Student spotlight: Vivian Baker's remote success

Vivian Baker is our latest success story! After earning her Remote Work Professional credential, Vivian took the next step by enrolling in the Certified Tech Sales Professional^© course.

This course equipped her with the skills and confidence to succeed in her career, whether working remotely or in person. “This course gives you the tools to succeed, and it’s clear the people involved truly care about helping you get employed,” Vivian shared.

Her dedication paid off, and she’s now thriving in her new position at Paramount Billing, with the confidence, knowledge, and connections gained through these USU Extension courses. Vivian’s journey is a powerful example of how building new skills and expanding professional networks can open doors to remote work opportunities.

Join our growing community of remote learners.

Registration is now open for ROI program courses starting in August! Don’t wait! Sign up today and take the first step toward your own remote work journey.

🎙️ Podcast alert: Empowering Rural Utah Through Remote Work

In this episode of Remote Work Radio, we explore the impacts and highlights from Utah State University Extension's Rural Online Initiative (ROI) 2024 Annual Program Report.

This AI-narrated episode walks listeners through ROI’s mission to revitalize rural Utah by providing remote work training, job placement support, and leadership development. From helping over 640 individuals land remote jobs to boosting e-commerce success and expanding digital access, this episode showcases how the ROI program empowers rural residents to thrive in the digital economy.

Tune in to hear how remote work is transforming communities, driving economic growth, and creating lasting impact across Utah.

Listen here

Remote work remains in high demand: 5 Companies hiring work-from-anywhere remote jobs in 2025

Remote flexibility still tops the wish list for job seekers. In fact, 87% of U.S. professionals prioritize remote work, and 58% would take a pay cut to keep it, according to new survey data.

Companies like AgencyAnalytics, AppFollow, Ashby, Chronosphere, and Motive are hiring for work-from-anywhere roles across tech, sales, and support. And for entry-level seekers, FlexJobs research highlights customer service, administrative, and medical sectors as the top industries offering remote opportunities with strong career potential.

“Work-from-anywhere” can vary. Some roles are globally open, while others require U.S. or regional residency due to compliance rules. Read the fine print before applying.

Read the article

View the data

At the Rural Online Initiative, we’re here to help Utah’s rural workforce gain the remote skills employers want whether you’re just beginning or looking to level up.

Take the first step and register now for ROI's August Certified Remote Work Professional^© course and become the next success story!

Don't get hooked: Spot the job scam before it finds you

Ever get a text saying you’ve been selected for a $10,000/month remote job with just 60 minutes of work a day?

It’s not a dream job — it’s bait.

What to do: Before you reply, visit the company’s official website to check for real job listings. If it is a real job, it will be there. And remember: even if a message comes from a friend, if the tone or method feels off, they might have been hacked.

Here’s how to spot the red flags:

No profile picture, no real name, no credibility.
“Apply” via WhatsApp, Telegram, or SMS? Legit companies don’t recruit that way.
If the pay sounds too good to be true, it is.
Weird requirements like “must be 23+”? That’s not a hiring standard, it’s a scam.
Unsolicited offers via text or Messenger are almost always fake.

Trust your instincts. No real employer hires without a conversation.

Want to stay scam-savvy?

Explore free job search and digital safety tools from the Rural Online Initiative.

Visit our resources hub

Spotted this summer: ROI on the Road

From resource fairs to community support events like Helper Vibes in Carbon County, the Rural Online Initiative team has been out connecting with Utahns where it matters most — right in your hometown. We've loved meeting job seekers, students, and local partners under our Aggie blue canopy, sharing tools and training that help make remote work a reality across rural Utah.

Want ROI at your next Event?

If you’re hosting a county resource day, workforce event, or economic development gathering that aligns with our mission to empower rural Utah through education and remote work, we’d love to be there!

Our Mission

The Rural Online Initiative helps Utah’s rural workforce thrive by providing access to remote work, freelance, and e-commerce opportunities. Our work is about:

Empowering families with increased income and flexibility
Educating communities on remote work and the digital economy
Creating jobs without the need to recruit outside businesses
Retaining talent by helping people build careers right where they live
Strengthening rural economies through online business growth
Expanding local tax bases to support vibrant communities

We envision a connected Utah where your zip code doesn't limit your career or business success.

Look for our blue canopy at upcoming events or better yet: Tell us about your event so we can be there! remotework@usu.edu

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