Business Program Chair Erica Healey goes out of her way to fill her Principles of Economics class with games that keep her students on their toes, proving that, contrary to popular belief, economics can actually be "fun and games." In Week 1, Principles of Economics class at Globe University-Madison East started with the simple economic concept of choice. They boiled the entire world’s economy down to a coconut tree. People have to eat and build with wood. If the economy has more than two people, you can look at comparative advantage, specialize and negotiate for trades. Week 2, the class started to look more into the concept of opportunity cost and what options do for a firm. Students explored these concepts playing the board game Settlers of Catan. You may be familiar with Catan thanks to recent publicity about it being a favorite among the Green Bay Packers. The game is easy to relate to because it deals with the economic principle of scarcity. Healey likes to back up a lecture about theory with something students can relate to. With economics, that is a given. It is everywhere! By Week 3, the students were planning their next game. They looked at Supply, Demand, Elasticity and Diminishing Returns. They watched YouTube instructional videos from the author of Freakonomics. Students learned the importance of behavioral economics. This led to the creation of "Life Game," an economic scenario game Healey had observed while volunteering at Sun Prairie High School. Students had to visit tables to decide how to budget their limited resources. This included rolling the dice to borrow from a bank, getting random acts thrown at you from the "fate fishing bowl," working through the consequences of a bad credit score, and making hard choices about food, insurance and home ownership. The best part of the game is that the students did all their own research to set up the different tables and invited other classes to play. They had to work as a team to ensure that the deliverable would teach the topics to the broad spectrum of classes participating: Strategic Planning, College Algebra, Introduction to Business, Business Mathematics, and the Principles of Economics. Besides having a good time, students came away with solid lessons. Deb Severson, from Business Mathematics, said, "Don’t take your life lightly, because every decision can have a positive or negative effect." A visiting applicant to the university also participated in the exercise and walked away mentioning that a lot of the lessons covered that night were very apropos to what he has seen in the field. "All students walked away with a practical application of their education," Healey said. The fun didn’t stop there. After their midterm in Week 6, students started a discussion on Macroeconomics. They ended the night playing "Credit Crunch," a game that originated from the pages of The Economist. It’s been a wild ride in Principles of Economics this quarter, and the students are excited for more! The post Globe University Students Prove Economics is All Fun and Games appeared first on Globe University Blog.

Meagan Johnson, administrative assistant at Globe University-Eau Claire When you walk through the doors at Globe University-Eau Claire, you can instantly feel a connection to the campus. I feel it every day when I arrive at work. A warm greeting from Meagan Johnson at the front desk, the open office doors of helpful staff, and the student commons filled with ambitious veterinary technology students just coming off their early morning animal care duty. Investing in the success of the students at Globe University is the number one priority of everyone on campus. Period. Those who attend school here can expect a personal connection to their instructors, faculty and fellow students. Everyone knows everyone here on campus. Veterinary technology student Samantha Peterson has the benefit of seeing both sides, as a student and front desk worker. Samantha is often at the front desk in the evening, greeting students and visitors to the campus. She says, "Every instructor and staff member is easy to approach about anything, and everyone will go above and beyond to help you with anything you need. Coming from a large university, now attending such a friendly and helpful school is amazing. I always feel at home on this campus." In the classroom the one-on-one attention continues. With a small ratio of students to instructors, the focus is on individual learning styles. A wide variety of media is used to help each and every student stay engaged in the classroom.  Mobile technology, videos, guest speakers, group activities and hands-on applications of skills make up this diversified learning experience. Real-life training? You bet. Bridging the gap between education and employment? It’s happening here every day. A personalized educational experience? Absolutely, and we would not have it any other way. Interested in experiencing this first hand? We always welcome visitors to our campus with a smile, and we are excited to meet you.   The post Globe University-Eau Claire: Personal Approach to the Student Experience appeared first on Globe University Blog.

If you feel like you’re ready to get ahead at your job but aren’t sure where to start, this post is for you. We all want to look good in the eyes of our employer. It sets us up for promotions and raises, and helps us feel better about our work. As you work toward advancement, there are several ways in which you can position yourself for success and stand out in the crowd, and we’ve compiled a few tips below. Depending on the type of work you do, these suggestions may take different forms, but they should be a good starting point toward making yourself a more attractive employee. 1. Update your skills In nearly every field, there are constant developments and changes to best practices. This makes it important for you to continuously update your skillset. It could be something as simple as taking a computer course, brushing up on customer service, or taking a professional-development class. Some companies have their own in-house training programs. Take advantage. Also, you can look at job descriptions for similar positions to your own (or those a step or two higher) and see what kinds of skills those businesses want in their employees. It could give you a sense of what talents you want to cultivate. 2. Study your industry It’s easy to get myopic when it comes to your job. You get caught up in the day-to-day routine and rarely stop to look outside your work and your company. Studying your industry is a good way to stay on top of things and potentially bring new ideas to your job. "Most industries have trade magazines or websites that have the latest news in that industry. It’s important to read these so that you are well informed and can discuss recent industry events and changes with your coworkers, supervisors and management," Andy Teach, author of "From Graduation to Corporation: The Practical Guide to Climbing the Corporate Ladder One Rung at a Time," told Forbes. "Information is power." Find blogs about your field, check social media websites for groups about your business and take a look at what you’re competitors are doing. Finding additional resources and ideas for your job will make you more valuable as an employee and help you think outside the box. 3. Accept challenges and new roles "If all you do is what is listed in your job description, it’s impossible to get ahead," says Dan Schawbel, a career author, in a post on Fast Company. One great way to make yourself a more attractive employee is by taking on roles and responsibilities that may be outside your normal purview. In doing so, you’ll learn about different aspects of the business and perhaps gain a broader perspective of the company as a whole. Taking on challenges and other duties also shows your employer that you’re willing to do the extra things to make the business thrive. Being able to take on various jobs at your workplace makes you a more valuable employee and could help position you as a candidate for future job openings. 4. Learn who you are This suggestion is a bit more nuanced than the others, but it’s important nonetheless. Knowing who you are — your strengths and weaknesses, how you are perceived and how you interact with others — can go a long way toward improving your relationships in the workplace. Being aware of your coworkers’ personalities and how they mesh with your own can help you communicate better and sidestep potential issues. Companies are spending big bucks on personality testing—it’s a $500 million a year business, according to the Wall Street Journal. While you might not have the opportunity to take such a test, just putting more thought into your business relationships can go a long way toward improving your interactions at work. 5. Get a better education Getting a better education likely offers the clearest path toward becoming a more attractive employee. Obtaining a degree or certificate can make you more of an expert in your profession or put you in line for advancement. A decision to go back to school will depend on your field, current level of employment, career goals and other factors. But it’s nearly universally accepted: the higher the degree, the better the job. Maybe you’d like to move into a management role? Or perhaps you just want to brush up on the latest developments in your industry? Take a look at your options and aspirations, as well as how your employer would view a new degree, then do some research and make your decision. 6. Find a mentor When it comes down to it, being an attractive employee is about being better at your job and proving yourself invaluable to the company. With this in mind, you might be able to find someone who can guide you in your quest to become a more attractive employee: a mentor. Mentors can offer experience and insight, and answer questions about a job you may be aspiring to. They can also identify skills you need to develop and help you make connections with industry leaders and professional groups or associations. Receiving constructive feedback and tips from a mentor is a good way to learn more about your job and how to excel. Also note that it doesn’t have to be a formal arrangement. A mentor could just be a higher-up with whom you’ve opened the lines of communication and feel comfortable talking to. Hopefully these suggestions have given you some ideas on how to be a more attractive employee. If you have tips for us, please leave them in the comment section below. The post 6 Things You Can Do to Make Yourself a More Attractive Employee appeared first on Globe University Blog.

