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

Today I have the opportunity to tell you about a strategy that will not only help your career development by honing your skills, but it is also free to join CoursePark!

I did just that, taking CoursePark up on their offer to allow me a look inside what they offer by way of eLearning, and frankly I’m amazed. I knew from reading the landing page that they offered more than 3,500 courses. I knew ahead of time by the material I’d read that I’d be able to pick and choose the courses most applicable to me. I also was aware that they offer free and low cost coursework, but I’m stunned at how very low their prices are… I’m talking totally affordable for a majority of today’s population.

What I wasn’t expecting was what I found inside (to my delight)! Whether you need the training yourself, or for your employees, or even for your clients, the scope and depth of what is available is nothing short of incredible.

Here’s what I found. After acknowledging the Welcome message located under Notifications once I logged in, I headed straight to their CourseMarket. I wanted to verify for myself that their e-learning center really holds material worth telling you about – and I was not disappointed.

For example, my son is taking classes through our local community college, and for the degree he is currently interested in pursuing, there were some Information Systems (IS) courses he had to get out of the way. Imagine my surprise, when inside CoursePark I found, under their “Software Applications” many of the same courses my son’s college requirements included.

One of CoursePark’s available, self-paced, online classes is Microsoft Office 2007. The course includes 21 subcategories and 52 courses. In fact, upon further investigation, CoursePark covers exactly what our local college spends half a semester presenting (at triple the price per course!).

Then I checked CoursePark’s IT e-learning category. There you will find 18 subcategories, with a total of 97 possible e-classes to take to increase your skills.

CoursePark isn’t all about software and information systems either. You’ll find a wealth of business-related courses, leadership and management, communications online learning, and even human resources (HR) training.

Now here’s an odd twist on why many people would benefit tremendously by signing up for CoursePark for free and taking a few courses say within Human Resources (HR). At the low price of just $29 a course you very well could put yourself ahead of all the other job seekers by delving into the mind and strategies HR applies when it comes to interviewing. A real “behind the scenes look” at what goes on when you sit across the desk from a person who easily has your fate in their hands. Will you or won’t you get the job?

With a course or two under your belt through CoursePark, getting that job may be a whole lot easier than you ever imagined

And, don’t forget that CoursePark is an ideal solution for low-cost business training.

Okay, that’s it for now. I want to continue investigating for myself.

Just don’t pass this opportunity up, join CoursePark for free and start your 2011 out right!

Perhaps it’s because it’s “that time of the year” for our household, with a son attaining our local community college, or perhaps my intuition is telling me that many people would appreciate either 1) the information (seen fresh) or 2) a reminder, but during these particularly trying times for many economically, going back to school should be on your radar.

While Nevada’s educational system is nothing to brag about – being 50th in the country is downright shameful from our viewpoint – the fact remains that they do offer Associate programs (and one Bachelors) degrees and certifications. The beauty is many of these courses can be taken directly and completely online.

The benefit to the online course is not only flexibility, but, should money be tight in your family, economical. No gas, no bus tickets, no “extra spending” involved. Just the pursuit of learning.

Which brings me to my purpose for posting today. It’s FAFSA time, and assuming your state has reasonable tuition for its residents, the Pell Grant (in our case) is covering 100% of our son’s pursuit to his (first) Associate’s degree. This means all his credits plus his books (at least here in Nevada) are paid for – and he has the opportunity to advance his learning while not accumulating loans.

If you find yourself and/or family members in a position where pursuing higher education would be most beneficial, be sure to head to FAFSA.ed.gov and get the ball rolling. Cutoff dates for Fall enrollment vary from State to State. Don’t get caught without the potential for assistance with yours or your children’s education.

Okay after getting that last post off my chest it’s time to share something worthwhile and perhaps life changing for those currently unemployed or looking for a better paying job.

Not that long ago Yahoo! Finance ran an article I believe will help many in these desperate times. It’s title is 10 Jobs With High Pay and Minimal Schooling Required.

I’m just going to list the careers they mention, and refer you (above) to fluff out the facts for yourself.

These jobs include:

1. Air Traffic Controllers ($117,200)
2. Industrial Product Managers ($77.670)
3. Police and Detective (First Line) Supervisors ($69,300)
4. Funeral Directors ($49,620)
5. Sheriff/Police Patrol Officers ($47,460)
6. Advertising Agents (Sales) ($42,750)
7. Real Estate Brokers & Sales Agents ($39,760)
8. Occupational Therapist Assistants ($42,060)
9. Occupational Therapist Aids ($25,000)
10. Physical Therapist Assistants ($41,360)

Keep in mind the title of this post includes the words “Minimal Schooling.” It’s not that education is not involved, but it doesn’t take a doctorate to pull down some decent money. Many of these listed above can be found through your local community college program.

Also keep in mind that Financial Aid (FAFSA) is available, and in some cases, if you enroll early enough the Pell Grant just may pay for your entire education… for free!