A new book by the vice president and managing director of Apollo Research Institute finds that women’s contributions to management, small business and job creation are at an all-time high. In “Society 3.0: How Technology Is Reshaping Education, Work and Society,” Dr. Tracey Wilen-Daugenti describes how women’s changing roles and rising rates of educational achievement are helping them master the challenges of career while maintaining work/life balance.

A former Silicon Valley executive, Dr. Wilen-Daugenti says that more women leaders are emerging as societal perceptions evolve. Rising numbers of Americans now believe women should be the major family breadwinner, she writes, and men are assuming a fairer share of home and family duties to compensate.

Although women still earn only 77 percent of what their male colleagues earn for comparable work, they bring home 44 percent of U.S. household income. They fared better than men during the Great Recession, however, with only 25 percent of layoffs affecting female employees. And women-owned firms are responsible for over 23 million jobs and $3 trillion in annual economic impact.

Women are finding creative ways to bust stereotypes while launching satisfying careers. Self-employment is one path; 35 percent of all solo entrepreneurs are women, and their numbers are increasing by 23 percent annually. “Women can also stand out by entering traditionally male-dominated careers such as science, engineering and computer technology, where salaries happen to be highly competitive,” Dr. Wilen-Daugenti says.

Education is helping to close the gap. Women are now earning more higher degrees than men. And more female managers hold bachelor’s or master’s degrees than do male managers. “These trends position women to prevail in a competitive future,” says Dr. Wilen-Daugenti.

A new book by the vice president and managing director of Apollo Research Institute describes the shifting nature of work and careers in America. In “Society 3.0: How Technology Is Reshaping Education, Work and Society,” Dr. Tracey Wilen-Daugenti explains how the international business environment will transform old ideas of hiring, worker skill requirements and career planning, while inspiring solo entrepreneurs to innovate in profitable new ways.

“Globalization now affects all workers and businesses,” says Dr. Wilen-Daugenti. A former Silicon Valley executive, she notes that videoconferences, virtual teams and other technology-based collaboration tools will improve efficiency and cut costs. Cultural competence and the ability to build trust in these new environments will be prime traits for leaders of international work groups.

Another new global workforce reality: American employees face overseas competition. “Significant gaps exist between the skills workers offer and those employers require,” says Dr. Wilen-Daugenti. If this deficit persists, U.S. companies risk losing business—and American jobs—to foreign firms with better-educated staff. Workers must make continuing skill renewal and education a priority to master an evolving job market.

As an alternative to serial employment, more people will go solo or launch small businesses. Self-employment has been rising—even during the recent downturn—as baby boomers choose freelancing or business ownership over traditional retirement. “America’s smallest firms and startups create the most jobs during recessions, provide half the nation’s nonfarm GDP and have provided many of its brightest technology success stories,” notes Dr. Wilen-Daugenti.

Education fuels the entrepreneurial mind-set; 95 percent of surveyed company founders held bachelor’s degrees and just under half held master’s degrees. “By starting or resuming their higher education, workers can keep their skill sets competitive or explore independent careers,” says Dr. Wilen-Daugenti. “Whether they work for themselves or not, they will be better able to innovate and develop their potential while seizing opportunities in tomorrow’s global economy.”

“The unemployment rate for people who have never gone to college is more than double what it is for those who have gone to college,” says Dr. Mary Hawkins, president of Bellevue University. “And during the next 10 years, nearly eight in 10 new jobs will require workforce training or a higher education. These statistics make it clear that completing some form of higher education is the best tool to meet the challenges of a 21st century economy.”

If you’re considering going back to school, chances are you’ve wondered about online learning. Is it legit? Will I get the same quality education I would in a classroom? Will my degree be as respected as much as it would if I attended in person? The answer is, surprisingly, the same as with a traditional, in-class situation—there are varying levels of online degrees and you must do your research to find the best one for you.

“…These statistics make it clear that completing some form of higher education is the best tool to meet the challenges of a 21st century economy.”

Here are four factors you should consider if you’re contemplating getting your degree online:

Just as with an in-class program, you want to make sure the institution you attend is regionally accredited. This designation is an indicator that the institution voluntarily reports on the quality of its programs and submits to assessment to ensure quality offerings.

