Do You Have What it Takes to be a Successful Counsellor?

Do You Have What it Takes to be a Successful Counsellor?

If you’re considering a career as a counsellor there are four questions you should consider before you enrol in a training course, according to Dan Auerbach, Sydney-based psychotherapist with Associated Counsellors & Psychologists Sydney.

A good counsellor requires a specific mix of skills and personality traits, says Auerbach. “First, it helps to be genuinely interested in how people work and how relationships work. This includes being thoughtful about your own inner world and your relationships.”

 

Ask yourself,

  1. Are you curious about people?

 

  1. Do friends or family come to you for advice or to share what’s going on?

 

  1. Do you feel deeply for the people around you?

 

  1. Do you enjoy talking to friends about their emotional life and their relationships?

 

If your answer was yes to all four questions it’s likely you possess skills that provide a good base for a career as a counsellor, says Auerbach.

It’s this empathetic and caring nature that matters, advises Auerbach, as good counsellors genuinely like their clients and are warm ‘people-people.’ “It’s important that overall you see the best in people and have some ability to relate to a broad range of people and experiences.”

Successful counsellors are also comfortable with a range of emotions, including their own and those of others. “This helps them to stay with clients while they work through or learn to engage with their own emotional life,” he says.

“If you feel you have a mix of curiosity and warmth and can be present with emotion, counselling could be a great fit,” says Auerbach.

A Career as a Counsellor. What’s the Reality?

As a counsellor, a typical day involves seeing six clients for sessions of around 50 to 55 minutes, says Auerbach, with couple counselling sessions extending to an hour and a half or even two hours.

“I see couples as well as individuals and this means a lot of variety in the sorts of presentations I see as well as in the way I work.”

Auerbach says individual work can be a lot more reflective and conversational with a slower pace, but often adds an emotional depth to the counselling work. “It’s very intimate in that I form a very close working relationship with my clients,” he says.

The nature of the work changes in couples counselling, says Auerbach. “You’re constantly watching the dynamic between the couple and are always on the ready to intervene. It’s a much more active style of work. That variety keeps things fresh.”

A Rewarding and Interesting Career.

A career as a counsellor is hugely rewarding, says Auerbach. “It’s an enormous privilege to share people’s deepest struggles, their innermost thoughts and their victories.”

It’s also an incredibly interesting job, he says. “Together with our clients, we get to work out what drives them, what gets in their way and how to make it safe for them to make a change in their lives.”

Being a counsellor is an intellectual exercise as well as a deeply emotionally-engaging one, adds Auerbach. “We form a truly remarkable relationship with our clients which can be moving, rewarding and at times challenging,” he says.

So, What’s the Downside?

The absence of team work and working alone is the biggest drawback to being a counsellor, according to Auerbach. “Staying connected with like-minded peers, doing lots of training and joining social groups in other workplaces are good ways overcome this relative isolation,” he says.

Study for a Career as a Counsellor.

Do you see yourself as a future youth worker, life coach, mental health worker or counsellor?

If you feel counselling is a good match for your personality and abilities why not take the next step?

Australian Online Courses offer a  Certificate of Counselling that’s developed in consultation with industry experts to ensure your learning is up-to-date and industry-approved for the best employment prospects.

Your learning is delivered via our state-of-the-art eLearning platform, so you can study anywhere and at any time. You have access to dedicated tutors and supportive administration staff seven days a week to ensure your success.

As a further commitment to your success, Australian Online Courses also provide all students with a free Graduate Careers Package, to help you find work after you have completed your course.

Contact one of our friendly consultants today and find out how you can start your career as a counsellor.

12 Careers That Make Introverts Happy

It’s difficult to be an introvert in an extrovert’s world – a world that can’t stop talking, according to author Susan Cain who started a  Quiet Revolution with her bestselling book Quiet.

The book highlighted the power of introversion. It put a positive spin on traits such as shyness, sensitivity and seriousness. Suddenly being an introvert became akin to having superpowers.

But while many of us identify with introversion, we’re not true introverts, says Jade Varley, human behaviour and career change expert of Suited to Business.

Varley says we could be an ambivert. “What’s interesting about introversion and extroversion is that there is a spectrum. Often, we label a person as either an introvert or extrovert, when they might be an ambivert, which falls right in the middle.”

If you’re unsure about where on the spectrum you fall, you can take the Myer Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) online to discover the importance of your personality type in choosing a career.

Are You a True Introvert?

The Cambridge Dictionary defines an introvert as someone who is shy, quiet, and unable to make friends easily.

This is obviously an oversimplified definition of what it means to be an introverted person. It also fails to acknowledge the many benefits of being introverted.

An Introvert’s Superpower: Creativity.

In a TED talk, Cain explains when introverts deny their true nature society loses creativity. “When it comes to creativity and leadership, we need introverts. When psychologists look at the lives of the most creative people, what they find are people who are very good at exchanging and advancing ideas but who also have a serious streak of introversion. And solitude is a crucial ingredient to creativity,” she says.

An Introvert’s Personality Traits:

  • Needs time to think and process
  • Is detail-oriented and focused
  • Is energised by time alone
  • Prefers one-to-one discussions
  • Values privacy
  • Needs time to plan
  • Prefers deep connections (over casual conversations)
  • Has few interests/friends
  • Prefers listening to talking

So, when it comes to choosing a career, what do introverts have that extroverts don’t? Are there jobs where introverts shine?

Varley says, absolutely! “The better the career match to your level of introversion the more energy you will have for your role, providing it’s enjoyable and you’re skilled at it,” she says.

Varley says the following careers lend themselves to an introverted personality-type but keep in mind the nature of any job varies from day-to-day.

  1. Accountant

Accountants deal with numbers daily and need to be detailed, a common introvert trait, to ensure work is accurate.

  1. Technician

The nature of a technician’s role will vary depending on the industry but they generally work alone and need to deal with complex, technical, detailed problems.

  1. Engineer

Analytical problem solving, research, finding and analysing factual criteria are essential to the work of engineers – these are all introvert-biased tasks.

  1. Scientist

As with most introverted careers the atmosphere of a science lab is extremely quiet.  You can literally hear a pin drop!  The working environment also tends to be dark and away from lots people –  perfect for introverts!

  1. IT Professional

IT requires very detailed, technical and complicated problem solving that needs a high level of concentration and quiet time away from distractions. A true introvert will enjoy this solitude, increasing their productivity and wellbeing.

  1. Lawyer

A significant majority of lawyers are introverts, due to the very detail-orientated nature of their work. Lawyers need to be analytical and to be able to look at things from multiple angles.  Depending on the speciality most lawyers’ day-to-day tasks include report writing and understanding legislation.

  1. Court Reporter

Consider yourself a wallflower? You’re perfect for the job of a court reporter. Simply record and transcribe proceedings then write your report – no need for interaction with lots of people as a court reporter generally works alone.

  1. Urban & Regional Planner

The day-to-day role of an urban & regional planner consists of report writing, reading detailed legislation and managing small teams.  The offices of town planners are generally quiet. There are some extroverts in urban and regional planning but they’re in the minority.

  1. Author

Alone, writing and reflecting with limited contact with people – the life of a writer is an introvert’s dream – particularly as many introverts also love to read!

  1. Vet Assistant.

Veterinary assistants and animal caretakers may work with a small group of people but generally work independently to care for animals in a clinic or lab. Assistants are responsible for feeding, bathing and exercising the animals, cleaning cages and examination areas, assisting during procedures and dispensing medication.

  1. Analyst

Like technicians, analysts often need silence to concentrate and focus on the task at hand. A data analyst’s job is to take that data and use it to help companies make better business decisions. There are many different types of data analysts, including operations analysts, marketing analysts, financial analysts.

  1. Social Media Marketer

This sounds like an oxymoron, we know! But social media is computer-based socialising – perfect for those of us who are introverts. Your job is to make sure your company is visible on social networks but you’ll spend most of your time hidden behind a computer.

 

Is Your Personality at Odds with Your Career?

If your job’s zapping your energy you could be in the wrong career for your personality-type. Or perhaps you’re in the right career, but the wrong company, says Varley.

