Career Spotlight: Policy Analyst

Posted on by Emily Miller

What Is a Policy Analyst?

A policy analyst reviews and assesses current regulations and political trends and proposes suggestions on how to improve existing policies. These professionals develop reports to outline their findings and often prepare their proposals for government executives, politicians, legislators, and individuals capable of passing bills and making laws. For this reason, their role is influential and their decisions can impact individuals and social groups. You can find policy analysts in many different fields, including sociology, law, urban planning, health care, law enforcement, education, and more.

What Does a Policy Analyst Do?

Policy analysts work on various public policy problems, depending on where they work. Overall, they do much of the following:

  • Conduct research to understand various perspectives
  • Use scientific data to identify existing or potential problems resulting from policies
  • Gather and analyze data from sources like focus groups and surveys
  • Compare proposed policies with current ones to predict effects
  • Write policy proposals explaining impacts, costs, benefits, and consequences of policy changes
  • Use ethical judgment to question public policies
  • Develop written reports that explain findings
  • Present reports to government employees and politicians, at public forums, etc.

In addition to the above, policy analysts have the important responsibility of determining how a law will impact people and communities.

How to Become a Policy Analyst

To become a policy analyst, there are several steps you must take.

First, you must earn higher education. To become a policy analyst, you must obtain at least a bachelor’s degree in public administration, sociology, political science, statistics, or something similar. Second, it is important to gain relevant work experience to show potential employers you are prepared to enter the field. While in school, you might try joining a mock government club; in college, interning with a local or state government office would be appropriate. Third, it might be beneficial to expand your professional network by joining professional political organizations. This way you have the opportunity to meet other policy analysts, attend events, and learn about the industry.

Education Needed to Become a Policy Analyst

As mentioned, it is necessary to earn higher education to become a policy analyst. Usually a bachelor’s degree is accepted, but some employers require a master’s degree. Excelsior University’s Master of Public Administration (MPA) program will help you learn both the personal and the business side of public administration with courses and assignments that show you how to harness information technology, respond to ethical issues, foster constructive collaboration, and more. You will also gain practical experience in honing your presentation skills, developing strategic plans and financial reports, and analyzing data to make better decisions. The MPA is an excellent choice if you would like to pursue becoming a policy analyst.

Policy Analyst Career Path

You may be wondering how long it takes to become a policy analyst. Usually, you can gain entry-level employment with a bachelor’s degree. Experience and this degree will give you the skills necessary to move up in the field. For example, you could take on more senior strategy policy analyst roles or take on broader roles that require more technical knowledge. Further, you could expand your knowledge by learning new skills that would prepare you to work in other senior analytical roles. Also, many policy analysts continue their careers in other political areas; some may pursue careers as legislators or as government employees.

According to ZipRecruiter, as of February 2023, the average salary of an entry-level policy analyst was $55,163 per year.

What Makes a Good Policy Analyst?

In addition to the appropriate education and experience, there are certain other traits that make a good policy analyst. These professionals publish their ideas and recommendations for public change in reports, books, and newsletters that many people will view. As such, it’s important they have the following qualities:

  • Ability to conduct deep, scientific research
  • Strong analytical thinking
  • Organizational skills
  • Problem-solving skills
  • Good ethical judgment
  • Public speaking skills
  • Interpersonal communication skills
  • Creativity
  • Ability to work with others

If becoming a policy analyst seems right for you, consider speaking with an Excelsior admissions counselor to get started on your public administration degree.

Career Spotlight: Financial Manager

Posted on by Jenna Kerwin

Businesses large and small need someone to oversee their financial health. Financial managers are responsible for the financial management of businesses including but not limited to insurance companies, banks, and manufacturing companies.

Read on to see if a career as a financial manager aligns with your goals.

What Is a Financial Manager?

Financial managers are responsible for overseeing the financial health of a business or organization. They develop financial reports, create and implement strategies to improve the business’ finances, and manage investments. They often analyze market trends to make strategic decisions and make sure the company’s financial decisions align with the most up-to-date laws and regulations.

Financial management is a broad field, and there are several types of financial managers. These include:

  • Corporate financial managers. These financial managers are responsible for managing the finances of corporations.
  • Investment managers. These managers work in investment firms, banks, and other kinds of financial institutions, making important decisions that benefit their clients.
  • Risk managers. Risk managers work in many settings, developing risk management strategies and monitoring the financial performance of an organization.
  • Financial controllers. Financial controllers are responsible for overseeing financial accounting and reporting for an organization.
  • Treasury managers. Treasury managers oversee an organization’s cash flow management and manage debt and financing.
Make an Excelsior MBA your next big career move.

What Does a Financial Manager Do?

