Trust in ever-resourceful and adaptable Americans to create opportunities to improve their own lives, and the lives of others, from the shambles of the economy. With unemployment rates still making news, many Americans are finding new ways to make a living, turning layoffs into launch pads for new careers.
That drive to find something new, secure and rewarding is drawing many to the health care industry, where career opportunities are expected to continue growing at double-digit percentages through 2016, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Within the industry, many careers offer a fast track into lucrative, secure jobs with less than four years of education, making them especially appealing to people who are changing careers.
For many, massage therapy tops the list for realizing monetary and spiritual rewards within a manageable time frame. The profession seems a natural fit for career changers. In fact, the average massage therapist is in his or her 40s, and has entered the profession as a second career, according to the American Massage Therapy Association.
Given that profile, a switch from handling baggage in the airline industry to handling humans in massage seemed a natural progression for Birgitta Salomonsson of Streamwood, Ill. Salomonsson, 47, is attending the Cortiva Institute Massage Therapy School in Crystal Lake, Ill.
She actually began massage classes before being laid off from her 15-year job with an international airline. "Both my daughters are in college and independent," Salomonsson says. "I felt it was time for me to look into one of my old dreams. I started evening classes in October and in August I was notified that my office was closing and I was being laid off. The timing was perfect. I was able to change to the 12 months program going daytime instead."
When a reduction in her hours at a retail management job left her with more time on her hands, 28-year-old Beth Mitchell of Lowell, Mass. saw an opportunity to explore something she'd always wanted to do, and break an unhealthy emotional cycle she found she'd fallen into. "I was working, but only part-time," recalls Mitchell, a student at Cortiva's Boston school. "There was one day where I didn't even have the mental, physical or emotional strength to get up and go to that job, nor could I afford financially not to go. I knew I was in the vicious cycle of severe depression. I knew I just didn't want to have that be what the rest of my life was like and I knew I wanted to help people."
The drive to help others also drew Kimberly Bachman, 36, of Chicago to the field of massage therapy.
"I have always enjoyed helping others and I have a very nurturing personality," says Bachmann, who left a high-stress job in new home sales to study massage therapy. "I had recently discovered the world of chiropractic as well as had a few cranio-sacral treatments. I realized there was definitely something powerful in the healing world of touch."
Salomonsson and Mitchell are finishing up their training. Bachmann works as a massage therapist at a spa in Chicago and in a chiropractic office. Her dual role exemplifies the evolving role of massage therapists, whose work is no longer relegated to the realm of luxury, but instead is now recommended by doctors across the country for its many healthful benefits. Growing acceptance and understanding of the benefits of massage - both physical and psychological - have created opportunities for therapists to interact with and serve the public in exciting new ways.
In addition to traditional settings like spas or resorts, independent businesses, chiropractic clinics and athletic clubs, massage therapists are working with insurance networks, within corporate settings, in hospice care, and in hospital oncology, maternity or post-natal care departments.
"We've even had graduates who traveled to Antarctica on contract to provide massage therapy at scientific outposts for the summer months," says Dina Boon, president of Cortiva Institute-Seattle.
While financial security and a chance to step out of the "rat race" appealed to Salomonsson, Mitchell and Bachmann when choosing to change careers to massage therapy, all three women also cite the spiritual rewards of the profession as strong motivators as well.
"Since moving into the field of massage therapy, I take better care of myself," Bachmann says. "I enjoy the simpler things in life and live in the moment, as opposed to stressing about my day tomorrow or the next week. And the reward I get from my clients after I have relieved their pain is such an amazing feeling!"
It's possible to achieve a career in massage therapy in less than four years. To learn more about massage therapy careers and how to get started on becoming a certified massage therapist, visit www.cortiva.com.
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In the wake of increased layoffs and cutbacks, the unemployed and employed alike are worrying about their careers. This makes 2010 a prime time to evaluate your own employability and take steps to strengthen your career options.
