What Does a Data Analyst Do?

Posted on by Jenna Kerwin

Do you like working with numbers and data? Are you detail-oriented, inquisitive, methodical, analytical, and logical? A career as a data analyst might be for you. Data analysts use data to answer questions and solve problems. They may also identify trends to make predictions about the future.

Usually, data analysts use computers and calculation applications to figure out numbers. Finding out numbers is important, but data analysts must also understand what the numbers mean and present their findings using graphs, charts, tables, and graphics. They must be able to report and explain their findings in easily understandable ways.

Data Analyst Responsibilities

Data analysts have a wide variety of responsibilities and often work closely with project managers and department heads to discuss how data can be changed or improved over time. Some other tasks of a data analyst may include:

  • Working with IT, management, and/or data scientists to set goals
  • Reviewing data to eliminate irrelevant information
  • Analyzing and interpreting results using statistical tools and techniques
  • Pinpointing trends and patterns
  • Identifying new opportunities for process improvement
  • Providing data reports for management
  • Designing, creating, and maintaining databases and data systems
  • Fixing code problems and data-related issues

Almost every industry has a need for data analysis, with the most jobs available in sales, marketing, and health care. The average annual salary of an experienced data analyst can range from approximately $60,000 to $140,000.

Key Skills and Qualifications for a Data Analyst

To be a successful data analyst, it’s important to have certain skills and qualifications. These include:

  • Math skills to collect, measure, organize, and analyze data
  • Skilled in programs like SQL, Oracle, R, MATLAB, and Python
  • Proficiency in statistics and using programs like Excel, SPSS, and SAS
  • Ability to apply accurate algorithms to datasets to find solutions
  • Visualization skills to help identify patterns, correlations, and trends
  • Problem-solving skills that allow you to approach and solve a problem
  • Accuracy and attention to detail
  • Adept at queries, writing reports, and making presentations
  • Teamwork skills
  • Verbal and written communication skills
  • Critical thinking skills

How to Become a Data Analyst

Data analytics is an important tool for predicting future trends and drawing conclusions. It is used in health care to improve patient care, in agriculture to come up with new ways to produce food, and even used by governments to tackle issues like human trafficking.

If you are interested in becoming a data analyst, you should pursue a two- or four- year degree in a related program, and become skilled in the various computer platforms data analysts use. 91Ö±˛Ąâ€™s Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity is a good option to pursue if you want to enter this career field.

What Kinds of Jobs Are in Electrical Engineering?

Posted on by Jenna Kerwin

Are you an inventor or builder? Do you love to solve complex problems? Electrical engineers are inventors, designers, and builders who find creative ways to advance technology. You have to have an interest in engineering, too!

Electrical engineering is a branch of engineering that deals with the technology of electricity. It specifically deals with electricity, electro-magnetism, and electronics, as well as power, control systems, telecommunications, and signal processing.

Electrical engineers use physics and math to design and develop electrical equipment and systems, to solve problems, and to test equipment. They work on projects ranging from designing household appliances, to designing satellite communication systems and electrical power stations.

What Does an Electrical Engineer Do?

Electrical engineers design, develop, test, and supervise the manufacturing of electrical equipment like motors, navigation systems, and power generation systems. Some other duties of electrical engineers include:

  • Design ways to use electrical power to develop or improve products
  • Develop manufacturing, construction, and installation standards and specifications
  • Direct the manufacture, installation, and testing of electrical equipment to ensure products meet safety codes
  • Investigate customer complaints, evaluate problems, and recommend solutions
  • Work with staff to ensure projects are completed well, on time, and within budget
    • Power up your career with a BS in Electrical Engineering Technology.

    What Types of Careers Are in Electrical Engineering?

