Career Spotlight: Cybersecurity Compliance Analyst

Posted on by Jenna Kerwin

As cybersecurity evolves, so do the number of threats and attacks a company may experience. Businesses need to have the appropriate resources to defend against these threats. Enter cybersecurity compliance. Cybersecurity compliance is risk management for businesses and organizations. It involves meeting various measures and controls, usually set in place by a regulatory authority, to protect a company’s data.

The individual tasked with making sure an organization meets the certain requirements necessary to protect data is a cybersecurity compliance analyst, or simply, compliance analyst. Let’s take a closer look at this position.

What Is a Cybersecurity Compliance Analyst and What Do They Do?

A compliance analyst helps ensure an organization is complying with all laws, regulations, and standards related to information security.

You can find compliance analysts in almost any industry, from health care and government, to finance and insurance.

Cybersecurity Compliance Analyst Job Duties

Depending on what industry a compliance analyst enters, some of their job duties may look different. For example, those in health care looks at medial compliance issues, such as those associated with HIPPA. In the financial sector, analysts might look at auditing expenses and accounting practices. However, there are many responsibilities that remain the same in any industry. Let’s explore some of them.

  • Document all procedures and policies
  • Develop workflows and procedures to meet standards of compliance
  • Investigate security breaches by performing forensic analysis of computer systems
  • Proactively stay up to date with rules and regulations
  • Review data security to ensure protection
  • Design a company’s compliance program
  • Analyze, identify, and solve compliance problems
  • Conduct compliance training for team members
  • Communicate compliance regulations to the team
  • Work as a subject-matter specialist on compliance issues
  • Develop security policies for new technology systems
Get ready to meet growing industry demand with Excelsior’s BS in Cybersecurity.

Cybersecurity Compliance Analyst Salary

According to Glassdoor, the average salary of a compliance analyst is about $60,764, but the salary can range up to $151,000. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects the employment of cybersecurity and information security analysts to grow 31 percent by 2029, which is significantly faster than other professions.

Salary depends on the company and industry you work in, of course, as well as on your experience level and background.

Let’s look at how you might be able to land this job.

How to Become a Cybersecurity Compliance Analyst

To become a compliance analyst, many employers prefer candidates with at least a bachelor’s degree in business, accounting, IT, or a related field. Excelsior’s Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity and Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity Operations can help prepare you to enter the cybersecurity field by enhancing your knowledge and skills in technology.

Although it’s not required, a master’s degree is certainly preferable. It’s important to be proficient in compliance, so it’s good to have previous experience in compliance, auditing, or another regulatory field. In addition, there are a number of other skills that make a good compliance analyst. Here are some of them:

  • Computer skills, including proficiency in many programs and systems
  • Good problem-solving skills
  • Excellent interpersonal communication
  • Able to think critically in difficult situations
  • Detail-oriented
  • Ability to research current rules and regulations
  • Ability to multitask
  • Organizational skills

Does a cybersecurity compliance analyst sound like the career for you? Talk to an Excelsior admissions counselor today to get started on your educational path.

What Can You Do with a Master’s in Criminal Justice?

Posted on by Jenna Kerwin

Are you detail-oriented and already working in a criminal justice field? Do you have a passion for true crime shows? Maybe you’re a police officer looking for some advancement in your career. If any of these ring true, you may want to look at pursuing a master’s in criminal justice.

A master’s degree in criminal justice can help you advance in your career, whether that is moving forward in your current position or exploring other roles. With a higher degree, you have more opportunities to advance in the public sector, work for private companies and organizations, or to branch out on your own, such as working as a private investigator.

Let’s take a deeper look at a master’s in criminal justice and what you can do with this degree.

Why Should I Get a Master’s in Criminal Justice?

The criminal world is evolving and so is our need for professionals to address threats. A master’s degree prepares people to advance their justice careers and play an important role in defending and supporting their communities. There are other benefits to earning this higher degree, such as:

  • A master’s in criminal justice can help improve your critical thinking skills. The field of criminal justice requires a lot of studying, analyzing, and thinking. A master’s degree can help you hone your critical thinking skills so you are better prepared to move up in your career.
  • A master’s in criminal justice can enhance your communication skills. Working with a team is often necessary in criminal justice, so the better you can communicate, the more valuable you can be. A master’s degree program is often writing intensive, which gives you practice to hone your written communications skills.
  • A master’s in criminal justice can help you earn more. A Georgetown University study reported that master’s degree holders earn up to $17,000 more than people who have only a bachelor’s degree. In criminal justice, a higher degree means more money for you.
  • A master’s in criminal justice can help you be competitive. With an advanced degree, you improve your qualifications and are well-prepared to apply for higher-up positions.

It looks like a master’s in criminal justice is worth pursuing, but what jobs can you expect to land with this degree?

