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Winter 2026, Vol. 9, Iss. 5 | |
If someone you know could benefit from remote work or e-commerce technical assistance, please forward this newsletter to them. Subscribe Here | |
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From Job Seeker Spotlight to AI Contributor | |
In December, we featured ShaeLynn Hughes of Washington County as our Job Seeker of the Month while she was actively pursuing remote work. We're happy to share that she has secured a remote role with the company, Outlier, in an AI data annotator role, helping improve the accuracy of artificial intelligence systems used by millions of people. | |
ShaeLynn completed the Certified Remote Work Professional© course and spent the past year building remote work experience in data collection and related freelance work. | |
Her success shows how emerging technologies are not only changing the workplace but also creating new types of remote work opportunities for people with the right skills. | |
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This week, Brent Willson led a professional development session on using AI as a research tool for a more effective job search. Drawing from his background in military intelligence, product management, and consulting, Brent demonstrated how AI can help job seekers research industries, identify target companies, and prepare stronger resumes and interviews.
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Participants also explored practical topics including AI prompt writing, research strategies, and tools that can help streamline the job search process. Click here to download AI prompts.
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| Why E-Commerce Matters for Rural Businesses | |
E-commerce is critical to rural economic development because it allows businesses to overcome geographic limitations and reach customers beyond their local communities. Online retail continues to grow rapidly, with global e-commerce projected to exceed $17 trillion by 2030.
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Emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, mobile commerce, and digital payment systems are making it easier for small businesses to sell online and connect with new markets.
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Programs like the E-Commerce Accelerator (ECA) help rural businesses take advantage of these opportunities.
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Lazy P Farms is one example. Through the ECA, Lazy P Farms learned how to build a website and market an online store, helping the farm reach customers beyond its local community.
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Mind the Gap: How to Handle Employment Gaps on Your Resume
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Careers are rarely perfectly linear, and employment gaps are more common than many job seekers realize. Time spent caregiving, volunteering, pursuing education, freelancing, or managing personal responsibilities can still build valuable skills.
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Instead of focusing on the gap itself, highlight what you did during that time. Activities such as caregiving, community leadership, project work, or continuing education can demonstrate skills like organization, communication, and problem-solving.
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Tip: List relevant projects, volunteer roles, or training during gap periods to show how you continued building skills and experience.
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If you need help strengthening your resume or explaining a gap, connect with one of our ROI job coaches for additional guidance and support.
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| 15 Career Fields Where Remote Work Is Growing Fastest | |
Remote work remains a top priority for professionals heading into 2026, and demand continues to grow across multiple industries. According to FlexJobs, analysis of remote job postings over the past year shows strong growth in several career fields offering fully remote roles.
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Fields such as computer and IT, project management, marketing, accounting, and customer support are among those experiencing the fastest growth in remote opportunities.
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For job seekers, this trend highlights the importance of building digital communication skills, remote collaboration experience, and specialized expertise that can be performed from anywhere.
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| When the Job Market Looks Strong but Feels Tough | |
Recent research from the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco highlights an important shift in the labor market. Hiring has slowed in many industries, even while unemployment remains relatively low. That combination can make the job market feel tighter than headlines suggest. | For Job seekers, this means opportunities may be concentrated in fewer sectors and competition for openings can increase. | | | |
Tip: When job growth slows, opportunities concentrate in fewer industries. Focus your search on sectors that are still adding jobs instead of applying broadly. | |
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Share Your Remote Work Success Story
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Did the Rural Online Initiative help you land a remote job? Tell us how remote work is shaping your career and help inspire others exploring new opportunities.
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Know a friend or colleague who would like to receive monthly updates on Utah State University's CREDET? Please share this email with them. | |
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© 2026 Utah State University | |
Mailing address: Utah State University Extension - Washington County 339 South 5500 West Hurricane, UT 84737
Utah State University is an affirmative action/equal opportunity institution and is committed to a learning and working environment free from discrimination. For USU’s non-discrimination notice, see equity.usu.edu/non-discrimination. | |
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