Published on: 19 September 2018
Last Updated on: 13 March 2019
With your bachelor’s degree in the bag, you will be faced with yet another big life decision: should you pursue a Masters full-time program or head into the labor market? There are many different reasons why individuals choose to study for a Masters. For the most part, though, the hope is that it improves your career prospects, and ultimately your wage premium.
Whatever your motivations may be, you might be torn at the prospect of halting your career hunt to pursue yet another degree. While there are certainly more than a few considerations that should go into this decision, we’ve provided some of the advantages of deciding in its favor.
Employability:
One of the most important reasons why you might choose to consider studying a full-time Masters is to improve your employability. If you are gunning for an academic role, a Masters degree is an important next step. A Masters is also an important step if you are looking to switch career paths or accelerate your career progress.
Wage Premium:
Higher educational qualifications generally necessitate higher wage premiums in different career environments. With a Master’s degree comes added qualification and skill set, positioning you for even more responsibilities in your work environment. It is important to note that some Master Degree holders enjoy parity with holders of bachelor’s degrees in higher-paying fields. However, your focus should be on your career of choice.
Deeper Knowledge:
Postgraduate programs, such as full-time masters programs, are mostly specialized in nature. If you have a genuine interest in your field and desire to gain even more theoretical and practical knowledge in this course of study, a master’s program will be beneficial. Specialization also improves your chances of career progression and improved wage premium.
Real World Knowledge and Networking:
One of the more specific advantages of pursuing a full-time Master’s program, not just a Master’s program, is the real world scenarios it prepares you for. Many schools send their postgraduate students out into the field for studies and invaluable work experience, exposing them to the real world work environment. This allows students at this level to gain practical skills applicable to the real world environment, while also providing you with a chance to build your network for the future.
Program Speed:
Yet another benefit of a full-time program is the speed of completion. Going part-time, whether in a physical institution or through an online course, may allow you to pursue the program according to your pace, but it also does well to ensure the program lingers and drags on. A full-time study for masters is usually completed between 1 – 2 years, accelerating your goal to acquire relevant knowledge and certification.
The question of whether you should pursue a master’s program is a very personal one. It is generally a cost-intensive venture, which means that you may be short on budget. Otherwise, you might be skeptical of committing such amounts without any assurances. However, programs like the BBS full-time master’s program ensure that you ultimately get great value for your financial, material and time commitments.
Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.
Whether you are a broke college kid or looking for something to get some quick cash, part time customer service jobs are what we look for!
Although there are a few disadvantages to working in the customer service realm, it is a good temporary fix!
Especially if getting a full-time job is not your current priority!
However, preparing for such jobs is also important, especially if you want to ace that retail job interview or do well on your part time customer service hotline.
Did you know you could earn incentives if you are a good employee?
If this part time job is just for quick cash, why not take every opportunity to earn a little more?
What Skills are Needed for Part-Time Customer Service Jobs?
To succeed in customer service, you need a particular skill set. These positions are all about communicating and problem-solving. So, here are some key skills to highlight:
Your Communication Skills
Communicating clearly and effectively is the most important of all customer service skills.
For example, communicating over the phone with a customer differs from face-to-face communication with a customer in a store.
Problem-Solving (& Quick!)
Customers will often come to you with a problem they need quick fixing!
It is key to be able to think quickly on your feet and find a solution!
You must listen to the customer’s issue, assess it, and then provide the best solution.
Multi-Tasking in Must
Most customer service jobs do not limit themselves to one or two customers.
You may have to juggle multiple customers, especially in online or phone support. Switching from one task to another while still providing good service will be essential. So, not getting overwhelmed is one of them!
Resilience & Calm
This is one of the reasons why part time customer service jobs could be difficult for some people!
Not every customer is going to be pleasant.
Therefore, empathy and patience when dealing with difficult or upset customers will help maintain professionalism.
Tech Savviness
In today's day and age of online customer service jobs, "I cannot use technology" cannot be an excuse. It would rather be a quick way to get disqualified in the first round.
A lot of jobs in the customer service field require you to use basic to medium digital technology.