Jobs You Can Obtain with a Master’s in Criminal Justice

Jobs that require a master’s in criminal justice are found throughout law enforcement. Some typical jobs include criminal profiler, criminologist, forensic psychologist, and forensic examiner. Here’s a closer look at these and other positions:

  • Forensic psychologist. Forensic psychologists typically work with convicted inmates to assess their mental health status. They also conduct investigations and research studies, and design treatment programs, as well as provide expert witness testimony in court, among other responsibilities.
  • Criminologist. Simply put, criminologists study crime. They study the causes of crime and make recommendations to support public policy and law enforcement. They often conduct interviews, analyze data, and use statistics and other means of exploration.
  • Emergency management director. At the state, local, and federal levels, an emergency management director creates emergency plans for the public’s safety. This also includes coordinating and amending plans as necessary.
  • DEA agent. DEA agents enforce drug laws, investigate drug-related crimes, and work to prevent the distribution of illegal drugs.
  • Attorney general investigator. An attorney general investigator investigates criminal activity and collects evidence for attorneys to use to prosecute suspected criminals. They also conduct interviews, coordinate investigations, carry out research, and compile documents and reports to use in court.
  • Probation officer. A probation officer is in charge of making sure individuals recently released from prison or jail do not commit any additional crimes.
  • Cybercrime investigator. A cybercrime investigator works to identify individuals who use online databases and websites to commit crimes. These investigators may explore the hard drives of confiscated computers to recover data and files.

With a master’s degree in criminal justice, you can be well-positioned to enter or enhance your current career within the justice system. Whether you choose to focus on law enforcement at the local level or want to have role in policy making, a master’s in criminal justice can help you reach your goals. Excelsior’s Master of Science in Criminal Justice will help you advance your career by helping you to develop expertise critical for the administration of criminal justice, homeland security, and emergency management agencies in the United States. The ability to understand multiple perspectives and make ethical decisions are skills that can elevate a passion for criminal justice into a lasting career.

What Is a Criminologist?

Posted on by Mary Kate Weaver

A degree in criminal justice can open doors for you in a variety of careers. Traditionally, people with a criminal justice degree work in law enforcement or support the law enforcement community in other ways. One career path you can take with a criminal justice degree is a criminologist.

What Is a Criminologist?

A criminologist is a professional who researches and studies crime to prevent and reduce it from occurring. They use statistics from previous crimes to provide data to other law enforcement professionals with the intent that it will help to create a solution for crimes. They focus on why and how certain crimes are happening, and research people who are committing the crimes.

What Does a Criminologist Do?

Criminologists study crime patterns and create possible solutions to prevent these from happening in the future. They work closely with law enforcement officials and even help to create laws and policies aimed to reduce crime. Depending on what specialty they go into, criminologists can study violent crime, white-collar crime, property crime, organized crime, victimless crime, and more.

Typically, a criminologist’s job responsibilities include:

  • Study criminal behavior and environmental factors of crime
  • Identify crime patterns
  • Administer surveys and interviews
  • Organize statistical data and present to other law enforcement officials
  • Create policy recommendations
  • Collaborate with other law enforcement officials

Criminologists often write research papers and articles on the crimes they are studying. In addition to these responsibilities, criminologists may also examine the effect that corrections has on crime and suggest new ideas and laws to increase their success.

Learn how stop crime before it starts with Excelsior’s MS in Criminal Justice.

Where Do Criminologists Work?

Criminologists can work for a various organizations. Most commonly, they work for government agencies at the state and federal level, as well as at colleges and universities.

You can find criminologists in the following work environments:

  • Government office. In this environment, criminologists work as researchers and collaborate with law officials depending on the project they are working on.
  • College or university classroom. Criminologists can teach courses in psychology, criminal justice, criminology, sociology, or a related field. They also can conduct research at the university or college at which they are employed.
  • In the field. You may find criminologists inspecting crime scenes, interviewing criminals or victims, and visiting locations like prisons or high-crime public areas.

How to Become a Criminologist:

What Degree Do You Need to Be a Criminologist?

Criminologists must earn at least a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, psychology, sociology, or a related field. With this degree, you will learn how to study and implement criminology in the field you decide to enter. Now more than ever, most hiring managers are looking for criminologists with a master’s degree, especially as these positions are growing and becoming popular. Working in high-level government positions as well as teaching at a university or college will require a master’s degree in criminal justice or a related field. .

There are no official licenses a criminologist needs to practice in their field; however, work experience will increase your chances of obtaining a position as a criminologist. Previous work experience as criminal specialists, forensic data specialists, research assistants, and other related positions will set you apart as a candidate for a criminology position.

Criminologists Skills Needed

Hiring managers look for the following skills for criminologist job candidates:

  • High interest in behavioral patterns and human nature
  • Strong knowledge of math, computer science, and statistics
  • Excellent research and analytical skills
  • Strong communication skills
  • Sharp observational skills
  • Strong investigative skills

In addition to these skills, criminologists must be able to act objectively and possess a high level of integrity when analyzing evidence.