Determine whether or not you must be online at a particular time each week; if you can enter the virtual classroom when it is most convenient for you. Based on your lifestyle, decide which of these formats will best set you up for success. Maybe you have a hectic, unpredictable schedule and you need to do the work when you can fit it in. Or perhaps you are the kind of person who benefits most from a set time each week to attend class.

Online learning is still relatively young in higher education. Some institutions, like Bellevue University, have been offering online degree programs since the mid-‘90s. It is important to make sure the school you choose has had time to optimize its online offerings.

Ask if the entire degree program is offered online or if it is just one component of the larger program. Some universities require both online and in-class participation within the same program. If you are interested in this type of blended program, make sure you ask how much content is delivered online and how much is delivered in class so that you can plan how you are going to fit the components into your life.

Lastly, please know that when you reach your goal, your degree will not indicate whether you studied online or in class. You don’t need to worry about perceptions from those who still doubt online learning. What’s most important is determining if earning your degree can get you to where you want to go and if online learning is the best way to fit getting a degree into your already busy life.

Regardless of your age, gender or the work you do, it pays to prepare yourself in the event that you are laid off. It’s critical to understand what you should do in the minutes, days and weeks after being told that your job has been eliminated.

Here are some tips from http://FindLaw.com, the No. 1 website on the Internet for legal advice and information, on what you should do to increase your odds of getting back to work in the event of a layoff.

Don’t wait. If layoff rumors are running rampant throughout your organization, don’t wait to find out if you’re part of the headcount or not. Instead, be proactive. Get your resume updated and in shape. Identify three to five people who might be good job references and invite them out for coffee to reignite your relationships. Start looking at various online job boards, attend local professional society meetings – do anything you can think of to kick-start your networking into high gear.

Negotiate your layoff package. Depending upon your position, you may have the opportunity to negotiate your layoff or early retirement package, including compensation, bonus, health-care benefits, stock options and other benefits. It’s important to make sure you receive everything you are entitled to, including compensation for unused vacation.  It may be useful to employ an attorney specializing in employment law to help you negotiate your package.

Leave on good terms. You may be angry that you’ve been laid off, but make sure to leave on good terms with your coworkers and even the manager who had to let you go. Any of these people could potentially steer you to a new employment opportunity, and could serve as a job reference.

Know your unemployment benefits. Don’t feel ashamed about being laid off. File for unemployment immediately. Benefits vary by state; however, in order to receive unemployment compensation, workers must meet the unemployment eligibility requirements for wages earned or time worked during an established period, according to Findlaw.com.

Take advantage of outplacement counseling. If your employer offers outplacement job counseling as part of your lay-off package, take advantage of it to fine tune your resume, practice interviewing and conduct research on potential employers.

Track job search costs. If you are currently seeking employment, it’s crucial to keep track of your job search expenses. Some of these costs may be tax deductible. If you’ve been unemployed recently, you also will need to report your unemployment compensation as income. According to IRS Publication 529, you can deduct expenses such as employment and outplacement agency fees, resume fees, travel and transportation expenses, as well as phone calls.

Don’t get scammed. People desperate to find work can be easy targets for scammers. Steer clear of websites and job interviews that come with a fee. Pay attention to where your emails are coming from, and whether or not the businesses sound legitimate. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Get digital. Set up a LinkedIn account that is focused strictly on your career. Executive search firms and corporate recruiters search for potential job candidates on LinkedIn based on keyword searches. LinkedIn and other online networking forums also can help you stay connected with former coworkers and others in your network of friends, family and colleagues.

Take contract and freelance work. In these tough times, consider contract or freelance employment for a set period of time. Depending on the job, these positions typically last anywhere from one month to a full year. Most contract employees are paid by the hour, instead of receiving a salary. You may or may not receive other benefits, such as health insurance, that are typically offered to salaried employees.

Step up and volunteer. It’s important to stay positive when you’ve just been laid off. You need a positive attitude to project to a prospective employer. One of the best ways to re-build a positive attitude after being laid off is to volunteer your time or creativity to a non-profit cause.

Jeannine L. Moentmann, paralegal and adjunct Instructor at Brown Mackie College – St. Louis, teaches students how to write effective resumes that make potential employers want to learn more about them.

