Guard/Reserve Employment Guide: Finding Military-Friendly Colleges

Step-by-Step Guide to Employment: Guard/Reserve – Finding Military-Friendly Colleges

As a guard or reserve member planning to attend college, finding a military-friendly college is a must. You want a college or university that understands you could be mobilized or miss classes because of your drill schedule. 

You should already know that as a guard or reserve member, you can work a full-time job, and you can also attend college. However, you should keep in mind that you can still be deployed or mobilized, even as a college student. 

The guard and reserves do give you assistance if you are going to college. They offer financial assistance as well as counseling programs to help you achieve your educational goals. But, most importantly, finding a military-friendly school will make your educational experience a bit easier as you try to balance college and your guard or reserve life. 

What makes a college military-friendly?

A military-friendly college is a school that understands the specific challenges and concerns that face service members as well as veterans. They can help students with their VA benefits, as well as understand periods of deployment or mobilization. They will be aware that sometimes drill falls on a weekday and classes might need to be missed. 

Having a Veteran’s Center on campus can also help you know that a college is a military-friendly one. They can give you guidance and advice, tailored to those serving in the military. 

Going to school as a guard or reserve member

As a student, and a guard or reserve member, there are things you can do to make the whole experience easier for yourself. Make sure to communicate with your advisor about your schedule. Your drill schedule comes out ahead of time, so you should have an idea of what you might miss or what you need to rearrange to stay on task. While there is no planning for some mobilizations, being able to control some of your schedule is important. 

Staying organized is also a must. You can’t spend the weekend studying if you have to be at drill and need to plan accordingly. Schedule time to get your work done and have time to study with keeping your drill schedule in mind. 

You can also make college easier for yourself by finding a school with flexible scheduling. Many schools have online options or hybrid where you would attend class in person but there would also be an online component to your classes. You can also find school schedules that include night classes, accelerated classes, or more flexible times that will work better for you. 

College Recon School Finder App

At College Recon, you can find the College Recon School Finder app. Within this app, you have what you need to determine how military-friendly a school is and if the school fits what you are looking for. Within the app, each college or university result gives you a wealth of information. 

This is what is included:

  • The BAH rate
  • The Online BAH rate
  • If they have GI Bill-approved programs
  • If they have the Yellow Ribbon program
  • If they have Tuition Assistance
  • If they offer college credit for military experience
  • If they award credit for CLEP exams
  • If they award credit for DSST exams 
  • Tuition costs
  • If they have an SVA chapter
  • If they have a full-time veteran counselor on campus
  • If they have signed the VA Principles of Excellence
  • If they have a club/association for veterans
  • If they have a Veteran Upward-Bound program 
  • If they have 8 Keys to Veterans’ Success 
  • If they have an ROTC program
  • If they have scholarships for the military
  • If they have reduced tuition for military
  • If they take MyCAA

The app also offers stats such as the student population, general school information such as setting and the type of calendar used, and the programs available from Associate’s degrees to Doctorate degrees. You can also use the school comparison tool to compare schools. Use the College Recon School Finder to search for the schools you are interested in and be able to make a good decision about where you want to go to college while also serving in the military. 

 

Military Spouse Employment Guide: Resources for Certifications and Training Programs

Step by Step Guide to Employment: Military Spouse Community – Resources for Certifications and Training Programs

As you start your job search, one part of the process you should consider is working on certifications or trainings that can help you on your career path. These can put you in a better position when applying for jobs, teach you skills to help with your career, and lead to you the perfect job. There are quite a few resources out there for military spouses looking for certifications and training programs.

Here are a few of them:

Onward to Opportunity

This program is operated by the Institute for Veterans and Military Families at Syracuse University. The program is for spouses of all active duty members, and eligible veterans. It includes training courses and certifications that will prepare you for fast-growing, industry-leading, and high-paying positions. 

