Continuous Learning for Individuals, Management & Business

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.

Become a vital partner in the fight against the spread of COVID-19 in your community.

Governor Kate Brown and the Oregon Health Authority have both identified Contact Tracers as vital roles for county and city health departments to ensure the safe re-opening of business. Contact Tracers from all backgrounds are needed throughout Oregon to help track and monitor the spread of COVID-19. If you are interested in serving in this critical public health role, Portland Community College has a contact tracer course that will set you on the path.

Looking for professional development classes this fall? Our programming can help you improve your ability as an effective employee, which in turn may help you move into a new position or give you better insight and leadership skills so that you can guide the employees on your team more effectively. Some of the classes offered by PCC Professional Development and Training this fall: 

Jaime Johnston has found herself is a challenging situation due to the COVID-19 pandemic. She was just getting ready to start her GDM beard oil business when things began to shut down. Her start up marketing plan was supposed to have her travel around the state to small retailers, but the Governor's "stay at home" orders made that plan impossible. With the help of the Portland Community College Small Business Development Center she was able to adjust her plans and start her business on a solid foundation. GDM officially launched sales in the middle of August 2020. This is their story.