How Does Public Administration Differ from Business Administration?

Are you thinking about getting an online masters degree in public administration? If so, it may serve you well. However, it’s important you understand the difference between public administration and business administration. Understanding the distinction between the two will help prepare you for the type of education that will most benefit your desired career path. 

Career Path Distinctions

Public administration is primarily suited for individuals seeking a career aligned with public and/or government service. Interestingly, public administration covers a broad scope of career paths. For example, someone with masters degree in public administration can assume many different titles including a Human Resource (HR) Coordinator, Energy Consultant, or even an Agricultural Marketing Specialist and work in school systems.

In contrast, business administration is primarily suited for individuals seeking a career aligned with private sector administration or management. A business administration background is not industry specific. However, many career-oriented employees focus on either industry specific specialties or administration specialties. Some of the jobs you can qualify for with a business administration degree include a Managing Director, Financial Analyst, CEO, CIO, or Public Relations. It is also a basic background for entrepreneurship.

While it’s not guaranteed that a certain degree type will yield specific job roles, more often than not experience and relevant educational credentials will increase your potential to fill the role you desire. Imagine for a second you were applying for an engineering position with a non-engineering degree. This dramatic difference in terms of position and educational background may raise a red flag for an employer who is seeking an employee competent in a specific duty or field. This is why it’s so important to be mindful about your career path and how that falls in line with your chosen degree or educational program.

Educational Background Distinctions

When considering the educational distinctions of public or business administration several components including objectivity, audience, decision-making, and regulatory components play a substantial role in educational variances. For example, course work for an online master of public administration will focus largely on governmental decision-making processes and public accountability. Consequently, course objectives like Finance and Accounting will focus more on government budgeting processes, fund allocations or fund pools. Business administration will focus on revenue generation, working capital, receivables, and profits. As you can see the educational differences focus on the context or environment where administration will occur. Those working in public administration fields are more likely to deal with government budgets and legislative processes. Whereas, those working in the business administration field are more likely to work with revenue generation, 10k’s, quarterly statements, and a board of directors. Understanding these differences is very important to your future because it will help you be prepared to successfully fulfill your role within any organization.

Why Choosing the Right Online Degree is Important

Choosing the right online degree for your future career path is essential because acquiring and developing the appropriate skill sets necessary to successfully pursue and fill specific roles in organizations is essential. For example, becoming an accountant and becoming an accounting professor requires two similar yet distinctive educational credentials. Accountants interested in sitting for the CPA exam should focus on courses that prepare them for the exam and meet the credit hours criteria for their specific regions. In contrast, accounting professors should ensure they have not only the required levels of education but also the necessary instructional credentials required to teach at a specific college or university. In the same way government accountants seeking employment in high level government positions, agencies, or departments may benefit from an online masters in public administration in addition to their credentials in accounting and public finance.

My brother lost the car, laptop and mobile!!

I just got a phone call from my father that my elder brother got robbed!! Even at the first ring of phone I was suspicious that something unusual has happened because my parents never call me at this odd time – 11:30pm! My brother was beaten by 4 people and he was robbed of car, mobile, laptop and money he had. I am really worried about him, his condition. I’m least worried about the money or things lost, and I am getting an urge to talk to my brother pretty soon. An urge that led me turn on my laptop and talk to myself on this blog. I wish he is safe and isn’t hurt much. He is surgeon and I know he can handle pain but still my love for him is making me nervous.

Did you ever feel such a strong urge to talk to someone? I do.  I am felling helpless, sitting 1500km away from home.   

My elder brother has always been a hero, an ideal for me. I always wanted to be like him. He was very-very good at studies. Yes, and extra ‘very’ mean that. He did his medical degree from No. 1 medical college in India! It is unusual when you are born in a family living in remote village and you daily paddle your bicycle 5km to get a bus so that you can reach a school 35km away from your house. And yes, then walk for school from the bus stand. Yes, it is hard. Elder brother set the example for two of his younger brothers. And, my younger brother did followed the same steps and he surpassed my elder brothers legacy and may be he is better surgeon than him. Yes, he is also medical doctor. About me, I come in middle, I have tried my best to follow the footsteps but may be I have if you think earning money is one of those steps. I make enough money to live good live in India. Yes, till Feb. this financial year my earning is in 7 figures, yes mind that it is in Indian rupee! But do earning money matters? I always have felt lonely in all that money. 

Enough self talking! I am waiting to talk to my brother. 

 

Student loan

Future Impossible Tense!!

I get this in the email today and I must say it is hilarious but true for every country, especially my home country – India!!

