9 Surprising Benefits of Being an Education Major

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StrategyDriven Professional Development Article | 9 Surprising Benefits of Being an Education Major

For the 19.4 million students enrolled in college, choosing a major is a significant milestone. But for students without a clear vision, this milestone can be confusing and stressful. Students with a love of helping others might just want to set their sights on a teaching major as an option.

Read on to learn about the nine surprising benefits of being an education major!

1. Spend Your Career Helping Others

When you pursue a teaching major, you put yourself on a path to helping others throughout your life. Many people associate medical professions, such as nursing, with helping others. But teaching is another great option if you don’t picture yourself working in a medical setting.

Best of all, each day will bring a unique set of experiences as you formulate lesson plans and interact with students. You’ll have control over how you manage a classroom and oversee learning exercises.

2. Commit to Lifelong Learning

As a teacher, you embark on a journey of ongoing learning. Every time you present content to your students, you’ll discover different nuances. And you’ll constantly be looking for ways to expand and improve your lesson plans.

Because of the commitment to lifelong learning, you may think that teaching means you’ll be in school forever. But much of the learning occurs informally.

How long does it take to get a teaching degree? You can achieve one by attending a four-year college, but there are accelerated programs for those coming from different fields. A guidance counselor can help you navigate education major requirements to ensure you check every box.

3. See Your Students Improve

One of the most rewarding parts of teaching is the ability to see your students improve. You can offer words of encouragement when students are struggling and find creative ways to explain challenging concepts. You may even spend time tutoring students after hours.

While teaching can be an intense and time-consuming job, it can make a significant difference. You’ll be able to see a student master a confusing topic in geometry or learn better ways to construct a research paper because of your efforts. And this sense of persistence will set students up for success in future endeavors.

4. Contribute to Your Community

If you’re an education major, know that teaching is an excellent way to become more invested in your community. You can participate in fundraisers or help plan performances. And many of these activities will attract large audiences of both parents and community members.

Excellent teachers can become celebrities within their communities. You’ll be sought-after for community events. And you can expect to interact with parents and family members at school events.

5. Choose a Secure Job

Teaching offers one of the more secure job opportunities available. As a new teacher, you’ll need to earn your place through positive evaluations. But over time, you may be able to earn tenure, which offers more job security.

With each year, you’ll also be able to secure salary increases and retirement savings. If you love your district as a public school teacher, you could spend your entire career there.

6. Gain Access to Diverse Career Paths

While you might have your heart set on working with elementary school students or high schoolers, there are other options, as well. You can work in public schools or try a private boarding school where you are immersed in campus life.

As for other options, teaching may translate to working in special education or a community college setting. And it could mean working with at-risk youth or volunteering your time at a community center.

7. Increase Your Credentials

After you complete a college major in education, you don’t need to stop obtaining credentials. Once you’ve secured a teaching job, there are many ways to do this while teaching. And better yet, you can add job security and make yourself a better candidate for future positions.

Consider pursuing a masters in education degree to build your skill sets. Additionally, you can set yourself up for better advancement opportunities, including better pay. If you’re on the hunt for a new job, potential employers will notice the advanced degree on your resume.

8. Build a Network of Colleagues

As a teacher, you won’t be working in isolation, even if you’re in charge of a classroom. You’ll have colleagues teaching the same grade level or subject as you. And you’ll have a school full of colleagues ready to support you and collaborate.

Further, you’ll have professional development opportunities. Attending conferences and seminars can be a great way to build connections and develop your approach to teaching. You’ll become a better communicator, as well, if you give presentations and network at these events.

9. Feel Satisfied in Your Career

Whether you pursue a secondary education major or work with younger children, you’ll feel rewarded with a teaching career. You can finish each day of working knowing that you’ve had an impact. And sometimes those seemingly small projects or lessons can direct a student’s career trajectory.

Down the road, you may even have the chance to reconnect with former students. Nothing beats the feeling of knowing that your lessons and encouragement helped shape their futures.