In December 2009, a poll by CBS News and The New York Times revealed a growing number of people are considering making a change in their career choice, with 44 percent pursuing job retraining or other educational opportunities. In the same poll, 40 percent of the respondents said they had moved to another city or considered moving in their search for employment.
A positive attitude goes a long way.
"Nearly everyone, employed or not, is searching for career security," says Robert Gray, director of career services atBrown Mackie College - Northern Kentucky. "If you find yourself out of work, try to maintain optimism. A person with a positive outlook tends to get quicker results and better results. A negative attitude is reflected in your persona. It can communicate a bad vibe and make it seem like you are simply looking for the next thing to complain about."
With optimism in mind, the tight job market can present opportunities that tend to be overlooked when employment options are more abundant. You can take steps to brighten seemingly lackluster employment prospects by taking stock of your skills, level of education and even your hobbies, advises Gray.
Self reflection often reveals new opportunities.
When a job ends, allow yourself time to reflect on what makes you happy. "Assess your life in general," Gray says. "Are you happy with your house or could you maybe get along living in a smaller one? What about your car?" Downsizing your monthly expenses can alleviate financial pressures, making it easier to maintain a positive attitude.
Gray suggests making a list of your three greatest strengths. "Strengths are always easy to think up," Gray says. "Weaknesses aren't quite as forthcoming, but they are good to know." He suggests asking family, friends and co-workers about your weaknesses. Armed with this knowledge, you can update your resume to include a comprehensive explanation of your qualifications. "It doesn't hurt to ask others for advice on what to do. A fresh set of eyes on your life, interests and skills can open up new options that haven't yet been seriously considered," Gray continues.
Reflection time also provides the opportunity to explore educational paths and new careers. If the option of changing careers doesn't appeal to you, check outcertification programs that can bolster your qualifications in your current field. You can find information at www.brownmackie.edu.
Fill any gaps in employment with productive activities.
"It is generally easier to find a job when you have one. Simply having a job implies marketable skills and the ability to complete the assigned work. It is important to address any gap in your employment history," Gray says. "While you're unemployed, involve yourself in activities that suggest you are still being productive, still have enthusiasm." He suggests volunteering at a hospital or homeless shelter, or participating in church activities.
Working alongside others allows for the ever-important step of networking. "You never know when or where you may meet somebody who may be in a position to hire you, particularly if they know you personally," says Gray. "Attending school is a perfectly acceptable gap in employment. Still, it can benefit you to find something to do to be productive. Experience is experience, even if there's no pay in it."
Keep your career in perspective.
"We should not allow ourselves to be defined by our careers or employment status. Other things make you who you are - not just your career," Gray says. "That's an important point for all of us. If you live for you job and get your fulfillment from it alone, you'll lose your sense of self if you're let go. On the other hand, if you love what you do, you'll never have to work a day in your life."
Courtesy of ARAcontent
(ARA) - Qualifying for a scholarship but not bothering to apply for it makes about as much sense as walking away from money left on a table to fund your education.
A simple Google search reveals the number of available scholarships. Granted, it takes patience and perseverance to plow through the exhaustive lists. And once you unearth a scholarship you qualify for, you are in for a barrage of paperwork.
However, the task is not more onerous than filling out the paperwork necessary to obtain a student loan. The incentive of eliminating or reducing your tuition liability should propel you along when paperwork piles high.
"Many scholarships go unclaimed," says Fred Hamilton, director of Student Financial Services at The Art Institute of New York City. "The initiative and persistence that will get you over the hurdle of paying for your tuition will serve you well as you go forth into the world of work. Future employers will likely take notice."
The Art Institutes schools offer four scholarship competitions including The Best Teen Chef Competition, Passion for Fashion Competition, Art Institutes/Americans for the Arts Poster Design Competition and Storytellers Photography Competition that award more than $800,000 total in scholarships for those interested in pursuing a creative arts education.
There are countless specialized offerings, including those aimed at minorities in general, African-Americans and Hispanics in particular, faith-based listings, government sites, individual college, corporate, military, union, fraternal organization offerings, and untold numbers of others.