These include software that may be used to track customers interactions, manage tickets, or handle general tech issues.
Computer literacy and basic knowledge about Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems can go a long way.
Advantages of Part Time Job
The advantages of part-time customer service work are evident if you need flexibility in your work schedule. Some of the key benefits include:
Many part time customer service jobs also offer the ability to work mornings, afternoons, evenings, or weekends – essentially, you can choose which hours of the day you want to work.
Learn (& Use) Your Soft Skills: Incredibly useful soft skills! You’ll learn important transferable career skills such as communication, problem-solving, and time management. In many ways, this can help you prepare for your future jobs!
Work-Life Balance: Part time hours mean can work around other commitments like school, family or another job.
Entry into New Fields: Customer service is a great steppingstone to moving into other areas such as sales, marketing, or even management! Plus, your experience in these part-time customer service jobs will be counted on when you apply for a full-time job!
Potential for Career Growth: Many customer service representatives move into full-time roles or advance to team leads and managers over time.
Coming to the Part Time Customer Service Jobs!
The customer service realm provides many job opportunities, each with different environments and responsibilities. Some of the most popular part time positions include:
Retail Customer Service
Retail workers are the first link to customers, engaging with them one-on-one in stores or over the phone. If you like being around people and can be patient—this job could appeal to you.
At the same time, you should remember that some customers will inevitably have difficulty!
It is all about how you handle them!
Call Center Support
Another popular part-time job in the customer service sector is working as a call center support!
Call center agents answer phone calls, troubleshoot issues, and provide information to customers. These roles are often remote-friendly, allowing you to work from home.
Yes, this could be a tedious job since you might have to deal with a few
However, call center scams are at an all-time high. Therefore, do not jump at any job offer you get. Do your research well before joining!
Online Customer Service
E-commerce has become a norm, so many companies need online customer support via email, chat, or social media. If you prefer to work behind the scenes, these are the jobs for you.
You'll know that tech support is very important if you have any technical background or knowledge.
You can help troubleshoot technical issues for customers—whether it's over the phone, through a chat function, or via email.
How to Apply for Part Time Customer Service Jobs
Applying for part time customer service jobs is not as tough as it may seem. The following are a few things you can do to increase your chances of success:
Tailor Your Resume
A great resume tip is to tailor them to the job you're applying for. That is the best way to make your resume stand out!
You’ll want to highlight skills such as communication and problem-solving and any customer service experience you have, too.
Show your would-be employer why you’re the best candidate for the job by tweaking that resume.
Soft Skills are Important
Customer service is a people business. If you have experience in soft conceptual skills such as patience, teamwork, or empathy, include them on your resume.
They are the make-or-break deal breakers when it comes to part time customer service jobs.
Prepare for the Interview
Better prepare yourself by going through likely support center interview questions like -
"Describe a time when you had to deal with a difficult customer," and
"Tell me about a time when you had to think on your feet to resolve an issue."
Do Your Homework
Employers & recruiters like candidates who are knowledgeable about the company.
So, spend some time on the internet researching the company so you can understand its culture and customer service philosophy.
This will also allow you to ask intelligent questions during your interview.
Challenges are Common
Challenges are part and parcel of any customer service job.
However, the satisfaction you get out of helping someone outweighs everything else. Here are a few challenges to get you started –
Angry Customers!
Dealing with upset or angry customers is one of the hardest things you'll have to do.
The trick is to stay calm, be empathetic, and solve their problem as quickly as possible.
Practice active listening and provide solutions that address their specific issue.
Queries Overwhelming You
Do not stress!
You may need to handle multiple queries at one time. But in any case, the idea is not to stress.
Take breaks if required, learn to manage your time, and do not hesitate to ask for assistance from your teammates.
Staying Positive
It’s easy to get down in the dumps when dealing with complaints all day.
But if you focus on the positive results, like making a customer happy, it will be easier to keep your spirits up.
The Best Part Time Jobs to Get Without a College Degree
What is the best part about some part time customer service jobs?
You don't need a college degree!
