After the COVID-19 pandemic hit, millions of Americans suddenly were out of work or having to work remotely.

That led North Dakota State University Extension to partner with Utah State University Extension to offer Utah State Extension’s remote work certification course in North Dakota. The program is designed to equip workers with the tools and skills they need to work from home as a remote worker, freelancer or entrepreneur.

“We saw this as not only an opportunity to help the North Dakota workforce be more efficient remote workers but to also help the rural economy by providing professional opportunities to rural citizens,” says Jodi Bruns, NDSU Extension leadership and civic engagement specialist.

The Master Remote Work Professional Certificate program is a one-month specialized training that combines self-directed learning and virtual workshops. Course topics include the work day, communication, workflow, productivity and time management, teamwork, critical thinking and remote job development.

“I learned so much more than I expected,” says Julie Lamborn of Bowman, who took the course in September. “I honestly felt like I was in a college class.”

Sue Milender, an NDSU Extension family and community wellness agent in Barnes County also completed the course in September.

“I would highly encourage everybody, regardless of their age, regardless of their position, if they are an employer or an employee, to look into taking this course,” she says. Approximately 500 people from throughout the U.S., including about 50 from North Dakota, participated in sessions of the course that NDSU Extension held in the fall.

Following the one-month course, NDSU Extension offered a career planning meeting.

“This isn’t required, as many students are already employed, but for those looking for work, we work with them to connect with remote work job opportunities,” Bruns says.

NDSU Extension is holding the program monthly except for July and December.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Jodi Bruns, 701-210-0445, jodi.bruns@ndsu.edu

https://www.ag.ndsu.edu/lead/remotework to register