Criminologist Job Outlook and Salary

According to Payscale, criminologists make $48,919 per year in the United States. In most cases, criminologists are combined with sociologists’ job outlook data. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment rate is projected to grow 4 percent by 2029.

Earn your master’s in criminal justice completely online with Excelsior University to start your career as a criminologist today. .

Career Spotlight: Human Resources Coordinator

Posted on by Mary Kate Weaver

A career in human resources is both rewarding and challenging. You are in a position to influence, make real change within an organization, and create a healthy and happy work environment for employees. If this sounds like something you are looking for, a career as a human resources coordinator is a great start. Human resources coordinators are the backbone of not only the human resources department, but also the entire organization. They provide support to all aspects of the human resources function, which allows coordinators to find what they love and want to focus on long term.

What Is a Human Resources Coordinator?

Human resources coordinators are responsible for facilitating all human resources processes within their organization. They play a key role within an organization for both the human resources department and current employees. They usually report to the human resources director and function as their assistant.

The goal of a human resources coordinator is to support the improvement of human resources policies, processes, and practices, and provide a safe space for current employees if an issue arises. While job descriptions can vary depending on the industry, in most places, human resources coordinators support the following initiatives:

  • Employee Relations
  • Compensation and Benefits
  • Labor Negotiations
  • Recruitment and Employee Retention
  • Onboarding and Training Practices
Ready to start your career in human resources? Learn more about Excelsior’s BS in Business program.

What Does a Human Resources Coordinator Do?

Human resources coordinators are similar to human resources generalists as they will assist in multiple projects at once. This is great for people who are looking to learn more about the human resources field but are not sure what specialization they want to pursue. Check out the following job responsibilities of human resources coordinators across all industries:

  • Assist with recruitment of new employees. This can include identifying qualified candidates, administrative support within the new hire process, and being the first face new a prospective employees sees.
  • General administration and coordination. This includes answering all internal and external human resources questions, assisting with payroll administration, maintaining employee records, and scheduling meetings and events for the human resources leadership team.
  • Performance management and retention Coordinators will schedule and organize all materials for performance reviews, as well as maintain performance management procedures.
  • Assist with employee benefits. Coordinators are the go-to person for employees with benefits questions. They are the liaison between employees and insurance providers, as well as track benefit plans and report on new policies and procedures.
  • Report and provide recommendations. This includes conducting audits of human resources programs, generating reports, and recommending potential processes to improve efficiency.
  • Provide support to the human resources director. Coordinators support the human resources director with any necessary projects.

HR Coordinator Qualifications

Now that you have learned all about human resources coordinators, you are probably wondering how to become one. Human resources coordinator positions tend to require a bachelor’s degree in human resources, business, business management, or a related field. This is a great entry-level position in the human resources field. A combination of your education and work experience will make you a great candidate for this position.
Hiring managers also look for important qualities, including but not limited to:

  • Decision-making skills. You must be able to maintain sound judgment when reviewing applicants, policies, and procedures.
  • Detail oriented. As a coordinator, you will be working on sensitive and important information where details matter. You must be meticulous to ensure policies and procedures are done correctly.
  • Interpersonal skills. Coordinators will interact with different people constantly. Being able to converse and connect with people with various backgrounds is key to being a successful coordinator.
  • Communication skills. As a coordinator, you will be listening and speaking to many people. You need to be able to convey information correctly and respond to questions and comments from prospective employees, employers, and current employees.
  • Strong prioritization. Coordinators will support multiple projects from different coworkers at one time. It is imperative to prioritize to ensure projects are getting done in a timely manner.

HR Resources Coordinator Salary Range

According to Salary.com, the salary for human resources coordinators ranges from $45,846 to $57,564 in the United States. Jobs within human resources departments are expected to grow 8 percent by 2031, which is must faster than all other occupations.

Earn your degree in business management or business completely online at Excelsior University to get started in this growing field.

Entry-Level Logistics Jobs for Bachelor’s Graduates

Posted on by Jenna Kerwin

You earned your bachelor’s degree and with your excellent organizational skills, great attention to detail, and ability to think critically in high pressure situations, you’re well-suited to pursue a career in logistics. Logisticians oversee the entire life cycle of a company’s products, from acquisition to delivery.

Since logistics is necessary in nearly every industry, you can find logisticians working in various manufacturing, production, and distribution businesses. Logisticians oversee inventory, purchasing, warehousing, and transportation duties along the supply chain.

Before we go too far, let’s take a step back and focus on that: the supply chain. You might often hear logistics and supply chain management spoken in the same sentence, or often used interchangeably. There are several important things to note when talking just about logistics.

Logistics Versus Supply Chain Management

The Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals says logistics is, “part of the supply chain process that plans, implements and controls the efficient, effective forward and reverse flow and storage of goods, services and related information between the point of origin and the point of consumption in order to meet customer’s requirements.”

Let’s break that down further. Logistics can be considered as part of the supply chain process. According to Oracle NetSuite, supply chain management includes the processes that create the finished goods and deliver them to customers while logistics includes storing and moving the goods along the supply chain.

