The job market has changed dramatically in the past decade, with areas such as aged care, social media and logistics really coming to the fore. For job-seekers, this means there are new and exciting career opportunities which can be accessed without going to university. Flexible online courses are available, allowing you to acquire industry-approved skills while you study anywhere and at any time.
So what courses are in demand with employers? Here are 9 of the best:
Click here to view all our available courses:- australianonlinecourses.com.au
With thousands of law firms across Australia, they represent one of the most desirable workplaces for office personnel wanting to work in the professional services sector.
Key administration roles are crucial to the smooth and efficient day-to-day running of law firms, including the all-important job of legal transcriptionist. As the name indicates, one of the key functions of a transcriptionist is to turn audio recordings into written documents.
Such transcriptions are typically made from court proceedings, dictated notes and a range of other sources of legal record. Transcriptionists also often perform other tasks such as preparing legal documents and paperwork for filing.
Speed and accuracy are vital
Students wanting to equip themselves with the skills to work in a legal office or in a freelance role should consider online education courses such as a Certificate of Legal Transcription course. Look for an online professional development program that gives you the requisite knowledge and skills to perform at a high level.
A clear focus of this kind of online study is speed and accuracy, both in terms of touch-typing skills and accurate transcribing. You will also need to learn how to understand and use legal terminology, gather and organise information, learn how to plan, and draft and prepare complex legal documents. Other specific skills and areas of knowledge covered in these kinds of courses include:
Legal transcriptionists fulfil different duties to court reporters and stenographers. Unlike, for example, a court reporter who uses special shorthand and stenography equipment to transcribe the spoken word, transcriptionists use a computer keyboard to transcribe dictated recordings. In addition to typing, legal transcriptionists must continually edit information for clarity and ensure the copy is free of spelling, punctuation, grammar and typographical errors. Some of them may also use special transcription machines.
On course for a great career
No formal degree programs are required to become a legal transcriptionist, but the job acts as an important support role for lawyers and other law firm employees. Many workers use such a role to gain experience in the legal system and eventually work as legal assistants, paralegals and lawyers. As a result, legal transcriptionist training through online learning can put people on the path to a long and successful career.
Australian Online Courses offers a Certificate of Legal Transcription course which is delivered completely online via our e-learning system, giving students the flexibility to study anywhere and at any time. They can complete the course, which takes about 150 hours, at their own pace. It is one of a number of popular transcription courses AOC offers, including the Advanced Certificate of Transcription, which equips graduates with all the skills required to work in the legal or medical sectors.
View the Certificate of Legal Transcription course. For details on the great range of courses available at Australian Online Courses, view our course catalogue.
Cost-effective online courses are giving people the skills to pursue rewarding careers and may be a more relevant option for many students than a long and expensive university degree. Here are 5 reasons to go online.
The skyrocketing costs of a university education are making many students rethink whether they want to sign up to years of potential debt for a degree that may or may not get them a job. Online courses, by contrast, typically focus on practical skills that are in demand in the workforce – and are available at a fraction of the cost of a university education.
Online education is all about choice. You can select which courses you want to do, how many you want to tackle, when you want to study and how long you will need to graduate. That sort of flexibility is rarely available with university degrees.
Of course, you also have the luxury of studying from home, a café, or anywhere for that matter. That means time-consuming commutes to a university campus are not required. You just log on to the internet and get stuck into your course material.
At reputable online education providers, courses are developed in consultation with industry professionals so graduates have the comfort of knowing that their newly acquired skills will be relevant in the workforce. A Certificate or Statement of Attainment is issued upon completion to add to your CV. While many university degrees in areas such as legal, media and business studies have been highly regarded in the past, the sheer volume of graduates in tighter job markets can make it hard to get a job in those disciplines. Practical certificate courses, on the other hand, often deliver the skills employers need.
Online courses are just the click of a key away – all your assignments and supporting materials can be accessed whenever you need them. Whereas you often have to attend campus lectures to get the most out of a university subject, there is around-the clock access to lectures, videos and teacher notes in the online world. The best online educators also offer seven-day-a-week access to tutors if you need them.