It's important to realize you don't need a 4.0 grade point average to land a scholarship. Here is an example of an opportunity you might not expect to find: Xerox offers a technical scholarship limited to minority students. If you qualify, it would be a financial break, plus a possible foot in the door on the way to a career with a well-known corporation.
The first hurdle is locating a scholarship that's right for you. Take a personal inventory, including your ultimate career goals. Your high school guidance counselor will be aware of local and state offerings, but the richest source is the internet.
There is no need to pay a fee to locate appropriate scholarships among the 13,500,000 listed on Google or any other site. For free help, go to collegeboard.com and click on Parents. Other free sites include scholarshipexperts.com and collegeanswer.com (click on Scholarship Search).
Go through the online listings in small gulps, then come back later and resume where you left off. You will be encouraged when one or more listings leap off the page, seemingly created just for you.
"Our goal is to make it possible for students to enroll in our school and get the benefits of a career-focused education," Hamilton says. "We can guide them to sources of funding, but if they come to us having researched and landed a scholarship, everyone's job is that much easier."
To learn more about The Art Institutes schools, visit www.artinstitutes.edu/nz.
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(ARA) - For owners of new and young small businesses, there are a plethora of elements that need to be managed and overseen every day to ensure success. While focusing on income, expenditures, employees and marketing, thinking about your business' credit can sometimes fall by the wayside.
To ignore your business credit score could be a fatal mistake. It's an essential link in the chain of success. If you're concerned about your company's image that your customer base sees, you should be just as concerned about how your business credit looks to essential people like lenders and potential business partners. And, just think of how your personal credit can affect your life - the difficulties that bad credit poses for an individual can end up plaguing your firm too. It's also important to remember that anyone can view your business credit report and score for any reason, unlike the information in your personal credit file.
With the everyday rush of tasks that comes with small business ownership, it can seem difficult to add yet another thing to monitor, but your company depends on it, especially small businesses looking to grow. There are good resources out there that can help you learn to manage your business credit. Experian is one company that excels in helping businesses with their credit, offering business credit reports (singly or in subscription packages) that detail payment trends, credit risk scores, monitoring alerts, industry benchmark data and more.
Now, as the economy begins to recover, is the time to start focusing on your business credit score. Here are some tips from Experian to get you started.
1. Check - Know what is in your business credit report at all times and understand your business credit score. Your business credit report is used to make important financial decisions about your company - how much money lenders will loan, how much credit suppliers will extend and what interest rates to charge.
2. Correct - Be proactive. Make sure your business information is accurate and up-to-date. Outdated or incorrect information can give the wrong impressions about your business, resulting in unfavorable decisions that negatively impact your bottom line.
3. Protect - Monitor your report regularly and sign up for alerts that warn you of changes that could indicate fraudulent use of your business credit information. Popular alerts include notifications on inquiries and new trade lines. Furthermore, protect your business from non-paying customers, partners and suppliers by checking their business credit report before doing business with them.
4. Separate - Many small business owners don't separate personal from business expenses and therefore don't build business credit tradelines. In the beginning when starting a business, using personal guarantees and credit is needed. However, the weakness of relying solely on personal credit is clear. If your business ever becomes at risk, your personal credit score becomes at risk as well. Failing to separate business from personal credit also can limit your business growth potentials.
5. Grow - Managing the factors that drive your score can make a positive impact and lead to more opportunities to grow your business, ranging from gaining capital to gaining customers. Therefore, take good care of your small business name and reputation. Choose to work with lenders, suppliers and creditors that report your payment history to the credit bureaus. And of course, pay your bills on time.
When you take the time to build and maintain your business credit report, you'll be building your business' reputation and ability to succeed. For more information on business credit resources, plus articles and tips on the subject, go to www.BusinessCreditFacts.com. To sign-up for business credit monitoring services from Experian, visit www.SmartBusinessReports.com.
