“The City of Los Angeles offers many opportunities for our students, whether they seek a career as a police officer or crime scene technician. Many students do not realize that there are many law enforcement agencies with potential opportunities for employment, such as LAPD, Los Angeles Airport Police, and the Los Angeles General Police department, to name a few,” said ICDC College’s Homeland Security Program Director. “We’re excited to partner with the LAPD and to have a chance for our students to meet the police officers who protect and serve our communities throughout Los Angeles.”

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Think you or someone you know might be interested in pursuing a career in homeland security investigation? Please visit icdccollege.edu to learn more.

For more information about our graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed the program, and other important information, please visit our program pages at: http://ww2.icdccollege.edu/icdccollege.edu/fields-of-study

You can be at the top one day and completely forgotten the next. So, when you maintain your humility while at the top, you never know of the people who will want to help you back up when others no longer remember your name. Remember, other people have encouraged, taught, or given you an opportunity to help you get where you are, so part of being humble is being that person for someone else. Even if you haven’t had much help, and feel you owe all your success to yourself, then be the individual who others can turn to and ask for guidance. Here are some tips on how to maintain your humility:

• Help others. If you see someone in your class, company, or sport struggling with the exact thing you’re succeeding in, offer them some help.
• Express your gratitude. When people compliment you or praise you, don’t forget to say thank you! Most importantly, thank others who help you or assist you.
• Don’t be condescending. Don’t speak down to others; don’t act like you’re better than other people. Treat your teammates, classmates, and coworkers as equals. These individuals will respect you more when you don’t act as if you’re better than they are!

No one’s saying you can’t let yourself shine bright! Keep wowing people with your curve ball, your impressive grades, or your high sales rate due to your personable demeanor … just do it with a slice of humility.

You’ve been there before. It’s the start of the work day, or perhaps even the end of it, and a feeling of dissatisfaction sweeps over you. Is this really what you’re going to spend the rest of your life doing? When someone asks you how work was, do you sigh and say, “another day, another dollar”?

These are all tell-tale signs that you’re bored with your job and aren’t getting the most out of your career. The good news, though, is that help might be on the way. According to a recent article, the medical assistant field is projected to be one of the top career fields in 2013. If you have a sick friend, and your gut instinct is to make them lemon tea and chicken soup, instead of sticking them in a germ-proof bubble until they’re better, then embracing your nurturing side by switching to a position in healthcare might be a great choice to rescue you from a deadlocked career!

ICDC College is proud to offer a Medical Assistant Fast-Track Diploma program that can be completed in as little as nine months. Graduates will have the entry-level training necessary to help run the administrative front office and/or clinical back office areas of medical and healthcare clinics. As part of the training for this field, students will take such diverse courses as:

• Anatomy and Medical Terminology
• Medical Assisting Laboratory Procedures
• Medical Insurance Forms and Billing Procedures
• Computerized Billing
• Patient Preparation and Care

As a medical assistant, you’ll be qualified to work in hospitals, healthcare centers, medical clinics, offices, and laboratories, handling both administrative duties, as well as basic patient care. Recent changes to national healthcare policies have resulted in hiring increases in different parts of the industry, many of which benefit those with medical assistant training. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that hiring for medical assistants should increase by 31% through 2020,¹ so now is the time to switch to a career with a bright future!

ICDC College is proud to offer its Medical Assistant Fast-Track Diploma programs at its three Los Angeles-based campuses in Van Nuys, South Bay, and the Main Campus in Huntington Park.

Think you or someone you know might have what it takes to become a medical assistant? Then call (888) 926-4232 today! Or, fill out the form at top right to speak to an admissions representative and change your life today!

For more information about our graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed the program, and other important information, please visit our program page at http://ww2.icdccollege.edu/icdccollege.edu/medical-assistant-fast-track-diploma.

Speaking multiple languages can especially be a resourceful advantage when working in a city with people from multicultural backgrounds. Listed below are examples of fields where you can use your multi-language skills:

• Healthcare: There are always going to be patients who visit hospitals or doctors’ offices, yet are better able to articulate themselves using their first language, and doctors may need a medical assistant who speaks a language the doctor doesn’t. This can be a very beneficial quality to possess that sets you apart from other candidates.
• Legal: Similarly, the legal field is another area that can use employees who speak many languages. Bilingual employees, who work in a court or a lawyer’s office as a paralegal, or in other areas in the legal field, can be a great asset. A lawyer may have a client who is better able to describe a specific scenario or answer certain questions using their first language instead of speaking English.
• Alcohol and Drug Counseling: This is an especially sensitive field where counselors often work with patients who are communicating personal information. During a session, there may be clients who feel more adept at describing their personal situations or relating to a counselor who understands them in the language they feel most comfortable speaking in.