Let’s face it, we live in an online world – and that means studying and working remotely will become more and more common in the years to come. Signing up to an online course allows you to immediately immerse yourself in an environment where higher-level computer skills and up-to-date learning platforms are the norm. It’s the best of both worlds – you get the flexibility of online study while also picking up the IT skills that can make a difference in modern workplaces.
For details on the great range of courses available at Australian Online Courses, visit australianonlinecourses.com.au
The New Year is a logical time to reassess your life and career goals – and take the necessary steps to achieve real change.
If you are in a rut at work or still procrastinating over your dream job, now is the chance to re-evaluate and do something you really love. The good news is that flexible, affordable online study options mean you can start a relevant course immediately and set yourself up for 2017 and beyond. Here are some resolutions to consider.
What job would you do if money and other considerations were not a factor? The New Year holiday break gives you a chance to sit back and think about your career and what job really appeals to you. Are there certain industries or roles that pique your interest whenever you read about them? Or perhaps there is a desirable job in your present company that you could do if you upgraded your skills. Allocating time to weigh up your job options is the first step towards pursuing a rewarding career. So stop and think.
Landing a coveted role usually requires some soul-searching and research. Are my skills up to date? Are they relevant for the job I really want? An honest appraisal of such questions will help you weigh up the course or courses you need to do to ensure your résumé stands out. Some jobs will require a university degree, but increasingly people are finding that completing a reputable online course is the key to quickly and cost-effectively improving their knowledge and skills. There are many online study options, but make sure they tick the box in key areas such as administrative and technology support; flexibility with course and assignment deadlines; and around-the-clock access to tutors.
When determining an online course, check that the education provider has a reputation for delivering industry-approved courses. If you are going to spend time studying, it is important that the course and skills resonate with future bosses.
So be clear about what you want to get out of the course. Some jobs simply require certain skill-sets, while others will be linked to a certificate course that applicants must pass. Knowing exactly what you want to achieve will also help you stay motivated as you study.
Successfully juggling commitments to work, study, family and friends is the key to a happy and successful life. As you prepare to fast-track your career, take advantage of the flexibility of online courses. You can enrol online and study at your own pace while balancing other commitments in your life. Select an online education provider that lets you submit assignments when it suits you and gives you choice around graduation timelines. But remember that online courses are a convenient option, not an easy option. You need to make a commitment to your course and assignments, safe in the knowledge that ramping up your skills is likely to pay off in the form of a more fulfilling future career.
For more details on the great range of courses at Australian Online Courses, visit australianonlinecourses.com.au
As clients put pressure on law firms to minimise costs, the role of trained paralegals has never been more important, or rewarding.
Paralegals are the heartbeat of law firms – and the exciting news for them is that their role appears set to become increasingly important in the years to come.
For the uninitiated, paralegals work in private law firms, government agencies or corporate legal offices and handle a diverse range of administrative and research duties under the supervision of lawyers. Investigating the facts of legal cases in preparation for court cases, organising and maintaining legal files, managing schedules with witnesses, and accompanying lawyers to the courthouse – these are among the day-to-day duties of paralegals. In short, they are an invaluable resource for firms.
Important resource
There is a definite trend towards greater use of paralegals for the delivery of legal services. Due to a desire to limit legal fees, more and more clients are demanding the use of paralegals to complement the work of high-priced lawyers when possible. Heavy case-loads have also created more opportunities for paralegals.
Acknowledging this trend, Australian Online Courses offers a market-leading course that gives budding paralegals all the skills they need to forge a wonderful career in the legal sector. The Certificate of Legal Administration – Paralegal is a professional development program which gives graduates the skills and knowledge required to work as a paralegal, legal secretary or administrator in a legal environment.
The course teaches students how to use legal terminology, draft legal correspondence, maintain records for time and legal disbursements and apply principles of confidentiality in the legal office. The topics cover areas such as:
Focus on skills
While not all paralegals require a college degree or participation in a certificate course, those with higher qualifications generally have the best career prospects.