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(ARA) - Whether you are facing a slowed economy or one that is bursting at the seams, there are ways to make your job search less frustrating. The problem is that you don't know where to start or how to be successful in that search. To get on the fast track with your job search, follow these hints and tips.
"Looking for a job is a job in itself," says Anthony Davis, director of Career Services at Brown Mackie College - Fort Wayne. "If you expect to work 40 hours a week, then you must be prepared to put in many hours in your job search."
Davis says job seekers must first be committed. "There are many obstacles that prevent job seekers from being committed, including wanting to sleep in later in the morning and walking around the house in pajamas. These are nothing but distractions. If you start work at 8 a.m. and have been getting up at 6 a.m., do not change your schedule. Your job search should begin fully dressed at 8 a.m."
The next step is to have a razor-sharp resume. This is very important, especially if you have been out of work for quite a while or are new to the process. If you don't have the money to pay a professional to craft your resume, Davis says there is online information and many books available on crafting resumes for specific jobs. "Your resume must speak to the job you are applying for," Davis says. "A resume that does not will quickly be tossed in the outbox trash."
Regardless of the resume type, it is important to be able to quantify your accomplishments. For example, if you saved the company 20 percent because of a process you created, or you developed an initiative that was implemented by the company, put it in writing and explain the results of your action. "Don't forget to update your resume every six months or so, especially if you completed a new project, assignment, or joined a community-based organization," Davis advises.
Now it's time to create your own job search team to help advise you while you are looking for a job. For established job seekers, a sampling of team members can be professional colleagues, business associates and past co-workers. For newer job seekers, team members can be close friends, parents, college professors and alumni. The team you select should be willing to provide you with honest feedback as you embark upon your journey and provide the feedback without expecting anything in return.
Job seekers should be networking. Going through the newspaper's job ads and online career listings are OK, but nothing takes the place of networking. You may ask, "Network with whom, where and when?" The short answer, Davis says, is "everyone, everywhere, and all the time." In fact, according Davis, members of the job seeker's job search team should be some of the same people the job seeker should be networking with. Many of these people have valuable contacts.
Other networking opportunities can be found just by volunteering for a nonprofit organization. Volunteering shows commitment and initiative. Even if you aren't doing anything too mentally taxing, you can increase your industry knowledge and may discover a new career path that you hadn't thought of before. Plus, you'll be helping other people.
Many nonprofits need volunteers with experience. If you have accounting experience, there may be a nonprofit out there that needs your expertise. There have been job seekers who have turned their volunteer opportunity into real jobs.
After each step in the process, keep a log of what occurred. Finally, Davis says its important to keep your head up, maintain positive thoughts and don't quit. You will find something out there.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
(ARA) - True or false: Men have more ability in math and science than women? The correct answer is false, and it seems that America's work force is finally beginning to reflect this.
New and pervasive research demonstrates there is no difference in ability between men and women. The differences in achievement only appear when lower expectations and distorted perceptions of what is achievable affect motivation levels and confidence.
The good news is that universities across the country are seeing an increase in the number of female college students in various degree programs that have been more popular among male students in the past. And, the number of women pursuing careers grounded in science, technology, engineering and math in the U.S. is growing.
When Michelle Obama gave her commencement speech at the Washington Math Science Technology Public Charter high school in 2009, she encouraged students to have confidence, believe in their abilities and to disregard the "doubters" that they will inevitably encounter. This is the same sentiment that Jessica Galloza, associate engineer for Sypris Test and Measurement (STM) and a DeVry University graduate, says helped her get where she is today.
Galloza wasn't encouraged in high school to take higher-level math courses or to think of college as an option, but rather these are things she pursued on her own. After deciding that a career in law wasn't for her, she chose to major in electronics engineering technology (EET) because of the growing opportunities in that field.
"I embraced my studies as a challenge and knew that I was working toward a career that would support me and my family," says Galloza. "I think it's important for parents, teachers and guidance counselors to plant career seeds into the minds of young girls so they can realize their goals and work to achieve them as adults. Why not offer a young girl a science kit as opposed to a doll?"
