Continuous Learning for Individuals, Management & Business

Eric Pfau came to the PCC Small Business Development Center to learn how the business might improve based upon best practices of other businesses of similar size and experience. Then COVID-19 pandemic hit and Grummel Engineering, like so many other small businesses, had to change the way they worked with clients and with each other. Eric's goal is for the business to come out of the pandemic stronger than going in. This is the story of how Eric and Grummel Engineering is adapting to their "new normal" as they prepare for long term growth.  

Project management is a key element of business regardless of the industry someone works in. With multiple stakeholders, complex client needs, and the demands of high efficiency, companies recognize the benefit of people with a project management skill set. These roles are in charge of creating smooth workflows and that everyone knows when their element of the project needs to be done. This includes the specifications and details that might otherwise get lost in the shuffle. Project managers have varying salaries in the Portland, Oregon area, but they can achieve an average national salary of $66,137 according to Glassdoor. 

Portland, Oregon is a hub for innovation, arts, and design. Even though there aren't a lot of extremely large video game design companies, our community has a variety of thriving smaller operations, where video games are being created and marketed with great success.

When learning modern bookkeeping, one of the first steps is to utilize QuickBooks. It's now one of the leading products for bill management, bill pay, business cash flow, hiring contractors and employees, tracking expenses and income, and sending invoices or receiving payments. You can project your small business profitability in the software, create a variety of reports, and run both payroll and sales taxes.

An investment in professional development can improve your ability as an instructor and lead to new career trajectories. Plus, many institutions are requiring that instructors take CEU classes. But wouldn't you like to do these classes remotely, and at your own speed? Choosing to invest in yourself through continuing education has a positive impact on your whole community as a result and PCC makes it easy. Here are some professional development opportunities for educational professionals - but we encourage you to explore all options.

Portland, Oregon has had its share of challenges, both front-and-center in workplaces as well as environmental concerns from stressful weather to global health crises. Even the most mild-mannered person can grow more irritable in the wake of major challenges and stressors. When stress reaches a breaking point, workplace conflict tends to increase. When this happens, managers and colleagues can feel like they don't have the strategies to help them de-escalate tensions in their workplace.

Burnout, or long-term exhaustion and stress in a work context, is possible even in extremely fulfilling careers. Often, the causes of burnout have their roots in feeling a lack of purpose, spending too much time or too much energy working, or feeling like barriers at work prevent you from being effective. 

Heather Zeitzwolfe participated in both the SBDC Business Design Series and Small Business Builders programs while starting her accounting business. Then the COVID-19 pandemic hit, forcing her to rethink her business model. Thanks to the assistance she got from these programs and the Advisers at the PCC SBDC, Heather has been able to continue moving towards her dream of being an entrepreneur. This is her story. 

For many people, the first falling leaves evoke thoughts of school days and fresh beginnings. In 2020, perhaps more than usual, the start of the school season motivates people to reach beyond social distancing to expand their professional development skills.

Portland Community College's (PCC's) Ayurveda training course together with the Yoga Health Training Program can help you explore new meaningful realms in life and work. The courses are relevant whether you are (or want to become) a massage therapist, nurse, nurse practitioner, or nutritionist. These courses enhance the practices for homeopaths, naturopaths, chiropractors, and medical doctors. The subtle body knowledge covered is invaluable to acupuncturists, physician's assistants or medical assistants, craniosacral practitioners, fitness professionals, and to any practitioner who needs continuing education credits  (PACE) with the National Ayurvedic Medical Association or other accrediting organizations. By discovering correct perception in life and understanding the relationship between Ayurveda and Yoga, you can experience more relaxation, energy and calm in the midst of life’s storms.