2008 is almost over and there have been significant changes… first African-American president, first woman vice presidential candidate, government scandals, faltering economy, stocks crashing, government bailouts and the comeback of  Britney Spears. Can 2009 be your year to change your life? We at USCS think so!

As the economy slows and jobs grow more scarce – what can you celebrate when the ball drops on New Year’s Eve? Well, for one thing, 2008 is over and you can only hope that 2009 will be better. But, what are your resolutions going to look like this year? It seems unfitting to go with the regular lose weight or get a new hobby. Why not really make a resolution and go back to school?

Challenge yourself to become better in life and in your career. Whether it’s continue your education or learn a new trade, 2009 is the year for you to go back to school. Learn more about our programs and going back with USCS. 

So, you’re looking for some direction in your life. Well, you’re definitely not alone there. Whether you’re getting ready to graduate, or if you’re just looking for a lifestyle or career change, the number of choices out there can be overwhelming.We’re all well-aware that the economy is not super hot right now. But here’s a piece of advice I’ve heard some career experts recommend to people who are having a tough time snagging a job right now:

They say that volunteering can be a great way to gain experience that employers will appreciate. But best of all, many volunteer opportunities can give you the chance to make a difference in someone else’s life.

Today, I was reading about an organization called City Year. It’s affiliated with AmeriCorps (the domestic version of the Peace Corps), and it gives young people between the ages of 17 and 24 the chance to spend one year volunteering with kids from urban areas all across the country.

Though helping others is a great incentive, City Year can also help its members prepare for life after their year of service has ended. They offer education awards and scholarships, in addition to a monthly stipend to cover living expenses. Plus, you could experience life in a new place, while meeting new people.

A friend of mine who lives in New York City told me about how she sees City Year volunteers all over the place. She said she always recognizes them by their trademark red uniforms and their cheerful attitudes. Apparently, these folks really love what they’re doing!

The benefits of volunteering seem almost endless. And it might even open career or education doors in ways you weren’t expecting.

Most of us are familiar with advertisements created by the United States armed forces. A major selling point in a lot of these ads is the military’s promise to help servicemen and women pay for their college education.

To me, this idea seems pretty fair. Our country owes a lot to the men and women who defend the United States through military service at home and abroad. Offering our veterans a quality education when they return home is probably the least we can do to repay them.

Since the end of World War II – and the first version of the G.I. Bill – veterans’ circumstances have changed. Due to inflation, today’s Iraq and Afghanistan veterans’ benefits just don’t go as far as they used to.

This coming August, the new G.I. Bill will take effect. This version of the bill offers benefits to those who have served at least 90 continuous days of active military duty since September 11, 2001, or those who served at least 30 days and were discharged with a service-connected disability.

What does this mean for veterans and civilians?

Most likely, it means more veterans around college and university campuses. The new bill has been updated to accommodate rising education costs, so more veterans can pursue a higher-quality education.

The college experience can be daunting for some veterans who have grown used to a military-style daily routine. Civilian students should be welcoming and respectful to veterans they meet. Some veterans don’t mind answering questions about military life, but some would prefer more privacy.

If you want to get involved, many colleges have student veteran organizations. These groups can help veterans join a community, and can allow civilian students to reach out to veterans who have sacrificed so much for the rest of us.

 Sounds like a good thing to me!

For some people, going green is about doing more than instituting a recycling plan; it’s about a new way of life. If you’re interested in devoting more of your energy to protecting our natural resources, you’re in luck.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that environmental science and protection technicians, including health technicians is among the fastest growing of all occupations.

Environmental science and protection technicians perform laboratory and field tests to monitor the environment. They investigate the sources of pollution, including those that can affect health. Under the direction of an environmental scientist or specialist, they use the data they collect to help take steps toward correcting any issues.

As the regulations and monitoring surrounding the environment continue to increase, the need for these workers is expected to grow at a faster than average rate. More than 80 percent of this growth is expected to be in professional, scientific, and technical services.

You can help meet this need after completing an industry-relevant training program. Most environmental science and protection technicians hold an Associate’s degree – which you could probably earn in less time than you think.

The mean annual wage for environmental science and protection technicians is $42,190. That means you could enjoy all the benefits of working in one of today’s fastest growing occupations – all while experiencing the personal satisfaction of knowing you’re helping to preserve the earth for future generations.