"It's important that girls engage in activities that expand their ability to be naturally curious and apply logic in a variety of ways," says Accenture Health and Public Services Operating Unit Lead, Angela Jones. "Our world is changing so quickly - tomorrow the tools will be different, and the way we interact and collaborate will continue to change. It will be our ability to adjust and problem solve within those environments that will help us be competitive."
Some institutions are doing their part to dismantle the social stigmas keeping young women from pursuing math and science. For instance, DeVry University offers a program to high school girls called HerWorld which takes place at DeVry locations across the country. At these events, girls are empowered to learn about careers in math, science, business, technology and engineering through interactive workshops - such as building miniature robots - and discussions with female guest speakers.
"Every year, we're seeing enrollment numbers increase for our math, science and technology degree programs, and many of these students are women," says Donna Loraine, vice president of academic affairs and dean of DeVry University's Keller Graduate School of Management. "It's our goal as a university to encourage girls to explore their options and to inspire them to pursue fulfilling careers with high potential for growth in the 21st century."
"In order to maintain global economic competitiveness, it is imperative to encourage increased education and participation of groups currently under-represented in science, technology, engineering and math fields," says Forough Ghahramani, dean of business programs at DeVry University's North Brunswick, N.J., campus. "DeVry University's HerWorld events are designed to enlighten young women across the country about the wide-ranging possibilities for these in-demand careers of the 21st century."
Courtesy of ARAcontent
(ARA) - The current gloomy economic conditions contain some good news for the small-business sector.
According to a recent survey conducted by Citibank, some small-business owners and managers are finding a silver lining in the current recession, seeing more high-quality candidates available for hire, rising employee retention rates and gains in market share.
As a business owner, how can you take advantage of these small-business opportunities and make them work for your business? Small-business expert Dan Goodgame recently moderated a robust roundtable of small-business owners, who offer these three tips:
1. Take advantage of the talent pool
As a result of the recession, there is larger pool of highly qualified and highly skilled employees available for hire. Many who may not have considered working for a small firm are now more open to the idea. Take time to interview a variety of job candidates on a regular basis, even if you don't have a current opening at the company. This technique can help you fill an opening as soon as it is created with the best possible talent, and avoid some of the costs - typically 50 to 200 percent of the employee's annual salary - normally associated with staff turnover.
2. Retain your best employees
Holding on to your best employees is of course crucial to building your business, and it's going to get harder as the economy starts growing again. First, create a two-way communication system that allows employees, on a regular basis, to give and receive feedback on their performance and the performance of their peers and managers. Second, create an employee recognition and rewards program that extends beyond compensation and bonus. Be creative with the rewards program; provide employees with paid time off to volunteer at their organization of choice. Provide recognition with "surprise" thank you gift certificates to a local cafe or restaurant. The "thank you" does not have to be a big dollar amount - just the recognition can go a long way.
3. Seek feedback from customers as you seek referrals
With marketing budgets pinched, many business owners are taking a fresh look at ways to gain new sales by winning referrals from existing customers. One of the most effective methods is to seek feedback from existing customers on the quality of your products and services, and on your pricing. Tell customers directly that you want to do whatever is necessary so that they will be so pleased that they will recommend your company to their friends and colleagues. Listen to their suggestions on how you can improve. And when you've followed through on their advice, check back with them. If you know of a good prospect, ask your existing customers if they know her, and can introduce you to her and recommend you. One advantage of this approach is that it helps you get the feedback that you need to improve your service, even as it brings in new business.
The small-business sector typically leads the U.S. economy out of recession, and that pattern seems to be holding up in the current downturn. Leveraging tips such as these will be key to surviving the toughest business conditions in more than half a century.
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Few of us have funds set aside for this endeavor. In addition, the College Board's annual "Trends in College Pricing" reports a rise in tuition costs at public and private institutions for the 2009-2010 school year. According to the report, annual tuition and fees at private four-year colleges rose 4.4 percent to $26,273, and public university costs rose 6.5 percent to $7,020.
