Issue No.18         February 2018
Trident University International provides an exceptional online educational experience for its students – diverse adult learners including current and former members of the military family.
Adhering to the highest standards of academic excellence, faculty and staff foster a learning community where students develop critical thinking and problem solving skills to enhance their lives and advance their careers.

Mihaela-Tanasescu_250x250.jpgMessage from the Provost 

by Dr. Mihaela Tanasescu, Provost, Chief Academic Officer, and Accreditation Liaison Officer for WASC Senior College and University Commission
 
I am excited to report that several undergraduate certificate and diploma programs are ready to launch at Trident. The inclusion of shorter programs that add value and immediate career relevance to longer degree programs is one of the ways in which our institution is ensuring that students maximize the utilization of college-level education and training. Other avenues include altering the structure of degree programs and increasing transfer of credit for prior learning, both of which have been implemented in Trident’s bachelors degrees. Aligned with the same goal, we have also launched an Associate of Science in Professional Studies. Students entering this program will have already earned a professional certificate or diploma, completed academic courses, or military or corporate experience equivalent to 15 semester hours of college credit. We are thus adding new dimensions to our commitment to flexibility in a structured learning environment and answering short-term and long-term students’ goals.
 
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Trident in the Community

Join Trident at any of the following events in your local community:
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Military Experience

Get a Good Hold on the REINS of Your Transition: Part 4 - Networking
by Mark A. Weedon
 
The fourth installment of our discussion on a successful transition from the military will focus on Networking. Webster's defines Networking as 'the exchange of information or services among individuals, groups, or institutions. This exchange of information is critical to gaining opportunities in the civilian workplace.
 
It may seem odd that it would be necessary to talk about networking still in 2018, but too often I see service members who aren't comfortable with talking to, and/or interacting with, non-military folks. This is a reasonable nuance because of the close-knit community we've spent so much time with, trained to the core with, bled and cried with in many instances, and with whom we share a 'never leave a fallen comrade' spirit with. While your hesitation to network in the civilian world is understandable, to do so would be detrimental to your success, especially when attempting to transition to that very world. Fortunately, civilians also feel that same discomfort, but from the opposite side. Not having that same experience puts them in a vulnerable position just like we are.
 
Meeting new people and sharing your story and/or aspirations will lead to a broader experience and could lead to new lasting friendships. It will also lead to opportunities that a resume simply cannot do. There are numerous ways to meet people in the industry you're looking to get into. Trade shows, associations, volunteer opportunities, and social gatherings are a few great networking ideas. Once there, the key is to strike up conversations with people (as opposed to standing in a corner with your back to the safest wall watching to see if there are any potential threats in the room… ). Put yourself out there and just go meet people. Some will click, some will not. If it doesn't click, so what, move on to the next person. Meet as many people as you can and spend some quality time getting to know those that click. If the conversation leads to future employment or past experience, which it usually always does, then you have an opportunity to excel. If not, you've made an impression and it could come back to you in the future, either through a lead or a business deal.
 
I recommend having a card and giving everyone a card. I know social media is the bomb these days but getting digits on the phone from someone you just met can be much more awkward than exchanging business cards. I've personally had several civilian opportunities, including my current position, which were presented to me through networking with people at events like those listed above.
 
Social media has a significant place in the networking world, so don't discount it. Instead, use it as a networking tool. Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, etc., can be valuable to your networking efforts. Just don't rely solely on them. Business in America, and around the world, still depends on the personable aspects of human face-to-face interaction for significant business decisions. Your transition into civilian life is a significant business decision.
 
CHARGE!!!
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Student Experience

SMS Communication with Our Students
by Christina Hoang
 
Trident University is dedicated to our students' success. Adjusting our means of communication to how students normally communicate in their everyday lives is one way Trident helps our students to reach their educational goals. 91% of all U.S. citizens have their mobile device within reach 24/7 (source: Morgan Stanley). Recently, the Center for Student Success launched a system that enables Trident to text message students. This is a great way to check in with students on their academic progress, as well as to communicate important deadlines. The great thing about text messaging is that it is immediate, convenient, does not require an internet connection, and gets read. We want our students to know we are constantly adjusting our mode of communication in order to effectively support our current student body.
 
If you would like to set up notifcations to your mobile device, view the step-by-step directions to register your mobile device.
 

Academic Spotlight

SAS Joint Certificate In Business Analytics
Are you interested in Big Data Analytics? Would you like to acquire skills to provide insights and solutions to solve business problems?
 