Happy B’day to ME!

Yes, it was my b’day today and I have turned 27!

The NCIDQ: What it is and How to Prepare

When aspiring interior designers begin exploring education programs, one thing that they may notice is that most programs refer to the NCIDQ, or National Council for Interior Design Qualification, exam. Most programs tout the fact that their coursework is geared toward successfully passing the exam – but many prospective students aren’t exactly sure what the exam is, or what it means for their careers.

Essentially, the NCIDQ is the objective standard by which interior designers can prove that they have the required knowledge and experience. However, it’s not a test of whether a designer has the taste or ability to create an attractive room. Instead, the NCIDQ is devoted entirely to ensuring that designers know what needs to be done to ensure the health, safety and welfare of the people using and living in the spaces they design.

Qualifying for the Exam

Like many examinations that lead to a credential, the NCIDQ exam is limited to those who meet the requirements for education and experience in the field, who can demonstrate their knowledge of the subject area.

There are six paths to meeting the eligibility requirements for the NCIDQ exams, each with varying combinations of education and experience. For example, those who hold four-year degrees from Council of Interior Design-accredited interior design schools can qualify for the exam after 3,520 hours, or about two years of full-time paid work experience. Those who hold degrees from non-CIDA accredited schools, or hold degrees in other fields, can also qualify with more work experience and additional approved coursework.

It’s important to note that the work experience requirements are very specific. For example, if you received academic credit for the experience, such as through an internship, then those hours cannot count toward meeting the testing qualifications. However, it is possible to start fulfilling the work experience hours while you are still in school, once you have completed at least 96 hours of formal design training. In addition, you can only receive 100 percent credit for the hours you’ve worked if your supervisor is NCIDQ-certified. If your supervisor holds other credentials – or none at all – the experience is then evaluated and rate accordingly.

You will need to provide proof of both your education and work experience when you apply for the exam; however, the exam board doesn’t review portfolios, client lists or other evidence to prove your eligibility, or make exceptions to the rules.

The Exam

Once you qualify, the NCQDQ exam itself is a comprehensive exam covering several subject areas. It’s not a test of your knowledge of facts, but instead, how you would apply your knowledge to real life situations. It’s divided into three sections.

• The first section covers your knowledge and skill in codes, building systems, construction standards and contracts.
• The second section tests your knowledge of design application, practices and project coordination.
• Finally, the third section is more practice-based; you’ll receive a series of design challenges in several areas, including lighting, space planning and restroom design, and need to come up with solutions that follow the established guidelines.

The NCIDQ exam takes place over two days and is broken into four sections that last four hours each. It’s offered twice a year, usually in a major city. You’ll need to apply to take the exam at least four months in advance.

Why Take the NCIDQ?

In some states, the NCIDQ designation is actually a requirement for anyone who wants to work as a licensed interior designer in that state. Not all states license interior design professionals, but for those that do, the NCIDQ is the standard for determining license eligibility.

In addition, holding this credential indicates to potential employers and clients that you have at least a basic understanding and competency of interior design principles. You can have all the talent in the world when it comes to creating attractive spaces, but if it is not safe or healthy for inhabitants, then the design could be considered unsuccessful.

While the requirements are stringent, and the exam itself challenging, earning the NCIDQ credential is a worthwhile endeavor. It demonstrated your commitment to the field of interior design, and helps you earn more assignments, and eventually, more money. Look for an interior design college that will prepare you for this important exam and you’ll be on your way to a successful career from the start.

Image from Flickr’s Creative Commons

Paula Willette is an NCIDQ-certified interior designer. She works for a large architectural firm, designing interior spaces for office buildings. She enjoys creating hip, functional and sleek spaces that inspire people and make them happy to come to work. 

The Top Degrees in Healthcare Administration

The healthcare industry is seeing massive growth. As long as there are people, there will be a need for healthcare. There is no way to change the simple fact that people get sick and injured every day. They need help in order to get better. These people are the doctors and nurses that we rely on, but there is an entirely different population of the healthcare industry; the healthcare administrators. These jobs do not require a medical or nurse related degree, but they will require a specialty healthcare administration degree. Choosing which degree is the best for these job positions can be confusing. Each degree is unique, and because each degree is unique, they all have different requirements. These requirements are typically the amount of time it takes to earn the degree.

How Much Time Do You Want to Invest?

Any career path is a huge decision. Part of that decision will be determining how much time you want to invest in your education. Degrees are usually categorized by the amount of time that is needed to earn them. Deciding how much time you want to devote to your education will make it much easier to choose the right degree for you.