“Problems arise when an introvert is in an extroverted environment and they don’t feel comfortable but aren’t sure why.”

An example of this situation is a social media marketer who enjoys quiet work behind a computer in a real estate agent’s office.  “Real estate agents are traditionally extroverts and the social media marketer is likely to feel drained and at odds with the team culture if they are expected to act and be different,” she says.

Varley says an introvert will feel drained by the expectation of having to socialise and working in a noisy and distracting office.

“It’s important to realise, people may appear extroverted but this is more their personality than their natural behavioural style,” says Varley.

 

Study Like a True Introvert.

Australian Online Courses have hundreds of professional development courses to suit every personality-type. Browse the courses that we feel most value an introvert’s perspective on the world.

At Australian Online Courses learning is delivered via our state-of-the-art eLearning platform, so you can study anywhere and at any time – in the quiet of your own home! You won’t feel alone though with access to dedicated tutors and supportive administration staff seven days a week to ensure your success.

As a further commitment to your success, Australian Online Courses also provide all students with a free Graduate Careers Package, to help you find work after you have completed your course.

Contact one of our friendly consultants today and find out how you can begin a career that values your true self.

 

Certificate of Bookkeeping and Accounting

Certificate of Information Technology

Certificate of Networking Foundations

Certificate of Creative Writing

Certificate of Legal Administration – Paralegal

Analyse Financial Reports and Budgets

Introduction to Strategic Planning

Certificate of Social Media and Engagement

New Online Psychology Course

Are you interested in what makes people tick? Pursue your interest in human behaviour and build your career in psychology with the Introduction to Psychology.

Whether you wish to launch a psychology career or acquire an understanding of psychology to complement your current role, the Introduction to Psychology will give you the foundation knowledge for a deeper understanding of human behaviour.

This comprehensive program will explore the following areas:

  • Psychological science
  • Research and statistics
  • Biological psychology
  • Human development
  • Psychology theories
  • Psychological disorders
  • Psychology therapies
  • Sensation, perception, and consciousness
  • Learning and conditioning
  • Cognition and intelligence
  • And much more

Click here to view the full course outline

Competing for a Job? 8 Easy Steps to a Stand Out C.V

Director & Head Recruiter at Purple Squirrel Recruitment, Anna Hodges, says the most common question she’s asked by applicants is how can I stand out? “Surprisingly, my top tips aren’t the newest or trickiest ideas. They’re about going back to basics and making sure you are remembered for the right reasons,” she says.

  1. Check Spelling and Grammar

This sounds simple and I can already see the eyes rolling! But you wouldn’t believe the spelling mistakes and grammatical errors I read in C.Vs. Get a friend or family member to double-check it. The last thing you want is a mistake when saying you have “excellent verbal and written communication skills.”

  1. Use Easy-to-Read Font

Apple Chancery might be your absolute favourite font because it looks so pretty, but if human resources or a recruitment manager can’t understand the writing, your C.V is going to the bottom of the pile!

  1. Correct and Visible Personal Details

Ensure your name, address and contact details (mobile number and an email address) are included and on the front page. If I can’t find these details within a few seconds, it’s all too hard.

  1. Include a Cover Letter!

This will make you stand out, as many candidates can’t be bothered. Personalise the letter and explain why you have applied for the role and why you’re suitable. Make it relevant. This is especially important if you are changing roles, careers or are moving locations; you need to explain your story and why you are applying for the role.

  1. Personal Summary or Profile

There is debate amongst recruiters about the need for a summary but I say it’s a must! It’s a short summary (one paragraph) that explains who you are, where you have come from and what you are looking for. It should be on the front page of your C.V after your personal details. It gives the employer one more reason to call you.

  1. Keep it Short and Sweet

Three pages (maximum) is ideal. You don’t want to bore the reader and remember that if they’re searching through a pile of C.Vs, they won’t have time to read it all. A great format includes:

  • A Summary
  • Education History
  • Work History
  • Other Relevant Volunteer Work or Hobbies

  1. White Space

Just like silence in an interview, it’s ok to have a bit of space. Cramming everything onto one page in 8-point font just to squeeze it all in isn’t a great idea! Remember, someone needs to read it!

  1. Make it About YOU!

This is your chance to sell yourself. Use your skills and experience to show your strengths and make them relevant to the role you’re applying for. If you’re applying for an administration role and you only have experience washing dishes in a café, use it! You could say you work towards required targets (those dishes don’t clean themselves) and you can manage many priorities from different people within a short time-frame.

Your C.V is Your Marketing Collateral

The aim is to get the reader to call you to organise an interview to find out more about you. That’s the goal, so keep that in mind when writing or updating your C.V.

Have someone read your C.V for a different opinion and to make sure it’s relevant. Or better still, chat to a recruiter in the field you want to work and ask for their advice.

 

Australian Online Courses: Graduate Careers Package

When you study with Australian Online Courses you give yourself the best chance of finding a career you love.

That’s because our courses are developed in consultation with industry experts. It’s because you’re a person to us. Our tutors and administrative staff know you by name and are available seven days a week to answer any questions you have about coursework or simply to offer advice.

New Online Technical Writing Course

Looking to add to your repertoire of writing skills? Australian Online Courses is excited to announce its new online course Certificate of Technical Writing.

So, if you’d like to learn how to break complex processes and diagrams into simpler terms for written documents then the lucrative field of technical writing might be for you.

If you work in a technical field this course is the perfect professional development course to improve your writing skills.

There’s no shortage of projects for skilled technical writers, with many businesses requiring this speciality, from schools to universities, government departments and IT companies.

So, take a look at this new online writing course to add to your professional writing skills today.

10 Wanderlust-Inspired Careers for the Adventurous

So, you want to travel the world but you don’t have a bottomless bank account. Have you considered a career that takes you places – literally? There are many jobs that whisk you off to exotic destinations. Here are our picks for the most practical and exciting careers for living the wanderlust-life.

  1. Flight Attendant

Do you see yourself jet setting around the world? If so a career as a flight attendant is one of the best ways to see the world while being paid a reliable and generous salary. Combining hospitality skills with a love of travel, you’ll see some of the most exciting cities in the world as an international flight attendant.

 

  1. Tour Guide

If there’s a more rewarding and exhilarating way to see the world than through the eyes of a tourist, we can’t think of one. As a tour guide, you’re a professional full-time traveller. You become part of someone’s happiest holiday moments and make friends from all over the world. So, if you’re a people-person, then a tour guide might be your ticket to the world!

 

  1. English Teacher

You don’t have to be a teacher to teach English overseas (though it would certainly be an advantage). You just need a solid grasp on written and spoken English and certification to teach English as a foreign language. You’ll also need a lot of patience!

 

  1. Interpreter

If you speak another language fluently, then you can use this skill to travel. As an interpreter, it’s your job to interpret speech from one language to another. You ensure language barriers are broken down so that two parties can clearly communicate fully in a variety of settings.

 

  1. Cruise Ship Crew

If sailing is more your style, then life aboard a cruise ship is an enjoyable way to see the world. When your vessel docks at each port there’s opportunity to explore new and interesting places. A background or a course in hospitality or travel will give you skills to become a crew member.

 

  1. Business Consultant

As a freelance business consultant, you can travel the world offering business advice to international companies, from New York to London. Your job can include providing advice to clients on how to make overseas contacts, use exchange currencies, and understand international trade laws to make it easier for companies to buy and sell goods and services in the ever growing, increasingly complex international marketplace.

 

  1. Au Pair

If you enjoy children, life as a travelling au pair is the perfect career to see the world while making a living. If you can speak the language of the host country – you’re able to become an au pair. It’s the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in a new country with board and room covered. You’ll have two days off per week to explore! If you’re lucky you might even be able to go on holiday with your host family and see some of the world’s most beautiful destinations.

 

  1. Virtual Assistant

As a virtual assistant, you can work virtually anywhere. All you need is a portable office, including laptop, mobile phone and of course reliable internet connection and power –  and you’re all set to jet-set. If you can leverage your current skills and situation and find overseas clients you’re half-way there. Next, check on the types of visas available in your country of choice. Do they have a business visa option? Do they have tax relationship with your country, or will you pay double tax? It’s an adventure to take your virtual self on safari, but make sure you dot the i’s and cross the t’s – consult with an international tax accountant or lawyer.