As mentioned, financial managers create reports and develop plans and strategies for an organization’s long-term financial goals. Their specific duties may vary depending on which type of financial manager they are and where they work, but overall, they:

  • Understand a company’s economic condition
  • Monitor and analyze cash flows
  • Analyze competition and market trends
  • Identify and manage potential risks that could impact financial health
  • Oversee financial accounting and reporting
  • Ensure that financial statements are accurate
  • Ensure investment decisions are aligned with an organization’s objectives
  • Manage debt and financing
  • Manage relationships with banks and other financial institutions
  • Research factors influencing the business performance
  • Arrange new sources of finance
  • Keep up to date with financial laws and legislation

How to Become a Financial Manager

If becoming a financial manager sounds like the career choice for you, there are certain steps you must follow to become one.

Your financial management career starts with earning a bachelor’s degree in economics, accounting, business administration, finance, or a similar field. Participating in an internship can give you important job experience and earning further higher education is a must. Earning a master’s degree in finance or business can give you the educational knowledge necessary to become a financial manager. Also, employers look for candidates with 5–10 years of professional experience in a related occupation such as a financial analyst or securities sales agent.

Though not required, some financial managers also pursue certification and licensing. For example, many financial managers choose to become certified public accountants.

Financial Manager Qualifications

As mentioned, a master’s degree is required if you want to become a financial manager. Excelsior University’s Master of Business Administration program is especially designed for professionals wanting to grow their careers in strategy, global development, operations, human resources, and digital transformation. The online program has specialty accreditation from the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE). The finance and accounting concentration teaches you accounting principles and tools and helps you learn how to prepare and evaluate financial statements and reports for corporations, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations. This concentration is an appropriate choice if you are looking to become a financial manager.

Financial Manager Skills

In addition to the proper education, you must possess certain skills to be a successful financial manager. Some of these include:

  • Analytical skills
  • Accounting skills
  • Decision-making skills
  • Leadership skills
  • Communication skills
  • Interpersonal skills
  • Attentional to detail
  • Math skills

Financial Manager Salary

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), as of May 2021, the average annual salary of financial managers was $131,710. The BLS also reports that this position is expected to grow 17 percent from 2021 to 2031, which is much faster than average for all occupations.

Career Spotlight: Chief Information Security Officer

Posted on by Mary Kate Weaver

A chief information security officer, aka a CISO, leads the security realm of the information technology team. Most, if not all large corporations and organizations have a CISO to ensure they have a successful security system, network, and software. If you consider yourself an expert in computer science or information technology and are a strong leader, you could be a chief information security officer. Learn more about the position and the steps needed to be considered for the role!

Chief Information Security Officer Job Description

A chief information security officer is responsible for maintaining the security of information technology and computer systems for any company. CISOs are a part of the leadership team that collaborates with other officers, business managers, and IT managers to effectively monitor and maintain the security of their organization’s computers, websites, applications, networks, and databases. Across all industries, CISO positions are a necessity; whether you work in higher education, health care, fashion, ad management, or other industries, this position is essential to the success of a company.

Because of the increase in technology throughout the world, the position of CISO has become particularly important and jobs are increasing across the globe. As a chief information security officer, you would be the highest-ranking executive responsible for managing security software. CISOs work alongside chief information officers who focus mainly on the management of information technology departments.

Ready to become an IT leader? Earn your MS in Cybersecurity from Excelsior.

Chief Information Security Officer Responsibilities

The chief information security officer is the expert in an organization’s security operations. CISOs understand security software and are responsible for ensuring it is successful. While the responsibilities can vary depending on the industry, typical job responsibilities include:

  • Evaluate the IT threat landscape
  • Create cybersecurity policies and controls to reduce risk
  • Develop a security program for the company
  • Evaluate, purchase, and implement new cybersecurity software
  • Manage technology resources, including software, hardware, staff, and budget
  • Lead the information technology office
  • Collaborate with other executives to ensure the security needs of their departments are met with the technology provided by the organization
  • Initiate regular network and software security audits
  • Research and evaluate existing and new technologies
  • Train IT department staff as well as other employees to detect security threats

The CISO works closely with the chief information officer to ensure a successful technology department. CIOs and CISOs are most successful when they create their security plan, data use, and infrastructural strategy together. It is the goal of both positions to create meaningful technology that can stand up against any security threats.

Chief Information Security Officer Requirements

While requirements can change from organization to organization, most employers require CISOs to have a graduate degree and multiple years of experience in a related field. A master’s degree in cybersecurity from Excelsior University can help you to succeed as a chief information security officer.

Chief information security officers not only need to master the IT field, but also have a knack for leading and running a business. Since a CISO is part of the leadership team in any organization, it is important for the CISO to understand the organization’s industry and business functions. A Master of Business Administration from Excelsior University can help you to improve your skills in this area. If you are undecided what graduate degree to get, chat with one of our admissions counselors to weigh your options.

