Blog

How To Switch Careers During a Pandemic — Another World Education Success Story

Steve Waddell • Jun 23, 2020

With COVID-19 affecting how we work and live, many people are seeking new career paths that will allow them to work with more flexibility and freedom. Let’s look at how to switch careers by studying how one student took advantage of an online training course that allowed her to learn at her own pace and equip herself with the technical skills to thrive in this rapidly changing economy.

Just prior to the COVID pandemic, Tami was hurt on the job. A local workforce program gave her the chance to up-skill herself and retrain for a new career. Fortunately, the workforce group pointed Tami to World Education. In World Education she found a knowledgeable team who worked with her to discover her career interests and what type of career would fit with Tami’s situation as a wife and mother of a young child, with another on the way. Since her husband is an essential worker she knew she needed a career that would offer her flexible work hours. Pregnant and in a pandemic, she knew she needed to find training that was going to be safe for her and her family. The World Education team helped her find the perfect educational and career path for her.

In talking about her passions, the World Education counselor discovered that Tami wanted a career that would be creative and allow her to help others. Tami loves social media, design and storytelling. Her counselor suggested pursuing a career in Web Design through an excellent school in Tami’s state (California State University San Marcos). Tami got enrolled and began to work on her new career path.

Let’s hear in her own words what her experience was like working with World Education, Cal State San Marcos and her instructor. Check out the interview video below.

The Web Design and Development course created by CTe Learning offered her an opportunity to switch careers and allowed her to work from home at her own pace from wherever she wanted. Tami had worked on early social media sites years ago and remembers that was the first time she got excited about the potential of the internet. However, before starting the course she didn’t have any actual training in design or development. The course taught her everything she needed to know from the ground up and developed her into a skilled and knowledgeable web professional, all as a remote learner .

In the months that Tami was working through the course, she faced several events in her personal life, including a pregnancy, that required her to pause her learning. Because the course is self-guided , she could easily take a break and resume when she felt ready. Tami praised how helpful Cal State San Marcos was throughout her journey, saying “I reached out to them a lot when going through things and having to say, ‘I’m sorry, I didn’t get school done this week or this month. Can I do an extension?’ They were always sweet and encouraging about it. They said, ‘Oh, no problem. We can extend it for you.’” And Steve Waddell, founder and lead developer of CTe Learning, was always available to answer questions Tami had along the way. This unique model allows the student to work at their own pace as a virtual learner , without the pressure of a traditional classroom setting in which all students are expected to keep the same pace no matter what life changes happen in the process.

Earning Industry-Recognized Certifications

One of the key features of the Web Design and Development course is the optional industry certification exam , which enables the learner to earn a certification administered by the Web Professionals Association, the premier industry association for web designers and developers. Tami commented on how well the course prepared her for taking the certification exam at the end of the course: “I’ve taken tests before that seemed to include nothing that I had learned. In the Web Design and Development course, every quiz prepared me for the final certification exam. I have test anxiety and was worried I was going to fail, but Steve talked me through the process and said I would do well. And he was right—I finished in 30 minutes, and it was easy.”

Having an industry certification and project portfolio sets Tami apart from other professionals that companies may be considering hiring, which allows her to hit the ground running in getting clients and starting work on projects. Equipped with new skills, knowledge, a portfolio and certification, Tami can work directly with clients to solve problems and meet needs. The experience of taking the course and working with Cal State San Marcos made her a fan of the university and how willing it is to help adult learners like herself.

To others who may be thinking about a new path but don’t know how to switch careers, Tami says, “I would tell anyone else that they can do it. And I know people say that, but seriously, I am the worst with school sometimes. I have struggled with self-esteem issues, but doing this course gave me so much. It gave me more than just the education—it gave me the knowledge, strength, ability and confidence to do it. It taught me that there’s way more to web design than I realized—there are so many different types of jobs out there that I can do now because of this course and certification.”