 

  1. Cocktail Mixer

There’s a calling for nightlife all over the world! This has got to be one of the most social jobs that exist. If you’ve got a passion for cocktails, bars and drinks the hospitality industry could appeal to your transient nature. So, take your people skills overseas by combining it with your ability to mix a mean cocktail or pour a glass of wine and you’ve got your ticket to the world. If you don’t have these skills, take a hospitality course and get your passport in order – embrace uncertainly as sometimes it breeds opportunity!

 

  1. Travel Writer

If you’ve got a way with words, why not combine it with a love of travel. In an era where online blogs get more views than major magazines, anyone can be a publisher. You can become a freelance travel writer or work for international publishing companies sharing your travel adventures. Sharpen your writing skills with a short course and get your own website up and running – then take off to the most spectacular destinations on Earth and share your experience with the world.

 

Study a Career That Takes You Around the World

When you study with Australian Online Courses you can rest assured that your learning is in good hands. Our courses are developed and written by industry experts to ensure course content is current and offers the best possible employment prospects.

We embrace your transient nature. Our state-of-the-art eLearning platform is designed to enable flexible delivery, so you can study anywhere and at any time that suits you.

You also have access to dedicated tutors and supportive administration staff seven days a week to ensure you succeed.

As a further commitment to your success, Australian Online Courses also provide all students with a free Graduate Careers Package, to help you find work after you have completed your course.

 

Certificate of Business Administration – Virtual Assistant

Certificate of Travel

Certificate of Editing and Proofreading

Certificate of Copywriting

Certificate of Education Support – Early Childhood

Certificate of Hospitality Management

Certificate of Food and Beverage Service

Certificate of Sommelier Service

Professional Practice for Consultants

Certificate of Travel

Boost Your Career Success with These 5 Strategic Moves!

Are you ready to elevate your career, secure that coveted promotion, earn a pay rise, or seize a new business opportunity? If so, these five strategies will propel you towards your professional goals more swiftly and successfully.

1. Know Your Goals

Successful individuals are meticulous planners, not just in their personal lives but also in their careers. Goal setting is a cornerstone of their career success, and it starts with a deep awareness of their strengths and areas for growth. Understanding what sets you apart allows you to create specific, measurable goals that pave the way for a record of achievements.

Set clear career objectives, capitalise on opportunities, develop a robust plan, set and measure targets, and communicate your aspirations with your superiors. This proactive approach ensures you are always moving towards your career milestones.

2. Cultivate the Right Mindset

A growth mindset is essential for achieving your goals. This mindset is characterised by the belief that you can develop your abilities through dedication, hard work, and effective strategies. It involves taking responsibility for your circumstances, decisions, actions, and results.

Individuals with a growth mindset consistently outperform those with a fixed mindset. They embrace challenges, learn from feedback, and view failures as opportunities for growth. By taking ownership of their performance and results, they drive their success and continuously push their boundaries.

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Career success. Mindset matters.

3. Engage a Mentor

Mentorship is a powerful tool for career success. Successful people often have mentors who provide support, advice, and accountability. A mentor can help you set goals, stay focused, and navigate challenges by sharing their experiences and insights.

Engaging with a mentor also expands your network and leverages their business contacts. Whether internal or external, a mentor can be instrumental in helping you advance your career by providing guidance and opening doors to new opportunities.

4. Invest in Education

In today’s competitive job market, employers seek knowledgeable and skilled employees. Investing in your education boosts your confidence, enhances your effectiveness at work, and increases your chances of earning a higher salary. Continuous learning keeps you updated with industry trends and can open new opportunities within and outside your organisation.

5. Network, Network, Network

Networking is one of the most powerful strategies for career success, and it comes at no cost. Utilise social media platforms like LinkedIn and Facebook to share articles, post useful information, and connect with industry professionals. Attend events, seminars, and industry-specific conferences to broaden your network.

Many job opportunities are not advertised, so taking advantage of your connections can lead to referrals and new opportunities. Building and investing in the right relationships, having a compelling elevator pitch, and maintaining a professional online presence is crucial for advancing your career.

 

Australian Online Courses is the leading provider of online professional development courses. Offering hundreds of courses across various industries, we help you upskill for career success. Our courses are written by industry experts, providing you with the most up-to-date content to enhance your knowledge and skills, ensuring you stay ahead in your career.

5 Powerful Skills for Business Success

There are five skills that give small business owners the best chance of success, according to Jacob Aldridge, Director of Strategic Advisory at businessDEPOT .

“In my experience, the top five skills are sales, technology for efficiency, self-drive, perspicacity, and an innate sense of value,” says Aldridge.

 

  1. Sales

Every business is a sales business, says Aldridge, and business owners that thrive are those willing to win clients in the early days. “Inbound marketing efforts like social media, blogging, and videos are invaluable for acquiring clients in the long term, but for a start-up business most sales activity needs to be outbound.”

This doesn’t mean cold calling or being pushy, he says, rather it’s a willingness to take your product (or service) to the world knowing some people will reject it but being prepared to keep endorsing it anyway.

 

  1. Technology for Efficiency

Start-up businesses can over-optimise their use of technology at the expense of client acquisition, says Aldridge. “It’s critical in the first year or so to understand how technology can be used to make your workflow process more efficient.”

Aldridge says that sustainable, profitable businesses leverage software solutions like Xero for invoicing and real-time accounts; Trello for team and task management; and Prezi or PowerPoint for duplicatable sales presentations.

“Software with more advanced features, and a larger investment, can wait until you’re profitable,” he says.

 

  1. Self-Drive

 Self-drive is crucial. As a business owner, you are 100 per cent responsible for everything, says Aldridge. “Once the initial start-up excitement wears off, business ownership can be a lonely and anxious place.”

“Without the inner drive to keep knocking on doors, metaphorically or literally, it will wear you out and you will become part of the 50 per cent of new businesses that fail within the first three years,” he says.

 

  1. Perspicacity

 Perspicacity can also be described as contextual awareness, or put simply –  understanding. “As a business owner, you need to understand why you make the decisions you make, and more importantly why your clients, staff and suppliers decide and act the way they do,” he says.

Aldridge explains, we all make decisions from our own unique situation, but great business owners understand the context others are living within. As such, they adjust their motivation and sales message accordingly.

“Many business owners feel their staff should act a certain way, or their customers should buy for a certain reason, and that self-centered worldview destroys their business.”

 

  1. Innate Sense of Value

The most important skill as a business owner is an innate sense of value, says Aldridge.

“Businesses only succeed and grow when they deliver value to their specific target market, and the best entrepreneurs identify where value isn’t being delivered so they can fill that gap in the market.”

More importantly, says Aldridge, they refine and innovate their business to continue delivering value long after their initial idea has been duplicated.

There are people who just ‘get’ business, says Aldridge, and I’ve met people who will never wrap their head around being an entrepreneur. “The difference, I believe, is this innate understanding of where value does or does not exist.”

 

Courses to Support Business Success

Australian Online Courses offer many professional development courses to help you establish and operate your own successful business.

As a business owner, we understand your time is limited and know how difficult it can be to fit study into an already busy schedule.

That’s why our courses are entirely self-paced and learning is exclusively online via our state-of-the-art eLearning platform so you can study anywhere, anytime.

Our courses are developed in consultation with industry experts to guarantee you have access to the most up-to-date and quality-assured course content. So, sign up and give your business the greatest chance of success today.

 

Certificate of Small Business Management

Certificate Marketing Management

Certificate of Accounts Payable and Receivable

Certificate of Business Administration

Certificate of Business Analysis

Certificate of Business Development

Business to Business (B2B) Sales Success

Certificate of Business Writing & Communication

Microsoft Office PowerPoint 2016

5 Back-To-Work After Baby Confidence Boosters

If you’re on maternity leave or have decided to take a long break from paid work to be at home with your children, it’s easy to fall into a crisis of confidence when it’s time to return to work.

You may discover that your priorities change after your baby is born. The career trajectory you had set for yourself is suddenly turned upside down. Even if you love your job, you can suddenly start to question your return to work and how it will fit with your new responsibilities as a parent.

