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The top courses that will get you into a job

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:

Certificate of Medical Reception and Office Administration
Certificate of Legal Administration (Paralegal)
Certificate of Procurement and Contract Management
Certificate of Aged Care
Certificate of Visual Merchandising
Certificate of Social Media Marketing
Certificate of Payroll
Certificate of Medical Business Administration
Certificate of Logistics and Supply Chain Management

Click here to view all our available courses:- australianonlinecourses.com.au

For the record: Why a Certificate of Legal Transcription is so popular

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:

Preparing for audio transcription
Proofreading
Meeting and conference transcription
Legislation codes and national standards
Court and criminal proceedings
Document management software
Email programs

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.

Why online training courses may be better than a university degree

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.

They cost much, much less

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.

You can work at your own pace

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.

They have the backing of industry

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.

You get 24-hour access to courses and tutors

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.

They give your technology skills a boost

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

Four New Year’s resolutions to jump-start your career

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.

I resolve to … take time to think about my career direction

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.

I resolve to … do my homework when assessing study options

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.

I resolve to … choose a course that meets the needs of employers

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.

I resolve to … achieve balance between my life and career ambitions

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

Highly Skilled Paralegals Courting Career Success

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:

roles and responsibilities in the legal system
legal practice and legislation
legal firm policies and procedures
file documentation
court etiquette
legal language
legal searches
court policies and procedures
legal confidentiality and security
legal codes of conduct.

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.

5 Secrets to Better Time Management in the Workplace

Time is precious in our busy workplaces and following these tips will help ensure you are maximising the productivity of your day.

Plan your day … every 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.

Have an action plan … and follow it

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.

Switch off email and social media … now

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.

Avoid unnecessary meetings … or keep them short

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.

Ignore meaningless tasks … and know when to call time on a project

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.

Great Study Apps to Help You Get The Assignment Done

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.

The 10 Most Common Questions (and our Answers) About Online Study

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.

Online Study? A Quick Guide to Check If It’s The Right Fit For You

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

Study Smarter and Boost Your Career Outlook

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.

6 Reasons Why You Are Never Too Old to Study

Longer careers and empowering online education opportunities are convincing many people to look at study in a new light.

In days past, we typically embraced a cycle of going to school, completing a vocational or university course, getting a job – and then putting the books away for the rest of our lives. No more!

Learning new skills is crucial in a world of constant workplace changes and technology innovations. Here are some very good motivations for giving adult learning a go.

1. You can turbo-charge your career at any age
You may already have a job, but adult learning courses can put your career into a new stratosphere. Acquiring new skills sets you up for a possible internal promotion, or could open the way for opportunities that may not have been available in the past – not to mention boosting your earning potential.

2. Maintaining mental health is crucial as you age
Learning stimulates your brain and contributes to better mental health, with many studies revealing that adult learning can help ward off mild depression or anxiety. Regardless, staying mentally sharp helps you to stay on top of your game in life and work while enhancing your ability to cope with new challenges.

3. Social media (and other skills) can be learnt at any age
LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter – they weren’t around 15 years ago, but these social media tools and many others are becoming more and more essential in a range of job roles. Stay up to date through online learning and use tech skills in a professional context so that you can increase your value to employers.

4. Technology tools make learning a breeze
With never-ending work and family commitments, many people simply do not have time to go to a college or university campus to study. Thanks to the internet and empowering online courses and tools, modern learning is far more accessible and flexible. Courses and study material are available at the click of a mouse, and online tutors are just an email away.

5. Your time-management skills have never been better
It is a fair bet that your ability to manage time and juggle responsibilities is far better than when you were younger. That gives you a real advantage in the online education space, where you manage your study time while fitting any courses around your life.

6. Now is the perfect time for a confidence boost
Perhaps you weren’t the best student at high school or university and lacked some confidence in your adult life as a consequence. Online education choices give you a second chance at fulfilling your study aspirations – while also giving you a career boost and greater self-esteem.

Make your new learning experience as relevant and useful as possible to your career and life – and give online education a go.