Many part time customer service jobs and some of the highest paying part time jobs don't require a degree in higher education. Here are some of the best bets!
Virtual Assistant
Virtual assistants perform a wide range of administrative tasks from their home office!
These include email correspondence, making travel arrangements, paying bills, managing expense reimbursements, writing or editing blog posts, and much more.
No formal training is required!
Freelance Customer Support
Many small businesses or startups hire freelance customer support agents to handle inquiries. This job offers great flexibility and doesn’t need formal education.
Delivery Driver
Not the typical customer service role if you are looking for a remote job!
However, delivery drivers do have a lot of customer contact. You will need no degree, and part-time hours are also available.
Remote Customer Support
A lot of companies have remote customer service representatives these days so it’s perfect if you want to work from home.
With the right training, most jobs don’t require a degree.
So, are you ready to dive into part-time customer service?
Happy job hunting!
Read Also:
Top Interview Skills You Need to Ace The Job Interview
Remote Jobs With No Experience In 2024? Check Out The List Below
For many, interviewing for new physician employment or placement is a nerve-wracking experience. However, it doesn’t have to be! Here are ten interview tips for medical professionals that will help smooth the way to your new hospitalist jobs in Ohio, Pennsylvania or any other area around the world.
1. Prepare (Yes, Even More!):
Sure, you’ve read the job description for the position you’re interviewing for, and you’re knowledgeable about your capabilities and your specialty. That’s not nearly enough.
Read also: How To Crack Civil Service Exam In One Attempt
First of all, it’s a good idea to prepare yourself for each interview by doing some in-depth research on the practice you’re interviewing with. A quick glance at the website is good, but there’s much more you can do. Plug the practice’s name into a search engine and see what else there is to know. Do they participate in education, charity, or research? How involved in the community is the practice? Not only will this help you ask meaningful questions during your interview, but it will also give you a head’s up about the practice’s organizational culture.
2. Dress the Part:
You’re not going to show up in sweat pants… we hope. But did you know you can be too overdressed as well? Or that the way you dress might suggest a conflict with the practice’s company culture that you wouldn’t intend to advertise?
A three-piece suit might be overkill, especially at practice with younger physicians. A wacky tie might be a bad idea if the practice values a serious demeanor. Or, these things might earn you brownie points with the interviewer. The point is: you really can’t know for sure. Keep it classic and professional with a business suit in traditional color—this goes for men and women alike.
3. Know That It’s Not Just the Interviewer You Need to Impress:
Did you know that some practices send out a survey to everyone you interact with on interview day? Well, even if you know for a fact that this one doesn’t, don’t forget that it’s really the entire office that’s doing the interviewing, not just HR or one other doctor. Maybe the head of the medical practice isn’t going to ask the receptionist her opinion, but you can bet your bottom dollar that if you make a very poor impression on her, she’ll bring it up herself. Be courteous to everyone you encounter.
4. Ask The Right Questions:
For your first interview, you want to spend as much time on questions that tell you more about the practice, its policies, and its culture. And don’t forget about the practical things: the levels of support staff doctors can expect, the staff hierarchy and reporting structure, the technological resources you’ll have at your disposal (or not), the on-call coverage policies, and so forth. Asking about these things presents you in a professional light, and gives you a great deal of information about what actually working for the practice might be like.
5. Write Your Questions Down:
If you’re thinking, “I’ll never remember all of that!” don’t worry, because our next tip will help you out big time: write your questions down and bring them with you. While you may think it makes you look unprepared, the opposite is true: you appear to be a well-organized, detail-oriented person, and that’s just what you want.
6. Practice a Practice-Centric Attitude:
Until you’ve actually received an offer, it’s not a wise idea to ask a lot of questions about benefits and the like during the interview process. Asking about the base salary prior to the interview is fine—there’s no need to waste their time or yours if it’s not suitable. Everything else can be left alone until the actual negotiating begins. This shows you’re more interested in the practice than your own gain, and that you don’t have a me-me-me attitude.