    Before choosing to be an electrical engineer, it’s important to know that there are several types of electrical engineering fields. What area you choose depends on your interests and the academic education you pursue. Several industries of electrical engineering include:

  • The information technology industry
  • The energy industry
  • The aerospace industry
  • The telecommunications industry
  • The transportation industry
  • The health care industry
  • The robotics industry

    • To get a job in many of the areas above, you need a bachelor’s degree and, for some, a master’s degree.
    Now let’s look at some of the careers you can pursue in these different areas:

  • Electronics engineer—An electronics engineer designs, builds, tests, and oversees electronic devices and systems.
  • Electrician—An electrician uses electrical engineering knowledge and skills to install, maintain, and repair things that require electrical energy to be operational. They work in industries from construction to telecommunications.
  • Computer hardware engineer—A computer hardware engineer uses electrical engineering knowledge to develop components and systems that enable computer systems to function correctly.
  • Solar photovoltaic technician—A solar photovoltaic technician maintains energy systems that convert the sun’s power into electricity by assembling, maintaining, and repairing system components.
  • Biomedical engineer—A biomedical engineer develops the electrical functionalities of equipment used in health care. They develop diagnostics equipment, build devices that replace body parts, install and maintain equipment, and collaborate with scientists on how best to use biological systems.
  • Robotics engineer—A robotics engineer designs and builds robots. They design complex, high-performance machines, including building sensors for detecting environmental stimuli, developing prototypes, and testing prototypes.
  • Mechanical engineer—A mechanical engineer designs and builds machines, automobiles, and components that are powered by electrical systems.
  • Industrial engineer—An industrial engineer designs and builds systems that provide a service. They work with materials, electricity, equipment, information, and workers to meet project requirements and achieve targets.

    • Job Outlook of Electrical Engineering

    You might be asking yourself if electrical engineering is a good profession to get into and what the future has in store for these kinds of jobs. The great news is that according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, overall employment of electrical engineers is projected to grow 7 percent from 2020 to 2030.

    More than 20,000 openings for electrical engineers are projected each year, on average, over the next decade. Many of these openings are expected from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as by retiring.

    Job growth for electrical engineers is projected to occur largely in professional, scientific, and technical services firms. The rapid pace of technological innovation will create some demand for electrical engineers in research and development, where expertise is needed to design systems related to new technologies.

    The average salary for electrical engineers was $100,830 in May 2020.

    How to Become an Electrical Engineer

    As previously mentioned, those wishing to become an electrical engineer must have a bachelor’s degree. Employers also value practical experience, such as internships or participation in student engineering programs.

    At Excelsior College, the fully online Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering Technology program prepares you for electrical and allied engineering technology positions in technology-related industries such as electronics, electrical power, semiconductors and computers, and nanotechnology. The program is accredited by the Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission of ABET, which is a requirement for your education if you want to get a job in an electrical engineering career.

    You don’t need to have a license for entry-level positions as electrical engineers, but a Professional Engineering (PE) license can allow you to reach higher levels of leadership and licensed engineers are called professional engineers (PEs). Each state issues its own licenses and most states recognize licensure from other states. Some states require you to continue your education to keep your license.

    Does electrical engineering sound like the career field you might like to enter? If so, contact an Excelsior College admissions counselor to get started on your educational journey to enter this fast-paced and exciting profession.

    Maureen McGowan, AAS in Nursing, 1986

    Posted on by Mackenzie Veglia

    Maureen McGowan was working as an LPN when she decided she wanted to advance to RN. She credits Excelsior College (then Regents) as offering, “the best opportunity for me to advance my education, earn my degree, and achieve my goal of becoming an RN. The cost and flexibility were a godsend as I could fit my studies around my work schedule.” She graduated in 1986 with an Associate in Applied Science in Nursing and began working in a post-open heart surgery unit. McGowan has been a triage nurse, a disease manager, an ER educator, and a preceptor and mentor for EMT and paramedic students and new hires. She retired in 2019 after a long and fulfilling career.

    Excelsior Trustee to Receive the Pat Tillman Award for Service During 2022 ESPYS

    Posted on by Erin Coufal

    Albany, New York—Gretchen Evans, retired Army command sergeant major and Excelsior College trustee, will be presented with the Pat Tillman Award for Service during the 2022 ESPYS. The event will air live on ABC on Wednesday, July 20 at 8 pm ET. The award is named for the former NFL player and U.S. Army Ranger and given annually to an individual with a strong connection to sports who has served in ways that echo his legacy.

