Exam Review Courses for Professional Certifications: A Path to Advancement

The path to professional advancement is a long one. The main desire within any career field is to maintain a long-term relationship with the field you’re in: to find a fulfilling path toward retirement that can help develop your skills along the way. Over the course of twenty to forty years, you’ll sit in seminars, webinars, classes, and every variation of the learning environment with the hope that it will advance your career, leading to better time distribution, better pay, and more opportunities to showcase your skills. Certification exams are an important step on the path to advancement, and through exam review courses, you’ll be given the knowledge and experience necessary to pass these validation exams. Here, we’ll discuss the benefits of becoming professionally certified within your field, highly desired certifications, and how to choose the right exam review courses for you.

In this Blog,

1. Benefits of Becoming Professionally Certified

2. Highly Desired Professional Certifications

3. How to Find the Right Certification Prep Courses for You

Benefits of Becoming Professionally Certified

Certifications are a worthwhile investment into a person’s present and future career, offering beneficial opportunities for growth and advancement. Here are a few of the benefits that come as a result of becoming professionally certified.

Proof of skill mastery- There are two main paths to certification. The certification itself isn’t supposed to impart more information. Instead, it’s a validation of knowledge and skill for both the certification seeker and any future employer. The paths to certification can come in the form of experience or in the form of book learning at institutions. Usually, it’s a mix of both. Either way, the validation of knowledge is proof to anybody needing to know.

Increases your skill level- While certifications offer proof of skill mastery, exam review courses come with a comprehensive understanding of facts, processes, materials, and everything a person needs to know within their field. As they work through the exam review course, there is an inevitable increase in understanding of information. Some review courses also require a practical assignment that helps grow the student’s experience as well, effectively increasing their skill level along the way.

Competitive advantage over peers- Not only does a professional certification prove something to you as the exam taker, but it also provides proof to an employer that they’re hiring (or maintaining) somebody who knows what they’re doing and can effectively handle the tasks given. This gives the certified professional an advantage over other candidates in the field who may have the knowledge to do the job effectively but don’t have the desired validation of knowledge.

Higher earning potential- The more a person knows, the more valuable they become. Of course, the question in the end is, valuable to who? Regardless, with this validation of skill, there comes a much higher threshold for earning potential. For example, Project Management Professional (PMP) certified workers reported median salaries that were 25% higher than those who were not certified.

Potential tuition and certification reimbursement when you’ve made yourself more valuable to the company- Most companies right now have realized the benefits of having certified professionals and also paying for some further professional development. As a result, they’re willing to either cover some of the money used for certification or reimburse a portion. Other companies have professional certification opportunities built directly into their business model, and becoming certified in your field comes as a result of employment there anyway. Either way, it pays to be certified.

Highly Desired Professional Certifications

Certifications with crossover potential are certifications that prove competency in a variety of fields that can be moved from one industry to another. For example, they’re not specific to any one niche like nursing or engineering certifications. Instead, these are areas in which several industries can benefit from the knowledge of that professional.

Project Management Professional- This is an industry-recognized certification for project managers. It demonstrates that the candidate has the education, skill, and experience necessary to lead and direct projects across various industries. Project managers initiate and design the project at large and delegate the individual tasks to a team of people with diverse skill sets that allow the team to generate ideas and complete the project in a unique way.

Human Resources Certification- Human resources professionals are responsible for recruiting and managing employee interactions, as well as making and executing company policies. They’re also responsible for legal work within the company. Nearly every large company has a human resources department in need of qualified professionals. Certifications in HR prove that a person knows and understands their responsibilities and can execute tasks efficiently.

Leadership and Management Certifications- Leadership is a 21st-century skill that is highly sought after in today’s business market. It takes a lot to be a good leader: humility, intuition, and the ability to motivate a team and drive them towards success individually and collectively. Managing a group of people and their projects takes qualities that many people possess, and everybody can learn. Leadership certifications prove that a person has these desired qualities and can drive success for the company.

Certified Professional Sales Person (CPSP)- A CPSP is one of the most recognized transferrable certifications. The focus of the certification is to teach new habits that drive successful outcomes and help organizations reach their goals. A CPSP not only works toward selling company products to customers. They also work towards developing relationships with these customers in a way that creates a bond with the company as well. Having a CPSP as a team member is a valuable resource.

Foreign Language Certifications- Becoming certified in foreign languages allows a company to diversify its target demographic into different cultures. An employee with language fluency is a valuable team member already. However, by taking the extra step to certify them and gain this credential for the employee, the company gains the credential along with them. This allows them to engage with customers in their native language and become an authority in their niche.

Business Analyst- A business analyst takes a deep look at every facet of organizational structure to identify their needs and define better business solutions for growth. They facilitate interactions between a company, its stakeholders, and a team ready to create solutions. Business analyst certifications acknowledge the person as competent, knowledgeable, and successful within their role.

How to Find the Right Certification Prep Courses for You

Certification is an important step in advancing your career, whether you plan on staying with your current company or transferring to another in the future. Participating in exam review courses is a beneficial step in passing certification exams, and it’s important to choose the right one for you.

Consider your professional goals- Depending on your goals, your exam prep course will look different than others. If you’re trying to take a fast-track approach to career advancement, then finding a self-paced course and treating it like a second job might be a great option. Conversely, if speed isn’t necessary, then using a course that employs the help of field professionals at a slower pace would be better.

Talk to your employer and other industry professionals- Oftentimes, your employer will have solid advice to give towards your advancement opportunities. They may also offer tuition reimbursement for your review course in exchange for company loyalty.

Check with your local schools- If a local school or university has the course you’re looking for, this is an excellent option to choose from. You’ll be able to network in person on occasion and develop relationships with industry professionals within your area.