When you finish the Onward to Opportunity program you will receive non-credit certificates from Syracuse University. You would also be able to work with an academic advisor, and learn job searching skills such as resume and cover letters and how to research a potential company. 

There are two different tracks within the Onward to Opportunity program:

  • Information Technology
    • CompTIA certifications
    • Oracle Database 11G and 12c
    • Information Technology Infrastructure Library
    • Cisco certifications 
  • Business Management
    • Six Sigma Green Belt
    • Human Resources certifications 
    • Project Management certification 

You would need to apply online to get started. 

Amazon Apprenticeship and Training Opportunities

This program is for veterans and military spouses. Amazon is dedicated to hiring military veterans and military spouses and this program is a part of that. Their program helps develop technical skills that lead to successful careers within the company and includes fields such as software development, support, data center operations, and military recruitment. 

The Amazon Technical Apprenticeship was added to create an avenue for veterans and military spouses seeking careers in Cloud Computing. This includes 10-20 weeks of paid full-time training, then 12 months of paid, on-the-job training and mentorship. You can find out more information here

Employment Readiness Program 

Your military installation should have job-searching resources within its Employment Readiness Program. Some of these include:

  • Career Counseling
  • Free Self-Paced MS Office Suite Computer Training
  • Job Bank and Employer Referrals
  • Resume Assistance
  • Employment Resource Library

Check out your local Employment Readiness Program for more information. 

Career Forward at Hiring Our Heroes

Hiring Our Heroes has a Career Forward Program. Within this program, you can help level up your career for free. You can gain skills through Google Career Certificates. You can get certificates in, Data Analysis, IT Support, Project Management, UX Design, Digital Marketing, and E-Commerce. 

Within the program, you can also connect with ready-to-hire employers, including interview prep and career workshops. You can apply on their website. 

We have a Recruiting & Staffing Profiles page at Career Recon that can also offer you some opportunities for training and overall help with your job search. Here are two of them:

Hiring Our Heroes

Beyond Career Forward, Hiring Our Heroes works to connect the military community with meaningful employment opportunities. They have different career events and hiring fairs as well as workshops and fellowship programs. 

Virginia Department of Veteran Services (VDVS)

VDVS is for military members getting ready for the transition from the military as well as for military spouses. They have a Virginia Military Spouses Liaison and several different transition programs. 

Finding programs that allow you to work for certifications and offer training to help you in your field are an important part of getting ready for the job search. Take advantage of what is available to you and use these resources to move ahead with your career path. 

 

Military Spouse Employment Guide: Strategic Job Searching

Step by Step Guide to Employment: Military Spouse Community – Strategic Job Searching

As a military spouse, finding a job can be a bit more complicated. Because of the military lifestyle you are living, you might have issues with moving every few years, having a gap in your resume, or not knowing your new area enough to know what the opportunities are. The good news is that there are plenty of resources out there to help you find a job.

Job searching is all about knowing where to look for the jobs you want to apply for. There are military spouse and military related job boards, places to find remote work and freelance opportunities, and industry specific job boards.

You can also go with a staffing or recruiting agency as well as applying to a company directly. In today’s world, there are many options and different ways to search for and find the right job. 

Veteran and Military Spouse-Specific Job Boards

A job board is a website, or app, where an employer with job openings can be seen by those looking for a job. There will be multiple ways to search from keyword to location to industry. When you pull up a job listing you can see the job description, job responsibilities, and requirements, and sometimes salary. This should be enough information for you to decide if the job is a good fit or not.

The listing will also tell you how to apply for the job. Some will redirect you to the employer’s website, and others will tell you how to apply from the listing. You can also sign up for job alerts so you can be on top of what jobs might fit what you are looking for. To prepare to search a job board, make sure your resume is up to date, and know what keywords you will be using. 

