Sven Olson, BS in Liberal Arts, 2003

Posted on by Mackenzie Wright

Sven Olson, of Chandler, Ariz., earned a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts from Excelsior University (then Excelsior College) in 2003.

He shares, “As a soldier, traveling often and most of the time overseas, Excelsior saved the day by allowing me to piece together and finish a bachelor’s degree while serving in uniform. Several overseas posts were at U.S. embassies around the world, and my dream became to join the U.S. Department of State after retiring from the Army. In 2020 that dream became reality, and I joined the State Department as a foreign affairs officer. Thank you, Excelsior, for being a major element of my success and making that dream come true!”

Marty Maust, BS in Liberal Arts, 2019; MBA, 2022

Posted on by Mackenzie Wright

In 2019, Marty Maust of Clarksville, Tenn., earned a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts from Excelsior University (then Excelsior College), and in 2022 he earned a Master of Business Administration from the institution.

He shares, “I was able to leverage both my military career experiences and my MBA to start a newly created manager role within EY (Ernst & Young). This role is at the forefront of EY’s Future of Work initiative.”

Career Spotlight: Medical Office Manager

Posted on by Mary Kate Weaver

It is no surprise that the behind-the-scenes logistics and operations of any health care facility can be complex. Between insurance, scheduling, billing, and managing different facilities and departments, there is a lot going on! That is where medical office managers come in; they are the backbone of the facility and the people who work there.

If you’ve always been interested in working in the health care field, but enjoy more administrative and business-related tasks, a career as a medical office manager might be for you.

What Is a Medical Office Manager?

A medical office manager oversees the administration side of a medical practice. Oftentimes, they manage all the administrative team members as well as handle any issues within the practice. Medical office managers can work in hospitals, doctors’ offices, or private practice offices.

Medical Office Manager Duties and Responsibilities

While the duties of a medical office manager can vary depending on what type of office or facility they work in, most medical office managers will oversee the following:

  • Ensure that the facility complies with laws and regulations
  • Recruit, train, and supervise staff members, including front-end staff, billing administrators, medical assistants, etc.
  • Create work schedules and oversee payroll
  • Develop goals and objectives related to efficiency and quality of health services
  • Prepare budgets and manage finances, including patient fees and insurance
  • Triage any billing, scheduling, or insurance issues throughout the day

In addition, medical office managers represent the facility at important meetings, including financial and investor meetings, and on certain boards. They carry out policies, goals, and procedures for their facility and are truly the people who keep the practice running smoothly.

Depending on the size of the facility and the workload, there can be multiple medical office managers where the duties above are split between them. In addition to overseeing all administrative duties in the office, medical office managers work closely with the medical professionals who work in the facility, including doctors, nurses, medical assistants, and other health care personnel.

Excelsior’s BS in Health Care Management puts you in control of your career.

What Qualities Do Hiring Managers Look for in a Medical Office Manager?

Hiring managers want to ensure they are hiring the right person for the position of office manager. This includes finding someone who not only has the right career and educational background, but also the qualities to be successful in this role.

Hiring managers look for candidates with the following qualities:

  • Communication skills. Medical office managers must work with their staff, health care workers, insurance agencies, and patients. It is important for them to have strong communication skills to work with a variety of different people.
  • Leadership skills. As a medical office manager, you will oversee, hire, and train staff. You must be able to motivate others and provide an environment where workers can succeed.
  • Detail oriented. You will be responsible for a lot of different projects. It is imperative to manage your time, stay organized, and maintain a detailed schedule.
  • Technical skills. As a medical office manager, you must stay up to date with advances in health care technology.

    • How to Become a Medical Office Manager

    Medical office managers typically need a bachelor’s degree and related work experience.

    Medical Office Manager Education Requirements

    A bachelor’s degree in health care management from Excelsior University is the perfect degree to choose if you are interested in pursuing a career as a medical office manager. This fully online program will provide you with a strong foundation in the business side of health care and prepares you for jobs in medical office management, patient records management, and project management. You will focus on staffing and operational needs, departmental budget preparation, health insurance payment, financial reporting, health regulation compliance, and digital data systems. The degree also covers general business courses in subjects like accounting and human resource management.