Prospective students often don't know where to start. But take heart; Darlene Violet, director of Financial Aid at Brown Mackie College - Akron, Ohio, offers advice on funding your education. "The U.S. Department of Education distributes $96 billion a year in grants, work-study assistance, and low-interest loans," Violet says. "Every student begins the process of seeking financial aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid form, known as the 'FAFSA.'" Information submitted on the FAFSA form determines the amount a student may receive through a federal Pell Grant, which is based on financial need. The recent economic stimulus program increased Pell Grant funds by $500 per student. Financial aid is available for those who qualify.
Beyond completing the FAFSA, many turn next to student loans. "An education is always a good investment," says Violet, "but many people don't realize the loans must be paid back starting six months after leaving school. I advise students to seek out and apply for scholarships." Wide varieties of organizations offer scholarships, from fraternities and sororities to community groups, foundations, and corporations. Winning candidates receive funds based on a vast spectrum of criteria, including ethnicity and cultural heritage. "Students just don't take the time to find them," Violet continued. "It can be a lot of work."
The Scholarship Committee at Brown Mackie College - Akron hired a group of honor students to help others navigate through the many scholarships available, complete the application forms, and provide feedback on essays written for submission. "This allows students the security to delve deeper into the scholarship world. It's well worth it," Violet says.
Scholarship awards can be as important to the educational institution as they are to the student. Federal guidelines, known as the 90-10 rule, mandate that no more than 90 percent of the funds received by a college can come from Federal loans and grants. A minimum of 10 percent must come from outside sources, including scholarships, private loans, and the students' own financial contributions.
Violet recommends checking additional resources as well. "Many employers will pay or reimburse tuition expenses, sometimes even for immediate family members. And the Veteran's Administration offers benefits to those who have served our country," she says. The Workforce Investment Act offers grants to those who qualify, and many churches offer scholarship opportunities. In addition, the Orphan Foundation of America offers scholarships to students who are wards of the state.
Further savings can come in the form of a temporary tax credit. The American Opportunity Tax Credit, included in the economic stimulus bill signed by President Barack Obama, can be worth as much as $2,500. People who earn $80,000 or less a year (or $160,000 or less for joint filers) can claim this credit on money paid for tuition, certain fees and course materials for higher education in 2009 and 2010. For complete details, visit www.irs.gov.
Once a student enters college, Violet advises making other financial considerations:
Ride public transportation. In addition to saving on fuel and parking fees, public transportation provides time for students to get a head start on assigned reading and homework.
Avoid credit card offers. However tempting the offer seems, credit cards charge interest on purchases and impose fees for late payments.
Work while attending classes. Many students work full- or part-time while earning their degrees. The federal work-study program helps eligible students find employment on campus.
"Taking the time to apply for scholarship funds is a step that can help now while they're in school, and in the future when no bill comes due," Violet says.
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(ARA) - When US Airways Flight 1549 went into the Hudson River in January, Sherri Shamblin had every excuse to quit her pursuit of her advanced degree.
After all, she was responsible for the training, policy and procedures for 8,000 flight attendants with the airline and she was just burdened with reassuring this corps of professionals, as well as the 1549 flight crew, in the aftermath of the near-disaster. However, Shamblin was able to immediately incorporate lessons learned from her executive MBA classes into her current situation.
"I had to lead by serving them, and surprisingly enough, that's what many executives tend to forget. Rather than being a self-serving leader, you need to be a serving leader," Shamblin says.
Shamblin was one of a class of 12 in the Ken Blanchard Executive MBA (EMBA) program at Grand Canyon University, a 12-month program that is unique with its emphasis on servant leadership - or the idea of leading by serving your key constituents.
In today's economy, an EMBA degree can be a major advantage for job seekers and professionals looking to advance within their organizations, and often employers will provide a stipend for continuing education.