The paralegal profession is highly competitive and there is an interesting variety of specific fields from which to choose. These include litigation, wills, real estate and tax. The Certificate of Legal Administration – Paralegal provides a comprehensive range of skills and is delivered completely online via Australian Online Courses’ acclaimed e-learning system, giving students the flexibility to study anywhere and at any time. Students can complete the course, which takes about 340 hours, at their own pace.
With competitive salaries and the chance to work at some of the best law firms, government agencies and corporations in the country, getting advanced paralegal training can set students up for a fulfilling career. Why wait?
View the Certificate of Legal Administration (Paralegal)
For details on the great range of courses available at Australian Online Courses, view our course catalogue.
Time is precious in our busy workplaces and following these tips will help ensure you are maximising the productivity of your day.
You know the drill – you get into work, check your emails and you are then dictated to for the rest of the day by your inbox. The upshot is that you get caught up with other people’s agendas and neglect your priorities.
Instead, use the first 15 to 20 minutes of every day to plan your day and don’t start other work until your plan is in place. To-do lists are important and digital tools such as MS Outlook and Google Tasks can assist with synchronising emails, calendars and jobs.
Tackling the easier things on your to-do list first often makes sense because crossing things off your list creates a sense of accomplishment and momentum. But make sure that the more complicated projects are not always pushed to the back of the line.
It’s one thing to have a to-do list, but some people focus too much on the list itself and not enough on following up and scheduling when tasks must start and finish. Setting a definite schedule gives you peace of mind and also let others who are working simultaneously on projects know that there is a deadline. That brings us to delegating or outsourcing. Many workers are trying to juggle a multitude of tasks that should never been on their to-do list in the first place. Learn how to assign jobs to your peers.
Email and social media platforms such as LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram are wonderful tools for communication and generating business, but they can be very distracting. So control them rather than letting them control you. Try checking your emails once in the morning, once after lunch and once before you leave the office. This allows you to respond promptly to important issues while actually getting work done. Likewise, limit your time on social media unless you are specifically using them to ramp up business.
Meetings can take up an enormous amount of workers’ time, yet many lack a purpose, stray off the agenda and run over schedule. If you must have a meeting, try to keep it as short as possible and don’t schedule it for an hour if it is likely to require only 40 minutes because it will inevitably drag on to fill the allotted time. If possible, schedule meetings at your offices rather than travelling to other venues – this can be a real-time-saver.
The truth is that some jobs are a waste of time, and they are done simply because of habit and poor management. Be objective about some of your tasks and whether they are truly valuable. It is also important to know when an important project has been successfully completed and to avoid the temptation to continue working on it in search for perfection. Stop and move on.
Every student knows that gadgets and technology can lead to time-wasting and derail study plans, but there are some great apps that can actually help you. Here are some of the best.
National Library of Australia Catalogue (and Trove)
Information is king for students – and this app delivers. Trove is an online library database containing an enormous amount of content from Australian libraries, museums, archives and research groups, making it an ideal web-based tool when doing your research for assignments. An app offshoot, the National Library of Australia Catalogue, lets you search the collection on your mobile.
iStudiez Pro
Getting organised is half the battle with study and iStudiez Pro will let you do just that. It can help you manage busy schedules and track assignments and other projects. Why not colour-code your work schedules and store information in this intelligent app? Best of all, it can send you notifications before assignments or deadlines are due, so there’s no excuse for not getting the job done.
Dictionary.com
Words, words, words – they are crucial for assignments and Dictionary.com has about 2 million definitions on its mobile app to ensure you use the right ones. The main app is free and gives you features such as a search history, synonyms, antonyms and a thesaurus. If you need more, you can pay for extras such as a medical dictionary and an encyclopaedia.
Google Drive
We all know about the Google web browser, but its range of apps and assorted tools is also huge. Google Drive is one of them, allowing users to draw diagrams, take notes and create spreadsheets and presentations. You can keep all this in the cloud and access it online or through a mobile device at any time. It’s free, too; all you need is a Gmail account.
EasyBib
Everyone hates doing bibliographies for assignments – and this is where EasyBib becomes your best friend. This app helps you format references in any one of thousands of citation styles. Just take your pick. Type in the name of a book and EasyBib gives you options to choose from and then makes a citation for you. It’s even possible to take a picture of a book’s bar code and generate a citation for it. Easy as!
