After countless cases of data misuse – including the major Facebook scandal involving Cambridge Analytica – companies realize more than ever how important it is to have reliable network security. If they have branch or remote locations, it can be complicated (and expensive) to control and ensure database security in all locations. To find your best solution to security issues, you first need to know just what is involved and what the options are. What is network security, and why is it important?Companies and organizations use network security to secure the information they need to protect from unauthorized users and potential hackers. Network security is the plan or strategy these organizations use to monitor unauthorized access, exploitation and modifications of their networking assets. An essential part of network optimization, it is implemented with a combination of hardware and software to protect the network from viruses, malware, ransomware, hackers and denial-of-service attacks. What is SD-WAN?SD-WAN, software-defined WAN (wide area network), is used by companies to connect their networks, which may include branch offices and/or data centers that are far away from the headquarters or main location. Traditionally, WANs use special proprietary hardware to connect their various locations. SD-WAN can manage many types of connections – MPLS, broadband and LTE – to deliver business-class, simple, secure WAN connections without the hardware aspect. How does software-defined WAN protect networks?It integrates security, policy and organization by creating a secure connection among network endpoints. The company benefits from:
What types of SD-WAN architecture exist?SD-WAN is an overlay architecture that offers a networking foundation that is much easier to control and monitor than traditional legacy WANs. By using the cloud, software-defined WAN centralizes and simplifies network management. SD-WAN can be just software-based or a solution that uses both hardware and software:
What are the advantages of software-defined WAN?Because of an increasing demand for bandwidth and decreasing (or restricted) operating network budgets, corporate WAN managers are looking for ways to optimize their networks cost-effectively and without compromising quality. SD-WAN benefits companies by:
Gartner estimates that SD-WAN will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 59 percent through 2021, pushing it to become a $1.3 billion market. By providing simple solutions to the increasing concerns of network security and database security, the projection makes sense. How do you get into the field of network security?Since new vulnerabilities to our technology are coming about every day, the need for IT security specialists is growing. MTI College offers a fast-paced, hands-on Network Administration and Security associate degree program that prepares you for an entry-level position as a professional network admin specialist. Computer networking is critical in most industries that rely on secure, shared databases – industries such as health care and banking. Completing your associate degree in Network Administration and Security, and earning CompTIA Network+ and Security+ certification, may open the door to an entry-level job as a:
Get the skills and certification you need from MTI College, and you can be on the road to protecting our IT security. The post How to Improve Network Security with SD-WAN appeared first on MTI College. from MTI College https://mticollege.edu/how-to-improve-network-security-with-sd-wan/ from https://mticolleges.tumblr.com/post/175056287103
0 Comments
The year was 2000. Attila Miszti, a recent graduate of MTI College’s IT program, had just received his first weekly paycheck. At the time, he felt like it was all the money in the world. But as he thinks back on it now, Mr. Miszti believes that paycheck represented something much bigger than anything that could ever fit into a wallet. To him, it represented just how much MTI College believes in its students and strives to empower them to succeed in learning, and life. “That job was waiting for me once I graduated. One of my MTI instructors worked for Gap Corporate, and he helped line up a full-time contract position for me while I was still completing the program. That really showed me how the people at MTI go beyond the mission of educating and training their students, and help connect them with real professional opportunities and great employers.” To fully understand the outcome of Mr. Miszti’s experience at MTI, you need to go back to what led him there in the first place. After graduating from Del Campo High School in 1998, Mr. Miszti knew that college was his next move. The next fall, he enrolled at a local community college as a way to fulfill the general education requirements he knew he’d eventually need, while earning an associate’s degree at the same time. But not long after enrolling, it became clear that a change would have to be made. “After I enrolled I was only able to get into two of the five classes that I was going to need to fulfill my gen-ed requirements,” Mr. Miszti recalled. “It was incredibly frustrating. At that point I knew I didn’t want to take six years to earn a degree that should only take four just because of congestion in the system.” It was the late 1990s, and the dot-com boom was in full swing. Mr. Miszti had always been interested in computers and