Globe University-Woodbury campus business program chair Tom Hakko recently shared his tax time expertise on the television show, "On the Fly" on My29, a local entertainment show that focuses on pop culture, Hollywood news and hot regional events. Previously, Tom shared his expertise on taking advantage of the Black Friday deals. This time Hakko shared his knowledge on minimizing the stress of filing your taxes in 2015. On the  show, Hakko explains how and why experts recommend limiting the size of your tax refund. Click on the video to learn more.  The interview wraps up explaining that everyone should file early to avoid the possibility of identity theft. Hakko explains there is little you can do if your identity is stolen and a fraudulent tax return is filed in your name.  Hakko’s Tax Tip Takeaways: Don’t give the government free use of your refund money. Look at your refund and see if you want to make changes. Change your W-4 at work and start an automatic savings program if you choose to reduce your refund. File early!   The post Business Chair Shares Tax Tips on Local TV Show appeared first on Globe University Blog.

Beyoncé has put her voice behind it. Emma Watson has stood up for it. Malala Yousafzai received the Nobel Prize. Even the Super Bowl included an ad. What do all of these have in common? Support for feminism: that girls should have the same rights, access to education and opportunities as guys. While not a new topic, the Super Bowl’s "Like a Girl" ad brought attention to the way people react to that qualifier and started a conversation. Why is "like a girl" so often a negative? Seeing girls respond to "like a girl" in the ad as a positive rather than a put-down was heartening. But it also showed the stark difference between those girls and girls just a few years older. It’s been shown that female self-esteem drops after puberty and that deficit seems to follow women into adulthood and in the career and life choices they make. The facts are that while: Females make up 50.8 percent of the U.S. population and earn 60 percent of undergraduate and master’s degrees Women account for 47 percent of the total labor force and 59 percent of the college-educated, entry-level workforce Women hold 52 percent of professional level jobs Women also: Earn $.77 for every dollar a man makes Make up 14.6 percent of executive officers Are 8.1 percent of top earners 4.6 percent of Fortune 500 CEOs 18 percent of Congress 10 percent of Governors And 12 percent of the mayors of the 100 largest American cities These facts show that while we as women are educated and active in the workforce, we are not making it to the higher levels of decision making and earning potential at an equal rate. What are the reasons these gaps exist and what can we do about it? Are we holding ourselves back or is it culture? There are multiple issues, but the important thing is that we do something about it. There are positive signs out there. Women-owned businesses are thriving. The Guardian Small Business Research Institute projects that these businesses will create 5 million new jobs by 2018. The women that are making inroads in business are sharing their stories and support to others. Gender equality has come a long way, but there is still a long way to go. We need to look at how we treat each other and the messages we are sending to our children. Having "like a girl" always mean doing your best will benefit all of us. This is the first in a series that will explore many topics involving women in business - from the support and success stories to the obstacles and changes being made. Join us and share your thoughts and experiences.   Sources: http://smallbusiness.foxbusiness.com/entrepreneurs/2014/03/04/5-reasons-why-women-owned-businesses-are-thriving/ http://www.businessinsider.com/sheryl-sandberg-presents-mind-blowing-stats-about-how-and-why-women-hold-themselves-back-2013-2 https://www.americanprogress.org/issues/women/report/2014/03/07/85457/fact-sheet-the-womens-leadership-gap/ http://www.forbes.com/sites/work-in-progress/2012/06/08/entrepreneurship-is-the-new-womens-movement/?utm_source=huffingtonpost.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=pubexchange_article The post Just the Facts, Ladies appeared first on Globe University Blog.

From Left: Sarah Ehnstrom, paralegal student and Kathryn Samways, legal studies program chair at Globe University-Woodbury Each year Globe University students travel to the Minnesota State Capitol for Minnesota Career College Association’s (MCCA) Hill Day to speak with legislators about their career college experience and share with them why they chose to attend Globe University to further their education. This year, Globe University-Woodbury paralegal student Sarah Ehnstrom, joined by Legal Studies Program Chair Kathryn Samways, met with Representative JoAnn Ward (District 53, Woodbury) to discuss why she chose to attend Globe to pursue her Bachelor of Science in paralegal degree. Why Attend Hill Day "Going to the MCCA Hill Day really opened my eyes to the importance of talking to our legislators," said Ehnstrom. "It made me realize that as American citizens, we can often take for granted the fact that we live in a country where we, the citizens, have the freedom to have a voice and make a difference." Ehnstrom continued by stating that when we talk to our state legislators, we give our voice a face, our concerns a body, our experiences a life, for them to connect the issue to a tangible person. MCCA Hill Day is a great opportunity for students, alumni and others who support Minnesota’s career schools to share their stories with elected state representatives. Participating in Hill Day every year helps to ensure that career school students continue to enjoy the same choice and access to career-focused education and financial aid options afforded to all college students in Minnesota, according to MCCA. From Left: Barb Leiran, legal studies program chair at MSB-Richfield, Kathryn Samways and Sarah Ehnstrom "If something is important to you, make it important to your legislator, take the responsibility of using your voice, persistence and power of being his or her constituent to make a change that will better your life like we did at MCCA Hill Day," said Ehnstrom. Find your Legislator To find the legislators in your area, visit http://www.leg.state.mn.us/ and click under "who represents me." The post Globe University Students Meet with Legislators at MCCA Hill Day appeared first on Globe University Blog.

