By Minnie Walicke, Director of Career Services When Nicolas Odhiambo started researching universities in the United States from his native Kenya, it proved to be a long and successful academic journey. He combined his passion for education as a Globe University-Minneapolis student with a successful IT career and subsequently became one of Globe’s most knowledgeable IT instructors. As a Globe student, Nicolas completed his MBA in 2010, then continued on for his Master’s of Science in Management with an emphasis in IT, earning highest honors in both degrees while pursuing his career as a systems engineer and project manager for an IT firm in Minneapolis. It wasn’t long before his expertise was tapped by Globe. Globe wanted to utilize his real-life experience and education, so they put him in front of a classroom to pass on his skills to the next generation of IT professionals. In December 2014, Nicolas completed the requirements to be be awarded his Doctorate in Business Administration from Globe University-Minneapolis. At the graduation ceremony when he received his diploma and could then be known professionally as Dr. Odhiambo, friends and students in the audience shouted, "doctor in the house." Dr. Odhiambo’s academic and professional journey continues to serve as a source of inspiration for students and staff as this popular, well-traveled professional continues to motivate students to reach their goals. The post Globe University Faculty Profile: IT Instructor and Recent DBA Grad, Dr. Odhiambo appeared first on Globe University Blog.

Globe University medical assistant program graduate Stephanie McCutcheon Globe University-Woodbury medical assistant graduate Stephanie McCutcheon has been employed at the Blood and Marrow Transplant Clinic at the University of Minnesota Physicians for the past two years as a certified medical assistant (CMA). Why She Chose Globe University’s Medical Assistant Program Stephanie was chosen as the Star Alumni of the 2015 Winter Quarter due to her passion and success within the medical assisting industry. She explains that she decided to attend Globe for medical assisting because of the hands-on training and the one-on-one interaction with the instructors. "I really enjoyed being able to get out in the community to get more experience as well," said Stephanie. "As a student, I liked that you never felt like you were just another degree. The teachers actually cared about you and wanted to help in every way they could." She continued by adding that she lost her cousin shortly before she graduated and it was hard to stay focused, but the instructors are pushed her to succeed and stay focused in order to graduate. Stephanie graduated with her medical assistant degree in 2013, and she plans to further her education and someday go to nursing school. Stephanie’s Medical Assistant Tasks          Clinical tasks to keep things running smoothly          Draw labs, record vital signs          Update medications          Review allergies          Prepare patients for procedures and examinations          And much more According to Stephanie’s manager, the recommendation from her externship site supervisor at Mill City at the University of Minnesota was one of the main reasons Stephanie landed this position at Blood and Marrow Transplant Clinic at the University of Minnesota Physicians. Stephanie’s Words of Advice "The best advice I can give to current students in the medical assisting field would be to have a balance of great communication skills and confidence," said Stephanie. The post Globe University Medical Assistant Grad Discusses Her Job at U of M appeared first on Globe University Blog.

Most of us probably know our preferred learning style. From grade school all the way through high school and into college, we’ve been taught different concepts and had our comprehension tested through quizzes and exams. The three basic learning styles are: auditory, tactile and visual. We use all three learning styles to varying degrees, but we typically have one dominant learning style that tends to work best for us. Knowing what our dominant learning style is can help us maximize our brain’s natural aptitudes, allowing us to study more efficiently, improve our memory and become more confident in our abilities. So, how do we figure out our learning style? Here are two short quizzes available online that can help us determine our dominant learning style: •  HowtoStudy.com: Learning Style Assessment•  EducationPlanner.org: What’s Your Learning Style? 20 Questions Overview of Learning Styles After we determine our learning style, we should take some time to learn about the characteristics of our learning style and how we can improve our study habits. Many of these tips can be found on HowtoStudy.com. Auditory Learners - As the name implies, this learning style is based on learning by listening. Auditory learners have an easier time remembering information they hear as opposed to information they see. Comprising about 30 percent of the population, auditory learners typically remember what they say and what others say very well. Study Tips: •  Use a recording device to record lectures in class.•  Participate in study groups and class discussions.•  Read assignments and notes out loud.•  Repeat facts and definitions of words out loud.              •  Create musical jingles or songs to remember information.•  Use audiobooks and other audio materials when available. Tactile Learners - The tactile (kinesthetic) learner prefers using his or her hands to learn something. They learn by doing, and absorb information best via hands-on activities and physical experience. Tactile learners represent only five percent of the population, making it the least common of the three learning styles.  Study Tips:  •  Take written notes in class. Edit and type them later.•  Do something physical as you study such as tapping a pencil or squeezing a stress ball.•  Use your finger as a guide while reading.•  Act out things you learn whenever possible.•  Construct models of things you’re learning.•  If you find it difficult to sit at a desk when studying, try lying on your stomach or back. Visual Learners - Visual learners recall information best by seeing, whether in the form of an image, video or other visual representation. About 65 percent of the population are visual learners - the most common of the three learning styles.  Study Tips: •  Create graphic organizers such as diagrams and concept maps that use visual symbols.•  Use highlighter pens of contrasting colors to color code different aspects of information in your textbooks.•  Sit in the front of the class so that you can clearly see the teacher. •  When using flashcards, limit the amount of information on a card so that you can form a mental picture of the information.•  Watch videos about topics you are studying in class.•  When reviewing information, rewrite or draw the information from memory. The post How to Identify Your Learning Style appeared first on Globe University Blog.