Both logistics and supply chain management are important to the supply chain process because they involve maintenance of the flow of goods along the supply chain. The difference is that logistics plays a role in supply chain management. Logisticians need to make sure goods and services reach the customer in a satisfactorily manor.

Some components of the role of logistics in supply chain management are:

  • Ensuring the products arrive at the correct time
  • Tracking the status of items
  • Helping to reduce costs of delivering goods
  • Storing and holding the supplies at the right location
  • Ensuring proper packaging so items arrive undamaged
  • Improving efficiency along the transportation process
  • Helping to retain customers and increase loyalty
  • Providing the most cost-effective way to deliver goods from one place to another

    • As you can see, supply chain management cannot operate correctly without a logistician carefully overseeing the details.

    Pursuing a Career in Logistics

    Most employers prefer to hire candidates with at least a bachelor’s degree in a business field, preferably emphasizing logistics or supply chain management. A bachelor’s degree helps you learn about core business areas and will also open the door for you to gain hands-on experience. Excelsior’s Bachelor of Professional Studies in Business and Management is a great way for students to gain the knowledge and experience necessary to enter the world of logistics.

    Besides the appropriate education, there are certain skills you should possess if you want to become a logistician. Since anything can happen in the supply chain industry, you need to be quick on your feet and a quick thinker. Here are other important traits to have:

  • Know how to manage various projects at the same time
  • Understand information technology and the latest computer software
  • Keep up with the changing market dynamics
  • Have good interpersonal communication skills
  • Possess good problem-solving skills and ability to think under pressure
  • Know how to manage stress

    • What Logistics Jobs Can I Get with a Bachelor’s Degree?

    Recent graduates with a bachelor’s degree can find work in a variety of industries. Here are a few entry-level positions that might pique your interest:

  • Supply Chain Analyst. Supply chain analysts work in manufacturing, food, government, and technology fields, studying data to ensure that a company’s supply chain systems are running efficiently. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary is $77,000.
  • Logistics Engineer. Logistics engineers help plan projects, set timelines, and help resolve any problems with regards to contracts. According to BLS, the median annual salary is $74,623.
  • Freight Forwarder. A freight forwarder is a company or person who organizes the shipments of goods and services for a company. They work closely with shippers and manufacturers, insurance companies, and warehouse facilities, and must have working knowledge of technology. According to BLS reports, the median annual salary is $44,420.
  • Industrial Production Manager. An industrial production manager helps coordinate, plan, supervise, and direct the activities used in creating a range of goods. The median annual salary is $103,150, as reported by BLS.
  • Junior Buyer. Junior buyers are responsible for finding and purchasing products from vendors and manufacturers on behalf of the company they work for. According to BLS, the median annual salary is $72,540.

    • The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that logistics careers will expand by 30 percent between 2020 and 2030, adding about 24,500 new jobs every year through this decade.

    If you think you have the skills to pursue a career in logistics, consider pursuing a business degree with Excelsior today!

    Career Spotlight: Pharmacy Technician

    Posted on by Jenna Kerwin

    You know when you go to the pharmacy and there are staff working steadily behind the counter, stocking medications, answering telephone calls, and helping customers at the counter update their medical history in the computer? Well, those people are pharmacy technicians, and they are an integral part of the pharmacy team. Pharmacy technicians work directly with pharmacists to help serve customers.

    Where Do Pharmacy Technicians Work?

    Pharmacy technicians work in a variety of places, including:

  • Retail pharmacies–In retail pharmacies, pharmacy technicians fill prescriptions, provide vaccinations, and educate customers on basic health matters.
  • Compounding pharmacies–Pharmacy technicians in compounding pharmacies work in laboratory settings, in highly sterile, controlled environments where they can create alternatives to various forms of medications. This includes custom dosages, adding flavors, deleting an ingredient someone may be allergic to, and combining medications or supplements.
  • Hospitals–In hospital settings, pharmacy technicians help fill orders for patients and ensure they are delivered to the right places.
  • Nursing homes and extended care–In nursing homes and extended-care facilities, pharmacy technicians ensure patients get the medication they need.
  • Military–Pharmacy technicians serving in the U.S. Army help mix and fill prescriptions, maintain records, and carry out administrative duties.
  • Mail-order pharmacies–Pharmacy technicians working for mail-order pharmacies focus on the medical and administrative side of their roles because interaction largely takes place over the phone and online.

    • Pharmacy Technician Duties

    Pharmacy technicians are often the friendly faces at the pharmacy counter that locate our prescriptions and help us check out. But they do many other things too; they fill and label prescriptions, help answer customer’s questions, and maintain records. Let’s take a look at some of their other daily duties:

  • Assemble, stock, and distribute medications
  • Sort and label medications
  • Process prescriptions electronically
  • Refer various inquiries to the pharmacist
  • Comply with rules, regulations, and procedures to maintain a clean and safe pharmacy
  • Prepare and distribute patient medications
  • Perform calculations
  • Collect accurate patient information
  • Process third-party billing claims
  • Maintain patient records, medication inventory, and orders

    • It’s important to note that state laws specifically outline the duties that pharmacy technicians can perform.