technology. While exploring various options for changing schools, when he looked deeply into the programmatic offerings and reputation of those options one clearly stood out—MTI College. It didn’t take long for Mr. Miszti to realize he’d made the right choice. A student in the IT program, he was learning the most current and relevant topics happening at the time. He was able to get exactly the courses it would take to complete the program in two years. And his instructors were experienced professionals who were personally invested in his success. But that really only tells half the story. As Mr. Miszti was working his way through the program, he volunteered to help with some of the IT work that was needed at the new building that MTI College was opening. The dedication and quality of work he demonstrated there led to an offer of a part-time job at the College while he was completing the program. And it was through that part-time job he worked while he completed his academic program that one of his instructors, who also worked for Gap Corporate, offered him a full-time contract position once he graduated. “It showed just how important that decision to attend MTI College was. I was able to build a network and leverage the knowledge I was gaining into some meaningful opportunities that laid the foundation for my future career. All because of how personally invested the instructors there are in their students.” With his IT career in full swing, Mr. Miszti knew he was in a position most others that were his age, and working in his field, weren’t. “I was in my late 20s, and I already had 10 years of corporate experience under my belt. Not many others did.” While he enjoyed working in IT, Mr. Miszti still wanted to take his career to even greater heights. Although working in IT brought its fair share of challenges, those working in the field typically weren’t in a position to make decisions that would directly impact the overall health and future of the organization. This is where Mr. Miszti envisioned himself, and he knew that more education was the path to get there. So he decided to return to school to pursue his undergraduate degree in economics at the University of San Francisco. Once again, MTI College came through for him. He was able to transfer all of the credits he’d earned at MTI to the program at USF and, as a result, earn his degree in just two years. “MTI puts a lot of emphasis on its accreditation and positioning students to advance their education by transferring MTI credits. That clearly was a big benefit for me when I decided to go back and earn my bachelor’s degree.” Eventually, Mr. Miszti took a position at Citigroup, and not long after decided to return to school to earn his master’s in business administration (MBA), this time at Sacramento State. It was his unique blend of IT knowledge and experience with a high-level education and training in business that, he says, set him apart in the eyes of employers. After Citigroup, he took a position with the Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD), where he quickly ascended from grid planning, to supply chain, to the position of Director of Line Assets, where he oversees line maintenance throughout the service territory. “MTI accelerated a lot of things for me and opened some unconventional doors. Being able to get such great experience in a corporate setting at a young age made all the difference in the world.” In his position with SMUD, Mr. Miszti spends much of his time evaluating resumes and filling open positions in his department. He uses his experience, made possible by MTI, as a guide. “I value a combination of education and experience. I seldom hire folks who just have the educational component. I find that they’re not as well equipped to jump into a corporate and operational environment.” And for anyone considering MTI College for their education, Mr. Miszti has advice on what they should know, and what to expect. “One of the big advantages to MTI is that they take care of everything with regards to scheduling and courses. They ensure that you’ll get the exact courses you need within the timeframe to complete your program on time. “And they’re always reexamining their programs and offerings to make sure they reflect the needs of local business and industry. This isn’t something that’s talked about very much, but it’s very important and a big part of MTI’s success at putting students in a position to succeed in their field of study upon graduation. “MTI has been in business 50 years. That doesn’t happen by accident.” The post Alumni Spotlight – Attila Miszti appeared first on MTI College. from MTI College https://mticollege.edu/alumni-spotlight-attila-miszti/ from https://mticolleges.tumblr.com/post/175056286863 In this day of cyberattacks and stolen identities, it is imperative to guard personal information. For medical billers and coders, it goes a step beyond: They also must follow a strong standard of ethics while protecting patient and client information. It’s not always that easy, and sometimes the lines are blurred. Regulations regarding licensing and certification in the healthcare industry require that everyone employed in the field has the proper training and qualifications. In addition, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996 was passed to ensure the privacy and security of patients’ healthcare information. However, healthcare