For details on the great range of courses available at Australian Online Courses, please view our Course Catalogue

10 Quick Tips to Help You Get Back Into the Workplace

If you are resuming your career after a considerable break, map out a clear strategy which gives you the best chance of fulfilling your new career goals.

Trying to get back into the workplace – and adjusting to the change once you land that new job – can be a stressful time. Smart planning can make all the difference, though. Here are some ideas to help you succeed.

1. Assess your career aspirations
Before simply diving back into your old area of work, think about if that’s really what you want. Times and motivations change. This is the perfect chance to reinvent yourself.

2. Update your skills
Once you have determined your favoured career path, make sure your skills align with your ambitions. If your skill-sets need updating, sign up for some practical certificate courses that can quickly get you up to speed. From using new software programs and brushing up on your Excel skills to creating budgets, there is no end to your choices.

3. Embrace online study
With such learning, online education courses have transformed the market. You no longer need a university degree to score a great job. Going online not only gives you great choices, but great flexibility too. You can study anywhere, anytime.

4. Boost your confidence
One of the hardest things about re-entering the workforce is a lack of self-belief. Practise your new career pitch on family and friends, target appropriate jobs and walk a fine line between having self-confidence without being arrogant.

5. Invest in yourself
As part of refreshing your skills and boosting your confidence, understand the importance of spending some time and money on yourself. Consider buying some new clothes for that job interview; signing up for an online course, or seeing a career coach. It will be money well spent.

6. Revise your résumé
A long break from the workplace can present gaps on your résumé that are a turnoff for some employers. Recognising those deficiencies and targeting them when selecting online courses can help overcome any issues. Create a CV that highlights your skills rather than your work chronology; that means listing your achievements and emphasising qualities such as ‘marketing experience’ and ‘sales successes’. The importance of getting this personal and professional pitch right is the reason why Australian Online Courses offers graduates a free appraisal of their CV to identify areas that could be improved and increase their chances of career success.

7. Regenerate your networks
The jobs world is all about connections, and a break from the workforce can break the chains. Signing up for social media platforms such as LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter is a great way to update your networks and sell your skills. Face-to-face networking is also crucial.

8. Consider part-time work
It may not be possible to walk straight into your dream job. Flexible or part-time work can act as a bridge to resuming a meaningful career while picking up valuable new skills that set you up for other opportunities in the months and years ahead.

9. Ramp up your health and fitness
As well as being mentally fit, it helps to be at your physical peak before embarking on a new career journey. Going back into a stressful work environment can be tough, so it pays to be in good physical health before you walk in the door.

10. Never give up
Relaunching your career is not easy, but armed with perseverance, new skills and a great attitude, you can do it.

For details on the great range of courses available at Australian Online Courses, please view our course catalogue.

How to Get Back in the Study Groove After a Break

Planning, discipline and ensuring you have some fun along the way are among the keys to succeeding in study after a long break from the books.

You’re planning to enrol in an online education course to help fulfil your career and life goals … and now the panic has set in.

Perhaps it’s been years since you last studied and your priorities have changed because of your current job, family, social and financial circumstances. Here are some tips to help you score top marks.

Get organised

Creating a plan and schedule that balances your life and study commitments is important when you start or resume study. It also helps you relieve stress because you know there is a way forward. Factor in essential work and social engagements and put them on your list, and then consider how study can fit around those elements. With study itself, designate a quiet space where you can get away from distractions and make sure technology requirements and course details are sorted out. Note any assessment guidelines and deadlines so there are no nasty surprises down the track.

Set some goals

Writing down some short and long-term goals is a great way to steel your mind – and remind yourself why you want to study. These benchmarks should keep you motivated. At the same time, cut yourself some slack and understand that it may take some time to readjust to the world of study. You don’t have to be the dux of the course in everything – be positive but realistic.

Make time for study

Although there is often flexibility with deadlines when studying online, it is important to allocate some time for study. Identify some days or times when your job/family/friends do not consume you and earmark them for learning. This will let you enjoy the learning process. Understand, too, that in the modern mobile world you can learn anytime and anywhere with laptops or tablets that allow you to research, write or complete course tasks while you are on the move.