    Pharmacy Technician Requirements

    Good pharmacy technicians are, above all, personable and helpful in nature. They are responsible for interacting with customers and making sure those customers have a good experience. Let’s take a look at some other requirements of a pharmacy technician:

  • Problem-solving skills
  • Supply management skills
  • Good team player
  • Excellent customer service skills
  • Great organizational skills
  • Advanced written and verbal communication skills
  • Attention to detail
  • Mathematical skills
  • Computer skills

    • Pharmacy Technician Educational Requirements

    In addition to the skills listed above, there are educational requirements you need to become a pharmacy technician. Many employers require candidates to have at least an associate degree in pharmacy technology or a related field, but many others still prefer candidates hold a bachelor’s degree.

    Excelsior University’s bachelor’s in health sciences program covers the scope of responsibilities related to a spectrum of health care careers, and teaches students how to succeed in roles at treatment centers, public health agencies, hospitals, long-term care facilities, and other medical service or nonclinical health organizations.

    With Excelsior’s generous transfer policy, you can also transfer up to 24 credits when you complete the pharmacy technician certification.

    Pharmacy Technician Certification

    Depending on the state or employer, you may need to obtain the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) National Certification. Excelsior’s online Pharmacy Technician Training prepares you for this exam and helps you complete an externship.

    According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, pharmacy technicians earn an annual salary of $32,700 and demand for these professionals will grow 12 percent through 2028—that equates to over 30,000 new jobs! If you’d like to enter this growing career field, check out Excelsior’s health sciences program to get started.

    So You Want to be a Medical Assistant?

    Posted on by Jenna Kerwin

    So, you’ve decided you want to become a medical assistant. That’s great! Medical assistants are a key component to any health care team. They assist doctors and other professionals in clinical and administrative duties. This is a great career if you enjoy caring for others and want to enter the world of health care. The only question is, how do you become a medical assistant?

    Don’t worry; we have outlined the requirements needed to pursue this career. Let’s check it out.

    What Is a Medical Assistant?

    As mentioned above, medical assistants help doctors and other health professionals in various capacities in hospitals, clinics, doctor’s offices, and other medical facilities. Medical assistants are skilled in an array of clinical and administrative duties. Here are some common responsibilities among all medical assistants:

  • Greeting patients
  • Using computer applications
  • Answering telephones
  • Maintaining medical records
  • Coding and filling out insurance forms
  • Scheduling appointments
  • Handling correspondence, billing, and bookkeeping
  • Preparing patients for examinations
  • Measuring vital signs
  • Assisting clinicians with examinations, procedures, and minor surgery
  • Administering medications and vaccines
  • Drawing blood
  • Performing wound care
  • Sterilizing and disinfecting medical instruments
  • Collecting and preparing laboratory specimens

    • Requirements to Become a Medical Assistant

    Now that you know what a medical assistant does, how do you become one? There are several steps to becoming a medical assistant, including obtaining the appropriate degree, becoming certified, and pursuing additional higher education and training. Let’s take a closer look at each of these.

      1. Medical Assistant Requirement: Associate Degree

    While you may be able to obtain a medical assistant position with only a high school diploma, many employers prefer you have a medical diploma or at least a two-year degree. Excelsior University’s Associate in Science in Health Sciences program will help you expand your medical vocabulary, improve your communication skills, and provide you with a solid understanding of the U.S. health care system so that you can become a successful medical assistant.

      2. Medical Assistant Requirement: Certification

    The second thing you need to do to become a medical assistant is to become certified. It’s important to note that not all employers or states require you to pass a certification exam, so it’s a good idea to do your research and find out what requirements there are where you want to work. Even if employers in your area don’t require a certification, it’s still a good idea to obtain it because it can boost your resume.

    There are two primary certification options that you can choose from: the Certified Medical Assistant CMA (AAMA) exam or the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) exam.

    Excelsior University’s partnership with the American Association of Medical Assistants can help you save up to 20 percent on tuition at Excelsior so you can pursue your goal of becoming a medical assistant affordably and quickly. By becoming certified via the CMA exam, you can also transfer up to 26 credits toward a health sciences degree at Excelsior.

      3. Medical Assistant Requirements: Continuing Education

    In addition to completing the appropriate medical program and becoming certified, you may also need to pursue more education and training to become a medical assistant. You many consider participating in an internship or externship so that you can practice the skills you learned while pursuing your degree. Shadowing a senior medical assistant at a hospital or clinic can also help you earn hands-on experience.

    Furthermore, you may consider pursuing a higher degree to expand your skills and pad your resume. Excelsior’s Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences is perfect if you are looking to succeed as a medical assistant in treatment centers, public health agencies, hospitals, long-term care facilities, and other medical service or nonclinical health organizations.