Any profession that involves working with patients, clients, or even other business associates is a great opportunity to utilize your language skills! While it can help you on a personal level, it can also be a professional asset when in a business setting.

Certain restrictions apply. Programs vary by campus. For more information about our graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed the programs, and other important information, please visit our program pages at: http://icdccollege.edu/programs/.

Working at a job or career field you hate can drain you of your happiness. Instead of fearing your day, wouldn’t you rather feel like your job is a reflection of your success and passions? A way to achieve this is to think of what makes you happy. Do you feel content when you are helping others? Do you like working alone in an organized office? Does the judicial system captivate your interest?

Another suggestion is to think of experiences, whether happy or sad, you’ve gone through that made a profound impact on your life:

• Have you faced a troubled past? Have you overcome an addiction? Do you desire to help other addicts overcome their substance abuse problems? Then maybe entering into a career as an alcohol and drug counselor is the right path for you!
• Maybe you had an injury and had to undergo physical therapy. Perhaps you were nervous at the start, but the great staff put your fears at ease? Let your experiences pave a new road for you to help others in similar situations.
• Have you found satisfaction in helping out a sick family member, and would like to do the same for others? Then enter into a medical profession that can help you excel!

The first step is finding your passion.  If you’re unsure as to what program you want to enter, speak to the ICDC College’s admissions team and ask for help. The second step is working hard and putting in the hours and dedication to achieving your goals. Channel the young version of yourself and take those first steps to achieving your childhood dreams of entering into the field you envisioned for yourself.

For more information about our graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed the programs, and other important information, please visit our program pages at: http://icdccollege.edu/programs/.

To answer these questions and help students reach their goals, ICDC College will be hosting an online open house on Monday, January 28^th at 11:00 A.M. PST, for potential students who wish to know more about their education and career options. Using web-based instant messages, students will be able to get answers about how an education from ICDC College can help make them more marketable in a competitive job field.

Building off the success of last year’s open house, students will meet virtually with a panel of financial aid, admissions, education, military benefits, online learning, and student services experts.

ICDC College enrolls students every three weeks, as opposed to the traditional quarter/semester system that many universities use, meaning students can immediately take the first step in advancing their career options, rather than having to wait months and months, if not over a year.

A unique aspect of the online open house is that it will be the first time that the online Paralegal Associate Degree is discussed with incoming students. ICDC College’s admissions counselors are excited to announce to incoming students that the paralegal career path, as well as the fields the program leads to, is projected to grow nearly 20% by 2020.¹

ICDC College is proud of its commitment to America’s veterans, and whether they’re serving at home or abroad, or are entering the next phase of their career, soldiers and their families have a wide variety of options for education. Admissions and financial aid counselors will discuss with students the Post 9/11 and Montgomery GI Bill*, the Yellow Ribbon Scholarship, Veterans Retraining Assistance Program (VRAP), and other benefits for which they may qualify. Many of these programs are also available for the spouses of soldiers.

In addition to the virtual open house, ICDC College will also hold open houses in September for its campus-based students. These aim to foster a sense of community among students and show them that a higher education has the potential to change their lives for the better. They also will have the opportunity to meet the school’s staff and instructors, many of whom they will continue to have professional relationships with even after graduation.

Meeting with admissions representatives is often the first step for students, whose initial questions about whether they should take campus or online courses, as well as which programs match their passions, will be answered in this virtual format. Students will also be introduced to ICDC College’s student services department, which helps them with creating résumés, finding employment, and providing additional tips on how to successfully navigate the job market.

The virtual open house is projected to be a huge success, and ICDC College is pulling out all the stops to ensure that attendees leave with a sense of empowerment and that they have the power to change their lives for the better. Keep a look out for more open house news in the future!

*GI Bill^® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and is not endorsed, sponsored by, or otherwise affiliated with ICDC College.

Certain restriction may apply. Programs may vary by campus.

For more information about our graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed the programs, and other important information, please visit our website at http://ww2.icdccollege.edu/icdccollege.edu/fields-of-study.