Read also: Comic Relief for College Students
7. Don’t Dis Your Last Employer:
No matter how much you dislike your last employer, you absolutely should not say anything negative about them in the interview. You don’t need to lie—just keep your phrasing as neutral as possible. Being a negative Nancy gives you no advantage and can be very detrimental.
8. Project Confidence:
The key to projecting confidence is moderation. Be professional and friendly. Don’t fidget or slouch. Answer the interviewer’s questions and then ask a few of your own—keep the conversation going.
9. Don’t Forget to Follow Up:
Actually, start following up before you even leave the premises! A simple “when can we touch base” or asking the interviewer how they’d like to proceed is fine.
10. Silence Your Devices:
Don’t forget to silence your phone or other devices before the interview. It’s distracting (not to mention rude) to be receiving calls or notifications during the interview process.
Read More:
5 Questions To Ask Yourself While Finalizing An E-Learning Platform For Quality Education
Upcoming Educational Trends In 2017
10 Tips For Writing A Dissertation
Phlebotomists, also known as phlebotomy technicians, use venous or skin punctures to draw blood. These specialists are essential to the healthcare industry, especially when it comes to the diagnosis and treatment of illnesses. Phlebotomy services can be used by patients to receive transfusions, donate blood or plasma, or test for medical conditions.
In addition, phlebotomy technicians have strict guidelines to follow when labeling biological samples, handling needles and other tools, and entering patient data into databases. These workers must execute their duties carefully and safely since they deal with biological samples.
Engaging with patients and making a difference in their care is a rewarding experience for many phlebotomists. Phlebotomists who are kind can ease patients' anxieties about having their blood drawn, as many patients find the procedure uncomfortable. These technicians can also discuss the significance of blood collection
Phlebotomist employment prospects appear to be favorable. According to BLS projections, employment in this field will increase by 22% between 2020 and 2030, while jobs in healthcare will grow by 16% and all occupations by 8% during the same period. Here is everything you need to know about how to become a phlebotomist.
How to Become a Phlebotomist?
Becoming a phlebotomist does require specialized training. Fast-paced work environments and frequent client interaction necessitate that professionals in the field possess the following qualities:
Although phlebotomists are frequently employed in laboratory environments, some have more flexibility in their work environment when they work for ambulatory services. They might still have to put in overtime or on the weekends, for example, if they work in a lab.
Learn more about how to become a phlebotomist in this article, along with the procedures for obtaining national certification and education.
Requirements on How to Become a Phlebotomist
Before getting into the details of how to become a phlebotomist let us clear up the basics. Candidates must earn a GED or complete their high school education. It could be beneficial to take science and anatomy classes in high school. After that, people can enroll in phlebotomy programs, which typically leads to certification after 4–8 months of training. Community colleges, technical schools, and trade schools all offer these kinds of programs.
To practice, phlebotomy graduates in California, Louisiana, Nevada, and Washington must obtain certification. To improve their chances of finding work, professionals in other states should still think about obtaining a postsecondary credential. Phlebotomists have access to a range of certifications, such as:
Certified Phlebotomy Technician I: Trains medical personnel to take blood samples via venous and skin punctures.
Certified Phlebotomy Technician II: Trains medical personnel to perform venous, arterial, and skin punctures to collect blood.
Limited Phlebotomy Technician: Someone who trains medical professionals to take blood via skin punctures.
Certification and Licensure
Acquiring certification to become a phlebotomist requires a written and practical exam. The test will include about 300 questions. The clinical component will include a demonstration of sample labeling, skin, and venous blood draws, and sanitization procedures. Phlebotomists can then acquire the certification from different organizations, such as:
American Society for Clinical Pathology
National Center for Competency Testing
American Certification Agency for Healthcare Professionals
American Medical Technologists
National Healthcareer Association
National Phlebotomy Association
American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians
To stay up to date in their field, phlebotomists—especially those who need to renew their certification—must complete continuing education. The requirements for ongoing phlebotomist training vary by state, but most professionals must earn roughly six credits of continuing education annually. To fulfill these requirements, phlebotomists might be able to enroll in classes at community colleges or vocational schools or attend conferences.
