Become a remote worker in your own community

by Michele Kroll, Community Economic Development, MU Extension

Do you want a higher income, lower stress level, advancement opportunities, and better work–life balance? If any of these benefits sound good to you join us and learn the skills needed to work remotely.

The “Rural Online Initiative” [ROI] launches a pilot program on Oct. 7 for Missouri residents.  This program is being provided by University of Missouri Extension in conjunction with Utah State Extension to help residents develop the skills needed to successfully compete for remote employment. 

With a growth rate of over 159% since 2005, remote work presents a new opportunity for many professionals to access jobs outside of their communities.  Some of the top remote career fields include jobs in medical and health fields, computer and customer service.  However, the skills and tools needed to successfully work remotely are different than traditional office-based employment.  This course will help you develop the skills and master those tools, including learning how to set up a remote work space, coordinate a virtual meeting, productivity and time management methods, elements of workflow as well as tools such as Trello and Slack. 

This online certification is designed to equip workers with the tools and skills needed to transition from on-site work into a remote career. This is a four-week blended certificate course, combining online work (Canvas) with interactive virtual workshops (Zoom). Each individual enrolled in the course is part of a cohort and will work together with other learners to expand their skills.

“Completing the “Master Remote Work Professional” course and earning a certificate will prepare people to prosper in the new economy, “said Paul Hill, Utah State University Extension associate professor.  “After meeting the skill requirements and earning their certificates, ROI clients will be assisted with job placement in partnership with the National Workforce Service Database.” 

“High school students, college students, retirees, and everyone in between can complete this course successfully,“ said Michele Kroll, Community Economic Development specialist for MU Extension.  “Participants need to have basic technical literacy abilities, access to a computer and broadband internet service, previous work experience and knowledge-based work interests.” 

A facebook live event is being held on September 26, 2019 at 5:30 p.m. to answer questions. For more information contact, Michele Kroll, Community Economic Development, MU Extension at 573-346-2644 or krollm@missouri.edu. Use these links to register online for the October https://extension2.missouri.edu/events/master-remote-work-professional-certificate-course or November Course https://extension2.missouri.edu/events/master-remote-work-professional-certificate-course-1. For more information about the Remote Work Professional Certificate online program visit: https://remoteworkcertificate.com/mrwpc.