While education and work experience are important, so are the skills you possess. Successful CISOs are:

  • Analytical thinkers. You must be able to research new trends and understand technologies.
  • Strong leaders. You must manage a successful team and be prepared to operate as CEO if there is ever a need.
  • Excellent project managers. You will be responsible for multiple projects at one time, so having strong team and project management skills is necessary.
  • Powerful decision makers. You are responsible for guiding and making huge decisions for your organization.

According to The Wall Street Journal, the average annual salary of a chief information security officer in 2022 was $287,500. With the constant changes and innovations in technology, it is only fitting that positions in this field as well as the compensation are growing. From 2021, compensation for CISOs increased by 21 percent. If this sounds like something you are interested in, take the next step and chat with an admissions counselor today to get started.

Excelsior University Unveils New Colleges, Streamlined Student Experience as Part of Ongoing University Growth

Posted on by Erin Coufal

Changes Will Expand & Strengthen Academic Options, Broaden Faculty Input, Set the Stage for Future Partnerships, Programs

ALBANY, NY (April 19, 2023) — On the anniversary of its chartering, Excelsior University unveiled two new colleges as part of the institution’s continued adoption of the university designation and ongoing efforts to better serve students as their lifelong learning home.

President David Schejbal, PhD, called the creation of Excelsior’s College of Nursing and Health Sciences and College of Liberal Arts and Sciences a defining moment for the university as it charts a path forward to expanded 21st Century learning opportunities and student services.

“Becoming Excelsior University last year was only the beginning of our transformation to reach more students, better meet their diverse needs, and set ourselves apart as one of the nation’s premier institutions of online higher education,” said David Schejbal, president of Excelsior University.

“Long before other institutions tried to go online, Excelsior was innovating and helping to build the original foundation of online education. We paired distance learning with serving adult students who bring varied levels of professional experience to the table,” the president continued. “Now, we are part of the movement to define academic quality and innovation in the growth sector of online education, so we can better serve our students while continuing to provide opportunities for our faculty and staff.”

Excelsior’s restructuring includes rethinking faculty roles to allow the university’s highly skilled and dedicated educators to better engage with students, provide more input on curriculum, and ultimately improve the student experience. Faculty members will have more time to focus on curricula and connect with students, and also to help students focus on learning and advise them on their degree pathway.

The goal is to grow enrollment of high-caliber students from across the nation and create more meaningful, accessible learning opportunities — including through new partnerships with existing institutions — that set them up for long-term success after graduation.

“Over more than 50 years, Excelsior has been a leader and innovator occupying a unique space in the higher education landscape. As we move forward and continue to gain momentum, we are leveraging new and emerging learning technologies to ensure we are providing an excellent education and the best possible support to meet the constantly changing needs of both students in alignment with their current and future employer’s needs,” said Chris Cassirer, provost and chief academic officer of Excelsior University. “With this new structure, we are poised for 50 more years of growth, not simply as a university, but as an education community at the nexus of innovation, excellence in teaching and learning, and professional preparation for our graduates. As we continue to advance our mission of student success, our graduates can rely on as lifelong learners no matter where they are in their academic and professional journey today and from for where they are going next.”

The restructuring is the result of a year-long planning process. New leadership positions, faculty positions, and staff roles have been created. We are continuing to build out the new structure in 2023. The new colleges officially launched on April 19 with a ribbon cutting at Excelsior. Most importantly, new learning and career opportunities are coming for students, with programs in development and partnerships in the works.

To provide a more holistic approach to supporting students, we have introduced a new model of advising in which academic advisors serve as student success coaches and a central point of contact. Our success coaches will be the central hub for all student needs — from course selection to financial planning to life coaching— making it easier to access support services and allowing students to better focus on learning, planning ahead and staying on track to achieving their academic and professional goals with Excelsior.

Longer term, college and university leaders are pursuing partnerships and other opportunities with institutions across the country that would unlock new online and site-based courses and experiences for students. Building both academic and career pathways for all students including those who are underserved are an essential part of our future success. The University is positioning itself to serve as a higher education network that offers both internally created and partner-driven learning opportunities that leverage new and emerging learning technologies not available at many traditional colleges and universities.

“Throughout our careers in higher education, my colleagues and I have worked to improve student engagement and adapt to meet learning needs and outcomes,” said Christine Thorpe, executive dean of Excelsior’s new College of Nursing and Health Sciences. “I am proud to be part of Excelsior’s transformation to better accomplish exactly that. The new College of Nursing and Health Sciences draws its strength from our history and community, and under this new structure, it will continue to grow and flourish. I am confident that students will have enhanced experiences that will have them ready to hit the ground running from day one in their new careers.”

“The world has changed, and higher education is changing with it. Excelsior values the experience our students bring to the classroom and teaches them the skills and competencies they need for the careers of today and the future,” said Scott Dolan, executive dean of Excelsior’s new College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. “Excelsior is rethinking how we meet student needs at exactly the right time. I’m excited to be part of this transformation and to see how our students are going to flourish.”