According to the nonprofit Executive MBA Council's most recent study of EMBA graduates, 23 percent reported salary increases, and 43 percent received promotions while enrolled in their programs. Nearly 75 percent said they greatly increased their value to their organizations as a result of their EMBA education.
Shamblin was drawn to the GCU program because of involvement of one of her long-term idols, business guru and "One Minute Manager" author Ken Blanchard.
"If you have any experience with managing in the workplace, Ken Blanchard is an icon," she says.
Grand Canyon University's EMBA graduates rate the quality of faculty, fellow students, curriculum and program management higher than graduates from full-time or part-time MBA programs, according to the 2009 GMAC Global Graduate Survey. Shamblin's academic experience, which included three in-person residencies with Blanchard and his advisory board members including Harvey Mackay, former Southwest Airlines President Colleen Barrett and other nationally known business leaders, reinforces this research.
"It's important for students to interact with people who have held high-powered jobs, and classmates that have different but complementary experiences to yours," Shamblin says.
While she was enrolled in the program, Shamblin started introducing new concepts and best practices in areas that fell under her authority. The results were almost immediate. "I talked with people about things I had learned that we might implement, applying situational leadership, and people loved it. It absolutely made a difference."
After taking early retirement, Shamblin is no longer with the airline, but she's confident that the practices that she learned through her degree program and the experiences that she has had with the airline has prepared her for her next professional challenge.
"It seems simple but it's easy to lose sight of it - be a serving leader," she says. For more information on Grand Canyon University's EMBA programs visit www.GCU.edu.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
(ARA) - Job hunting has gone from searching the classifieds to roaming online job boards and career search engines. But before you sit down in front of your computer, ask yourself some important questions and then be prepared to go social.
Marc Scoleri, director of Career Services at The Art Institute of New York City, recommends doing a self-directed job search in conjunction with other search techniques.
A self-directed job search requires the job-seeker to take into account personal preferences and businesses of interest. Realizing personal preferences and having a sense of self-awareness as it relates to a career is important when clarifying which companies to research. In working with students attending Art Institute schools, he has compiled the following inventory questions:
* What industry is most interesting to you for a career? Why?
* What geographic location is most appealing?
* What duties do you enjoy doing most and least as they relate to your industry?
* What is the minimum pay you can survive on?
* What topics within your industry do you want to learn most about?
* What position do you want three to five years from now?
* What personal goals can you achieve by obtaining a position in your chosen industry?
* What is your ideal work schedule?
* What employer-offered benefits are important to you?
* What are some of the job titles that interest you?
* Whom can you contact within your industry of choice?
Afterwards, target companies based on the answers. Then, contact managers within the department of interest, even if they are not currently hiring.
"Personally, I'd prefer to interview someone who went out of his or her way to call me directly over someone who found a posting on some stale job board," Scoleri says. This is where socializing begins and networks are developed.
LinkedIn.com has become one of the most respected online networking tools for professionals. Complete a profile on LinkedIn.com and get one step closer to creating a powerful online network. It takes, on average, 65 contacts to create a network large enough to result in substantial and meaningful findings on LinkedIn.com, says Victoria Snabon-Heath, Career Services director at The Art Institute of Tampa. Snabon-Heath urges job-seekers to set themselves apart from the load of resumes that inundate companies on a daily basis. "Go social. Begin utilizing virtual, social marketing techniques in addition to your online job search," she says.
Snabon-Heath says it's important that students, recent graduates and the unemployed extend themselves by joining and volunteering with professional organizations in their field of focus. Attend a monthly professional organization meeting such as the local American Advertising Federation meeting, if advertising is your profession. To learn more about The Art Institutes schools, visit www.artinstitutes.edu/nz.
"Students have participated in monthly social mixers in order to meet the hiring managers and directors who may be too busy during the workweek to respond to e-mails and phone calls from eager prospective hires," Snabon-Heath says. "Put yourself out there. It's who you know that can help get you in the door and what you know that keeps you there."
Courtesy of ARAcontent