¹ http://www.bls.gov/ooh/Legal/Paralegals-and-legal-assistants.htm#tab-6

In general, you should dress conservatively for interviews. Job-hunting is not the time to push the fashion envelope. Ultimately, you want them to remember your qualifications and passion for the field, instead of something you wore, or your personal appearance. We have some simple tips you can follow to make sure that the clothing you wear maximizes your chances of making your career dreams a reality!

• Hair – Men typically do not have a lot of options with hair, but no matter the length or color, make sure it is at least clean and appropriate for a work environment. Facial hair is ok, as long as it looks trimmed or well-groomed.

• Clothes – If possible, wear a suit, even if the company looks to have a relaxed dress code. Suits with two or three buttons are usually preferred, and for colors, black, grey, and blue are good choices. Is money tight? Some suit stores offer deals where you can get three jackets, three pairs of pants, and possibly other items, all for a low price. You may not need all three, but if you team up with friends or family members, then everyone gets a suit while also saving money!

• Shirt/tie – Much like a suit, you should wear a shirt and tie to an interview. They both should be clean, and to have a nice appearance, either iron or get the shirt pressed. White is a standard shirt color, and any color tie matches it (but don’t wear white – you need a little color contrast). Blue, grey, and green are other acceptable shirt choices, but whatever you wear, make sure that one color in the tie is also in the shirt.

• Jewelry – In general, try to avoid wearing any. Wedding rings are perfectly fine, but you may want to think about refraining from any facial piercings, studs, rings, or anything else that might distract an interviewer. Also, wear a watch – it will make you look more professional.

• Shoes – Wear dress shoes, no exceptions. Black dress shoes are the most versatile, as they go with pretty much any suit color.

One note on tattoos, do your best to cover them up. They may not hurt your chances of getting hired, but they might do more harm than good, and are usually not part of the professional image that most companies want to promote.

When dressing for an interview, combine the above tips with general common sense. Do not wait until you have to leave to look through your clothes. You should already have your outfit picked out by then, and also have made sure everything still fits and is clean. Anything can be washed and ironed the night before, but if you discover at 10:00 a.m. that your clothes are unsuitable for your 11:00 a.m. appointment time, then you’re out of luck.

One benefit to having everything ready ahead of time is that it makes the interview process less stressful. With clean clothes, a professional appearance, and a strong knowledge of your field, you’ll be ready to succeed, instead of nervous that the interviewer is too focused on your appearance.

Still want to know more? ICDC College has a great Student Services department, and if you are currently enrolled, you can use your login name and password for the Career Development website. Both have additional helpful tips on how to tackle today’s competitive market.

Good luck, and remember to always dress for the job you want!

For more information about our graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed the programs, and other important information, please visit our program page at http://ww2.icdccollege.edu/icdccollege.edu/fields-of-study.

1. Keep your audience in mind! When entering the working world, it is very likely you will communicate with coworkers or your boss using email.

• If you’re writing a personal email to a friend, it’s acceptable to use casual language and say “what’s up?” or to sign off with a “peace out.” However, this is not acceptable when addressing colleagues, employers, teachers, or other professional individuals.
• Be courteous when interacting with others. It is still important to say “please” and “thank you”, even via email.

2. Clarity with brevity. Remember, employees receive dozens of emails a day, so make sure when you’re writing an email, you are brief, clear, and to the point. You don’t want to confuse others nor make them lose interest due to wordy emails that can instead be concise. Also, when you are responding to an email, make sure you answer all the necessary questions.

3. Write Right! Another important thing to consider when sending out an email, especially one addressed to a group of people, is to check your spelling and grammar!

• Did you use a semicolon in place of a comma?
  • Remember, a semicolon is used to separate two related complete sentences. Thus, if each sentence can stand on its own without a conjunction (and, or, but, etc.), then you can use a semicolon.
Make sure you know the difference between “your and you’re.”
Properly spell names.
Don’t capitalize random items.

It’s the basic rules that show your professionalism! Sometimes, emails are the only way an employee communicates with someone high up in a business, so to ensure you make a good impression, be professional and kind in your cyber communication!

4. Write clearly. If you work in a field that requires you to hand-write, it’s also important for your writing to be legible. It’s understandable if your handwriting isn’t a work of art —let’s face it, whose is? Although, it’s important that it at least be readable. If a doctor misreads a note from a medical assistant, it can be a detrimental mistake. So, make sure you try to write as clearly and accurately as possible.

We all make mistakes here and there. But, it’s important to always review anything you’ve written. Writing correctly and clearly only adds to your credibility. Happy writing!