    Medical Assistant Career Outlook

    Becoming a medical assistant can be a rewarding career that allows you to mix your knowledge of health care with your desire to care for those in need. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for medical assistants is $37,190. The BLS also projects this career field to grow 16 percent from 2021 to 2031, which is much faster than other occupations.

    So if you are looking for a fulfilling career that allows for career growth, consider pursuing a health sciences degree with Excelsior so you can be on your way to becoming a medical assistant.

    Career Spotlight: Human Resources Generalist

    Posted on by Jenna Kerwin

    Human resources departments help businesses and organizations with all aspects of the employee experience. A human resources generalist and a human resources specialist are two roles you can pursue within a HR team. A specialist focuses on specific aspects such as payroll or training, but a generalist contributes to many areas.

    Because they are so knowledgeable, HR generalists are important to any organization. Are you a good multitasker who has a knack for the human side of an organization? Read on to see if HR generalist is the right position for you.

    What Does a Human Resources Generalist Do?

    Human resources generalists work for any organization, small or large, from an auto store to a zoo, Fortune 500 Company, or anything in between.

    These professionals keep track of hiring, employee compensation, employee evaluation, employee firing, employee well-being, and HR policies and procedures. They also help to connect management and employees and work out any differences.

    What Are the Roles and Responsibilities of an HR Generalist?

    HR generalists report to human resources managers or the HR director. They have many important duties and responsibilities. Here are a few of them:

  • Conducting employee onboarding and exit interviews
  • Generating official internal documents like offer letters, appointment letters, salary slips, and warning letters
  • Creating onboarding plans and educating newly hired employees
  • Talent acquisition initiatives
  • Managing employee benefit plans and compensation
  • Evaluating employee performance
  • Supporting employees and the management with their issues
  • Managing casual, sick, annual, and any other leaves as necessary
  • Promoting HR programs and creating a conflict-free workplace
  • Staying up to date with the labor regulations
  • Employee safety, welfare, and wellness education
  • Organizational and space planning
  • Compensation and benefits administration

    • HR Generalist Qualifications

    To become a good HR generalist, it’s important to have several soft skills, such as problem-solving skills, interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and strong empathy. It’s important to also know advanced computer skills and have familiarity with labor laws.

    Good HR generalists have a balance of education, training, and certification. Most HR generalists have at least a bachelor’s degree in human resources, business, or organizational development. Excelsior University’s Bachelor of Professional Studies in Business and Management or Bachelor of Science in Business can prepare you for a role in human resources.

    Some employers also require training in organization development, employee relations, safety, and other areas. You may also need a Professional in Human Resources Certification.

    According to Glassdoor, the median yearly salary for a human resources generalist is $59,517.

    If this sounds like the job for you, consider pursuing a career as a HR generalist today.

    5 Great Entry-Level Jobs You Can Get with a Marketing Major

    Posted on by Mary Kate Weaver

    A marketing degree offers many different career opportunities that allow for diverse interests, goals, and skills that can transfer to almost any industry and offer endless earning potential. Marketing professionals are needed now more than ever due to great technological and social media advances made in the last several years. The field is expected to grow more due to the ever-changing ways we use technology and social media to get information to people, grow brand reputation, sell goods and services, and more. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), careers in marketing and advertising are expected to grow 10 percent by 2030, which is must faster than the national average for all occupations.

    Every industry, from health care, education, and government to music and fashion, requires marketing professionals. Marketing professionals can work for marketing or advertising agencies or work for a company that has its own marketing department. With the market constantly changing, many companies are hiring their own in-house marketing team, and only outsourcing certain projects. In the long run, this saves the company money. Check out the most common marketing careers you can obtain with a bachelor’s degree in marketing, business, or a related field.

    Jobs for Marketing Majors:

    Copywriter

    Copywriters are responsible for writing copy ads and marketing materials, as well as content for websites. They think of catchy ways to draw in consumers and ensure the success of their company’s product or service. Copywriters must be strong writers and editors, and stay up to date with trends and be creative. Copywriters can work for marketing departments within any organization or for marketing and advertising agencies. Learn more about copywriting to become a key member of any marketing team.

    Marketing Manager

    A marketing manager is responsible for leading the marketing efforts for a business, service, or product. They need to be experts in their field to create a marketing strategy. Marketing managers work with many members of a marketing team, including coordinators, graphic designers, content writers, social media specialists, and others. Many marketing managers have years of experience in their field, as well as a bachelor’s degree in marketing or business. Marketing managers are natural leaders, priority orientated, creative, and great team players. They can think on their feet and pivot when necessary to ensure the success of their company’s product or service. Check out more on how to become a marketing manager here.

    Market Research Analyst

    Marketing research analysts gather and analyze information on consumers and competitors that allow the marketing team to make smart, strategic decisions based on data. For any industry, the market is always changing. It is important to have a dedicated member of your team available to focus on finding new information that allows informed decisions to be made. People who consider themselves Excel wizards, love data, and enjoy research should explore becoming a market research analyst.