Here at Globe University-La Crosse, we are lucky to have students from many different backgrounds, but we experienced a first on our campus with some recent graduates. Stacy Beardmore, medical assistant grad Two of our alumni are mother and daughter, and both graduated with an associate degree from our medical assistant program. On campus, we watched the loving and fun dynamic between them. We saw them be each other’s cheerleaders and help one another through their programs. Their parallel stories don’t stop there: they both also landed positions at Mayo Clinic Health System; one in Rochester, Minnesota, and the other in La Crosse, Wisconsin. Stacy Beardmore, the mother of the duo, graduated in December 2014 and is now a medical assistant in the cardiology department at Mayo Health Systems-La Crosse. Kayla Smith, Stacy’s daughter, graduated in September 2014, and now works as a clinical assistant at Mayo in Rochester. Stacy and Kayla shared some advice with current students and fellow graduates of Globe University. Kayla Smith, medical assistant grad "Start applying right away, and do not wait until you graduate," Stacy said. "I started applying for medical assistant positions at Mayo Clinic Health System three quarters before I graduated." Stacy actually landed her career at Mayo a quarter before even graduating! Kayla shared some great tips for interviewing that helped her land her position in her field. "Utilize a lot of smiling and eye contact in an interview," she said. "It shows confidence and that you truly want the job." Congratulations to this successful and amazing family team!   The post Meet Globe University’s Mother-Daughter Medical Assistant Duo appeared first on Globe University Blog.

Students showcasing their professional dress models Students from Globe University-Woodbury‘s Professional Communications classes teamed up with Turn Style Consignment for an applied learning project where they work in teams to create interview-appropriate outfits for their professional etiquette unit. Each team had one hour to pull together a professional outfit for a team member, and then present it to the experts at Turn Style. Student Responses from Applied Learning Project "In doing this applied learning activity, I feel more prepared and confident for possible interviews because it gave me ideas. The activity showed you can look nice for an interview without breaking the bank," said Haley Boettger, massage therapy student. "I’m a hands-on learner and this exceeded my expectations," said Kristi Hambleton, veterinary technology student. "I think this applied learning activity turned out very good. It was very creative! I really enjoyed the experience and seeing all the different trends each team came up with." "It can seem so easy but once you actually have to put an outfit together, it takes some thought," said Rebecca Rice, massage therapy student. "I definitely feel a lot more prepared than I did before, and I can confidently say it helped me know where to start when choosing a professional outfit," said Haley Schrommer, veterinary technology student. "Overall, I really enjoy this project. The subject of professional dress is something we all will need in the near future," said Sarah Ehnstrom, paralegal student. Why This Applied Learning Project? According to Brenna O’Connor, instructor of Professional Communications, this project enables the students to utilize their interpersonal and intrapersonal communication skills by working in groups. This also allows the students to realize the importance of professional attire and how it can be affordable. "This project also gave the students a hands-on experience in teamwork, professional etiquette, and a variety of other communication skills that were practiced and developed during this activity," said Brenna. Interviews It is very important to make a good impression in a job interview, which includes dressing professionally. Click here for some top reasons given by hiring managers and human resource personnel for not hiring an applicant. The post Professional Attire on a Budget: Globe University Students Learn How appeared first on Globe University Blog.

Have you ever met a person whose passion you can feel when you are talking with them? I recently met that person. Lindburgh Neal is a current student at Globe University. Neal is also an Army veteran, father of two girls, husband, and a volunteer for his local church. Just those responsibilities would deter some people from returning to school, but not Neal. He decided to pursue his passion and jumped back into school head first. Neal enrolled in the exercise science program. Lindburgh Neal with his wife and daughters Neal was stationed in Germany while in the Army. He was working in IT and at a point where he was either going to have to stay in IT indefinitely, or take a risk and do something he loved. This led him to a college search. He looked at numerous schools, but he could not find a program to ignite his passion. So he thought about what he loved and those things were health, sports and fitness. Finally he found the health fitness specialist program at Globe University. Globe University aligned with his personal goals of wanting to help others with life changes and making a difference in people’s lives. As a Sergeant in the Army, Neal has learned many things that he is applying to his education. He has learned how to be disciplined and assertive. Neal also learned in the Army that things in life can be hard, but you have still have to do them. That directly correlates to Neal’s full-time class schedule. It may be hard, but he is doing it! "Globe University inspired me to go full time," Neal said. "They made it possible." With Neal’s busy life schedule, he manages his schoolwork whenever he has a spare moment. If there is downtime at work, Neal is doing classwork. He uses any opportunity available. Neal tries to complete all classwork during the week so he can leave his weekends open to spend time with his family. I asked Neal for advice to anyone thinking of returning to school. Neal said, "Go after what you really want — you won’t regret it."   Learn more about other Globe University Students here. The post Student Spotlight: Lindburgh Neal, Exercise Science Program appeared first on Globe University Blog.