Understand your time management skills- Do you have the ability to compartmentalize your responsibilities and relegate them to specific time slots? No? Perhaps a guided exam review course is a better option. The benefit of these is that the responsibility of deciding when to work on a given day is taken off your shoulders, and you only have to follow along with the instructor and complete assignments as they come.

Find one that fits your lifestyle- Are you active with small pockets of time in your day? Or do you have lots of familial responsibilities that can’t be negotiated? Do you have a loud family and an inability to focus with any amount of noise? An in-person review may be what you need to complete your course successfully and pass the certification exam.

Whether your plans are to stay with your current company or transfer to another field altogether, the path to career advancement is not linear. There is no one right answer nor one direct path you can take. Determining what’s best for your lifestyle and your career goals is the first step in gaining professional certifications. Finding the right exam review course is then next. Find one that works for you and your lifestyle and one that enables you to reach your goals, whatever they are.

Increase your value to your employer and open doors to new opportunities with a professional certification. School of PE's comprehensive review courses are designed to help you succeed. Gain the knowledge and credentials that employers seek by enrolling in a course today!

About the Author: Anna Taylor

Anna Taylor is a freelance writer and avid researcher- a jack of all trades, but a master of none. She graduated from the University of Hawai'i with an Associate Degree in Liberal Arts because she had no idea what she wanted to be when she grew up. She has since found her love of Extended Reality and the possibilities it brings to the world, as well as gardening, cooking, and writing. Anna lives in Interior Alaska with her family.

Women in Engineering: Inspiring Stories and Pathways to Success

Engineering is the driving force behind the advancements that shape our world. Increasingly, women are at the forefront of this innovation, bringing invaluable perspectives and innovations to the table. With March being Women’s History Month, we wanted this blog post to celebrate the achievements of women in engineering, highlight their inspiring stories, and explore the pathways to success for aspiring female engineers.

In this Blog,

1. Breaking Barriers, Building Futures

2. Pathways to Success: Navigating the Engineering Landscape
2.1. Early Exposure and Education
2.2. Higher Education and Mentorship
2.3. Building a Strong Network
2.4. Overcoming Challenges and Building Resilience
2.5. Embracing Innovation and Leadership

3. The Importance of Diversity and Inclusion

Breaking Barriers, Building Futures

Women engineers have been pioneers, pushing boundaries and defying stereotypes. From the pioneering work of Emily Roebling, who played a crucial role in the completion of the Brooklyn Bridge, to the modern-day achievements of women leading groundbreaking research in fields like biomedical engineering and sustainable technologies, their contributions are undeniable.

One inspiring example is Dr. Ayanna Howard, a renowned roboticist and educator. Her work in developing assistive robots for children with disabilities showcases the power of engineering to create a positive social impact. Dr. Howard's journey highlights the importance of mentorship and perseverance in overcoming challenges (Howard, n.d.).

Another remarkable figure is Reshma Saujani, the founder of Girls Who Code. Her organization is dedicated to closing the gender gap in technology by providing coding education and mentorship to young women. Saujani's advocacy emphasizes the need to empower girls early on and create a supportive ecosystem for women in STEM (Saujani, 2016).

These stories are not exceptions but rather part of a growing narrative. Women are excelling in diverse engineering disciplines, from civil and mechanical to electrical and software. Their presence is not only enriching the field but also driving innovation and fostering a more inclusive and equitable workplace.

Pathways to Success: Navigating the Engineering Landscape

For aspiring female engineers, the journey may present unique challenges. However, there are clear pathways to success, supported by a growing network of resources and initiatives.

1. Early Exposure and Education:

• Early exposure to STEM subjects is crucial. Programs like Girls Who Code (Saujani, 2016) and FIRST Robotics provide hands-on experiences and foster a passion for engineering in young girls.
• Strong foundations in math and science are essential. Encourage girls to pursue advanced coursework and participate in science fairs and competitions.

2. Higher Education and Mentorship:

• Choosing a reputable engineering program is vital. Look for universities with strong female faculty and active women in engineering societies.
• Mentorship plays a significant role in career development. Seek out mentors who can provide guidance, support, and networking opportunities. Organizations like the Society of Women Engineers (SWE, n.d.) offer valuable mentorship programs.

3. Building a Strong Network:

• Networking is crucial for career advancement. Attend conferences, workshops, and industry events to connect with other professionals.
• Join professional organizations like SWE to build a supportive community and access resources.

4. Overcoming Challenges and Building Resilience:

• Women in engineering may encounter biases and stereotypes. Develop strategies to address these challenges and build resilience.
• Seek out support from peers, mentors, and allies.

5. Embracing Innovation and Leadership:

• Engineering is a field of constant innovation. Embrace new technologies and seek opportunities to develop leadership skills.
• Contribute to research, publications, and patents to establish expertise and visibility.

The Importance of Diversity and Inclusion

The presence of women in engineering is not just a matter of equity; it's also a matter of innovation. Diverse teams bring a wider range of perspectives and problem-solving approaches, leading to more creative and effective solutions.

Studies have shown that companies with diverse leadership teams perform better financially and are more innovative (Hunt et al., 2015). By fostering a culture of inclusion and supporting women in engineering, organizations can unlock their full potential and drive progress.

Looking Ahead: A Future of Possibilities

The future of engineering is bright, with women playing a pivotal role in shaping it. As more women enter the field, they are challenging traditional norms, driving innovation, and creating a more inclusive and equitable profession.

By sharing inspiring stories, providing mentorship, and creating supportive environments, we can empower the next generation of female engineers to achieve their full potential.

At School of PE, we recognize the immense value women bring to the engineering profession. We're committed to fostering an inclusive learning environment where every aspiring engineer feels empowered to succeed.

References

Howard, A. (n.d.). Ayanna Howard. Retrieved from https://www.ayannahoward.com/

Hunt, V., Layton, D., & Prince, S. (2015). Why diversity matters. McKinsey & Company.

