the Day App to have a new word sent to your mobile daily – and watch your vocabulary grow! Your writing and verbal communication will improve exponentially if you maintain this habit.

7. Outline Before You Start

Planning is an important first step in writing. Well planned writing projects save you time and will improve the outcome of your work, whether it’s to educate, sell to or entertain your audience. Always start with an online, then research, write and finally edit.

8. Ask Someone to Read Your Writing

You may miss a critical spelling or grammatical error in your work because you’re too familiar with the content. A fresh pair of eyes will ensure your writing is perfect before it goes to print or is live on a website. If you need professional editing services, check out Scribendi to enhance your writing or if you’ve taken an editing course, like the Advanced Certificate of Professional Writing and Editing, you may also find work as a professional proof-reader.

9. Use Technology

There’s an App for that, of course! Use technology to your advantage to gain some writing time and space. Check out Ommwriter, the perfect place to think and write. Or ZenPen, for minimal distraction and maximum zen.

10. Create a Writing Space and Time

You’ll be more motivated to write regularly if you have a place and scheduled time for writing. Create an area in your home where you feel inspired and are free from distractions. For tips on creating this space read 10 Tips for a Beautiful and Productive Home Office.  There’s also advice on how to make time for writing here 5 Ways to Inspire and Make Time for Creativity.

When was the last time you were creative? Whether it’s writing, baking, gardening, painting or playing music – creative pursuits are therapy for your mind.

Here are five reasons you need to tap into your creative side.

1. Reduces Stress

A study in published in Art Therapy: Journal of the American Art Therapy Association, found that just 45 minutes of engaging in a creative project significantly reduces stress in the body. What you create doesn’t have to be Instagram-worthy either, as it’s the act of being absorbed in the creative project that reduces stress, regardless of the outcome.

The Victorian Government’s Better Health Channel reports there is growing evidence suggesting stress may contribute to cardiovascular disease (although this link remains controversial and research is ongoing), high blood pressure, proneness to infection and chronic fatigue.

2. Decreases Age-Related Brain Degeneration

In an ABC News report, Adelaide neurologist Dr. James Leyden states that creative pursuits are better at warding off dementia than brain-training apps.

Dr. Leyden said studies showed that creative pursuits protect people against dementia, improved the rehabilitation of stroke victims and soothed the symptoms of people with Parkinson’s disease.

Further, research by the Mayo Clinic Study of Aging found that people engaged in artistic pursuits were 70 per cent less likely to develop dementia.

3. Boosts Your Social Life

The social health benefits of having a hobby have long been documented. Those engaged in a hobby are more likely to have wider social circles, a sense of purpose and a feeling of belonging. As such, creative pursuits reduce social isolation. So, join a club, society or group based on your own creative interests.

4. Improves Your Mood

One of the benefits of creativity is falling into a state of flow – a term coined by psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi . In positive psychology, flow – also known as ‘the zone’ – is the mental state of being completely absorbed by an activity and experiencing energised focus. This often results in loss of one’s sense of space and time. Flow is especially beneficial for people with depression or anxiety, as engaging creative pursuits can improve mood.

5. Boosts Self-Esteem & Concentration

Using our creative mind to create art, craft, music, food, poetry or creative writing gives us a sense of accomplishment that makes us feel good about ourselves. Our brains release the “feel good” neurotransmitter dopamine, which boosts drive, focus and concentration.

In addition to a healthy lifestyle, such as exercising, eating a well-balanced diet and getting enough sleep – these five mental and emotional benefits will protect your brain now and in the future.

Hopefully you’re inspired to write that book, create that painting or come up with a unique recipe to bake and decorate those delicious cupcakes!

We spend a third of our lives working, so it makes sense to choose a career that makes us healthier and happier. That said, almost half of Australians are dissatisfied with their jobs. So, if you’re ready for a change, take a look at six careers that improve physical or emotional wellbeing.

1. FITNESS INSTRUCTOR

When you’re paid to help people workout it’s difficult not to be super fit! As a fitness instructor, you reap the benefits of getting your clients in great shape. Your job keeps you active every day. If you work outside, you’re also exposed to nature and a natural environment boosts feel-good hormones and reduces stress. Physical activity is essential to health, so if you can see yourself helping others reach their fitness and weight-loss goals this could be the perfect career for you.

2. NUTRITIONIST OR DIETICIAN

As an expert in the fields of food and nutrition you will help people achieve optimal health and as a result you’re educated to take care of yourself. So, turn your passion for health into a profession as a nutritionist or dietician. Advising people on how to eat for good health is certain to set you up for a lifetime of wellbeing.

3. YOGA/PILATES INSTRUCTOR

A holistic education for the body, mind and spirit, yoga and Pilates teachers enjoy the feel-good factor of helping others, while working on their own strength, fitness and emotional wellbeing.

4. FLORIST/GARDENER/FARMER/PARK RANGER

Have you heard of Forest Therapy? In Japan, spending time in nature has long been used to treat stress, depression and even high-blood pressure. Those who work in nature, such as landscape gardeners, farmers, florists and park rangers, have access to better air-quality and enjoy the calming effects of nature.

