Having the skills to be successful in remote work can open employment possibilities for Iowans no matter where they live. Iowans can gain these skills through the Remote Work Certificate. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach offers the virtual course in partnership with Utah State University Extension.

“Do you feel limited by the lack of career opportunities in your rural community? Are your skills being underutilized in your current position? Are the only job opportunities miles away from your hometown? Remote work or telecommuting allows you to work from anywhere without leaving your community,” said Brenda Schmitt, a human sciences specialist in family finance with ISU Extension and Outreach.

The next session of the Remote Work Certificate course begins Aug. 2. Register before July 28 to participate.

The four-week course is open to adult learners and requires approximately 30 hours to complete. Participants work at their own pace but must participate in four weekly virtual workshops and submit weekly assignments. At the end of the four-week course, participants who would like one-on-one assistance in setting career goals, identifying gaps in skills and finding opportunities for remote work can schedule time with a specialist.

“Remote work is challenging. Teamwork is especially difficult when teams are not in the same physical location. It affects communication, brainstorming and problem-solving, and supervisors need to adjust how they manage their remote teams,” Schmitt said.

Nationwide, the drive to get employees back into offices is clashing with workers who have embraced remote work as the new normal. The pandemic may be winding down, but that does not mean all will return to full-time commuting and packed office buildings. Employers are facing pressure to adjust their workplace policies, if just to reflect shifting attitudes toward remote work.

“Workers and employers are learning how to use remote work to increase productivity, provide flexibility and even reverse the brain drain,” Schmitt said.

“There has never been a more opportune time to build your personal capital, which leads to financial well-being. The Remote Work Certificate course will help you gain skills for a successful transition from on-site work into a virtual career or freelance work no matter where you live,” Schmitt said.