Written by Josie Young, Globe University-Green Bay director of admissions Students from area high schools had the opportunity to "solve a crime" and participate in a mock trial at Globe University-Green Bay’s second annual Legal Preview Day. Students get firsthand experience and education in programs like paralegal, criminal justice and legal administrative assistant. The day consisted of hands-on breakout sessions to help students solve a murder mystery, learn about the justice system, and bring their knowledge of the evidence and case to a mock trial. Crime Scene Breakout Sessions Students spent the day in small groups learning about different elements for the murder with instructors who had experience in the field including a former police chief, former FBI agent, and practicing attorney. Some of the sessions included: 1. The Crime Scene: Students listened to the police dispatch and witness statements. 2. Shoe Impression: Students learned how to do a proper casting of a shoe impression and how shoe impressions can help in an investigation. 3. DNA: Students learned how DNA can be used as strong evidence but how tampering can lead to complications in a trial. 4. Fingerprinting: A former FBI agent taught students how to dust and lift fingerprints. Students learned how to analyze different ridges in a fingerprint as well. The Mock Trial All rise! Students learned the basics of courtroom procedure including how to properly approach a judge and question a witness during the mock trial. Students were selected to be part of the jury, sit on the prosecution and defense, as well as serve as witnesses in the trial. Career Preview Days Globe University offers a variety of career programs in the medical, business, legal and technology fields. If you or someone you know is interested in attending an event like this, please contact Josie Young, director of admissions at josieyoung@globeuniversity.edu or (920) 264-1630 to discuss how we can customize a career day to your interests. The post Local High School Students ‘Solve A Crime’ at Globe University Legal Preview Day appeared first on Globe University Blog.

Through an applied learning project in Professional Communications I at Globe University-Madison West, four students were able to visit the Middleton Senior Citizen Center. After receiving a tour of the center, which was a repurposed old bank, we were able to sit down and talk with seniors who were knitting hats for babies and cancer patients, and making blankets and pillows for people in the hospital. From right to left: Drew Komplin, Leonora Pedrosa, Christina Steinberg and Jenny Lynn The students sat with the residents and conversed, asking about their childhood, favorite songs in high school, and how long they have lived in the area. This was to help break communication barriers that often exist between generations. Drew Komplin, a business administration student, said "A lot of them were more active than I thought." The class has volunteered to create a pamphlet with pictures for the center. This will help inform the community about volunteer opportunities they have available, such as Meals on Wheels and giving rides to appointments. Christina Steinberg, veterinary technology student, said, "We are going back once a week." "The whole class had a great time with the seniors, and we all learned a lot about communication. By breaking the stereotypes in our minds, we were able to meet people in our community and see how we can help them and learn from them," said Natalie Busse, instructor. "Thank you Middleton Senior Center for letting us join in on the fun." The post Globe University-Madison West Students Volunteer at Local Senior Center appeared first on Globe University Blog.

From left to right: Brennan Porter, administrative assistant; Jamie Buenzli, campus director; Ashley Tanner, director of career services; Rita Cordova, medical assistant program chair Helping a sick child fight their illness takes a big emotional toll on a family. Adding a financial strain can make it all almost too much to bear. The Ronald McDonald House Charities helps address those problems, whether they involve housing that’s near a hospitalized child, the expense of staying together in another city, or even getting basic medical and dental care. So how did Globe University-Madison West help contribute to families and children in need? By cooking a dinner for 25 people staying at the local Ronald McDonald House. At 6 p.m. sharp, the cooking of spaghetti and garlic bread began and the salad was set out. Brennan Porter, administrative assistant, said, "we braved the winter storm and our Globe team tested out our cooking skills by providing a hearty and well-balanced meal for the Ronald McDonald House families." It was a simple way to show our "We Care" mission to the community to families in need.   Jamie Buenzli, campus director, posing with Ronald McDonald after serving dinner "I enjoyed talking to the family members that were staying at the Ronald McDonald House. It was great to meet the visitors and hear their stories. They appreciate the meals provided to them through community volunteers," Rita Cordova, medical assistant program chair, said. Are you interested in gathering a group to cook for one night at the Ronald McDonald House or other ways to volunteer for the Ronald McDonald House Charities? Check out their website. The post Globe University-Madison West Volunteers at Ronald McDonald House appeared first on Globe University Blog.

Feeling stagnant in our professional lives is an inevitability that many of us face at some point. We get bogged down by life’s other demands and might not have the time or energy to advance professionally. But even though our lives can be hectic, are we doing our part to reach our career goals? Here are a few things we can do to reach our career goals in nine months. The post How to Reach Your Career Goals in 9 Months appeared first on Globe University Blog.

The special populations massage therapy class at Globe University-Wausau is back out in the community this quarter, having recently visited the Stoney River Assisted Living center. This visit proved to be meaningful for both the students and clients alike. Special populations class at Stoney River The first trip into the community for this class usually brings a sense of anxiousness from doing something for the first time and not quite knowing what to expect. "The thought of going to Stoney River Assisted Living terrified me because it was something that is far out of my comfort zone," said Sara Rosenberg. "What helped me to not be overwhelmed was to think about taking the situation one step at a time." Jenna Scholz, however, wasn’t nervous at all. She said, "It was a rewarding trip that brought me back to my passion of caring for the elderly. I am lucky to have a lot of experience with patients in various stages of aging." All of the students were able to relax and enjoy the experience once they began working with clients. Xang Xiong related a story about his first client who had previously owned horses, and that they were able to talk about horses while he worked on her shoulders, arms and hands. "I was happy that she accepted the massage, and it was nice to see that she enjoyed it," Xiong said. Jenna’s first client was nervous at first, but over the course of the massage, the client noticeably relaxed. Jenna said, "With my previous experiences working with elderly and dementia patients, I could tell the time I spent with her was very meaningful. It meant a lot to me to work with someone who was so deserving and so positively affected by a simple hand massage and time visiting." These students left Stoney River Assisted Living Center with a sense of having really made a difference for the clients they met with that day. "The small amount of time using touch and small conversation was extremely valuable for us, both students and clients," Jenna said. "This experience was extremely rewarding and opened my eyes to the opportunities of helping and healing through massaging elderly and special populations. These populations can feel extremely lonely, even when surrounded by people. With the lack of independence and one-on-one care, the comforting touch of massage is extremely beneficial." "It brought happiness to me, knowing how much I helped a person who wasn’t expecting it. I’ve taken a lot from this experience, but mostly that we should never let fear stop us from trying new things," Sara said. Melissa Baker, instructor for massage therapy, knows that the experience of going out into the community has been rewarding in many ways for her students. "These visits to Stoney River have proven to be beneficial to our students by giving them hands-on experience, and to the clients by giving them personal attention and interaction," she said. "I hope to continue the relationship between our program and Stoney River far into the future." The post Massage Therapy Students Gain Hands-on Experience at Senior Center appeared first on Globe University Blog.