SimpleMind
Some students really have trouble visualising their approach to assignments and information gathering. Enter SimpleMind, a mind-mapping tool. Rather than just writing down your thoughts, you can brainstorm and then capture your thoughts with digital diagrams.
And last but not least … RescueTime
RescueTime helps you stop wasting time on social media or other non-study activities. This productivity-enhancing app tracks the time you spend on activities and then sends you reports and data while blocking offending websites if you spend too much time on them. Every student needs this!
For details on the great range of courses available at Australian Online Courses, view our course catalogue.
If you have not tried online education before, there are some considerations to weigh up before starting a course. Here are some of the key questions that are often raised.
1. How do I know if online education is the right fit for me?
External study is not an easy option. You will typically require motivation and a degree of self-discipline to study online and get the most out of your courses. If you enjoy working at your own pace and do not need the support of group learning, online study is a feasible choice.
2. Isn’t studying on a campus a better option?
Sure, if you want to battle the traffic and be locked into set times for lectures. The truth is that traditional and online educators offer a superb range of courses. The advantage of going online is the convenience of being able to study anywhere (a home office, your bedroom or a cafe) and anytime (after work or when the children have gone to bed). Of course, if you want to be a doctor or surgeon, university is a must. For others, online courses make sense.
3. Which online educator should I choose?
Do your homework! Ensure that the provider has a strong reputation (testimonials are a starting point) and offers industry-approved courses. Make sure they have a reliable technology platform and an ongoing commitment to administrative and educational support.
4. Will online courses resonate with employers?
The short answer is ‘yes’ – if you choose a reputable provider. More and more employers understand the benefits of web-based skills development and see students who enrol in courses as self-starters. All AOC programs, for instance, are recognised by employers, including government departments, which means they are of real value to students.
5. What sort of technology and IT skills do I need?
Basic email and computer skills, including having the ability to download documents and PDFs, are all that is needed for most online courses. Courses and study material are available at the click of a mouse.
6. What is needed to be a successful online learner?
Having a firm career goal helps because it gives students the extra motivation and drive to succeed. Time-management and organisational skills certainly help, while adequate writing skills enable students to express their ideas and knowledge.
7. Can I get easy access to administrators and tutors?
Make sure, in advance, that your education provider offers access to unlimited support from its administration team, tutors and support services via email, live chat or telephone. Tutors should be available seven days a week to help you with assignments.
8. How long do online courses take to complete?
This will vary depending on the course. One of the key benefits of online learning is that you can customise your course to fit your schedule and lifestyle. Providers such as AOC do not set iron-clad deadlines for the completion of studies. This is not to encourage procrastination; rather it reflects the fact that most students are juggling multiple commitments.
9. What are the most popular courses?
Business administration, accounting and management subjects are among the most popular online courses because they can lead to jobs in a wide range of disciplines. Technology-related courses are also in demand, along with sales and marketing studies and healthcare skills.
10. What happens when I graduate?
First, you deserve a celebration – and then you can chase your dream job. AOC graduates get a certificate of completion at the relevant level (Certificate, Advanced Certificate, Diploma) when they finish a course.
For details on the great range of courses available at Australian Online Courses, view our course catalogue.
Understanding your own personality, long-term study objectives and any competing commitments in your life will help you determine if online study is the right option for you.
The rise of online learning opens up a new world of education opportunities for many people. Here are some factors to consider before you sign up.
Technology Tools
The ability to study anywhere and at any time is a major advantage with online education, but you do need to have some basic technology tools and elementary proficiency with computers, printers and scanners. Broadband internet access is essential, while a working knowledge of the internet, email and tasks such as downloading and attaching electronic files will make the experience a lot smoother.
Self-Discipline
Some students can work well with minimal supervision, while others prefer the structure of regular lectures and contact with lecturers. How about you? Self-starters who are reasonably disciplined are well suited to online study. Working professionals, in particular, often find that they can continue their day job while getting the qualifications they need to get ahead through online courses.
