Deciding Between a Career in Mental Health or Developmental Support

Deciding Between a Career in Mental Health or Developmental Support

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You’ve already made a big decision. You know that you want to work in a field that allows you to directly help people on a day-to-day basis. Narrowing down the choices in health care and human services can be challenging, especially since there is a lot of overlap in certain careers. 

If you’ve been trying to decide between taking a mental health worker certificate program (health care) or a developmental services worker program (human services), this information is for you!  

Basics of the jobs 

First, let’s explore the basics of these two roles. Someone who has taken an addictions and mental health program will be focused exclusively on helping individuals with mental health issues and substance addictions. Education programs to gain skills in this role will look at mental health issues and addictions as separate issues as well as looking at them as concurrent issues. This type of work will focus on improving a person’s health, aiding in prevention and encouraging harm-reduction strategies.  

Those who have taken a personal support worker program will have a different, but slightly overlapping focus. As a developmental services worker, individuals aid others in creating more fulfilling, independent lives. This comes in the form of exploring a variety of personal life areas including mental health, developmental disabilities, communications and behaviours.  

The overlap 

In both jobs, there is a keen awareness of mental health and how working with any individual on personal matters involves exploring the way they think, how they are feeling mentally and emotionally and improvements that can be made to create a more enriched life. There is also a look at behaviours in both roles. This is an area where education can help significantly. Understanding what certain undesirable behaviours mean being able to assist the support worker in assessment and helping the client change.  

Ongoing involvement and differences 

Where the differences between the two jobs show up is in the very early analysis stages and in the later stages after a relationship is formed.  

For example, in the role of a mental health and addictions support worker, there will be a lot of time spent at the start of the interaction to better understand the mental health and addiction issues and some of the behaviours around them. The individual may not have been diagnosed, may have been misdiagnosed or may have new challenges. The support worker will attempt to unravel the current situation and past issues. 

Mental health is complex and when interwoven with addictions, it can become increasingly challenging to determine the issues and how to start treatment. Once the characteristics of the individuals’ issues are defined, the relationship expands and the work to treat the conditions really gets underway.  

People a development services worker works with will generally have an existing diagnosis of a disability, behavioural issue, impairment or other challenges. Mental health will be explored in the early stages of forming the relationship, but as the care worker and the individual get to know each other, mental health will be dealt with along with other areas of growth.  

This could be the case when a support worker is at a residential group home with individuals who have a range of disabilities. The support worker would initially need to get to know the individuals, understand their specific cases and needs and begin developing a relationship. As the relationship progresses, trust is built and the case worker can start adding various techniques into daily life to encourage more independence or satisfaction in life. This may include tools around mental health or mobility, life skills or training or a number of other elements.  

The job market is strong 

Another area where both mental health workers and developmental services workers are aligned is in the growth of the number of jobs. Providing individuals and families support are high demand areas, therefore there is a growing need for trained, skilled support to improve lives.  

How User Experience Drives Digital Marketing Success

How User Experience Drives Digital Marketing Success

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It’s all about the user. When organizations began to realize that the user drove the process that led to the success or failure of their products, services and overall brand, the concept of UX or User Experience was born. Along with this realization came training like UX design courses to get those user experiences right.

UX comes from the fact that a user must want to and be able to complete an organization’s desired actions for something to be successful. Whether that is the steps to using a hot air fryer or the process of making a purchase on a website, the same concepts hold true. If it’s too hard to make french fries or complete a purchase, all the engineering and marketing in the world won’t matter in the least.

People will stop buying the air fryer and shoppers will abandon items in their online cart – or may never find the cart at all – if it’s too difficult to understand and complete the necessary actions.

Why Digital Marketing Needs to Focus on UX

Digital marketing is fraught with potential UX challenges. There are too many potholes, uncertainties and challenges from the user’s perspective. Unfamiliar websites, different social media platforms, pop-up windows, strange apps… the digital experience is rife with complexity. What may seem simple to the digital creator may be overwhelming to the intended user.

Not every user has the same familiarity and comfort with the digital world, which means elements must be designed around the lowest knowledge base of the standard user. Those in UX who learn about it through UX design courses online and in-person quickly learn that applying new tools and gadgets to a digital experience are not the right course of action if the user doesn’t want or appreciate them. It just bogs the process down.