    Social Media Specialist

    Social media specialists are responsible for planning, executing, and monitoring a company’s social media strategy. Their main goal is to increase brand awareness and sales across all social media platforms by providing accurate, catchy, and fun information to consumers. If you are a TikTok and Instagram lover, follow all the trends, and are always coming up with new ideas, check out this guide to becoming a social media specialist.

    Marketing Coordinator

    Marketing coordinators work side-by-side with marketing managers and other members of the marketing team to ensure all marketing plans are going as designed. They often assist with budget management, campaign creation, content, and project management. This is a great first step into the marketing field if you are unsure what area you are interested in. Marketing coordinators work with all members of the marketing team, and have their hands in a lot of projects, which allows them to truly find what to specialize in. Follow this guide to become a marketing manager today.

    Earn your degree in marketing or business today to start your career in marketing!

    What Is a Social Media Specialist?

    Posted on by Mary Kate Weaver

    Do you find yourself recreating the latest TikTok dances? Are you a serial #hashtagger? Do you get your news from Twitter and Instagram? If any of this sounds like you, a social media specialist role might be right for you! Follow along to learn what a social media specialist is, what they do, and what you need to do to become a social media specialist.

    Social media has come a long way since the early 2000s (anyone remember MySpace?). Today, it is a very powerful tool for individuals and companies to share their stories, messages, and products or services. In 2021, Statista reported more than four billion people worldwide were using social media. With these numbers, all companies need to use social media to successfully sell their products or services.

    What is a social media specialist?

    A social media specialist is a key teammate of the marketing team. They use social media platforms to create and share content online to benefit the organization. They are responsible for using their company’s social media accounts to enhance and maintain brand reputation.

    What does a social media specialist do?

    Social media specialist roles tend to be entry-level positions or only require a minimum amount of experience; therefore, they spend a lot of time executing rather than strategizing. Social media specialists work with the marketing team and leadership to execute the message they want to get across. This position is the liaison between the operations side of marketing and the creative department.

    Job responsibilities include:

    • Execute social media strategies that build brand awareness, generate inbound traffic, and increase sales.
    • Research new trends, best practices, and social media platforms.
    • Generate and oversee the content calendar.
    • Create and share content daily across various platforms.
    • Build a consistent brand presence and voice across all social media platforms.
    • Track, measure, and analyze campaign results. Report results to leadership and clients.
    • Triage messages, mentions, and comments on all platforms.
    • Manage new followers and users.
    • Act as the face of the brand by responding to all reviews, comments, and feedback.
    Ready to start your social media career? Learn more about Excelsior’s BS in Business program.

    What education and skills are needed to become a social media specialist?

    Typically, hiring managers look for candidates with a bachelor’s degree in marketing, business, communications, journalism, or another related field. The skills you bring to the position are equally as important as your education. Hiring managers look for outgoing, organized, and creative people, as well as the following skills:

    • Great time management and organization: You will work with multiple clients or team members daily. The ability to manage your time, set priority lists, and organize across all platforms for all projects is a must!
    • Stay up to date on trends: Keeping up with new social media platforms and the latest trends is second nature for social media specialists. You will be responsible for bringing these new trends to your leadership team to create content that is hot and pertains to your audience!
    • Creativity: Social media specialists are storytellers. Your main goal is to get your brand’s message to the right audience in a fun, persuasive, original way.
    • Understanding statistics and analytics: Some call this the “not so fun” part of a social media specialist role. However, if you think of it as tracking your progress and seeing what impact your designs and content have on people, it can be really eye opening and exciting. Understanding what your posts are doing, and how your audience interacts with them, will help you create a strategic plan that will excel.

    Is social media a growing field? Will I get hired?

    The simple answer to this question is yes! According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, social media specialist positions are expected to grow 11 percent by 2030 (much faster than the average for all occupations). The average annual salary is $62,810. Demand for social media specialists is always increasing, as companies are learning that this position is necessary. Social media platforms are an easy, cost-effective way to build brand reputation and promote a product or service. Check out the bachelor’s degree in business at Excelsior University to kick-start your career as a social media specialist!

    Dealing with ADHD as an Adult in College

    Posted on by Emily Miller

    Going back to school as an adult to earn a college degree is a challenging task under any circumstance. This can be even more challenging for those with different abilities, particularly those with attention-deficient hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

    As someone diagnosed with ADHD well into my adult life, and after completing an associate and a bachelor’s degree, and subsequently a master’s degree at Excelsior University, I look back on the challenges I faced as a student and realize many could have been eased had I realized why I struggled and how much of those challenges related to my ADHD diagnosis.

    How ADHD Can Affect College Workloads

    According to the CDC, ADHD has three main presentations: hyperactive, impulsive, or combined, meaning the individual shows ongoing patterns of both presentations. The disorder interferes with functioning and development. This can mean it is hard for individuals affected by ADHD to become motivated or start work on a project, sustain the long-term focus and attention to detail they may need for an assignment, or even keep track of deadlines and due dates.