Saujani, R. (2016). Girls who code: Learn to code and change the world. Viking.

Society of Women Engineers (SWE). (n.d.). Society of Women Engineers. Retrieved from https://swe.org/

ARE Practice Management: Business Operations and Assessing Resources

The Practice Management portion of the ARE tests candidates on their knowledge of topics related to the running of an architectural practice. Among the topics related to business operations with which the architect should be familiar is the assessment of resources within the practice. Architects, particularly those at the management level, are often responsible for staffing decisions and recommendations and, more generally, are involved with the analysis, evaluation, and implementation of staff management, resource allocation, and professional development of staff. In addition, the architect may be involved with firm decisions related to the selection of appropriate computer hardware, software, and training materials. All of this must be done with an eye to the larger business goals of the firm, whether it be for expansion of the company, the calibration of the firm towards a particular area of specialization, or some other goal.

In this Blog,

1. Staffing Strategies and Project Workload

2. Project Team Composition and Consultant Collaboration

3. Professional Development and Mentorship

4. Continuing Education and Internal Knowledge Sharing

5. Performance Reviews and Individual Meetings

6. Holistic Resource Management and Firm Goals

Staffing Strategies and Project Workload

Recommendations for changes in staffing are closely related to the amount of work in the pipeline, as well as the skills and experience levels that are anticipated to be needed for that anticipated work. Fluctuations in market conditions and other factors can make it difficult to anticipate how many projects a firm will be successful in being rewarded. It can also be difficult to know precisely when such projects will begin, as project start times are sometimes delayed. Staffing strategies should acknowledge such uncertainties and fluctuations. It is likely there will be times when multiple projects are awarded in close succession, and the influx of work puts a strain on staff as workloads increase. At other times, anticipated projects may fail to materialize, and the office is consequently overstaffed with employees having overly light workloads. The key to staffing decisions is to find the appropriate balance, maintain flexibility, and aim for adaptability. Obviously, there is a need to avoid having too few employees, which can decrease capacity and/or work quality and having too many, which can reduce profitability. However, firms must have a developed strategic plan which can guide them through the inevitable ups and downs which are common in the industry. Aside from overall workloads based on the number and size of projects currently being worked on and anticipated, it is necessary to evaluate the needs of the individual projects, and whether the skill, experience, and areas of specialization of the employees is adequate to the goals of these projects.

Project Team Composition and Consultant Collaboration

On a typical project, in terms of the architectural staff, there may be a Project Architect and one or more Architectural Designers contributing to the architectural design and documentation of the work. This is only part of the design team, however. There may be a Project Manager who acts as the primary client contact and team leader, and it is likely that there will be numerous disciplines involved in the design work as well. This will vary depending on the type and complexity of the project, but is likely to include Structural, Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing Engineers, along with other specialists. Those involved with staff selection and management will need to be aware of staff availability and workload levels for each discipline. If consultants are utilized for any of these roles, then the availability and suitability of the consultant firm should be considered for a given project. Architectural firms will often have consulting firms that they return to time and again for their projects. Developing good working relationships with these partners is key to long-term success.

Professional Development and Mentorship

In addition to the necessity of making informed allocations of staff and recommendations for hiring new employees when it is beneficial, staff management also includes the need for the implementation of professional development plans. It is in the interest of the architectural firm to engage, educate, and cultivate members of its design teams. Junior staff should be encouraged and supported in pursuing licensure. Additionally, a conscientious effort should be made to allow junior staff to gain the work experience needed for their knowledge and development. Some firms have mentorship programs in which younger designers are paired with more experienced practitioners who are available to discuss professional development goals and issues with them. Whether a formalized mentorship program is present in a firm or not, it is beneficial to make junior staff aware of any experienced staff members who may be available to them as a resource for the development of their knowledge and experience.

Continuing Education and Internal Knowledge Sharing

Continuing education events are another way of engaging staff to maintain their professional credentials and improve their knowledge of industry practice or new building products. Such events could take the form of “lunch and learn” with sales representatives from the building products industries or internal office presentations by staff on researched topics. Design “pin-ups” or presentations on projects either completed or in development can also be a means of engaging staff and improving design quality through peer feedback.

Performance Reviews and Individual Meetings

It is advisable for a firm to have a standardized process for conducting regular meetings at an individual level between staff and their managers. In this way, professional development goals can be created and progress toward those goals evaluated at regular intervals of time. Such recurring meetings can also be useful for discussing workplace issues, company or department goals, and areas for performance improvement. Everyone who contributes towards the success of a firm is part of a team, and opportunities for engaging team members in discussions on professional development are likely to increase the success of both the individual and the team over the long term.

In addition to decisions related to staffing and the development of that staff, an architect should also be able to assess and evaluate the use of material resources, such as computer hardware, software, and training materials. In terms of design software, in addition to Building Information Modeling (BIM) software and other 3d modeling and design documentation tools, consideration should be given to other more specialized software, such as photorealistic rendering or energy modeling. The more computationally intensive such programs can have system requirements that impact computer hardware purchasing decisions. Architectural firms must make other decisions as to which software to use for tasks related to project management, scheduling, and construction administration, among other types of software. As architects are intimately familiar with the design and documentation needs of a firm, they are well-positioned to make recommendations on computer software and hardware. As firm and client needs change and technologies constantly evolve, there is a continued need for the reevaluation of such material resources. Similarly, architects are often involved in recommendations for training opportunities for more junior staff. There is often a need to train staff in the use of new software, firm standards, or best practices.