Moentmann specialized in employment law for six of her 15 years as a paralegal. In addition to her ongoing legal work, she currently teaches law and business courses in the Criminal Justice program at Brown Mackie College – St. Louis. “Most people think the purpose of a resume is to get a job, but the real purpose of a resume is to get the interview,” she says. “A resume is the employer’s first look at you. It must stand out among the potentially hundreds they will receive for an open position.”

“Each resume should be tailored to the individual job description. You can highlight specific areas of your background that target the position,” Moentmann continues. The Bureau of Labor Statistics supports this recommendation in the “Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition,” advising applicants to emphasize the experience, accomplishments, education and skills that most closely fit the job they want.

Resume content
As you compile your information, keep in mind the following sections available to showcase your qualifications.

Header: Include your name, address, phone number and email address. “Your email address should not amuse or confuse a potential employer,” states Moentmann. “I recommend creating a professional sounding email identity for your search.”

Career objective: Optional; a brief statement of the contributions you can make to a specific organization. A well-written career objective can add value to a resume; however, it can also disqualify candidates if the objective does not match the job description.

Summary of qualifications: Optional; an overview of your most valuable career talents, skills and accomplishments. Leading with a summary makes the resume easier to read and ensures your most impressive qualifications are not overlooked.

Employment history: Included in most resume formats; add each relevant employer’s name and location, and dates of employment, job title, significant duties, accomplishments and promotions.

Skills and accomplishments: Optional; highlight relevant skills, including software or equipment proficiencies, and aptitudes such self-motivation, working well under stress, teamwork, etc.

Education: Include college information; omit high school information, especially among older candidates.

Honors and activities: Optional; highlight professional and educational accolades, membership in professional organizations and volunteer activities.

Personal data: Optional; consists of hobbies and interests; exercise caution when deciding the information you want to share. Federal and state laws prohibit employers from asking questions about race, age, marital status, ethnicity and religion. It is not appropriate to include this type of information.

References: A separate document that lists three to five professional individuals that can positively discuss your qualifications, skills and abilities.

Create a resume with ease using LinkedIn's new Resume App.

Connect with Traci on LinkedIn – Check out the Resume App.

You can now choose a resume style that best highlights your value as an ideal candidate for the open position you are seeking.

Chronological resume
The chronological resume is the most common format, with a focus on job history. The most recent positions are listed first. “The chronological style works well for someone who has experience in the field they wish to find employment,” says Moentmann. Many people choose to include a career objective in the chronological resume. “If used, it should be concise, customized for each job opening and focused on how you can contribute to the organization,” Moentmann says.

Functional resume
The functional resume highlights groups of skill sets instead of listing chronological career experience with each employer. You can categorize key job skills and past accomplishments under relevant headings, such as supervisory and management skills, computer skills, etc. “Each heading would include a summary of appropriate skills and accomplishments,” continues Moentmann. “Functional resumes work well when a candidate’s skills are transferrable from one field to another or when entering the work force for the first time.”

Combination resume
Some applicants prefer to blend the two types of resumes. The combination resume highlights valuable skills and accomplishments as the functional resume does. It also includes an employment history as in the chronological resume. “It’s a good way to highlight capabilities and capture the reader to make them want to look further,” Moentmann says. “For those who are switching careers, it’s an opportunity to explain transferrable skills.”

A resume is often a one-page document, however it can extend to two pages as years of experience grow. A well-written resume reflects professionalism and competence in your chosen career. A good resume is also never finished. “My own resume is a constant work in progress,” says Moentmann.

“As we move to a more global marketplace and the use of International Financial Reporting Standards, the importance of professional accounting education and experience will become even more pronounced,” says Professor Donna DeMilia of Grand Canyon University’s Ken Blanchard College of Business.

Apparently college students are taking notice. DeMilia notes that at Grand Canyon University, the number of undergraduate accounting students has grown seven times in the past three years, and enrollment of master’s students has more than doubled. That makes accounting the fastest growing program at the school during the past three years.

“Students are looking not only for stability in their career path, but also how their life experiences and education can affect their work in the field,” DeMilia says. “In accounting in particular, our students seek guidance in business ethics from a Christian perspective, rather than strictly from a societal viewpoint.”

