Happy September Birthday!

Happy Birthday!

Teresa Lueck
Talya VanDenberg
Kizzy Goodwin
Michael Hurtis
Sara Hart
Briana Brodhead
Cassandra Ehrmantraut
Anna Fehrman
Amber Minick
Heather Peterson
Rochelle Raph
Michael Gray
Jeanne Castellano
Beatriz Declet Lopez
Shannon Janorschke
Marissa Ruechel
Karri Krueger
Jeffrey Schlueter
Veronica Stroberg
Chad Stroh
Alicia Weierke
Mona Rand
Shane Ellenburg
Jeff Hemming
Onalee Larsen
Vicki Pipal
Jennifer Richter
Ashley Mumm
Andrew Boswell
Aaditi Gore
Haley Huiting
Elia Lara
Trace Martin
Victoria Morris
Kathryn Nitschke
Nicole Phillips
Cindy Rettman
Sophia Ruiz
Linda Stampley
Mario Lee
Nicholas Felder
Elizabeth Gerdes
Maggie Glazer
Brian Saintey
John Skoy
Jennifer Stanger
Wendell Topp
Elizabeth Varela

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Welcome to the seventh week of Summer 2007 Quarter!

Dear MSB Online Learner:

Don’t forget Fall 2007 registration for current students is going on now! Classes are filling fast so if you haven't registered yet, be sure to do so soon. New students (those starting in October) will have a one-on-one appointment with a member of the Education Department for their first quarter registration.

As a friendly reminder: please check each class expectations and grading criteria as well as the course calendar for all due dates for the remainder of the quarter. All course work must be complete prior to the end of the final date of the quarter. Identify due dates of all work in the final weeks of the quarter now to plan ahead. All work will be due prior to Thursday, September 20, 2007.

Below you will find the article Work Values Checklist. Evaluate and/or re-examine what your values are and how they translate to your work life.

Work Values Checklist
by Pat Boer
Monster Contributing Writer

Every day, we make choices -- some without careful consideration. Whether we realize it or not, often our career choice is based on values rather than the work. Values are the beliefs, attitudes and judgments we prize. Are you aware of your values? Do you act on them?

Use this checklist to get a better idea of what's important to you. It's divided into three categories related to intrinsic, extrinsic and lifestyle values.

Intrinsic Values

These are the intangible rewards, those related to motivation and satisfaction at work on a daily basis. They provide the inner satisfaction and motivation that make people say, "I love getting up and going to work!"

How important (on a scale of one to five; five being most important) are these intrinsic values to you?

1. _____ Variety and change at work
2. _____ Be an expert
3. _____ Work on the frontiers of knowledge
4. _____ Help others
5. _____ Help society
6. _____ Experience adventure/excitement
7. _____ Take risks/have physical challenges
8. _____ Feel respected for your work
9. _____ Compete with others
10. _____ Have lots of public contact
11. _____ Influence others
12. _____ Engage in precision work
13. _____ Gain a sense of achievement
14. _____ Opportunities to express your creativity
15. _____ Work for a good cause

Extrinsic Values

These are the tangible rewards or conditions you find at work, including the physical setting, job titles, benefits and earnings/earning potential. Extrinsic values often trap people into staying at jobs they don't like, saying: "I just can't give up my paycheck!" They are commonly called "golden handcuffs."

How important (on a scale of one to five; five being most important) are these "golden handcuffs" to you?

1. _____ Have control/power/authority
2. _____ Travel often
3. _____ Be rewarded monetarily
4. _____ Be an entrepreneur
5. _____ Work as a team
6. _____ Work in a fast-paced environment
7. _____ Have regular work hours
8. _____ Set your own hours/have flexibility
9. _____ Be wealthy
10. _____ Have prestige or social status
11. _____ Have intellectual status
12. _____ Have recognition through awards/honors/bonuses
13. _____ Wear a uniform
14. _____ Work in an aesthetically pleasing environment
15. _____ Work on the edge, in a high-risk environment

Lifestyle Values

These are the personal values associated with how and where you want to live, how you choose to spend your leisure time and how you feel about money.

How important (on a scale of one to five; five being most important) are these lifestyle values to you?