Holistic Resource Management and Firm Goals

In summary, architects must be able to support the business operations of their firm by assessing and evaluating firm resources. This includes making decisions concerning staffing, as well as the management, performance evaluation, and professional development of staff. Architects must also be able to evaluate and make recommendations for material resources such as computer hardware, software, and training resources. Such decisions should always be made with not only current needs but also firm goals in mind. It is first necessary therefore to have a firm grasp on the firm’s goals, whether they be based on efficiency, profit, growth, sustainability, quality, or penetration into new market sectors. As market conditions, as well as the particular needs and goals of the design firm, are continually changing, such assessments are likely to be needed at regular intervals. The architect, with broad involvement in the firm’s design and management activities, is well situated to help guide the firm’s decisions towards meeting these needs and goals.

Effective resource assessment is crucial for architectural practice success. To elevate your skills in staffing, technology, and strategic planning and to advance your career, consider investing in professional development. Explore School of PE's comprehensive courses designed to provide you with the expertise needed to excel in the ARE® 5.0 and beyond. Click here to learn more about School of PE’s ARE exam prep courses.

About the Author: Adam Castelli

Adam Castelli is a licensed architect and engineer currently practicing in the Pittsburgh area. He holds a master's degree in architecture from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and a bachelor's degree in civil engineering from Villanova University.

Collaborative Learning in Exam Review Courses: Harnessing the Power of Teams

In his 1992 article “Team Learning: A Comprehensive Approach for Harnessing the Power of Small Groups in Higher Education,” Larry K. Michaelsen describes an approach to group learning in a class setting based on a decade of evidence stating the superiority of group learning opposed to class instructional time. In a corporate setting, it’s often expected that teams work together to collaborate on projects and study for certification exams together, the reasoning being that the collaboration leads to better subject matter retention. Review courses themselves are difficult to do alone while working full time, and working as a team enables the group to retain more information with a deeper understanding than they would have otherwise. In this post, we will get a brief overview of the benefits of collaborative learning and how to harness the power of teams within the exam review course experience, with methods to try in your own exam review study group.

In this Blog,

1. The Benefits of Collaborative Learning
1.1. Sharing thoughts about the material as you go
1.2. Learning together is active learning
1.3. Naturally enhances presentation skills
1.4. Teaches new study strategies
1.5. Creates better study habits from accountability
1.6. Pulling from a wider knowledge and experience base

2. Collaborative Learning Methods
2.1. Think-Pair-Share
2.2. Jigsaw Method
2.3. Popcorn Share
2.4. Go Fish
2.5. Study Card Swap
2.6. Peer Training

The Benefits of Collaborative Learning

In a corporate setting, you’ll often find yourself working as a team to reach a specific outcome. While group assignments are the bane of most student’s existence, the benefits far outweigh the negatives in terms of what you’ll actually get out of the experience. As you learn to work together in a group the way it’s intended- with each individual pulling their weight and contributing to the overall outcome- you’ll also find that the group has changed the way you operate personally. Here are a few benefits of collaborative learning.

Sharing thoughts about the material as you go- As teams work together, an open and communicative team will bring questions to one another and answer those questions as they come up. This allows each individual to share their thoughts and personal insights into the information, which leads to a better understanding for them personally.

Learning together is active learning- We have all been there: the cart with the really old TV gets wheeled into the classroom, and we all collectively check out of our brains for sixty minutes. We loved these days, but it also didn’t do much for the actual learning experience. Taking the group approach, even in this situation where most of the study material will come in the form of a video, requires the worker to be more actively engaged in their learning experience. It forces them to learn in a way that actively puts information in their head.

Naturally enhances presentation skills- Presentations are an important part of corporate life, and they actually play a huge role in collaborative learning as well. As students read and gain a deeper understanding of the material and subsequently share what they’ve learned, they build those presentation skills without really knowing they are. Sharing helps them quickly organize their thoughts and forces them to share their newfound knowledge as if they’re teaching it to somebody who has never heard it before.

Teaches new study strategies- Study strategies are important in collaborative learning. Simply putting a few people into a group and then telling them to work together doesn’t work so well, as any high school graduate can surely tell you. It can actually prove to be a detriment to the experience as a whole. However, learning new strategies for collaborative study (see next section) can teach the group how to operate together to find new ways to share information in an engaging way.

Creates better study habits from accountability- Working alone, it’s very easy to fall into the trap of, “I can do that later.” Without the constant dependence upon and from others in the group, it’s easy to save things for later or prioritize life or entertainment over the exam review. A study group helps alleviate the stress of decision-making when considering taking a different route. Instead, you almost automatically create a daily commitment to the course because of the group that depends on the information you’re learning. Collaborative learning helps build better study habits due to the accountability factor from others in the group.

Pulling from a wider knowledge and experience base- Diversity in collaborative learning isn’t just a nice perk; it’s essential to the group’s ability to fully thrive in this setting. If one person excels in one subject, and another excels in the opposite subject, you’re not only learning another set of information. You’re also able to debate points, change opinions (sometimes your own), and develop a better system of information gathering than simply reading/watching and internalizing.

Collaborative Learning Methods

There is a learning curve to learning together. Bringing people into a group to share their experiences (even if it is just in regard to the review course) can be difficult, especially when you consider all of the different personalities and backgrounds in the learning pool. To get you started, here are a few ways that it can work for your team.

Think-Pair-Share- This technique involves learning about a subject individually (preferably different aspects of the same subject or a different subject entirely), then coming together and sharing the information they’ve gained with one another. Typically, in a classroom setting, the teacher would ask a question, give the students a minute to come up with an answer, and then pair the students up so they can share what they know with each other.

Jigsaw Method- The Jigsaw method of group learning is, in essence, taking the subject into sections and assigning each person one. This person would study that subject, and after some time, each individual would come together to share what they learned and piece together the information to form a cohesive whole puzzle.

Popcorn Share- This method of information exchange turns into a bit of a fun game that the group plays together and turns into a productive discussion of the subject material by the time they’re through. They discuss a problem or conflict within a given subject, and each person can take turns sharing what they know and how it helps understand the information as a whole. They bounce around until the discussion is over and a better understanding is reached.