5. MASSAGE THERAPIST

Massage therapists need to be physically fit and strong. They also have the advantage of working in a peaceful environment and know how to focus on relaxation, which is important for emotional wellbeing.

6. ARTIST/WRITER

Expressing creativity is great for our brain and emotional wellbeing. When your work encourages you to tap into creativity, such as writing or designing, you focus your attention in a similar way to meditating. If you write about health-related topics, you also get an education on how to maintain a healthy lifestyle while educating others.

AUSTRALIAN ONLINE COURSES

Australian Online Courses offers a comprehensive array of courses, developed in consultation with industry experts, to give you the skills and knowledge to pursue new roles or enhance your C.V for career advancement.

Our flexible study timeframes, affordable prices and unmatched customer support from our administration team and tutors are at the heart of what we do.

A state-of-the-art eLearning platform means you can study anywhere, anytime. So, sign up with Australian Online Courses today and get the skills and confidence to discover a career you love.

Choose a Career That’s Good for You

A professional development course in one of the following industries could lead to a happier and healthier career. Start today and study at your own pace towards a more fulfilling future.

Certificate of Human Nutrition

Certificate of Nutrition and Dietetics Assistance

Certificate of Freelance Writing

Creative Writing Program

If you suddenly lose your job it can be a shock. But once the shock wears off there are many ways to bounce back according to Counselling Psychotherapist Dr Karen Phillip.

Dr. Phillip says disappointment and feeling let down by an employer is a common reaction to being retrenched. “The person may be confused as to the reason the business failed or the reason they were selected for retrenchment,” she says.

She says retrenchment is much harder on older employees. “When younger the issue does not seem as severe. It escalates in severity the older the person is, as mature workers may find restarting in another company more challenging due to age issues.”

“Many retrenched workers lose confidence in themselves and their self-worth can tumble. This is especially relevant if they are the main bread-winner or financial support for their family,” she says.

So, what are the positives of being retrenched? Dr. Phillip explains.

1. Be Open to Possibilities

As shocking or disappointing as it may be to lose your job, it opens the door to possibilities that you may never have considered.

2. Reinvent Yourself

Retrenchment allows you to reinvent yourself. So, if there’s ever been a time in your life to change the direction of your career – now is the perfect opportunity.

3. Pursue Your Passion

One of the benefits of retrenchment is the time to consider what you’re passionate about. Consider this time as an opportunity to pursue your passion, as being stuck in a job for money does not permit us to follow our passion.

4. Work for Yourself

If you’ve ever considered working for yourself retrenchment is a great motivator. Consider stepping into your own business, be your own boss and set your own rules.

5. Consider a New Direction

Take some time to consider a new direction, one that will fulfil you and use your experience and abilities.

6. Focus on Your Future

Focus on things you have always wanted to accomplish in your work or career. Consider educating yourself in an additional or different way, follow your passion and focus on things you can achieve rather than looking back at any loss.

When we look back we often remain stuck in the past. We know we are unable to change events of the past, what we can do however is create new opportunities and possibilities for our future.

7. Take Temporary Work

This is important until you find that permanent position that’s right for you. Always consider financial budgeting while you are seeking new employment. Take on a part-time temporary job to ensure bills are paid while focusing on new events in your life and career.

8. Keep yourself physically active

Never sit around bored or lazy as this creates sadness and frustration. Schedule regular exercise routine to keep your mind and body in top shape.

9. Seek Support

You should consider counselling to dissolve any past issue causing you distress. Keep your loved ones close and informed, they are your support system during this transition time in your life.

If you’ve been retrenched and are feeling lost, disbanded or unempowered, then counselling can help you redevelop a sense of self-worth and self-confidence. It can also assist you to develop a new focus and open your mind to future possibilities.

10. Volunteer

To keep yourself feeling needed and worthwhile consider a voluntary position – there is always someone that needs your help. Visit Go Volunteer for opportunities in your area.

If you have a partner, friend or family member who can’t cook, then share this post with them! It’s for their own good. After all, cooking is an essential life skill. Clinical Nutritionist and Food Scientist, Lisa Moane, says there are many reasons to learn to cook.

1. Make Healthier Choices

Eating a nutritious diet is difficult if you can’t cook as you’ll become dependent on processed foods. When you cook at home you can avoid chemicals like artificial flavours, colours, emulsifiers and stabilisers. These are detrimental to your health, but are impossible to avoid if you can’t cook.

2. Eat More Mindfully

When you cook, you have a greater awareness of what’s going into your body. You will know how much fats, sugar and nutrients are in the food you cook for yourself or your family. This means you’ll think twice about what you eat.

3. Save Money

It is much more economical to cook at home than buy pre-prepared food or takeaway. The money you can save is better invested in quality foods, such as organic produce.

4. Better for the Environment

When you buy processed and packaged foods a lot of it goes to landfill. Cooking at home with fresh vegetables and meat creates a lot less waste.

5. The Treat Economy

When you buy sweets and baked goods at the supermarket, you end up eating them far too frequently. If you have a policy to cook every treat at home, you’ll make them less often and eat less of the sugary stuff.