1. _____ Save money
2. _____ Vacation at expensive resorts
3. _____ Have access to educational/cultural opportunities
4. _____ Live close to sports/recreational facilities
5. _____ Be active in your community
6. _____ Entertain at home
7. _____ Be involved in politics
8. _____ Live simply
9. _____ Spend time with family
10. _____ Live in a big city
11. _____ Live abroad
12. _____ Have time for spirituality/personal growth
13. _____ Be a homeowner
14. _____ Live in a rural setting
15. _____ Have fun in your life and at work

Once you have completed all three checklists, write down all the values you rated as 5s. If you have less than five, add the values you rated as 4s to the list. If your list of 4s and 5s has more than 20 values, you need to stop and prioritize your list. To prioritize, select no more than four or five values from each category.

Next, analyze which of the three categories is most important to you. Consider how each is reflected in the work you currently do or in the position you would like to find. Look for overlap or values that seem to go together, such as "be wealthy" from Extrinsic Values and "save money" from Lifestyle Values. If there is no overlap or compatibility between categories, or if everything is important to you, then reprioritize your list by selecting your top 10 values. Then narrow that list down to the five values you absolutely need both on and off the job.

Finally, write two or three sentences describing or summarizing how your values will translate into your ideal job. Knowing what's important will help you prepare for your next interview or help you find increased satisfaction with the job you have.

As you follow the process, if you notice that what motivates you is actually a reward or already part of your lifestyle, it means you're living your values. Congratulations and enjoy!

If you have any questions or need assistance, please feel free to contact the Education Department at 1-877-609-8889.

Read More......

Welcome to the sixth week of Summer 2007 Quarter!

Don’t forget Fall 2007 registration for current students is going on now! New students (those starting in October) will have a one-on-one appointment with a member of the Education Department for their first quarter registration appointment.

Below you will find 10 Attitudes for Successful Workers. Read each one carefully and take what you can and apply it to your own environment. Each idea can be very helpful.

10 Attitudes of Successful Workers

By Kate Lorenz, CareerBuilder.com Editor

Why do some people seem to reach the top of the corporate ladder easily, while others remain stuck on the middle management rung? You might think that it is just because those people have more of what it takes to succeed, like brains, talent and powerful people in their corner. But there is something else that is just as important: attitude. Dr. Martin Seligman, an authority on optimism, discovered that attitude was a better predictor of success than I.Q., education and most other factors. He found that positive people stay healthier, have better relationships and go further in their careers. And he even found that positive people make more money. Anyone can adopt the right attitude. No matter where you are from or how much innate talent you have, the right attitude can make a difference in your career.

Try adopting these 10 attitudes of successful workers:

1. I am in charge of my destiny.
If you spend your entire career waiting for something exciting to come to you, you will be waiting a long time. Successful professionals go out and make good things happen. So commit yourself to thinking about your career in an entirely different way. You will make it to the top, and you are in charge of making it happen.

2. Anything is possible.
Think that there is no way you will ever be at the vice president level? Then you definitely won't. Remember: If you think you can't, you probably won't. Adopt the attitude of The Little Engine That Could -- "I think I can."

3. No task is too small to do well.
You never know when you are going to be noticed. That is one reason to take pride in your work -- all of it. One public relations executive in Chicago said that her first task in the PR department of a ballet company was reorganizing the supply closet. She tackled the project with gusto and was immediately noticed for her hard work and attention to detail. Remember this the next time you feel like slacking because you are working on a menial task.

4. Everyone is a potential key contact.
While you do need to be aggressive in the workplace, you can also go far by being nice to those around you. Do you think it's unimportant to establish a good rapport with your boss's secretary? Well, just try getting your meeting squeezed onto the schedule when you really need it. Be courteous to those around you -- you never know when your past contacts will play a role in your future.

5. I was made to do this job... and the one above me.
If you spend your days feeling like you are not cut out to do the work you are responsible for, your performance will suffer. Your job may not be the perfect fit, but successful workers act like they are in their dream job, no matter where they are.

6. It's not just what I know, but who I know.
Successful workers understand the importance of networking, both in and out of the office. You need to proactively establish professional contacts. Invite a colleague out to lunch. Go to the after-work happy hour. Join your professional association. Do your part to establish a networking
path for your future.

7. What else can I do?
Since you are in charge of your destiny, it's your job to look for ways to improve your professional self. Volunteer to take on an extra project. Learn a new skill that will make you more marketable. Stay late to help your co-workers. Successful workers don't just complete the job and sign out --
they look for additional ways to make their mark.