Helping Adult Learners Switch Careers and Develop New Skills

Steve Waddell of CTe Learning says “I get to have a unique perspective as a teacher. Since I am one of the co-authors (I also need to shout out Daniel, the other head co-author, and the other 24 team members who helped build this course) I know why we designed the course as we did. This course has over 170 tutorial and industry subject matter videos. We created a terrific ‘play with the code’ live sandboxing feel to help the students learn to create web pages and sites. And I can be proud of all the ‘techy’ stuff we did as instructional designers. However, it is when I am facilitating, supporting and helping the students that I really understand their learning needs. The experience allows me to be a better course developer and I enjoy the teaching.

“It is so much fun seeing students reinvent themselves through online education. I am Tami’s ‘teacher,’ but the course is really self-directed, self-paced education. My job boils down to coaching and supporting when the adult learner struggles. I struggled when I was first learning how to create web pages and sites and it really is fun to relive some of those early struggles and help guide students over the humps, just like the people who helped me out years ago.

“Tami is an example of what is great about adult education—especially online education. Watching her reinvent herself and switch careers from a more physical job to a creative tech field was actually quite fun for me. This is what adult education is about. Anyone can reinvent themselves. Web design is about helping individuals, groups and businesses bring their stories and products to market. Tami loves helping people, and when she was struggling with things in life that so many adult learners must deal with as they reconstruct themselves into a new career—including jobs, family, illness, and the pandemic—it was her passion to help others that kept her moving forward. I am so proud of how she stuck to it, and a shout out to CSUSM for all their support.”

Start Your New Career Path Today

Maybe you are like Tami, thinking about how to find an exciting and in-demand career path, even in the age of COVID-19. The time is now to learn at your own pace and jumpstart your career, all from the comfort of your couch or kitchen table. If you’re not sure where to start, let us help. World Education has partnered with CTe Learning to offer a number of exciting course options for you. Ask us about CTeLearning’s career-building International Industry-Recognized Certification (IIRC) courses that are media-rich, highly interactive and self-paced. All courses are designed for learners with no prior coding or design experience. Let’s look at some of the offerings:

6-month International Industry-Recognized Certification (IIRC) Courses

(Traditional self-paced semester courses)

Web Design and Development for Business and Marketing with IIRC
Web and Mobile Application Development with IIRC
Web Games, Apps and Sites for Business and Marketing with IIRC
Web Animation and Web Design for Business and Marketing with IIRC

90-day International Industry-Recognized Certification Sprints

(Courses offer the opportunity to earn two stackable certifications in an accelerated course format. If you love to learn but don’t have time for school, these may be the right choice for you.)

Web Design and Development for Business and Marketing with IIRC
Web and Mobile Application Development with IIRC
Web Games, Apps and Sites for Business and Marketing with IIRC
Web Animation and Web Design for Business and Marketing with IIRC

At a time when workers in retail, food services, hospitality, manufacturing and so many other industries are struggling, join Tami and others who have decided to switch to careers that will be in-demand for years to come.

Why wait? Ask us to help you today

Reach out to World Education today to begin a conversation. We know how to help.

The post How To Switch Careers During a Pandemic — Another World Education Success Story appeared first on CTeLearning.

< Older Post Newer Post >

Get in touch with us today!

You can book a demo directly using Calendly, call us directly at 913-764-4272 or 877-828-1216, or submit the form below and we will reach out to you.

We look forward to helping you and your students.