    A bachelor’s degree combined with work experience in the management or medical office field will set you up to be a great candidate for any job as a medical office manager. Typically, medical office managers begin their careers as medical records specialists, administrative assistants, financial clerks, or schedulers in a health care facility. Strong candidates have experience working in all administrative facets of health care.

    Medical Office Manager Certifications

    Hiring managers love to see relevant work experience and a bachelor’s degree! However, more education and experience will only make you a better candidate for a medical officer manager position. Excelsior University offers a career training program for medical office managers. This program teaches the skills needed to prepare you for a career as a medical office manager in any medical office, clinic, hospital, or other health care setting.

    Medical Office Manager Salary

    According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for medical office managers was around $101,000 in 2021, and the job outlook is projected to increase by 28 percent by 2032. Start your journey to a career as a medical office manager today with Excelsior University!

Are Marketing Certifications Worth It?

Posted on by Caitlin Abram

Any experienced professional can tell you that the marketing field has always been a little unpredictable. With an extremely rapid pace of evolution, there is always some new strategy, practice, or platform needed to maintain mastery of the near constant algorithm and audience behavior changes we’ve come to expect in the world of digital marketing.

Unlike the teaching, medical, or legal professions, there is no official credential or governing board that licenses marketing professionals and no required number of continuing education credits. The advantage to this lack of oversight is that anyone can work their way up to a successful marketing career. However, this means that to stay in demand in this competitive field, marketers must find other ways to prove they have the skills to keep up.

This is where the “marketing certificate” comes in. With educational programs available for nearly every marketing skill at nearly every level, certifications are easy to find but hard to tell apart. They can also range from free online trainings to classroom courses that cost thousands of dollars.

But are marketing certifications worth it? The answer can certainly be “yes” but only if you choose wisely!

Can Marketing Certifications Boost Your Career?

At every level of your career, marketing certificates are excellent resume enhancers, and having a carefully curated collection of certifications is an easily scannable quantifier of your skills for potential employers looking to see what you can do.

For the less experienced, marketing certifications can be a way for your resume to stand out and show that you have the skills an employer is looking for even if you have a shorter work history in the field. For the seasoned pro, certifications show that you’re committed to keeping your knowledge current with emerging trends and strategies.

What Types of Marketing Certifications Are There?

A quick search for “marketing certifications” turns up dozens of results ranging from courses in marketing strategy and digital marketing to social media marketing, content marketing, and marketing management. It’s common to find identically titled certification programs being offered by social media platforms, technology giants, marketing management companies, and nonprofit higher educational institutions like Excelsior University!

With so many to choose from, it can be difficult to select the best program for you. Below are some solid options from respected names in the marketing industry.

  • The American Marketing Association (AMA) is the closest thing the marketing industry has to a gold standard of respectability. The AMA offers serious credentials in content marketing, digital marketing, and marketing management.
  • For digital marketing skills straight from the company that nearly invented it, Google offers its own certifications in digital marketing and e-commerce and Google ads.
  • Through its Blueprint program, Meta, which now includes Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, has a variety of digital marketing certifications available with an special focus on social media marketing.
  • The Digital Marketing Institute partners with a variety of large companies and offers basic and advanced certifications as well as continuous professional development courses.

Why Are Certifications Important for Your Professional Development?

Even if your end goal isn’t collecting credentials for your resume, going through a certificate training program can be strong contribution to your professional development. Digital marketing trends change quickly and at the very least, marketing certifications signal to employers that you are committed to your craft and willing to learn—and keep learning about what’s new and next in the industry.

Certifications are also good leveraging tools for advancing at your current job. Check with your employer to see if it offers reimbursement for professional development courses.

How to Choose the Best Marketing Certification

Choosing the best marketing certification depends on your specific marketing field and your professional goals. Generally, anything that boosts your digital marketing or social media skills is a good bet. Statista.com reports that digital advertising accounted for 67 percent of total ad revenue worldwide in 2022, and social media marketing spending in the U.S. topped 230 billion dollars the same year, so you can be confident the need for skilled professionals is on the rise.

To narrow down your choices, get specific. Look for programs targeting the skills, software, and tools that you want to develop your expertise in. Often, marketing platforms offer their own certification courses, and often for free, giving you the most updated knowledge straight from the source.