The best way to be prepare for a return to work is to ensure you’re not out of the loop completely. Here are five ways to make the transition smoother.

  1. Keep in touch with work colleagues via email or lunch dates throughout your leave. You might even be able to request that you’re on email lists that are sent out to stay up-to-date with company news.

 

  1. Keep up-to-date with your industry. Are there any journals you can read to stay abreast of what’s happening? Read newspapers for any relevant news in your industry and look at job advertisements on job sites such as Seek to stay informed about the job market and news skills required in your job.

 

  1. Can you ‘keep your hand in’ on a part-time, freelance or work-from-home basis while you’re on maternity leave or caring for young children? Talk to your manager or human resources for any opportunities to combine caring for your family with work tasks.

 

  1. If you’ve been out of the workforce for more than a year, are there any short courses you could do to refresh your skills? This is a great confidence booster and many courses are online so you can study from home with the flexibility to take care of your family. Australian Online Courses offer many professional development courses delivered exclusively online with unlimited administration, technical and tutor support available 7 days a week.

 

  1. Could you be ready for a career change? Some people realise their career no longer fits their new family life. Why not explore your options? A short online course in a field you’re interested in might spark a whole new career. Browse over 400 courses offered by Australian Online Courses for some inspiration.

 

Australian Online Courses offers you access to high-quality course content written by industry experts to enhance your employment opportunities. The courses are delivered exclusively online via our e-Learning system so you study at your convenience with access to administration, tutor and technical support 7 days a week. Take the next step towards finding the work ‘you’ while embracing the new responsibilities of being a parent.

10 Real World Careers for Creative People

There’s never been a better time to discover a career in a creative industry. In fact, Australia’s thriving arts, culture, media, and entertainment industry has played a significant role in helping Australia enjoy uninterrupted economic growth (Austrade).

Your artistic expression doesn’t need to send you broke either, as many creative careers are ranked in the ninth decile for income bracket – in other words, big earners!

According to the ARC Centre of Excellence for Creative Industries and Innovation, creative industries and creative work in other industries has emerged as one of Australia’s strongest performers, with employment growing steadily.

This is not an exhaustive list, as most professions require elements of creativity. But the following are our picks for the most creative and thriving careers.

 

Business

  1. Marketing & Communications Manager

Who says creativity and business are exclusive! As a marketing and communications manager, you find ways to put your company centre stage by developing creative and unique advertising campaigns to promote products and services.

 

  1. Creative Director

The head honcho of the advertising world, creative directors collaborate with designers, artists, copywriters, sales teams and marketers to create a vision for products sold. Creative directors must use creative thinking to plan advertising, oversee the creative process and offer guidance to creative teams.

 

Earnings in this industry are high – in the ninth decile. Employment for this occupation rose strongly (in percentage terms) in the past five years and rose strongly in the long-term (ten years). Looking forward, employment for Advertising and Marketing Professionals to November 2020 is expected to grow strongly. (Job Outlook)

 

Writers

  1. Copywriter/Content Writer

If words are your muse, then copywriting or content writing could be your creative career of choice. Copywriters interpret how a market will react to an advertising proposal, and write material to advertise products or services.

Content writers are copywriters who specialise in writing for online publications, such as websites, blogs, e-zines, and social media platforms.

 

  1. Feature Writers

Quality feature writing combines journalism best practice with creative writing. As a feature writer you research, interview and write feature stories for websites, newspapers and magazines.

 

Earnings for this industry are above average – in the seventh decile. Employment for this occupation rose strongly (in percentage terms) in the past five years and rose strongly in the long-term (ten years). Looking forward, employment for Journalists and Other Writers to November 2020 is expected to grow strongly. (Job Outlook).

 

Designers

  1. Fashion Designer

Is there creative profession more stylish than that of a fashion designer? As a fashion designer, you plan and develop new clothing and accessory styles by creating original designs or by adapting fashions to compliment locality and current trends.

Earnings are below average – in the fourth decile. Employment for this occupation rose strongly (in percentage terms) in the past five years and rose very strongly in the long-term (ten years). Looking forward, employment for Fashion, Industrial and Jewellery Designers to November 2020 is expected to grow strongly (Job Outlook).

 

  1. Interior Designer

As an interior designer, you create appealing and functional spaces that work together. You skillfully select the perfect colors, shapes and textures and furnishings to tackle challenging design problems. (How do you turn a boxy space into a beautiful and productive office?) Interior designer plan and implement decoration schemes for homes, offices, shops, hotels and venues.

 

Earnings are below average – in the fourth decile. Employment for this occupation rose very strongly (in percentage terms) in the past five years and rose strongly in the long-term (ten years). Looking forward, employment for Interior Designers to November 2020 is expected to grow very strongly (Job Outlook).

 

Film

  1. Set Designer

If you’ve got stars in your eyes you’ll be pleased to know film work is no longer ‘Hollywood’ exclusive. Australia has its own thriving film industry. Set designers research, design and supervise the construction of sets and scenery, costumes and all the visual aids required in stage, film and television productions.

 

  1. Production Designer

Production designers are major heads of department on film crews, and are responsible for the entire art department. They help Directors to define and achieve the look and feel of a film.

Earnings are above average – in the seventh decile. Employment for this occupation rose very strongly (in percentage terms) in the past five years and rose very strongly in the long-term (ten years). Looking forward, employment for Film, Television, Radio and Stage Directors to November 2020 is expected to grow strongly (Job Outlook).

 

Design Professionals

  1. Graphic & Multimedia Designer/Illustrator

When creativity and computers combine, commercial artists shine! If you enjoy visual communications this might be your calling. Your job is to produce art and layouts of text for reproduction in print and electronic media such as magazines, newspapers, books and websites, as well as image designs for corporate identity programmes, exhibitions and advertising.

Earnings are average – in the sixth decile. Over the five years to November 2019, the number of job openings for Graphic and Web Designers, and Illustrators is expected to be above average (between 25,001 and 50,000) (Job Outlook).

 

  1. Architect

Architects use creativity and a practical understanding of structures and materials to develop concepts, plans, specifications and detailed drawings for buildings and other structures.

Earnings are average – in the sixth decile. Employment for this occupation rose moderately in the past five years and in the long-term (ten years). Looking forward, employment for Architects and Landscape Architects to November 2020 is expected to grow very strongly (Job Outlook).

 

Study to Inspire a Creative Career

If you’re a creative person working in a non-creative industry or job, it might be time to follow your passion.

Australian Online Courses offer many professional development courses that will take you one step closer to a career in one of Australia’s most creative and thriving industries.

At Australian Online Courses, we care about your career and understand how difficult it can be to fit study into an already busy life.

That’s why our courses are entirely self-paced and learning is exclusively online via our state-of-the-art eLearning platform so you can study anywhere, anytime.

Our courses are developed in consultation with industry experts to guarantee you have access to the most up-to-date and quality-assured course content. So sign up and discover your creative career today.

Certificate of Copywriting

Certificate of Advertising and Marketing

Certificate of Business Writing & Communication

Certificate of Marketing Communications

Certificate of Social Media and Engagement

 

6 Careers for Best Work/Life Balance

According to Aiying Law, Director of Mum and Working Australia, most people looking for flexible work hours are parents with school-age children. However, carers and those with a spouse working shifts also seek flexibility in their career.

The 2016 SEEK Learning Defining Work-Life Balance Report, found that an overwhelming 92% of Australians say work-life balance is so important that it would influence their decision to change jobs. In fact, the survey of 3,000 people, discovered more than one in two Australians have changed jobs to find work-life balance with most (70%) finding it.

 

So, what careers lend themselves to a work-life balance? Law says the following are the best options.

  1. Online Businesses.

Technology has enabled online businesses to operate remotely. So, employees can work from home and/or work flexible hours.

Small to medium sized-business need part-time bookkeepers. This is a popular and in-demand job that can be both home-based and flexible in ours.

 

  1. Writers/Editors.

Writers specialising in content creation (print articles, blogs, e-zines, white papers, web content) once briefed, can work from home, working flexible hours on a freelance arrangement.