6. A Bonding Experience

Cooking with your partner, kids or friends is an educational and bonding experience. Kids will have a new appreciation for food and where it comes from if you regularly include them in cooking and baking.

If you’re still not convinced, here are a few more reasons that learning to cook is a necessity.  

7. It’s Easier Than You Think

Read recipes books, tune into a cooking show or get expert tuition via a short cooking course, such as Certificate of Commercial Cooking Operations, Cakes, Pastries & Breads, and Stocks, Sauces & Soups. You’re sure to be inspired by one of the many cooking courses on offer at Australian Online Courses.

8. Self-Sufficiency & Independence

As a grown adult, you should be able to shop for and prepare your own meals. If you can’t do this fundamental task, it’s time to learn. You’ll feel empowered by the ability to fend for yourself in the kitchen, ensuring your meals are healthy.

9. Boost Your Social Skills

Imagine being the perfect host and inviting friends and family over for a dinner party that you prepared yourself. They’ll be impressed by your culinary skills. If you cook with your partner, it can also spur positive communication and connection.

10. Recipe for a Healthy Mind

Did you know cooking induces calm? There’s something therapeutic and meditative about the repetition of chopping, slicing and measuring when it comes to preparing a meal. You can also practice mindfulness by being aware of all your senses while you cook. Maintain focus on the task at hand and feel your thoughts slow down. Plus, there’s a delicious meal at the end of it – win, win!

Certificate of Commercial Cookery

In this online Certificate of Commercial Cooking Operations, you will gain an in-depth understanding of kitchen management and learn a range of cookery skills for live service or production periods. You will learn how to prepare dishes, including appetisers and salads, stocks, sauces and soups, poultry, meat and seafood, as well as vegetable, fruit and eggs dishes. You will also learn how to prepare food to meet special dietary requirements.

This online course will equip you for professional cookery roles, incorporating all aspects of organising, preparing and cooking a variety of food items across different service periods and menu types, using a range of cooking methods and team coordination skills. The course integrates the key technical and organisational skills required by a commercial cook

View all courses here

“Every child is an artist, the problem is staying an artist when you grow up.” – Pablo Picasso.

Picasso’s famous words remind us that we are all creative, but most of us have forgotten. If it’s been a while since you’ve indulged your creative side, whether it’s art, craft, writing, music or any other creative pursuit that inspires you, use these five strategies to release your creative inner child.

1. Strict Switch-Off Times

Technology, whether it’s Facebook, Netflix or Google, robs us of precious time. In the smart phone era we now have unlimited distractions twenty-four, seven. If creative projects are important to you create ‘black-out’ times where you eliminate distractions to gain focus. It could be just an hour a day, week or fortnight where you allow your creative side to emerge by immersing yourself in a quiet, distraction-free environment. Ironically, there are Apps for lessening and monitoring your screen time, whether on your mobile or tablet. Check out Moment or Offtime.

2. Schedule It and Stick to It

You wouldn’t skip out on an important social or work event without an excellent reason, so take the same hard line with your creative work. Just as you commit to other activities, including work, exercise and social events, schedule creative time into your week and stick to it. It can be tempting to find distractions or excuses, but you’ll feel better about yourself if you stay true to your creative projects.

3. Enrol in a Class or Creative Course

If you’re feeling stuck an art class or writing course might kickstart your creativity. Value your creative pursuits and invest in yourself just as you would with professional development at work or a gym membership. The rewards may not pay off financially at first, but many a passion has turned into a lucrative business. You never know where your creativity will take you. If writing is your passion, check out The Certificate of Creative Writing  with Australian Online Courses.

4. Find Your Tribe

A group of like-minded people will hold you accountable and will encourage you to finish that book, painting or other creative project. It’s true what they say, there is power in numbers and the more people you have behind you the greater chance you will succeed. We all need support when the going gets tough and though Einstein said, ‘creativity is intelligence having fun,’ sometimes being creative is hard work. Think writer’s block and blank canvas anxiety. Look on community and library noticeboards or head online to find a supportive group of people who share your passion.

5. Create a Space

If you make a space for your creativity you can let family and friends know you are not to be disturbed unless it’s urgent. You can also create an online space for your creative outlet by setting up a blog. This is a great way to attract like-minded people to grow your network. If you’d like to make your space beautiful and productive, check out 10 Tips for a Beautiful and Productive Home Office.

Study Creative Writing

They say there’s at least one great novel in all of us just waiting to be released. Could yours be the next bestseller? If you have a penchant for writing this course is sure to kickstart your creative writing career.

The Introduction to Creative Writing  is an introductory professional development program that will provide you with the knowledge, skills and techniques required to create compelling fiction and creative non-fiction.

In this online creative writing course, you will discover the scope and nature of creative writing, writing methodologies and techniques, research and writing inspiration, story and character development and how to write realistic dialogue.

You will hone your creative writing skills, including how to kick-start your writing process, boost your writing confidence and learn how to develop compelling characters.

At the end of this course, you will be equipped with the knowledge and skills required to successfully distribute and sell your creative writing pieces.