Do some exercise

Staying mentally fit is easier if you are physically fit. No doubt the pressures of work and family life can sometimes be overwhelming on top of study commitments, but it is essential to take some time out to stay healthy. A walk, some cycling, a swim, the gym – whatever activity you prefer, exercise will help refresh your mind and lead to better study results.

Use your tutors

The best education providers deliver resources to help make life easier for their students. Chief among those are your tutors. They are available to respond to any questions about courses and assessments. Take advantage of their expertise.

Reward yourself

When you finish a tough assignment, give yourself a treat. Whether it’s a night out with friends or family, or indulging at your favourite restaurant, giving yourself periodic rewards is an important way to maintain your motivation – and keep you on track for that next course!

Kick-start your studies – it’s the smart way to give your life and career a boost.

For more details on the great range of courses at Australian Online Courses, visit australianonlinecourses.com.au

What Courses Are Delivering Big Bucks For Students?

A wide range of online education courses reflecting changes in the modern workplace can set up students for life with rewarding careers.

In days past, university courses such as medicine, law and economics were seen as the best tickets to career financial success.

While these jobs can still deliver a big pay day, the emergence of a vast array of online education courses and growing disciplines such as information technology and health care has opened up lucrative new fields for students. It’s all relative, too. A medical degree, for instance, will set you back hundreds of thousands of dollars and take many years of intensive study – if you can get in. Online courses, by comparison, cost a fraction compared with many popular university degrees, they take much less time and can deliver real bang for buck. Here are areas of study that can deliver a financially rewarding career.

Business management

Business administration and management subjects are among the most popular online courses – and with good reason. They can set up students with jobs in a wide range of disciplines. From operational planning and managing budgets to personal assistant and office manager roles, students learn the fundamentals of how business operates – a valuable skill in today’s competitive job market.

Accounting and finance skills also have the potential to put you on the pathway to career success. Online professional development courses in this space can quickly give students a strong grounding in accounting systems, bookkeeping and business finance– whether it is to land a first job or to progress further up the corporate ladder.

Marketing and sales

Behind every good business idea is a great marketing and sales team. Developing comprehensive strategies to take products to people who need them will always be an in-demand skill in a global business world.

Consider professional sales SEO, or search engine optimisation, which allows companies to maximise their branding and sales power using particular keywords or phrases in a search engine. People will such skills are in high demand in the corporate world.

Online courses are an ideal way to school yourself in how to create effective marketing strategies incorporating advertising and the use of statistics and research. From traditional marketing channels to multimedia channels, a great marketing person is worth their weight in gold.

Healthy returns

In a world where the population is ageing, elderly people want to maintain active lifestyles. The healthcare sector is providing an increasing range of opportunities for rewarding careers. For example, there is a call for healthcare administrators who understand business and medical practices as they juggle everything from paperwork to personalities. This field is only going to grow.

And why not try …

A range of other careers are on the rise in an era when technology and business services are in high demand. Without question, IT has transformed the jobs market around the world and online education is a great forum to acquire skills in this field because of the focus on digital communication and computer software. There are also roles available in offices around the nation for those with advanced Excel skills, which can be acquired through online education.

Other specialist fields offer the prospect of great jobs, too. For example, courses for medical receptionists are responding to increasing personnel needs in the fast-growing healthcare sector. Elsewhere, a shortage of people with skills in procurement training – a particular need in the government sector – means graduates are well placed to gain well-paid employment. Pick up these skills, and other key skills available through the online education world, and your CV will resonate.

So consider what course can truly make your dreams come true – career-wise and financially – and sign up today!

For more details on the great range of courses at Australian Online Courses, click here to view our course catalogue

The Must-Have Skills Employers Want – and How to Get Them Online

Getting your dream job can be tough, but online education is equipping graduates with the skills they need to stand out from the pack.

In a highly competitive job market, employers are demanding a lot from their employees.

A great CV, communications skills, computer and software knowledge, social media nous, you name it.

This is reflected in a recent Graduate Careers Australia survey identifying the key skills that Australian employers are seeking.

What topped the list? Communication skills came in first, followed by academic results and a capacity for teamwork, while the broader list included aptitude, interpersonal skills, leadership talent, plus work experience.