    Evans’s highly decorated Army career ended after suffering a life-altering injury from a mortar round blast while on assignment in Afghanistan. The injury resulted in traumatic brain injury, total hearing loss, and other wounds. As she regained her footing as a veteran, she founded Team UNBROKEN, an adaptive racing team of mostly veterans who have experienced life-altering injuries, illness, or traumas, which competed in the World’s Toughest Race: Eco-Challenge Fiji.

    “The transition out of the military was rocky. Finding my next chapter to serve nonprofit organizations, tell my story, and remain physically strong and competitive gave me purpose,” said Gretchen Evans, a member of the Excelsior College Board of Trustees. “I joined the Excelsior board of trustees because half of Excelsior’s students are military or veterans, and I believe that education is one of the most important parts of the transition for veterans. Excelsior students and alumni demonstrate the grit and determination that has helped me persevere.”

    The Pat Tillman Award for Service is the most recent recognition of Evans’ service as a veteran. In addition to serving on Excelsior’s board of trustees, Evans has been inducted into the U.S. Army Women’s Hall of Fame and U.S. Veteran Hall of Fame.

    “Gretchen Evans is an inspiration and motivation to everyone she meets. Our Excelsior community is excited to cheer her on as she receives the Pat Tillman Award,” said David Schejbal, president of Excelsior College. “Congratulations on this much deserved honor.”

    Named a “Best for Vets” school 11 times and with more than 72,000 alumni who are military servicemembers and veterans, Excelsior College has a strong military and veteran alumni community and student population. Veterans and military students represent 51 percent of Excelsior’s student population.

    # # #

    Available B-Roll Footage:

    Media Contact Excelsior College:

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

    ABOUT EXCELSIOR COLLEGE

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

    Tech Valley High School Students Earn Associate Degree from Excelsior College

    Posted on by Erin Coufal

    Albany, New York—This year, two seniors at Tech Valley High School will earn both their high school diploma and an associate degree from Excelsior College. With hard work and determination, Mina Olsson and Zoey Flansburg took college courses alongside and as part of their high school curriculum. Thanks to an innovative partnership between Excelsior College and Tech Valley High School, those college credits translated into an associate degree.

    “Excelsior faculty and staff are excited that these two students from Tech Valley High School took advantage of the unique opportunity to complete an associate degree with Excelsior College while they were completing their high school diploma,” said Catherine Seaver, dean of the School of Undergraduate Studies at Excelsior College. “It took a lot of hard work and perseverance to get all of this done, and we are very proud of them.”

    Excelsior College traditionally serves adult learners and is known for its innovative approaches to meeting students where they are. The partnership with Tech Valley High School illustrates one innovative approach in the learning journey. Students on the associate degree track take Advanced Placement (AP) and college credit classes as part of their high school course curriculum. Additionally, these students take courses online with Excelsior to round out the degree requirements. In all, they take 60 college credits and will have their associate degree conferred shortly after they graduate from high school this week.

    “We are thrilled to partner with Excelsior College to offer the opportunity for our students to earn an associate degree while at Tech Valley High School,” said Amy Hawrylchak, principal of Tech Valley High School. “We are very proud of our students’ accomplishments and are excited to see where their future leads.”

    Tech Valley High School in Albany, N.Y., provides a unique student-centered, project-based learning approach to education that engages students in current and emerging technologies. It provides opportunities for students to learn both in and out of the classroom. Students can earn college credit in their high school courses as well as with the College Ready partnership with Excelsior College.

    # # #

    B-roll video footage:

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

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

    Wright Family Foundation Donation Funds Scholarships for Excelsior Students of Schenectady Housing Authority

    Posted on by Erin Coufal

    Albany, New York—Excelsior College is excited to announce a generous donation from the Wright Family Foundation that will provide Schenectady Housing Authority residents with a clear path to a degree at little or no cost.

    “Excelsior College focuses on providing adult learners with access to education and achieving degree completion. These scholarships will offer residents of Schenectady Housing Authority this access,” said David Schejbal, president of Excelsior College. “Thank you to the Wright Family Foundation for your generosity and support.”