For more than 50 years, Excelsior has contributed to the development of a diverse, educated and career-ready society by valuing lifelong learning with an emphasis on serving individuals historically underrepresented in higher education. Excelsior College officially became Excelsior University on August 1, 2022, providing a platform to continue to serve adult students in broader ways. Students and alumni benefit from the growing prestige of Excelsior University. This new structure offers yet another opportunity to connect, re-engage and grow the Excelsior community.

Excelsior serves more than 15,000 students nationwide, including 3,300 from New York state.

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B-roll from Wednesday’s announcement of the new colleges and celebration of the university’s Charter Day is available for download.

Media Contact Excelsior University:

Erin Coufal, ecoufal@excelsior.edu, 518-608-8498

ABOUT EXCELSIOR UNIVERSITY

Excelsior University is an accredited, not-for-profit online institution focused on helping adults complete their degrees and advance their careers. Excelsior contributes to the development of a diverse, educated, and career-ready society by valuing lifelong learning with an emphasis on serving individuals historically underrepresented in higher education. Founded in 1971, Excelsior meets students where they are — academically and geographically — removing obstacles to the educational goals of adults pursuing continuing education and degree completion. Our pillars include innovation, flexibility, academic excellence, and integrity.

Career Spotlight: Financial Advisor

Posted on by Mary Kate Weaver

Are you the money expert of your group? Do your friends come to you for advice because you are a great budgeter? If this sounds like you, consider pursuing a career as a financial advisor.

What Is a Financial Advisor?

Financial advisors provide advice about investments, insurance, mortgages, estate planning, taxes, and retirement, as well as give general saving and budgeting tips. While day-to-day tasks can change based on the path you take, typically financial advisors do the following:

  • Meet with clients to review their financial goals
  • Recommend investments opportunities to clients
  • Educate clients and the public about investment options and potential risks
  • Monitor clients’ accounts
  • Determine if changes are needed to increase financial performances or to accommodate major life changes

In addition, financial advisors are constantly researching new investment opportunities. Financial advisors must continue their education throughout their career since the market and economic world are ever changing.

Depending on where employed, many financial advisors are responsible for building their own client pool. Because of this, they tend to do their own marketing.

Open doors to more opportunity with a BS in Business. Get started today.

Where Do Financial Advisors Work?

Financial advisors can work in a variety of places. The most popular work environments include:

  • Banks: It is very common for financial advisors to work for banks and provide financial advice and guidance to members. In this scenario, clients are provided to advisors. Advisors can provide services for investment management, tax planning, estate planning, and more.
  • Insurance Firms: Financial advisors use wealth management principles to recommend and sell financial products, including stock options, bonds, mutual funds, and insurance policies.
  • Self-employed Financial Advisors: Many advisors start their own business. This is great if you are looking for flexibility and remote work opportunities. However, as a business owner, you are responsible for building a client base. Some say financial advisors who work for themselves are a jack of all trades because they must run everything that goes on in their own business, in addition to being an expert in their field.
  • Brokerage Firms: A financial advisor can work at a brokerage firm to give advice to clients regarding their assets and financial portfolio.
  • Corporations: Large corporations will hire financial advisors to join their leadership team to help leadership make smart financial and investment decisions.

Why Become a Financial Advisor?

Since the economy and financial markets are always changing, there will always be a need for financial advisors. Often, people meet with an advisor as early as 21 years of age, and they work with them throughout their life into retirement. People want to feel their money is secure and safe, and that they are able to enjoy life and ensure they are providing for their families after they are gone. Financial advisors help people feel confident about their money matters.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment is projected to grow 15 percent by 2031, which is much faster than the average for all occupations.

Learn which business degree is best for you. Take the quiz.

What Qualities Does a Financial Advisor Have?

  • Analytical skills: Financial advisors must be able to assess a range of information and balance the client’s comfort with risky decisions.
  • Sales skills: To build a client pool, financial advisors must be convincing and persistent in selling their services.
  • Communication skills: As a financial advisor, you will interact with clients every day. It is imperative to be able to explain financial concepts in a way that clients understand.
  • Math skills: Financial advisors must be able to work with numbers to be successful.

Do You Need a Degree to Become a Financial Advisor?

Financial advisors typically need a bachelor’s degree in business, management, finance, or a related field. Courses in investments, taxes, estate planning, and risk management are helpful to ensure a successful career.

In addition to a bachelor’s degree, financial advisors who directly buy and sell stocks, bonds, or insurance policies, and provide investment advice, are required to obtain certain licenses. Not only are the licenses necessary, but financial advisors can also get certain certifications that enhance their reputation and help to bring in new clients. More information can be found at the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards.

To get started with your career as a financial advisor, earn your bachelor’s degree in business or management from Excelsior University.