Here are a few job boards to start your search:

  1. Military Spouse Jobs gives military spouses exclusive access to their premier job board. They have a work-from-home section as well as four million jobs across the United States. 
  2. Hiring Our Heroes has a job board where you can search for full-time jobs, part-time jobs, contract jobs, internships, and temporary jobs. 
  3. Virtual Gal Friday has a job board for virtual assistant jobs.
  4. Flexjobs is where you can search for 100% verified remote and flexible jobs. 

Staffing and Recruiting Agencies 

Staffing and recruiting agencies can be great ways to job search. They are the middleman between you, who is looking for a job, and the employer with job openings. Working with an agency can give you the confidence, skills, and ability to find the perfect job. These agencies can also save you time, and help take away some of the stress of the process. Some agencies are focused on the military community and others are more general. 

Here are a few to check out to get you started:

Military Spouse Career Initiative (MSCI/CSI) is a staffing and consulting firm that focuses on federal, state, and local government jobs, private for-profit jobs, and non-profit jobs. They focus on helping military spouses and can help you pursue job opportunities that value your skills, knowledge, and abilities. 

Virtforce can help active duty military spouses find vetted virtual career paths. They offer resume training, a dynamic podcast, hours of free training, and an outstanding social media community. 

You can also visit our Recruiting & Staffing Profiles page for a big list of agencies you can use to help you in your job search. 

Go to the Company 

Another job search method is to apply to the company directly. This will first require you to make a list of the places you would be interested in. You can do so by searching job sites, looking for companies on LinkedIn, and talking to your network about companies in your industry and your area. 

Most companies will list either their current job openings or how to contact them to apply for the job. If you are unsure about a company you can also take a look around its website and social media accounts. That can give you a sense of what type of company they would be to work for.

Even though the job search can be daunting, if you are strategic about doing so, you should be able to find the right job. Use the resources available to you to help. 

Altierus Career College

Altierus Career College Profile

Altierus Career College is a postsecondary non-profit healthcare and trade school that is owned by ECMC Education (Educational Credit Management Corporation). Altierus Career Colleges used to be a part of Corinthian Colleges. In 2015, ECMC took over Altierus Career Colleges under the name Zenith Education. They then rebranded the schools as Altierus Career Colleges. More than 20 Zenith campuses closed in 2017. 

Altierus Career Colleges has three locations, Tampa, Houston, and Atlanta as well as online options. They have programs in healthcare and trades and many of their programs are a blend of online and on-campus learning. 

They offer 1-on-1 career advising, professional development, and employer partnerships to help students get started on the right track. Students learn from experimental learning in labs, externships, and clinical rotations. They also help students prepare and test for credentials or certifications. Students do also receive a laptop and ebooks to help with their studies and allow for a more flexible learning environment. 

Accredited By: Nationally 

GI Bill: Yes 

Programs: 

  • Dental Assistant
  • Massage Therapy (Tampa Only)
  • Medical Assistant 
  • Medical Billing and Coding
  • Pharmacy Technician 
  • Surgical Technology (Atlanta and Houston)
  • HVAC
  • Electrical (Houston and Tampa)

Certificates and Degrees: 

  • Certificates 
  • Associate Degrees 

Job Placement Rates: The job placement rate is 77% 

Online: Yes

Campus Location: 

  • Tampa, FL
  • Houston, TX
  • Atlanta, GA

TA For Active Duty: No

MyCAA For Military Spouses: No 

Admission Contact PersonAltierus Career College on College Recon 

Number of GI Bill Students: 95

 

 

 

 

 

Southern Careers Institute – San Antonio North

Southern Careers Institute – San Antonio North Profile

Southern Careers Institute—San Antonio North is a private, for-profit postsecondary career and technical education institution with eight locations in Texas and 10 programs in various subjects. 

Southern Careers Institute was started in 1960 and has had medical and business programs since 1992. Overall, Southern Careers Institute has 20 career-focused programs and 40 industry-preferred certifications within its eight campuses and online. 