    Excelsior College partnered with Schenectady Housing Authority to offer residents and staff access to affordable higher education. The Degrees Open Doors Scholarship makes an Excelsior education even more affordable by funding full scholarships for housing authority residents.

    “The Wright Family Foundation is excited to support Excelsior College, the Schenectady Municipal Housing Authority, and most importantly, the residents of the housing authority with this innovative program that will give people the opportunity to earn a college degree,” said Heather M. Ward, chairman of the Wright Family Foundation.

    # # #

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

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

    Excelsior College Receives Generous Donations from Adirondack Foundation and Crary Foundation for Plattsburgh Housing Authority Students

    Posted on by Erin Coufal

    Albany, New York—Excelsior College is excited to announce that it has received funding for its Degrees Open Doors Scholarship program from Adirondack Foundation’s Generous Acts Program and from Crary Foundation. These donations will allow Excelsior to offer full scholarship opportunities to students from Plattsburgh Housing Authority.

    “Excelsior is grateful to Adirondack Foundation and Crary Foundation for joining the College in offering residents and staff at Plattsburgh Housing Authority access to higher education,” said David Schejbal, president of Excelsior College. “These generous donations will fund scholarships to help adult learners continue their education and work toward degree completion.”

    Excelsior College partnered with Plattsburgh Housing Authority to offer residents and staff access to affordable higher education. The Degrees Open Doors Scholarship makes an Excelsior education even more affordable by funding full scholarships for housing authority residents.

    “The partnership with Excelsior College and the generous scholarship funding is incredibly exciting for us,” said Mark Hamilton, executive director of Plattsburgh Housing Authority. “We are always working to find innovative ways to further our mission and provide meaningful opportunities for our residents. Providing an affordable and supportive educational experience will have a profound impact for many of our families.”

    “Removing barriers to education for adult learners is so important,” said Cali Brooks, Adirondack Foundation president and CEO. “We are delighted to support this program through Generous Acts and especially impressed with the collaboration and partnerships behind it.”

    “The Crary Foundation Board of Governors is pleased to support the partnership between Excelsior College and the Plattsburgh Housing Authority in their effort to provide educational opportunities to adult students,” said Thomas S. Pastore, executive director of Bruce L. Crary Foundation Inc. “The Degrees Open Doors scholarship dovetails nicely with the Crary Foundation’s mission to provide scholarships to North Country students to help with the costs of a college education.”

    Learn more about Excelsior’s partnership with Plattsburgh Housing Authority.

    # # #

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

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

    ABOUT ADIRONDACK FOUNDATION
    Support for this work is from Generous Acts at Adirondack Foundation – a force for good that pools gifts from generous donors who love the Adirondacks and care about our communities. Adirondack Foundation enhances the lives of the people in the Adirondacks through philanthropy. To learn more, visit adirondackfoundation.org/GenerousActs

    What Can You Do with a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences?

    Posted on by Jenna Kerwin

    A Career with a Health Sciences Degree

    Are you interested in the world of health care, but you don’t really want to become a doctor or a nurse? A career in health sciences might be for you. Health sciences comprises many fields, including science, technology, engineering, and communication.

    A bachelor’s degree in health sciences prepares students for a variety of jobs in public, administrative, and clinical settings. It can also prepare students to enter graduate and professional programs in medicine, dentistry, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and other career fields.

    Careers to Consider with a Health Sciences Degree

    A Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences from Excelsior College prepares you for a variety of in-demand careers in the growing health care field. Professionals in health sciences positions can expect to work in any of the following areas:

    • Medical laboratories
    • Federal government agencies
    • Private agencies
    • Insurance companies
    • Pharmaceutical companies
    • Consultant firms
    • Manufacturing companies
    • Hospitals
    • Nonprofit organizations
    • Out-patient care facilities
    • Physician’s offices
    • Clinics

    Find your perfect health care career with Excelsior’s BS in Health Sciences. Learn more.