Many people will choose an entry level degree that will grant them an entry level position into the job market. This will allow them to get a taste of what the career choice is really like without having to devote a lot of time towards their education. You can always choose to further your education if you really enjoy the career path that you have chosen. Researching healthcare management online will give you a better understanding of the different types of jobs available in this industry.

Associate Degree

This is an entry level degree that is perfect for anyone that might not be 100% certain that a career path in healthcare administration is right for the individual. This degree typically takes 12 months to earn. Many students are choosing to enroll in online courses that allow them to learn at their own pace. Some students are earning their Associate degree online in less than 12 months. This might not be the best opportunity for everyone. Earning a degree online grants a student a lot of freedom. It is easy to abuse this freedom. Earning a degree online takes a lot of hard work, dedication and self-discipline.

Many jobs in healthcare administration can be obtained with an Associate degree. If this career path is something you enjoy, you can always further your education by earning one of the other two degrees mentioned below.

Bachelor’s Degree

This is the next level of healthcare administration degree. It will open more doors simply because it requires a longer period of time to obtain. This specialized degree will provide students with a better understanding of health services. It will also give students the chance to work in many different areas of healthcare. It touches on some of the fundamentals of marketing, financing and leadership within the healthcare industry. This degree can take anywhere from 2-5 years to earn. If you already have an Associate degree, many schools will allow you to apply the credits that you already earned from your Associate degree towards your Bachelor’s degree.

There are also many great Bachelor’s degree programs available online. This makes it easy for anyone who is currently working a full time job to further his or her education and their career at the same time.

Master’s Degree

This is usually the highest degree that a person obtains in healthcare administration and management. If you already have an Associate degree, or a Bachelor’s degree, then obtaining your Master’s degree will be much easier. Every school is different, but the average amount of time needed to earn a Master’s degree in healthcare management is anywhere from 2-5 years. Just like the other two degrees, students have the opportunity to earn their Master’s degree online.

Healthcare management jobs are predicted to grow by as much as 16% in the next few years. It is an industry that is in high demand, and every job position within this industry earns a competitive salary.

Jane Steward recently completed her BA in healthcare management. She has worked for a private healthcare clinic near Mt. Hood, OR for the last 2 years.

 

 

 

Top Ten Things You Don’t Want To Hear From Your Kids On Father’s Day

Top Ten Things You Don’t Want To Hear From Your Kids On Father’s Day

10. “And you are?”
9. “Father? We always kind of assumed you were our mother.”
8. “I’m supposed to give you a gift to thank you for ruining my life?!”
7. “Hey Dad, on your special day, how ’bout updating your will?”
6. “It’s not just a nose hair trimmer, it’s a nose and ear hair trimmer.”
5. “All eight of us got you a subscription to US Weekly, so you can read about how you’re cheating on Mom.”
4. “It’s a restaurant, Dad; they require a shirt.”
3. “I know you don’t play golf, but golfballs were easier to shoplift.”
2. “It’s nice to go through the motions like this every year.”
1. “Here’s a couple bucks. Get yourself a McDLT.”

Source http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/06/17/fathers-day-2011-funniest-quotes_n_879266.html#s289456&title=David_Letterman

So You Got an MBA. Now What?

You’ve spent the past two years taking courses, writing papers, preparing case studies and perhaps completing an internship to earn your Master of Business Administration or MBA. When you entered the program at first, you had a vague idea of what you wanted to do when you graduated, but now that the day has arrived, you’re feeling a little lost and unsure of which path to take.

The good news is that now that you have the MBA, you have opened the door to a wide assortment of options. Thanks to your commitment and all of the hard work you poured into your studies, you have far more career options that you did before you began the program.

Move Up the Ladder

Many people enter MBA programs with a desire to move to the higher levels within their career, whether at the company they currently work for or at a new company. With the practical knowledge and skills that you gain while studying for your MBA, combined with your performance on the job, you can often rise to the top of the candidate pool for open positions. In fact, in a survey by the staffing firm Accountemps, more than 80 percent of top-level executives indicated that an advanced business degree is a required for moving into executive positions.

And, in most cases, the work that you put into your MBA shows in your paycheck. As you move up the ladder, you can expect to earn more than you those in lower level positions, and those who do not have the advanced degree.

Get a Job

Almost no one enters an MBA program thinking that they are going to immediately retire or head to the unemployment line. It’s a sad fact though, that many college graduates these days finish school without a job lined up and it often takes them months, even years in some cases, to find a well-paying job in their field.