If career mobility is your goal, look at the preferred skills included in job listings for your ideal positions. Employers will frequently mention certain platforms or technologies by name and knowing what companies are looking for will help you make the best choice when you’re deciding on a certificate program.

Finally, remember that literally any company can give you a “marketing certificate” with your name on it. Do adequate research before you commit. Make sure that if you’re paying money for a program, that you’re receiving quality instruction from a respected and recognized source that will actually build your skills and not just look pretty on a resume. A marketing certificate certainly makes a claim on paper, but it’s ultimately up to you to back it up in the real world!

Going Nuclear

Posted on by Jenna Kerwin

When he was a child living in Florida, Nathaniel Cox, currently of Huntsville, Alabama, was fascinated by the swirling steam leaving the cooling tower at Crystal River Nuclear Plant. He was so fascinated that in seventh grade he wrote a research paper on the partial meltdown incident that occurred in 1979 at the Three Mile Island Nuclear Power Plant in Pennsylvania. His direction was set; he was going to work in engineering when he grew up.

Cox’s interest with nuclear technology grew with him into adulthood, and in 2011, he joined the Navy and enrolled in Navy Nuclear Power School because of the opportunities and benefits it offered. Cox became an engineering laboratory technician toward the end of his Navy schooling, and he was transferred to the Nuclear Power Training Unit in Ballston Spa, New York. Cox explains his role there: “I was selected as a junior staff instructor, training incoming nuclear operators on how to operate the steam plant and also how to do chemistry for the steam and reactor plant.”

A few years later, Cox moved to Georgia and became the lead engineering laboratory technician with the USS Florida on the Blue Crew. There he oversaw the radiological controls program. In 2017, Cox discovered Excelsior University (then College) and thought he could increase his education and financial prospects by earning his bachelor’s degree. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Nuclear Engineering Technology in 2020, using military tuition assistance for his entire degree program.

During deployments, Cox took two or three courses at a time. “I was really grateful that I took that [English course] because it let me express myself a little better…” Cox recalls. His technology classes especially helped him. “I would say the nuclear engineering technology classes really prepared me well…I was hired by Exelon which is now Constellation Nuclear…I can speak intelligently because I have taken some of the [nuclear engineering technology] classes with Excelsior,” Cox explains and adds that many of Excelsior’s courses also helped him to understand nuclear engineering lingo. For his achievements, Cox was selected as the recipient of the 2021 Dr. Robert L. Long Award for Academic Excellence in Nuclear Engineering Technology.

Cox talks excitedly about the world of nuclear engineering technology. “I am really excited about small modular reactors,” he says, and explains that this type of technology is already prevalent in the U.S. Navy and being pursued in the United States and Europe. These reactors would help scientists develop safer, cleaner, and more affordable nuclear power options. Cox has brought this excitement into his new role as a remote project manager on the reactor design finalization team in the Project Management Office with NuScale Power.

The position fits comfortably into Cox’s educational experience, which includes an MBA and Master of Science in Business Analytics from Indiana University, and his career trajectory. In this role, Cox plans to marry his knowledge of business with nuclear technology. “Some of the [Excelsior’s] business courses got me thinking in order to make an impact, I need to figure out how to make nuclear cost-effective and just learn more and more about how businesses operate,” says Cox.

Pursuing a third master’s degree in artificial intelligence at Johns Hopkins Whiting School of Engineering supports Cox’s vision of contributing to the creation of more economical nuclear energy. The program includes many business analytics courses, as well as learning about programming languages used in artificial intelligence projects. “I think the best way to make nuclear cost-effective is one, smaller reactors and two, integrating technology,” Cox explains. Cox notes he does not have a background in AI or programming just yet, but he is excited to learn in his current classes.

Cox is also eager to tell the next generation of Navy recruits about the benefits of earning a degree from Excelsior. He tells them by getting a degree, they can open many doors, like Excelsior did for him. “Excelsior will give you all the tools you need to make you successful…. whether you like nuclear engineering technology or not, you can leverage skills that you learn to do legitimately anything.”