Many consumers want simplicity over flashy in order to fulfill actions. There are other users, however, that want new and interesting elements in their user experience. For example, they may want a gamification opportunity around their purchases. Consider the Starbucks for Life contest that builds multiple elements into an online app where users can play and win. The program is so popular the company runs it multiple times a year.

Digital Marketing Meshes with UX for the Best Outcomes

Those who take a digital marketing certificate program are most likely to understand the endless tools and plugins to create fun and flexibility for a user. They will need to work closely with a UX designer to ensure their vision is appropriate for their level of user audience.

For example, in the Starbucks case, the game is cloud based, but is accessed easily through the Starbucks app. A user familiar with using the app to make drink purchases, customize their order and load their card online is likely comfortable navigating a new game online. Plus, because there are prizes available, the user is more interested in participating.

On the flip side, the Starbucks customer that comes through the drive through and pays with cash or card is unlikely to be interested in engaging with the app on their phone.

Digital Marketing is About Successful Use

The only way to create use of digital assets is to make them fit the user. In the past (and with some organizations like banks or government) when there was no choice, users would flounder through, trying to understand the steps of a process. This is no longer the case when there are other options.

Consumers have far too much ability to find a new internet carrier, pet product delivery company or entertainment experience. If an organization’s user experience is designed to be engaging, easy and successful, those consumers will stay. If not, they will move on to another organization.

For an organization to be successful in its digital marketing efforts, it must make use of new and engaging elements, but these must be considered from the aspect of user experience. Get to know the customer and their willingness to take on new things or keep the process as simple as possible.

Why Risk Management is Key to Cybersecurity

Why Risk Management is Key to Cybersecurity

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Organizations are exposed to a certain amount of risk simply by being in business. Consider COVID-19 and the various resulting lock-downs and supply-chain issues. While some businesses may have had a plan for short-term shutdowns in their risk management plans, it is unlikely many had a plan for dealing with a pandemic.  

Going forward, you can bet that most companies will have something in their risk management planning around pandemic protocols and other government-enforced mandates that impact the flow of goods, employees, sales and more.  

Cybersecurity and Risk Management 

Equally important to a risk management plan is a section devoted to cybersecurity. If a company uses even the most basic elements of the internet, employees sending email from personal accounts and a security system managed through a cloud-based platform, they have a cybersecurity risk. As interaction and involvement with electronic devices goes up, so too does the company’s risk of cybersecurity attacks.  

Having a risk management plan specific to cybersecurity allows a company to prioritize its defense tactics based on the negative impacts they may be exposed to. Risk analysis is often based upon the generic risk formula of: 

risk = consequence of attack x probability of attack 

While there are no hard and fast rules for quantifying the consequences and probability of various cybersecurity elements to arrive at the level of risk, it is easy enough to consider what is more likely to happen and how big the consequences can be when looking at an overall list of risks and considering damages currently seen in cybersecurity breaches. However, it is often very hard to come up with a complete list of risks without some form of training that guides the process of exploring and creating the assessment framework.  

Taking cybersecurity courses and IT training courses is beneficial, but we recommend enrolling in courses specific to risk management that include elements of cybersecurity within them. Consider the Professional Evaluation and Certification Board (PECB) courses with a specific focus on the ISO 31001 Risk Manager course.  

What is ISO 31001? 

You have likely heard of various ISO programs, each with a different focus such as operational excellence or environmental management. The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 31000 series is a family of standards designed around risk management practices. The series looks at the organization as a whole and considers both risks that have a negative outcome and uncertainties that can create a positive. It includes standards for risk assessment, implementation of a risk management plan, guidelines around risk management, common risk management goals and more. 

As part of the ISO 31000 family, the ISO 31001 Risk Manager course is the basis of creating a risk management audit framework to be applied within an organization. By making use of the ISO 31000 standards, this framework gives individuals the ability to initiate the risk management process from identification through treatment, monitoring and review. Additionally, taking the PECB ISO 31001 Risk Manager course gives a student the knowledge, tools and training needed to succeed on the corresponding exam and earn their certification.  