Training to Become a Phlebotomist
Learning how to become a phlebotomist involves taking crucial courses and earning certification. Both laboratory experience and classroom instruction are prerequisites for certification programs. Topics including anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology, are typically covered in courses. Students may need to take prerequisite coursework if they are unable to demonstrate algebraic or mathematical proficiency at the high school level.
While it's uncommon, some people with a high school or GED opt for on-the-job training rather than phlebotomy school. Phlebotomists are required by state regulations to follow certain guidelines regarding certification and ongoing education, regardless of their educational background.
What Does a Phlebotomist Do?
Before you want to know about how to become a phlebotomist, here is what you should know about what a phlebotomist does. A phlebotomist, another name for a phlebotomy technician, is a medical professional qualified to take blood samples from people. They might also help with blood drives and transfusions, depending on where they work. Apart from extracting blood from patients, they also process blood samples for analysis, gather patient data, and assist patients who might feel uneasy with needles.
The main responsibility of a phlebotomist is to take blood samples from patients as directed by a physician or other healthcare provider. On the other hand, your practice might also involve labeling vials, checking vital signs, chatting with patients about the blood draw procedure, and maintaining a sterile and clean work area. During your shift, you might also be required to carry out the following tasks, depending on where you work:
Gather data and make updates to patient medical records.
Fill out the paperwork and mark the vials.
Make patients more at ease while having their blood drawn.
Place a supply order
Arrange the necessary vials, needles, and other supplies in the work area.
Joining a professional organization can benefit your career in the long run, even though most charge a membership fee. These organizations give you a route to certification, facilitate networking, and assist you in keeping up with new methods or regulations.
National Phlebotomy Association
The National Phlebotomy Association (NPA) provides workshops, training courses, and professional certifications, such as a credential for phlebotomy instructors, to facilitate continuing education. For full- and part-time jobs in phlebotomy and other allied health fields, the organization maintains a job board.
American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians, Inc.
The American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians, Inc. (ASPT) certifies both graduates of recognized programs and employed phlebotomy technicians. Members of NHA, ASCP, and AMT are eligible to receive benefits from the organization. Members have access to nonprofit events, cross-training workshops, and opportunities for ongoing education.
Additionally, ASPT offers an EKG fundamentals program and a phlebotomy refresher course. There is a $65 exam fee and a $35 membership fee for phlebotomy technicians.
National Healthcare Association (NHA)
NHA offers phlebotomy technicians immersive learning opportunities in addition to professional certification. Practice drills, interactive games, and quizzes are among the available resources intended for educators and students.
For allied health professionals, NHA offers a job board, resume review services, and career planning guidance.
By showcasing and improving your skills, obtaining a professional certification can increase your marketability even if your state or employer does not require it. Examine the prerequisites for the following three popular certifications.
Technician in Phlebotomy (PBT)
There are various ways to become certified in PBT offered by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP). Candidates must possess one year of full-time clinical experience or have finished an authorized phlebotomy program within the previous five years. Programs must fulfill minimum instruction requirements, be approved by the California Department of Public Health, or accredited by NAACLS.
In addition to paying a $145 application fee, candidates must pass an 80-question exam.
Certified Technician in Phlebotomy (CPT)
Candidates must successfully finish a phlebotomy training program or one to two years of supervised phlebotomy technician experience to be eligible for the National Healthcareer Association's CPT distinction. Blood collection, patient preparation, and safety and compliance are all covered in the two-hour certification exam. The exam is $125, and you can buy a study guide or practice test to get ready.
Every two years, CPTs need to renew their certification by paying $179 and completing continuing education requirements.
Colleges That Offer Phlebotomy as a Course
Since phlebotomy students must acquire practical skills in blood withdrawal and collection, phlebotomy programs are typically offered on campus at educational institutions. The programs that prospective phlebotomists can find in the United States are listed below. However, keep in mind that this is just a small selection of all the programs that are offered all over the country. When you want to know how to become a phlebotomist, the college you must go to is an equally important aspect to consider.