Choose an Education Major

An education major can be an opportunity to help others while continuing to invest in your own education. You’ll gain a supportive network of colleagues and opportunities for career advancement. In addition, you’ll have a rewarding career that provides job security.

Need more suggestions for a new career? Check back soon for the latest articles!

4 Ways to Improve Operational Efficiency

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StrategyDriven Tactical Execution Article | 4 Ways to Improve Operational Efficiency

Does your business struggle when it comes to operational efficiency? This is a common issue that businesses in many industries face. Efficiency can have a huge impact on the overall success of the company, productivity, employee morale, and many other key metrics, so it is an area that is always worth addressing if there are improvements that can be made. While making changes to the daily operation can be disruptive, you will find these to be worthwhile if they help you reach new levels of success and make work easier for your team. Here are a few of the best ways to improve operational efficiency.

1. Analyze Processes and Identity Bottlenecks

The first step should be to analyze every process by breaking these down into individual tasks. This will help you identify the bottlenecks and inefficiencies – you can then find ways to improve these tasks to improve overall efficiency. It is important to work with the relevant employees when analyzing processes as they will have the best idea of where inefficiencies are and may also have smart ideas for ways to improve. You do not always have to make huge changes, as even a small change to a minor task can have a positive impact on overall efficiency.

2. Automate Tasks

These days, you should be automating tasks to improve efficiency and free up time for your staff to focus on other areas. There are many repetitive tasks that can be fully or semi-automated, which will make a big difference to the efficiency of your operation while making work easier for your team.

3. Ensure Staff Can Access Resources That They Need

In today’s digital age, it is vital that every employee has easy access to the data, tools, and resources that they need. In addition to this, you should restrict access so that employees do not have access to what they do not need to enhance cybersecurity. This is all possible with access and identity management, a security discipline that gives you control over access based on an individual’s job role. This will improve efficiency as your team will never have issues accessing the resources they need without needing to log in as an administrator. This will also reduce the likelihood of a data breach, which is important during a time when cybercrime is on the rise.

4. Provide Staff Training

Your team needs to have easy access to the digital resources they need to complete their work, but they also need to know how to carry out their role efficiently. Therefore, it is important to train your team and make yourself available if they need support. In particular, you want to make sure that your team has training for any tech or software that they need to use.

These are the best ways to improve overall operational efficiency. Improving efficiency can help your business to reach higher levels of success, increase productivity and even make work easier for your team. This means that it is always worthwhile looking for ways to improve efficiency as it is something that everyone will benefit from.

Sudhir Choudhrie’s Tale of Gratitude, Inspiration, and Changing Lives

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StrategyDriven Editorial Perspective Article | Sudhir Choudhrie’s Tale of Gratitude, Inspiration, and Changing Lives

Sudhir Choudhrie’s remarkable story is one that exemplifies resilience, determination and the power of gratitude. At the age of 71, this renowned entrepreneur and philanthropist has faced numerous challenges, including a serious health condition. However, Choudhrie has not only overcome these obstacles but also dedicated his life to making a positive impact on others.

Born in 1949 in Delhi, India, Sudhir Choudhrie faced adversity from an early age. His father’s untimely demise left him under the care of his mother, who became an influential role model in his life. At the tender age of eight, Choudhrie underwent a medical examination that revealed a rare heart condition. Despite the looming threat of heart failure, he never allowed it to hinder his path to success.

After graduating from high school with exceptional grades, Choudhrie secured admission to the University of Delhi, where he earned a degree in economics. He later ventured into the business world, working as the Executive Director of Magnum Trading Company Ltd in 1975, helping the company explore India’s emerging export market. His journey led him to diverse industries, including tourism with Taj Hotels and Resorts and a stint with Adidas AG in 1995. Choudhrie’s entrepreneurial spirit also led him to invest heavily in Air Deccan, which eventually became India’s major budget airline within five years.