Trident's business analytics certificate introduces big data analytics to business professionals to meet an organization's objectives. Graduates will acquire statistical, quantitative, technical, and critical thinking skills by applying concepts, tools, and real world data. Graduates will be able to provide organizations with data driven solutions upon completion of this certificate program. To ensure students learn the industry standard tools, this program was co-developed with SAS, the industry leader in business analytics.

Trident in the News

Trident University to Host February Career Fair
January 31, 2018 – Cypress, CA – Trident will hold its next Virtual Career Fair on February 14th, 2018. Open to all students and alumni of the 100% online university, the event takes place from 10am to 2pm Pacific time. Employers who are confirmed to attend include Robert Half, Amazon, the Federal Bureau [...]
 
Trident University’s Dr. Patricia Taylor Publishes Human Resource Management Research
January 12, 2018 – Cypress, CA – Trident University International (Trident) announced today that faculty member Dr. Patricia Taylor has published research in human resource management, under the title, “Combating Unethical Practices in International Trade” in [...]

Faces of Trident

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Dr. Nicholas Razum was introduced to Trident University through the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department University (LASDU), an employee education program which established Academic Partnerships with a number of accredited colleges and universities, including TUI.
Dr. Nicholas Razum, Alumni - Class of 2007 
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Karen Diaz has been a military spouse for eight years. During this time she initiated and managed several military Family Support Groups. Her love for service members and their families drew her to these challenging positions where she loved supporting and assisting military families.
Karen Diaz, Outreach Education Specialist
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Paul Amundsen has practiced law in Florida for over 35 years, primarily representing business and industry. His practice focused on environmental law, health care law and, generally, government regulation. His career includes partnerships both large and small law firms.
Paul Amundsen, Part-time Faculty - University College
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Career Center Corner

by Emanuel Sepulveda
 
In today's job market, there are so many applicants for one position, it's difficult to stand out to a potential employer. How do you get an interview? Here are a few ideas that may help.
 
1. Don't spend all your job search time on job boards
Statistics show that 85% of jobs are internally posted, so limiting your search tools to job boards can work against you.
 
2. Create your social media profile
A great way to get noticed by potential employers is by using LinkedIn and Twitter. Many people browse these websites in search of good talent even when they're not looking for someone to fill a specific role.
 
3. Network, network, network
Attending networking events can put you on the top of the interview pile. Meeting people face-to-face creates a stronger opportunity to be remembered than just sending a resume.
 
4. Research companies
Identifying the culture of a company will give you a clearer view of how you may fit into the organization.
 
5. Your resume should be specific
Create a resume specifically for the position for which you are applying. Keep in mind your specific skills and how they match what the company is looking for.
 
6. Marketing material
Yes, a handout. This can be as small as a business card with a short bio and list of your skills. Hand them out to anyone who might be looking for or might know someone who is looking for what you can offer.
 
7. Recognize your value
Knowing what your experience and skills are worth will show confidence. Be sure to have a good answer to the question, "How can you add value to the company?"
 
8. Call the hiring manager
After sending a resume, find out who the hiring manager is and call them. In a short 30-second elevator speech, let them know that you have applied for a position and give them a reason you should be interviewed.
 
9. Make sure you follow up
All of this work is going to be worthless if you do not follow up. Always be persistent without being annoying. Make sure you know your contact's preferred form of communication and how often you should contact them.
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Alumni Community

by Kendra Temple
 
On February 1st, Trident University's Alumnifire platform reached 500 members. Wahoo!

Our students and alumni are now making valuable connections, opening doors, and finding job leads from members of their Trident community. If you've already joined, thank you! If you haven't, don't miss this opportunity!
 
What is Alumnifire?
Alumnifire is a powerful networking platform that will help our community open doors, network, and mentor one another from anywhere in the world. It's free to use and 100% powered by students and alumni like yourself. There's no need for a new username and password -- You can sign up immediately using your LinkedIn or Facebook account.
 
Who should join?
Whether you are from the first cohort in 1998, a recent graduate, or a current student; you share the experience of learning from a WASC accredited, fully online university, that serves busy adults both military and civilian. Now is our opportunity to open doors and mentor one another through resume review, informational interviews, job leads, or by even welcoming a fellow alum to your city. Choose how and how often you want to engage and make yourself available to both giving and receiving support and advice.
 
Where do I sign up?
Click here and sign up in less than a minute: trident.alumnifire.com
 
We strongly encourage you to sign up and share Alumnifire with fellow students and alumni. Our network has enormous potential that's just waiting to be unlocked.
 
Together- Let’s Aspire, Believe & Achieve!
   
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