Stay Ahead in the Business World

The current state of the U.S. economy brings with it a "survival" mentality -- especially within the business world. In what is already known as a highly competitive arena, the advent of bank failures, the loan crisis and a significant downsizing of the country's major corporations have made survival an increasingly perilous challenge. To stay competitive, survivors know that serious times demand serious measures. One path many business professionals are taking is earning an advanced degree or certification.

If you're thinking of getting your advanced degree or certification, there's something you should be aware of that will help you reach your education goals. With the growing numbers of working professionals wishing to earn an advanced degree, online education options have become a viable alternative. Why? In a word, convenience.

But with the increasing popularity of online education choices, it has become clear that finding the right fit for you will involve serious investigation. Ivonna Edkins, vice chancellor of admissions and enrollments at Jones International University, an accredited, 100 percent online university, says that "those looking to advance their careers through earning an advanced degree or certification need to realize that all online education choices aren't equal. And it's imperative that they find a school with the reputation, faculty, quality programs and of course, flexibility that they need to make an impact in improving their careers."

The most effective way to find the online education alternative that fits your career goals may well be the most obvious -- go online. "Look for the unique things the different schools offer -- closely consider the things that set them apart, both academically and philosophically," Edkins suggests.

Edkins also says that prospective students who are full-time working professionals should look for a university that preserves their lifestyles, and at the same time, offers them the personalized mentoring and programs that will help them succeed -- especially considering the time constraints with which many working professionals must contend.

"It's not hard to imagine that many prospective students looking for an online education solution are working professionals who don't have a lot of time to take on the added responsibilities of going to school," Edkins says. "It's also safe to assume that they haven't been in school for a while. At Jones International University, we've developed something we call our Total Professional Advantage 2.0, a unique set of academic tools, coursework and individual mentoring that sets us apart among online universities. In fact, it's so different, we've trademarked it."

The overall message? If you're considering going back to school for an advanced degree or certificate, it pays to do your homework. With the right advanced degree or certification, you can stay ahead of the game -- not only to survive, but also to thrive.