Get Ahead and Get Hired With the Top 5 Job Skills Companies Want in 2011

TAMPA, Fla., Oct. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- On the heels of a historic recession that has flooded the marketplace with millions of displaced workers, savvy job-seekers and those with advancement ambitions are recognizing the need to distinguish themselves with specialized skills. To get ahead, many are reinforcing their resumes by enrolling in online, video-based certificate programs being offered from traditional universities such as Villanova University, the University of Notre Dame and the University of San Francisco - trusted schools that offer a combination of academic excellence, tradition and online convenience. A new article from the U.S. News University Directory featured in the latest University Alliance catalog, Online Executive Education, reveals five must-have credentials that companies look for - and that these instructor-led programs offer. The article provides insight into various industries from the decision-makers of large corporations, and highlights personal stories from professionals who are meeting the current economic challenges and looking forward to the new year ahead.

"Gaining new skills is critical if you want to get noticed," stresses Adrian Marrullier, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of University Alliance, which connects professionals with online programs from U.S. News & World Report-ranked universities. "Becoming certified in a key discipline can open a lot of doors, putting someone ahead of the competition during job interviews and poising them for new positions and higher salaries. It also helps to establish job security, and that's important to a lot of people right now." These certificate programs also create an unbeatable value proposition, Marrullier noted. "People in the fields we're focusing on often secure a six-figure salary, so many of them recover the cost of their continued education in just a few months."

A quick look at the five hottest jobs featured reveals that each is experiencing unprecedented growth. Project Management tops the list of sought-after skills - according to a 2008 Anderson Economic Group study, over 1 million positions are expected to open each year through 2016 as organizations increasingly recognize the role of project managers in business performance. Also making a mark are those with Six Sigma certification. These professionals use a data-driven approach to solve problems and improve business processes; Master Black Belts typically command earnings of over $140,000, as reported in the 2010 iSix Sigma Global Salary Survey.

No one can deny the explosive and ongoing expansion of Internet Marketing, another in-demand discipline for 2011. A 2010 American Marketing Association report shows that 80% of growth involves online and mobile marketing, and the need for companies to be on the forefront of this boom has resulted in an overwhelming desire to hire qualified individuals that can get them connected and optimize online communications.

As organizations continue to outsource, companies will need highly skilled managers to prepare, analyze, negotiate and review contracts for all purchases and sales - as such, Contract Management is also expected to witness record growth. In fact, according to a 2008 National Contract Management Association report, nearly 40% of salaries are expected to hit six figures in the coming years. The final field highlighted is Human Resource Management, a profession anticipating 22% growth over the next decade - much faster than the average for all occupations.* With HR professionals taking on more strategic roles, those holding a valuable HR credential will be more apt to advance.

To learn more about career-building, 100% online certificate programs and the value they can bring to your job objectives, and to hear from students and top corporations themselves, view the University Alliance catalog by clicking here or visiting: http://www.universityalliance.com/info1/UA_PDFs/UA_Catalog/UA_Cat_Fall2010.pdf  

* The Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-2011 Edition

About University Alliance Online

The University Alliance (UA) facilitates the promotion and online delivery of associate's, bachelor's and master's degrees as well as professional online certificate programs from the nation's leading traditional universities and institutions. Powered by UA's technology and support services, its university partners have surpassed 450,000 online enrollments - making UA the largest facilitator of e-learning in the country. All University Alliance partners are consistently rated among America's best universities in national publications such as U.S. News & World Report and BusinessWeek. University Alliance partners include Villanova University, the University of Notre Dame's Mendoza College of Business, Tulane University's Freeman School of Business, the University of San Francisco, the University of South Florida, Florida Institute of Technology, the University of Scranton, Dominican University and Jacksonville University.

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SOURCE University Alliance Online