Dakota Serna, a 22-year-old from Scottsdale, Ariz. offers a prime example of how appealing the industry has become. Before declaring accounting as his major, he experimented with subjects as varied as kinesiology and religious studies, and while he enjoyed those subjects he realized that he wanted something that secured his future. A career that left little room for interpretation was appealing to him.

“Accounting is very systematic – if you’re doing it right, it’s black and white with few gray areas,” Serna says. He already has a job lined with an Arizona-based risk-management company and believes the internships he pursued while in college gave him an edge when looking for a full-time position.

Despite the troubling economy there are glimmers of hope in the accounting field. According to Robert Half International, 30 percent of those who responded to its annual employer job outlook survey anticipated adding entry-level accountants within the next six months, and 12 percent indicated that finding skilled applicants in accounting was their greatest challenge.

The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) recently published in its Job Outlook study that starting offers for accounting majors are on average up 2.2 percent to $49,022. That type of compensation makes the industry sound pretty lucrative, especially when compared to the annual starting salary of just more than $35,000 for liberal arts majors.

“I anticipate job growth in accounting not just in the United States, but globally,” DeMilia says. “While jobs may not be as prevalent in these recessionary times, those with accounting degrees can feel relatively secure that there will be opportunities, especially as our country and others look from a broader perspective at how reform of the international financial reporting system plays out.”

The Bureau of Labor Statistics shows environmentally related occupations are projected to grow 38 percent more than all other occupations combined by 2016. The report, “Current and Potential Green Jobs in the U.S. Economy,” predicts the highest growth of green jobs will be in renewable power generation, retrofitting residential and commercial areas and in renewable transportation fuels. As a result, universities are increasingly integrating economic, environmental and social issues into their curriculum.

One of these institutions, DeVry University, has created several green-focused specializations to build on the school’s core degree programs — including business administration with a specialization in sustainability management, and electronics engineering technology with a specialization in renewable energy.

“Education needs to reflect this trend for the future leaders who will build economic and technological capital while considering the impact on social and natural resources,” said Jesus Fernandez, associate provost for curriculum at DeVry University. “DeVry University’s green curriculum adds focus on sustainability and environmental impact to the core business and electronics engineering technology degree programs.”

Fernandez offers three main growth areas:

Sustainability Management
An emerging area for leadership involves resource conservation, pollution prevention and the regulation and enforcement for process and procedure to be made more efficient and with greater sustainability. Those interested in sustainability management should explore coursework that provides a sound foundation of business and management principles while emphasizing green considerations, technologies and economic factors.

Renewable Energy
Relating to the production, transmission and storage of sustainable energy sources — wind, solar, geothermal and biomass power — many of the skills needed in engineering, design, planning or project management for renewable sources of energy are similar to those needed in traditional energy fields.

A strong engineering technology and electronics foundation, like DeVry University’s Renewable Energy specialization, provides an emphasis on alternative power sources and the economics of green engineering.

“Changing Skill” Occupations
With the increasing cultural shift toward environmental stewardship, there is a substantial need for employees of all levels to understand the green process. Students now have the opportunity to add desirable green skills to their existing area of expertise ? be it marketing, operations, finance or management.

Green job growth won’t slow down anytime soon – it is currently outpacing even total job growth. Between 1998 and 2007, U.S. green jobs increased by 9.1 percent with little government investment — almost 150 percent more than total job growth of 3.7 percent for the same period. Moving forward, companies will require employees to understand “green,” and it will be essential for graduates to prepare themselves for this changing environment. Students interested in these exciting programs and careers should visit http://www.devry.edu for more information.

Although you might not be familiar with the title “medical assistant,” you’ve certainly encountered them in your doctor’s office or medical clinic. Medical assistants perform both clinical and administrative tasks, such as charting a patient’s medical history, scheduling appointments, and recording height, weight, temperature and blood pressure information. They work in a wide range of medical and health facilities, including physician’s offices and clinics.

Forbes Magazine lists it as a top career for women because approximately 90 percent of medical assistants are women. The career offers substantial flexibility in scheduling and has relatively low entrance requirements. This makes it perfectly suited for women interested in entering the labor market after a hiatus or those making a career switch.