In addition to its programs, Southern Careers Institute—San Antonio North offers free tutoring, employer connections, a tailored job search, and job market prep.  It is perfect for career training in and around San Antonio.

Accredited By: Accredited by the Commission of the Council on Occupational Education

GI Bill: Yes 

Programs: 

  • Automotive Service Technician
  • Business Accounting Specialist
  • Business Administration
  • Commercial Motor Vehicle Operator
  • Computer Support Specialist
  • Electrical Technician
  • HVAC
  • Medical Assistant
  • Medical Billing and Coding
  • Welding

Certificates and Degrees: 

  • Certificates and certifications 

Job Placement Rates: The job placement rate is around 80% 

Online: Yes

Campus Location: 

  • San Antonio 

TA For Active Duty: No

MyCAA For Military Spouses: Yes

Admission Contact Person: Southern Careers Institute – San Antonio North on College Recon 

Number of GI Bill Students: 50 

 

 

San Joaquin Valley College (SJVC)

Explore Education Options that Lead Straight to a Career at SJVC

San Joaquin Valley College (SJVC) is a private for-profit college with 17 locations across California and online.

In addition to their degrees and certificates, they also offer career services, resume building, interview preparation, extern-to-hire opportunities, career fairs and special events, and employer partners. 

Accredited By: Regional 

GI Bill: Yes 

Programs: 

  • Aeronautics/Aviation/Aerospace Science and Technology, General
  • Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services, Other
  • Business Administration and Management, General
  • Construction Management
  • Corrections and Criminal Justice, Other
  • Dental Assisting/Assistant
  • Dental Hygiene/Hygienist
  • Diagnostic Medical Sonography/Sonographer and Ultrasound Technician
  • General Studies
  • Health/Health Care Administration/Management
  • Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/
  • Human Resources Management/Personnel Administration, General
  • Information Technology
  • Medical Insurance Specialist/Medical Biller
  • Medical Office Management/Administration
  • Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants, Other
  • Pre-Pharmacy Studies
  • Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
  • Respiratory Care Therapy/Therapist
  • Surgical Technology/Technologist
  • Veterinary Sciences/Veterinary Clinical Sciences, General

Certificates and Degrees: 

  • Certificates
  • Associate Degrees 

Job Placement Rates: The job placement rate is 70% in 2020. 

Online: Yes

Campus Locations: 

  • Modesto (Salida)
  • Rancho Cordova
  • Atascadero
  • Bakersfield
  • Delano
  • Fresno
  • Fresno – Trades Education Center
  • Hanford
  • Madera
  • Porterville
  • Santa Maria
  • Visalia
  • Antelope Valley (Lancaster)
  • Ontario
  • Rancho Mirage
  • Temecula
  • Victor Valley (Hesperia)

TA For Active Duty: No

MyCAA For Military Spouses: Yes

Admission Contact Person: San Joaquin Valley College on College Recon 

Number of GI Bill Students: 50

 


About San Joaquin Valley College

San Joaquin Valley College is a private for-profit college with 17 locations across California and online. They have 20+ programs and offers mostly certificates and associate degrees with some bachelor degree options. 

San Joaquin Valley College’s mission is “San Joaquin Valley College prepares graduates for professional success by offering Baccalaureate and Associate of Science Degrees and Certificates of Completion in business, medical and technical career fields. The College serves a diverse student population with a common interest in professional development through career-focused higher education. The College is committed to student development through the achievement of measurable learning outcomes, emphasizing a balance of hands-on training and academic instruction. The College identifies and responds to the educational and employment needs of the communities it serves. The College is committed to the success of every student.”

Each location can be a bit different and the one that may work best for you will be based on what you plan to study and where you want to live. Here is a little bit more information about three locations, one in Northern California, one in Southern California, and one in Central California. 

Modesto is in Northern California, located in the Central Valley. The city is known for having a large agricultural industry. Modesto is located 65 miles from Sacramento, CA, 90 miles from Fresno, CA, and 92 miles from San Francisco, CA. The cost of living is slightly higher than the national average and the average rent for a two-bedroom is $1,410. 