If you’re looking for hours outside the typical nine to five then shiftwork, in industries such as healthcare (nurses), hospitality and retail, may offer the flexibility to work around family commitments.

 

  1. Virtual Assistants.

This is ideal for parents of young children. You can work flexible hours from home (or anywhere you can take a laptop and mobile phone). This job can include everything from event coordinators to recruitment and administration assistants, and can work particularly well for those working with clients in a different time-zone, giving you opportunity to work outside the nine to five work day.

Surprisingly, many legal services can be conducted virtually. Specialised lawyers are working toward a virtual model to brief and meet with clients remotely. This is more common in transactional areas of law, such as conveyancing, reviewing legal documents and drafting legal contracts.

 

Study a Career with Work-Life Balance

If you’d like more flexibility in your career consider a professional development course offered by Australian Online Courses. There are hundreds of online courses available in fields that value flexibility in the workplace.

At Australian Online Courses, we are passionate about helping people from all walks of life to achieve their career goals. Our state-of-the-art eLearning platform makes it easy to study anywhere, anytime. The courses are industry approved, cost-effective and offer unrivalled customer support from our dedicated tutors and administrative assistants.

Certificate of Editing and Proofreading

Certificate of Professional Writing and Editing

Professional Practice for Consultants

Certificate of Human Resource Management –  Certificate of Recruitment – Dual Program

Certificate of Business Administration (Virtual Assistant)

10 Tips for a Beautiful and Productive Home Office

A home office should be a place where you can work and study in comfort and style. But it must also be designed to enhance productivity. After all, don’t we all want to get more done?

Interior Designer Kerena Berry, co-founder and Head of Interior Design at Designbx.com, shows us how to get the aesthetic and the functionality working in harmony.

  1. 1. Discover your own design style. Use Pinterest for inspiration, create a mood board by cutting up images of colours, textures, furniture, and layouts. Or you can try a free style quiz, like we have at Designbx , where you can rate different visual mood boards to calculate your personal style. This will be the foundation for your home office design, to ensure you love being the space.
  2. Keep active. Make sure that you create a space that allows you to move around during the day. Everyone is different, so explore what works best for your body and mind. We recommend a fit ball and good quality office chair for desk work, a beanbag for creative thinking (or a meditation) and a high surface for working standing up.
  3. Avoid clutter. Try to streamline your business or job so everything you need can fit into a stylish box, basket or bag. Avoid piles of paperwork, magazines, stationery & absolutely ban kid’s toys from your office!
  4. Vary the lighting. Take care with the lighting in your home office, avoiding fluros that often cause headaches, add floor lamps, desk lights and pendants where possible. These can also add some beautiful design elements to the room with scale, colour and texture.
  5. Scent of success. The senses can improve productivity and creativity, so adding a vaporiser on a timer can be a simple way to create a fresh invigorating scent in the office.
  6. Project your business. If you have a big blank wall, try using a wireless projector to display beautiful images that reflect your brand.
  7. Broaden your horizons. If you have a view, make sure your desk faces it! If you are not so lucky, being close to an opening window makes all the difference. Fresh air and natural light can keep you feeling motivated and happy.
  8. Music for the moment. You can harness music to help creativity and move you into the right mode of thinking for different tasks. Try Spotify genres and moods for easy playlists.
  9. Think Green. Indoor plants are a must in a home office for natural purification, beauty and connection with nature. A popular trend is to create a live wall, which look amazing and can be set up with self-watering systems.
  10. Make the space your own. Combine homewares and furniture that are long-standing, with a signature piece that makes the space feel special to you. It could be the live wall, projector on the wall, a feature standing lamp, piece of artwork or Eames chair!

What’s It Like to Be A Retail Fashion Buyer?

If you’ve got a passion for fashion, great analytical, decision-making and negotiation skills, a career as a retail fashion buyer might be for you. It’s a career that sounds like fun, and one that’s cloaked in mystery. What do they actually do?

We spoke to Edwina Walsh, Founder of Bamboo Monkey, and former Retail Buyer for Myer and Target department stores. She gave us the inside story, from a typical day to the highs and lows and what it takes to make it in the industry.

What does a retail fashion buyer do?

In a nutshell, retail fashion buyers decide which products stores should sell. They research market trends and monitor fashion forecasts. They are responsible for product development plans and relationship management with vendors. They may also assist with a store’s visual merchandising and product displays.

Day in the life of a retail fashion buyer.

8 – 9 am Review sales data

First up, I will review sales data for the previous week. I look at what worked and what didn’t, and decide on a strategy.

9 –11 am Departmental sales meeting

In the meeting, each team presents their sales results to the Department Head, who reviews what’s working and what isn’t. The best and worst sellers are presented to the team.

Next a strategy is advised to address sales fall-outs or to maximise best sellers. For example, the strategy might involve repeating best sellers or running promotions for slow sellers.

11–12 noon Action sales strategy

Time to action the sales strategy with China or local suppliers. We may book repeat purchases and cancel bad sellers or restyle (for new products).

12 – 2 pm Attend fittings

I meet with our Quality Assurance (QA) Technician to fit garment prototypes of future orders on a live model.

2 – 5 pm Departmental advertising meeting

In the afternoon, I attend the departmental advertising meeting to review upcoming catalogues and departmental promotional activity.

5 – 6 pm Return email/phone calls

At the end of the day I catch up on emails & phone calls.

 

The highs are an “adrenaline rush.”

Walsh says the excitement of getting it right is a definite high of the job. “It’s an adrenaline rush when you’ve created a product that you believe to be commercial, and in its first week on the floor it gets a 20 per cent sell through*. It’s a great feeling!”

“Buying is very much a gut reaction, you have to make quick decisions all day every day on style, fabric, colours, units, price and most importantly fit and quality.” If any of these elements is wrong sales suffer. “To get them all right consistently takes experience and a great team, but when it works it’s an amazing feeling of pride.”

The lows “from hero, to zero.”

A bad sales week can leave you feeling low, says Walsh. “You wear your heart on your sleeve as a retail buyer. The buck stops with you.

“You are the head of the team, the face of the company. Ultimately a lot can be out of your control. Interest rates could rise, suppressing sales or unseasonal weather can stall new season merchandise.

“Regardless you will still be the one fronting up to explain. Any buyer is only as good as their last weeks’ sales – so the saying “from hero to zero” is appropriate. You have to be very tough and resilient to shoulder the pressure,” she says.

How to become a retail fashion buyer

Walsh says she studied retail buying in New York before returning to Australia to work as a fashion buyer for Myer. It was a meeting with a Myer executive that landed her a dream job. “He asked me to create a concept for a new menswear label. I went back, pitched my concept and he offered me the job.”

Do you have what it takes?

A career as a retail fashion buyer is not for the faint hearted, says Wash. “It’s also not for the rigid and inflexible. You need to be constantly seeking newness and moving forward. There is no room for complacency, only passionate optimism and a burning desire to deliver excitement,” she says.

What’s the next step?

If a career as a retail buyer interests you, Australian Online Courses offers an industry-approved Certificate of Retail Buying and Strategic Planning . This professional development course will take you one step closer to an exciting career as a retail buyer by teaching you the strategies, skills and knowledge required to purchase retail merchandise, develop buying plans and more.

When you choose Australian Online Courses as your education provider you have access to high-quality course content written by industry experts to enhance your employment opportunities. The courses are delivered exclusively online via our e-Learning system so you study at your convenience with access to administration, tutor and technical support 7 days a week.

* Sell through = Sales / Stock on Hand (BOM) x 100 (to convert to a percentage) or in our example (20 /100) x 100 = 20 percent. Courtesy of The Balance.

Work-Life Balance. Does Your Industry Get it Right?

The elusive work-life balance. What does it really mean to people? According to the Cambridge Dictionary it is defined as the amount of time you spend doing your job compared with the amount of time you spend with your family and doing things you enjoy.

In the Who has the best work life balance in Australia, survey respondents defined a good work-life balance as having the flexibility to structure work hours and location, work that doesn’t disrupt home life, ability to time-bank and absence of overtime.

The report found the following industries were rated highest for work-life balance.