    According to the (BLS), the employment outlook for all health care-related professions is expected to increase 14 percent by 2028. Let’s look at some health sciences-related careers and their average salaries according to BLS:

    Health Educator

    Health educators work in hospitals, schools, or nursing facilities, teaching the public about the importance of hygiene and how to prevent spreading illnesses.
    National average salary: $48,860

    Biomedical Equipment Technician

    Biomedical equipment technicians diagnose programs with medical equipment in hospital settings and fix them so professionals can continue using them to treat patients. This position requires in-depth knowledge of specific medical equipment.
    National average salary: $97,410

    Public Health Nurse

    Public health nurses work for communities, usually for government agencies and nonprofit organizations, to spread education initiatives among the local populations.
    National average salary: $48,860

    Paramedic

    A paramedic is responsible for completing quick, on-site assessments of patients, applying in-depth life-saving methods, keeping patients and bystanders calm, and transporting patients to the hospital.
    National average salary: $36,930

    Dental Hygienist

    Dental hygienists perform teeth cleanings for patients, take x-rays, and help dentists with other dental procedures.
    National average salary: $77,810

    Respiratory Therapist

    Respiratory therapists work in hospitals, sleep clinics, and long-term care facilities, diagnosing and treating patients with breathing disorders. They work with patients on breathing techniques and prescribe medications to patients.
    National average salary: $61,830

    Nutritionist

    Nutritionists work in hospitals, care facilities, clinics, schools, and organizations. They assess a patient’s dietary needs or restrictions and help them create an eating plan that will give them the nutrients they need.
    National average salary: $61,650

    Chiropractor

    Chiropractors consult with patients regarding back and joint pain. They use their knowledge of anatomy to help realign patients’ bones and joints.
    National average salary: $75,000

    Speech Pathologist

    Speech pathologists work in clinical settings or private practices, diagnosing speech and swallowing disorders in patients. They use techniques and treatment options to help patients improve communication methods.
    National average salary: $79,060

    Staff Pharmacist

    Staff pharmacists work in pharmacies and are responsible for coordinating between doctors’ offices and pharmaceutical companies to order prescriptions. They communicate with customers, organize inventory, and give flu shots and take blood pressure.
    National average salary: $128,570

    How to Obtain a Health Sciences Degree

    Excelsior’s online bachelor’s in health sciences program teaches you how to succeed as an employee in treatment centers, public health agencies, hospitals, long-term care facilities, and other medical service or nonclinical health organizations. You learn about the organization, purpose, and quality of U.S. health care and insurance provider systems, and master subjects you need to know on the job: state health care policies and federal regulations; cultural competencies for working with diverse clients and coworkers; and strategic approaches to regional health issues.

    A bachelor’s degree in health sciences is a smart choice for anyone who is passionate about the world of health care. If this sounds right for you, reach out to us about how to start on your future career with a health sciences bachelor’s degree.

    Why Social Media Addiction is a Real Thing and the Dangers Associated with it

    Posted on by Emily Miller

    Social Media has radically changed society as we know it. A 2020 documentary on Netflix, “The Social Dilemma,” takes a stance on exploring the dangers associated with social media and what can be done to prevent them.

    Can someone be addicted to social media?

    The majority of the dangers associated with social media stem from the idea that social media, like recreational drugs, sugar, etc., can be addicting. Social media allows humans to interact and form relationships on a grander level than ever before possible, connecting users across the globe in real-time. Relationships, whether in person or parasocial, are based on an individual’s attachment style. is a psychological theory that was developed in the 1950s and hypothesizes that the “affectional tie that individuals develop between themselves and another specific person is not based solely on food, safety, and other survival needs. Humans and other social animals need more—mainly love, affection, and acceptance.”
    There are studies to suggest that how people use social media and how much information they make publicly available relates to their attachment style in relationships. If you are in healthy and secure relationships, you use social media very differently from those who are in more unhealthy circumstances. Those who have toxic attachment styles use social media in vastly different ways even from each other. If someone has high attachment anxiety, they struggle with abandonment, are overwhelmed by emotion, tend to pursue someone emotionally unavailable, and will likely be oversharers on social media and try to compensate for what they do not find in in-person relationships. Those who have high attachment avoidance, who avoid intimacy, who push others away, and tend to not trust, are not typically active social media users. Both types of attachment anxiety have a significant positive association between the attachment and a dysfunctional use of the internet and social media sites.