The Benefits PECB ISO 31000 Risk Manager Certification 

There are two types of ISO 31000 Risk Manager certifications. The PECB Certified ISO 31000 Provisional Risk Manager certification requires no professional or risk management experience. The PECB Certified ISO 31000 Risk Manager requires two years of professional work experience with a minimum of one year in risk management and a minimum of 200 hours of risk management activities. Having these certifications makes you not only a valuable asset to your organization, it also makes you more employable in other risk manager roles. With certification, you prove you have the knowledge of ISO 31000 and know how to apply it within an organization. 

The ability to apply a risk management framework is not limited to any particular industry because you will be looking at the risks that exist for an organization based on what they do and how they do it. Therefore, with this certification, you can make the shift to another employer and immediately make a valuable contribution without any additional training.  

5 Tips for Strong Social Media for Small Businesses

5 Tips for Strong Social Media for Small Businesses

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In the early days of the world wide web, it was said that the internet was the business equalizer. No matter the size of an organization (or its budget) a website is a website. The internet doesn’t give a website a brighter, bolder URL based on how much it cost, how many products are featured or how many pages it has.  

Because of this, small businesses have been able to enjoy equal footing. Their websites may not have all the bells and whistles, but the opportunity to be online and found, is the same.  

Similarly, social media, email marketing, content creation and other forms of digital marketing are available to all businesses equally, regardless of size or budget. The difference that comes with budget, however, is how many employees are making use of these digital channels for the promotion of a business. This is how budget makes a difference. More people doing the work often means more digital traction.  

The Tools that Help Battle Big Budgets 

There are ways that a small business can battle the big budgets of its competitors on social media platforms. With the following 5 tips, a much smaller budget can make a beneficial difference to a digital presence.  

1. Establish a budget

Yes, your small business’s budget will be smaller than an enterprise-level organization, but you do need to set a budget. This money will primarily go towards paying either staff or contractors to help with your social media presence. 

2. Obtain the necessary knowledge

Either take some digital marketing courses online or ensure the person you hire has the expertise you need. Social media, like all aspects of digital marketing, changes rapidly. Remember, not that long ago, when no one had even heard of TikTok? And now, Michael Bublé is pretty much the king of the platform. He’s featured in a traditional media push encouraging everyone to watch the videos he talks about.  

A digital marketing certificate program like the one offered by Ashton College has a strong emphasis on social media. It also features instructors who have experience combined with day-to-day work in the field, so they can bring stories of successes, and failures, to students while also keeping them aware of the ongoing changes. 

3. Create a plan

With a smaller budget, a plan becomes even more essential than it is for companies willing to throw thousands — even hundreds of thousands — at their digital activities. A good plan must include the desired objective: grow sales, create awareness, develop followers, etc. and ways to get there. Make sure you are clear about your social media objectives with the person or people creating the plan.  

With the right background and information, these individuals can work with you to create a plan that works towards the established targets without throwing money away.  

4. Be consistent

Social media is a game of consistency. You need to be consistent in the presentation of your company’s brand and messaging and you also need to be consistent in posting. With social media, trust is built up over time, so you must be willing to have limited results for the short-term in order to have long-term gains.  

Pick the right platforms and stick with them. Resist the urge to jump around or try them all at one time. 

5. Don’t scream about sales or self

Approach social media as a way to provide value to your followers. You want to give valuable, interesting information. This is not the place to yell “me, me, me!” or “look at what I’m selling!” people will quickly lose interest in you. Strive for the age-old 80/20 rule where 80% of what you talk about is NOT the business specifically, but instead are things your customers are interested in. 

You don’t need a massive budget for your small business to succeed on social media. Look for the right people to help you who have a proven background and expertise and be willing to invest both money and time for the best results.  

Why Collaboration is Key in Human Services

Why Collaboration is Key in Human Services

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No one likes a know-it-all

While that phrase refers to people not liking others who talk and behave as if they know everything, the truth is, no one knows everything.

Especially not when it comes to their work. There is always more to be gained from others.

The Constant Change in Life and Therefore Work

Certainly, people who have worked in a job or a career for a long time know a lot about their job and the organization they work for, but they still have gaps in their knowledge where others can help. Life is constantly changing. New information is discovered, people begin thinking differently and new products or technologies are created. All of this contributes to changes in the world and in a job.