Abrams College
The didactic component of Abrams College's phlebotomy program is offered over two weeks, on Saturdays and Sundays from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM and on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM in Modesto, California. This equates to 48 hours of classroom instruction. To proceed to the externship experience, students must pass all tests and complete all skill station requirements.
The 40-hour externship takes place in a hospital or clinical laboratory. Students who complete the program receive a certificate and should be qualified to apply for both state and national licensure.
Cuyahoga Community College
Cleveland, Ohio's Cuyahoga Community College provides a short-term certificate program in laboratory phlebotomy. Students are trained in blood collection, specific blood collection techniques, medical terminology, ethics, and other related areas through a skills-based didactic curriculum. Students also need to finish an eight-week clinical externship at a hospital or clinic.
Graduates of this NAACLS-accredited program have completed it with a 100% job placement rate and a cumulative 95% pass rate on certification exams over the last three years. Furthermore, transfer programs are offered to students who wish to graduate with a bachelor's degree from an institution in partnership.
Iowa Western Community College
The phlebotomy program at Iowa Western Community College in Council Bluffs consists of 120 hours of clinical experience and 80 hours of classroom instruction. The students receive their clinical placement assignments during the sixth week of the program. After finishing, they ought to be qualified to take the American Society for Clinical Pathology national certification exam. Students must adhere to a rigorous professional dress code and present documentation of their vaccinations upon admission to the program.
Santa Fe College
Students can finish the two-semester phlebotomy certificate program at Santa Fe College in Gainesville, Florida. In the first semester, students attend 60 hours of classroom instruction, and in the second semester, they complete 105 hours of clinical phlebotomy rotations.
Students must pass a background investigation and have all necessary vaccinations to be admitted. This course also includes instruction on bloodborne pathogens, HIPAA compliance, and CPR certification. The NAACLS is requesting approval for this program.
South Arkansas Community College
Students enrolled in the one-semester program at South Arkansas Community College in El Dorado, Arkansas, are prepared for careers in phlebotomy. Students can obtain their certification in phlebotomy by completing seven credit hours of coursework in phlebotomy, professionalism, patient relations, and medical technology.
In addition to working at least 100 clinical hours in designated healthcare facilities, students must complete 100 successful unaided collections and maintain a grade of C or higher in all courses. The practicum is set up by the program director. This program is accredited by NAACLS, and there is a 14-student maximum per class.
Cost of Courses in Phlebotomy
Programs for phlebotomy are reasonably priced when compared to the potential earnings. The cost of a course can vary from $700 to $3,000, based on the training duration and school. Students who want certification also need to pay a test fee, which ranges from $90 to $200. States that demand licensing will also pay an additional $58 to $200.
According to data from the BLS (May 2022), the average hourly wage in this field was $19.51, or $40,580 per year. Phlebotomists mean wages were higher in California, Massachusetts, Washington, D.C., New York, and California—all over $46,900.
Wrapping Up
It can take a year or less to become a phlebotomist, depending on the educational program and whether the student wants to pursue national certification. It could take longer in some states because of the various certification requirements for employment in those states.
The duration of education programs varies based on the type of school and program students enroll in, ranging from eight weeks to less than a year. Programs at community colleges might require more time, while those at vocational schools might be quicker. To receive a certificate or diploma and land a job, completing the program's didactic and clinical hours is necessary.
Although it's usually not necessary, national certification can be useful when applying for jobs.
Depending on the student's exam preparation and certification motivation, this could take several months or longer to finish. Nonetheless, there are typically time constraints on when a learner can sit for national certification after completing a program.
Few states require certification, so working as a phlebotomist can be accomplished in less than a year—especially if the student enrolls in one of the faster-paced programs.
If you have thoughts to share or questions to ask about how to become a phlebotomist, please leave a comment below. We would love to hear from you!
We also have more information if you want to know how to become a pediatrician, a therapist, an orthodontist, an anesthesiologist, a psychologist, or a physician assistant.
Learn More About:
Therapist Or Psychiatrist: Which One Is Right For You?
Life with Braces: Tips from Surrey’s Orthodontic Experts
What Does A Career In Anesthesiology Look Like? Click To Know