    Strategies to Overcome ADHD as a College Student

    It is important to note that ADHD is classified as a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, but it is not considered a learning disability. Many colleges and universities offer accessibility services to their students, which is the best place to learn about the specific accommodations that are available to you as a college student with ADHD.

    So, how does someone with ADHD succeed in going back to college? Try using these strategies:

    1. Choose an Institution that Understands You

    Where you go to school is just as important as the steps you take to make yourself successful. Personally, I was not successful in a traditional brick-and-mortar setting because the in-person classes just didn’t work for me. They offered a lot of distractions, sensory issues, and troublesome noise levels. I found that an online curriculum worked best for finishing my associate degree, and I sought to complete my bachelor’s and my master’s degrees fully online where I could control my learning environment more closely.

    Where you choose to go to school and the format of school are extremely important because you need to first make sure you will complete the work and be present with the material.

    2. Choose Courses That Interest You

    One skill that many people with ADHD possess is the ability to hyperfocus. In a broad sense, the ability to hyperfocus enables someone to become completely absorbed by a topic or activity for an extended period of time. This can be a great strategy to employ when it comes to being successful in school. The ability to hyperfocus becomes a strength when individuals use it to engross themselves in readings and materials, participate in discussions, and work on assignments.

    3. Set Specific Time in Your Schedule for School

    Another challenge many individuals with ADHD struggle with is time blindness. Time blindness refers to an individual’s unawareness of the passage of time. Particularly, in cases of a topic or activity that is the subject of hyperfixation, it’s not uncommon for those with ADHD to lose hours of time. Blocking specific time periods on your calendar (or digital, planner, etc.) for school work can help ensure there is enough time allotted for you to complete the work you need.

    4. Make a List, Check It Twice—or 10 Times!

    In addition, those with ADHD can lose sight of tasks they need to complete due to inattentiveness or lack of focus. The old adage, “if you fail to plan, you plan to fail” comes into play here. To ensure everything gets done on time, it helps to make a list of all the work needed for your courses that week, or even in that day or chunk of time you’ve carved out for yourself. This list helps keep you accountable as you work through the coursework. It also allows for the dopamine hit when you cross off the pieces you have completed!

    One way to ensure you don’t fall prey to time blindness is to set alarms. Set an alarm or a reminder on your phone or your computer for each step and task you need to complete, when to start it, and when you think you should be finished. This will help you remember what is next and give you the push to keep going. It also helps you to learn how to manage your time, if you’ve set enough time aside for each type of schoolwork, and to be able to adjust accordingly.

    5. Get Comfy and Minimize Distractions

    Be sure that you have a comfortable place where you can do your coursework. You’ll be spending a lot of time there focusing on getting the work done. Make sure it has all the supplies you will need, from your computer to the extras, like water and snacks so you don’t have to get up and be distracted by something else. Be careful to avoid inadvertently creating distractions for yourself in your work area, but if there are things you use to help you focus, be sure to have them on hand. For instance, if you need a specific fidget device like a pop fidget toy, or ring spinner; or if you are someone who needs clicky pens, or toothpicks to chew on, have these in your space to help you release that additional energy and increase your ability to focus.

    6. Everything Is Better With a Buddy!

    Find a trusted individual who can be your accountability partner. By telling someone you have a task to complete and you need to get it done, you’ve created a person who will keep checking in and asking if you’ve been successful.

    If the idea of just reminders and check-ins is not enough to keep you on task and focused, use a body double. This person might be a friend, a spouse, a roommate, or a parent. A body double is another person who sits with – in person or via a video call – or web chats with the person with ADHD as they do the task that may be difficult for them to complete. For instance, if you have a hard time completing your discussion posts for a course, call a friend who needs to clean their house. While they clean, you can work on the discussion. This creates instant accountability to the task at hand and support if you need it.

    7. Talk It Out

    The key to being successful also lies in open communication with your instructors. If you’re comfortable, share your diagnosis with your instructor and where you face challenges. If you’ve requested or been granted accommodations, remind them and help them understand the ways ADHD impacts you. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Your advisors and your instructors are there to help support you and ensure your success They want to see you thrive in your coursework, but they cannot do that if they do not understand what is going on. Keep the lines of communication open and stay ahead of any challenges that may arise.

    8. Be Kind to Yourself

    Above all else, be kind to yourself. Going back to school is a challenge and if you have different abilities such as ADHD, it can be even more challenging. That doesn’t mean you can’t do it, but it’s important to take the time to celebrate the wins, big and small. Create rewarded incentives. When you finish your assignments for the week, treat yourself to your favorite ice cream. When you successfully complete a course, maybe participate in an activity you’ve been looking forward to or a new movie you wanted to see. By creating milestones and rewarding yourself along the way, you’re creating pathways to increase the dopamine your brain is so desperately craving as well as build habits that you can sustain throughout your educational journey.