Career Spotlight: Health Program Administrator

Posted on by Mary Kate Weaver

Studies show that health care is one of the largest growing fields in the United States. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the job outlook is expected to increase 16 percent by 2030. If you are looking for a career that is in the health care field but does not include patient care, a health program administrator might be a position you want to pursue. Check out this article to learn more.

What Does a Health Program Administrator Do?

Health program administrators work throughout the public health and health care fields. Public health professionals, including health program administrators, focus on two main goals:

  • To prevent chronic illnesses and infectious diseases
  • To promote health and well-being using preventative methods and best practices

Many health program administrator jobs focus on one of these goals, not both. Health program administrators conduct research, develop education programs and healthcare policies, and promote healthy medical practices.

While duties vary depending on the specialty and field you focus on, most health program administrators do the following:

  • Develop goals and objectives for the program
  • Improve efficiencies and qualities within public health
  • Ensure the program in which they work is up to date and compliant with laws and regulations
  • Prepare and manage budgets
  • Organize records and research to stay compliant with the health care regulations and laws
  • Communicate with members of the medical staff, department heads, and public

Oftentimes, health program administrators communicate with non-medical and public health workers. It is imperative to be able to communicate effectively to people who may not understand medical jargon.

Gain the skills to make a difference with Excelsior’s BS in Health Sciences.

How Do You Become a Health Program Administrator?

Like most careers in public health, a bachelor’s degree is required to pursue a career as a health program administrator. The online bachelor’s degree in health sciences program from Excelsior University covers the scope of responsibilities related to many health care careers. This degree prepares you to succeed as a health program administrator.

Since this job can have many different specialties, it is important to find something you are passionate about within the field. Whether you are interested in advocating for new health care regulations within a state or federal department of health, or want to manage the research a new drug in a lab, either can be done as a health program administrator. A bachelor’s degree in health sciences, as well as work experience in the public health field, can ensure you are the best candidate for the next health program administrator job.

What Skills Are Needed to Be a Health Program Administrator?

  • Project management skills.A health program administrator is responsible for multiple projects. Staying organized and being able to prioritize is necessary to be successful in this role.
  • Research skills. Strong research skills are important for every specialty within this position.
  • Leadership skills. Health program administrators must be able to lead a team as well as projects.
  • Analytical skills. Health program administrators must be able to solve problems and make sense of complex situations. In many cases, they are the decision maker. Being able to focus and make clear decisions based on facts is important.

In addition, health program administrators must stay up to date with public health initiatives and what is going on in the world. Constant research is important to ensure success.

Where Do Health Program Administrator Work?

Most health program administrators work full time, and depending on their specialization, weekend and evening work may be required. You can find health program administrators working in:

  • Department of Health: Health program administrators are key employees within the federal and state departments of health.
  • Hospitals: Health program administrators can be employed by hospitals to promote healthy habits to patients, oversee new health care initiatives, or work in the research department.
  • Research Centers: Health program administrators lead research programs and teams. Most of the time they choose to focus on a specialty area.
  • Nursing and Residential Care Facilities: Health program administrators build healthy lifestyle programs for residents as well as work with doctors and nurses to ensure patients are getting the best care.

Health Program Administrator Salary

Many factors influence the salary potential for health program administrators, including location, experience, education, and specialization. While the BLS doesn’t report health program administrator salaries alone, they group them with health care administrators and public health administrator salaries. According to the BLS, the median annual salary was $101,340 in 2021. Jump-start your career in public health at Excelsior University by chatting with an admissions counselor.

Career Spotlight: Forensics Specialist

Posted on by Mary Kate Weaver

Are you interested in joining the criminal justice field but not sure law enforcement is for you? Learn about a career as a forensic specialist to see whether it’s a good fit for you.

What Is a Forensics Specialist?

A forensic specialist works at crime scenes and specializes in collecting and analyzing forensic evidence. Depending on the job, some forensic specialists spend their days at crime scenes with an investigative team, while others spend their days in the lab researching and analyzing evidence. Most end up specializing in a specific area of forensic science throughout their career (i.e., forensic psychology, forensic toxicology, forensic odontology, forensic DNA analysis, etc.).

Forensics Specialist Job Duties and Responsibilities

While the job duties vary based on what area you specialize in and where you work, most forensic specialists focus on:

Identifying and Collecting Evidence

Forensic specialists work with law enforcement at crime scenes to collect evidence. They take direction from detectives on scene, and their extensive training allows them to identify relevant evidence. In addition, they are experts in removing evidence from a scene without damaging it.

Documenting and Preserving Evidence

Record keeping is key to any criminal investigation. Accurate documentation of evidence must be kept throughout the process so the evidence can be used later in court. After a forensic specialist collects evidence, they make detailed notes, including evidence’s appearance and location at the scene. Some specialists may also take photographs and create drawings of the evidence to keep on file.