​Fort Lee to be Redesignated in Recognition of Lt. Gen. Arthur J. Gregg

Posted on by Connor Hall

​General Gregg served as Founding Trustee on Excelsior’s Board of Trustees

​[FORT LEE, Va.] – During a redesignation ceremony on April 27, longtime United States Armed Forces post Fort Lee will become Fort Gregg-Adams. The transition to the new name honors two officers, Lt. Gen. Arthur J. Gregg and Lt. Col. Charity Adams, who made a significant impact on the U.S. Army.

​General Gregg has more than 50 years of professional experience, having held senior-level command and management positions in the military and industry. Currently retired from active management, he maintains a busy schedule as a member of several corporate and academic boards, serving as chair of three of them. Most recently he served as president and chief executive officer of James Martin Government Intelligence Inc., an information technology firm providing senior-level consulting services to law enforcement, intelligence, and defense agencies. He has also served as vice president and general manager for Cox Cable, and as an independent consultant engaged in general management and cable television services.

​During his distinguished career in the Army, General Gregg served in important command and staff positions, including director for logistics, organization of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Washington, D.C. (1977–1979), and as the Army’s deputy chief of staff for logistics in Washington, D.C. (1979–1981). He retired from the Army in 1981.

​In 1993, he was appointed to the Board of Overseers for Regents College, based in Albany, N.Y., and became chair in 1997. In 1998, he was appointed a founding trustee and chair of the Board of Trustees of the newly independent Regents College (later known as Excelsior University). He was named chair emeritus at Excelsior in 2008. In his honor, Excelsior created an annual graduate award given to an active-duty military member. Gregg and his late friend Robert Kinsinger, who also served on the Board of Overseers, created the Charlene Gregg and Bobbie Kinsinger Endowment Fund in 2006 to provide scholarships for financially needy enrolled and future students of Excelsior.

​”General Gregg has dedicated his life to public service,” said David Schejbal, president of Excelsior University. “Whether he was commanding troops, supporting the Joint Chiefs of Staff, or chairing the Excelsior board of trustees, he always focused on the wellbeing of others. General Gregg embodies what it means to serve our country, and we are thrilled that his legacy will continue with this redesignation.”

​The renaming of Fort Lee is one of nine Army installations being redesignated throughout the country in compliance with the congressional Naming Commission to remove the names, symbols, displays, monuments and paraphernalia that commemorate the Confederate States of America.

​General Gregg, who is now 94 years old, becomes the only living person in modern Army history to have an installation named after him.

President David Schejbal with General Gregg and Excelsior

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​Media Contact Excelsior University:
​Erin Coufal, ecoufal@excelsior.edu, 518-608-8498

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​ABOUT EXCELSIOR UNIVERSITY
​Excelsior University is an accredited, not-for-profit online institution focused on helping adults complete their degrees and advance their careers. Excelsior contributes to the development of a diverse, educated, and career-ready society by valuing lifelong learning with an emphasis on serving individuals historically underrepresented in higher education. Founded in 1971, Excelsior meets students where they are — academically and geographically — removing obstacles to the educational goals of adults pursuing continuing education and degree completion. Our pillars include innovation, flexibility, academic excellence, and integrity.

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​Giving Back: Excelsior University Uses Volunteer Week as Opportunity to Impact the Local Community

Posted on by Connor Hall

​Faculty and Staff Volunteered at Non-profit Organizations During National Volunteer Week

​[Albany, New York] – Excelsior University celebrated National Volunteer Week by joining hands with faculty and staff in supporting local non-profit organizations. From April 17 to April 22, our team dedicated time volunteering at six organizations in the Albany area, including the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society, Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York, Veterans Miracle Center, Underground Railroad Education Center, Capital City Rescue Mission, and Albany Pine Bush Preserve.

​Excelsior University has a long history in giving back to the communities and areas where its faculty and staff live and work, and this year’s Volunteer Week provided an opportunity to coordinate a weeklong initiative centered around supporting local organizations. As a university, Excelsior recognizes the importance of using volunteer work as a way to develop new skills, connect with others, and make an impact on the community.

​“Throughout my ministry and crisis work years, I experienced firsthand the impact of what I call “the ministry of presence.” In my perspective, at the root of our JEDI [justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion] work is our responsibility to see others’ humanity, to opening the necessary space for them to be who they are with us, to be with them authentically, to share our experiences and perspectives, and to leverage the richness of our diversity,“ said Daniel Pascoe Aguilar, founding director of the Center for Social Justice at Excelsior. “This National Volunteer Week, let’s show up authentically to support those whose authenticity is often discriminated, and to encourage and respect the authenticity of those around us.”