The list makes for daunting reading. However, the good news is that online education courses give a wide range of job-seekers the ability to quickly and affordably enhance their skills and take on new roles. The range of courses is comprehensive, covering the gamut from business management and information technology to arts, health and nutrition, engineering, human resources, cooking and a whole lot more. Students can also sign up for subjects that some traditional colleges do not cover, such as social media marketing and office administration, for example.

These real-world courses are highly relevant in the modern workforce and make a valuable addition to a CV, while they typically cost a fraction compared with related university degrees.

The upshot is that this online educational model is closing the skills gap and effectively meeting the demands of both employers and students. Online courses have a number of significant advantages over traditional approaches:

Flexibility: you can enrol and study at your own pace wherever there is internet while gaining qualifications without having to take time off work or neglect your family duties.
Convenience: you are not locked into living near a particular education institution, and online lectures and materials are sent electronically, allowing students to plan their study time around life and work.
Choice: you can select from a multitude of courses that have real relevance in today’s job market while, if necessary, getting free extensions to complete course material.
Support: you can get around-the-clock access to tutors when you are stuck on a subject.

There is no excuse for not being job-ready.

AOC courses have been developed in consultation with industry representatives and are recognised by a range of employers, including government departments. This means our graduates have the sort of knowledge and skills that can be quickly and successfully applied in the workforce.

Choose your preferred area of study, enrol … and get started on the path to an exciting new career.

For more details on the great range of courses at Australian Online Courses, visit australianonlinecourses.com.au

Getting back into the workforce … what you need to know

Updating your skills through online courses is a smart way to increase your chances of scoring a great job when you want re-enter the workforce.

Summoning up the courage to apply for a new job can be daunting after a long break from the workforce. Many people have understandable concerns about whether their job skills are still up to speed, and even if they want to resume their old line of work.

Here are some tips to help ensure a smooth transition back into the workforce.

Review your skills and options

The longer you have been away from work, the more you need to assess if your interests have changed. This may be the time to consider a new career path, especially if you were unhappy with previous roles before you took a break.

Determining your job desires should logically lead to a review of your current skills – and a frank assessment as to how they shape up. If you realise that you have a skills gap or that your knowledge is out of date, you could consider doing some online courses to up-skill. An incredibly wide range of online courses are available, including in areas such as information technology and social media marketing, which have become popular in recent years.

Boost your confidence

One of the common barriers to re-entering the workforce is a lack of personal confidence. Being out of the day-to-day environment of the workplace can have an impact on your social skills, and make you question your potential worth in a prospective new job. This is where online courses can also play an important role.

Signing up for a new course and learning new skills can do wonders for your confidence and increase your chances of gaining a much-cherished job that you have seen advertised. For potential employers, too, the fact that you have invested in your career demonstrates that you have initiative and commitment – and that may be just the factor which gets you hired.

Maintain your flexibility

Modern life is a juggling act of work, family, friends and (hopefully) fun. As you prepare to return to employment and up-skill, take advantage of the flexibility of online courses. You can enrol online and study at your own pace, balancing other commitments in your life.

You can plan your study time around your life and work – and submit assignments when it suits you. Free extensions are available if you need more time, and course materials are accessible online.

Choose credible course providers

Before applying for online courses, prospective students should always consider the reputation of the various schools and programs. There is an ever-growing choice of providers, but it pays to do your homework.

Ensure all courses have been developed in consultation with industry professionals, which you get the training and skills that are truly valuable to potential employers. This can make a huge difference when applying for a new role. Reputable online education providers also ensure that you have around-the-clock access to tutors, so support services are always at hand.

Keep these factors in mind and there is every chance that you will land your dream job.

For more details on the great range of courses at Australian Online Courses, visit Australian Online Courses

6 Reasons Why We Love Online Training (and you should too)

Enrolling in an online course can give you the skills to pursue your personal and professional dreams.

The world of job training and education has changed remarkably in the past decade, but one thing hasn’t.

Employers demand professional, skilled people to fill a vast range of roles. Training is still the key to success – and that’s where relevant online courses come to the fore. We love helping people upgrade their skills and fulfil their career aspirations, and we know employers share our enthusiasm for the quality of our graduates. Here are five reasons why our online courses are meeting the needs of students (and employers) in the modern business world.