Women considering a medical assistant degree, should look for a college like Everest that offers flexible scheduling that helps them balance their studies, work and family time, advises Lani Townsend, campus president at Everest College in Reseda, Calif., the nationwide leader in training medical assistants.

“At Everest, our students can earn a medical assistant diploma in as little as eight months, which makes it perfectly designed for students who have to balance parenting and studying,” says Townsend.

In addition, medical assisting offers a substantial degree of security, an important consideration in this economy. Medical assisting is among the fastest growing careers in the U.S. In fact, the Department of Labor reports that the need for medical assistants is expected to grow 34 percent between 2008 and 2018, which is much greater than average job growth. Moreover, medical assistants find employment in a wide range of medical facilities, and often find medical assisting a great place to start their career in the allied health sector, as it can often lead to other careers in health care.

“Hands-on training and education in pharmacology, laboratory procedure, medical law, patient care and the health sciences make students capable of filling a diverse range of duties in a health care facility,” says Delisa Griffin, a medical assistant instructor at Everest Institute in Kendall, Fla.

However, Griffin recommends that whichever program you attend, you make sure to pursue formal certification as a registered medical assistant (RMA) through the Association of Medical Technologists (AMT) or a certified medical assistant (CMA) through the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). Although getting formal certification is often not necessary to enter the field, the U.S. Department of Labor recommends both formal coursework and certification, as employers prefer to hire certified workers. Certification will make you more competitive for top positions and will offer greater security in the labor market.

“You want to be sure that a medical assistant program can help you obtain the certification you need to make you more competitive in the job market,” says Griffin. “At Everest, all of our medical assistant programs prepare students to take the certification exam to become RMAs. And, depending on the location, many of our campuses prepare students to take the certification exam to become CMAs.”

- courtesy ARA

Ford R. Myers, career coach, speaker and author of Get The Job You Want, Even When No One’s Hiring, says that now is the worst time for you to quit.  Myers shares the following seven truths about how you can really achieve career success, regardless of the job market.

Truth #1: The Most Qualified Candidate Does Not Necessarily Get the Job Offer.  Many times, candidates with lesser qualifications get the job offers simply because they’ve prepared and presented themselves in a more compelling way.

Truth #2: The Best Time to Work on Your Career is When Your Job is Secure.  Even if you are happily employed today, you never know what will happen tomorrow.  By practicing “Perpetual Career Management” – keeping your resume current, networking, updating your success stories, etc. – you will always be ready should a career disaster strike.

Truth #3: Graduating from School is the Beginning of Your Education, Not the End.  You should always look for ways to advance your career knowledge and professional qualifications.  Attending seminars, reading trade journals, and pursuing certifications should be part of your ongoing professional development process.

Truth #4: An Employer’s First Offer is Never Its Best Offer.  Even in a tough economy, employers expect that you’ve done salary research and they anticipate having dynamic negotiations with you.

Truth #5: Always Research and be Plugged Into the Competition.  By being aware of the key players in your industry, your competitiveness will be enhanced when jobs are hard to come by. This will allow you to jump on opportunities that others may not be aware of.

Truth #6: Networking is More Important Than You Think.  Put time aside every week for active networking to maintain established relationships and develop new ones.  You should always be positioned to leverage your professional and personal contacts when the need arises.

Truth #7: If YOU’RE Not Managing Your Career, NOBODY is.  You and only you hold the keys to your career, your future, and your own brand of employment security.

“If you understand these seven simple principles, your level of focus, commitment  and clarity will come through in every phase of the job search,” says Myers.

For more information and other useful tips for achieving career success, visit http://www.getthejobbook.com.

Reprinted by permission of Ford R. Myers, a nationally-known Career Coach and author of Get The Job You Want, Even When No One’s Hiring. Download your free bonuses now at http://www.careerbookbonuses.com.

In life, no one gets off this planet unscathed. Whether personal or professional, setbacks will happen.

In today’s world, awareness of professional setbacks-the loss of a job whether due to layoffs or being fired or asked to resign-is increasing, from high profile executives losing their jobs to layoffs and job loss for all levels of workers. It doesn’t matter whether you work in a small company, large corporation, on a factory line, or in a corner office, leaving a job not of your own accord is one of the most difficult challenges most people face.

