Some 300,000 American college students are expected to participate in a study abroad program in 2011. This number reflects an increase in study abroad students as compared to 2008-09, the last year the number was measured. Why the change? A growing global society, increasing program availability and the expanding diversity in foreign destinations could all be contributing to the rise.

Schools Work Harder to Send Students Overseas

Driven by increases in shorter and less expensive study abroad programs, more college students are seeking educational opportunities overseas. According to a November 2010 survey conducted by the Institute of International Education (IIE), nearly 30% of colleges and universities reported partnering with other institutions to expand study abroad programs and 18% increased staff in this area. Additionally, nine percent of schools reported increasing scholarship offerings and adding lower cost programs.

The IIE has also worked to increase the availability of study abroad programs to students from low-income and culturally diverse backgrounds, in effect widening the playing field. This has led to more students taking advantage of these programs.

The Institute has also collaborated with the Forum on Education Abroad, a nonprofit organization located at Dickinson College in Pennsylvania, to expand studies into countries like Brazil and Turkey.

Forcing a Bit of Culture Shock Could Have Personal and Professional Benefits

But do U.S. students really get much out of traveling abroad and spending the time rooming with fellow American students and Facebook-ing family and friends back home?

Many programs are striving to force students to immerse themselves in their foreign surroundings. More exotic destinations, the removal of technological comforts and a push toward increased interaction with locals have helped to make study abroad programs more enriching.

The approach seems to be working: in August 2010, The New York Times reported that more college juniors were studying in Arab countries than ever before. While the number of U.S. students seeking an educational experience in an Arab country still lags far behind those going to China, France or England, enrollment in programs that send students to the Mideast rose a whopping 60% in 2006-07.

International Experience = Better Job Prospects?

Study abroad experiences can have long-lasting effects on students as well as their resumes. One recent graduate of Elmhurst College in Illinois told USA Today in September 2011 that employers seemed interested in him because of his time spent studying at a Moroccan university. And that could be yet another reason why we have seen an increase in the number of college students studying abroad: the ability to speak other languages and to understand other cultures can prove to be a huge asset when applying for jobs, particularly in global industries. Source: education-portal.com/

Health writers publish for both the medical community and the general public. They may have a specific area of expertise or a working knowledge of different health concerns. Since they often write for medical newsletters and journals, health writers may need to be well-versed in medical terminology. They may opt to earn certificates through the American Medical Writers Association.

Step 1: Complete a Bachelor’s Degree Program

Health writers often need to earn a 4-year bachelor’s degree in journalism, English, communications, public health, nutrition, nursing or a related field. To improve their writing and communications skills, students may supplement their education with electives in editing, non-fiction writing and reporting. Some courses may require weekly written assignments in which students explore writing style, tone and objectives.

Some universities have specific degree programs in science journalism that offer courses in writing, journalism, medical reporting and science writing. Students learn the major health concerns of today and how to communicate medical information to a variety of audiences. For example, health writers looking to address medical professionals may need to be fluent in medical language in order to look for positions with medical journals and hospital newsletters. Alternatively, health writers wishing to communicate information to the general public may want to take courses in writing style to help find employment with newspapers, magazines or health websites.

Step 2: Obtain an Internship

Some degree programs build internships into the curriculum, which may require students to do fieldwork with a medical publication. There are also positions available for interns to report on health-related topics for newspapers or magazines. This may also provide health writers the opportunity to further develop their research skills.

Internships allow students to not only practice journalism, but also to hone interviewing skills. Health writers need to know who qualifies as an expert for a given topic and how to arrange a meeting with that person. During the interview, writers frame questions in order to get the most relevant information for their readers.

Step 3: Build a Portfolio

During the job interview process, employers may ask to see a health writer’s completed work. Accordingly, health writers may begin building up a portfolio of past work while still in college. This may include school assignments, internship projects and any published work.

Step 4: Earn a Certificate

The American Medical Writers Association (AMWA) offers voluntary certificate programs in five areas ranging from composition to research (www.amwa.org). Each certificate requires attending a 3-hour AMWA workshop. Workshops have prerequisites assignments that provide basic knowledge of the skill to be discussed.

Step 5: Join Professional Organizations

Health writers may connect with medical professionals, researchers and publishers through professional networks. In addition to the AMWA, the American Public Health Association (APHA) also circulates information regarding job openings, conferences and careers (www.apha.org). The American Association for the Advancement of Sciences (AAAS) is another network for health writers targeting more academic audiences (www.aaas.org). Professional organizations may also offer workshops and seminars to help health writers gain new skills and enroll in continuing education courses.

Production scheduler is an entry-level career option in the manufacturing industry that involves analyzing production workflow and collaborating with management on product availability issues. Although a high school diploma may be sufficient for some production scheduler positions, most employers prefer applicants with a bachelor’s degree in engineering, supply chain management or a business-related field.

Step 1: Sharpen Communication, Organization and Problem-Solving Skills in High School

Skills in problem solving, organization and communication are important to professional production schedulers. Aspiring schedulers may consider taking as many communication courses as possible in order to strengthen their interpersonal and speaking skills. Additionally, future production schedulers may benefit from taking courses that strengthen organizational and problem-solving skills. Courses in mathematics are beneficial in developing skills in problem solving.

Step 2: Consider Career Options and Requirements

A 2011 job search on Monster.com found that some potential employers only require that job applicants for the production scheduler role hold a high school diploma. However, many preferred applicants with a bachelor’s degree in an appropriate area such as supply chain management or some other business-related field. In addition, employers required experience with MS (Microsoft) Project Software and MS Office, as well as an understanding of Lean Principles and a familiarity with specific regulatory standards. Other skills sought after by employers include strong writing and excellent communication skills.

Step 3: Enroll in a Bachelor’s Degree Program

Should an aspiring production scheduler decide to enroll in a bachelor’s program, he or she needs to focus on a production-related field, such as supply chain management, engineering or a business-oriented discipline. A bachelor’s degree in business or management with a focus on supply chain management may include courses such as principles of quality management, project management, operation management, information systems, international logistics and inventory models.

Step 4: Complete an Internship

Students enrolled in an undergraduate degree program in logistics or engineering may have the opportunity to complete an internship. Internships offer students valuable practical experience, and, although they may not necessarily lead to job offers, they do provide students with the opportunity to get letters of reference and make contacts. Typically, an internship is completed in the final year of study. Companies that offer internships in production planning and scheduling may be in the manufacturing industry.

Step 5: Consider Professional Certification

Currently, the Association for Operations Management (www.apics.org) offers a certification program for professionals working in the areas of operations, supply chain management, materials management, production management and procurement. A certification may be an excellent way to solidify years of experience in the field and broaden career options. The exam consists of five modules and each must be passed in order to earn the certification.source: education-portal.com/articles/