​Throughout the week, faculty and staff had the opportunity to contribute their volunteer efforts to several organizations. Whether it was preparing lunch at the Capital City Rescue Mission, organizing food items at the Regional Food Bank, or clearing trails at the Albany Pine Bush Preserve, they were able to give back to the community and build strong relationships with their colleagues.

​“Throughout the year, Excelsior University helps to raise funds to support community needs, coordinates collection drives, and participates in volunteerism in the local community. Dedicated to the belief that a strong social fabric creates opportunity, employees help in the community as a chance to learn about themselves and different communities,” said Zachary Patterson, associate director of academic evaluation. “It is also an opportunity to meet and work with colleagues from various units across the University while helping great causes. Overall, participating in National Volunteer Week is an amazing opportunity to celebrate all of this on a grander stage.”

​In addition to sharing daily videos and photos on social media, members of the Excelsior community were invited to share their personal volunteer stories and spread the word on social media using the hashtag #ExcelsiorCares.
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​During Volunteer Week, and every week, Excelsior is committed to making a difference and growing stronger communities across the globe. Excelsior looks forward to continuing its support of these and other organizations and urges everyone to pursue volunteer opportunities.

​For a short video recap of the week, visit here: https://youtu.be/k7pMU0K1X1c

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​
​Media Contact Excelsior University:

​Erin Coufal, ecoufal@excelsior.edu, 518-608-8498

​ABOUT EXCELSIOR UNIVERSITY

​Excelsior University is an accredited, not-for-profit online institution focused on helping adults complete their degrees and advance their careers. Excelsior contributes to the development of a diverse, educated, and career-ready society by valuing lifelong learning with an emphasis on serving individuals historically underrepresented in higher education. Founded in 1971, Excelsior meets students where they are — academically and geographically — removing obstacles to the educational goals of adults pursuing continuing education and degree completion. Our pillars include innovation, flexibility, academic excellence, and integrity.

Career Spotlight: Intelligence Officer

Posted on by Jenna Kerwin

Just as 007 risks life and limb to carry out dangerous secret intelligence operations for Her Majesty’s Secret Service, real-life intelligence officers provide services that are crucial to national defense. While you might not experience exploding cars and meet villains petting fluffy white cats as often as Ian Fleming’s dashing secret agent, you’ll still work toward responsibly preventing security threats.

What Is an Intelligence Officer?

Intelligence officers work for large organizations or government agencies, gathering intelligence to prevent security threats as well as developing plans, policies, and procedures. They often work with law enforcement, intelligence agencies, and the military to gather data through observation, radar, satellite, aerial imagery, radio, and other means. They also may develop counterintelligence to help defend against outside threats.

Intelligence officers can be found in a variety of locations, from laboratories to deep in the Amazon jungle. Sometimes intelligence officers may be required to spy on other nations and prevent spies from learning our government secrets. This work may include a lot of traveling and long, erratic work hours. It may even mean facing danger daily. In this way, you may just have something in common with James Bond! Let’s explore what else you might do as an intelligence officer.

What Does an Intelligence Officer Do?

The roles of intelligence officers are highly variable and sensitive. That said, there are some common duties and responsibilities of professionals in this career:

  • Conduct interrogations, briefings, and debriefings
  • Collect and analyze surveillance, reconnaissance, and data
  • Decode data, statements, recordings, and images
  • Coordinate and participate in investigations and counterintelligence
  • Collect, process, and distribute threats of terrorism, sabotage, espionage, etc.
  • Compile intelligence information using maps, charts, reports, etc.
  • Research the accuracy and reliability of data and sources
  • Prepare and deliver investigative reports
  • Intercept enemy signals
  • Collect sensitive information and provide recommendations
  • Oversee counterintelligence teams
  • Determine effect of legislative action and executive orders on intelligence operations
  • Help transition to crisis team operations when necessary
  • Conduct threat and risk assessments
  • Incorporate intelligence activities into other military operations

What Is an Intelligence Officer’s Salary?

According to Salary.com, the average salary of an intelligence officer was $94,470 as of February 2023, but the range can fall between $84,362 and $106,348. The salary range varies based on education, skills, number of years in the profession, and work location.