professionals are tasked with enforcing HIPAA – and sometimes, through human error or breaches, information gets out or is misused. It’s the misuse that must be looked at from an ethical standpoint. Medical billers and coders keep doctors and nurses on track and organized, and record in clear terms a patient’s medical history. One slip-up with an improper code could mean big trouble for a patient. It could result in the wrong treatment (imagine mistakenly coding a lymphoma, cancer, for a lipoma, a benign fatty tumor). Occasionally, billers and coders are asked to make intentional slip-ups to optimize revenue for the medical facility at the expense of actual documentation. They may be under pressure to “upcode” or “unbundle” procedures to extract more reimbursement from patients or insurance companies. This is just one glaring example of unethical behavior that can present itself in healthcare. The American Medical Association (AMA) published Principles of Medical Ethics as a general guideline for healthcare professionals to follow. If medical billers and coders are faced with potentially unethical situations, they can refer to the AMA’s guide, and they can keep these things in mind:
Medical coding and billing are the heart of healthcare industry. As the U.S. population rapidly ages, people usually require more medical care. Medical coders and billers are needed to handle insurance and patient claims. MTI College offers a Medical Billing and Coding Professional Diploma Program that can prepare you to enter this in-demand field. You could be working alongside doctors and nurses in a hospital, doctor’s office, clinic, nursing home or other medical facility, using your skills to provide much-needed assistance. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment rate for medical records and health information technicians (billers and coders) is growing much faster than the average for other occupations. Because more people have access to health insurance these days, claims on behalf of patients are going to increase. If you have a medical billing job, you will be the one to submit the bills for insurance reimbursement. Does this sound like a job you would enjoy? Contact MTI College Sacramento today to jump-start your medical billing or coding career. Sources: http://www.mb-guide.org/medical-billing-ethics.html http://journal.ahima.org/2011/04/02/ethical-dilemmas/ https://www.aapc.com/memberarea/forums/12603-deal-unethical-billing-issues.html http://www.medicalbillersandcoders.com/pressrelease_articles.aspx?ArticleId=87 http://work.chron.com/code-ethics-medical-coding-billing-specialists-3099.html http://www.mb-guide.org/medical-billing-ethics.html https://www.ama-assn.org/sites/default/files/media-browser/principles-of-medical-ethics.pdf The post Honesty Is the Best Only Policy for Medical Billers and Coders appeared first on MTI College. from MTI College https://mticollege.edu/honesty-is-the-best-only-policy-for-medical-billers-and-coders/ from https://mticolleges.tumblr.com/post/173990151233 Medical billers and coders are crucial to the healthcare industry. They keep doctors and nurses on track and organized by carefully documenting patient procedures and treatments. In addition, they submit bills to insurance companies, which then pay claims. When a biller or coder makes a mistake, it can delay the claims process, cause a loss of revenue and/or affect a patient’s care. It’s inevitable that errors occur – especially when dealing with the thousands of codes a medical biller or coder is expected to know. The World Health Organization created the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision (ICD-10), which universally classifies and codes all diagnoses, symptoms and medical procedures. The ICD-10 codes that you, as a medical coder, use make it easy to share and compare patient medical information among various hospitals, regions and providers. They also ensure that the procedure that is billed makes sense with the diagnosis. There is a lot of information to know. Add CPT® codes, the five-character Current Procedural Terminology codes that are the U.S. standard for the way medical professionals document and report medical, surgical, laboratory, radiology, anesthesiology and E/M (evaluation and management) services, to the equation, and the coder’s job becomes even more complex, with a greater chance for making mistakes. Knowing the more common problems with coding and billing, and understanding how to avoid them, is key to efficiency in the job. Here are a few of the more common problems faced by medical billers and coders: Poor or missing documentation Sometimes a provider doesn’t give enough information about a procedure, leaves important items out or enters information that is illegible. Unless the coder or biller is able to consult directly with the provider and clarify the situation, a claim request may be submitted incorrectly. Rejected or denied claims If a claim request has been submitted incorrectly, resulting in errors found before it is processed, the insurance company will reject the claim and not pay the bill as written. It’s then sent back with an explanation, and the process begins again. In another scenario, a claim may be denied if the payer determines the procedure or charge is not payable. Perhaps it violates the payer-patient contract (i.e., using an out-of-network provider) or is a high-tier prescription that is not covered. A denied claim can be appealed, but such an appeal takes time and can be expensive. Under- or upcoding These errors are often intentional and considered to be fraudulent. Under-coding involves reporting less-expensive medical services than the ones that were actually performed. Over-coding is the opposite, and it is a means for trying to receive higher reimbursement than a provider is entitled to. Unbundling This, too, is intentional and fraudulent. It’s similar to upcoding, in that it involves charging procedures separately so that the provider receives a greater payout. Simple errors Medical billing and coding require attention to detail, but sometimes negligence causes clerical errors with:
Although these errors are fairly common, they can be expensive. According to Healthcare Business and Technology, doctors lose $125 billion each year because of poor medical billing systems and errors. Most errors can be avoided if the medical coder or biller takes a few simple steps:
Partially because of a rapidly aging U.S. population, healthcare jobs are in demand because as people age, they usually need more medical care. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment rate for medical records and health information technicians (billers and coders) is growing much faster than the average for other occupations because people in these jobs are the ones who handle insurance and patient claims. MTI College offers a Medical Billing and Coding Professional Diploma Program that can prepare you to enter this in-demand field. When you study at MTI College, you train for both positions. Upon graduation from the program, you could be working alongside doctors and nurses in a hospital, doctor’s office, clinic, nursing home or other medical facility, using your skills to provide much-needed assistance. MTI College’s Medical Billing and Coding Training Program gives you the background you need to enter the exciting, busy world of healthcare. Contact MTI College Sacramento today to jump-start your career. Sources: https://www.medicalbillingandcoding.org/common-problems-coding/ https://www.medicalbillingandcoding.org/potential-billing-problems-returned-claims/ http://www.healthcarebusinesstech.com/medical-billing/ http://schoolsmedicalbilling.org/ethical-issues-concern-medical-billing-coding/ http://www.providersedge.com/ehdocs/ehr_articles/America-s_Hidden_Healthcare_Crisis.pdf The post Common Errors in Medical Billing and Coding, and How to Avoid Them appeared first on MTI College. from MTI College https://mticollege.edu/common-errors-in-medical-billing-and-coding-and-how-to-avoid-them/ from https://mticolleges.tumblr.com/post/173990151088 Summer’s coming, and that’s a great time to update your hair with a new cut, color or style. If you’ve been thinking about doing something to change your look, but you aren’t sure what, check out these hair trends for the summer of 2018. New cuts and styles to watch out forThere really are no rules anymore when it comes to hairstyles and cuts, but we’ll be seeing more of some looks than others this summer.
Every color of, under or around the rainbowChanging your hair color may be the easiest way to showcase your individuality or change your look. This summer, you’ll see a variety of colors and combinations of color.
Do you enjoy changing your hair color with the season, or styling your friends’ hair? Perhaps a career in cosmetology is in your future. MTI College’s Paul Mitchell The School helps you develop the beauty and cosmetology skills you need for a rewarding career. Class size is small, and the one-on-one attention you receive from your instructors – professional hairstylists and estheticians – helps you succeed. Register for the cosmetology program at MTI College today. Sources:
The post Hair Trends to Expect for Summer appeared first on MTI College. from MTI College https://mticollege.edu/hair-trends-to-expect-for-summer/ from https://mticolleges.tumblr.com/post/173990150888 Did you know that your skin is the largest and fastest-growing organ in your body? It covers and protects you 24/7. With that in mind, it only makes sense that you would want to take very good care of it. Cosmetology products on the market are available to help you with your skin care program and skin health, but it’s important to know how to use them properly for optimum results. First, though, you need to understand your skin. Skin’s layers and structureThe three layers of the skin cover your body, protecting your internal organs, keeping harmful bacteria out and giving you your sense of touch. The outer layer – the epidermis – is the barrier layer, but it also contains cells known as melanocytes. They contain melanin, the pigment that gives the skin its color. Below the epidermis is the dermis. Made up of elastin and collagen, it contains hair follicles, sweat glands and sebaceous glands. The deepest layer is the subcutis, where fat is deposited and stored as energy and insulation. Each layer has its own function, from regulating body temperature to retaining moisture and elasticity to removing toxins and producing Vitamin D. Skin textureMany of us envy those with “perfect” skin – soft, smooth and dewy – and long to make our problem skin look better. Poor skin texture is a problem for many and appears as rough skin or patches of rough skin. This may be dry, flaky skin on the face, sagging jowls or dark spots caused by sun damage. To improve the skin’s texture, you need to develop and consistently follow a proper skin care regime. Developing a skincare regimenAnyone can follow a plan for better skin care. How your skin looks is as much a result of skin care habits as heredity. The basic formula for a skin care regimen is very simple: cleanse, tone and moisturize. The goal of your skin care program is to make your skin function at its best. It won’t happen overnight; it takes time to reap the benefits and notice the effects – generally six weeks of following the plan consistently. Here’s the simple plan toward better skin care:
Getting the most from your cosmetology productsIt’s more in how you use your products than which ones you use. There is an order of application that you should follow, and it usually goes by consistency – going from the thinnest products to the thickest. Normally, whatever you put on first penetrates the best. If you’re using two products to treat two different problems, apply one to bare skin the morning and save the other until nighttime. The exception to the consistency rule is to apply retinoid creams after others because they could irritate sensitive skin if applied first. Also, you want to apply your sunscreen – the most important product you will use – last. Best skin care tipsConsistency in following your skin care program is essential to success. Here are some other tips that can help you care for your skin and keep it looking bright and healthy.
Learn more about health and beauty at MTI CollegeIf beauty and cosmetology products have always interested you, why not make it a career? Consider studying cosmetology at MTI College’s Paul Mitchell Beauty, Cosmetology and Barbering School. You will learn professional skills in hair, skin and nail care by working hands-on in the school’s clinic classroom. Class sizes are limited, so you will receive one-on-one attention from your instructors. All of them are professional hairstylists and beauty professionals who bring their real-world expertise into the classroom. Call today and secure your place in the next class at Paul Mitchell the School. The post How to Care for Your Skin and Use Skin Care Products Effectively appeared first on MTI College. from MTI College https://www.mticollege.edu/skin-care-and-products/ from https://mticolleges.tumblr.com/post/173104904203 It’s a degree, for people who don’t know what they want to do. You’ll never climb the ladder if you study business administration. Your background won’t impress hiring managers. These are a few of the more common misconceptions about business administration. The truth is that pursuing a business administration program can open doors in many fields. Let’s bust some of those misconceptions. Business administration is boring. Yes, you do have to learn quite a few basic principles about running a business successfully. However, the learning process is filled with information about many business sectors – human resources, finance, marketing, accounting, customer service and management – and gives you skills you can carry with you throughout your career. You’ll never advance from an entry-level position. If you hear that you’ll only be an office clerk or receptionist, that is not correct. With a degree in business administration, you may even bypass those positions because you will have a broad scope of business knowledge behind you. Although many who are senior-level business admins have advanced degrees, many have also worked their way up the ladder. When you study business administration, you may boost yourself up through the ranks because you:
Business administration is not an “in-demand” career. According to O*NET Online, jobs in business administration are projected to grow faster than average through 2026. Your education will provide familiarity with human resources and business management, marketing, finance and accounting, and the legal environment of modern business. You can apply your knowledge in nearly every industry. It’s only appropriate for someone who wants to work for a corporation. This is also not true. Although it prepares you to work within a corporation, you can also work in government, retail, advertising, health care, market research, nonprofit, insurance, real estate, manufacturing, service firms and hospitality. Your skills are transferable. Although you may be a “generalist” when you graduate, you can soon become a “specialist” because of the versatility your education provides. You may get a first job in a hospital, for example, and decide that you want to focus on business admin possibilities in health care. Once you start your business administration program, you must have a career plan. You may know exactly what you want to do once you graduate, but this program is actually ideal for someone who doesn’t really have specific career ambitions. As you study, you may find that you prefer human resources to finance, or marketing to management. You have the opportunity to explore and develop your passion. Figure that you’ll be in a traditional 9-to-5 job. Some companies still prefer this type of arrangement, but the trend in today’s workplace is toward the untraditional, with flexible hours, job sharing, telecommuting and even shortened workdays. Depending on where you work, you may have options. Career options in business administration are limited. Getting the education is just the start. There