As things change, education institutions like Ashton College work to deliver new information to both an experienced work force and to those who are new to a career. This is a primary reason why collaboration is key in so many occupations. No one person will have all the experience or education they need to answer the questions and challenges that arise in the workplace.

The Need for Collaboration in Human Services

Human services is one of the areas where people need to work together to answer those questions and address challenges. Because this field is based in helping people, and every single person helped by someone in human services is unique, there will always be a need to bring others in to share information.

Consider an education assistant. They have likely taken an education assistant course in BC and have learned many important skills to do their job. After a number of years, they’ve found a groove and are really making a difference. However, imagine if they were paired up with a new student with Autism and all of their existing skills weren’t helping. While they might take online autism courses to get more knowledge, in the short term, they are more likely to reach out to someone who already has that recent and more advanced information. This will allow them to help the student now.

The same may be true for a student with dyslexia, where the education assistant might bring in someone with newly taken dyslexia training. If the education assistant has run out of ideas, reaching out to a colleague with current training can make a big difference.

More Brain-power Creates Synergy

Another benefit of collaboration is synergy. Meaning the result of the interaction of people will be greater than the sum of each of them on their own. Through the power of multiple brains, different approaches and varied backgrounds, together they will come up with suggestions that build on other ideas or involve a whole new take on solving a problem.

Imagine a health care worker in a senior’s independent living facility. They have taken a gerontology course and know how important physical movement is to the residents, but there are some individuals who live in the building who don’t want to participate. One of the new team members has taken some online recreational therapy programs. They decide to involve another new hire who has completed their RBT training (Registered Behavior Technician) in a brainstorming session with the health care worker.

Together the three of them consider ways they can involve certain seniors in various activities. Because their meeting is fun and involves a lot of ideas being discussed, they are able to really dive into what they know about the individuals, some of their mobility challenges and activities that might be a better fit than what is currently offered.

It takes all three of them working together to develop a plan and find ways to bring more enjoyment to the people they help and care about.

In any job, working together can create better results. In human services, because the job involves helping individuals who are unique, creating a collaborative environment to solve problems is essential. No matter how long someone has been in a job or organization, there will always be benefits from gaining new and different ideas.

Top 5 Technology Trends to Watch in 2022

Top 5 Technology Trends to Watch in 2022

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PAW Patrol is a favourite cartoon show of many youngsters and if there’s a child (or young-at-heart adult) in your life who watches the show, you might be familiar with Robo-Dog. He’s a robotic dog that’s social, quite obedient and drives a lot of the PAW vehicles.  If Amazon has its way, its new Astra general-purpose home robot might just be the most similar real-life version of Robo-Dog developed for consumers to date, without the ability to drive mind you.

Think of Astra as Alexa on wheels that come when called, provides roving security and develops a personality. It’s not for everyone’s household for sure, but those who want robotic companionship and like to have the latest and greatest gadgets, will likely want to scale up from a Roomba! Consumer home robots will continue to evolve and begin to do small tasks beyond vacuuming, or providing virtual assistance to health monitoring, additional cleaning chores and more.

Robotics training is a growing field as the world of artificial intelligence goes mainstream in a big way. It’s no longer the realm of sci-fi movies or manufacturing floors. We’re now going to start seeing more robotics incorporated into the household environment.

An increase in consumer-based robots is the first of our five technology trends to watch for 2022. Here are four more:

1 – Smarter smart products

Amazon and those who have earned AWS certification are part of the force that is continuing to teach the rest of us more ways our homes can be integrated. It wasn’t that long ago that having a smart TV was completely unheard of. Now, we talk to digital assistants to turn on the lights, drop the blinds and change the heat. People with Microsoft Azure certification are also part of the mix delivering this new age of devices with their knowledge of cloud-based technology and tools.

2 – Gaming that moves beyond games

Virtual reality will continue to evolve and move past video games into broader environments. Headsets that allow people to “travel” through sight, touch, smell and sound are being merged with the work of those who have taken storytelling training to provide immersive experiences. Not only does this make travel accessible to those who may not be able to afford it, but it also allows for the experience during travel restricted times such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Imagine a senior who couldn’t manage the full walk being able to experience the Great Wall or seeing polar bears without the risk of attack.

Additionally, immersive experiences have already begun being used as training devices and retraining tools for those with physical impairments.