  1. Human Resources

71 per cent of human resource employees are happy with their work-life balance. 

  1. Real Estate & Property

67 per cent of real estate and property agents are happy with their work-life balance. 

  1. Consulting & Strategy

66 per cent in consulting and strategy fields are happy with work-life balance. 

  1. Marketing & Communications

66 per cent of marketing and communications professionals are happy with work-life balance. 

  1. Insurance & Superannuation

66 per cent in insurance and superannuation industries are happy with work-life balance.

The report also found that an overwhelming 92 per cent of Australians say work-life balance is so important that it would influence their decision to change jobs. In fact, the survey of 3,000 people, discovered more than one in two Australians have changed jobs to find work-life balance with most (70 per cent) finding it.

Study a Career with Work-Life Balance

If you’d like more flexibility in your career consider a professional development course offered by Australian Online Courses. There are hundreds of online courses available in fields that value flexibility in the workplace.

Professional Practice for Consultants

Certificate of Human Resource Management – Certificate of Recruitment – Dual Program

Certificate of Human Resources Management 

Introduction to Strategic Planning

At Australian Online Courses, we are passionate about helping people from all walks of life to achieve their career goals. Our state-of-the-art eLearning platform makes it easy to study anywhere, anytime. The courses are industry approved, cost-effective and offer unrivalled customer support from our dedicated tutors and administrative assistants.

6 Of the Best Work From Home Careers

Whether it’s a job with flexibility or a business opportunity, such as outsourcing your talent as a freelancer, there are endless benefits to working from home.

For a start, you choose your working hours and manage your time to suit your lifestyle and priorities.

If you’re a parent, you can be there for important milestones that don’t fit a nine to five schedule, such as school events. But it’s not just families who benefit. We all have interests outside of work that bring us happiness.

Choosing when, where and how you work offers a freedom that enhances your life, boosts job satisfaction and increases productivity.

Despite this, finding flexible work is difficult unless you choose a career that’s adaptable to a home-based environment, according to Robyn Ridley of Work at Home Mums.  Ridley’s job site supports home-based professionals in their quest for success and work-life balance.

So many opportunities for home-based work.

Advances in technology over the last decade has enabled administrative tasks, such as transcribing, copywriting, editing, and making and receiving calls to be outsourced. “Home-based employees significantly reduce overheads as there is no need for a centralised location,” says Ridley.

  1. Administration

There are many tasks in administration that fit seamlessly to a home-based arrangement, including answering incoming calls, typing and data entry, scheduling appointments, composing correspondence, customer service, and even researching online. Ridley says so many tasks can be done in a home office. “The rise of virtual assistants offering a multitude of services shows how versatile this industry is becoming.”

  1. Bookkeeping/Accounting

A lot of small to medium-sized businesses find it cost-effective to outsource their bookkeeping and accounting work. “Accounting and bookkeeping are leading the way in the work-from-home space. There are so many Cloud-based accounting systems available to businesses today. Gone are the days were the company’s accountant needs to be onsite.”

  1. Transcription

As a transcriptionist, you record spoken words into documents from your home computer.  The content of the typing ranges from interview transcription through to medical or legal transcription. There are many short courses available to upskill in this industry. Australian Online Courses offer a Certificate of Transcription – Medical/Legal/General to kick-start your home-based career.

  1. Copywriting/Editing

Writing and editing services might be the perfect work-at-home career for those with a firm grasp of the English language. Your tools are simple; a computer, phone and access to the Internet. You can brush up on your skills or acquire new knowledge with an online course, such as the Certificate of Editing and Proofreading from Australian Online Courses.

  1. Service-Based Careers

A service-based career, such as hairdressing, beauty therapy and massage, is well suited to a home business. Check with the Australian Government’s Home Based Business site for requirements that apply to you.

  1. Call-Centre Industry

Ridley says the call-centre industry is perfect for a home-based arrangement as it benefits both parties. “Flexibility in the industry via setting up remotely based employees is an alternative to offshoring. Home-based employees significantly reduce overheads as a centralised call centre isn’t necessary.”

You can learn more about the industry and discover a home-based career in the call-centre industry with a professional development course from Australian Online Courses, such as the Certificate of Call Centre Sales and Customer Service

 

Use your skills or upskill for success.

If the flexibility and convenience of working from home is appealing, why not use your relevant skills, whether in administration or freelance services, to outsource to businesses online.

If you don’t have the required skills, you can develop them by taking an online course in a relevant industry. “To be successful in a home-based business marketing knowledge is essential to attract clients,” says Ridley.

There are many online courses available with Australian Online Courses that are work-from-home friendly and can be completed anytime and anywhere. If adding marketing to your skill-set appeals, try the Certificate Marketing Management.

Plan to start a business.

If you decide to start your own business, you’ll need to decide on business structure, register an ABN for taxation purposes, check your business name is available and register a business and domain name. For more information visit Australian Government Business. To gain new skills in setting up a business consider a certificate course, such as Certificate of Small Business (Start-Up) from Australian Online Courses.

Start a new career.

Australian Online Courses offer a variety of educational and self-development courses to give you the best chance of embarking on a career with work-from-home potential.

Certificate of Call Centre Sales and Customer Service

Certificate of Career Development and Counselling

Certificate of Information Technology

Certificate of Transcription – Medical/Legal/General

Certificate of Business Administration – Virtual Assistant

Certificate of Copywriting

Certificate of Contact Centre Management

Certificate of Editing and Proofreading

Certificate of Small Business (Start-Up)

Certificate of Life Coaching

Certificate Marketing Management

13 Bizarre Job Titles. Make or Break a Career?

A creative job title shows you’re imaginative and it might stand out amongst hundreds vying for an advertised position. But can it help or hurt your chances of securing your dream job?

There’s certainly no lack of creativity in the job market when it comes to unconventional jobs titles, according to the all-knowledgeable Google and Australian recruitment and human resource consultants.

  1. Chief Storyteller & Rainmaker (Proposal Writer & Researcher)
  2. Content Guru (Content/SM Writer)
  3. Beverage Consultant (Waitress)
  4. Vice-President of First Impressions (Receptionist)
  5. Ambassador of Buzz (Social Media Manager)
  6. Creator of Opportunities (Recruitment Manager)
  7. Snoozologist & Head of Making Snooze Happen (Sales, Sleep Aids)
  8. Sleep Dentist (Dentist – Sedation)
  9. Blitz Boss (Founder, 30 Minute Blitz)
  10. Marketing Rockstar/Superhero/Guru (Marketing Manager)
  11. Software Wizard (Software Engineer/Programmer)
  12. Sales Ninja (Sales Assistant)
  13. Social Media Trailblazer (Social Media Marketer)

Nathalie Lynton, a human resources practitioner, endorses the creative job title and even uses ‘HR Rockstar’ professionally on LinkedIn.

“We lovingly and intentionally gave our Receptionist the title of Director of First Impressions,” says Lynton. “It’s engraved on a plaque that sits on her desk because it speaks of what is most important about her role.”

“I think you can flex a bit around titles. If I could ban one title it’s Manager,” says Lynton. “You manage your finances, your chores, your workload, sure, but people cannot be managed.”

Conversely, according to Simon Bennett, HR Consultant and Career Coach at Glide Outplacement and Career Coaching, a creative title can compromise your chances of gaining employment as a job-seeker and hiring talent as a recruiter.

“A job can be painfully dull and a creative title can make the role feel more important and interesting,” says Bennett.

And while a crazy title is amusing and relatively harmless, says Bennett, be careful not to devalue the skills you can bring to a role if you’re an applicant and similarly undervalue a position if you’re recruiting.

Bennett says when a title isn’t clear it’s difficult for human resource managers and recruiters to work out what roles are comparable and they may overlook your application.

The same can be said of employers. “Some employers won’t look beyond a wacky title to appreciate the skills you can bring to an organisation,” he says.

Similarly, if you’re hiring for a position beware. “A humorous title that lacks substance can devalue a position if it doesn’t relate to the job description, diluting the impact of a role.”

If you must be creative with your title Bennett suggests using the equivalent ‘regular’ job title in parenthesis so as not to cause confusion and to ensure your application is read by applicant screening software.