1. They’re really flexible …
Life is frenetic and many self-motivated individuals want to learn new skills and advance their careers without compromising their commitments to work, family … you name it. Online courses let you fast-track your knowledge (and career) from the comfort of your home, or wherever there is internet. Study at your own pace.

2. Job-ready skills
AOC courses have been developed in consultation with industry representatives and are recognised by a range of employers, including government departments. So you can get industry-relevant training that will help you quickly access the knowledge and skills you’ll need on the job.

3. Convenience … and help when you need it
Forget about battling traffic, finding a park or having to leave work early for classes – our online lectures and materials are sent electronically to you. Enrol online, get started immediately, complete the assignments and send them back when you are ready. You can plan your study time around your life and work. Course material is always accessible online and free extensions are available if you need more time. And, if you get stuck on part of the course or have a problem, tutors are available seven days a week to help out.

4. The choice is yours
With more than 900 courses covering everything from accounting, management and IT through to marketing, cooking, hospitality and tourism and more, you’ll always be able to find a course that matches your needs. We also offer subjects that some traditional colleges do not cover (such as psychology and social media marketing, for example).

5. Value for money
Campus-based university courses often cost tens of thousands of dollars, whereas you can sign up today for an online course for a fraction of the price.

6. It’s a life-changer
Graduates get a certificate of completion at the relevant level (Certificate, Advanced Certificate) when they finish an AOC course.

For more details on the great range of courses at Australian Online Courses, click here to view our course catalogue

How to do it? The ultimate cheat sheet for online study.

Enrolling in an online course is the first step towards advancing your skills and career, but following some smart advice will improve your chances of success.

In a fast-paced world, we want to be able to access training when we want it. Online education is a great way for self-motivated learners to ramp up their skills while maintaining a flexible lifestyle. To succeed in online study, however, it still takes hard work and discipline. Here are some pointers to help you succeed.

Choose online educators carefully

Perhaps the biggest decision you will make is the choice on online educators. So do your homework. Make sure the courses have been developed to suit the requirements of relevant industries and employers. Check that the courses deliver what you need and will make you job-ready. Ensure the school’s technology platforms can deliver course materials on time, every time. Seek assurance that tutors will be available seven days a week to help you. And, in the event that you need more time to complete courses, confirm that free extensions are available.

Get up to speed with technology

A laptop and an internet connection are pretty much all you need to get started. However, ensuring your systems are compatible with those of the online provider (and having decent software and broadband capacity) makes for a smoother experience.

Honing some elementary technology skills will also help. Make sure you can send and receive emails with attachments; create folders and subfolders on your computer or a flash drive to help organise your coursework; save and open audio and video files; and download and install various applications.

Set realistic study goals

Different online courses have different workloads, so check how much time is required to properly tackle the course and be realistic about how it fits in with your other commitments. Don’t fool yourself about how many hours a week you can study if, for example, you are working full-time and have a family.

Engage with your friendly tutors

One of the great things with AOC courses is access to seven-day tutor support. Any confusion over course content or a particular subject matter can usually be sorted out with a quick message to your tutors. Don’t be afraid to use them – they are friendly, smart and here to help.

Develop good study habits

Even though online courses give students great flexibility, time management is still important. AOC doesn’t set due dates for assessments, but staying motivated and developing a routine for study will allow you to reach your educational goals faster. It helps to work out when your energy levels are at their highest (and distractions at their lowest) so you can schedule study when you are firing.

Avoid plagiarism

Stealing other people’s work for your assignments is not on. Referencing relevant authors and using proper citation methods is a must. Your tutors can offer guidance on appropriate practices.

Acknowledge your success

Online study requires plenty of discipline. So when you get great marks on your assignments and achieve your study goals, give yourself a reward. Perhaps it could be your favourite meal, or taking some extra time off (whatever appeals to you). This will help you maintain motivation … and graduate!

For more details on the great range of courses at Australian Online Courses, view our course catalogue at https://australianonlinecourses.com.au

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How to do it? The ultimate cheat sheet for online study.

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