3 – Cryptocurrency

While we don’t all buy it or use it, there’s no denying that cryptocurrency is going to stick around. Those who have Python certification will find jobs in many industries, but this is one of the most rapidly evolving for a programmer looking to get involved in finance. Because of its relative difficulty to trace, people who want anonymity with what they use their money for will continue to be drawn to this type of financial exchange and keep pushing it towards normal finance.

4 – Expanded internet

For many of us, not having internet access is like not having running water. For people living and working in rural areas, it’s part of life. Thanks to new government infrastructure programs, many regions where the internet has been spotty at best will start to see improvement to level the playing field and truly allow all people access.

Watching technology progress can be like watching a fast train going by. Just when we think we know what it is, it’s already gone. Keep an eye on these trends to stay up to speed on what’s happening in the world of tech in the coming year.

5 Great Specialized Human Resources Careers

5 Great Specialized Human Resources Careers

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Human resources is often thought of as the department that’s all about people. While obviously true, there is plenty more that goes on behind the scenes in this essential field. In today’s changing world, the HR department is moving faster than ever to ensure employee and organizational needs are met. People are always at the core, but sometimes the work includes analysis and data mining, while other times it includes data entry and reporting.  

The fact is that HR takes a complete team of both generalists and specialists. Some may have taken a human resources program and spend their days completing the stereotypical tasks. Others may have more technical work that is a far cry from the image of interviews, onboarding and providing support when employees have challenges. It comes down to what is needed for the organization to move forward positively. 

It’s an exciting department to be part of and the job diversity is vast. Consider these 5 growing specialized HR roles: 

  1. Employee relations manager

This is the ideal job for someone who likes to create harmony between two parties within the organization. An employee relations manager facilitates positive relationships between employees and the management team. While this is sometimes done at a group level (think union and management) this HR specialist also intervenes to improve relationships between individuals (think supervisor and employee on the same team, or co-workers having a conflict). Training, like a conflict resolution certificate, can help them identify, de-escalate and resolve. Additionally, they may also have a mediation certificate which helps in negotiating contracts and procedures and they will also have advanced knowledge in applicable labour laws.  

  1. Manager of employee experience

This role is all about creating a more enjoyable, inclusive workplace that ensures happiness and job satisfaction are on everyone’s minds. Diversity and inclusion training are essential for this job (although most HR jobs will require this kind of training) as are other elements to consider when creating programs and activities that create a positive company culture. There may be an employee committee that works with this individual while other tools like surveys and random informal interviews may contribute to organizational knowledge.  

  1. Change management specialist

As economies, markets and regions shift, organizations will also need to change. It’s no doubt that change can be harder for some than others and many organizations turn to a specialist to help employees with the preparation and outcomes. No matter what the project is – a new internal communication system, blending of departments, re-alignment of the workforce to meet new needs – people will need assistance understanding how they fit into something new. A change management specialist will likely have change management certification and will work closely with all project stakeholders to understand the situation, suggest opportunities and implement solutions to minimize negative outcomes.  

  1. Compensation and benefits manager

One of the primary elements of a job offer is the compensation package. Compensation and benefits managers assist with organizational success by ensuring these packages are competitive and able to attract (and retain) the best talent possible. This is a more detailed role that gets into the nitty-gritty of salary ranges, market standards, benefit programs and how these fit within organizational budgets, needs and structure. There are a lot of spreadsheets and data mining for this individual to tackle. A compensation and benefits manager will also work in an educator role to help managers and supervisors understand regulations around compensation as well as assessments of changes.  

  1. Remote work advisor

While not quite a commonplace job title, the remote work advisor (also known by flexible workforce advisor or other titles) is exactly what you’d assume from the job title. This individual liaises with employees, managers and team members to identify needs and opportunities for a remote work force. This may include ensuring equipment and safe work environments are in place outside of the traditional office space, but it may also look at tools for interactivity, work hours and structure of a remote employee’s role. With COVID forcing many employees to find new places and ways to work, the move to more of a remote workforce is likely to continue and a remote work advisor will be a key part of facilitating that positively. 

HR is all about people, but in different roles, the amount of human interaction varies. Depending upon what you like to do, you may feel excited by one of these, or another new and growing role in HR. 