The Life-Saving Transplant

While Sudhir Choudhrie achieved remarkable success in his career, his health battles persisted. He suffered two heart attacks and witnessed a gradual deterioration in his well-being. Eventually, Choudhrie had to confront the pressing need for a heart transplant. Genetic testing revealed that he carried the titin gene mutation, significantly increasing his risk of premature heart failure.

In 1999, against all odds, a compatible donor heart became available, giving Choudhrie a second chance at life. The surgery, performed by renowned heart surgeon Dr. Mehmet Oz at Columbia University Medical Center in New York City, proved to be a turning point. However, Choudhrie’s journey to recovery was not without its challenges. He underwent therapy to address the visions he experienced after the surgery, emerging with a positive outlook and a renewed determination to make the most of his second chance.

Philosophy and Gratitude

Sudhir Choudhrie’s resilience and gratitude are at the core of his philosophy. As one of the longest-living heart transplant recipients in the world, he views his transplant as an opportunity for a new beginning. Making two promises to himself post-transplant, Choudhrie committed to becoming a source of positive energy and touching the lives of organ donors and recipients alike.

In 2010, Choudhrie and his family established a foundation to support initiatives in the areas of medicine, public health and education, with a particular focus on heart health. Through this organization, the family supports medical projects and health education programs globally, including the #OrgansWill campaign in the U.S., which aims to secure 62,500 new organ donors and save 500,000 lives. Choudhrie’s philanthropic efforts extend beyond organ donation, as he actively engages with charities in the medical and education sectors, particularly in India, the U.S., and the U.K.

Legacy and Book

To share his remarkable journey and insights, Sudhir Choudhrie penned a book titled “From My Heart: A Tale of Life, Love, and Destiny.” This international bestseller on Amazon explores his transplant experience and life thereafter. The book emphasizes the notion that a transplant is not the end but the beginning of a new lease on life. Choudhrie draws inspiration from fellow transplant recipients who have exhibited remarkable ambition and positivity, including a woman who ran a marathon after her own transplant surgery.

However, he also highlights the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle to maximize the benefits of a transplant. Choudhrie emphasizes the significance of adopting a nutritious diet, as it prolongs the life of a transplanted heart and reduces the likelihood of needing a second transplant.

The Impact of Sudhir Choudhrie

Sudhir Choudhrie’s impact extends far beyond his personal journey. His enduring commitment to philanthropy and improving the lives of others has left an indelible mark on the world. Through his charitable efforts, he has facilitated medical advancements, supported health education programs, and championed the cause of organ donation globally.

One notable contribution is the establishment of a library at the University of Oxford in the family’s name, made possible through the foundation’s support. Choudhrie has also been actively involved in various charities focused on healthcare and education, both in his home country of India and internationally. His dedication and accomplishments have earned him recognition, including the Asian Business Lifetime Achievement Award bestowed upon him by Rt. Hon. Theresa May MP of the U.K. in 2013.

Looking Ahead

As Sudhir Choudhrie continues his philanthropic endeavors, his legacy of gratitude and resilience shines bright. His story serves as a beacon of hope for those facing adversity and a reminder of the transformative power of a positive attitude.

Sudhir Choudhrie’s extraordinary journey of overcoming health challenges, embracing gratitude, and dedicating his life to philanthropy serves as an inspiration to all. His story is a testament to the human spirit’s resilience and the transformative power of gratitude in shaping one’s outlook on life.

As Choudhrie continues to make a positive impact through his philanthropic efforts, his belief in the importance of organ donation and a healthy lifestyle resonates with individuals worldwide. His unwavering dedication to improving the lives of others serves as a reminder that each day is a gift, and gratitude is the key to unlocking its full potential. Sudhir Choudhrie’s remarkable journey is a testament to the fact that one person’s determination can change countless lives for the better.