Temecula is in Southern California, located in southwestern Riverside county and a tourist and resort destination. Temecula is 54 miles from San Diego, CA, 74 miles from Los Angeles, CA, and 43 miles from San Bernardino, CA. The cost of living is higher than the national average and the average rent for a two-bedroom is $2,390. 

Santa Maria is in Central California, just 10 minutes from the ocean and an award winning wine growing region. Santa Maria is 139 miles from Los Angeles, CA, 162 miles from Anaheim, CA, and 184 miles from San Jose, CA. The cost of living is higher than the national average and the average rent for a two-bedroom is $2360.  


Top 3 Programs for Military-Connected Students at SJVC

Associate of Science in Medical Office Administration

This program is 15 months and students will prepare to work in front-office positions for a medical practice, healthcare facility, or insurance company.

Associate in Science in Aviation Maintenance Technology

This program is 22 months and will prepare students with the skills and technical knowledge they would need to perform maintenance on aircraft, airframe, and powerplant. 

Vet Assistant Certificate

This program is 9 months and students will learn how to provide support to veterinarians and  provide preventative, routine, emergency, and postoperative care to pets. 


Career Information for Top 3 Programs at San Joaquin Valley College

Careers with an Associate of Science in Medical Office Administration

Job Title | Estimated Average Salary

Medical Secretary | $42,704

Medical Receptionist | $38,398

Physician Office Manager| $50,835

Most Common Employment Benefits

Most common employment benefits for an Associate of Science in Medical Office Administration

    • Social Security
    • 401K
    • Time off
    • Pension
    • Disability
    • Healthcare

Salary and job information from Salary.com  

Careers with an Associate of Science in Aviation Maintenance Technology

Job Title | Estimated Average Salary

Helicopter Mechanic | $54,931

Aircraft Mechanic | $54,522

Aircraft Maintenance Technician | $57,910

Most Common Employment Benefits

Most common employment benefits for a job with an associate in Science in Aviation Maintenance Technology

    • Social Security
    • 401K
    • Time off
    • Pension
    • Disability
    • Healthcare

Salary and job information from Salary.com

Careers with a Vet Assistant Certificate

Job Title | Estimated Average Salary

Vet Assistant | $32,572

Animal Care Assistant | $32,602

Most Common Employment Benefits

Most common employment benefits for a job with a Vet Assistant Certificate

    • Social Security
    • 401K
    • Time off
    • Pension
    • Disability
    • Healthcare

Salary and job information from Salary.com


Why should I go to a trade or vocational school?

If you decide to go to a trade or vocational school, they often have programs that can be completed within 2 years and will help their students land jobs in their area of study. This allows you to get the education you need and get job placement assistant to start your career off strong. Most trade and vocational schools have partnerships with companies in the local area and around the country to ensure their graduates move on to fulfilling careers after graduation. 

Active-Duty Military Members

If you are an active-duty military member transitioning, this route allows you time to use your Tuition Assistance benefits to ensure you have career options after leaving the military community. You can begin the education process 2 years before your projected transition date. Right before your transition or soon after you will be able to get career placement assistance from the trade or vocational school you attended to help land your next career.

Veterans

Using your benefits earned through service is a big decision. Be strategic in where and how you use those benefits. Trade and vocational schools allow you to find a career that is focused and sustainable. Trade and vocational schools are more affordable allowing you to limit or have zero out-of-pocket costs. Not to mention direct connections into the industry of your choice. 

Military Spouses

If you are a military spouse looking to find a career that can ensure job security at each assignment, consider exploring education programs at a trade or vocational school. Often education programs at these schools can lead to career paths that can be found on or near military installations around the world. 