The Best Way to Become an Accountant

The Best Way to Become an Accountant

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There are a lot of accounting designations and training programs available in the world, but some rise above others when it comes to being recognized on a global level of business acumen, experience and strategic vision. Accountants who invest in their continuing education will stand out from the crowd because their efforts prove to others that they know dollars and cents as well as leadership and how to create a positive impact on a business. Read on to learn about the importance of continuing education in accounting and financial services and how ongoing learning will make you better at your job.  

Moving Beyond the Basics 

So where should you start? Employers and clients look for accountants who can their knowledge of finance and extend it to all areas of the business to connect departments and activities for efficiency and effectiveness. This goes far beyond overseeing an accounting team and the creation of financial statements. People value working professionals who have their financial planner certification training or who have invested their time in ongoing learning. You can bolster your resume through a Canadian taxation course, Canadian Securities course or administrative payroll courses. Remember that your software proficiency matters too, so look into Sage or Quickbooks training and be sure to build your foundation the right way. 

An accounting certificate is ideal for those in finance or accounting who want to be recognized for their skills and expertise on a global and wide-scope level. Moving through the Ashton College accounting program will be faster for some individuals based on their previous knowledge and education. First, you must focus on adding to your core knowledge and short-term decision making. Students will then study taking the long-term decisions made by executives about the future of an organization into mid-range plans. This will include an understanding of financial statement analysis, business modelling, organizational performance and other factors that make a difference to the over-all operation of a business. You will also study the unique features of Canadian accounting, which will make you invaluable to future employers. 

Why an Accounting Certificate is Right for You  

Like all certifications or designations, earning one takes time and money. It has to return benefits to you in order for it to be worthwhile. Fortunately, your Canadian accounting education will be recognized across the country in every industry. This puts you among the leaders in the accounting field regardless of where you choose to apply your time and talents. With proven education comes the ability to command a higher salary because of the contributions you will be able to make to an organization. 

With the training and skills you will earn from the Ashton College Certificate in Accounting Program, you will be able to become part of an organization’s leadership team. You’ll bring a strategic point of view with an eye to both the financial side of the business as well as an awareness of how the financial aspect ripples into all other areas of the organization. This allows you to give other leaders greater information to make beneficial decisions to connect all aspects of the organization and positions you as an ally to others on your team. You will be making a significant contribution to an organization each and every day giving you the opportunity to accelerate your career towards the executive level or even leading your own business to great success.  

Conclusion 

If you are ready to take your accounting career to the top of the ladder on a world-wide level, you will want to check out the Ashton College accounting program as a way to get there. You will be joining others who are leading some of the most recognized and successful organizations around the globe.

How Your Life Coach Can Help You Create a More Balanced Life

How Your Life Coach Can Help You Create a More Balanced Life

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Almost everyone wants more balance in their life. With all its negatives, COVID has actually given us a few positives too. One is about finding more balance in order to create a life that can be greatly enjoyed.

We all need to pay the bills to have essentials like food and shelter and we also need to balance work with rest and play. More than anything though, we need more pleasure to create balance. Pleasure comes in many forms and places: our relationships, our career, nature, the movement of our body and so much more.

We also have a range of desires. Some people want to embark on a new career, find ways to bring more hobbies into their life or to have a better feel for what their life is all about. Others live with fear, are dissatisfied in their relationships or feel blocked creatively. Life coaches help with all of these things.

If this sounds like a good concept and you’d like to create change in your life, but you have no idea how to get there, a life coach can help. It’s all about getting to the place you want your life to be.

Life coaches are people who have ideally taken life coach certification training that will lead to ICF certification and are there to help guide you to the answers you seek. They are a bit like a therapist in that way. They don’t TELL you the answers, they help you FIND the answers through exploration. And, they help you live a more fulfilled life.

How to Find the Coach You Need

There are many types of life coaches and despite the reference to therapists above, they are not therapists. However, sometimes, the work embarked on with a life coach may sometimes feel like therapy. It’s important to note, that unless a life coach is also a therapist, they don’t work with mental health conditions.

Before considering someone to work with, it’s important to ensure they are professionally trained in the field. There are many courses and training options, so be sure to check out the coach certification your potential coach has. Take a look at the organizations they belong to and get a feel for the professionalism and calibre of the person you are considering working with. You’ll be sharing very private and personal details in order to make change in your life so it’s essential to trust the coach you choose and know that they have strong training behind them.