8. Failure will help pave the way to my success.
While it seems like some people never experience setbacks, the truth is everyone fails from time to time. The difference between successful and unsuccessful people is how they deal with failure. Those who find success are the ones who learn from mistakes and move on.

9. I am my own biggest fan.
Have you been waiting for someone in the office to recognize your talents and efforts? Maybe it's time you start tooting your own horn. Step up and talk about your accomplishments and what you have done for the company. Successful workers know how to point out their achievements without sounding boastful.

10. My opportunity monitor is never turned off.
Yes, there will be days when you will want to just be happy with the status quo. But remember that successful workers are always on the lookout for opportunities to improve. Keep your eyes, ears and your mind open to new opportunities -- you never know when you will discover the one that will change the course of your career!

If you have any questions or need assistance, please feel free to contact the Education Department at 1-877-609-8889.

Read More......

Welcome to the fifth week of Summer 2007 Quarter!

Don’t forget Fall 2007 registration for current students is going on now! New students (those starting in October) will have a one-on-one appointment with a member of the Education Department for their first quarter registration appointment.


Below you will find 10 Attitudes for Successful Workers. Read each one carefully and take what you can and apply it to your own environment. Each idea can be very helpful.

10 Attitudes of Successful Workers

By Kate Lorenz, CareerBuilder.com Editor

Why do some people seem to reach the top of the corporate ladder easily, while others remain stuck on the middle management rung? You might think that it is just because those people have more of what it takes to succeed, like brains, talent and powerful people in their corner. But there is something else that is just as important: attitude. Dr. Martin Seligman, an authority on optimism, discovered that attitude was a better predictor of success than I.Q., education and most other factors. He found that positive people stay healthier, have better relationships and go further in their careers. And he even found that positive people make more money. Anyone can adopt the right attitude. No matter where you are from or how much innate talent you have, the right attitude can make a difference in your career.

Try adopting these 10 attitudes of successful workers:

1. I am in charge of my destiny.
If you spend your entire career waiting for something exciting to come to you, you will be waiting a long time. Successful professionals go out and make good things happen. So commit yourself to thinking about your career in an entirely different way. You will make it to the top, and you are in charge of making it happen.

2. Anything is possible.
Think that there is no way you will ever be at the vice president level? Then you definitely won't. Remember: If you think you can't, you probably won't. Adopt the attitude of The Little Engine That Could -- "I think I can."

3. No task is too small to do well.
You never know when you are going to be noticed. That is one reason to take pride in your work -- all of it. One public relations executive in Chicago said that her first task in the PR department of a ballet company was reorganizing the supply closet. She tackled the project with gusto and was immediately noticed for her hard work and attention to detail. Remember this the next time you feel like slacking because you are working on a menial task.

4. Everyone is a potential key contact.
While you do need to be aggressive in the workplace, you can also go far by being nice to those around you. Do you think it's unimportant to establish a good rapport with your boss's secretary? Well, just try getting your meeting squeezed onto the schedule when you really need it. Be courteous to those around you -- you never know when your past contacts will play a role in your future.

5. I was made to do this job... and the one above me.
If you spend your days feeling like you are not cut out to do the work you are responsible for, your performance will suffer. Your job may not be the perfect fit, but successful workers act like they are in their dream job, no matter where they are.

6. It's not just what I know, but who I know.
Successful workers understand the importance of networking, both in and out of the office. You need to proactively establish professional contacts. Invite a colleague out to lunch. Go to the after-work happy hour. Join your professional association. Do your part to establish a networking path for your future.

7. What else can I do?
Since you are in charge of your destiny, it's your job to look for ways to improve your professional self. Volunteer to take on an extra project. Learn a new skill that will make you more marketable. Stay late to help your co-workers. Successful workers don't just complete the job and sign out --
they look for additional ways to make their mark.

8. Failure will help pave the way to my success.
While it seems like some people never experience setbacks, the truth is everyone fails from time to time. The difference between successful and unsuccessful people is how they deal with failure. Those who find success are the ones who learn from mistakes and move on.

9. I am my own biggest fan.
Have you been waiting for someone in the office to recognize your talents and efforts? Maybe it's time you start tooting your own horn. Step up and talk about your accomplishments and what you have done for the company. Successful workers know how to point out their achievements without sounding boastful.