From left to right: Fidelis, Lisa, Brenda, Rita (instructor), Olivia and Crystal Globe University-Madison West medical assistant students from the Microbiology and Urinalysis class conducted an experiment with germs and health that effects everyone. Their question: "which bathroom stall is more contaminated in a public restroom facility?" Their hypothesis was the last stall in the restroom will be more contaminated than the first stall based off the belief that most people bypass the first stall, fearing that it is used most and will want more privacy. What they found may surprise you. The experiment was conducted by collecting random specimen from the door handles in the bathroom stalls of the first stall and the last stall and then placed on an appropriate culture medium (see picture #2). The cultures where then grown in a petri dish where the dish facilitates growth and isolation. After, it was placed in an incubator where the students could see the bacteria grow and compare the two samples. The results were eye opening! Both stalls were equally contaminated because they grew about the same amount of germs. The class took a trip to Attic Angels Community nursing home and presented their findings to the nursing and housekeeping staff at an infection control in-service where the students stressed the importance of cleaning thoroughly, washing your hands, and antibiotic resistance, which means having to buy stronger cleaners to kill the resistant germs. Petri dishes with germ samples "I want to thank Attic Angels for letting our class come and present to them. It helped the students understand the concepts they had just learned in class and tied it all together with the presentation," Medical Assistant Program Chair Rita Cordova said. Students were able to conduct an experiment, create a presentation, communicate their findings and help another organization stay healthy. Way to go medical assistant students! The post Which Stall is Dirtier: Medical Assistant Students Find the Answer appeared first on Globe University Blog.

By Tom Stoltz, Instructor Two Wells Fargo executives spoke for an hour to the Introduction to Business class at Globe University as part of the course’s unit on entrepreneurship and franchising. This provided the students with the chance to learn more about how to start a business directly from those in the know. Wells Fargo’s Tyler Flynn, personal banker, and Mike Cloutier, business specialist, provided detailed information about their approach to helping small business ventures obtain the necessary funding for starting a business. Their presentation included information about small business loans, lines of credit, and other means of getting started in business. "This is a great time for small businesses to obtain funding through Wells Fargo," said Mr. Cloutier. "With the economy picking up speed, Wells Fargo is in a fantastic position to offer support. It’s what we do best." Tyler Flynn, personal banker (left), and Mike Cloutier, business specialist, speak to students on small business possibilities The two executives also presented information on how budding small business owners can register their company’s name with the state — all through Wells Fargo. "The process is simple and someone can get started almost immediately," said Mr. Flynn. Their seminar fit directly in with student aspirations to become small business owners. In fact, some 70 percent of Globe University-Minneapolis business students want to become entrepreneurs. Understanding how to obtain funding and the process to become registered with the state are important for future small business owners and entrepreneurs. Getting the chance to hear directly from the people who can make it happen is invaluable. Wells Fargo is a member of Globe’s Business Alliance Partnership. Partner companies can offer scholarships to their employees to attend Globe University at all degree levels. The post Wells Fargo Addresses Small Business Opportunities appeared first on Globe University Blog.