Do you know what feminism means? If you Google it, or look it up in a dictionary, it is defined as "the advocacy of women’s rights on the grounds of political, social and economic equality to men." It’s a pretty straight-forward definition — women should have the same rights and opportunities as men to make their own decisions on who they are and what they want to be. At its core, the women’s rights movement is for gender equality. The feminist movement is far from new. Beginning in 1848, it has seen support rise and fall. It took until 1920 for women to get the right to vote, and the struggle for the Equal Rights Amendment was process decades in the making. More recently, several world events, business people and celebrities have brought renewed attention to the movement. • Malala Yousafzai, a young Pakistani woman, shared the Nobel Prize for her support of education for girls. This was a strong statement coming after the kidnapping of hundreds of schoolgirls by Nigerian terrorists. • Sheryl Sandberg, the COO of Facebook, has received a lot of attention for pointing out the lack of women in positions of power in business and government. • Emma Watson has been named a U.N. Women Goodwill Ambassador. She is lending her voice to support gender equality through the HeForShe campaign. • President Obama signed the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Restoration Act, supporting equal pay for women. Why it matters Why does the feminist movement matter? Because we don’t have gender equality. Did you know that the U.S. government pushed for a gender rights platform in the new Iraqi Constitution and the United States does not have one itself? We have seen changes. Women are currently earning the majority of degrees in our country and women-owned businesses are thriving. But women still earn less than men and are not equally represented in higher positions in business and government. Women make up just over half of our population. Economically, 41 percent of women earn the primary income in their homes. Not having the same economic opportunity impacts our overall economy as well as the individual household. The strict gender roles of our past have broadened, and studies have shown that men, women and children benefit from a more equal model. Boys and girls benefit from strong male and female role models. Check out this TED talk on why everyone should be a feminist. We should recognize the progress that has been made, but the current feminist movement also recognizes that there is still more to do. The post Feminism: What It Is and Why It Matters appeared first on Globe University Blog.

"Suzette, I wanted to let you know that last evening and today is the first time since my cancer that I haven’t been in pain."  This was the first sentence of a note that Suzette Plemel, massage therapy program chair of Globe University-Green Bay, found in her mailbox the day after her and two students, Amanda Davies and Kathleen Mistele, performed deep tissue massage on Maggie Lee. Maggie Lee’s thank you note to Suzette Plemel Maggie’s Story Recently, I had an opportunity to sit down with Maggie Lee, alumnus and employee of Globe University-Green Bay to understand more of her recent experience with Suzette and students. During the interview, Maggie opened up about her past struggles with breast cancer and chronic pain.  She shared that after multiple surgeries because of a bilateral mastectomy, lymph node removal, and multiple reconstructive surgeries, she was left with nearly three years of chronic pain due primarily to scar tissue. Before receiving the deep tissue massage, Maggie explained that her pectoral muscles always hurt. On a scale of one to 10, most days she gave her pain a five. Maggie had also spent time with a physical therapist who was able to reduce her daily pain. Her days of chronic pain were wearing on her. Through counseling, Maggie understood she was in a state of "flight or fight" in which any type of touch reminded her of the day in which she was told she had cancer. Having recently earned a degree in veterinary technology, she was eager to begin a new career but fearful that she didn’t have enough strength to hold an animal down. All of that fear quickly disappeared since discovering the benefits of deep tissue massage and how it can truly help relieve pain from scar tissue. Throughout our time together, Maggie was thankful for the opportunity to do an interview. If sharing her story helped one individual not have to go another day in chronic pain, then she said she was happy. She was quick to admit that before setting an appointment for deep tissue, one should understand that the massage is going to hurt a bit but it is a "healing" type of pain, the kind you know will go away and truly make you feel better. Maggie also shared that while she still has moments of pain when the weather is cold and damp, it is not the same level of pain prior to deep tissue. Amanda Davies and Kathleen Mistele, massage therapy students, Maggie Lee, employee/alumni, and Suzette Plemel, massage therapy program chair Suzette’s Story   After meeting with Maggie, I also had a chance to sit down with Suzette and understand the story from an instructor and student point of view. In casual conversation between one employee and another, Maggie had shared her chronic pain symptoms with Suzette. After hearing her story, Suzette opened up her student lab to Maggie if Maggie was willing to try deep tissue massage. Suzette shared with Maggie that while Maggie wasn’t going to like her initially, eventually she would love her because she knew that if she was able to loosen the scar tissue, she would be able to relieve much of Maggie’s pain. Amanda Davies and Kathleen Mistele, massage therapy students, oversee as Suzette Plemel, program chair, works on Maggie Lee Once in the lab, Suzette explained to Maggie that the massage was also a time to release any feelings and that this was normal, that the lab was a safe area, an area in which it was okay to let the body release all pain. After the consultation, Maggie welcomed the students to feel her scar tissue. The students were asked to palpate the scar tissue to feel all of the lumps that existed. Suzette then showed them how to do some deep work to break up the scar tissue. During this time, Amanda held Maggie’s hand as the tears began to flow. The years of trauma and pain were being released. The students were then able to palpate the area once again to feel the difference in the area. A once-lumpy area was now smooth. They were provided a real-life patient in Maggie and felt the before and after effects of deep tissue. Overall, this experience was a win-win for everyone. Maggie is left feeling much better and two students were able to see how their future career positively impacts the lives of others on a daily basis. If you or anyone else is suffering from chronic pain due to scar tissue, research the benefits of deep tissue massage. While this specific clinic is not offered every quarter at Globe University-Green Bay, the campus regularly hosts new patients from the community for students to learn massage techniques in exchange for client advice on how to improve. For the current quarter schedule, email Suzette at splemel@globeuniversity.edu.   The post Globe University Massage Students Help Relieve Chronic Pain appeared first on Globe University Blog.