Ways to Save on Your Education at San Joaquin Valley College

  • Approved For the GI Bill
  • Approved For Tuition Assistance
  • Scholarships & Grants
  • SJVC Student Scholarships

Learn more about San Joaquin Valley College, see what programs are offered online, and contact the school directly.

 

Concorde Career College

Concorde Career College Profile

Concorde Career College is a private, for-profit college with 17 campuses across eight states, Mississippi, Tennessee, Colorado, California, Missouri, Texas, Florida, and Oregon. They offer programs for health care and dental professionals. They have a hybrid/blended education model, which combines online classes with in-person lab classes and clinical experiences.

The college can be called either Concorde Career College, or Concorde Career Institute. You can find more than 20 educational, both degree and diploma programs and many are for careers that have been ranked among the fastest-growing occupations in the United States.

Accredited By

National Accreditation

GI Bill-Approved Programs

Yes

Programs

  • Nursing
  • Dental
  • Diagnostic
  • Patient Care
  • Allied Health
  • Continuing Education

Certificates and Degrees

  • Health Information Management
  • Healthcare Administration
  • Medical Assistant
  • Pharmacy Technician
  • Medical Office Administration
  • Medical Office Professional
  • Phlebotomy
  • Dental Assistant
  • Dental Hygiene
  • Cardiovascular Sonography
  • Diagnostic Medical Sonography
  • Medical Laboratory Technician
  • Neurodiagnostic Technology
  • Polysomnographic Technology
  • Radiologic Technology
  • Nursing
  • Practical/Vocational Nursing
  • RN to BSN
  • Massage Therapy
  • Occupational Therapy Assistant
  • Physical Therapist Assistant
  • Respiratory Therapy
  • Surgical Technology

Job Placement Rates

The job placement rate varies based on the program, but it is between about 75%-100%.

Online

Yes

Campus Locations

  • Garden Grove, CA
  • North Hollywood, CA
  • San Bernardino, CA
  • San Diego, CA
  • Southaven, MS
  • Memphis, TN
  • Kansas City, MO
  • Grand Prairie, TX
  • Dallas, TX
  • San Antonio, TX
  • Jacksonville, FL
  • Orlando, FL
  • Miramar, FL
  • Tampa, FL
  • Portland, OR
  • Online

Military Tuition Assistance for Active Duty

Yes.  More info on military tuition assistance

MyCAA for Military Spouses

Yes.  More info on MyCAA

Admission Contact Person:

Concorde Career College on College Recon

Number of GI Bill Students

487

 

 

Military Spouse Fellowship Leads to Financial Career Opportunities

Military Spouse Fellowship Leads to Finance Career Opportunities

The Military Spouse Fellowship leads military spouses to a rewarding career in the finance industry by training them to become Accredited Financial Counselors ® (AFCs).

Through a partnership between the Association for Financial Counseling and Planning Education (AFCPE) and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) Foundation, the Military Spouse Fellowship is a one-of-a-kind initiative to help military spouses gain portable careers.

The Military Spouse Fellowship

FINRA’s Investor Education Foundation sponsors the fellowship that leads to an industry recognized certification: the Accredited Financial Counselor ® .

“As Military Spouse Fellows, they will gain the experience and credibility needed to work in the financial field, and the flexibility to achieve their career aspirations while supporting their service members and families.”

The fellowship is open to current or surviving spouses of active duty or retired military from all services, including the Space Force. Additionally, spouses of National Guard and Reserve members are eligible to apply.

Application Information

Any military spouse who is interested in applying for the fellowship must do so no later than midnight EST on May 2, 2022. Follow this link to apply.

There are seven tasks that applicants must complete for the Military Spouse Fellowship:

  1. Supply Applicant Information
  2. Provide Details of Your Service Member
  3. Letter of Recommendation (highly recommended, but it is optional)
  4. Fill Out the Education & Experience Form
  5. Answer Essay Questions
  6. Provide Optional Demographic Information
  7. Submit Additional Information, if needed

Once your application is complete and submitted, it will be processed for consideration.