10. My opportunity monitor is never turned off.
Yes, there will be days when you will want to just be happy with the status quo. But remember that successful workers are always on the lookout for opportunities to improve. Keep your eyes, ears and your mind open to new opportunities -- you never know when you will discover the one that will change the course of your career!

If you have any questions or need assistance, please feel free to contact the Education Department at 1-877-609-8889.

Read More......

Welcome to the fourth week of Summer 2007 Quarter!

Dear MSB Online Learner:

In addition to the variety of skills that will directly apply to your chosen career field; you will also develop a variety of academic skills. Some tips and tricks to further developing your academic skills include:

Tips for Time Management

One of the keys to a successful college career is to have good time management skills.

By definition, time management is the effective selection of the best task from all those available and completing it to the best of your ability. Making the right choices about how you spend your time is the most important decision for you to make. The big payoff is that you can have control of your life. Getting control starts with planning.

Unlike the formal structure of a high school schedule, a college schedule can be very unstructured. You and you alone can control the schedule you choose. Many selections of the same class are offered at various times of the day. It is up to you to select a time you want to attend a section of a particular class. It may be possible to arrange your schedule so that you attend school on select days of the week. In other words, it is not mandatory for you to go to school Monday through Friday.

Because of all the flexibility involved in your college schedule, it is important to include other aspects of your life in your planning, such as work, family commitments, and recreational activities. In fact, you are encouraged to take into consideration all aspects of your life when planning your college class schedule.

Planning study time is a key step to academic success. Most college classes require far more study time than high school classes. Because effective time management plays a key role in your success, please see an advisor if you are having difficulty with planning.

Tips for Active Learning

• Be prepared. Have the textbook, paper, pencil and colored marker pen.

• Write notes in the textbook and highlight important topics with a colored marker pen if the instructor refers to specific topics.

• When taking notes about the instructor’s lecture (PowerPoint Presentation), write down the main points.

• Communicate with your instructors often – via discussion boards or email.

• Ask questions if you do not understand something.

• Actively participate in classroom discussions.

• Know how to contact your instructor if you are going to be absent or if you need clarification of classroom material.

• Read your assignments before Sunday. You will then be able to ask questions about information which you do not understand.

• Set up a study schedule and follow it. Allow enough time for all your classes.

• Keep up your assignments day by day, or within the respective week. This avoids having to “cram.”

Tips for Studying

• Select the best time for you to study. Develop a study plan and follow it.

• Select a quiet place to study. Be aware of proper lighting and ventilation.

• Sit upright at desk.

• Avoid all interruptions: phone, radio, TV, people.

• Be prepared. Have all reading materials, pencils, paper and dictionary.

• Keep a “Things to Do” list. List dates when assignments and projects are due.

Update the list frequently.

• Review your class notes the day you write them. Rewrite them if they are hard to read.

• Survey a book chapter before you begin reading it. Actively read it by underlining important parts.

• Be strict with yourself. Force yourself to follow your study schedule.

• Reread and review difficult information until you understand it.

• Make a list of questions to ask your instructor about material that needs clarification.

Tips for Preparing for a Test

• Find out as much information about the test as possible from the instructor.

◊ Type of test: objective, essay, true/false, etc.

◊ The number of questions and how many points they are worth.

◊ The material to be covered.

◊ The value of the test toward the final grade.

• Set up an exam study schedule which includes at least three one-hour sessions or six half-hour sessions.

• Know your best time to study. Many people learn best in daylight hours.

• Maximize the quality of your study time by paying attention to the following details:

◊ Select a room conducive to study where the lighting is bright and air temperature feels fresh. A poorly lighted room will make you sleepy.

◊ Get organized. Have all the materials you need to study with you when beginning your study session.

◊ Select a quiet setting that is free from interruptions, such as the telephone, radio, television, and people

• Review as actively as possible. Use pencil and paper; use markers to highlight special items in your notes; make flash cards for materials to be memorized.

• Make up an exam as if you were the instructor and then take the exam.

• Pay attention to troublesome points. Make another list for these areas on separate flash cards.

• Organize your thoughts for possible essay questions. Know the concept about which you are writing.

• Cram only as a last step. Be selective about what you are cramming.

• Cover vital points and troublesome areas.

• Set up a study session with two or three people from your class. Ask each other questions and discuss important concepts. Avoid getting off the subject and wasting time.

If you are interested in learning how MSB can help you develop these skills, have any questions or need assistance, please feel free to contact the Education Department at 1-877-609-8889.

Read More......