Go Fish- Another game-like study technique, this involves a bag and strips of paper with questions on them. One person pulls out a paper and answers the question on the paper, proving their proficiency on the subject. Go around until all the questions are answered.

Study Card Swap- In this instance, the idea behind this practice is to make the job of learning easier. As a working person with a life who’s also trying to advance their career via certification exams and exam review courses, there’s not much time to create your own study material for an entire course. By taking sections of text, writing up the most important points, and sharing them with peers, your ability to retain the information is heightened (because repetition is king), and each person in the group took the opportunity to aid in the knowledge pool of the whole.

Peer Training- Peer training is for those who are specifically gaining certification in their current career and goes back to the diversity aspect of group learning. Choosing one person to teach the group about a specific facet of the job in which they’re proficient not only helps them understand the job better but also creates a whole new group of people just as proficient as them.

Collaborative learning for exam review courses is one of the most beneficial ways to participate in the course. It creates a shared experience for workers to bond together, helps with subject matter retention, and naturally enhances presentation skills, among many other benefits. While certification and career advancement exams are difficult due to the large amount of information and stress built into a person’s life, they don’t have to be lonely. In fact, according to the research done by Michaelsen, collaborative learning is the most beneficial way to learn. By harnessing the power of your built-in team, you’ll be able to learn everything there is to know about the subject material and create a clearer path to your dream career.

Ready to boost your career with professional development? Check out School of PE’s exam review courses today.

About the Author: Anna Taylor

Anna Taylor is a freelance writer and avid researcher- a jack of all trades, but a master of none. She graduated from the University of Hawai'i with an Associate Degree in Liberal Arts because she had no idea what she wanted to be when she grew up. She has since found her love of Extended Reality and the possibilities it brings to the world, as well as gardening, cooking, and writing. Anna lives in Interior Alaska with her family.

Balancing Work and Exam Preparations: Strategies for Busy Professionals

While preparing to take certification exams, exam prep courses can be a tool to help refresh the knowledge necessary to successfully complete the exam. However, finding time to study while working a full-time job can be difficult and daunting. That’s not to say that it can’t be done. Career advancement by way of professional certification can be done while working full-time. It takes diligence and determination with an eye on the end goal to make the preparation period worth the time investment.

Here, we’ll discuss the importance of finding a balance between exam preparation and work and strategies for busy professionals that create this balance.

In this Blog,

1. The Importance of Finding a Balance Between Exam Prep and Work

2. Strategies and Tips that Create Balance

The Importance of Finding a Balance Between Exam Prep and Work

Without a good balance between exam preparation and work, the effort put into both will result in next to nothing. Even if the test is passed, there can be hazardous effects on the person’s mental, physical, or emotional health. Given that two-thirds of employees have experienced burnout at some point in their career, it’s a wonder why anybody chooses to take on such a seemingly insurmountable task as certification exams while working full time. Conversely, if a good balance is reached, satisfaction is much greater, and the enjoyment post-exam is much easier to come by. Finding the balance between exam prep and work can look like:

• Creating boundaries for each to allow focus time for either
• Taking care of physical, mental, and emotional health
• Taking on only as many tasks as is necessary to avoid burnout
• Greater satisfaction from the eventual certification

Strategies and Tips that Create Balance

Finding the right balance for yourself and your life situation depends heavily on your goal, your specific life circumstance, and your personal capabilities. Using these strategies, you’ll be able to develop a system that works for you.

Find an Effective Goal Framework- There are dozens of frameworks to choose from that break down goal setting and turn goals into specific, manageable tasks. For instance, the goal in the end isn’t just to pass the exam. The initial goal is to develop a study plan that enables you to manage both work and exam preparation. The next goal would be to complete the exam prep course and then, finally, the exam itself. Whichever way you choose to look at it, finding a framework that works for yourself and your personality that helps you break the goal down into what needs to get done is a big step forward.

Have a Plan in Place- Develop an action plan that helps you reach your ultimate goal. This plan comes in the form of a study schedule and a contingency plan should that schedule be negated by life’s unforeseeable circumstances. Create a realistic study plan that’s specific to you and what you’re capable of doing in the given timeframe. For instance, most courses are set up for the average learner. However, most of the world is not actually made up of an average person. So, take a look at how you have historically completed big projects and adjust accordingly.

Organization is Key- A fundamental aspect of balance is organization. Whether in your professional or personal time, you need to find an organizational practice that works for you. Whether you’re visual and having sticky notes up on a board helps you stay on track or manage best with a simple to-do list, staying organized will help you know when to do the work, where, and how.

Plan by Months, Weeks and Days- While we try to plan for the best-case scenario, if there’s anything we can learn from life, it’s inconsistent. Sometimes, we’re able to do more than we wanted and sometimes less. So, make a goal for the month and a plan for the week, and then adjust to what you need on the individual days.

Find Support from your Employer- Whether you plan on staying on your job, and the exam is for advancement in your current role, or the plan is to transfer, most employers are more than willing to help accommodate for exam review. It’s likely that they’ve been in a similar situation and can sympathize with the pressure you’re under. Some accommodation can be made to help with time, such as working from home some days to eliminate long commutes and being given low-energy assignments.

Use Technology to Maximize Efficiency- The ability to focus for longer periods of time is becoming a skill that most people work really hard to master. With YouTube Shorts, Instagram Reels, and TikTok, the idea of watching or listening to something that doesn’t immediately grab our interest is exhausting. While there is this negative aspect of the internet and technology as a whole, there are also incredibly valuable resources that help increase focus, such as timers, focus music, etc., that can help focus when it’s necessary.