Meet Globe University-La Crosse‘s new Films in Society instructor, Joel Kopplin. Joel is a huge film aficionado and published writer. Each week, the students are kept in suspense until the very last minute, never knowing what film they will see until Joel shows it in the classroom. This makes for some lively discussion and anticipation. The two times I have visited his class, it was so great to see the students engaged and full of questions. You can really tell Joel loves what he is teaching, and by the students’ interaction, that passion is contagious! Joel Kopplin, Globe University instructor "I love the act of teasing out and sharing ideas over complex issues, and it’s really satisfying to see what students get out of the same act," Joel said. "I teach in a seminar format, so my classes are usually conducted in a circle so that I’m not the center of attention," Joel said. "Seeing students wrestle with tough or alien concepts, and then seeing them share their ideas with each other, is really awesome. I find that the students ultimately learn more from one another other in this format than they do from me. It is really fantastic." The students were hesitant at first, but now they jump right into the film discussion. Joel is impressed that all of his students are game to tackle difficult topics and issues. "I love that they fully insert themselves every week to discuss bizarre films," Joel said. "I love showing difficult, offbeat films every week, demonstrating to students that film is much more than an entertainment. Films have a magical way of intersecting with the strange realities of what it is to be human." It was hard for him to narrow down his favorite films of all time, so he gave me three must-see movies: Blue Velvet (1986, dir. David Lynch), The Passion of Joan of Arc (1928, dir. Carl Theodore Dryer), and Mamma Roma (1962, dir. Pier Paolo Pasolini). To get a little background on this film buff, I asked Joel to tell me a little bit about himself. "I finished up my undergrad degree in 2009, and I was compelled to continue on with my English degree. At first teaching was merely a role I served for my assistantship, but after the first year, I was convinced that this was something I could do — and something that would offer rewarding relationships." Joel also teaches at University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and writes in his spare time. "I write fiction primarily. I’ve written novels and short stories. Writing fiction is something I’ve wanted to do from a very early age. It’s one of the few ways I have to make sense of the world," Joel said. Because of his success as instructor in the Globe general education area, I asked him if he has any advice for instructors who struggle with keeping the students engaged. He stated, "Don’t let anyone else validate what you do." We consider ourselves a very lucky campus to have Joel Kopplin on board. He offers a breath of fresh air, a unique teaching style, and knows how to engage a classroom! The post Faculty Spotlight: Films in Society Instructor Joel Kopplin appeared first on Globe University Blog.

February is American Heart Month, a time to raise awareness about heart health, especially in women. Globe University-Sioux Falls medical assistant students were eager to volunteer at the Go Red for Women event recently to support the cause. The event was held at the Sioux Falls Convention Center and featured members of the Sioux Falls community. Medical assistant students Ann Brunkow, Sarah Pacheco, Johana Gebregiorgis and program chair Amy Zobel The event raises money for research and education to prevent heart disease and stroke throughout South Dakota. Attendants of the event heard from medical professionals and survivors of heart disease on how women can decrease their risks. Medical Assistant Program Chair Amy Zobel was responsible for organizing students to volunteer for the event. "We were there to help with registration and check in people. We also assisted in the silent auction, which is the fundraiser at the event," Amy said. "It’s amazing to see so many women come together to help raise money to fight heart disease. There are also a few men who attend this event." The student volunteers also had a good time and learned how to relate survivors’ experiences to their future career. "I will definitely take the knowledge gained from their stories into the clinical setting with me. Hearing a speaker talk about their symptoms and experiences will help me better relate to my patients in the future. I went to this event because I like doing charity work outside of school. I also attended the Go Red event in Kansas City, and my aunt works with the American Heart Association, so I have other connections there," said Ann Brunkow, medical assistant student. Students in the medical assistant program gain valuable knowledge from events like Go Red and make connections with members of the community. We’re glad to see our staff and students learn so much from events like these. The post Globe University-Sioux Falls Medical Assistant Students Volunteer at Go Red Event appeared first on Globe University Blog.

Globe University-Sioux Falls would like to congratulate veterinary technology student Nicole Bennett as our February Student of the Month! Veterinary technology student Nicole Bennett Nicole was nominated by several of her fellow classmates for this award, making her the first student of the month with such an honor. They all cited Nicole’s positive attitude and cheerful demeanor as reasons she deserved student of the month. "Nicole always has a great attitude and tries to make every day better for the people around her. She has an awesome outlook on life! She is always looking for ways to help her classmates," said veterinary technology student Kortni Walker. Nicole had this to say about receiving student of the month: "I have always had a passion for working with animals but ended up in a career that was not related to animals. After seven years in this career, I was unfulfilled and needed a change. I decided to enroll in the veterinary technology program at Globe University and leave my career. Going back to school has been a challenge. I have three children, so balancing family and school has been difficult. My classmates have become my second family. Together we support each other and keep each other strong. I have almost completed the program and will graduate in June 2015. I have had to overcome many obstacles to get this far, and my classmates and the instructors have been there to support and guide me in the right direction. I love you guys! My advice to current and future students at Globe is to make friends with your classmates. They understand how difficult it really can be to balance school and life. Having someone to relate to and talk to is essential." Congratulations again to Nicole. We wish you all the best of luck in the future. The post February Student of the Month: Nicole Bennett, Veterinary Technology appeared first on Globe University Blog.