    Who is most as risk for a social media addiction?

    This leads to the question of whether there is a particular personality type that is more susceptible to parasocial relationships. I’m not a psychologist, so at some point, this can seem to get over my head, but it is not a far leap to assume that those who do not have healthy interpersonal relationships seek them out on the internet, and thus are more susceptible to the dangers that can be associated with parasocial relationships.

    The same studies that look at attachment theory as it relates to social media use can be used to predict social media addiction. Those who are deeply preoccupied about relationships tend to use social media as a therapy tool, a place where they can find the emotional support lacking in their day-to-day lives. When this many people who are like-minded use a platform such as TikTok, where they crave the immediate response and attention you can get uniquely from social media, it is no wonder that society, or this subset of society, is obsessed or consumed by topics like true crime and high-profile cases.

    An age group at risk for social media addiction is young adults and preteens, and given the increased access to technology and social media that this age group has, social media also creates a bigger risk for cyberbullying and mental health concerns. Prior to the rise of social media, cyberbullying existed but was not as widespread. According to a 2018 article, 58 percent of teens or preteens admitted to being cyberbullied or harassed online, a number that has only increased throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Social media amplifies the effect of cyberbullying. Interestingly, suggests that increased hours spent online, and on social media platforms, results in higher social media addiction scores (at least in males), significantly predicting perpetration of cyberbullying.

    Social media is an entirely different culture for many, particularly youth. There is a separate set of societal norms associated with interacting with their peers on social media as opposed to in person. With the anonymity of social media and the ability to avoid retaliation, perpetrators feel less remorse for their actions and are held less accountable with consequences for their behavior. In what may be the largest dopamine hit readily available, many perpetrators will feel rewarded from the likes, comments, and shares that their actions on social media receive, even if they are aggressive or bullying in nature, which in turn will cause them to want to continue the behavioral pattern, and this can border on an addiction.

    In addition, individuals who have certain psychiatric conditions may be more susceptible to internet addiction, and in particular, social media addiction. Individuals with conditions such as obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), attention hyperactivity deficit disorder (ADHD), or other mood disorders are more likely to report excessive use of social media than their neurotypical peers. A study conducted in Norway suggests that those with ADHD are more likely to engage in excessive social networking as a form of self-medication, similar to those with anxious attachment styles. Whereas, those with OCD are driven to addictive social media use due to a “constant urge to check their networks for updates or fear of missing out (FOMO)”.

    So, what can be done to reduce social media addiction? A full-scale drawback seems futile for society at this point in time. Certainly, there needs to be a larger discussion around safeguards and monitoring of social media use. As society continues to address mental health, there’s opportunity for conversation about appropriate restriction and use of social media.

    Five Jobs for MBA Graduates

    Posted on by Mary Kate Weaver

    Earning an MBA is an effective way to increase your chances of advancement within your career. The MBA gives you the skills to be a successful leader, a smart business person, and a team player, and it makes you more marketable in the job hunt. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), these are some of the most popular careers for people who have an MBA.

    Business Analyst

    Duties: A business analyst gathers and organizes information about problems and issues that need to be solved within a business to improve productivity. They are responsible for staying up to date with new procedures and products that can increase efficiency within their organization. A business analyst is also responsible for making the most profitable decisions without sacrificing productivity and cost. A bachelor’s degree is required for entry-level positions; however, an MBA is required for any management-level position.

    Salary: The median annual pay is $87,660.

    Job outlook: Employment is expected to grow 14 percent by 2030.

    Operations Manager

    Duties: Operations managers plan, direct, and coordinate the operational tasks of an organization. An operations manager usually works with people across the company in different departments to ensure everything is running smoothly. Depending on the organization, operations managers can manage daily operations, materials and inventory, labor, procedures, and more. They are essential to the success of any organization in any industry.

    Salary: The median annual pay is $103,650.

    Job outlook: Employment is expected to grow 6 percent by 2029.