In addition, forensic specialists are responsible for preserving the evidence. They place evidence in sealable packaging, and documentation shows a record of everyone who handles it after it was collected and bagged. This documentation is extremely important to ensure the integrity of the evidence so that it can be used in court.

Testing Evidence

Other responsibilities include analyzing the evidence. In some cases, a different forensic specialist may analyze evidence, or the specialist who collected the evidence may also analyze it. This is done in a crime lab, where specialists analyze fingerprints, examine weapons and bullets, and test samples of bodily fluids. They focus on every detail from the crime scene, leaving no stone unturned.

Reporting Findings

Forensic specialists summarize their findings in a written report so other law enforcement officials can review the conclusions. Detectives use these reports in investigations and prosecutors use them as evidence in a trial. In addition to providing a written report, there are some instances where forensic specialists need to testify in court and explain their findings to a jury.

Qualities of a Forensic Specialist

Forensic specialists must be a strong:

  • Problem-solvers: Forensic specialists must use scientific tests and methods to analyze crime scene evidence. Many forensic specialists work alongside police, detectives, and other law enforcement officials to help solve crimes.
  • Critical thinkers: Forensic specialists use their best judgment when working to solve crimes and must be able to think outside the box and scientifically to match physical evidence to suspects.
  • Communicators: Many forensic specialists report their findings to leadership and will need to testify in court for some cases. It is important to be able to explain findings in a way that the public can understand.
  • Researchers: A forensic specialist needs a strong understanding of statistics and sciences to analyze evidence.

In addition to these skills, forensic specialists must be detail-oriented. Details are the most important thing to keep in mind when analyzing crime scenes.

Education Requirements for Forensic Specialists

To be successful, forensic specialists need at least a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. In addition to a degree, it is also important to have some professional experience working in a laboratory. The bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Excelsior University is perfect for those who are also looking to work in a lab during their studies. The degree is completely online, providing flexibility for students keep their jobs throughout the entire program.

Forensic Specialists Salary

According to Zippia, forensic specialists earn a salary of $47,690 a year on average. To earn a leadership position as a forensic specialist, a master’s degree in criminal justice combined with work experience is also important. The job outlook for forensic specialists is expected to grow 14 percent by 2028.

Career Spotlight: State Trooper

Posted on by Jenna Kerwin

You have probably been in a situation where you are driving down a highway and suddenly a car rushes by you. A few seconds later flashing lights appear in your rearview mirror, and a state trooper passes you on their way to pull over the speeding car. It’s a familiar scene, but what you might not be aware of is that state troopers actually do a lot more than just pull over motorists who break the speed limit. Let’s take a look at this unique career in law enforcement.

What Is a State Trooper?

A state trooper is a law enforcement officer who works to enforce the laws of state and federal roadways, highways, and freeways to ensure public safety. You most often find them patrolling freeways and highways to impose motor vehicle laws, but they also have other duties, including responding to accidents, issuing traffic citations, pursuing offenders fleeing from other officers, assisting stranded motorists, and investigating car crashes. They can also make arrests and sometimes they are called in to provide assistance to local police officers in a given area.

What Is It Like Being a State Trooper?

You might already be able to tell that being a state trooper is unlike other police officer careers. Many troopers claim that it is a fulfilling and high-paying career. Many troopers feel they are making a difference in their communities, helping to prevent dangerous and reckless driving, and protecting citizens.

Being a state trooper can lead to many career advancements, too. Some become lieutenants or captains, and others move to other units like canine, bomb, or work in the training academy. Still more, the health benefits for a state trooper are comprehensive and competitive.

On the other hand, being a state trooper means working long hours, in a variety of extreme weather conditions, even on holidays. Dealing with tense situations can be stressful and cause emotional anxiety, particularly when arresting or interviewing difficult motorists or suspects. State troopers must also maintain emotional and mental control when responding to horrific accident scenes.

State Trooper Job Duties and Responsibilities

The most important thing to remember about a state trooper’s job is that their jurisdiction is limited to the road, but just like other police officers, they have the important job of maintaining public safety and enforcing laws. Some of their day-to-day duties include:

  • Patrolling roads, highways, and interstates
  • Enforcing speed limits and other laws
  • Compiling accident and crime reports
  • Making arrests and detaining arrested individuals
  • Investigating vehicle accidents
  • Responding to emergency calls
  • Giving first aid to accident victims
  • Providing support to local law enforcement
  • Managing road closures in evacuations, severe weather, and crashes
  • Testifying in court

State Trooper Salary

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), state troopers are categorized under the broad group of “Police and Sheriff’s Patrol Officers.” The site shows the average salary for this group as $70,750 as of 2021. The BLS estimates jobs in this category will grow by 8 percent between 2020 and 2030, which is about average for all other occupations.