By Jodi Sauld-Draper, Globe University-Wausau massage therapy graduate Have you ever finished a day of work and thought, "I can’t do this anymore?" Have you ever woke up to your alarm clock and thought, "I don’t want to go to work today" or ever again, for that matter? This is exactly where I was after 18 years of retail management. Unfortunately, my next thoughts were always, "I’m too old to start over" or "I don’t have any other skills. This is all I know." So, I drudged on, living every day, miserable and exhausted. Yet, I wanted to be a good mom and manager and lead by example. I wanted my children and employees to see how far hard work, dedication and a positive attitude could take you on your road to success. I had forgotten the most important factor in the equation of success … passion! Jodi with her family at commencement At the age of 41, driving home from work one day, I was asking myself the same questions as I did every other day. This day was different, however. This day was special. This day I had an epiphany. This day I didn’t tell myself I was too old to start over. This day I thought, "I’m too old to not start over." I was killing my body with long hours and excessive stress and anxiety. But mostly, I was killing my spirit by not following my heart. Is that the "example" I wanted to lead by? Is this the future I wanted for my kids and employees? Absolutely not! So, I began to think about what I wanted to do. I thought about what brought me joy. All I knew was that I wanted to work with people, I wanted to help people, and I wanted to make a difference in people’s lives. Then I heard a commercial for Globe University’s massage therapy program and it all came into perspective. I have been passionate about massage since I was very young. I was always offering to give massages to those hurting or stressed. What better way to make money? This was it! This was my passion! I began my Globe experience in January of 2013. Unlike many, I was able to quit my job and live off my savings during my education. This was not easy, but it worked best for me. I was a single mom of two boys and was not willing to lose any more time with them by balancing work, school and motherhood. It took some time to adjust to our new "minimalist" life. But I knew it was worth it when on day one of unemployment, my son said, "Mom, I know it’s hard for you to not have a job, but did you notice you’re not as crabby?" I laughed and said, "Yep, it’s kind of nice, isn’t it?" The smile on his face said it all. More "Mom" and less "stuff" was going to work out after all. My Globe experience was better than I ever could have imagined. At home, I had a great support system made of family and friends. At school, I had another great support system made of staff and newfound friends both within and outside of my program. It wasn’t easy. I struggled at times. But they helped me overcome the obstacles and make it to the finish line with honors. You see, I tried this college thing fresh out of high school, at a big university, and failed. I got lost in the big auditorium classes where you are a number, not a person. It was different this time. I was a person. I could ask questions. I could get help if needed. I could talk to the teacher about concerns. I took comfort in knowing they were as focused on my success as I was. And success happened! I even became a student ambassador, so I could give back and provide support to others. Today, I am out of school just under a year. I am excited to go to work every day, help people and make a difference in their lives. The road is not without its bumps. It takes time to build a clientele base. Fortunately, mine at Back to Bliss Wellness is growing quickly. People are often impressed with my knowledge and shocked to hear that I first became a licensed massage therapist (LMT) last March. I have to thank my instructors at Globe for providing me with that knowledge. They are not the only ones responsible for my success, though. I also thank my amazing support systems. Remember that your experiences are what you make of them. You are never too old to pursue your passion. With passion, anything is possible. The post Too Old to Return to College? Globe University Massage Therapy Grad’s Story appeared first on Globe University Blog.

There was much love in the air at Globe University-La Crosse’s "Love Yourself Day" events. The students and staff took advantage of many great vendors in order to relax, refresh and rejuvenate. It was so successful that Globe University-La Crosse plans on making this a yearly event to coincide with Valentine’s Day. Many local businesses participated in the event, including Globe University alumni and current students. The vendors and participants included: Laurna Keith, medical assistant student, wins the Bronston basket • Dr. Kasey Heichel with Bronston Chiropractic had some great ideas on how to manage joint pain and the benefits of chiropractic services. One of her coworkers, Dr. Corey Pomerake, teaches Anatomy and Physiology Globe University-La Crosse. • Laurna Keith, medical assistant program student, conducted free blood pressure tests. • Chad Needham from LaVida Massage (and Globe University massage therapy program graduate) gave out free chair massages. • Career Services Director Carolyn Moe taught a yoga class.. • The Ultimate Salon, our neighbor, provided face and hand massage, as well as beauty tips and demonstrations ranging from how to curl your hair properly to achieving that perfect hairstyle. • Michelle Jerome from Young Essential Oils conducted an essential oils class where everyone learned how these oils can complement a person’s life. Globe University-La Crosse students trying to win the big Bronston basket at Love Yourself Day • Angie Bries with Rodan + Fields provided excellent facial products. She traveled three hours to attend, and her dedication and enthusiasm in helping people attain beautiful skin was very apparent. • Kimberly Panzer from Gunderson Plastic Surgery attended and informed attendees of the many services the local team offered.  • Laura Black-Law from Onalaska Public Library brought some self-help books and signed people up for library cards. Campus Director Stephanie Donovan said, "It is important to me that all staff, faculty and students find time to enjoy themselves and get pampered. Life can be stressful — strive to carve out a small amount of time each day for you. By doing so, it will keep you energized, happy and healthy." Stephanie donated her time with the yogurt and water bar as well as attending Carolyn’s yoga class and various events throughout the day. It was great to see not only Stephanie, but all the students and staff, really enjoying and educating themselves. Thanks again to all those vendors who participated. Check out the Globe University-La Crosse facebook page for more photographs of the event. The post Globe University-La Crosse Hosts ‘Love Yourself Day’ appeared first on Globe University Blog.

The typical line-up of job interview guidelines are so common we could recite them in our sleep. Dress professionally, be on time, don’t chew gum, give a firm handshake and so on. But what about the lesser known job interview mistakes people make? Don’t fall victim to these five interview blunders. 1.  Not researching the company You’ve already made a good enough impression to score a job interview, so don’t let it all go downhill from here. Secure yourself as one of the top candidates by dazzling the interviewer with how much you know about their company. This goes beyond a quick Google search while you’re waiting in the lobby. Do you need to know everything? Of course not, and they won’t expect you to. But here are some things you should definitely know before going into the job interview, according to Glassdoor: The company’s culture, mission and values Clients, products and services  News and recent events about the company Key players in the organization Along with researching key players in the organization, you might also want to research the interviewer. Find these people on the company website and learn more about them through their social media accounts. Look at their backgrounds, education, experience and other interests to get a feel for who they are and who you might potentially be working with. 2.  Bashing your previous employer Maybe you had some issues with your previous boss. He or she was demanding and unreasonable - nearly impossible to work for. But a job interview is not the time nor the place for a venting session. When you bash your previous employer (even if you’re completely justified), all the interviewer hears is, "I’m difficult to work with." They have no basis with which to substantiate your claims, and as we all know, there are three sides to every story: your side, the other person’s side and the truth. If the interviewer asks about your previous employment, keep it light and professional. Don’t throw anyone under the bus. Ultimately, candidates are chosen for their qualifications and overall fit for the company - not for how well they complain. 3.  Not asking any questions Let’s say, hypothetically, all you want is a paycheck. You don’t care what you will be doing or who you will be working for. If that were the case, do you think you’d ask any questions during the job interview (other than, perhaps, how much the job pays)? Probably not, and if you don’t ask any questions, the interviewer might make the fatal assumption that you just need the money. Employers expect their candidates to want the job bad enough to have smart questions to ask. And if it’s a highly sought-after position, expect to be one of several people using everything in their job interview toolbox to make it to the next level. This includes asking questions. Use these questions to get you on the right track: Where do you see this position going in the next five years? How can I most quickly become a strong contributor within the organization? What are the most challenging aspects of the job for which I am being considered? How will my performance be evaluated, and at what frequency? What particular aspects about my background and experience interest you? 4.  Talking too much Keep in mind the interviewer has you scheduled for a certain amount of time in his or her busy day. This isn’t a casual lunchtime chat where you can go on long tangents and tell stories as if you were old friends catching up over coffee. What this means is, get to the point. Keep your answers concise. Nervous talking and taking too long to answer questions gives the impression that your mind is scattered and you can’t focus - or worse, that you’re being dishonest. If you find yourself trailing off into rambleville, get yourself back on track. Recognize that even though you may be nervous, you don’t need to wear it on your sleeve, and you don’t need to say more than is necessary at a job interview. 5.  Poor follow up In order to stand out among your competition, you have to keep your name fresh in the employer’s mind. Keep the momentum of your job interview alive with a thank you note, and then be sure to follow up a few days later via phone call or email. To illustrate the importance of follow up, a 2011 CareerBuilder survey of more than 2,800 employers revealed that 86 percent of them felt that not sending a thank you note showed a lack of follow-through. What’s more, 56 percent of them thought not sending a thank you note meant the person was not serious about the job. Even if you had a great job interview, don’t leave it all up the employer to reach out to you. You may get passed over or forgotten about if you don’t take initiative to let them know you’re still in the game. Remember, the interview process isn’t over until you either hear back that you weren’t the right fit or you receive an offer letter. The post 5 Interview Mistakes to Avoid appeared first on Globe University Blog.