Create and Keep Boundaries Around Certain Tasks- While sometimes it’s okay to watch a video here and there during your lunch break or in between meetings, creating very direct boundaries around specific task sets (such as setting up a PowerPoint for work and completing assignments for the course) allows you to compartmentalize when and where you’re working on a specific thing. If you allow yourself to keep working on a course review assignment while you’re supposed to work on the PowerPoint, you’ll not only have less focus, but you may be less satisfied with your completed work and information retention.

Don’t Discount the Benefits of Healthy Habits- Sleep, a nutritious diet, and exercise all play a part in our ability to manage stress, both continuously and sporadic. Ensure that you’re prioritizing sleep along with getting adequate nutrition and exercise. This will help you in the process of determining what tasks are necessary to prioritize, as well as provide you with good judgment.

Manage your Time Effectively- Time management is a hot topic right now, and it seems like everybody is giving the exact right way to manage our time more effectively. Truth be told, you’re the only one that can find the right tools for you. However, time management is an important skill to learn, especially where work and exams are concerned. Here’s a short list of ways that you can manage your time more effectively.

• Keep lists
• Focus on one task at a time
• Limit tasks to time blocks
• Plan your week ahead of time
• Create a changeable daily plan that accounts for variables
• Do the highest priorities first
• Evaluate your energy levels and match it to accompanying tasks
• Eliminate distractions
• Make the most of waiting time

Be Flexible- Exam preparation courses are long and daunting and have an even more stressful event at the very end that can decide the ultimate trajectory of your career. The path to getting there can be difficult, but it doesn’t need to be stressful. By keeping a flexible mindset, you can tackle any obstacles that are thrown your way, manage your time when things go awry, and maintain a work-prep balance that works.

Learn to Outsource- A very powerful tool of top leaders and achievers is the ability to delegate and the understanding of which tasks are better suited to another person rather than you. Delegation is not something that comes to high achievers naturally, so learning to let go of control in some situations is a skill that needs to be developed. It can help free up time and energy so that you can work on things that actually need your attention.

Automate Repetitive Tasks- Going back to using technology to do your bidding, you can automate certain tasks to be done at specific times, like email responses, and form auto inserts of information. This also frees up time and attention that you wouldn’t have had before.

Take Regular Breaks- Whether scheduled or not, taking breaks for your mind to be completely disengaged from work can create a natural environment where your mind can wander, stress-free, into whatever line of thought you want. Sleep is important, but equally as important is your mind’s ability to wander and not think about anything in particular for a while. These breaks can involve games, writing exercises, and many other forms of mind numbery.

Returning to education is a big decision that can have a long-term positive impact on your future, but in the short term (and in most cases) leads to stress, missed deadlines, and personal and professional frustration- and that’s one of the best case scenarios. Finding a balance between work and exam preparation involves creating and sticking to boundaries and living a very organized life. However it looks for you, there’s no doubt that professional certification is one of the most rewarding steps you can take toward career advancement.

Are you ready to take your career to the next level with professional certification? Explore School of PE's exam review courses and gain the skills you need to succeed.

About the Author: Anna Taylor

Anna Taylor is a freelance writer and avid researcher- a jack of all trades, but a master of none. She graduated from the University of Hawai'i with an Associate Degree in Liberal Arts because she had no idea what she wanted to be when she grew up. She has since found her love of Extended Reality and the possibilities it brings to the world, as well as gardening, cooking, and writing. Anna lives in Interior Alaska with her family.

The Future of Work: Preparing Your Team for Industry Trends

The ever-changing nature of business is a frustrating point for many people. Frequent fluctuations in trends are oftentimes a deterrent in finding a path to success. However, there is nothing more beneficial in business than your ability to adapt to that change and make those changing trends your friend.

In order to thrive in today’s market, it’s important to stay on top of trends within your industry, no matter the field. Many business leaders find the challenge of preparing their team to track and understand industry trends daunting, along with staying up to date with the most current trends in order to predict the future.

In order to prepare the team, it’s important to first understand what trends are, how to identify them, and how to know which trends to follow. In this post, we’ll discuss the types and offer tips on how to identify trends within your industry to help you better prepare your team for industry changes.

In this Blog,

1. Types of Trends

2. How to Identify Industry trends

3. Which Trends Should You Follow?

4. How to Prepare your Team for Industry Trends

Types of Trends

It’s important to understand the difference between a trend and a fad- something made popular by an influencing person or group. Fads rise quickly, gain popularity and momentum quickly, and then fall away just as fast. An example of a fad within social media is the Stanly cup, the water cup with a unique design that had every influencer racing to the website. The cup sold out repeatedly, with millions of mentions in social media and blogs, and- just as quickly- faded away. A year after the initial rise, there’s very little mention of the tumbler at all.

A trend is something that is more or less predictable, following a pattern that can be tracked and tested by research, analytics, surveys, and attention to detail, and has more staying power. There are trends in pricing, customer purchasing (which can be where social media influence comes heavily into play), a specific demand for a product (as with the Stanley Cup example), manufacturing practices, and more. There are different kinds of trends that have more to do with time and where you’ll find the actual trackable patterns.

1. Trend Systematic is an overall continuous upward or downward pattern of movement tracked over several years.
2. Seasonal Systematic trends are regular periodic fluctuations occurring within a 12-month period (think weather patterns, holidays, and social events).
3. Cyclical Systematic trends occur in a repeating cycle with phases defined as peak, contraction, trough, and expansion.
4. Irregular Unsystematic trends are irregular fluctuations that occur as seemingly random events after systematic events.

How to Identify Industry trends

Identifying trends within your industry is rather simple at the heart of it. It’s all about gathering information with your company in mind.

Perform research on your industry- This research will come in many forms, but a good starting point would be to find a trustworthy company, such as IBIS World, that performs global industry research into a variety of niches.

Keep in touch with customers- Find a great Customer Management System (CMS) that allows you to meet with customers and find intuitive pitching opportunities within the system.