How to Become a State Trooper

If becoming a state trooper sounds like it might be the career for you, you should be aware of the steps you must take to become one. Each state’s requirements can vary and can be quite lengthy; for example, some states may require written examinations, certain physical requirements, certain levels of education and experience, etc. Let’s explore some of requirements that are similar in most states.

While some states only require you to have a high school diploma or GED, many others require you to have a degree in criminal justice, forensics, criminology, corrections, law enforcement, or similar. If you are a veteran or have experience as a police officer, you may be able to use this experience in lieu of the educational requirements.

As mentioned, many states may require you to pass a physical abilities test. This exam tests your basic endurance and strength as well as other physical abilities that would be required on the job. You many also be required to pass a written exam that tests your basic grammar, spelling, math, and related skills.

Additionally, you may have to pass a polygraph test that questions your past criminal activity, drug use, inappropriate behavior, questionable decisions, etc. That’s not all. You will also have to pass a background investigation to check your education, criminal history, employment, and other factors. Friends and family might be interviewed.

Finally, to become a state trooper, the last step you must complete is successfully completing and passing the state’s trooper training academy. Read more about that in the section below.

Important Skills and Competencies to Be a State Trooper

In addition to the above, there are some other things you should be aware of to become a state trooper. Just as important as completing a background check and trooper training academy is possessing certain skills and competencies. They are:

  • Being team-oriented
  • Good problem-solving skills
  • Good conflict resolution skills
  • Good oral and written communication skills
  • Ability to multitask
  • Being mentally and emotionally stable
  • Good physical health
  • Compassion
  • Courage and bravery

State Trooper Education Requirements

Educational requirements to become a state trooper vary from state to state. As previously stated, some states only require a high school diploma or GED while others require an associate or bachelor’s degree. It’s important you check where you are applying to make sure you have the appropriate amount of education.

Excelsior University’s Associate in Science in Criminal Justice, Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, and Master of Science in Criminal Justice are beneficial programs if you are just beginning a law enforcement career, like becoming a state trooper, or if you are moving up in your career and wish to boost your experience and elevate your passion in criminal justice.

State Trooper Training Requirements

If you want to be a state trooper, it is important that you complete and pass your state’s state trooper training academy.

The trooper training academy is a 24–28-week program (depending on your state) that tests knowledge, strength, and skills in preparation for life on the job as a state trooper. Many training academies emphasize themes like teamwork and ethical decision making and provide opportunities to demonstrate skills through real-world scenarios. Recruits often participate in physical training like cardiovascular exercises and weight training. Additionally, they build relevant knowledge as they learn about various laws, firearms, emergency response situations, and other important concepts.

If becoming a state trooper sounds like the direction you’re headed on your career path, consider speaking with an Excelsior admissions counselor to get started on your criminal justice degree.

Easter

Posted on by Pamela Jimenez

Christians celebrate the belief in Jesus Christ’s resurrection during Easter. Located in the New Testament of the Bible, the event is said to have occurred three days after Jesus was crucified by the Romans and died in roughly 30 A.D. Christians celebrate with a series of events and holidays, including Ash Wednesday and Palm Sunday, that begin with Lent (40 days of fasting, prayer, and sacrifice) and ends with Holy Week. Holy Week includes Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday.

Easter is a very significant holiday for Christians and Protestant denominations. The period before Easter holds special significance as well. Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and lasts 40 days (not including Sundays). The Sunday before Easter is called Palm Sunday and commemorates Jesus’ arrival in Jerusalem when followers laid palm leaves across the road to greet him.

Regardless of denomination, many Easter-time traditions can be traced back to non-Christian and even pagan or non-religious celebrations. These traditions include Easter eggs and games such as egg rolling and decorating.

Learn more about Easter:

History Channel
Encyclopedia Britannica

Passover

Posted on by Pamela Jimenez

Passover, also known as Pesach in Hebrew, celebrates the Jewish people’s freedom from slavery in Egypt. It is considered one of the most holy holidays in Judaism.

Passover is often celebrated for eight days (seven in Israel), and the celebration is prescribed in the book of Exodus in the Old Testament. The themes incorporated into the celebration are springtime, a Jewish homeland, remembrance of Jewish history, social justice, and freedom- including recognizing those still oppressed today. The Passover meal, known as a Seder, includes reading from the “Haggadah,” drinking 4 cups of wine, substituting matzah for bread, storytelling, eating particular foods, singing, and other Passover traditions. A Haggadah is a book that tells the story of Passover. In 2023, Passover is celebrated from sundown on April 5 through sundown on April 13.

Passover Resources

History Channel: Passover
Encyclopedia Britannica: Passover

Ramadan

Posted on by Pamela Jimenez

Ramadan is a holy month created for fasting, time with loved ones, and prayer, including asking forgiveness of sins. Fasting is a pillar of Islam and also occurs elsewhere in the Islamic calendar, but it is mainly associated with the month of Ramadan. During Ramadan, all those of able body and sound mind, including those who have reached puberty, fast from dawn until sunset and abstain from liquids, food, negative thoughts, and bad intentions. In the evening, they break their fast with Maghrib prayer and a meal (Iftar) often celebrated with friends and family.