Most Recent Posts

Why More Schools are Embracing Career and Technical Education

By Steve Waddell • 25 Apr, 2024

As school choice gains traction across the United States, an increasing number of parents are exploring educational options that extend beyond the traditional public school system. In addition to public schools, private, parochial, charter and Christian schools are increasingly recognizing the shift in student interests away from four-year universities towards more career-oriented education pathways that mitigate the risk of debt. This trend is driving parents towards schools that offer robust career and technical education (CTE) programs alongside the traditional core curriculum and character education found in charter, private, religious, and schools supported through school voucher programs. Career and technical education, when done right, is highly multidisciplinary. Technical skills are merged with history, math, and science and wrapped with the soft skills to better prepare learners for a more complex job market and future. Every career requires technical skills to get hired, but soft skills is what keeps professionals employed and allows them to move up the career ladder. Studies show that a lack of hands-on career exploration in high school is a critical gap, leaving many students unsure about their future paths and more likely to require significant adjustments to their educational trajectories post high school. How We Help At CTeLearning, we specialize in offering a diverse array of CTE courses designed to address these challenges. Our courses are ideal for schools of choice who are looking for easy to facilitate curricula taught by their educators so they can maintain their educational standards. CTE differs from traditional education by focusing on practical, hands-on experiences tailored to specific career pathways. This approach helps bridge the gap between education and employment, equipping learners with the skills and insights needed to thrive in the workforce. Our courses enable schools—including private, parochial, charter and Christian institutions—to provide engaging CTE curricula that expose students to potential career pathways, starting as early as middle school. Our courses include the technical skills and soft skills that industry expects. Each of our curricula include two soft skills modules: Ethics in the Workplace and Critical Thinking in the Workplace. These two interactive modules help fill gaps that many students seem to have in core career skills. To help students get career and college ready, these modules enable your learners to earn industry micro-credentials they can add to their resumes or a college entrance application. Our experience working with students and teachers shows that the project-based learning (PBL) approach is important. The best way to amplify PBL is to emphasize experiential learning and hands-on practical engagement. We enhance PBL by weaving in industry professionals who introduce important concepts and give context to the work and experiences the curriculum offers. By offering students direct engagement with industry professionals and real workplace environments, CTE programs enhance learning retention and deepen students' understanding of how theoretical concepts apply in practical settings. Our curricula are designed to allow students to learn at their own pace while building real-world projects and gain firsthand experience. Students beginning to identify their interests and career goals early on is crucial for making informed decisions in their educational journeys. Families of students in CTE programs report high levels of satisfaction, noting the effective guidance in career readiness that CTE provides, in stark contrast to traditional education pathways. Furthermore, CTE programs contribute to higher graduation rates, with students more likely to graduate on time compared to their peers in traditional settings. These programs also close the skills gap in the U.S. economy by aligning curriculum with workforce needs, ensuring that graduates are prepared for high-demand occupations in fields like web design, game design, coding, sustainability, animation, marketing and robotics. Our approach allows educators to better prepare and future-proof their students. Industry studies tell us that soft skills, ethics, critical thinking, communication, teamwork, time management and personal leadership are what industry needs, yet these skills seem to be harder and harder to find in graduating students. Taking the time to develop critical thinking within a career context prepares students not just for specific jobs but any career pathway. The world as we know it has a high rate of change and seems to be accelerating. This makes it seemingly impossible for educators to keep up. The turbulence of change makes curricular choices for educators more and more stressful. Our teachers know they can trust us to make sure that they remain on the cutting edge of what industry is looking for, continually updating curricula to reflect the latest industry trends and practices. Teachers and parents around the country are looking for ways to stand out and show more options for learners who may have varied educational trajectories. Foundationally, all parents want their children to learn in an environment that builds their character, confidence, knowledge and readiness for their futures. They want their kids to be adaptable, resilient and independent. Overall, the continual growth of school choice is closely linked to the growing appreciation for CTE as a vital educational pathway. This approach not only meets the immediate training needs of students but also prepares them for long-term career success, making it an attractive option for parents and students alike who are seeking practical, debt-free education alternatives. It is tough being a parent these days. It is tough being an educator these days. Let us make things easier for your school, your teachers and in turn better for your students. Contact us today to find out how we can help by clicking here or calling us at 913-764-4272. Interested in learning more? Check out our recent blog post on the importance of career and technical education.

Is Working in AI a Good Career Choice?

