5 minute read
Donating Time and Money
Donating Time
And
Money
Nonprofit organizations depend on monetary donations to keep their operations running and support the communities they serve. Many people, however, want to do more than write a check to local organizations they support, so they become volunteers. When people choose to donate their time, energy and skills to support a community organization, the impact can be immeasurable. Plus, volunteering allows people to be actively involved in their community without feeling the budget crunch at home. People don’t always realize what they gain personally when they volunteer, however. In addition to feeling a sense of community and accomplishment, people can also improve their networking skills, connections and professional development as they help others. “Improving leadership, networking and job skills is important in any field, and doing so through community involvement is a rewarding way to give back,” says Elizabeth K. Warn, senior vice president of community relations at TD Bank. TD Bank, for example, provides several volunteering opportunities for its employees, including TD Tree Days tree planting events. “Volunteering provides the best of both worlds - supporting your local community while developing professional skills that may help you in the future.” Many companies encourage their employees to volunteer, whether on their own time or through work. The bank’s year-round Employee Reading Program encourages employees to help children keep their reading skills sharp by reading to them in schools, libraries and at youth organizations. In addition to recognizing their employees’ commitment to volunteer service and the financial needs of community organizations, many companies, such as TD Bank, will also provide financial donations to the charities where their employees volunteer. These donations give an extra boost to the organizations and causes that are personally important to employees, are usually based on the number of hours an employee volunteers, and allows a worker who might not otherwise have the financial resources an opportunity to direct funds to his or her favorite charity or organization.” The benefits of volunteering really are limitless,” adds Warn. “Even a few hours each month can help a neighborhood, a family in need, or an organization attain its goals and make a positive, meaningful impact in the community.”—BPT
Online Programs Key to Career Advancement In a tough economy
There is a skills gap in the United States. Thirty-nine percent of U.S. employers report having difficulty finding staff with the appropriate skills, according to the annual Talent Shortage Survey conducted by the Manpower Group, a human resource consulting firm. Employers are looking for employees who possess the proper education and training, but are having trouble finding qualified candidates. If you are trying to get ahead in your career, you’ve likely realized the skills gap exists and you know the benefits a new position or promotion could mean to you and your family. Chances are you’ve seen these opportunities before but didn’t pursue them because of the time commitment to get the education and training you need. You ask yourself, “If I go back to school and have to wait two-to-four years before seeing the benefits of my education, will the opportunities still be there?” The good news is that you don’t have to wait for graduation day to demonstrate what you’ve learned. Some online colleges are re-imagining higher education in ways that recognize the demands placed on people seeking to advance their careers. These programs strive to help students document achievements not just at graduation, but before then, while they are still in school. Here are just some of the ways. Badging. Whether you were active in Scouting or have played online video games, you’re probably aware of the system of badging. A badge or patch - physical or electronic - is awarded to recognize your specific accomplishments. The badging idea now exists in higher education as well, and some online schools have tapped into this trend, using the same principles to recognize student accomplishments. The New Hampshire-based online school, Mount Washington College, for example, is integrating skill, motivational and peer mentoring badges. Online colleges find students enjoy the accomplishment of a badge as they continue toward graduation, and the online platform lends itself well to this system. The program is gaining traction with employers as well. Hiring managers are finding that the badges can sometimes say more about what a student has accomplished than the typical degree. Skill stacking. To provide a clear way to demonstrate workplace-ready skills before graduation, leading online schools are offering students the capability to earn key industry-recognized certifications as they work toward their degree, delivering value prior to a diploma. For instance, Mount Washington College
offers a project management certificate as well as an online marketing certified professional certificate. Students can add these certificates to their resume or LinkedIn profile in order to display immediate benefits from their education as they continue on their degree path. These certificates are an excellent way to demonstrate to current or potential employers that you have learned work-place ready skills in areas such as communications, leadership, marketing, project management or other aspects of business. e-Portfolio. For students who are looking for one convenient place to showcase their work to current or future employers, e-Portfolios are a valuable tool being introduced at some online schools. These electronic portfolios record any badges or work samples loaded by students. They are a great way for students to showcase their knowledge, skills and abilities in one location.
Education on your timeline. Traditional universities are difficult for non-traditional students because of their fixed class schedules and mandatory due dates for projects. Online schools offer students a more flexible model; eliminating fixed semester schedules and giving students control over their own education. Students are able to complete their projects as quickly or slowly as their schedule allows, giving them the opportunity to pace themselves and see the best possible return on their education investment. If you’ve considered going back to school but thought it couldn’t be done because you don’t have the time, these new online program innovations are worth a look. They provide tools to showcase accomplishments before you complete your studies, and give you the flexibility to learn on your terms and at your own pace. Mount Washington College offers both an Associate of Applied Science and a Bachelor’s of Applied Science in Business Administration degree program. To learn more about these programs and new options for learning and demonstrating the knowledge and skills employers are searching for, visit mountwashington.edu.—BPT