There is no doubt that progress has been made towards gender equity in the workplace. We have made gains in pay equity and there are some high-profile women in leadership roles. But women still earn $.77 for each $1 men earn for the same jobs, and the number of women in leadership roles is small. Progress has been very slow. The question is what obstacles are stopping us from reaching equality? It’s a tough question with no easy answers or quick fixes. The obstacles begin long before women get to the workplace. Obstacles at home Obstacles exist at home for young girls as well as adult women. Our culture tends to promote caring and supportive roles for girls and women, where boys are expected to be assertive, take more risks and take on leadership roles. Awareness has increased and girls are getting more opportunities but are not getting the same encouragement as boys. As adults, women are the primary caregivers and have more responsibilities in the home. Studies have shown that women do significantly more work at home than their partners. So women are working full-time jobs and then coming home to more work, making it harder for women to reach a work-life balance. Career-wise, employers prefer fathers as fatherhood implies responsibility and dependability. Mothers, on the other hand, are not preferred as employers assume that they will put their family before their job. Some companies are offering flex-time, job-sharing and telecommuting options which help parents balance family and careers. Women have to make choices when it comes to having a family also. The U.S. is one of only nine countries worldwide that do not require paid maternity leave. The right to take maternity leave is guaranteed but costs women financially as well as career-wise for taking time away from work. Obstacles at school Globally, girls have less access to education. One in four girls are married before the age of 18 worldwide. In the U.S., gender stereotyping tends to push girls into more traditional female careers and away from higher levels of science and technology. While women make up 78 percent of health care and social assistance workers, we are only 15 percent of executive officers and 12 percent of board directors. This is changing. Women are now earning degrees at a higher rate than men. Women are now earning 47 percent of law degrees and 48 percent of medical degrees, so we hope to see more equality in these professions. School-age girls are also lacking role models in leadership positions and technical fields. As more women enter these fields, girls will identify with them and be more likely to follow them in their career path. Obstacles at work Once women enter the workforce, they may run into more obstacles to overcome. Again, the lack of role models and mentors in executive positions put women at a disadvantage. Organizations such as Lean In, Not There and No Ceilings are trying to provide advice and support for women. Women need to build strong networks to advance at work. Multiple studies have shown that there is a cultural preference for men in leadership positions. The gap is decreasing, but both men and women say they prefer a male boss. Leadership traits such as assertiveness, confidence and competitiveness are considered more masculine traits. Women who show these traits are negatively perceived as "bossy" or pushy. Men and women tend to have different leadership styles. The more masculine style is familiar to most people and more accepted (but only from male bosses). Women bosses are perceived as more collaborative and compassionate. When women bosses show more dominance, they are considered less effective. While women are not seen as traditional leaders, we are making progress and being appreciated for different leadership traits. This article shows how women are seen as more effective leaders than men, even though they advance to this level less often. Another obstacle women face is harassment in the workplace. Sexual harassment is predominately a women’s issue. According to a study by the University of Minnesota, only 5-15 percent of women report harassment. Researchers also discovered that as women advance, harassment is more likely to occur. The path to gender equality in the workplace has been long and difficult, and we are not there yet. Stereotyping and cultural norms still exist and pose obstacles for women and girls. Changes need to happen in homes, schools and workplaces to eliminate the obstacles holding women back. Sources http://insidetech.monster.com/benefits/articles/8057-4-obstacles-women-still-face-in-the-workplace http://www.inc.com/leah-eichler/4-reasons-why-many-prefer-a-male-boss.html http://www.forbes.com/sites/glennllopis/2014/02/03/the-most-undervalued-leadership-traits-of-women/ http://www.businessinsider.com/study-women-are-better-leaders-2014-1 https://www.americanprogress.org/issues/women/report/2014/03/07/85457/fact-sheet-the-womens-leadership-gap/ The post Not There Yet: The Obstacles Career Women Face appeared first on Globe University Blog.