4 Setbacks to Career Change and How to Overcome Them

Today, more than ever, opportunity in the job market is more important than job security. In fact, the job-for-life of past generations is practically non-existent with Australia’s job mobility being closer to three different jobs per decade. (courtesy of McCrindle).

And while job-hopping is more common and accepted, even a natural progression in a career, what if simply changing jobs isn’t enough? Perhaps you’ve become disenchanted with your current career. It makes sense that in a working life that potentially spans 40 years you, your lifestyle, will change. So why shouldn’t your career?

There’s no question, this is a far more challenging position to be in but it’s not as difficult as you might expect with the right guidance.  According to Career and Business Strategist Kelly Kozaris there are four major setbacks career-changers experience and they’re not insurmountable.

The benefits, including greater job satisfaction, enhanced mental health and wellbeing, the potential to increase your salary, gain new contacts and learn new and rewarding skills might just be worth the effort.

 

  1. Confidence

“Confidence is a wonderful thing and can truly impact an individual’s career,” says Kozaris.

She says the best way to overcome a crisis of confidence is to be clear about your strengths and how your skill-set can be transferred to a new career.

When you list your current skills, you might be surprised how many can be valuable across industries.

 

  1. Lack of Clarity/Direction

“People are unsure of direction when they feel ‘stuck’ …, or they don’t know ‘what’s next’ for them.”

Kozaris says often people stay the course with a career simply because they are good at it and it supports a lifestyle they’ve become accustomed to. But if they no longer find it meaningful it can lead to misery and that’s when it’s time for a change.

To obtain more clarity or direction:

  • Understand what you’re passionate about and combine it with what you do well.
  • Ensure your personal values, your lifestyle and the type of working environment that suits you is aligned with your career choice.
  • Spend time at a workplace or talk to people currently in the industry/role you’re interested in as your perception may not live up to the reality.

 

  1. Financial

“Financial setbacks are a big issue when it comes to career change and ‘not having the money’ is one of the biggest excuses I hear.”

Kozaris says making time and planning a career transition is a big investment in yourself. However, it becomes financially rewarding in the future when your salary increases, or when a new business venture is formed.

Make it financially viable

  • Time to budget. Look at areas in your life where you can cut-back.
  • Are there other income streams available to you? Could you start a side business?

 

  1. Uncertainty

“Not knowing what your future looks like … can hold a lot of people back from living the life they want or doing the work they love.”

Everyone’s personal risk factor is different, says Kozaris, and it will impact any career change decisions you make.

  • Thoroughly understand the change you are going to make and identify how it will impact on your life.

Kozaris says the best way to overcome each of these setbacks is through personal development to understand the blocks and obstacles facing your career change. “I recommend my clients find out what works for them including reading, writing and journaling, listening to podcasts and locking in 10 to 20 minutes a day.”

However, Kozaris warns if mental illness is a factor, speak to an industry professional prior to reaching out to a career coach for support.

 

If a career change is in your future why not start with a professional development course in the industry that appeals to you? At Australian Online Courses, we are passionate about helping people from all walks of life to achieve their career goals.

 

5 Most Rapidly Growing Careers

An employer once told a colleague of mine that she was on the nose of a rocket. This should have been good news, but she hated her job. So, being on the ‘nose of a rocket’ was terrifying. Where was she headed?

Moral of the story: It’s important to consider growth industries but make sure the career and workplace you choose aligns with your interests, skills, personality and values.

The next most important consideration is the employment market and job prospects. After all, study is an investment in time and money so it makes sense to ensure there’s opportunity for employment on completion of your course.

The Australian Workforce and Productivity Agency’s Future Focus report shows three key industries that are set for the largest projected future growth (2025).

  • Health Care and Social Assistance, which increases by between 643,800 and 798,600 people employed
  • Professional, Scientific and Technical Services, which increases by between 353,900 and 583,000 people employed
  • Education and Training, which increases by between 462,600 and 503,700 people employed

 

Careers to Maximise Your Job Prospects

We’ve listed 5 Most Rapidly Growing Careers that are in growth industries. But there are potentially hundreds more, as reported by Job Outlook (an Australian Government Initiative).

Medical Receptionist

As a point of contact between patients and doctors, Medical Receptionists play an invaluable role in the health care industry. The role requires exceptional ‘people skills’ as receptionists deal directly with the public daily.

Medical receptionists work in a variety of settings, including general practices, hospitals and specialist health care centres.

Over the five years to November 2019, the number of job openings for Receptionists is expected to be high (greater than 50,000), as reported by Job Outlook (an Australian Government initiative).

Social Worker

Social Workers assess the social needs of individuals, families and groups. They assist and empower people to develop and use the skills and resources needed to resolve social and other problems.

Over the five years to November 2019, the number of job openings for Social Workers is expected to be above average (between 25,001 and 50,000), as reported by Job Outlook.

IT Systems Analyst

IT systems analysts analyse computer systems and procedures and create information system solutions to help an organisation function productively. They understand the requirements and limitations of combining business and IT for effective and efficient outcomes.

In the short-term employment prospects are below average; however, employment for this occupation will rise strongly in the long-term (ten years). Looking forward, employment for Computer Network Professionals to November 2020 is expected to grow strongly (Job Outlook).

Marketing Manager

Marketing professionals develop and organise advertising plans and campaigns. They assess the market for new products and services, and identify and develop market opportunities.

Over the five years to November 2019, the number of job openings for Advertising and Marketing Professionals is expected to be high (greater than 50,000), as reported by Job Outlook. 

Early Childhood Teacher

Early Childhood (Pre-primary) Teachers teach basic numeracy, literacy, music, art and literature to early childhood students and encourage social, emotional, intellectual and physical development.

Though in the short-term employment prospects are average, employment for this occupation will rise strongly in the long-term (ten years). Looking forward, employment for Early Childhood (Pre-primary School) Teachers to November 2020 is expected to grow very strongly (Job Outlook).

 

Courses in Future Growth Industries

So, you find a career you’ll enjoy and it’s a future growth industry. Great! What now? Why not consider a professional development course with Australian Online Courses to set you on a successful career path? There are hundreds of online courses in future growth industries at your fingertips.

At Australian Online Courses, we are passionate about helping people from all walks of life to achieve their career goals. Our state-of-the-art eLearning platform makes it easy to study anywhere, anytime. The courses are industry approved, cost-effective and offer unrivalled customer support from our dedicated tutors and administrative assistants.

Certificate of Medical Reception and Office Administration

Certificate of Social Media Marketing

Certificate of Information Technology

Certificate of Counselling

Computer Hardware and System Troubleshooting Program

Certificate of Information Technology

Certificate of Advertising and Marketing

Certificate of Health Care

Certificate of Education Support – Early Childhood

Top 10 Careers for Making a Difference in the World

Are you one of the lucky few with a career that changes the world for the better?

Sure, there are likely hundreds of jobs that make a real difference in the world.

But we can’t list them all, so we’ve narrowed it down by seeking the advice of Melbourne-based Career Coach, Leah Lambert of Relaunch Me.

“I coach many clients who are looking to change careers because they want to contribute to society and make a difference.

“For some this means re-training for a new career but for others it can mean changing to a different industry or organisation that is making a real difference such as working for a not-for-profit or working for an organisation in the health care or education industry sectors,” says Lambert.

She says volunteering is a good option for people who don’t want to change careers but do want the satisfaction of helping people.

Perhaps, not surprisingly, at the top of her list is International Aid Work, think Angelina Jolie! But we’re not all celebrities with millions at our disposal. So we’ve come up with practical careers that offer more than just a paycheck, but also, the altruistic feeling of doing good.

  1. International Aid Work

It’s a big world out there with plenty of opportunities to help those less fortunate. The Australian Red Cross recruit aid workers when disaster and conflict break out all over the world. Their website provides information on roles ranging from disaster management, engineering, logistics, public health, shelter, sanitation and communications.

  1. Healthcare

There’s an abundance of positions in the health care industry (nurses, doctors, community services – disability, mental health and aged care) that make a difference to the lives of individuals. If you’re interested in care position in the health or medical sector this is a rewarding career choice.