How The Military Spouse Fellowship Works

The FINRA Foundation covers the costs associated with the program’s self study course and examination. The self-paced study option costs between $1,455 and $2,130, which is a lot of money per military spouse.  The AFCPE is the organization that provides the certification that leads to careers in the finance industry.

“The Military Spouse Fellowship is special because it not only provides military spouses with a new set of skills, but it also gives them an additional network of connections,” explained Gerri Walsh, President of the FINRA Foundation, in a press release.

Rachel DeLeon, AFCPE’s Interim Executive Director, added that, “[a]s military spouses build their careers, the AFC ® certification gives them the tools they need to feel confident while providing education and guidance to military families…The certification is also nationally recognized, so it gives them a flexible career which is critical for families who are often moving.”

Once a military spouse completes the AFC ® certification, they move on to serve the military community as financial counselors. They can do this through family support centers, tax centers, financial aid offices, and credit unions throughout the country.

The Accredited Financial Counselor ® Certification

Military spouses who complete this certification will be trained and equipped to:

  • Educate others on sound financial principles
  • Assist others in their journey to become debt-free
  • Help people identify and modify damaging money management behaviors
  • Lead people to develop strategies to achieve their financial goals
  • Offer support to others as they face financial challenges
  • Provide insight into cultural and emotional aspects of money

The self-study course consists of online study guides, books, and webinar review sessions.

Professionals who attain their AFC ® certification are encouraged to become AFCPE members. Membership benefits include free professional development, which grants the Continuing Education Units (CEUs) necessary to maintain certification.

Next Steps for Military Spouses

For any military spouse interested in starting a new and rewarding career in finance, apply to the Military Spouse Fellowship as soon as possible. The window for applications closes on May 2, 2022, at midnight.

For more info, please visit their website.

 

 

Team Development Resources and Learning

Your Employment Questions Answered: Team Development

Sometimes the best way to learn something new is by seeking advice from those who have been there. Asking questions is how we learn about new resources or can give us perspectives that we might never have thought about before. When you ask a question, you can gain the knowledge you are looking for that will help you figure out what you need to know to move forward, whatever the subject might be. 

Team development is an important part of being a good leader. Having the skills to properly train and help your team is important. Some people don’t always feel totally equipped for this, even if it is their role. This question asks for more information on how to set yourself up as a leader when it comes to team management and development. 

Question: Team Development

Question:

I am in a leadership role within a nonprofit. I am not sure where to begin when it comes to leading with regards to team management, facilitating team building sessions, and leading and maintaining our team culture. I haven’t had any training or education on these topics. Where do I begin? 

Answer:

Education

Becoming educated on team development will teach you what you need to know that will help you in your new role. You can gain this education by taking courses and finding other trainings that are available to you both online and in person. 

Since your new role seems to be in Organizational Development (OD). Organizational Development is the study and implementation of practices, systems, and techniques that would help an organization or other type of community change for the better. Being that this is your focus, it would be a good idea to take a look at courses that have to do with OD. Here are some examples:

You can also check out this list from Coursera:

https://www.coursera.org/courses

Ideas For Training On Team Development Issues:

Team Building Skills and Facilitation

Team building skills and facilitation is a big part of team development. These resources can help your team grow, get to know one another better and find the best way to create a good work environment. 

Audiobooks

Reading an audiobook can be a great way to learn something new. Add these books to your reading list to learn more about team development and the skills that will help you become the leader you want to be. 

  • Unstoppable Teams
  • Good to Great
  • Start with Why
  • Thinking Fast and Slow
  • The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People
  • How to Lead: Wisdom from the World’s Greatest CEOs, Founders, and Game Changers
  • The Energy Bus: 10 Rules to Fuel Your Life, Work, and Team with Positive Energy 
  • Best Practices in Organization Development and Change: Culture, Leadership, Retention, Performance Coaching

Other Resources On Team Building

 

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