Become a Certified Success in the World of Business and Finance

There’s no denying that today’s business and finance sectors
have become more competitive than ever. It has become critical
for professionals to not only have the necessary skills to
succeed, but the certification employers are looking for.

This challenging environment has always posed a potential
problem for the busy professional trying to take a step up in
the business world, or transition into another career in the
sector. A full-time return to school to enhance their knowledge
and credentials means leaving their current position behind –
and investing substantial time and money pursuing an additional
degree.

For these individuals, Kaplan University’s online Business and
Finance Sector programs may be the ultimate solution to reaching
their goals. With deep roots in higher education that date back
to 1937, and a flexible schedule that lets you study anytime,
anyplace, Kaplan University’s certificates in Financial
Planning, Risk Management, Project Management and Executive
Coaching can be completed in as little as 12 months – without
interfering with your job or disrupting your life.

“The fields of financial planning, project management, risk
management, and executive coaching are experiencing exponential
growth, providing a wealth of opportunities in the evolving
business world,” said Kristina Belanger, Dean, Kaplan
University’s School of Continuing and Professional Studies.
“These rewarding occupations are leading choices for individuals
seeking professional growth and diversity, and Kaplan
University’s online, self-paced programs provide busy
professionals with a flexible learning environment to gain
competitive skills for more rapid career advancement.”

Financial planning, for starters, has been repeatedly described
as among the most prestigious of modern professions – supported
by statistics from the U.S. Department of Labor forecasting job
increases of more than 34 percent by 2012. The same reliable
source states an average annual salary of $79,990 for personal
financial advisors in 2003. Not only that, but proven expertise
in the field can allow you the option of either working for
yourself or a world of high-end firms throughout the country.

To win the trust of potential employers or prospective clients
in the business world, however, you’ll need applicable skills
and proper certification. That’s where Kaplan University’s
Certificate in Financial Planning comes in. The course teaches
you all you need to know about analyzing a client’s financial
situation – strengths, weaknesses, and how to best achieve their
financial goals. From savvy tax management to smart investing to
retirement planning, you’ll be steeped in all the crucial
information necessary to be a certified financial planner.

Project management is another area where Kaplan University can
help open doors to a variety of new career opportunities.
Learning how to increase a company’s chances for maximum profits
by optimizing time, money, and personnel, is a skill respected
by organizations everywhere. From business to information
technology to real estate and more, project managers may earn
from $60,000 to $100,000 annually on average, with senior
project managers holding yearly salaries ranging from $70,000 to
$150,000.

As a Project Manager you’ll be respected in your industry as
someone capable of leading important initiatives as you advance
your career. You’ll be the one CEOs and company presidents turn
to as a leader for their organization’s most critical
undertakings. Perhaps best of all is the universal applicability
of the knowledge and skills that Kaplan University can provide
with this program – which can be put to use for the rest of your
working life, regardless of the direction your career may take.

If you hold at least an associate’s degree, and have an interest
or background in such fields as business, human resources,
accounting or finance, Kaplan University’s Certificate in Risk
Management can help you earn from $66,000 to $110,000 annually.
Risk control, loss prevention, and adhering to today’s stricter
compliancy laws have made risk management an essential aspect of
doing business in today’s corporate world. A Certificate in Risk
Management from Kaplan University will give employers the
confidence that you know your stuff inside and out.

Risk managers recognize and review an organization’s loss
exposures including property, liability, personnel, and net
income in order to promote growth through profit, continuous
operation, and stable earnings. Kaplan University will teach you
all this, plus other critical skills such as enterprise risk
management (ERM) and creating risk management programs. You can
then apply your knowledge and skills toward pursuing a top
position with a number of companies, or entering the field as an
independent consultant. Like Kaplan University’s other
certificates, this program can be completed in as little as 12
months, learning at your own convenience.

Executive coaching is now a major growth industry. More and more
businesses are employing executive coaches to instill leadership
development among managers and executives to bolster an
environment of ongoing organizational change. Executive coaches
thoughtfully listen — and ask the right questions — to assess
an individual’s attributes, needs, and coachability. Kaplan
University’s Executive Coaching Certificate offers the necessary
skills for observing, recognizing, and intervening for full
business effectiveness. It can teach you to teach leaders to
better comprehend organizational dynamics and to climb up the
corporate ladder.

In a recent summary poll of executive coaches, 65 percent of
respondents reported yearly compensation of $85,000 or more.
Opportunities exist in a number of business environments,
including corporations, non-profits, government offices, and
independent consulting.

Whether you study financial planning, project management, risk
management, or executive coaching, you’ll have the chance to
expand your employment and career opportunities. Through
developing your professional acumen and abilities you will be
able to explore new job prospects with virtually any
professional industry where business skills are valued. Should
you choose to go into the market on your own, you’ll hold the
certification and skills needed to win over prospective clients.

Perhaps best of all, Kaplan University online programs allow you
the flexibility and convenience to quickly improve your skills
and resume without compromising your current daily life. For the
working professional striving to reach their career goals, this
might be an ideal option.

Zach Chouteau
http://www.articlesbase.com/education-articles/become-a-certified-success-in-the-world-of-business-and-finance-1131.html