Even some of the nation’s most well known CEOs who were asked to resign, often for reasons beyond their control, were caught completely off guard. Two such leaders are David Neelman, founder and former CEO of JetBlue Airways, and Jacques Nasser, former president and CEO of Ford Motor Company.

When Neelman was asked by his board to resign in May 2007, following weather-related delays that stranded passengers on the tarmac-an unfortunate event that was beyond Neeleman’s control, but for which he took responsibility as the CEO-he called the move “shocking.” “I felt like I was sucker-punched,” Neeleman describes.

Nasser, who was president and CEO of Ford Motor Company from 1999 until 2001, was asked to step down as the auto industry faced challenges due to a souring economy.  After thirty years with the company, his leadership suddenly came to an end. “It was a huge surprise,” he says simply.

Both executives, however, were able to make very successful comebacks. After JetBlue, Neeleman decided to take his idea for a regional air carrier with a high degree of customer service to a new market-Brazil-where he found the highly successful Azul Linhas Aéreas Brasileiras.  In time, Nasser went on to become an executive partner in the highly successful private equity firm One Equity Partners, and today is chairman of BHP Billiton, the world’s largest natural resources company.

How did they make their comebacks? Although all leaders have strategies and philosophies that are unique to them, common themes emerge that can lead not only to a comeback, but potentially an even better outcome than ever anticipated.

Understand that often it’s not about you. Professional setbacks often occur because a company is in the midst of a transition. A division may be closed down or pared back, which results in layoffs. Or a new CEO has been brought in who now wants his/her own team. Being let go may not be about you or your performance at all. Although the pain and disappointment are yours, you are not the only one who has endured this kind of setback. You are not alone. Find the peace that comes with “I did my best;” learn whatever lessons there are to be learned, embrace change, and move on.

Take some time off and think about what you want. This step is often the hardest for people, particularly because of financial worries or concerns about when you will get your next job. But if you try to transition too fast you may be tempted to jump at the first opportunity that comes along instead of choosing where you want to go. Taking even a short break for discernment will help you stage a better and stronger comeback. Even if the break has to be only overnight, make sure that in your downtime you take some time for some real self-reflection. What’s important to you now, time or money? Do you thrive in a large organization or small organization? How have your dreams changed? Although this event was done to you, you are still the one who decides now.

Rally your allies. Whether friends, family members, or close associates, your allies are the ones who will help you through the transition and find your way forward. It may very well be through them and their connections that you begin to network your way into a new position.

What made you successful before will make you successful again. Just as your unique talents led to your previous success, these abilities will help you achieve your career goals in the future. Know what these qualities are. Own your past accomplishments. This process will help you communicate the value you bring to your next employer.

Be open to new possibilities. Your next position after a setback may be on the same path, or you may see your transition as an opportunity to pursue another career track. What is it that you’ve always wanted to do but never allowed yourself the opportunity to explore? Maybe now is the time to try something new.  What do you want Act II of your life to look like?

Don’t be limited by someone else’s definition of success. You are in charge of your own success. What that looks like and feels like is up to you. Don’t be limited by believing that success is only achievable if you repeat the past. The future is wide open, and it’s very possible that-even in spite of a setback-in your comeback, the best is yet to be.

Even if you have faced a professional setback in the past year, whether or not it was in your control, you can take control of how you recover. Reflect on your next steps, build your support system of allies, remain open to new possibilities and define success for yourself.  You might be surprised at the comeback you make.

About the Authors:
Andrea Redmond and Patricia Crisafulli are the authors of Comebacks: Powerful Lessons from Leaders Who Endured Setbacks and Recaptured Success on Their Terms (Jossey-Bass, 2010). Redmond is a well-regarded consultant who works with corporate boards, CEOs, and private investors on executive recruiting, management assessment, and succession needs. Crisafulli is an accomplished writer, ghost-writer, and author who has written numerous books, including The House of Dimon. Read more about them at http://www.AndreaRedmond.com and http://www.PatriciaCrisafulli.com. Find out more about the book at http://comebacksbook.wordpress.com.