Ramadan ends with Eid al-Fitr, which means “festival of breaking the fast” when translated from Arabic. Eid al-Fitr celebrations vary from country to country, but some include spending time with family and friends, giving gifts, giving to the less fortunate, and enjoying feasts and traditional food.

On behalf of the Center for Social Justice, we wish all Muslim members of our community, Ramadan Mubarak! May you all have a blessed Ramadan!

More Resources about Ramadan:

Source: https://www.muslimaid.org/what-we-do/religious-dues/when-is-ramadan/
https://studentlife.mit.edu/orsel/interfaith-understanding/about-ramadan-2023

Career Spotlight: Office Manager

Posted on by Jenna Kerwin

Sometimes an office can seem like a well-oiled machine. Other times, unexpected problems arise. Printers run out of ink, mail systems are disrupted, deadlines pass by, and phones go unanswered…it can get messy! It helps to have someone around to take the reins and get things back on track.

Enter office managers. These professionals are responsible for improving the overall organization and productivity of an office.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports an annual wage of $38,050 for office and administrative support occupations, which includes office managers. Although the BLS projects a 4 percent decline in this field from 2021 to 2031, about 2.2 million positions are expected for employment due to the need to replace workers.

If you’re organized, productive, and crave seamless productivity in office settings, becoming an office manager might fit in with your career goals. Read on to learn more about this position.

What Is an Office Manager?

Officer managers work for various businesses, from large corporations to small businesses. They are professionals who make sure everything in the office runs smoothly by carrying out various managerial, administrative, financial, and physical tasks.

What Does an Office Manager Do?

Office managers work with administrative assistants, human resources personnel, directors, receptionists, and other professionals to manage daily administrative duties. These duties include maintaining appropriate amounts of office supplies, scheduling meetings, recruiting and training other employees, managing computer systems, performing customer service, and completing many other clerical duties that are intended to ensure the office runs productively and efficiently.

Let’s take a look at some of the specific things an office manager does.

Open doors to more opportunity with a BS in Business. Get started today.

Office Manager Duties and Responsibilities

An office manager’s responsibilities may vary depending on the business they work for, but essentially, they have similar tasks. Some of these are:

  • Scheduling meetings and appointments
  • Communicating with visitors
  • Organizing the office layout
  • Ensuring items are invoiced and paid on time
  • Managing filing systems, office supplies, and order inventories
  • Overseeing staff interactions and reporting to management
  • Assisting with hiring new employees
  • Working with facility management, including cleaning and security
  • Planning activities like parties, celebrations, and conferences
  • Answering telephone calls and emails from customers and clients
  • Creating an office budget
  • Arranging travel processes and travel expenses
  • Ensuring employees meet deadlines and company standards
  • Counseling employees having difficulties

How to Become an Office Manager

If becoming an office manager is starting to sound appealing, don’t start applying to open jobs just yet. There are a few requirements to meet to pursue this career.</p?

Typically, you must obtain higher education—a bachelor’s degree in business administration, communications, or a related field will set you up well. Second, up to five years of experience in an office setting will show potential employers that you know your way around an office and are used to the various activities that occur in that environment. Last, while not required, earning a certification will further set you apart from the rest of the pack when you’re applying for jobs. There are several professional associations that offer certification programs. These include the National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers’ Office Manager Certification, the Institute of Certified Professional Managers’ Certified Manager Certification, and the International Public Management Association for Human Resource (IPMA-HR) Certified Professional credential.

It should also be noted that organizational skills, time management skills, interpersonal communication skills, computer skills, and attention to detail are some of the desired qualities you should possess.

Office Manager Education Requirements

As mentioned, a bachelor’s degree is usually the desired degree for employment as an office manager, though some employers may only require an associate degree or even a high school diploma or GED. It’s important to check with the business to which you are applying.

Excelsior University’s Bachelor of Science in Business program can help you gain skills you can use on the job in areas including accounting, business strategy, communication, computer skills, economics, business ethics, finance, global business, leadership, management, marketing, data analysis, and teamwork and cultural diversity. You can learn how to read corporate financial statements, analyze business data, create marketing plans, communicate in the workplace, and collaborate with others to complete real-world projects. The Bachelor of Professional Studies in Business and Management program is accredited by the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE) and will provide you with coursework in accounting, financial management, marketing, project management, employee relations, leadership, management practice, business communication, and global commerce. Both degree programs are appropriate choices if you would like to prepare for a career as an office manager.

If becoming an office manager sounds like the career choice for you, consider speaking with an Excelsior admissions counselor to get started on a path toward a business degree.