Written by Maggie James, Globe University-Eau Claire Librarian Recently, students, staff and faculty at the Globe University-Eau Claire campus celebrated "I Want You to Be Happy Day" at an event put on by the Massage Club. Caitlin Polus provides a chair massage The event included a variety of treats such as hand paraffin dips, foot and hand scrubs and massages, and chair massages, all offered by members of the Massage Club. The purpose of "I Want You to Be Happy Day" is to encourage everyone to do something to make others happy and to brighten someone’s day. This holiday is celebrated annually on March 3. The members of the Massage Club came up with the idea for this event, led by President Anna Geidd, Vice President Briana Benn, and Secretary Charidy Ludescher. The Massage Club’s goal in putting on this event was to help students and faculty destress from the pressure of upcoming final exams. To plan the "I Want You to Be Happy Day" event, the Massage Club sent out sign up sheets for students to participate, and got everything set up in the commons area the day of the event. Massage Therapy Program Chair Joan Hamilton and Massage Therapy Instructor Jeaneen Roberts were available throughout the planning process and the event to provide assistance as needed. The event received good turnout, with numerous students, faculty and staff members, and even members of the general public, stopping by the to receive chair massages, hand paraffin dips and foot and hand scrubs and massages. The money raised went to the Massage Club to help cover the cost of any massage-related events that students would benefit from attending throughout the year. Charidy Ludescher gives a hand massage to Dean of Education Angela Ruppe, while Anna Giedd helps with the event By planning and putting on this event, members of the Massage Club received valuable experience with organization, motivation, marketing, customer relations, planning, implementation, and teamwork and team building. "Another valuable skill students learned was how to supplement the table massage business with other types of massage and modalities," Joan said. "It was a good opportunity for those that planned it to learn what it takes to put on an event." Thank you to the Massage Club for planning and carrying out the "I Want You to Be Happy Day" event! The post Massage Club Hosts ‘I Want You to Be Happy’ Day appeared first on Globe University Blog.

By Lesley Farnham, Director of Career Services, Globe University-Online Did you know that as a student at Globe University, you have access to Career Services from the moment you start classes? Your Career Services advisor wants to work with you while you are in school and partner with you to help you reach the career success you desire. What are the areas the Career Services team can help you in? There are many, and below are some of the most common questions and concerns: Skills identification and assessments - Having trouble coming up with some traits/qualities to list on your resume or use in your networking message? Industry research - Are you looking to learn more about the field you are pursuing? Not sure what associations there are for your field that you should consider joining? Informational/Mock/Job interviewing - Have you been given an assignment to do an informational interview and are unsure what to ask or what to wear? Do you want to practice your interviewing skills? The Career Services team has many tips and tools to help you with interviewing including InterviewStream. Career documents - Do you want to update your resume? Do you need to create a reference page? Does the job you are looking at applying to ask for a letter of intent or a cover letter and you’ve never written one? Compensation and Benefits - Are you wondering what the average starting salary is for a particular role in the state you live in? Does the thought of negotiating a salary scare you? Job Searching/Career Planning - Are you looking for a new role? Unsure of what career options you could consider pursuing with the training you are receiving? Externship/Internship/Practicum - No matter if required or taken as an elective, this is one of the best "classes" you’ll ever take through school and can open many doors for you. Being able to put what you’ve learned into practice in a workplace setting will help you to stand out against other job candidates. Want to learn more about all that Career Services can do for you? Career Services is here to help you navigate your way through your career. You are always welcome to connect with the Career Services department, and you can find our contact information here. You can start by listening to this workshop. We care about your success and are here for you. The post What Can Career Services Do for You? appeared first on Globe University Blog.