are so many different paths you could choose. You could become an accounting technician, an airline customer service agent, a facility manager, a restaurant manager, human resources administrator, special events coordinator, account manager, property manager, credit analyst, marketing director and more. It’s hard to find a job in business administration. Because your education gives you knowledge of so many components of business, your job search can cross multiple boundaries and fields. You will have a broad set of transferable skills. If you are studying an MTI College business program and are in good standing, you can take advantage of free job placement assistance through MTI College’s Career Services Department. You must be good with numbers and math. Although part of running a business involves accounting and financial skills, you are not limited to those fields as a business administrator. Organizational skills and attention to detail – keeping track of the numbers – are more important than knowing the math. Where to get an education in business administration If you think the versatility of a business administration career might be for you, consider studying at MTI College Sacramento. You have a choice of studying one of two business administration programs:
When you have an opportunity to get hands-on experience, you learn better. That’s one of MTI’s signature training methods. Since your instructors have worked in business, they share their experiences with you and put you into real-world scenarios that you may well be faced with once you enter the business workplace. With both program options, MTI prepares you with the hands-on training and skills you need to confidently work in business. The skills you earn are easily adaptable to any type of business, and they provide a foundation for job growth. There’s no time like the present to begin your business administration career training. Contact MTI today. The post 10 Misconceptions about Business Administration appeared first on MTI College. from MTI College https://www.mticollege.edu/misconceptions-about-business-administration/ from https://mticolleges.tumblr.com/post/173068135368 A company’s business administrator plays a crucial role in ensuring its efficient operation. Regardless of title – CEO, general manager, operations manager or something else – the one who assumes the role of business administrator should be a mentor and motivator with many responsibilities. Perhaps the most important duty is making decisions that affect the organization, its employees and its stakeholders. Skills required for a business administratorBecause a business administrator needs to “hold things together” in the company, he or she will face challenges throughout his or her tenure. Graduating from a good business administration program, such as the one at MTI College in Sacramento, can help prepare you for those challenges. However, to manage the needs of the organization, the business administrator also needs to be particularly skilled in:
Of those skills, critical thinking is most important to a key area of the business administrator’s job: decision-making. Steps to making decisionsHerbert Simon – Nobel Prize-winning American political scientist, economist, sociologist and psychologist – wrote in Administrative Behavior: a Study in Decision Making Processes in Administrative Organizations that decision-making is the “heart” of business administration. He believed that the logic and the psychology of human choice determine administrative theory, and the duty of the business administrator is to design an environment that allows the approach to decision-making to be as rational as possible. This is accomplished by following these general steps to making decisions:
Although the steps in making decisions are similar, the approach to decision-making can differ. Reactive decision-makingSometimes unexpected things happen, and the business administrator – the decision maker – is put on the spot to solve the problem; he or she “reacts” to the situation. An example could be a burglary at the office, the sudden resignations of several key players or a natural disaster. When companies make reactive decisions that are not well thought out, they can be unwise, putting the company behind its competition. An administrator who chronically makes decisions reactively may not have the experience and adaptability to plan ahead and take charge. Proactive decision-making
A business administrator who proactively makes decisions can actually relieve stress and maintain control. By being proactive, a business administrator can anticipate problems and plan ahead. He or she develops habits that help advance the company’s objectives and respond to unexpected situations. For example, if the company has an emergency escape plan that has been communicated and practiced among employees, everyone will know what to do if and when the time comes. Similarly, if there’s a backup plan in place for scheduled employee absences, it can be put in place in the event of resignations or downsizing. By planning ahead – being proactive – the company, through its business administrator, can stay ahead of potential problems and issues, and focus on the long-term goals. Strategic decision-makingCreating a plan based on the company’s mission or long-term goals and visions is strategic decision-making. When the “big picture” is in the foreground, it’s much easier to align shorter-term goals so that they ultimately impact the long-term mission. Each of these is a step toward the company’s goals, which guide the strategic decisions and provide a quantifiable assessment of progress. Business administrators use strategic decision-making to plan for their company’s future, keeping in mind the impact potential decisions will have on the company, its competition and its market. They need to consider:
MTI CollegeGetting an associate degree in business administration from MTI College is an important first step to put you on the path to a versatile career in marketing, human relations, management, economics or accounting. MTI’s thorough training is a foundation in general business administrative skills and the principles of business management – that you can build on and grow with. There’s no time like the present to begin your business administration training. Contact MTI today to get on the road to an exciting career. The post Business Administrators: The Skills Needed for Making Good Decisions appeared first on MTI College. from MTI College https://www.mticollege.edu/business-administrator-good-decisions/ from https://mticolleges.tumblr.com/post/173041392973 Sometimes things are just meant to be. That would certainly be an appropriate way of describing Jenni Burton’s journey to MTI College. A 2012 graduate of the Paralegal Studies program at MTI, Burton never really expected her professional life to go in the direction of a legal career. Born and raised in what she describes as the Sacramento “bubble,” Burton simply knew that she had a passion for helping people. After graduating high school in 2006, her mind was set—she was going to attend a local junior college and pursue a degree in nursing. But as she started down that path, Burton quickly discovered that the extreme demand for nursing degrees in the area meant that she would likely have to wait for entry into her program. “I would have had to wait longer than I wanted to, and I knew I didn’t want to put my career on hold that long. So I had to rethink what direction I wanted to go.” One thing Burton was sure of was that she still wanted to embark on a career in a field where she would be able to make a difference in people’s lives. And another profession in which she knew that would be the case was law. “The idea of being in a position of standing up for ‘the little guy’ and making sure people who find themselves in tough situations had the best possible advocates backing them up was really appealing to me.” Being from the Sacramento area, Burton had heard of MTI College and was aware that it offered accelerated programs, but at first that was all she really knew. She determined that a paralegal studies program was the best fit for what she wanted, and as she researched area programs the picture became even clearer. A friend of Burton’s was very familiar with MTI and helped open Burton’s eyes to just how respected the school was. She then discovered that the Paralegal Studies program at MTI was approved by the American Bar Association (ABA)—which distinguished it from other respected programs in the area—and her decision became clear. “Being ABA approved is a very big deal. It means that that program is held to a higher standard than others. Another great thing about MTI that I found was how flexible they are with students, giving many options for them to complete the program.” Throughout this time, Burton had been working at Raley’s Supermarket, in its online customer service department. When customers put in their grocery orders online, Burton was one of the team members who would put those orders together and have them ready for the customers to pick up. And as luck would have it, many of her regular customers were attorneys. “I remember I’d be talking with them and they’d always say how respected the MTI program was in their professional circles. How they knew that anyone coming from the MTI paralegal program would be so well versed and prepared to enter the legal field that they’d usually hire them on the spot.” It didn’t stop there. One of her regular customers at Raley’s was an attorney at a major Sacramento law firm and actually worked with Burton to get her foot in the door at that firm while she was working her way through the program at MTI. At first she started working as a file clerk. From there she moved on to reception and calendaring and then helping with discovery. “That was another great thing about the MTI program. I was able to apply what I learned in my program on the job.” She continued her work with the law firm as she completed her courses in the Paralegal Studies program, utilizing MTI’s convenient day and evening course options and four-day class week. Since she’d completed general education courses at the junior college she had attended, Burton would only need one-and-a-half years to complete the program. She stayed with the firm for a couple years and, after completing the program at MTI, put her credentials to work at another firm specializing in employment law, where she continues to work today, helping stand up for the little guy. “It feels good knowing that I’m playing a major role in helping people who need support. And I’m constantly amazed at just how comprehensive and relevant the MTI paralegal program is. I felt totally prepared coming out of the program and do feel like I was ready to hit