How to Become an Intelligence Officer

If you think becoming an intelligence officer matches with your career goals, don’t just think owning the entire collection of James Bond movies is enough to prepare you to entire this field. In fact, there are specific steps you must take to become an intelligence officer.

To become an intelligence officer for the government, you must earn at least a bachelor’s degree. A bachelor’s degree in social sciences, international relations, or human intelligence are all beneficial fields to pursue. Though not required, it’s also a good idea to be fluent in more than one language.

If you wish to become a military intelligence officer, it is necessary that, in addition to a bachelor’s degree, you become a commissioned officer in the United States military. You also need to complete military training. After completing basic training, you can begin military occupational specialty training. You may be required to complete this training before advancing into officer training that focuses on counterintelligence.

Once you complete the above requirements, you may be required to go through an approval process to earn top-secret clearance status. You may have to pass background checks and polygraph tests, and your friends and family may be interviewed to learn more about your background.

Skills Required to Become an Intelligence Officer

Intelligence officers have a demanding and vital job in maintaining our nation’s security. As such, one of the main skills they should have is a strong sense of discipline. Here are some other qualities they should possess:

  • Ability to adapt to changing environments
  • A sense of patriotism
  • High moral character
  • Excellent communication skills
  • A strong will and dedication
  • An ability to exhibit self-control in stressful and dangerous situations
  • An outgoing personality
  • An interest in analyzing data and solving problems

Education Requirements to Become an Intelligence Officer

If becoming an intelligence officer is in your plans for the future, you can begin to prepare while you are in high school by taking courses in government, social studies, and foreign languages. These types of courses will prepare you for the next step on your educational path.

You must earn at least a bachelor’s degree to become an intelligence officer, and a master’s degree or doctorate is highly desirable. Excelsior University’s Bachelor of Science in National Security program can prepare you for a career in foreign relations, diplomacy, intelligence analysis, homeland security, or international logistics. It is an appropriate choice if you want to deepen your interdisciplinary knowledge of national security issues and operations, and learn how nation-states leverage diplomatic, information, military, economic (DIME) and other instruments of power to gain strategic advantage in competitive international relations. This degree would be a proper choice if your goal is to become an intelligence officer.

If you have had dreams of having a job like James Bond, a career as an intelligence officer may be for you. Consider speaking with an Excelsior admissions counselor to get started on your path toward a degree in national security.

Career Spotlight: Corrections Officer

Posted on by Mary Kate Weaver

What Is a Corrections Officer?

Corrections officers protect and oversee individuals who have been arrested and are serving time in a jail or prison. They are the unsung heroes of our criminal justice system. While this can be a stressful and dangerous job, many people find it equally as rewarding. On average, the starting salary for corrections officers in the United States is $47,920 (Bureau of Labor Statistics). Because jails and prisons are guarded 24/7, there are always opportunities for overtime. If this position is one you are interested in pursuing, be prepared to work unique hours, weekends, double shifts, and on holidays.

What Does a Corrections Officer Do on a Daily Basis?

While typically corrections officers work in jails or prisons, they can also be found working in courtrooms or with the Immigration and Naturalization Services Department.
Corrections officers’ day-to-day responsibilities generally include the following:

  • Enforce rules to keep order within jails, prisons, or courtrooms
  • Escort and transport inmates within the jail or prison, or to medical appointments, hospitals, courtrooms, etc.
  • Report and maintain inmate conduct
  • Inspect mail and visitors upon arrival
  • Create daily logs detailing inmate behaviors and anything else of note that occurred during their shift
  • Search inmates for contraband items
  • Manage facilities to ensure they meet security and safety standards

    • In addition, corrections officers enforce rules and regulations to maintain security. The main goal of a corrections officer is to prevent disturbances, assaults, and escapes, and to protect everyone inside a prison or jail. There will also be times where a corrections officer may have to restrain inmates or stop physical altercations.