Additionally, look for the right type of coach. Life coaches come in many, many forms. Some specialize in relationships, others in careers, still others in health and wellness. There are even money life coaches who help change the way people think about money and those who help people shift away from habits they don’t want. Ask what the coach specializes in and get references to be sure they can help you in the areas you want.

Also be aware that if a life coach is making promises about the results you will obtain, you should be wary. When dealing with your personal beliefs and behaviours, there are very few things that can be guaranteed. After meeting your coach and discussing your desires, ask them if they’ve had success working with others like you and what they think the potential is for improvement in your particular situation.

Be Open Minded

If you’ve never worked with a life coach before, the experience can be a little unusual. Expect questions about goal setting, your feelings about certain situations and how you’d like your life to look. You may end up with homework which can be everything from writing down exactly what that ideal life will look like to making a small step in weekly eating habits. It all depends upon your goals.

If you’re looking for something more from your life and you could use some guidance getting there, a life coach may be the right choice for your future.

How IT Professionals are Impacted by a Multi-vendor Environment

How IT Professionals are Impacted by a Multi-vendor Environment

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Those on the outside, looking in, generally don’t have an understanding of how complex IT can be, especially when it comes to dealing with multi-vendor situations in the organization’s infrastructure. C-suite management may say they want the best of the best for tools, but when that comes down to integration, it can be a nightmare to fulfill that demand.

Fitting a round peg into a square hole is the analogy often used in the IT world.

For years, there was no alternative. The best of the best may deliver a great tool, but when APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) don’t “speak” to each other, it doesn’t matter how good a system or tool is. And when it comes to function, whether the tool was the best of the best or something a whole lot further down the line, the result was the same. Systems can’t communicate, data is inaccessible and an integrated solution is a pipe dream. Fortunately, as the IT world grows and evolves, many proprietary platforms are moving towards standards that “play nice” with other elements in the environment. Even when they come from other suppliers.

The Challenges of a Closed System

Consider an IT employee who has training and Security+ certification. They know data needs to be pulled from infrastructure equipment in order to work on security analysis, but each infrastructure element has its own closed system when it comes to data. In cybersecurity courses and other IT training, professionals learn to work around closed systems, but the time and effort required aren’t worth it if there are other options. So regardless of whether the employee is working with security issues, network issues or something else, they are stymied if their tools don’t communicate when it comes to making shared connections like an efficient way to get the data they need quickly.

Some organizations have been able to implement standards-based tools that saw the necessity and became universal in their application and usage. Those who have Network+ certification have been part of the push for this movement because they recognize the absolute and essential need for systems to be aligned and integrated. Closed systems have been dismissed (even when they were the best of the best) in favour of just slightly off that top mark tools that allow for integrated API solutions. It means standards-based tools become the norm in favour of other, more complex systems even if the options are A+ instead of A++.

The writing was on the wall. As time has passed, more and more manufacturers are leaning towards integrated processes and more simplistic access to data. For them, it became a matter of making a sale through delivering what customers demanded or they would soon grow obsolete. The decision for these companies was obvious. They had to make themselves easier to use in a complex environment. It didn’t matter if it was a demand from someone with CySA+ certification, an IT director or the IT clerk, teams were making decisions up the line for elements that were integrated.

More than Integration is Collaboration

Of even greater benefit, IT customers are now in a position to watch their suppliers create tools that work with complementing supplier tools. The employee who has A+ certification can now look at systems that come from different providers but are designed to work together. It’s a far cry from what was available years ago.

It isn’t perfect. There are “hold outs” in terms of some manufacturers and some of the integrated solutions really don’t work together all that well, so IT professionals are still navigating work-arounds in order to do their jobs. In organizations where IT people have their say in what tools should be implemented, it is possible to get some of the cross- cooperative vendor systems into the network to make things easier.

Ultimately, the multi-vendor environment is improving. IT professionals have made their voices heard and their expertise has help swayed where dollars have been spent which has pushed for more access to data, integrated tools and cooperative partnerships. It isn’t smooth sailing yet, but multi-vendor environments can soon become a non-discussion for IT teams.