By Joshua Frisch • 18 Mar, 2024

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as one of the most transformative technologies of the 21st century, revolutionizing industries, improving efficiency, and shaping the future of work. Against this backdrop, the decision to pursue a career in AI has become increasingly appealing for aspiring professionals. Our Artificial Intelligence and Mobile Robotics course teaches a new level of understanding of systems, coding, biology, and behavior to middle school and high school students interested in learning the soft skills and hard skills that will be in demand for decades to come. In this article, we'll explore the compelling reasons why AI is not just a good career choice but a smart one. Unprecedented Growth Opportunities The AI industry is experiencing unprecedented growth, driven by advancements in machine learning, deep learning, and other AI subfields. According to market research, the global AI market is expected to reach a value of $190 billion by 2025, with AI permeating almost every sector, from healthcare and finance to retail and transportation. This rapid expansion translates into abundant job opportunities for AI professionals, ranging from data scientists and machine learning engineers to AI researchers and algorithm developers. With AI becoming increasingly integral to business operations and innovation, the demand for skilled AI talent is expected to continue surging in the years to come. Lucrative Salary Prospects AI professionals command some of the highest salaries in the tech industry, reflecting the scarcity of talent and the critical role of AI in driving business success. According to industry reports, AI specialists, including machine learning engineers and data scientists, can earn six-figure salaries, with compensation packages often including bonuses, stock options, and other incentives. This financial reward not only reflects the high demand for AI expertise but also underscores the value that companies place on individuals who can leverage AI to drive innovation, optimize processes, and deliver tangible business outcomes. For aspiring professionals seeking a lucrative and rewarding career path, AI offers unparalleled salary prospects and financial stability. Diverse Career Opportunities One of the most attractive features of pursuing a career in AI is the diverse range of career opportunities it offers. AI encompasses various subfields, including natural language processing, computer vision, robotics, and reinforcement learning, each presenting unique challenges and opportunities for innovation. Whether you're passionate about developing cutting-edge algorithms, building intelligent systems, or applying AI to solve real-world problems, there's a niche within AI where you can thrive. Moreover, AI professionals have the flexibility to work in diverse industries, from tech giants and startups to healthcare organizations and research institutions, allowing them to pursue paths that align with their interests, skills, and aspirations. Impactful Work with Global Reach AI has the potential to address some of the world's most pressing challenges, from healthcare and education to climate change and poverty alleviation. By harnessing the power of AI, professionals can develop innovative solutions that improve lives, enhance productivity, and drive positive societal change. Whether it's developing AI-driven medical diagnostics, optimizing supply chains, or combating climate change through data-driven approaches, AI enables professionals to make a meaningful impact on a global scale. The opportunity to work on projects with real-world significance and contribute to the greater good can be immensely rewarding for individuals who are passionate about leveraging technology for positive change. Continuous Learning and Innovation AI is a rapidly evolving field, characterized by constant innovation, experimentation, and discovery. As an AI professional, you'll have the opportunity to engage in lifelong learning, staying abreast of the latest developments, and honing your skills. Whether it's mastering new algorithms, exploring emerging technologies, or collaborating with experts from diverse disciplines, the journey of learning in AI is both challenging and fulfilling. Moreover, AI offers ample opportunities for creativity and innovation, allowing professionals to push the boundaries of what's possible and develop groundbreaking solutions to complex problems. By embracing a culture of continuous learning and innovation, AI professionals can stay ahead of the curve and remain at the forefront of this dynamic and rapidly evolving field. Start Your Career Today As AI continues to reshape industries and transform the way we live and work, the demand for skilled AI professionals is only expected to grow. For aspiring professionals seeking a rewarding and future-proof career path, AI presents a compelling opportunity to be at the forefront of technological innovation and shape the future of intelligent systems. By leveraging their skills, expertise, and passion for AI, professionals can embark on a journey of discovery, creativity, and impact, making AI not just a good career choice but a smart one. To set up a free demo of our AI and Mobile Robotics course or any of our other courses, call us at 913-764-4272 or schedule directly using Calendly .