Time Management
An ability to manage your day-to-day work and life commitments with study requirements will clearly result in a better educational experience. If you are at the mercy of random or unexpected commitments that can stall your study plans, make sure you have flexibility around the submission of assignments and graduation deadlines. Australian Online Courses, for example, does not impose a set timeframe for graduation, so you can complete the course at a faster pace if you are highly motivated, or take your time if external factors pop up.
Location
For people who live in rural and regional areas, online study is a natural choice as they seek to bolster their skills and progress their careers (just make sure you have a satisfactory internet connection). Of course, many city dwellers such as stay-at-home parents also appreciate the convenience of being able to learn from the comfort of their house or apartment. Others just could not be bothered trying to beat the traffic to attend a university of TAFE campus.
Course Selection
If you are spending time and money on your education, you need to ensure that a course meets your needs. Naturally, professionals such as doctors and specialists will require a university degree, while some executives may opt to do an MBA course or perhaps a Masters degree. Many other people, however, can achieve their career goals with Advanced Certificate or practical courses which give them the requisite skills for their roles. So assess the skills you need and check with potential employers, if necessary, to ensure you choose the perfect online course that is relevant for you.
Instructors
Some people like a teacher-student experience based on regular face-to-face contact, while others prefer the flexibility of accessing course content and tutors at their time of choosing through online platforms. The convenience of being able to quickly contact tutors around the clock with a quick email is one of the strengths of the online learning model. When selecting online providers, make sure they offer highly skilled tutors who are readily available to answer any questions about the course and assessments.
For details on the great range of courses at Australian Online Courses, visit australianonlinecourses.com.au
Successful study in our busy modern world is all about knowing your goals, being organised and using your resources to best advantage.
Signing up to study online is a great way to strengthen your CV and impress prospective bosses. However, everyone is just so flat out these days that it makes sense to tackle your course in a way that streamlines your workload and delivers great results. Here are some tips that will help.
Understand your motivations
Online learning is a perfect platform for self-starters, but it still requires a degree of independence and discipline (traits that are attractive to employers, by the way). Knowing why you are studying will help you push through the tougher moments in your course and flourish.
Is it about career success, personal values and pride, financial rewards, or some other motivating factor? Having this understanding will keep you working towards your objectives.
Set some goals
Make sure you write down a list of study goals and review them regularly. Doing so will give you the confidence that you are coping and keeping up with your course requirements. Short-term goals may include finishing daily or weekly items on a to-do list, or completing one part of an assignment within a set period of time. Longer-term goals can be broken down into more manageable slices to give you a sense that everything is on track.
Get your head around what is required
It is convenient, not easy, to study online. To learn, you must commit to your course and get up to speed on what is expected of you. What technology will you need? Where can you access course material? How do you submit assignments? What is the best way to use the expertise of tutors?
Answering these questions, and others, will alleviate much of the stress that can accompany study.
Make a study schedule
The beauty of online courses is that you can study anywhere, anytime. At the same time, it is important to have a study schedule in place to ensure that you are putting in the necessary time to complete assignments. That doesn’t mean you have to burn the midnight oil – regular, short, sharp and focused study sessions are usually the most effective.
An appropriate schedule will differ from person to person, depending on lifestyle habits and family and work commitments. It is crucial, though, to avoid a scenario whereby study is always the first thing that gets dropped or is just squeezed in at the end of the day.
Manage your stress
Students are renowned for pulling all-nighters and ignoring their health. Such an approach will heighten your stress levels. People take in information better when they are mentally and physically sharp, so get some sleep and make sure you set aside time for your preferred mode of exercise.
Stay in touch with your tutors
Tutors are your best friend. The best online education providers ensure tutors are readily available so they can ease students’ concerns about course content and processes. Ask them questions – they are there to help.
If you don’t seek assistance, you may take the wrong tack with assignments and add to your workload. In many cases, a simple email to a tutor can clear up any confusion.
Avoid distractions
Studying from home, or even in a café, is one of the great advantages of online study. There can be distractions, though (screaming children, friends dropping by, the footy on TV). So try to set up an area that is relatively quiet and conducive for study. If possible, switch off your phone and email while you study. They will only make you procrastinate.
For details on the great range of courses at Australian Online Courses, please view our course catalogue.