    Important Qualities of a Corrections Officer

    While a corrections officer is no easy job, if you are passionate about criminal justice and social justice as well as about creating safe environments within communities and for inmates, this position may be the right fit for you. A few qualities and skills that are important to this role include:

  • Interpersonal skills. You will meet many different people in this role. You must be able to communicate effectively with inmates, leadership, and others to maintain order in the facilities.
  • Self-discipline. You must be able to control your emotions and fears when in hostile situations.
  • Decision-making skills. Wherever you work as a Corrections officer, you must use both your training and common sense to determine the best course of action.
  • Negotiating skills. You must be able to help others resolve problems and differences to avoid conflict.
  • Detail oriented. It is necessary to follow strict rules and procedures in facilities to ensure everyone’s safety.

    • How to Become a Corrections Officer

    Qualifications to become a corrections officer will vary state to state, but most states require officers to complete a training academy before they begin work. Training academies usually last around seven months and include instructions in a number of areas, including self-defense, institutional policies, regulations, operations, and security procedures. You are able to apply to the training academy if you are between the ages of 18–21 and have at least a high school diploma.

    Education Requirements for Corrections Officers

    Many agree that working in law enforcement is no easy feat and should be taken seriously. Because of this, city and county jails and state and federal prisons look for candidates with educational backgrounds in criminal justice or psychology. While a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice is not required, it will help put you at the top of the list of applicants and better prepare you for the job. In addition, a bachelor’s degree can help you obtain a leadership position quicker. Learn more about the fully online bachelor’s in criminal justice program at Excelsior University to start pursuing your career in law enforcement. This program prepares you to meet the required responsibilities related to jobs in law enforcement, probation and parole, federal investigation, victim advocacy, security analysis, and crime scene investigation.

    Career Spotlight: Policy Analyst

    Posted on by Emily Miller

    What Is a Policy Analyst?

    A policy analyst reviews and assesses current regulations and political trends and proposes suggestions on how to improve existing policies. These professionals develop reports to outline their findings and often prepare their proposals for government executives, politicians, legislators, and individuals capable of passing bills and making laws. For this reason, their role is influential and their decisions can impact individuals and social groups. You can find policy analysts in many different fields, including sociology, law, urban planning, health care, law enforcement, education, and more.

    What Does a Policy Analyst Do?

    Policy analysts work on various public policy problems, depending on where they work. Overall, they do much of the following:

    • Conduct research to understand various perspectives
    • Use scientific data to identify existing or potential problems resulting from policies
    • Gather and analyze data from sources like focus groups and surveys
    • Compare proposed policies with current ones to predict effects
    • Write policy proposals explaining impacts, costs, benefits, and consequences of policy changes
    • Use ethical judgment to question public policies
    • Develop written reports that explain findings
    • Present reports to government employees and politicians, at public forums, etc.

    In addition to the above, policy analysts have the important responsibility of determining how a law will impact people and communities.

    How to Become a Policy Analyst

    To become a policy analyst, there are several steps you must take.

    First, you must earn higher education. To become a policy analyst, you must obtain at least a bachelor’s degree in public administration, sociology, political science, statistics, or something similar. Second, it is important to gain relevant work experience to show potential employers you are prepared to enter the field. While in school, you might try joining a mock government club; in college, interning with a local or state government office would be appropriate. Third, it might be beneficial to expand your professional network by joining professional political organizations. This way you have the opportunity to meet other policy analysts, attend events, and learn about the industry.

    Education Needed to Become a Policy Analyst

    As mentioned, it is necessary to earn higher education to become a policy analyst. Usually a bachelor’s degree is accepted, but some employers require a master’s degree. Excelsior University’s Master of Public Administration (MPA) program will help you learn both the personal and the business side of public administration with courses and assignments that show you how to harness information technology, respond to ethical issues, foster constructive collaboration, and more. You will also gain practical experience in honing your presentation skills, developing strategic plans and financial reports, and analyzing data to make better decisions. The MPA is an excellent choice if you would like to pursue becoming a policy analyst.

    Policy Analyst Career Path

    You may be wondering how long it takes to become a policy analyst. Usually, you can gain entry-level employment with a bachelor’s degree. Experience and this degree will give you the skills necessary to move up in the field. For example, you could take on more senior strategy policy analyst roles or take on broader roles that require more technical knowledge. Further, you could expand your knowledge by learning new skills that would prepare you to work in other senior analytical roles. Also, many policy analysts continue their careers in other political areas; some may pursue careers as legislators or as government employees.