Now that Uncle Sam has deposited that tax refund into your bank account, you’re probably thinking of all the ways you can spend your newfound fortune. Yes, you could get ahead on your student loan debt, maybe pay off some overdue bills or even take a trip to Vegas. But before you decide where you want to invest your dollars, take a look at seven unconventional ways students can use their hard-earned tax refund. 1.) Take Care of Your Body You’re stuck with your body for the rest of your life, so why not take care of it? Take a fitness class three days a week or even get yourself a personal trainer. Consider purchasing a bike to get yourself to and from school and work. Instead of eating out, try that healthy diet you’ve been reading about but didn’t think you could afford. Gluten-free, low-carb, juicing, paleo? Why not! 2.) Get Certified Boost your resume with a certification. This shows your dedicated and knowledgeable to your certified skill. Consider the Adobe® Certified Associate (ACA) certification which validates your proficiency with Adobe’s video, graphic, web, illustration or design software. If you’re interest is in IT, expand your career opportunities as a Microsoft® Certified Professional (MCP). For the health and wellness field get your First Aid, CPR and AED Certifications. A Language Certification is also a fail-proof way to impress your future employer. 3.) Washer and Dryer Everyone has to do laundry. But aren’t you sick of going to the laundromat or using a shared laundry room only to find your favorite shirt and unmentionables missing? Set yourself free from using quarters, lost clothing and annoying trips to the laundromat and invest in your own washer and dryer. Plus, washing machines have an average 14-year lifespan.  4.) Gift Cards It doesn’t have to be Christmas or your birthday to get a gift card. In fact, make every day feel special by using gift cards instead of a credit card. Buy a $100 gift card to your favorite grocery store to help you budget and limit your spending. Maybe set a $50 limit on the essentials at stores like Target, Walmart or Walgreens. Treat yourself to a $30 Starbucks gift card for your coffee habits. Just remember to treat gift cards like cash and know that at some point you’ll hit the bottom line.   5.) Get a Passport Because one day, you might want to explore the world outside your bubble. Passports are known as the "gateway to the world," and although that sounds pretentious, it’s legally your ticket to cross the border (along with an actual plane ticket, of course). Consider studying abroad, teaching abroad or just experiencing something new. Return a different person with a new outlook on life. You’re not only a part of your hometown community, but also the global community. What sort of impact can you make with a passport? 6.) Join a Professional Organization Whether you’re in college, fresh out of school or well-grounded in your career, a professional organization is always a good idea. There’s an organization for just about every interest and chosen field. Some popular groups include Business Network International, Veterinary Medical Association or the Society of Professional Journalists. These groups help you network with the movers and shakers in your field and develop professional skills through workshops and mentoring. It’s also a great way to meet future employers, other professionals and even friends. Plus, listing an association on your resume lets future employers know you are dedicated to your profession. As an added bonus, students typically get a discounted annual fee. 7.) Learn In-Demand "Hard" Skills Today, most job descriptions come with expectations of possessing hard skills. No, these aren’t typical skills like "being able to handle a workplace conflict" or "ability to work with others." Hard skills are ones that are needed to perform your future job. While you’re still a student, invest in yourself and boost your resume by adding that in-demand skill through workshops, courses and software. If you’re in business and marketing, get ahead of the game with proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Salesforce, Adobe Creative Suite, Google Apps and Search Engine Optimization (SEO). If you’re in graphic design, get skilled in modern calligraphy, photography and Adobe® Illustrator. There are online courses at Skillshare.com with a membership fee.   The post 7 Unconventional Ways Students Can Spend their Tax Refunds appeared first on Globe University Blog.

Our Globe University-La Crosse student in the spotlight this month is Cardell Potter. He is in the business management program with an emphasis in agriculture. Cardell is not one to toot his own horn, but due to an article in the local paper, we discovered that not only is he an excellent student, he is also an avid snowmobile racer. In fact, he recently won the Eagle River World Championship! Cardell Potter, Globe student and World Champion "I started racing ice oval Kitty Cat snowmobiles when I was four years old. As my age allowed me, I kept moving up in the bigger, faster sleds. At age 15, I was able to get waived into the Pro Champ class due to my racing experience," Cardell said. Because of his long racing experience, Cardell won the Eagle River World Championship. "It is the pinnacle of ice oval sled racing and something I’ve dreamed of winning since I was 4 years old, it’s the one everyone wants to win each year," he said. "Up until this year, my best finish was fourth in 2014. The World Championship is a four-day show and entails lots of racing leading up to the final. I was the first person in 52 years of the World Championship to come from the back row to win the event. This was an awesome moment for my family and I that I will never forget." "I guess you could say I have a strong passion for racing," Cardell said. Cardell also races Pro Enduro ice oval sleds in the winter in Michigan as well as Wisconsin, and these type of races are 500 laps long. He was very busy this winter as he traveled for eight weekends. A full-time schedule at Globe takes up much of the rest of his time He let us know that sled season is done and now he is focusing on getting his super late model race car out to run in the ARCA Midwest Tour. Cardell will utilize his business management degree by continuing to work in his family-owned cranberry marsh. He hopes to someday own the business. "I’ll be the fifth generation to continue in our family business," he said. His advice to his fellow Globe students on how to be successful at school while pursuing your dreams was stated succinctly: "It’s not easy! You have to work hard, stay focused and keep reaching for the dream you want to accomplish." We are so proud to have a World Champion attending our Globe-La Crosse campus. Keep on winning, Cardell. We are all supporting you! The post Business Management Student Cardell Potter: A World Champion Among Us appeared first on Globe University Blog.