Montana State University Extension works to improve the social, economic, and environmental well-being of Montana citizens through education. Fulfilling that mission looks a little different now than when Extension was created in 1914, but the goal of helping to improve the lives of residents of our state remains the same.
The recent rise in remote work presents an opportunity for people to stay in their small towns and secure a good job. In 2021, Extension launched the Master of Remote Work Certification Course to help Montanans learn the skills they need to work remotely.
“Remote work is a great option for people who want to stay in their community but can’t find a job that meets their needs locally” said Tara Mastel, Remote Work Program Coordinator and MSU Extension Community Development Program Leader. “Remote work can help boost the local economy, enable people to find jobs that match their skills and experience and allow people to still enjoy living in a rural setting.”
Nearly 20 participants from Montana have taken the month-long course, which consists of nine modules delivered in a self-paced, online format along with a weekly discussion-based virtual workshop. Participants get hands-on experience with common remote work scenarios and the opportunity to practice skills critical to online work including written communication, problem-solving, time management, collaboration, goal setting, organization, and accountability.
“Things are changing due to more people working from home during COVID. The prospect of working from home is intriguing to me,” says course graduate Nicole Buerkle who lives on a farm north of Plevna. “Working remotely would save me nearly an hour of driving each day and would give me more time with my family.”
Utah State University Extension developed and maintains the remote work course as part of a significant investment by the Utah state legislature to boost employment in rural Utah. The course is offered in Montana through a partnership between Utah State University Extension and Montana State University Extension.
MSU Extension faculty serve as coaches to help Montana participants through the course. Thanks to a partnership with Job Service of Montana, specially trained Workforce Consultants help graduates find remote jobs. Graduates interested in creating or expanding a remote business can work with Accelerate Montana’s Rural Innovation Initiative at the University of Montana.
Graduates of the Remote Work Certificate Course describe the course as “just what they needed” to understand what it is like to work remotely and how to go about finding a remote job. “I wanted to stay in my community and not spend an hour or more driving each way to a job out of town,” says graduate Mike Arney of Polson. “This course is exactly what I needed to know to jump into a remote position since I haven’t worked remotely before.” Arney recently found a remote job that leverages his previous experience.
The course is offered monthly (except December and July) and costs $199. Enrollment closes about a week before the first Thursday of each month. For more information, course dates and registration information, go to https://msuextension.org/ communitydevelopment/remote-work-certificate.html.
Tara Mastel is the MSU Extension Community Development Associate Specialist.