the ground running.” Other aspects of Burton’s MTI experience she appreciates are the bonds and friendships she was able to build. To this day she remains close with several of the students that she was grouped with in her last full year of the program. In her time away from work, Burton most enjoys relaxing and spending time with her husband, Josh—also a graduate of MTI’s Paralegal Studies program—as well as their two children. The couple is currently remodeling their home, and the entire family enjoys taking care of their two dogs and two cats. “And maybe one of these days we’ll get chickens, but who knows.” Regardless, Burton says she will always believe in MTI and its mission of empowering students to achieve their professional goals. And to those students who are considering enrolling at MTI, her advice is simple. “Don’t hold back. MTI is an amazing school with amazing programs. Don’t sell yourself short when it comes to your future or your education. They’re very supportive and focused on giving every student the support he or she needs to succeed. The really want to know you on an individual level, and that’s something you really don’t see that often in higher education.” The post Alumni Spotlight – Jenni Burton appeared first on MTI College. from MTI College https://www.mticollege.edu/alumni-spotlight-jenni-burton/ from https://mticolleges.tumblr.com/post/172043298928 Technology’s importance in everyday life and business continues to grow by leaps and bounds. It has revolutionized the way legal processes function, creating a wonderful career opportunity for a paralegal with excellent technology skills. Changing rulesAccording to the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, the courts expect attorneys and their support team (including paralegals) to be up to date on electronic stored information (ESI). Since paralegals are usually assigned discovery tasks, it is crucial that they understand ESI and e-discovery. Ethics and professional conductThe American Bar Association in 2012 amended its Model Rule of Professional Conduct to include technological knowledge in a legal professional’s obligation to keep client information confidential. In California, Formal Ethics Opinion No. 2015-193 details tasks that attorneys and paralegals must comply with to ethically and competently represent their clients (in terms of technology). Efficiency and cost controlLegal technology costs have diminished over the last 10 years, but the greatest expense is in processing, storing and searching for data. The cost for each case is different, so it is important for a paralegal to be aware of technology tools that can reduce both firm and client costs. Having electronic information that is accessible to those who need it increases the efficiency of the legal process. Value to employers and clientsA paralegal who is technologically skilled is an asset to a law firm. Attorneys are busy people who rely on paralegals to search databases, do research electronically and keep abreast of new rules that are updated electronically. If a paralegal knows where to go to quickly and gather information a lawyer or client needs, he or she is performing a valuable service. ESI overloadParalegals and other law professionals must know how to access, retrieve and manage ESI to protect their clients. ESI includes emails, Word files, spreadsheets, digital photos, videos, texts and IMs, call logs, voicemails, database records and social media postings that can be found in computer hard drives, network servers, USB drives, databases and mobile devices and on social media websites. Career opportunity and higher salariesThe rise of technology has created expanded responsibilities – and new job titles – for paralegals. Increasing your technology skill set can also increase your salary. New career opportunities are appearing for paralegals who specialize in e-discovery and legal project management. Your salary (and value) can go up if you are able to combine legal expertise and advanced technology skills in litigation, information governance, compliance and cybersecurity. How to increase your technology skill setThere are several easy ways to make yourself invaluable to the legal industry as a paralegal, but being technically savvy is one of the best. Here are easy ways you can boost your skills:
MTI College paralegal programIf you’re fascinated by the legal world but becoming an attorney is not on your immediate radar, consider registering for the ABA-approved MTI paralegal program. It gives you the education you need to work in a law firm, government agency or corporate legal department, assisting lawyers and performing many of the same duties. The MTI paralegal program provides you with the minimum requirements to become a paralegal in California. In just two years, or less, you can earn your associate’s degree in paralegal studies and head out to begin a career in a field that the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics says is growing. If you have the interest and the necessary personal traits to become a paralegal, enroll now in the MTI College Paralegal program for the education you need to get that important first job. The post 6 Reasons Why Technology is Important to a Paralegal’s Career appeared first on MTI College. from MTI College https://www.mticollege.edu/technology-paralegal-career/ from https://mticolleges.tumblr.com/post/171876239633 |