    According to ZipRecruiter, as of February 2023, the average salary of an entry-level policy analyst was $55,163 per year.

    What Makes a Good Policy Analyst?

    In addition to the appropriate education and experience, there are certain other traits that make a good policy analyst. These professionals publish their ideas and recommendations for public change in reports, books, and newsletters that many people will view. As such, it’s important they have the following qualities:

    • Ability to conduct deep, scientific research
    • Strong analytical thinking
    • Organizational skills
    • Problem-solving skills
    • Good ethical judgment
    • Public speaking skills
    • Interpersonal communication skills
    • Creativity
    • Ability to work with others

    If becoming a policy analyst seems right for you, consider speaking with an Excelsior admissions counselor to get started on your public administration degree.

    Career Spotlight: Financial Manager

    Posted on by Jenna Kerwin

    Businesses large and small need someone to oversee their financial health. Financial managers are responsible for the financial management of businesses including but not limited to insurance companies, banks, and manufacturing companies.

    Read on to see if a career as a financial manager aligns with your goals.

    What Is a Financial Manager?

    Financial managers are responsible for overseeing the financial health of a business or organization. They develop financial reports, create and implement strategies to improve the business’ finances, and manage investments. They often analyze market trends to make strategic decisions and make sure the company’s financial decisions align with the most up-to-date laws and regulations.

    Financial management is a broad field, and there are several types of financial managers. These include:

    • Corporate financial managers. These financial managers are responsible for managing the finances of corporations.
    • Investment managers. These managers work in investment firms, banks, and other kinds of financial institutions, making important decisions that benefit their clients.
    • Risk managers. Risk managers work in many settings, developing risk management strategies and monitoring the financial performance of an organization.
    • Financial controllers. Financial controllers are responsible for overseeing financial accounting and reporting for an organization.
    • Treasury managers. Treasury managers oversee an organization’s cash flow management and manage debt and financing.
    Make an Excelsior MBA your next big career move.

    What Does a Financial Manager Do?

    As mentioned, financial managers create reports and develop plans and strategies for an organization’s long-term financial goals. Their specific duties may vary depending on which type of financial manager they are and where they work, but overall, they:

    • Understand a company’s economic condition
    • Monitor and analyze cash flows
    • Analyze competition and market trends
    • Identify and manage potential risks that could impact financial health
    • Oversee financial accounting and reporting
    • Ensure that financial statements are accurate
    • Ensure investment decisions are aligned with an organization’s objectives
    • Manage debt and financing
    • Manage relationships with banks and other financial institutions
    • Research factors influencing the business performance
    • Arrange new sources of finance
    • Keep up to date with financial laws and legislation

    How to Become a Financial Manager

    If becoming a financial manager sounds like the career choice for you, there are certain steps you must follow to become one.

    Your financial management career starts with earning a bachelor’s degree in economics, accounting, business administration, finance, or a similar field. Participating in an internship can give you important job experience and earning further higher education is a must. Earning a master’s degree in finance or business can give you the educational knowledge necessary to become a financial manager. Also, employers look for candidates with 5–10 years of professional experience in a related occupation such as a financial analyst or securities sales agent.

    Though not required, some financial managers also pursue certification and licensing. For example, many financial managers choose to become certified public accountants.

    Financial Manager Qualifications

    As mentioned, a master’s degree is required if you want to become a financial manager. Excelsior University’s Master of Business Administration program is especially designed for professionals wanting to grow their careers in strategy, global development, operations, human resources, and digital transformation. The online program has specialty accreditation from the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE). The finance and accounting concentration teaches you accounting principles and tools and helps you learn how to prepare and evaluate financial statements and reports for corporations, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations. This concentration is an appropriate choice if you are looking to become a financial manager.

    Financial Manager Skills

    In addition to the proper education, you must possess certain skills to be a successful financial manager. Some of these include:

    • Analytical skills
    • Accounting skills
    • Decision-making skills
    • Leadership skills
    • Communication skills
    • Interpersonal skills
    • Attentional to detail
    • Math skills

    Financial Manager Salary

    According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), as of May 2021, the average annual salary of financial managers was $131,710. The BLS also reports that this position is expected to grow 17 percent from 2021 to 2031, which is much faster than average for all occupations.