Medical assistant student plating bacteria Students choose the medical assistant program at Globe University-Woodbury for a variety of reasons including the hands-on learning, how fast they can graduate and enter the workforce, and their passion for the health care industry. One of the attractive aspects of the field is that medical assistants have a variety of job opportunities working with doctors and nurses in the health care industry. Typically medical assistants perform routine administrative and clinical tasks to keep the offices and clinics running smoothly. "I chose the medical assistant program because I am a hands-on learner, I love being able to help people, and I have always wanted to work in a clinic," said Megan Nelson, medical assistant student at Globe University-Woodbury. Medical Assistant Program Chair Marissa Lindala said that she originally picked the medical assistant program because it was a short program that would get her into the medical field in the least amount of time. After graduating, she intended to go back to school for something else in the medical field until she realized how much she loved medical assisting. "There’s always variety in the medical assisting field," said Marissa. "This industry allows you to build relationships with patients and make a difference in their lives. Medical assisting isn’t an easy field, but it’s a very rewarding one." Jenell Casarez, medical assistant instructor, Globe University graduate, and advisor of the Globe Student Chapter of the American Association of Medical Assistants (GSCAAMA), discussed how she wants to see her students’ succeed in a field they have passion for. Therefore, when she got the opportunity to teach at Globe, she couldn’t wait to start showing students all the things that she had learned throughout her years in the field. Medical assistant student examining bacteria, one of the many hands-on activities that take place in the classroom "It brings me so much joy to see the look on the students’ faces when they have mastered a skill, like drawing blood for instance," said Jenell. I am so proud to see each student walk across that stage at graduation. I truly love my job, and I care about each and every one of these students at Globe." Medical Assistant Job Outlook: According to the United States Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of medical assistants is projected to grow 29 percent from 2012 to 2022, much faster than the average for all occupations.     The post Why Choose the Medical Assistant Field? Globe University Has the Answer appeared first on Globe University Blog.

Women may be under-represented at the upper levels of Fortune 500 companies, but those that have made it to the top are making an impact. Across multiple industries, women are finding success in the corporate world. Let’s look at some of the top women in business currently. Sheryl Sandberg The current chief operating officer at Facebook, Sheryl Sandberg has also held positions at Google, the World Bank and the U.S. Department of the Treasury. She was also named to the board of directors at Facebook in June. Sandberg has gained attention as the author of "Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead" which has sold over a million copies and renewed the discussion on gender equality. Indra Nooyi Indra Nooyi is the president and chief financial officer of PepsiCo, one of the world’s largest snack food companies. Born in India, she moved to the U.S. to attend Yale University’s Graduate School of Management. Nooyi has been in the top 20 on the list of the World’s Most Powerful Women since 2006. Irene Rosenfeld Considered one of the most powerful and highest paid women in business today, Irene Rosenfeld was the chairman and CEO of Kraft Foods Inc. Rosenfeld oversaw the split of Kraft into two independent companies, and she chose to lead the global snack and grocery business now known as Mondelez International. Previous employers include General Foods and Frito-Lay. Meg Whitman Meg Whitman, businesswoman Meg Whitman is the CEO of Hewlett-Packard. Formerly the chief executive officer of eBay, Whitman also tried her hand at politics, running for governor of California in 2010. Her resume also includes positions with Proctor & Gamble, Disney, FTD and Hasbro. Marissa Mayer Marissa Mayer surprised many when she left Google after 13 years to become CEO of Yahoo in 2012. The 20th employee hired at Google, and its first female engineer, Mayer is credited for the look that characterizes the Google user experience. Her task now is to turn Yahoo around from falling stock prices, layoffs and faltering ad revenues. Anne Sweeney Anne Sweeney recently stepped down as the co-chair of Disney Media Networks and president of Disney-ABC Television Group. There she oversaw more than 100 channels with viewers in 169 countries, including ABC Studios, the ABC Television Network and Disney Channels Worldwide. Sweeney plans to return to her passion for the creative side and pursue directing. Arianna Huffington, the Huffington Post Arianna Huffington Born in Athens, Greece, Arianna Huffington studied economics at the University of Cambridge before moving to the U.S. and getting involved in politics. She started the Huffington Post in 2005. The Post was voted the most powerful blog in the world in 2008 by The Observer. After selling the Post to AOL in 2011, she became president and editor-in-chief of Huffington Post Media Group. Huffington is well known as an editor and author, writing several books including the recent "Thrive." Diane Von Furstenburg Diane Von Furstenburg is best known as a world renowned fashion designer. She gained attention by designing work wear for the growing number of career women in the 70s. She is the president of the Council of Fashion Designers of America and helped start Fordham Law’s Fashion Law Institute to raise awareness of counterfeit goods. These women have found success in a range of industries mostly dominated by men. Many have used their status and success to help other women develop and advance their careers. Their stories inspire by showing that women can reach positions of power and be successful in organizations formerly dominated by men. The post Top Women in Business appeared first on Globe University Blog.