  1. Social Work

Social workers help individuals, families, couples and groups to overcome some of life’s biggest challenges. Employment opportunities are available in hospitals, schools, neighbourhoods and community organisations to address issues such as poverty, addiction, abuse, unemployment, education problems, disability, mental illness and trauma.

  1. Counselling

Do people feel compelled to confide in you? You might have a natural ability to empathise. Counsellors help people with emotional issues using cognitive behaviour therapy, interpersonal therapy and related talking therapies. If you have a strong desire to help others with life challenges, a career as a counsellor might be for you. Job Outlook reports that looking forward, employment for Counsellors (to November 2020) is expected to grow very strongly.

  1. Teaching

Perhaps you’d like to help shape the next generation? In a teaching profession, you make a tangible difference in the lives of others. Through your work you see students gain new knowledge that empowers their future. Whatever the reasons teachers teach, it’s a worthwhile mention as a career that has a positive impact.

  1. Philanthropy

Any individual with talent and entrepreneurial spirit can forge a career in philanthropy. Rewarding and enriching in all kinds of ways, grant-making, charity funding, social movements and grassroots community empowerment, all play a part in this career path. For more information and positions currently available visit Philanthropy Australia.

  1. Working for a Not For Profit

Passionate about a cause? Turn it into a career! The Australian Bureau of Statistics, reports there were 56,894 not-for-profit organisations operating in Australia (2013), contributing significantly to employment with over a million people employed and 3.9 million volunteers nationally.

  1. Career, Life, Wellness Coaching

Coaching people, whether in lifestyle, health or career rewards those who crave interaction with people on an emotional and practical level. Your passion can become your career. Are you a health nut, a driven business professional, a personal trainer? There is endless potential to turn your experience into a coaching profession that empowers others.

  1. Lawyer

As a lawyer, you fight for the rights of individuals and that can be a powerful motivator for a career in the legal sector. If spending years at university isn’t for you, consider a supportive role, such as paralegal or administrative assistant.

  1. Psychologist

Counselling psychologists work with patients to improve mental, emotional and behavioural disorders. If you have a passion for understanding human behaviour and enjoy working with people this career might be for you.

If you’re ready to begin a career that makes a positive difference in the world consider a professional development course with Australian Online Courses. Our state-of-the-art eLearning platform means you can study anywhere, anytime. The courses are industry approved, affordable and offer unmatched customer support from dedicated and passionate tutors and our administrative team.

Certificate of Counselling

Certificate of Legal Administration – Paralegal

Certificate of Life Coaching

Certificate of Education Support – Early Childhood

Certificate of Health Care

Certificate of Mental Health Care

 

 

Time for a Change? Take Quick Career Quiz!

Considering that we spend a third of our lives at work, it’s not surprising that an unfulfilling career can lead to feelings of hopelessness, overwhelm, resentment, and even debilitating depression and anxiety. This blog aims to shed light on the signs that indicate you’re ready for a career change, a topic that could potentially transform your life, and provides a fun career quiz!

Yet, as creatures of habit, we must summon a truckload of motivation and enthusiasm to change careers. Perhaps your career path is on track, but you want to advance your skills, apply for a promotion, or move into a different department. This may be enough to renew your passion for what you do. Or maybe you’re one of many who absolutely need to head in a completely different direction right now!

Identifying with one or more of the following ‘signs’ is probably a good indication that it’s time to find a new career. Recognising you’re ready for change can be liberating, empowering you to take control of your career path.

  1. Lack of passion

While the initial excitement of any job wears off somewhat, if you have no enthusiasm left for your career, that’s a sign it’s not a good fit for you. So, it’s time for a change if your work life is always an obligation rather than a fulfilling activity.

  1. Feeling fatigued

Getting out of bed in the morning leaves you feeling exhausted. You muster all your strength to drag yourself into work. It’s more than Monday blues. It’s feeling tired almost every day at the thought of the workday ahead. If you experience this exhaustion, your work isn’t for you, and it’s time to change.

  1. Your skills/interests have changed

Over time, your skills have evolved, and your interests have changed. If you find yourself drawn to new fields or have acquired skills that don’t match your current role, it is probably an indication that you’re ready to move on to something new.

  1. Lack of direction

If no professional development or training is on the horizon, you most likely feel stuck. A lack of opportunity or advancement in your career can lead to frustration and demotivation. A career change can offer you a fresh start and exciting new opportunities for growth that are no longer possible in your current role, sparking a sense of hope and optimism.

  1. You’re irritable

If you’re irritable with work colleagues or your bad mood infiltrates your home life, it indicates that you’re ready for a change. Finding a job that feels significant and aligns with your values will lead to greater job satisfaction, feelings of accomplishment and better mental health.

  1. You have situation (at the workplace) depression

If your weekends can’t come quickly enough, but you’re tired and depressed at work, blame situational depression. It’s as though you’re asleep until Friday afternoon and suddenly come alive. But come Sunday night, the dread descends in anticipation of the work week ahead. It’s called situational depression, and a career change is a must to protect your mental health and relationships.

  1. You have anxiety

A bit of stress is healthy, as it motivates you to push through challenging work tasks. But it’s time for a change if you have a mountain of negative thoughts that threaten to overwhelm you at work and feel stressed when you think about work.

  1. Your work environment is toxic

A negative or toxic company culture significantly affects your emotional, mental and physical well-being. If efforts to improve your situation at work have failed, moving to a healthier, more positive, supportive workplace might be necessary.

pexels george milton 6953985

Is it time for a career change? Take a quick quiz!

 

Quick & Easy Career Quiz

Take this quick and easy career quiz to get you thinking about your preferences and strengths. It’s a fun starting point for exploring potential career paths!

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

  1. Building or fixing things
  2. Reading and researching
  3. Creating art or music
  4. Helping people with their problems

 Which of these activities would you prefer?

  1. Organising an event
  2. Conducting experiments
  3. Designing a website or poster
  4. Volunteering at a local charity

 Which of these subjects did you enjoy the most in school?

  1. Technology and Engineering
  2. Science and Mathematics
  3. Arts and Humanities
  4. Social Sciences

 What work environment do you prefer?

  1. Hands-on and active
  2. Quiet and full of data
  3. Creative and dynamic
  4. Collaborative and community-oriented

 How do you handle tasks?

  1. I like to plan and execute in detail.
  2. I enjoy solving complex problems.
  3. I prefer tasks that allow for self-expression.
  4. I thrive on tasks that help others and make a difference.

If you could start your own business, it would be

  1. A tech or construction company
  2. A research or consulting firm
  3. An art studio or creative agency
  4. A non-profit or community service organisation

 

Career Quiz Results:

If you got mostly A’s, you might excel in technical and practical careers such as engineering, carpentry, IT, or architecture. You could explore technical courses or apprenticeships that allow hands-on work.

If you got mostly B’s, analytical and investigative careers such as science, research, finance, or data analysis might be a great fit for you. To start your journey, consider looking into specialised courses in your area of interest.

If you got mostly C’s, you could find your path in creative and artistic careers such as the arts, design, writing, or music. Developing your creative skills through courses or self-taught practices could open many doors.

If you got mostly D’s, social and helping careers such as teaching, counselling, social work, or healthcare might be a fulfilling option for you. professional development in these areas can provide the qualifications you need to succeed.

 

Please note that this career quiz is a quick and fun way to consider your general preferences and potential career paths. However, it’s not an in-depth analysis that matches your skills, interests, and values. For a more thorough exploration of your options, seek guidance from a career counsellor and take advantage of professional development opportunities. You can also take the Career Change Readiness Test for a reliable indication of your readiness to change your career.

If you’re concerned about juggling study with your busy schedule, you can talk to one of our Course Counsellors for advice. We offer flexible study options, unbeatable prices, and unparalleled student support that won’t disappoint.

Our comprehensive courses are developed in consultation with industry experts, so you can be confident that you’ll acquire the skills and knowledge required to excel in your current job, pursue new roles, or achieve your career dreams. our state-of-the-art eLearning platform allows you to study wherever and whenever you want.

So, don’t delay; enrol today and gain the skills and confidence you need to make a career change.

Find your new direction today!

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