While getting an MBA is not a guarantee that you’ll get a job, it increases your chances of joining the working world exponentially. A recent survey by the Graduate Management Admission Council found that the job market for MBAs has improved considerably over the past few years. Of the 216 international companies that were surveyed, almost 75 percent indicated that they plan to hire MBA graduates in 2012, an increase of nearly 20 percent over 2011.

And it’s not only domestic opportunities that are increasing. MBAs have more international employment opportunities than ever before, especially in Asia with its rapidly growing economies.

Change Your Career

MBA programs today offer more specialization than ever before; in fact, very few students actually earn a strict “Master of Business Administration” but instead choose to focus on a specialty area, such as marketing, accounting, finance, organizational leadership or economics. While the core subjects of the MBA program are similar across the board by specializing in an area outside of your experience or undergraduate degree, you open the door to more opportunities. For example, you may hold a degree in accounting – and have several years of experience in the field – but studying marketing at the master’s level allows you to move into those types of positions.

Keep On Going!

For many students, earning an MBA is the end goal; they do very well with that as the terminal degree. However, for others, the MBA is just a stepping stone to further education. Accountants, for example, may seek an MBA in Accounting to meet the prerequisites for becoming a Certified Public Accountant, while finance majors seek an MBA in preparation for taking the Certified Financial Analyst exam. In many cases, the work you do as a graduate student will meet the requirements for standard certification, which improves your employment prospects and earning potential in the long run.

Earning an MBA is an accomplishment that cannot be understated. Unlike other degrees, which may prepare students for a specific career path, MBA studies open a whole world of opportunity. Whether you want to climb to the top of the ladder, change your career, move forward with a higher level of certification or even own and operate your own business, this versatile degree will help you to meet your goals.

This article was written by Justin Davis who has been pursuing his MBA online and expects to have his degree by next year.

How an MBA Can Prepare You to Take Over the World

In a world that revolves around business, economics determine the terms of our existence. The “business of life” is at the core of a fast-paced, high tech culture. Throughout history we have seen how economics and business have played a pivotal role in shaping the world we live in. Those who have excelled in the business world have contributed greatly to the advances in every area of human endeavor and played a large role in building the world that we live in.

Imagine the Possibilities

As you consider entering an MBA program, or you are in the process of earning your MBA degree, take some time to consider what you plan to do with your education. You may want to focus on building a family in addition to building your career. Those are admirable goals common for many MBA students and hopefuls. Others may look at an MBA as an asset and represents the possibility to earn more money in the future. What about the bigger picture? In reality, an MBA is much more than a credential or label to achieve; it is the beginning of a journey that has limitless possibilities and can open doors and shape your mind to create potentially world-changing ideas. Worldwide, dual MBA, mph programs have proven to be leaders, innovators and creators, consistently challenging the boundaries of possibility. So, what vision do you have for yourself and for the future? What legacy do you want to leave behind?

These are big questions well worth asking, as there is still much to be accomplished. We live in a world of major challenges. We need to find a new approach to the way we do business and to understand how this new approach will affect the world around us. We need a vision of what is possible, and how this vision will shape the future. Business as usual, oftentimes, is expected to play safe. Business with a vision creates opportunities that we can only imagine. Shortly before the desktop computer revolution of the 1980s, someone was building the next generation of business thinkers to accomplish great things. Shortly before the advent of the Internet age in the 1990s, someone was asking the question: “What does this technology make possible?” And now we are all thinking: “What has yet to be done?”

An MBA is an Asset No Matter Where You End Up

Your MBA will prepare you not only for the business world, but also for opportunities that you may not imagine today. There is an impressive list of celebrities who have received an MBA or business degree as part of their formal education including Ivanka Trump, Kevin Costner, Benicio del Toro, Clint Eastwood, Tiger Woods, Arnold Schwarzenegger, John Elway, Cate Blanchett and Lionel Richie. Of course, this is a very short list that could easily grow for pages. It’s entirely possible that some of these famous personalities had no idea where life would lead them, but made the decision to establish a solid foundation when they got started in showbiz. The characteristic required to complete an MBA is the same one needed to create the change our world needs. Getting an MBA will never be a waste of time, but whether or not you are willing to make that journey depends upon you.

There are very few things in life that come with a guarantee. The aforementioned celebrities didn’t really have a master plan as they started out; never followed a script, or relied on a set of rules. Remember, achieving great things does not necessarily mean fame, fortune, power or prestige. To many, the definition of success is changing the world you live in for the better to create a legacy that will withstand the test of time.

This article was written by Justin Davis who is pursuing an MPA degree online.  He expects to have his degree by next year.