Unlocking the Power of Technical Skills for Accounting Professionals

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StrategyDriven Professional Development Article | Unlocking the Power of Technical Skills for Accounting Professionals

There’s no question that anyone working in the accounting field is going to need a high number of technical skills that they call on to get their jobs done, but sometimes they need to be unlocked first. Just because you’ve been an accountant for many years doesn’t mean that you’re utilizing all the skills that can make you better at your job while making it easier to carry out at the same time. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or just starting in the accounting field, these technical skills for accounting will help you out.

The difference between being a good accountant and being a great accountant comes down to the ability to steer the company’s financial direction and identify future problems as they appear. There’s a lot more to being an accountant than simply knowing how to create a balance sheet and explain it to your bosses. You need a certain level of analytical skills to be an indispensable part of the business that they can’t do without.

Strong Organizational Skills

A great accountant is also going to be strong organizational skills that they can use to make sure all the information they need is in front of them and ready to be added to the overall accountancy of the business. It’s also important that a great accountant be able to take charge and run several different systems, including maintenance and management. The better your organizational skills, the better you’ll be at running as many systems as your job requires.

It’s also important to have great information technology skills and to keep them up to date as it changes. Technology is in a constant state of evolution and keeping up with it isn’t easy. Having the ability to do it will set you apart from the competition for your job.

Business Skills

Finally, professionals in the accounting field should have strong business skills that make them stand out when the owner of a business has questions that no one else can answer. Knowing how the business world works will let you offer advice that any owner will see value in, especially if you’re giving the correct advice.

The more work you put into unlocking your technical skills, the better you’re going to be at your job and that’s a very important plateau to reach in the modern world. When AI and automation are taking more and more jobs, it’s the invaluable employee that will remain.

4 Tips When Attending Your First Industry Networking Event

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StrategyDriven Professional Development Article | 4 Tips When Attending Your First Industry Networking Event

The convenience, not to mention the affordability, of using video conferencing software to interact with your employees, discuss business matters with your colleagues, and even host board meetings is undeniable.

However, attending a professional networking event that has been specifically arranged for your industry in person adds a whole new positive element to the experience, as even the highest of screen definitions can never replace face-to-face interactions.

With this in mind, here are four key tips when attending your first industry networking event.

1. Research the Event Beforehand

Background research and prior preparation are the cornerstones of any successful business event, and no more so than with an industry networking evening.

For example, if you are getting ready to attend a trade event, whereby different companies will have stands showcasing their business and their services and products, investigating the list of trade stands will save you valuable time and mean you can maximize the usefulness of the event.

2. Plan to Host Your Own Networking Evening

You will soon see, even if you are initially dubious about the effectiveness of networking, just how useful it can be and how many professionals you can make contact with that may help both your company and your own career.

As you enjoy the evening and hopefully make some useful contacts, think about the benefits of hosting your own professional networking event in the future. Consider everything, from the right venue and the types of professionals you would need to invite to bulk-buying corporate gifts of chocolate from leading retailers such as Maple Gifts.

3. Ensure Conversations are Short Yet Meaningful

Being surrounded by like-minded people who are as tenacious and ambitious as you are in your chosen field can feel, especially the first time you experience this, more than a little overwhelming.

This is why it is important to keep conversations short as you move from group to group or table to table, talking and forming business connections with new people. However, make sure that you give each conversation your full concentration, you do not try and dominate the conversation (you always learn more by listening than speaking), and to basically speak to as many different people as possible in the time you have.

Advice for introducing yourself includes:

  • Always give your first and last name
  • Be personable and approachable
  • Represent yourself over the company you work for
  • Remain professional at all times (and do not drink too much!)

4. Focus on Leads, Not Sales

The fourth and final most important thing to remember when attending your first industry networking evening is to resist the urge to ’sell’ yourself and, moreover, totally avoid trying to pitch your services or products for a sale.

These events are designed to generate leads for doing business in the future, as well as raising brand awareness and also to check out your closest industry competitors. As far as lead generation goes, you must place this to the back of your mind, especially during initial discussions, and never, under any circumstances, engage in the hard sell.