    Medical and Health Care Manager

    Duties: Medical and health care managers plan, direct, and coordinate all medical and health services. They manage the facility or clinical area and are responsible for recruiting, training, and supervising staff members. Medical and health care managers create goals and objectives to improve the efficiency and quality of health care services.

    Salary: The median annual wage is $104,280.

    Job outlook: Employment is expected to grow 32 percent by 2030.

    Financial Manager

    Duties: Financial managers prepare financial statements and business activity reports, and monitor financial health to ensure an organization is using its money wisely. Financial managers analyze market trends and review financial reports to see ways to reduce costs.

    Salary: The median annual wage is $134,180.

    Job outlook: Employment is expected to grow 17 percent by 2030.

    Marketing Manager

    Duties: Marketing managers plan programs to increase interest in certain products or services. They are project managers for creative services in an organization and work with art directors, sales agents, financial planners, and more. Marketing managers are responsible for budgets and contracts, marketing plans, strategy, and delivering the final product or service to clients. Marketing managers keep projects and people on task to complete everything efficiently and to the highest quality.

    Salary: The median annual wage is $133,460.

    Job outlook: Employment is expected to grow 10 percent by 2030.

    Not only do these careers have high salaries, but they are becoming more popular and necessary across all industries. If you have not earned your MBA yet and are looking to move up in your career, or switch careers, an MBA is a great option to pursue your goals. Excelsior College has an MBA program that will fit your time and schedule to make it easy and seamless to go back to school. Check it out today!

    I Have a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice, Now What?

    Posted on by Mary Kate Weaver

    A bachelor’s degree in any field can help to increase your chances of advancing in your career, but let’s focus on criminal justice and the variety of careers you can excel in with a degree in this field. Are you one of those people who have a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, and are not sure where to go from there? There are plenty of things you can do with your degree.

    Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice

    When you earn a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, you build a solid foundation of skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the broad criminal justice field. Excelsior College has a fully online bachelor’s degree that can prepare you to meet requirements and responsibilities related to jobs in law enforcement, probation and parole, federal investigation, victim advocacy, security analysis, and crime scene investigation. Continue working and complete a degree at the same time to become a great candidate for any job in the criminal justice field.

    Check out the main learning outcomes of a BS in Criminal Justice program:

    – Analyze legislative, enforcement, judicial, and correctional components of the criminal justice systems and their interactions.
    – Apply major theories to policies and procedures in the real world.
    – Analyze ethical issues and the ever-changing demographics of society to generate practical solutions and evaluate their impact on society, as well as the criminal justice system.

    Get your career started today. Earn your BS in Criminal Justice at Excelsior.

    Criminal Justice Career Paths

    A bachelor’s degree in criminal justice can open many doors to new career opportunities, including leadership roles. Check out some careers below that require successful candidates to have at least a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice.

    Detective

    As a police officer, you can move up in rank to a detective with time in the field and a BS in Criminal Justice. Detectives gather facts and evidence, conduct witness interviews, examine records, monitor suspects, and participate in arrests for criminal cases. In some police departments, detectives can specialize in specific types of crimes, such as homicide or theft. Detectives earn $86,940 on average annually.

    Forensic Accountant

    Forensic accountants are needed when businesses suspect suspicious financial activity. They examine data to determine where the missing money is going and what is needed to recover it. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), accountants earn $79,520 on average annually.

    Criminal Investigator

    Criminal investigators are like detectives; they gather information to solve criminal cases. The main difference is criminal investigators work in a variety of settings, not just for the police. Some private companies hire criminal investigators to investigate certain issues that arise within their organization. On average, criminal investigators earn $86,000 annually.

    Juvenile Counselor

    Juvenile counselors work with troubled youth in a variety of different settings to help them move onto a better path. This career path is particularly challenging but can be rewarding. Counselors work with children and their families to help them overcome problems by providing resources and a safe space. On average, juvenile counselors earn $45,210 annually.

    A bachelor’s degree in criminal justice can open a lot of doors in a variety of industries. Put your degree to work in any of these careers for a challenging, rewarding, and successful career.