For more information about our graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed the program and other important information, please visit our website: http://icdccollege.edu/programs/fast-track-diploma-programs/medical-assistant-diploma/.

1. Come prepared! The smallest gestures make the biggest impressions. When you walk in, make sure you have multiple copies of the following:

• Cover Letter
• Resume
• Any additional requirements (a writing sample, work from your portfolio, etc.) that they’ve requested you bring. And if they didn’t request anything, bring something anyway that shows your accomplishments.

You never know how many copies of something they will need, and don’t expect them to have it on-hand just because you emailed them a copy. Also, with all the applications they’ve received, do not assume your interviewer has read yours.

2. Dress appropriately! Yes, it’s true, we shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, but in the working world, the way you look does make an impression on the person interviewing you. Please don’t wear anything too sloppy or revealing.

3. Don’t ask about your pay during your first interview. Of course, how much you make is an essential detail that needs to be addressed, but just not yet. The first interview is the time to show off your interest in the job, as well as your qualifications. There will be a time for the money conversation later. However, if it is brought up first, have an answer prepared. Do your research, figure out how much your position typically pays, and weigh in your past experiences. Also, giving employers a salary range, as opposed to a specific number, is helpful.

4. Ask questions. Not only should you walk into a job interview fully aware of the company’s history and motto (if you don’t know, make sure you prep on these topics before you get there!), but you should also ask questions. Asking questions shows you’re interested, want to make good use of your time, and will help you stand out. Here are some ideas for what you can ask:

• More details regarding your job position
• Room for growth within the position and the company
• Your intended daily activity

5. Be upbeat! Regardless of the position you’re interviewing for, you’re going to be spending multiple hours a week working with people. Nobody wants to work with a Scrooge or Debbie Downer, so bring your best self to an interview. A personable demeanor will help you shine, along with your stellar resume.

Just relax and remain confident. There’s a reason they asked to meet you in person, so show them they made the right decision. Good luck!

Writing coherently and correctly adds to your credibility when interacting with people. In today’s world, we typically use email to communicate with instructors, employers, and coworkers. Even before companies schedule an interview, the first impression you make is typically through your email, resume, and cover letter. Here are some suggestions for how to maximize the effectiveness of each:

Letter Inquiry:

When sending out an email to an employer, make sure you do the following:

• Spell his or her name correctly.
• If you’re writing a formal letter, include the date, a salutation like “Dear” or “To Whom it May Concern”, and add a colon after the individual’s name.
• At the end of the letter, follow it with a “Sincerely”, a comma, and your full name on the following line.

Cover Letter:

For your cover letter, make sure your paragraphs are organized and have a flow. Here’s how you can break it down:

• In the first paragraph, you may want to discuss your recent work or educational experience.
• You can follow with another paragraph on your personal strengths.
• Lastly, conclude with a paragraph expanding on why you want to work for the specific company.

Remember, your thoughts should be clear and each paragraph should be about its own topic. This is also the space to address an employer’s questions and describe how you meet the qualification requirements.

Resume:

Listed below are items you should have on your resume:

• Your resume should have your name, contact information, education, work experience, and work titles.
• Make sure you separate each section and indicate how long you’ve worked or studied at each location.
• If you are already employed, but looking for another job, make sure the tenses in your resume are correct. So, when describing your current place of employment, the verbs should be in present tense: “building, monitoring, and transcribing.” For jobs you’ve held before your current one, use past tenses like “built, monitored, and transcribed.”

If the application or job summary has specific questions, make sure you stick to the prompt and respond precisely to what’s being asked of you.  Also, to not waste your time or the employer’s time, make sure you meet the minimum qualification requirements.

For instance, before employers even read about your restaurant work experience, they may spot a line from your resume that reads “kept inventory for deserts” and immediately dismiss your application. Your document’s spell-checker wouldn’t catch that mistake, because technically it’s not a misspelled word. But, you don’t take inventory for deserts, the place where cacti grow. Rather, you took inventory for delicious desserts. Just think, dessert can mean something extra after a meal, so you need that extra consonant. Little mistakes like that can hurt your chances because it shows you do not pay attention to details.

The key is reviewing what you’ve written multiple times and making sure all your information is organized and correct. Ask a former instructor or friend to look over your documents. A fresh pair of eyes may catch a mistake you’ve missed.

Until the next series of tips from ICDC Life, happy writing!!!