Follow social media channels related to your niche and study them- Find companies that share customer demographics, product, etc. with your company. Paying attention to how they’re advertising and maintaining their customer base will give you valuable information into how the industry is moving.

Study your competitors- Your competitors will also be a valuable resource in understanding emerging or waning trends in your industry. By studying them, you’re also gaining information into how they’re running the company and give you a competitive edge in your niche.

Watch your own analytics- Pay attention to how your own company operates, find the patterns and trends within your own already gathered information, and develop a plan of action surrounding what you know is popular within your company.

Separate your customers by demographics and interests- This helps you test the viability of following one trend over another. By doing A/B testing on your own audience, you can also find out which groups are more accepting of a certain type of product, price range, advertising method, etc.

Analyze your customer’s buying behavior- Using your CMS, you can also analyze how your customers operate in terms of when they finally show interest in purchasing a service and how likely they are to repurchase a service based on previous experience.

Research foreign markets- Foreign markets will often mirror trends within your own country and give you valuable examples of what did or didn’t do well and how to proceed after the fact.

Which Trends Should You Follow?

Even with the whole process laid out, it can sometimes be difficult to know which trends you should follow. One of the biggest reasons that people fail to make decisions or decide too late is because there are too many choices available. In order to eliminate the field of choices, here are a few steps to take that will help narrow it down to just one.

Interpret your gathered data and analyze it to see how it can help your business- For this step, it’s important to know your business goals as an organization and on a personal level. If a few choices fall out of that scope and will ultimately take away from the progress of the organization, those choices can easily be eliminated.

Double check your resources- Make sure that the sources you use are from industry experts within your field. This allows you to be confident that your pool is filled with viable trends.

Is the trend compatible with the practices and culture of your business- Similarly to your goals, make sure that the trend is in line with the everyday culture of your business. This will not only help you keep tabs on important trends but also make the job more fulfilling for those involved and lead to better job satisfaction.

Network with other enterprises within your field- Find others within your field whose opinions you value and whose business goals align with your own. Doing this will give you another set of eyes and ears to bounce ideas off of in a mutually beneficial relationship.

Determine if these trends will solve problems within your organization- This goes back to the ultimate goal of your organization. Be sure that the trends align with those goals and pay attention to the issues that have developed within the company's everyday dealings. If the trend you’re considering following doesn’t solve problems on some level, don’t consider it a viable option.

How to Prepare your Team for Industry Trends

Offer ongoing training and support- In keeping your team continually up to date with certifications and other educational experiences, you can provide them with the knowledge and skills that enable them to complete trend assessments on an intuitive level before diving into complicated reports.

Embrace automation technology- Automation is one of the greatest tools we have at our disposal. Automation takes care of more than our everyday tasks and can instead provide you with valuable customer analytics that can keep you on top of your ever-changing trends.

Prioritize utilizing a diverse workforce- As a company, it’s important to provide a diverse pool of employees who can give a myriad of perspectives on one topic. But diversity can take you far beyond having a culturally rich environment. It can also help you obtain valuable insights into different groups within your customer base and help you make more accurate predictions. While technology is an excellent resource with powerful analytic capabilities, it doesn’t replace the intuitive and contextual understanding that individuals on your team bring to the table.

Stay up to date with industry trend researchers- Keeping track of all of the changes that come with evolving technologies and people is time-intensive and requires a lot of dedication. Taking advantage of trusted research services enables you to begin a preliminary-level research process with trend reports from all around the world and is especially helpful when branching into foreign markets.

Tracking trends within your industry doesn’t have to be difficult. By utilizing technology designed specifically to obtain and analyze information for you and following industry experts who gather information on a global level, you can maintain an upward momentum within your industry. Empowering your team to internalize information and make informed decisions is one of the most valuable ways to follow trends and transform the future of work.

Stay ahead of industry trends and empower your team for the future of work with School of PE's expert-led training and resources, designed to equip professionals with the skills needed to thrive in a dynamic market. Check out our courses today!

About the Author: Anna Taylor

Anna Taylor is a freelance writer and avid researcher- a jack of all trades, but a master of none. She graduated from the University of Hawai'i with an Associate Degree in Liberal Arts because she had no idea what she wanted to be when she grew up. She has since found her love of Extended Reality and the possibilities it brings to the world, as well as gardening, cooking, and writing. Anna lives in Interior Alaska with her family.

Continual Learning in the Workplace: Encouraging Lifelong Development

Learning isn’t simply the process of upskilling in the workforce. The development of a system of learning in the workplace goes so much deeper than the simple exchange of knowledge. It reaches far beyond the availability of continued educational opportunities. Learning is a skill in itself, and when a person proves they’re capable of taking advantage of every opportunity for growth, whether in the workplace or in their personal lives, it proves their determination, creativity, and growth mindset. It proves that they’re not going to settle for good enough. Complacent isn’t something they understand in the personal sense of the word.

The growth and development of a person’s interests are beneficial to their emotional, mental, and physical well-being, which translates to their ability to maintain continual growth in their job. A person’s ability to nurture their desire for lifelong learning keeps them from stagnating and promotes a culture of perpetual fulfillment. It doesn’t only help them gain and understand existing knowledge. It’s important to encourage continual learning experiences in the workforce because it helps develop new knowledge bases that are only possible when a solid understanding of a specific field has been reached.

In this Blog,

1. Top Characteristics of a Lifelong Learner

2. What Motivates a Person to Learn?

3. How to Encourage Lifelong Development in the Workplace

Top Characteristics of a Lifelong Learner

In order to know how to encourage workers to be lifelong learners, it’s important to look at the existing group of learners within the employee pool and figure out who has an innate learning capability. Everybody is capable of becoming a lifelong learner, and some people are born with a growth mindset already in place. It’s what it is to be human. We have a natural desire to learn from others to aid in our own survival. Here are characteristics commonly found in those focused on their personal edification.

