Frequently Asked Questions

Remote work means that a team is not required to regularly work from a centralized location, such as an office or shop. Instead, they work “remotely” from wherever they have a laptop and internet connection, such as a home office, library, or coworking space.

Remote work has many, many rewards for anyone involved. If you’re a worker, you have access to: 

  • Higher Income
  • Lower stress
  • Advancement opportunities 
  • Work-life balance 
  • Extended working age

If you’re a community or business, some benefits that you can expect are:

  • Job accessibility and better employee retention
  • Lower overhead and recruiting costs
  • Increased cultural diversity 
  • Economic stimulation
  • Environmental sustainability 
  • Natural disaster recovery 

However, like any tool, remote work is only effective if used correctly. That “how to” is what we teach leaders in the Master Remote Work Leader course. 

Any job that uses a computer as it’s primary tool can be converted to be remote-friendly. This means roles like writing, graphic design, ecommerce, web development, and business management are all available online. You can even be a doctor or teacher and work remotely! Part of the ROI program includes reviewing your previous work experience and matching it to virtual roles that you are qualified for.

A fast and reliable computer, fast and reliable internet, a webcam, a headset or earbuds, and a quiet room.

Participants can expect the following start-to-finish experience during Rural Online Initiative program: 

  1. Candidates start by submitting an application on remoteworkcertificate.com that collects information about professional skills, geographic location, and career goals. 
  2. Any applications that demonstrate that a candidate has previous work experience, is able to confidently use a computer and the internet, and is interested in virtual work are accepted into the program and introduced to other local remote workers. 
  3. Participation kicks off with the Master Remote Work Professional Certification course. This training teaches participants about virtual jobs and how to work remotely, including how to use tools like video calls and project management systems, as well as soft skills such as communication, time management, and information security. 
  4. After completing the certification, participants select a career track like ecommerce, design, technology, or healthcare and can enroll in specialized training courses to supplement their existing work experience. 
  5. Finally, with the mentorship of a Program Coordinator, the worker then designs or finds their dream virtual career as a remote freelancer, entrepreneur, or employee.

We want as many people as possible to get connected with remote work as possible, so our only qualifications to participate are: 

  • Previous work experience (you have to be qualified to get a job, then we’ll help you make sure it can be virtual) 
  • Technical literacy (can you fluently use a computer and the internet?) 
  • Interest in virtual jobs (most remote work knowledge-based and requires a lot of computer use)

That’s it! If you sound like a good fit, go apply on remoteworkcertificate.com.

Absolutely! Our organization funding covers the expenses for residents in these counties, but you are still welcome to participate, no matter where you live. You’ll just need to cover your own cost by paying a course fee when you register.

Utah State University collaborated with the virtual training specialists at Workplaceless to develop this SHRM-approved training that teaches participants about virtual jobs and how to work remotely, including how to use a variety of remote-work communication and project management tools, as well as soft skills such as communication, time management, and information security.

Our goal is to teach you how to find work and provide you with the tools and skills you need to obtain remote work. Our course offers an abundance of information that will give you many of the resources you need.

Our career planning sessions at the end of the course will also delve into additional ways we can help you find your opportunities and continue to be mentored in your career path.

Whether you are a worker, business, or city, you can apply to participate in the Rural Online Initiative by submitting an application on remoteworkcertificate.com.