Careers: Customs Broker/Freight Forwarder/Logistics

Unlocking Airport Career Opportunities: Your Guide to Ground Jobs

As a classical musician, teacher, and writer, I've always been fascinated by the intricate symphony of airport activity. Indeed, as I write this, I have the live cam at Midway Airport in Chicago streaming dozens of Boeing 737s in Southwest Airlines fleet being deiced. Also, there's a team of runway sweepers called "brooms" sweeping the snow off the active runway and taxiways and planes taking off and landing. Yes, I am an unabashed Av Geek!

In any case, I want to highlight some of the jobs essential to the smooth operation of the more than 5100 airports with commercial airline service in the U.S.A. It's not just the planes that keep things moving; the hardworking individuals on the ground ensure everything runs smoothly. As you can see from the list below, there is a job at an airport for anyone with any background, experience, and training. If you've been laid off or are just starting your career, check out what your local airport offers.

From the moment you step into the airport until your plane takes off, countless professionals work behind the scenes to make your journey possible.

• These unsung heroes include check-in agents who greet you with a smile (and lightning-fast keyboard skills).
• These baggage handlers ensure your luggage reaches your destination, and aircraft mechanics keep those metal birds in top shape.
• Let's not forget the air traffic controllers orchestrating a complex aerial

Adult Learners: Upgrading Your Skills

In today's rapidly changing job market, staying competitive means upgrading your skills. But for many adults juggling work, family, and other responsibilities, the idea of going back to school can seem daunting. The good news? There are now more accessible and affordable options than ever before. These learning options are designed with busy adult learners like you in mind.

Let's explore how you can enhance your skills and boost your career prospects without breaking the bank or disrupting your life. First, we'll show you why upgrading your skills matters. Then, we'll show you some pathways to skill development. Finally, we'll show you where AI fits in because it's transforming the workplace.

Part I: Why Skill Upgrading Matters

The job market is evolving faster than ever. Technologies that didn't exist a decade ago are now commonplace in many industries. Employers are looking for workers who can adapt and bring new skills to the table. By upgrading your skills, you're not just keeping up – you're setting yourself up for better job security, higher pay, and more opportunities for advancement.

Jeff Bezos is quoted as saying, “In business, what’s dangerous is not to evolve.” Seems pretty spot-on for the founder of a $1.2 trillion company that is constantly evolving and innovating. Source: Forbes

Community Colleges: Your Local Skills Hub

Community colleges have transformed into powerhouses of workforce development. They offer a wide range of programs designed to get

A to Z of Community College Certificates and Courses

U.S. community colleges offer courses and certificate programs catering to diverse educational and career goals.

• As I researched this article, I was impressed by the wealth of large and small programs our community colleges offer.
• I also understand the intricate process each college requires to offer a course.

No esoteric or useless courses and certificates exist in a community college catalog.

Furthermore, community college instructors are specialists.

These experienced, credentialled adjunct faculty have state-of-the-art knowledge of their subject. And they are eager to share it with you.

So, whether you are in your 50s and have been laid off after working for the same company for 20 years or are a young person exploring your options after graduating from high school, explore all the possibilities your community college offers.

“Workforce development and economic development are inextricably linked,” Wallace said. “If we are going to be successful in expanding the economy of our region and raising per capita income levels of our residents, we will have to be extremely good at leveraging the education-to-earnings pipeline. Employers must be involved in all facets of their prospective employees’ educational journey.” Source: Community College Daily

Why attend a community college?

Some attend community college to obtain a two-year degree before transferring to a four-year college. There are several reasons for this.

• The first is the cost savings.
• Community colleges typically have much

How to Learn Online Successfully

I've always enjoyed learning online because I like setting my schedule.

• Setting your schedule will be an attractive part of online learning if you work full-time and have family and other after-work responsibilities.
• While online learning existed for the certifications I was studying for in the 2000s, today's experience is dramatically different.
• Online learning today has many more features than it did when I was studying.
• However, what made online learning attractive to me remains the same: I could fit it into my schedule.
• And that was important to me as a husband, father, and full-time employee of a Fortune 1000 corporation.
• Online learning allowed me to study for the Microsoft certifications I wanted to earn.

Who supervises you while you learn online?

Online learning relies heavily on your discipline and motivation. Most online learning systems will send reminders and offer help when they sense you need a little nudging.

Most online learning platforms communicate through messaging apps such as WhatsApp to answer questions and provide academic support.

However, managing your schedule for completing each chapter or module is up to you.

You can work at your own pace.

WhatsApp enables students to have direct and personal interaction with their instructors, which enhances the quality of the learning experience.— Nagaletchimee Annamalai et al., 2024