• They know what they’re interested in. Not only this, but they take the initiative in their own development. They find something they’re interested in, and if it’s enough to spark a desire to learn more, they will find a way to learn more in the form of classes, a mentor, books, etc. This person has many interests outside of work, though there may be some crossover, and those interests will bleed into their work life.
• They understand their learning style. They will have taken the time to discover their receptiveness to various methods of information extraction, whether it’s videos, reading, or in-person demonstrations. They’ll also understand how deep their desire to understand is. Are they content with a surface-level understanding of a topic? Or will they not stop until they have a deep understanding of the inner workings of their chosen interest?
• They set realistic and challenging goals. People who learn continually often have many commitments (oftentimes to themselves) and need a measurable way of knowing when they’ve hit their desired level of understanding. Whether it’s a time-based or information-based goal, they often set goals that challenge them to know more while maintaining a realistic level of achievability.
• They have excellent reading habits. While there are definitely different methods of learning, most of the time, it’s easy to spot somebody who is ready to learn. Reading is often the way that most of us get our start in our understanding of the world. Even fantasy and other fiction genres offer a level of truth within their pages. Nonfiction is learning by facts; fiction is learning by imagination. Most steady learners have solid reading habits in place.
• They follow resources and information trails. Most lifelong learners aren’t content to simply know something. It’s important to them that they know where the information is from to maintain credibility. Hank Green is an excellent example of a lifelong learner, especially where sources are concerned. When he doesn’t understand something, he makes sure that he’s able to understand it in a way that he can teach others. Take his YouTube video on the United Nations, for example.
• They’re part of a group of like-minded learners. A common characteristic of a lifelong learner is that they join groups where they can share and compare knowledge. This is highly beneficial because it helps solidify information in their mind and allows them to gain even more information from others with the same interests. There is value in sharing their skills and knowledge with others, and they understand this.
• They take regular courses. They know their resources and take classes that help them follow their paths of interest. Learning has never been easier than it is today. There is a wealth of knowledge from various sources, whether you’re a hobbyist writer or a seasoned engineer. There are so many excellent places to go to that help develop not only an information base but also a person’s ability and desire to know more. For them, it’s not only about finding information. It’s about finding the right information from credible sources.
• They have a curious mindset. The old phrase “curiosity killed the cat” could not be more indicative of any other group than it is of perpetual learners because it’s that curiosity that leads them to follow paths all around the world. The satisfaction they gain from following that curiosity is the most beneficial part of being a lifelong learner.

What Motivates a Person to Learn?

Understanding what motivates a person to learn is the key ingredient in turning workers into lifelong learners. While the world is full of natural information gatherers (our survival depends on it), it’s not a quality inherent in every individual. So, what actually motivates a person to learn? Is it money? Surely, in a work setting, that is a big factor. However, it’s not the biggest one.

For individuals devoted to the acquisition of knowledge, it goes much deeper and starts much earlier than financial obligation. Learning and the desire to understand starts as young as a year old when the person goes from being entirely dependent on another human being to discovering that they’re not, in fact, part of that person. The motivation at its core is a desire to understand the world around us from the context of what it means to be us. So, cooking, analytics, software development, sewing, and project management all lead us to a better understanding of what it means to be.

How to Encourage Lifelong Development in the Workplace

While in the workplace, not everybody has the desire to learn more or even the understanding that they can pursue interests actively, there is a way to encourage lifelong development within the workplace environment. Part of it comes down to that initial motivation- the desire to understand who we are within the context of the world. Beyond that, it comes down to creating an environment that teaches workers that learning benefits them. Here are a few things to take into consideration.

1. Allow employees to take control of their learning opportunities. Instead of being regimented in how they learn (because everybody is different), give employees the opportunity to follow their own curiosity at their own pace.
2. Emphasize learning and development goals alongside performance goals. While performance goals are an important factor in the workplace, the lack of personal improvement can be just as detrimental to a work environment as failing to reach sales quotas.
3. Use casual check-ins to evaluate progress. This provides a stress-free way of learning about a person’s goals and how they’re progressing. Learning should be entirely stress-free and lack the fear involved in professional goals.
4. Use a work network to help connect employees with mentors. Mentoring is a development opportunity that can come directly from a person’s professional network. With this mentor residing within the field of work, employees can get that spark of inspiration within their own field of expertise.
5. Create opportunities to learn as a group. Group learning is a great way to share experiences and information.
6. Develop a store of educational resources. A digital library filled with links, contacts, and study materials can provide workers with one centralized place to go when they have questions.
7. Recognize learning achievements. Recognition plays a huge role in both professional and personal development. It’s important for a person to feel pride in the work they’re doing, and this is one way to facilitate that.
8. Place personal development on the same level of importance as career development. Personal and professional development play off of each other because they both provide value to the context of a person’s life; both are equally important on a daily level.

Setting systems in place that allow a person to follow their own curiosity can create a lifelong learner far better than creating a regimented system of expectation can. People are naturally curious, but some take a little extra effort to draw out that curiosity than others. This could be because of a variety of factors, but the surefire way to help encourage development is to provide a place where learning and personal development are encouraged instead of shamed. By giving employees a support system that encourages growth, they’ll not be the only ones who benefit. Happy, satisfied workers give back more than what they’re given and can contribute to an environment where information is prized, and growth is inevitable.

Encourage lifelong learning and professional growth with a course from School of PE. Explore our offerings today and empower your team to reach new heights.

About the Author: Anna Taylor

Anna Taylor is a freelance writer and avid researcher- a jack of all trades, but a master of none. She graduated from the University of Hawai'i with an Associate Degree in Liberal Arts because she had no idea what she wanted to be when she grew up. She has since found her love of Extended Reality and the possibilities it brings to the world, as well as gardening, cooking, and writing. Anna lives in Interior Alaska with her family.