This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of USC. All opinions are 100% mine.

Consider that even though you may be gainfully employed, the numbers of unemployed are staggering. Why did, and do, some people keep their jobs while others have lost their income? Does continuing education account for the difference? And, more importantly, ask yourself, “Could this happen to me? Could I lose my job?”

If you’re questioning which above category you fall into – whether you keep your job or find yourself without a job – either way, one obvious solution is to pursue furthering your education. While numerous industries have taken a hit, there remain fields such as teaching, that will always need more educators.

However, setting yourself apart from the crowd is also an even better idea. This means selecting the best of the best when it comes to getting your Master’s degree.

Of course the challenge of time is a variable most people cannot afford to overlook. However, with the internet, nothing makes it easier to earn a Master of Arts in Education degree then doing so online. Which brings us to the USC Rossier School of Education’s MAT@USC program, where you gain the advantage of highly-interactive learning along with field-based experience.

The USC Rossier School of Education’s MAT@USC program information is easy to access (just click that link). You’ll find that their accelerated system allows you to complete your Master’s degree in just 12 months. Yes, one year from now and you’ve earned yourself a leading edge degree, and you open up another level, one where teaching positions pay more, sometimes much more.

Earning the AACTE Award for “innovative use of technology in education”, the MAT@USC program is, obviously, highly regarded. And, to make it easier for you personally to attend, they have developed assistance by way of a tuition reimbursement program.

Attaining your Master’s from a university ranked #22 in the country (and #9 in private universities based on a U.S. News and World Report), gaining access to the top USC faculty who are recognized for their contributions in education, and becoming one of the USC Trojan Family Elite are just a few of the many benefits MAT@USC provides its students.

Time and distance no longer matter, not since you can attend your classes online, and work at your own pace from the comfort of your home.

In addition, as a MAT@USC student, you have the identical full status and access to benefits just as those who attend via a campus setting receive. Yes, this includes commencement ceremonies and a lifetime free Alumni Association membership.

Enhance your job security, or switch professions, quickly and easily. Investigate what USC Rossier has to offer.

As you can see the tagline of this blog was changed some time ago. The reason was simple. While I do pass along internet marketing strategies, I also like to keep those dropping by informed on all sorts of topics – everyday life issues, health, family, parenting, politics, lifestyles and more.

With that said, here’s strategic advice for the unemployed that I highly recommend everyone in the United States read.

First unemployment extensions (both at the State and Federal levels) are iffy at best. However, you can (and do) still have a voice in the matter should you wish to express it. It is important that you read the above posted on the WorldNewsVine website. I will warn you ahead of time it is very confusing – not the post – but the subject matter itself and the strategy or strategies the various levels of government appear to be using to keep everyone guessing.

Unemployment is not a thing to shake off lightly. While many do still have their jobs, the question is for how long? Your life revolves around a steady income, and even though you may feel “safe” in your job, frankly you never, ever know if today is the day “the axe will fall.”

For the currently unemployed, understanding your entitlements is becoming more and more confusing. Whether this is a deliberate political move or not, I do not know. But you must ask yourself the question… do you know exactly when your financial assistance runs out? If you are guessing or perhaps relying on your State unemployment agency representative to know the answers, I really would not count on that. Most do not have a clue.

The rules appear to change almost from day to day. Make it a point – even if you are employed – to see what’s going on.

Yes, there is “liberalism” with this post, but knowing the writer personally I can tell you that:

1.   Checking with your own State is imperative – and make sure they are current on the “rules and laws”

2.   The writer of the above post DOES stay current on what’s what especially in regard to unemployment benefits.

Again, it’s confusing and (perhaps) alarming once you figure it all out. Yet it applies to all Americans – employed or not. Because you just never know…

Whether you currently hold down a job in the real world, are looking for a change, or are currently unemployed and wondering what’s looking good for potential employment in and outside of the state you live in, I’ve found a great place for you to start your hunt.

The ALMIS State Projections website – a work in progress – can help those within the United States determine their career path.

What you will find is an ability to do extensive searches, find statistics useful for plotting immediate and long-range goals. It’s a database website and the only “what is this all about” is summed up on their front page: (more…)